Official Statement on Founding of Kappa Alpha Psi

Date:    January 5, 2011
To:        Brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
From:    Dwayne M. Murray, Grand Polemarch
Re:      Official Statement on Founding of Kappa Alpha Psi     GP Memo 11-003

Today, we celebrates the vision of ten founders, who recognized the need for college-trained men to countermand the vestiges of racial discrimination at the Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana, that mirrored the community-at-large in Indiana and across the nation in general.  Our Founders not only recognized the indifference of the majority population to the needs of African Americans, but had the foresight to take action to do something about it.  As a result, Elder Watson Diggs and nine other students at Indiana University at Bloomington decided to join together to broaden their social, academic and economic opportunities.  Thus, they founded a college fraternity, following their peers at Howard University, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.  The first century of our fraternity, then called Kappa Alpha Nu was launched in January 1911.

When we study our one hundred year history, we learn that our Founders, though young in age, were filled with wisdom beyond their years. We learn that they understood the environment around them; they recognized the opportunities that their collegiate peers had that were denied them.  They learned that they were not on a level playing field, but simply members of a racial minority for which equal accommodations and access were not granted. They learned fast that racial denial did not have to be, if they would but join together with other students of like circumstance and change the socio-economic paradigm in which they lived.

Throughout our Kappa lives we have always remembered the year 1911.  We have taken every opportunity to reflect on the miracle that happened in January of that year.  We have honored our beloved Founders, as though they were far above mere mortals, not because they were, but because we uniquely know the depth and breadth of their vision and the one hundred years of positive results.

I pray that future generations of Kappas will continue to perpetuate the legacy of our Founders, and that the service we render to mankind will reflect acts of substance, that not only satisfy members of the fraternity, but change the plight of the least of these in our society-at-large.  I believe that we will continue to grow as “One Kappa! Creating Inspiration” and always responding to “A Call to Service.”  Happy Birthday Kappa Alpha Psi!

Yours in the Bond,
Dwayne M. Murray, Esq.
Grand Polemarch

In Memorium Billy Taylor

The Eastern Province celebrates the life of its dear brother, Dr. Billy Taylor, a graduate of Virginia State University, and a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Taylor was a jazz legend and a staunch advocate for jazz music. Throughout his illustrious career as a musician and educator, Taylor garnered many outstanding achievements and accolades.

A Christmas Gift for Piney Woods School

Merry Christmas,

With the holiday weekend upon us, I need you to continue voting every day.  Use the Christmas weekend to move Kappa into first place.  There will be organizations failing to vote during this period.  Please vote every day.  Make our gift to Piney Woods a reality.  Together we can win.  CREATE INSPIRATION.  Click on the link below. 

http://www.kappakamp.org/_dev/index.html

On Kappa.
Happy Holidays,
Dwayne M. Murray
Grand Polemarch

A Kappa Christmas

A KAPPA CHRISTMAS
By Dr. William A. Adkins
National Chaplain

Matthew 1: 18 – 23 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

You know Joseph had to be a good brother. His fiancée informs him that she is pregnant by the Holy Ghost and an angel latter has to confirm it. The bible says that Joseph had “class” and put her away privily, meaning he did not expose her publicly. I find this interesting since in Joseph’s time a woman, even a fiancee cold be stoned to death for being unfaithful. The spirit of Joseph capsulates the nature and spirit of the season: forgiveness and love. It’s important this Christmas to reacquaint ourselves with the true spirit of the season. As men of Kappa Alpha Psi we too are called to a higher understanding and standard. Our Brotherhood goes beyond the “phileo”, brotherly love, but it reaches deep to the Bond we share. Good Kappa men realize that commitment means promise. Life is oft times bitter and hard, yet there is still good news, a savior was born on Christmas morning. Regardless of the vicissitudes of life we have the power to overcome them, all because of Jesus. We are always bigger and better than our problems because of Him.

He came into the world not only to redeem us from our sins but also to give us life, more abundantly. What a promise that is! Not just life – not just existence – but life that means something – life that has worth – abundant life. He gave us life with a purpose; a life, which has value, a life with meaning. As the God-man, Jesus mediates God to humans; as the Man-God, He represents humans to God. By faith-union with Him, men and women, as adopted children of God, participate in His filial relation to God as Father.

Brothers, on this Christmas morning remember the Savior and remember what He means to you. As the sustainer of the universe he came to earth wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a cattle food trough, taking off His royal robes and putting on flesh just for us. But yet, in the midst of this homeliness and poverty He redeems and reclaims us. He is Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and the End, The Rose of Sharon, The Bright and Morning Star. In just a couple of weeks we will enter into our Centennial year. Brothers we look forward to 2011 with great expectation and anticipation. May God forever bless Kappa Alpha Psi.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my Brothers in the Bond.

Holiday Message from the Province Polemarch

Dear Brother:

In the true spirit of this glorious season, my thoughts naturally focus on those brothers and beloved Kappa silhouettes who make it possible for us to achieve the measure of success that we enjoy, especially here in our Eastern Province. As I reflect on our good fortunes, I am pleased to extend a special “thank you” for the important role you play in helping us achieve our broad goals and objectives. Your continuing commitment and your positive support enable us to meet
the challenging standards of excellence that you have come to expect. The Eastern Province owes you a special debt of gratitude for your continuing devotion, for your commitment, and for your unique way of demonstrating your love for our Noble Clan. I look forward to enhancing the teamwork concept as we mark the fraternity’s historic 100th anniversary celebration.

I extend an intensely personal invitation for you to share your ideas, your concerns, and your suggestions for advancing the Flagship Province. Your contributions to your fraternity, to your province, and to your chapter are valued. In the time-honored tradition of this most joyous time of the year, our leadership team, Silhouette Wilma-Elise, and I, especially are pleased to extend season’s greetings to you and to your loved ones. We hope that you will experience tranquil moments as we count the days and prepare for Kappa Alpha Psi’s centennial on Wednesday, January 5, 2011.

With sincere wishes for the happiest of holidays and for a richly rewarding new year,

I am

Yours in the Bond,

Dwight E. Thomas
Province Polemarch