In This Issue - Northern Province
Transcription
In This Issue - Northern Province
February 2015 The Official Publication of the Northern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. In This Issue... 3—Undergraduate News 5—Kappa in the Media 6- Guide Right 7—Alumni News 11—A Moment in Kappa History 13—Healthy Kappas Healthy Communities 14—Learning From Our Past 15—Remembering a Quiet Giant Among Us 16—Upcoming Events Edited by: Bro. James Bell III, Lansing Alumni Chapter Assistant to the Editor: Bro. Brandon Davis, Eta Rho Chapter Follow Us on Instagram: NorthernLight_1911 2 Undergraduate News Sigma Chapter On January 27, the Sigma Chapter Of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. hosted a informative dialogue about controversial moments in African American History called "Hidden Kolors" based off of the documentary series "Hidden Colors". 3 On February 7th, the chapter participated in the 1st Annual Battle of the Orgs Dodge Ball Tournament where the winning team received a grand prize to go towards the charity of their choice. The Sigma Chapter Nupes competed in effort to make a substantial donation to the Ypsilanti Kappa League chapter. 4 Kappa in the Media Judge Benjamin Logan gets send-off after a quarter century on the bench GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Benjamin Logan says after 25 years as a judge, and one year away due to a heart attack, he feels fine as he moves from the bench to retirement. The Grand Rapids District Court Judge was honored by colleagues, the city and the Michigan Supreme Court during a ceremony and reception held at the Kent County Courts Building Wednesday, Dec. 3. “I can’t jump as high or run as fast, but I feel fine,” the 69-year-old judge said as a long line of lawyers, police and court staff waited in line to shake his hand. “It’s bittersweet. I’m going to miss all these people.” The judge was given a proclamation from the Grand Rapids City Commission by Third Ward Commissioner Elias Lumpkins, a friend and contemporary of the judge who said most people are not aware of just how active Logan has been in the community. The Michigan Supreme Court honored Logan with a unanimous decision praising him for his years of service. Grand Rapids District Court Chief Judge Jeanine Laville said the court is going to miss his service. Logan had a heart attack while on the bench on Oct. 22, 2013, and remained off the bench until announcing his retirement a year later. Logan served as a district court judge since his election by write-in vote in 1988 and the current term expires in 2018. Gov. Rick Snyder has not yet announced a replacement for Logan Source: http://www.mlive.com/news/grandrapids/index.ssf/2014/12/grand_rapids_district_court_ju_3.html 5 Guide Right Discussion Panel On Saturday, January 17, 2015, the Detroit, Pontiac and Southfield Alumni Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi presented a panel discussion to talk about solutions. It is a regular occurrence for the brothers to work together, but what was unique about this collaboration is that the event was lead by the Kappa League groups. The forum was titled, 'The Next Movement' and its purpose was to have a discussion and get beyond the boycotting, marching, protesting and rallying to come up with some solutions. The brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi who organized the event wanted the Kappa Leaguer's to play a major role in the program which resulted in three of the Leaguer's serving as panelist's during the discussion. The Kappa League was represented as follows: Christopher Jackson (Detroit), Isaiah Thomas (Pontiac) and Charles Dawson-Sumpter (Southfield). They were joined on the panel by Brother Arnold Reed (Alpha Chapter and Attorney), Brother Richard Smart (Sigma Chapter, Wayne County Juvenile Court Referee and Southfield Alumni Guide Right Director), Brother Donnell White (Delta Pi Chapter and Executive Director Detroit NAACP Branch), Eric Hawkins (Chief of Police, Southfield, Michigan), and Charles Nebus (Chief of Police, Farmington Hills, The Smith Theatre on the campus of Oakland Community College's Orchard Ridge location in Farmington Hills, MI was filled with parents, brothers, elected officials and fellow BGLO's (AKA, Delta and Alpha) and youth groups (Alpha Esquires). It was a pleasure to have State Representative, Christine Greig and Farmington Hills City Councilman, Michael Bridges come out to support the event. The festivities started with a welcome from Oakland Community College Administrator and Southfield City Councilman, Brother Dr. Lloyd Crews (Detroit Alumni) and he was followed by Northern Province Guide Right Chairman, Brother Terry Ward (Sigma/Detroit Alumni) with opening comments. The program was then turned over to radio host, Cliff Russell of 'Detroit Speaks' (AM 1200 WCHB). Mr. Russell facilitated a very poignant and passionate discussion that focused on looking beyond the recent incidents in Ferguson, Staten Island and Cleveland. The Kappa Leaguers were immensely involved and engaged in the discussion, while requesting that the dialogue goes beyond just this forum. Collectively, they acknowledged that solutions could not be ironed out over a two hour panel forum about moving forward with next steps. This was a proud moment for the Kappa League Advisors of the participating alumni chapters. Plans are now in play for consideration of doing the program in Detroit and also at the 68th Northern Provincial Council Conference in Saginaw, Michigan. 6 r e t p a n i Ch m u l A t i o r t e D The Brothers of Detroit Alumni participated in the annual Christmas morning Meals on Wheels food distribution program in Detroit, MI. They assisted in distributing approximately 183 meals to those who are not as fortunate to enjoy a traditional Christmas day with family. They are not necessarily less fortunate with regard to the area of finances, but moreorless in receiving compassion, caring and love from others on Christmas. As the Kappa's who were assigned as a team passed out meals, they provided love through the singing of Christmas carols and distributing holiday cards with Kappa style. The smiles, happiness and tears of joy were overflowing as the recipients accepted outpouring of love through food and song. The brothers had the opportunity to have a first hand experience through this outreach on how sometimes the smallest things are the most important to some. It is the Chapter's desire to continue this outreach and get more Brothers involved with this effort in the future. Those participating with this endeavor were Eric Brown, Vice Polemarch; Hammie Dogan, Board Member; Ron Tucker; Freddie Prime; Roderick Arnold and Chris Carswell of the Southfield Alumni Chapter. Also pictured is Ray Johnson, Director of the Man To Man Coalition which sponsors the Thanksgiving and Christmas Meals on Wheel event. 7 On Tuesday, December 3, 2014, Brother Roland Brown Detroit Alumni '12, received the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a police officer for the City of Detroit. Brother Brown and his partner, Officer Stevie Posey, saved the life of a citizen as he was being assaulted by an acquaintance. Both officers, who are assigned to the 3rd Precinct Detective Unit were exiting the 2nd Precinct on July 22, 2014 when they noticed a disturbance outside the building. As one victim was being attacked with a knife, the officers ordered the attacker to drop the weapon. He refused and continued to stab the victim. Having refused a final order to drop the weapon, the officers had to use force and fired upon the assailant as they feared for the life of the victim. Officer Posey struck the perpetrator in the genital area, while Officer Brown's bullet hit him in the hand stopping the assault. The assaulted fell to the ground and Officer Brown handcuffed him before an two EMS vehicles arrived on the scene taken both men to the hospital. Prior to presenting the 'Medal of Valor' to Brother Brown, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan lauded him for making the life of the victim a priority and thanked him for his service. Mayor Duggan also received an award on this night, but as he accepted his City Change Maker Award, he kept his acceptance speech short stating; "This night is about the public safety community and they are more important than me". This honor of receiving the highest award given to a police officer in the City of Detroit is a monumental achievement and it comes as no surprise to the Detroit Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated that our dear brother was honored in this way. Brother Brown was supported at the event by his significant other Clare and Brother's Eric Brown, Jerry Green, Donnie Bounds, Labaron Bailey and Warren Harrison . 8 Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni Chapter The Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni Chapter celebrates is 56 year Charter Day anniversary at the Eagle Crest, Ypsilanti Marriott, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The Northern Province Polemarch Rev. Desmon R. Daniel Ph.D. was the keynote speaker. Brother Harry Franklin, Grand Board Member, led the Brothers in the traditional rituals. Eighty Brothers were in attendance making this the largest Charter Day celebration in the 56 year history of the Chapter. Brother Wardell Chisholm was awarded his white jacket form the chapter as he celebrated 50 years in the bond. Brothers John Finn and Tadarial received the chapter’s Brother of the Year Award during the celebration. The Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni Chapter hosted an Afternoon of Recognition on January 31, 2015, at the Polo Fields –Washtenaw Golf and Country Club. Four Outstanding Brothers were recipients of a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. James Hawkins, Ph.D. Gamma Beta Chapter, 1962 (Western Michigan University) Administrator/Educator, Errol C. Jackson, Gamma Epsilon Chapter, 1968 (Tuskegee University) Automotive Engineer, Isadore J. King, Sigma Chapter, 1970 (University of Michigan) Healthcare Administrator/Management Consultant, Michael L. Kinloch, Alpha 9 Lambda Chapter, 1978 (South Carolina State University) Automotive Engineer. Brothers Harry Franklin, Grand Board Member, Ken Glass, Director of Operational Efficiency, for the Grand Polemarch, and Rev. Desmon R. Daniel, Ph.D., Northern Province Polemarch was in attendance to assist in recognizing these Lifetime Achievement recipients. The four honorees joined Brothers Charles E. Beatty, Sr. 1991, Harold P. Fowler 1992, Leo C. Clark, 1993, John W. Finn, 2011, Former Grand Polemarch Robert L. Gordon, 2011, Robert K. Green, 2011, John A. Mason, Jr. 2011, Frederick L. McDonald, 2011, and George C. Thompson, Jr. 2011 as Lifetime Achievement recipients in the Ann ArborYpsilanti-Inkster Alumni Chapter. The Brothers of the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni Chapter joined forces with the Chapter’s Silhouettes and had a grand time at the annual Kappa-Silhouette Party of December 21, 2014. The Christmas party had plenty of good food, brotherhood, caroling, and dancing for all in attendance. 10 A Moment in Kappa History Written by Bro. Harrison R. Duke III Brothers we are all very aware of the founding story of Nobel Kappa Alpha Psi. We celebrate January 5, 1911, though founder Armstrong admits, the university was not in session on that date, and the men were scattered. February 16, 1911 was the first official meeting to organize a fraternity at Mollie Spaulding home. Articles of Incorporation for the new Negro fraternity were filed with the State of Indiana, May 15, 1911. These men were visionaries, united in brotherhood to uplift the race 48 years removed from slavery. How better to bring attention to the struggling race students than to create a fraternity based on achievement, intellectual and social development. It was often heard on Indiana’s campus, “educating the Negro is a waste, ruining a perfectly good servant or field hand”. In 1911 the American fraternity system was consider the pinnacle of scholarship and academic success and the members the cream de la cream of the student body. Kappa Alpha Nu was the vehicle to demonstrate to Jim Crow American the intellectual capabilities of the American Negro, and to unite Negro men overcome the numerous obstacles and barriers they confronted on the university campus. Kappa Alpha Nu was the first incorporated Greek Letter fraternity among Negro college men. In 1915 by an enactment of the fourth annual Grand Chapter Meeting the name was changed to Kappa Alpha Psi. Over the next ten years the founders were focused, resolved and determined to succeed and keep the dream alive. Their sights were set on that Diamond in Sky, inspired by brotherhood, ritual and achievement in all fields of human endeavor. The Journal of Kappa Alpha Nu, April 1914, Vol. I, No. I, Founder Diggs wrote an article, The Family of Kappa Alpha Nu. He states, “A college fraternity serves its highest purpose when it assumes the form of one large family with each chapter as a branch ….. It had given me much pleasure to observe that this progressive family spirit is rapidly taking possession of our members and I firmly believe that as the years pass it will dominate their lives more and more.” The Journal of Kappa Alpha Psi, May 1916, Vol. I, No. III, Editor in Chief A. A. Keene, wrote, “Kappa Alpha Psi is an organization composed of professional and business men, doctors, lawyers, ministers, teachers, druggists, architects, electricians, farmers, merchants and mechanics, who have no superiors in this country. It matters not how difficult or responsible a position may be, a man fully qualified to fill the place may be found in our ranks”. Founder Diggs wrote, “Our chapter roll, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wilberforce, Lincoln, Ohio State and now within a few weeks Nebraska, includes some of the foremost educational institutions of the country and our fraternity occupies a position of dignity and respect throughout the land. …… The successes and achievements of our alumni serve to heighten the aspirations of undergraduates and encourage them to finish the course. It is thus apparent that Kappa Alpha Psi contributes much to the intellectual, physical and social welfare of its members.” The Journal Kappa Alpha Psi, May 1917, Vol. II, No. I, Editor in Chief L. S. Burford wrote and article entitled “ Kappa Alpha Psi As A Factor in the College World”, he states “By establishing chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi in the various universities and colleges, we are creating an environment that is proving to be quite helpful to the Negro student. By doing so we are establishing a medium through 11 which the men composing this noble klan may know the real worth of gentlemanly association and fraternalism so that by their united efforts and influences they may cause those who are not associated with us to realize the true worth of fraternal relationships. We do not want them to go out from college advertising Kappa Alpha Psi by word of mouth but we are endeavoring to have each man so well qualified in his profession that he will be know by his achievements in life”. The Journal of Kappa Alpha Psi, May 1920, Vol. VI, No. I, founder Elder W. Diggs, editor in chief wrote, “So remarkable has been its progress that we now have loyal and enthusiastic members in practically every state in the union and in many foreign lands. Its growth has surpassed the most optimistic expectations of its founders.” The foundation of achievement, the dream of true brotherhood, the positive influences brothers have on each other to succeed in college, career, family and life are still alive 104 years later. This is the legacy of Kappa Alpha Psi. The last few pages of the current Journal list the Kappa Alpha Psi Directory of the fraternity leadership; Grand Chapter Officers, Commission and Committee Chairmen. The Journal’s of our first ten years,’ began this tradition of a Directory, entitled the “The Family of Kappa Alpha Psi”. Listed was every Kappa man in the fraternity, chapter affiliation and addresses. The early Journals are filled with statement that everyone is not worthy for membership into our noble bond. Selective and principled the founders set a standard to identify men of achievement, accomplished men in their own right. As we move forward let us not forget the struggles, challenges, vision and strengths of our founders. Kappa is dear to us, we are special. There are few organizations in our nation that can boost of our longevity, traditions, accomplishments, civil rights record, leadership training, religious affiliations, community service, achievements in every field of human endeavor. The first decade of Kappa was challenging for the founders, truly a rocky road, not without controversy. Founder Blakemore helped personally fund the new Negro fraternity, but was initiated. The failed policy of making honorary members, the Scroller Pledge Club was not officially sanctioned by Grand Chapter until 8 years after its’ conception and the resistance and reluctance to charter chapters in the south. Some of the founders believed expanding the fraternity was dangerous because the model and vision could not be successfully replicated. It is up to us the Kappa men of the second century to keep the dream alive, a fraternity based in brotherhood, the family of Kappa Alpha Psi. “It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishment the scroll. I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” Happy Birthday, Happy Founders Day Nupes. Just one of the 104 years of exceptional moments, in Kappa History. 12 Healthy Kappas, Healthy Communities Written by Bro. Dr. Ronald Bishop, D.O. Top 5 Leading Causes of Death For African American Males You can be more engaged in your health, and do specific things to avoid some of these dreaded diseases. Be sure to regularly visit your doctor and have your blood pressure checked at least every six months. Decrease the amount of sugar in your diet, drink more water and exercise at least three to four times a week. 13 Learning From Our Past Written by Bro. James Bell III Realizing the rich we history we possess as a Fraternity, it is frequent that I find myself looking through old journals, yearbooks, magazines and newspapers to capture an inkling of heritage of our noble clan. As we approach Provincials and Conclaves, let us reminisce on this message from Past Grand Polemarch Brother A. Moore Shearin as he encourages brothers to remain focused on innovation for the sole source of sustainability for this grand Fraternity. Source: October 1933 Kappa Alpha Psi Journal 14 Remembering A Quiet Giant Among Us Bro. Albert Springer Alpha Theta Chapter Tennessee State University Fall 1951 15 Upcoming Events In the Northern Province 16 Save The Date!!!! The Saginaw Alumni Chapter invites the Members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity to the 68th Northern Province Council on April 9-12, 2015 at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Saginaw. 17
Similar documents
the achiever - North Central Province
Over the last three months, I have had the chance to connect with several brothers throughout our five-state region. I have found a number of brothers with great ideas and ready to lend a hand in m...
More informationthe achiever - North Central Province
Over the last three months, I have had the chance to connect with several brothers throughout our five-state region. I have found a number of brothers with great ideas and ready to lend a hand in m...
More information