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
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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".
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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 .
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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Remembering A Quiet Giant Among
Us
Bro. Albert Springer
Alpha Theta Chapter
Tennessee State University
Fall 1951
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Upcoming Events
In the Northern Province
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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.
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