In This Issue - Northern Province

Oct. 2014
The Official Publication of the
Northern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi
Fraternity, Inc.
Northern Light Logo produced by Brother Kyle Barnes. He can be contacted at [email protected].
In This Issue…
2- Message from the Province Polemarch
4 - C. Rodger Wilson Leadership
Conference
6 - Undergraduate News
7 - Alumni News
13 - Inspiring Service
14 - A Moment in Kappa History
15 - Learning from Our Past
16 – To those who loved and toiled and
strove…
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Kappa 2K15
The Kulture and Klimate of Kappa!!!
Written by Province Polemarch Rev. Desmon R.
Daniel, Ph.D.
Brothers of the Northern Province, welcome
to another fraternal year. According to Andy
Stanley “Visioneering is the engineering of
vision. It’s the process one follows to
develop and maintain vision.” As we look to
the 2014-2015 Kappa year many of us have
been challenged to reevaluate our Kappa
plans as a result of the recent
announcement of the moratorium.
For over 103 years we have been the
benefactors of a dream set forth on the
Campus of Indiana University, the vision set
forth by our revered founders was strong
enough to allow us to witness an incredible history and today we are charged with the
responsibility of determining what our future will look like. Brothers there is a Leader’s
Mandate that each of us must embrace and that is “to stay fully engaged and act boldly in
the days, months and years ahead.” The mandate is directly related to the Leadership
Challenge which is; “Leaders must challenge the process because systems will
unconsciously conspire to maintain the status quo and prevent change.” Brothers we must
sincerely look at our processes and determine where we will go from here.
As you know a national task force has been charged with the responsibility of articulating a
membership process that will do the following; 1) Protect men seeking admission into the
Bond of Kappa Alpha Psi, and 2) Protect Kappa Alpha Psi as we seek to continue initiating
men into the Bond of Kappa Alpha Psi. This is a daunting task, yet we believe that we can
and will be successful. Leading is often difficult, whether you are a Polemarch, chapter
Board member or a part of the general (decision making) body. There is no autopilot in the
functioning of our chapters and certainly not within our fraternity. Sustaining the vision of
our Founders, Province, Chapter and or Campus requires constant attention. We are the
men who have been charged with addressing those challenges today. Every man is charged
with the responsibility of preserving our Founders and Fraternities vision. This charge
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demands that we be fully engaged. Now is not the time to cease our programmatic thrusts
that have been specifically designed to address the issues of our Kampus’ and Kommunities.
Our vision for our Kampus, Kommunity and Kappa requires constant attention. We are the
men charged with the responsibility of maintaining the things and people of Kappa. The
esoteric and exoteric; Esoteric means the "inner" (eso-), in the sense of the inner
consciousness; the business of Kappa, the contemplative, mystical or meditative
transpersonal perspective of Kappa. This is something different from the ordinary everyday
understanding of things, and can only be understood by intuition or higher mental or
spiritual faculties. These are characteristics that we have come to recognize in Nupes. The
opposite of Esoteric is Exoteric, which means the "outer" (exo-), i.e. the outer or surface or
everyday consciousness. This includes both the scientific-materialistic and the conventional
(or literal) Kappa perspective. Today, I’m looking for the Nupes!
I urge you to take the next 30 days to assess your chapters systems to determine if they are
in fact capable of doing the general work required by our Grand Fraternity. Simply put are
we doing our very best to promote Kappa? Are we doing our best to brand Kappa within our
Kommunity so the Kulture of Kappa is viewed as we would like it to be. In the general sense
are we accurately recording the activities of our respective chapter membership? Does our
exchequer accurately reflect our dues structure, financial obligations for the 2014-15 Kappa
year? Do we have quality programming in place that will enhance the population which we
serve?
We cannot underestimate the significance of our presence in our Kampus nor in our
Kommunity. We are the catalyst for sustained change. We are the benefactors of the
unknown and undocumented labors of our revered Founders. We are the ambassadors of
Phi Nu Pi! We are the Kreators and sustainers of the Kulture and Klimate of Kappa 2K15!!!
Yours In The Bond,
Des
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C. Rodger Wilson Leadership
Conference
Written by Bro. Chris Carswell
Hosted by the Kappa Upsilon and Pontiac Alumni Chapters, the 2014 CRWLC took place at
the Pontiac Kappa Center and on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.
It was a weekend of great fellowship, candid discussions, and new leadership opportunities.
Attendance in 2014 was very high. Over 100 brothers were present on Friday evening at
the Pontiac Kappa Center. The brothers of Pontiac Alumni set it off with great food and
drink, great atmosphere, and great hospitality. Province Polemarch Desmon Daniel
spoke/presented on the Kulture and Klimate of Kappa and helped attendees better
understand the reasons for the recently mandated moratorium on new member intake.
Brothers had many questions, and most were answered in very thoughtful and thorough
fashion. Remarks were also made by Grand Board Member Harry G. Franklin and Director
of Organizational Effectiveness/Past Grand Board Member/Past Province Polemarch E. Ken
Glass, Jr. Many collegiate brothers were present on Friday evening, and Brother Glass
strongly encouraged them to speak up and to speak out regarding their questions,
concerns, and issues. Following the formal portions of the Friday evening program, a great
Loving Cup ceremony took place, with approximately 70 brothers. Several options for
entertainment on Friday evening were announced for brothers to consider and to enjoy,
following the Cup.
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Saturday was Kappa Alpha Psi Day on campus. Approximately eighty (80) brothers
converged upon the Oakland Center. Kappa men between the ages of 20 and 75, from
Michigan, Ohio, and New York enjoyed a full breakfast and lunch. Polemarch Daniel
presented again on the Kulture and Klimate of Kappa. Brothers were subsequently
educated in new Guide Right Program initiatives, proper decorum/singing of the Kappa
Alpha Psi Hymn, proper conducting of a chapter meeting, and the launch of the new
fraternity Achievement Academy.
Following the morning presentations, the Kappamen assembled for photo opportunities
and fellowship. There was plenty of cane mastery, laughter, and lots of paraphernalia
for sale.
Following lunch, Province Senior Vice Polemarch Kevin D. Kyles provided gifts to the most
senior Kappa (earliest initiation date) in attendance, to the oldest Kappa (by date of
birth) in attendance, to the newest (Neophyte) Kappa in attendance, and to the Kappa
who traveled the greatest distance to the conference.
The afternoon included scheduled workshops related to Chapter Certification &
Compliance, Chapter Advisor Certification, and Undergraduate Affairs. A brief Town Hall
Meeting was held as a final opportunity for brothers to express themselves and to have
questions answered. The Kappa Upsilon and Pontiac Alumni Chapters were lauded for
excellent planning and hosting of the 2014 CRWLC, and special commendation made to
Brother Gregory Thomas, for his provision of structure, logistics, and oversight support
this year as CRWLC Committee Chairman.
The Detroit Alumni Chapter provided an outstanding setting for evening entertainment
and continued fellowship, for brothers traveling from New York and for others from
across the Northern Province - including viewing of the Floyd Mayweather, Jr. boxing
match.
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Delta Pi Chapter
The Delta Pi chapter has been
continuously putting forth effort to uphold the
principles of our great fraternity. These young
men have been very active on campus with
collaborated blood drives with the lovely ladies
of Delta Sigma Theta and participating in
unified education event with Michigan State
University’s NPHC. Another highlight for the
Delta Pi chapter is their second annual chapter
picnic. There was a great turnout and
representation of Delta Pi both young and old.
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Ann-Arbor Ypsilanti Inkster
Alumni
Members of Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni Chapter along with family members
supported The Canton Chamber of Commerce live concert series featuring Kappa Brother
Randy Scott on Friday, August 22, 2014 at the Super Bowl location on Ford road in Canton,
Michigan. Brothers had a great time tailgating and enjoying the soulful jazz sounds of one
of our own Brothers.
The Ann Arbor Brothers also competed in the Southfield Alumni Chapter Softball
"Slugfest" Tournament on Saturday, September 27, 2014. The team finished the
Tournament in second place. Southfield Alumni finish in first place. Brother Chris Starks
captained the team and coordinated the event for the chapter. Other players were: Andre
Allen, Kyle Bell, Andre Carpenter, Tony Eccleston, Wiley Graham, Hal Heard, Michael
Kinloch and Ramone Reese.
Brothers from the Ann ArborYpsilanti-Inkster Alumni Chapter expanded
the brand of Kappa Alpha Psi by
participating in the 2014 Ypsilanti Heritage
Parade. This was another historical event
for our chapter. Sixteen (16) members
from the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster
Chapter Kappa family, which includes the
Kappa League marched, strolled, and
strutted in the Ypsilanti Heritage Parade,
held on Saturday, August 15, 2014.
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There were also
three (3) cars in the
Parade with our chapter
logo displayed proudly
on the doors. The
Brothers had a great
time marching in the
Parade while greeting
the community. As God
leads us, plans are being
made to participate in
next year's Parade.
Brother Darryl
Campbell, Chapter
coordinator. Other
Brothers included Wiley
Graham, Stafford Watts,
Andre Allen, Hal Heard, Kyle Bell, James Hawkins Calvin Bradbury, Derrick Washington,
Mike Kinloch, Ted Sturdivant, Jeff Holland, Phil Anderson, Tim Lipkin, Larry Davis, and
Byron Fox.
Parks Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church Honors members of the Ann Arbor Chapter
Brothers Phil Anderson, John Finn, Hal Heard, Michael Kinloch and Polemarch Tadarial
Sturdivant were honored by Parks Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church on July
27, 2014 for their outstanding contributions to the Detroit Metropolitan Community. All
five of our Brothers were in attendance and were deeply touched by this special
recognition. Kappa Brother, Pastor Rev. Dr. Gilbert Morgan, Sr., presided over the Men's
Day Service, with the theme of “Iron Sharpens Iron" Proverbs 27:17.
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Syracuse Alumni
The Drumlins Country Club was once again the site for a successful event
sponsored by the Syracuse Youth Movement Scholarship Campaign (SYMSC). For
another year, the Brothers of the Syracuse (NY) Alumni Chapter paired with the ladies of
Lambda Kappa Mu providing funds to deserving students. “This was an exciting first year
for me as Scholarship Committee Chairman,” said Jose Cruz. “What I was most proud of
was our ability to double our scholarship amount from last year.” This year the chapter
was able to provide four deserving young men each with $500 scholarships, continuing a
tradition started In March 1993. Two of the scholarships are in memory of Brother M.
Gilbert Kirkland, a charter member and affectionately known as “Godfather” of the
Syracuse (NY) Alumni Chapter. The other two scholarships are named in honor of
Brother Merle R. Greene, also a charter member of the chapter, after a generous
donation from his family in 2002. Roy Bell, a graduate of Corcoran High School will
attend Buffalo State College. Rensey Chandler, a graduate of The Institute of Technology
at Syracuse Central (ITC), will attend Adirondack Community College. Hizyme Porter, also
a graduate of Corcoran High School, will attend Herkimer Community College. Wali
Walker, a graduate of Henninger High School will attend Alfred State College. We are
very proud of the four young men who earned scholarships, and wish them the best as
they prepare for this next phase in their lives.
The chapter also partnered with the Southwest Community Center of Syracuse
and their Journey2Manhood program to offer the young men an opportunity to tour the
campus of SUNY (State University of New York) Cortland and interact with key
stakeholders in the offices of Diversity, Inclusion, and Support Services.
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Earlier this summer in June, the Syracuse (NY) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi
the Southwest Community Center and Syracuse University academic support partners
hosted a one-of-a-kind event in the Life Sciences Building. The BlackManCan Institute, a
one-day mentoring institute for young men of color in grades six through 12, was
definitely about life sciences. The Institute was comprised of seminars designed to uplift,
empower, and inspire young men. The goal of these seminars is to ensure that, by the end
of the institute, students are well equipped to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones
and model that behavior for others. The keynote speaker for the day was Michael Mallery
Jr., Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of I’m So Educated, and author of: “Respect the
S.W.A.G. that matters: ʻStudents With Academic Goals” To get them focused on their
future, there was a tie tying course and each participant left with a new tie so they will
have plenty of time to practice.
Buffalo Alumni
At the commencement of the 2014
school year, Buffalo Alumni Chapter selected
the Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy as our
Adopted School for the 2014-15 year. We also
supported this school for the 2013-14 school
year. This year the Chapter donated 50
Crimson colored Book Back Packs to this
school to be distributed to those youth in
need. We plan to continue to support this
school throughout the school year with other
activities such a Male Scholastic Achievement
Award and Male School Attendance Incentive
Awards.
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Lansing Celebrates a Hero
I met Brother Butler as an
undergraduate student at
Michigan State University and
from our very first interaction one
thing was clear….he cared. He
committed to mentoring me and
assisting me with my professional
goals. Without his guidance and
“nuggets” of professional insight
there is no way I would have had
the career and personal
achievements I have encountered
thus far. He has lived a life worthy
of recognition ten times over, but
for all his success and accolades he
is as down to earth as anyone I
have encountered, he truly
epitomizes what it means to be a
Kappa Man. He made me a believer
in the statement that “Achievement
is a verb”. It’s not just the motto of
our great Klan, but something to
be lived out in all we do and James
Butler is Achievement! I am
grateful not only to call James
Butler my friend, and mentor, but
also my Brother.
On October 2, 2014 our very own Brother
James W. Butler was honored for his service to his
country and community. The 2014 Veteran Tribute
at the Michigan State University Demmer Center
was given by Volunteers of America. It featured
exhibits, a strolling buffet and a wonderful video
honoring Bro. Butler’s life. The event was attended
by over 300 people and over 25 Kappa Brothers. A
rousing introduction was given by our Province
Polemarch Reverend Dr. Desmon R. Daniel. This
event alone raised over $100,000 for the
Volunteers of America.
Brother Butler is a decorated Vietnam
veteran. He served as a Platoon Sergeant in the
U.S. Army and earned many hours during his tour
of duty, including Combat Infantry Badge, Army
Accommodation Badge, Purple Heart (2) and the
Bronze (4) with Oak Leaf Clusters for heroism in
ground combat.
Bro. Jermaine Ruffin
Lansing Alumni
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When I think of Brother Butler, I
can’t help, but be reminded of
when I decided to join Lansing
Alumni and he asked “what can I
do to help you buddy” and I told
him I did not want to join the
chapter and not have my dues
paid at my first meeting. In that
well-known JB voice, he said “It’s
done” and he even went so far as
to ensure I had shelter after
every fraternity meeting at his
home since I have joined. Now
that is a Brother’s Brother!
Bro. Jason A. Hall, Sr.
Assistant to the Province Keeper
of Records
Brother Butler has been a mentor to
me and a man that I can truly
admire. He always encourages
active participation in all that he
does. Brother Butler has been
instrumental in helping me to
develop as a man, a brother and a
leader in this chapter.
Bro. Scott Simon
Polemarch
Lansing Alumni Chapter
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Inspiring Service
The American Red Cross plays a critical role in
our nation’s health care system. It’s the largest
single supplier of blood and blood products in
the United States, collecting and processing
more than 40 percent of the blood supply and
serving nearly 3,000 hospitals and transfusion
centers.
Every day, the Red Cross must collect
almost 17, 000 pints of blood for patients at
nearly 3, 000 hospital and transfusion
centers across the country. Every two
seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood
transfusion.
The summer is one of the most challenging
times of year for blood donations.
Donations drop to 80 percent, causing
about 80,000 fewer donations than
anticipated. Brother Jason A. Hall, Sr. of the
Lansing Alumni Chapter in his capacity as a
Parole/Probation Agent with the Michigan
Department of Corrections organized the
2nd Annual “Answering the Call . . . Give
blood in honor of everyday heroes” at his
office in the City of Detroit, MI on Friday,
August 15, 2014.
Over 30 Parole/Probation Agents, Field
Service Assistants, and Regional
Management team members volunteered
to give blood to this worthy cause. In
addition, a monetary donation of $180 was
given to the Blood Services Division of the
American Red Cross to further assist those
in need.
Beth Frahm, Regional Representative of Donor
Resources Development stated that “80
percent of blood comes from blood drives held
at local businesses and organizations. We rely
on organizations like the Michigan Department
of Corrections and particularly event
coordinators like Jason who work so hard to
help meet the constant need for blood and we
are truly thankful for the continued
partnership as we host additional drives.”
For Brother Hall, Sr. efforts, he has been
awarded a Field Operations Administration
Exemplary Service commemorative coin by
MDOC-FOA Deputy Director Charles Sinclair
who retired on October 1, but did send the
following correspondence “Agent Hall, Sr.
before I retire next week, I won’t have time to
do it in person, but I’ll ensure you receive due
recognition for your service. Please accept my
gratitude for the many hours you spent on your
own time organizing and bringing this event
together. You have distinguished yourself in
the process, and your efforts reflect positively
on Field Operations and the Department.”
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A Moment in Kappa History
Written by Bro. Harrison R. Duke III
“In the case of Negro students, the fact
must be recognized that men of African
descent are not accorded the untrammeled
opportunity for the full rounded
development which is opened to other
students in the larger universities. This
imposes upon Negro men the task of
supplementing the opportunities afforded
by these institutions by providing additional
means for their intellectual, physical and
social development.” April 1914, Volume I,
No. I, the first Journal Kappa Alpha
Psi, Alpha Chapter, Frank Summers, editor
in chief. It was an era when it was
incredibly uncommon for Negros to
graduate from high school, let alone attend
a university. “Affording a college education
in the world of 1914 was profoundly difficult
and involved extraordinary craft in pinching
pennies, working painstakingly and pulling
together resources through sheer
perseverance”, wrote Founder Diggs. The
publication of the fraternity’s first periodical
and first among Negro Greek organizations
in 1914 was an accomplishment that
provided a great deal of pride for the
members of our organization. “We were
just a group of colored students, “ recalled
Irvin Armstrong. The Journal’s tradition is
to carry a strong message to all readers in
and out the fraternity, clearly
communicating the aims and purpose of
achievement, the story of Kappa Alpha
Psi. The Journal, Official Publication
of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Spring
2014 Volume C, Issue 1, centennial
publication. It is a must read for all good
Kappa men. Not because of the article on
Detroit Alumni’s own Judge Harold Hood,
nor the spread on Brother Jim Caldwell, coach of
the Lions. Nor recognition of our Northern
Province’s brother, Past Grand Polemarch Ronald
R. Young’s transition to Chapter Invisible. Or the
45 pages recalling the history of The Journal, nor a
peak into the photo section for Brother HR Duke
III, at the AFA National Advisors Committee
meeting. Or the Ann Arbor Alumni brother who is
the first African American National President of
the National Association of Parliamentarians. The
entire Undergraduate News Section
highlights Kappa undergraduate chapters stand
against racial perjures and bias on college
campuses today. Brother Arnold Reed, Sigma
Chapter, “there are a few white fraternities that
threw racially insensitive parties. We want to
foster an environment where our students feel
safe”. “There have been events on the campus
that have made it clear that black students are
treated differently”, Brother Scott Grant, Omicron
Kappa Chapter, Lehigh University. The Journal,
December 1924 Vol. XI, No. 3; “in many places the
doors of educational institutions for which the
colored people pay taxes, have been closed in their
faces and we have been denied the right to obtain
an education, for no other reason than that our
skin is dark.” Tough political positions on racial
equality with a focus on “training for leadership”
are found in Journals over the past
century. Remember undergraduate men
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published the first ten years of the Journal. Civil Rights, bring attention to the ugly tentacles of
racism and prejudges, have been a cause of our Noble Klan for 103 years. The outcries of
current campus Kappa leaders are consistent to the vision and ideals of our founders. Academic
achievement, campus organizational leadership, positive character and graduation are tangible
examples of social change and racial progress quietly demonstrated by the undergraduate men
of Kappa Alpha Psi. The Journal of Kappa Alpha Psi, 100 years of tradition, the first Negro Greek
publication of its kind, a voice of achievement in every field of human endeavor. Another special
moment in Kappa History.
Learning from Our Past
An excerpt from the November 1933 Kappa Alpha Psi Journal
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To those who loved and toiled and
strove…
A Special Dedication
Delta Nu Brothers, 1965
Flint/Lansing Alumni Chapter 1968
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