The Official Publication of the

Northern Province of

Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc.

February 2015

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".

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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Detroit Alumni Chapter

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. Jack-

son, 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

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 Arbor-

Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni Chapter.

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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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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.

Save The Date!!!!

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