Winter Park (FL) Alumni
to set the petition in motion. I felt the love of my spouse and friends who witnessed this humbling experience, and most of all I felt the love of God, who had taught me through His Word in Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” As I was lifted up from the altar with an eternal feeling of thanksgiving, I felt the words in John 12: 32; “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me”. These were not my words, but the words of God. I felt a challenge, similar to the challenge at the Mystic Shrine sixty-two years ago. I felt and still feel great joy when I wear the Elder Watson Diggs Award, and have the opportunity to thank every member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, who have convinced me that they believe me to be worthy. Because I knew my imperfections and challenged the notion that I was worthy of such an award, I felt then and now, that I must continue to improve my Kappa work product, and to continue to treat my brothers as I pray they will treat me. There’s something sweet about the per- ception of worthiness that permits me only to smell the aroma. I will continue to feel unworthy, but will continue to let my brothers know, that it is not my award that I wear proudly, but their award that they have decided that I should wear. That’s how I feel. Journal: What motto do you live by? Discuss any men- tors you have had in Kappa Alpha Psi ® ? ETT: For most of my adult life I have lived by the motto: “May the work I’ve done speak for me.” I was a rapid learner in my early education classes. I attended Dunbar High School in Washington, DC, a school that concen- trated on academics and required that students study Latin for two years, as well as men participating in the cadet corps, where discipline and military-type study and competition was mandatory. I believe this grand experi- ence enabled me to be prepared when I entered college life. At Central State University I considered several Kappa brothers as mentors. Among them were; Col. James W. Hilliard, Sr., Head of ROTC at Central State University; Lt. Col. Talmadge Bartelle, highest ranking black Army JAG officer and later, corporate counsel for General Mills Corp.; Col. John Shannon, Delta Zeta (CSU) and For- mer Under Secretary of the Army . When I graduated from Central State I joined the Washington (DC) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, where I met some the giants of the fraternity, who were stalwart members of what they call the “Flagship of the Fleet.” It was here that I met and played cards with Past Grand Polemarch Dr. William Henry “Stud” Greene, a mentor to almost
every Kappa he met. I also learned from Brother Sylvester “Sal” Hall, a noted educator and athletic coach, 34 th Elder Watson Diggs Awardee and a member of the Washington (DC) Alumni Chapter. I later was a principal planner for a recognition banquet for Brother “Sal.” I played cards with Brother Hall. J ournal: What advice would you give new members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity? ETT: As a longtime member of the fraternity, I have seen many changes in protocol. I have seen a significant loss in institutional knowledge of our members. Although we proclaim that we “train for leadership,” the fraternity has failed to keep pace with its unequalled, historic past. It appears that our elders have not stayed the course in en- suring that new members receive orientation and mentor- ing opportunities that have made Kappa great. It is my hope that potential members will receive a level of vetting that demonstrates that they are willing and able to adhere to the rules and protocol of the day, rather than be easily persuaded by renegade Kappas and others who may lead them to participate in violations that may damage them and the fraternity. Although the fraternity has moved to another para- digm when it comes to candidate initiations, I am not convinced that a significant number of our members are dedicated to the proposition that the fraternity has “ZERO TOLERANCE” for initiation processes that have the potential for placing the fraternity at risk. I’m also not sure that our risk avoidance process is embraced by all members who come into contact with individuals who are interested in joining the fraternity, and members (especially undergraduates) who not embraced the rules and regulations of the fraternity. When I had the opportunity to interview some interested candidates for initiation, I asked them if they had some compassion for community service. I asked them if they believed that they are presently qualified to lead a com- munity service committee in the fraternity from the time they become members. I asked this question because there are national programs and initiatives that are not re- flected on the calendars of many local chapters. I believe that because men coming into an alumni chapter have skill-sets that render them capable of leading successful efforts that benefit the fraternity. I advise new members to seize upon the opportunity to identify potential Kappa mentors, and learn the culture of their chapters, so that they can intimately become proactive members of the chapter that is in great need of their leadership and service. I advise them to continue to
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