Kappa Journal Post-Conclave Issue (Fall 2017)

KAPPA NEWS: LAW AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

In reflecting on truth, justice, impartial- ity and liberty factor into the legal pro- cess, Brother Bailey says it is the "end goal; the star that we shoot for though we may only reach the moon. However, we must keep on striving and reaching, as most true and lasting change comes incrementally." In reflecting on how has Kappa Alpha Psi ® played a role in your legal or edu- cational career, Bailey says, "Kappa has trained me for leadership; it has exposed me to high achieving men of all walks of life; and exposed me to the inner work- ings of a national organization." "As an undergraduate, being a Kappa gave me that extra bit of confidence. I knew that no matter what I did, I had a group of likeminded men who would support me and have my back." "Delta Beta (Syracuse) and Iota Phi (Cornell) have a special and close relationship as DB birthed I Phi. So when I graduated from Syracuse and attended Cornell Law School, I already had a strong bond with the brothers at I Phi. It was hanging out with the Nupes that gave me the mental release that I needed from the stresses of Law School. Whether it was going to a party or just sitting around the Frat house laughing and joking. I often tell brothers that I do not think I could have made through law school but for the Nupes." In reflecting on the benefits of the NBA, Brother Bailey says the "NBA has been my respite When the everyday pressures of maintaining a law firm and dealing with injustice gets heavy, by attend- ing NBA conventions I get refreshed. I realize that my experiences are not my own. That as African American lawyers we have a lot in common, whether we are solo practitioners, working for the government or are partners in large wall street firms. The struggles and burdens are eerily similar. By sharing stories and experiences and learning from each other, I come back to my practice encouraged and invigorated."

ship with Brother Judd.

Nupes is why we have a special bond."

"I have known Kevin for over 25 years, we were both initiated in Spring 1984. Kevin is truly a Nupe. Within a few years after the Queens Alumni Chapter was chartered in 1990, Kevin enrolled at Howard University Law school and never came back to New York. Years later when my father and partner passed away in 1998, though Kevin was living in Washington, DC, he called my wife and asked her was there anything that he could do to help with my law firm. This speaks not only to his fidelity to our bond but his character as well. I later sponsored Kevin’s admission into the Federal Court here in New York." "After his admission to the bar, Kevin became a devoted and hard working member of the NBA. (I had grown up in the NBA attending conventions since I was a child. )When he decided to run for President four years ago, I was his deputy campaign manager. Though he lost, it laid the groundwork for his even- tual election."

In terms of being a Charter Member of the Queens (NY) Alumni Chapter, "I was initiated at the Delta Beta Chap- ter at Syracuse University which is in the Northern Province. NYC is in the Northeastern Province. I grew up in Southeast Queens, which at that time had socioeconomically the highest ranked African American community in the Country but also had a lot of need as well. We wanted to establish a Northern Province style alumni chapter in NYC and at the same time serve an under- served community. Paul H Carey was the driving force behind our endeavor." In terms of advice, Brother Bailey says, "The legal profession is one of the most noble professions. However, it is a profession of constant struggle and as Frederick Douglas stated, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress”. We have to always recognize this in all that we do whether it is servicing our clients or the community."

"Despite the distance we always kept in touch, often hang- ing out or travelling together, whether with the NBA or other- wise." "With regards to the Queens (NY) Alumni Chapter, though he as long been a resident of Washington, DC, Kevin often pays QA dues." "Kevin has the spirit of service and giving back. He has had leadership roles in var- ious organizations. We are kindred spirits that way. It is probably for this reason together with his strength of character and us both being Spring 1984

Brother Bailey truly values his relation-

Publishing achievement for more than 100 years

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