UNDERGRADUATE NEWS: LEAD KAPPA 2017
portion of the day was spent inspiring service in the public interest as LEAD Kappa arrived in nearby city of Apopka to mentor and support Black youth at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida. Entering the gates of the John Bridges Community Center, the broth- ers were met by the smiles of joyful Black boys and girls. Some were holding signs reading “We Love the Kappas” and “Welcome, Kappa Alpha Psi” while oth- ers waved anxiously as brothers departed the bus. Almost instinctively, our under- graduate brothers excitedly responded with high-fives, hugs, and smiles of there own. After making their way inside the center, the brothers took their seats to receive a formal welcome from one of the Boys and Girls Club members. Immediately following, a proclama- tion from Office of the Orange County Mayor to the fraternity was announced, which recognized the important work being done by LEAD Kappa during the Conclave in and around the City of Orlando. Once the felicitations concluded, a competitive tournament of the age-
old classic “Rock, Paper, Scissors” was facilitated as an icebreaker. In pairs, participants competed in a best-of-three format until a victor was determined. Each winner then found another worthy opponent as the competitors whom were previously defeated cheered in support. Brothers were then broken up into men- toring teams to accommodate the more than 50 middle and high school-aged boys and girls. In their groups, the broth- ers undertook one-on-one discussions to learn more about each participant and share their own stories of navigating school, community, and the decision to attend college. Then, as teams, small group conversations were facilitated. In their small groups, the youth were asked to think about their dreams and aspira- tions for the future. As each participant shared, the groups were instructed to “clap it up” and provide encouragement as a form of support. Throughout, the brotherly love and sisterly affection were palpable. As many former Boys and Girls Club participants themselves, the LEAD Kappa brothers shared many of the lived experiences and cared about
the aspirations of those with whom they were working. What remained evident throughout was the deep appreciation for the investment our college men were making. More importantly, it was the investment from those who looked like the youth they were serving. The remaining half-day of the pro- gram was dedicated to further develop- ing professional skills and networking opportunities. Though the support of Brother David Christian, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Community Affairs at Regions Financial Corporation, and his team of Regions Bank professionals including Cecelia Bailey, Tiffany Kirk, Rob Lindsey, and Nikki Ming-White, brothers attended a series of financial literacy and wealth management workshops. On Thursday, July 20 th , brothers at- tended a reception for all graduates of the fraternity’s undergraduate leadership programs. Each participant received a formal certificate of completion, which was signed by the program director, di- rector of curriculum, and our 33 rd Grand Polemarch, Brother Thomas L. Battles, Jr. Then equipped with new skills and
If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in. —Rachel Carson
Publishing achievement for more than 100 years
THE JOURNAL FALL 2017 | 23
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