Kappa Journal Post-Conclave Issue (Fall 2017)

83 RD GRAND CHAPTER MEETING: LEGACY SERVICE PROJECT

Above: Grand Polemarch Battles and other dignataires cut the ribbon at the Diamond Life Center.

future that is being built by the commu- nity.

The Diamond Experience Center

In partnership with The Experience Christian Center, the chapters unveiled the Diamond Experience Computer Learning Center on Sunday, July 16 th . The Diamond Experience center is the venue for project that will provide students and residents of Orlando’s Pine Hills neighborhood with internet and technology access. It also will offer computer-based curricula and mentoring opportunities. “The center will provide a safe haven for youth to receive men- toring, help with homework, access to the internet, ACT and SAT preparation; coding and robotic classes, and advanced exposure to various other STEM pro- gramming,” explains Winter Park (FL) Alumni’s Augustus Johnson, who, with Arthur Wilson of Orlando (FL) Alumni, co-chaired community service on the local 83 rd planning team. “Ideally, we’ll spark some minds, uncover potential, and expose children to things that will advance their future.”

Below: Eighth Southern Province Polemarch, Ronald E. Range and Southern Province Polemarch, Bertram K. Orum, preview one of the learning stations.

Grand Polemarch Thomas L. Battles, Jr. echoed Johnson’s point on exposure when he recounted a meeting he had with financially successful brothers ben- efiting from careers on Wall Street. He emphasized that many of these Kappas were products of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and zip codes like that of Pine Hills.

“The difference is that they got an op- portunity. They saw something great, they had vision, and somebody gave them an opportunity,” Brother Battles said. “They took advantage of that op- portunity. So, for us, it’s about helping our kids remember this opportunity, and giving them an opportunity to remember their zip code.”

44 |  FALL 2017  THE JOURNAL

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