This issue features the Fraternity's investments in our undergraduate members from LEAD Kappa to the Undergraduate Leadership Institute.
Fall 2023
An Official Publication of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
kappaalphapsi1911.com
UNDER GRADUATE ISSUE THE
JUNIOR GRAND VICE POLEMARCH
JORDAN Q. SMITH HAS ARRIVED
MY DEAR BROTHER, ARE YOU OK? FOCUSES ON ABSALOM R. BOLLING OUR SPOTLIGHT
UNDERGRADUATE LEADERSHIP
THE RETURN OF LEAD KAPPA
INSTITUTE TURNS 20
THE JOURNAL PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT
CONTENTS FALL 2023
20 YEARS OF TRAINING LEADERS Undergraduate Leadership Institute celebrates two decades of success with the Lambda Klass By Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III 36
returns after a hiatus By Traelon Rogers 48
THE RETURN Lead Kappa
60
SPREADING THE STORY Amplifying The Story of Kappa Alpha Psi By Kevin P. Scott & Aaron S. Williams
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FALL 2023 ♦ THE JOURNAL 1
CONTENTS FALL 2023
28 JORDAN Q. SMITH HAS ARRIVED The Junior Grand Vice Polemarch reflects on his journey and looks forward to the path ahead. By Cleveland Ferguson III
The Undergraduate Grand Chapter members photographed in Phoenix, AZ.
2 THE JOURNAL ♦ FALL 2023
THE JOURNAL PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT
CONTENTS FALL 2023
COLUMNS 4 GRAND POLEMARCH’S MESSAGE 6 JOURNAL NOTES 10 CHAPLAIN’S WORD 12 HEALTH & WELLNESS 14 NATIONAL NEWS 16 CHAPTER NEWS 20 UNDERGRADUATE NEWS 24 UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT 70 IN MEMORIAM 96th Elder Watson Diggs Awardee, Earl T. Tildon 85th Elder Watson Diggs Awardee, James C. Mitchell 74 TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE 86 KAPPA ALPHA PSI® DIRECTORY
Fall 2023
An Official Publication of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
kappaalphapsi1911.com
UNDER GRADUATE ISSUE THE
JUNIOR GRAND VICE POLEMARCH
MY DEAR BROTHER, ARE YOU OK? FOCUSES ON ABSALOM R. BOLLING OUR SPOTLIGHT
JORDAN Q. SMITH HAS ARRIVED
UNDERGRADUATE LEADERSHIP
THE RETURN OF LEAD KAPPA
INSTITUTE TURNS 20
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN SELLERS
KappaAlphaPsi1911.com
FALL 2023 ♦ THE JOURNAL 3
THE JOURNAL PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT
GRAND POLEMARCH’S MESSAGE An Undergraduate Focus
Brothers, I bring you greetings in Phi Nu Pi and pray that this edition of the Kappa Alpha Psi Journal reaches you in good health and in better spirits. As we usher in the start of the 2023-2024 fraternal year, I look forward to the great works and tremendous accomplishments that Kappa Men, guided by the spirit of achievement will carry out. While toiling in the vineyards of Kappa Alpha Psi ® , remember that our presence, impact and influence is actively working to change narratives, break generational curses, and create hope for better futures. Be mindful that we represent the standard of manhood in our homes and in our communities, and our visibil- ity and engagement provide the proper life guidance for the young men that we seek to train for leadership. In just a few short months, the 35th Administration has made some sig- nificant strides to our infrastructure, to ensure our ability to better serve our membership, service our com- munities, and to effectively manage the projected fraternal growth that we forecast. We’ve hired five new staff members at International Headquar- ters and granted one promotion. We are making transformational strides to enhance our technological infrastructure to support future operational needs, drive efficiency,
“OUR GOAL IS TO LEVERAGE THIS AWESOME OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THE NEXT CHAPTER OF KAPPA’S STORY BOOK MEMORABLE ...”
productivity and enhance service provision. Two of the most powerful words in the English dictionary are, “Time & Opportunity!” The Grand Board of Directors remain thankful for the confidence that you’ve placed in us, and for the amount of time that you’ve entrusted the leadership responsi- bilities of our fraternity to the 35th Administration. Our goal is to leverage this awesome opportunity to make the next chapter of Kappa’s story book memorable, in a way where our impact transcends time. One of the most incredible occur- rences since the 86th Grand Chapter Meeting, has been the excitement level, and the motivation of the undergraduate population to come forward, step up and jump into service and leadership roles on a Grand Chapter level. The volume
of undergraduate members who have answered the call to service is a tribute to the spirit of our Founders who had the courage and boldness to breathe life into our fraternity as undergraduate students! This issue of the Kappa Alpha Psi Journal honors the undergraduate demographic, with a special feature on our Junior Grand Vice Polemarch, Jordan Q. Smith. Brother Smith is lead- ing with style, grace and a wisdom well beyond his years. I urge you to grab a comfortable seat, sit back and enjoy all that this issue has to offer.
Yours in the Bond,
Jimmy McMikle Grand Polemarch, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc
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JOURNAL NOTES
Being Informed, Involved and Invested Even After our “Student Days are Done”
O ne of Kappa Alpha Psi Frater- nity, Inc.’s great joys is “When all our student days are done, and we from school we must go/Still we honor, love and sing thy praises o’er and o’er.” This issue features stories on two highly competitive leadership development programs for our undergraduate members: the Leadership Enhancement And Devel- opment for Kappas or LEAD Kappa and the Undergraduate Leadership Institute or ULI. LEAD Kappa is a highly structured and intense leadership experience held during a conclave year. It is designed to train participants with capacity-building skills to lead in multiple contexts—in the fraternity, on college and university campuses, in the community, and in Corporate America. ULI offers leadership train- ing for undergraduate brothers across the country in non-conclave years. What truly demonstrates the effectiveness of these programs is the graduates who have been elected to the highest offices in Kappa Alpha Psi and have been recognized with the most prestigious awards in the fraternity. The number of past Junior
“THE LEADERSHIP AND INVOLVEMENT IN THESE CRITICAL PROGRAMS UNDERGIRD THE STABILITY AND FUTURE SUCCESS OF THE FRATERNITY ... “
Grand Vice Polemarchs and recipi- ents of the Guy L. Grant and Byron K. Armstrong Awards who are now mentors, chairmen, and presenters during these sessions is a testament to the impact of these programs. They are the living embodiment of what it means to ‘honor, love, and sing thy praises’. The leadership and involvement in these critical programs undergird the stability and future success of the fra- ternity as they pour into LEAD Kappa 2023 and ULI’s 2024 Lambda Klass. 99th Guy L. Grant Awardee and 42nd Byron K. Armstrong Awardee Traelon T. Rodgers, and 57th Guy L. Grant Awardee Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III wrote each respective
article and led the training. 58th Junior Grand Vice Polemarch Kris- terpher J. Smith leads ULI. They are all examples of how we should con- tinue to invest in the next generation of undergraduate men and inspire in them the desire to not just go from school and sing the Hymn during J5 celebrations but be Informed, Involved and Invested until we reach that Golden Shore.
Yours in the Bond,
Cleveland Ferguson III, Esq. Editor, The Kappa Alpha Psi Journal
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THE JOURNAL PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT
ESTABLISHED 1914
FIRST EDITOR Frank M. Summers, Esq. PAST PERMANENT EDITORS Lionel F. Artis, 1921-1937 G. James Fleming, 1938-1950 William L. Crump, 1950-1975 Earl S. Clanton, 1975-1985 Jonathan P. Hicks, 1985-1989 Van Jordan, 1989-1990 Mel L. Davis, 1990-1999 Keflyn X. Reed, 1999-2010 Jonathan P. Hicks, 2011-2014
CONCLAVE IS COMING!
Save the dates and stay connected! Registration opens soon. July 1-6, 2025 • Phoenix, Arizona
Thomas L. Cunningham IV, 2014-2015 Cleveland Ferguson III, Esq., 2016-
DON’T MISS OUT!
EDITOR Cleveland Ferguson III, Esq.
Jacksonville (FL) Alumni Chapter KappaJournal1914@gmail.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR/DEPUTY EDITOR Aliatu T. Burke New York (NY) Alumni Chapter aliatu.burke@gmail.com @aliatuburke ASSISTANT EDITOR Clarence Tucker Norfolk (VA) Alumni Chapter ctuckermpt@gmail.com FEATURE WRITERS Edward Cole Nicholas Cole Dr. Charles H.F. Davis CHAPTER INVISIBLE SECTION MANAGER Aaron S. Williams Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter aaronwilli02@yahoo.com NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Michael L. Hume Belleville-O’Fallon (IL) Alumni Chapter mlhphotography@hotmail.com FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS Gregory L. Williams Jacksonville (FL) Alumni Chapter Kevin Sellers Philadelphia (PA) Alumni Chapter GRAND HISTORIAN Kevin P. Scott Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter GrandHistorian1911@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR John F. Burrell Executive Director jburrell@kappaalphapsi1911.com (215) 228-7184 INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
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FALL 2023 ♦ THE JOURNAL 7
CHAPLAIN’S WORD
We all know men, and brothers, whose lives fell short of their possibility and potential because they connected with and trusted in the wrong people. Our noble Bond was forged by our Founders to connect us with the right brothers, men whose presence would support and encourage us in the pursuit of achievement in every field of human endeavor, a fraternity like none other where our broth- erhood propelled each and every one of us to become all the God created us to be and all that our Founders dreamed we would be. What do we require from each other as brothers? What is required from us in this ordained Bond that we have been called to? What are some of the ingredi- ents of achievement that every brother needs from another? Let me broaden our perspective and con- cept of fraternity beyond fellowship and fun through the lens of scripture. In II Kings, Chapter 7 (take a look at it in your next devotional time) we are introduced to four lepers sitting outside the city gates of Samaria. It’s around 800BC and the Assyrians have laid siege to the city causing a famine to break- out, and for three years
The Ties That Bind By Reverend Dr. Howard-John Wesley
H oward Thurman, the Morehouse theo- logian and Dean of Marsh Chapel at Boston University who was a mentor to Dr. King once said that life boils down to two simple questions: where am I going and who’s going with me? Thurman understood the power of being connected to the right people and the danger of being connected
to the wrong ones. Our connections matter. My grandmother used to say that “birds of a feather, flock together,” and “if you lay down with dogs, you’ll wake up with fleas.” The Psalmist, like Thurman and my grandmother, cautions us to be mindful of our relations, when he declares in Psalm 1, “Blessed is the man that doesn’t walk in the counsel of the ungodly,
who doesn’t stand in the way of sinners, who doesn’t sit in the seat of the scornful.” If you didn’t get it from Thurman, or a grandmother, or even from the Psalmist, then maybe you can relate to those Rhythmic American Poets, Whodini, who taught us in 1984 that “Friends” is “the word we use every day, but most the times we use it in the wrong way.”
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CHAPLAIN’S WORD
“WHAT ARE SOME OF THE INGREDIENTS OF ACHIEVEMENT THAT EVERY BROTHER NEEDS FROM ANOTHER?”
people are dying of star- vation and dehydration in Samaria. These four lepers, because they are contagious and deemed unclean are living in quarantine outside the city, according to the religious laws of Leviticus 13 and Numbers 5. They aren’t the only one though, conservatively there are about 1,000 people in their same condition but there is something special that binds these four that makes them different, something that helps them not only survive but also prosper and achieve as they made the bold decision to search for life by going to the Assyrian camp. Everyone with leprosy is in quarantine and content to die there, except these four. They believe that they deserve something better and refuse to die just sitting there. That’s what I need in my life, brothers who refuse to let me sit in a dying place. We all need brothers in this Bond who remind us that we were created for more
than mediocrity and sitting in places of anonymity and unproductivity. We must be the ones who continue to believe in one another and encourage each other to keep pursuing and pressing and pushing our way into greater. These four refused to allow what the others thought was normal to become acceptable for them. That’s what we need and require of each other as brothers, a reminder that the limitations of others never sets the standard for us. We all need brothers who encourage us to dream outside the box and pursue the unprecedented because “eyes have not seen, nor have ears heard, the good things that God has in store for us” (I Corinthians 2:9). What I like most about these four was their ability to be honest with each other about the tough reality of where they were – in a place where there was no future for them. Here’s where we can benefit each other as brothers in ways
others cannot, being honest with one another about the realities of where we are and what we’re doing. We all need brothers, who we trust, that can tell us when we’re in danger, where we’re messing up, when we need to do better, where we’ve dropped the ball, when we’re wrong and need to make corrections. The real test of brotherhood is not if you’ll cover me when I’m wrong but will you challenge me to get right? I need brothers who believe in me so much that they’ll hold me accountable to my potential and never let me easily abort my possibility. These four lepers who believed they deserved better, and refused to settle like others, and were honest with each other, made the bold move of going to the enemy’s camp to find food. And they moved at dusk. Dusk is that time when the sun is going down or right before it comes up. At dusk things aren’t as clear as you’d like them to be. At dusk you
can’t see all the way up the road, you can only see one step at a time. Brothers, as much as we’d like clarity and certainty in all that we do, there comes a time when you have to move at dusk. Times when we don’t know how it will all work out, times when we can’t see beyond the next step, times when uncertainty may outweigh assurance. That’s when our brother- hood becomes the most critical – to know that there are brothers who won’t let us fall, brothers who won’t let us travel alone, brothers who remind us of what these four faithfully found out, when you make a move God will make a way. May these be the ties that bind us through Phi Nu Pi to our fundamental pur- pose as brothers and men created in the image of the Almighty. Amen. ♦ Reverend Dr. Howard-John Wesley (Iota Xi 1991) serves as the National Chaplain for the 35th Administration.
FALL 2023 ♦ THE JOURNAL 11
HEALTH & WELLNESS
My Dear Brother, Are You Okay? By Dr. Hernando Carter
B rother, are you okay? This is a simple yet meaningful question. Are we okay as a fraternity? This is a question that brothers have struggled with individually. It is now time for us to investigate this question collectively. It has been said that the fraternity is a microcosm of our broader community.
I agree with that assertion. If we reflect on the state of the mental and physical health of Black people in America, the answer to the question, “Are we okay?” Is no. According to the National Institutes of Health, the Black commu- nity is disproportionately affected by mental illness, including depression. In
the Black community, the impact of depression results in a greater sever- ity of illness and a higher chronicity of disease. It is also observed that there is a lower rate of treatment for mental illness in the Black community when compared to Whites. The reasons for this are multiple, but they include a stigma
surrounding mental health in the Black community and challenges with access- ing culturally competent, affordable care. Each of us within the fraternity has been impacted by this. We each have known Brothers who struggle with depres- sion, anxiety, substance dependence, psychosis, and even suicidality.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
“WE EACH HAVE KNOWN BROTHERS WHO STRUGGLE WITH DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE, PSYCHOSIS, AND EVEN SUICIDALITY.”
“To make mental wellness a mainstream priority— that is what this campaign is all about,” said Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., (Beta Upsilon 1985) Executive Director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, as he intro- duced the Foundation’s new public awareness initiative, “Mental Health Care Works.” “This is the first positive mental wellness campaign we believe has ever been launched,” Andrews said. “The reason I say this is because we are not going to be talking about stigma as all the other great anti-stigma campaigns of the past have done. They moved the dial, but they didn’t set the temperature. This campaign is designed to reset the temperature entirely so that we will prioritize mental health in the same way we have pri- oritized physical health.” Mental Health Care Works is focused on encouraging those with concerns about their mental health or that of a friend or loved one to take the first step toward getting help. The cam- paign will launch in select markets and then expand nationwide.
Are we okay physically? As a community, we are not. We suffer from higher rates of hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and cardiovas- cular disease. Again, our fraternity is a microcosm of our broader commu- nity. We have all known brothers who have suffered from chronic illness and, unfortunately, experi- enced premature death. The health screenings that have been offered at the various Conclaves, Province Councils, and local chapter events via the “Healthy Kappas, Healthy Communities” initiative revealed an alarming number of brothers with uncontrolled hypertension, obesity, and elevated blood sugar. Studies reveal that an alarming number of individuals in the Black community utilize the emergency department and urgent care centers
as their primary source of primary care. According to the National Institutes of Health, African Americans seek primary care through a private physician’s office at only two-thirds the rate of White Americans. Subjective observations of brothers around the country suggest similar statistics in Kappa. As a Primary Care doctor, it is my job to evaluate the problem, arrive at a diagnosis, and recommend a course of action to my patients. The mental and physical health of Kappa requires atten- tion. Our brothers need help. Our brothers need help with understanding what they are feeling and why. They need reassur- ance that there is nothing taboo about admitting they are struggling or need help. Our brothers need license to answer the question “Are you okay?” Truthfully,
even when they are not okay. Our brothers must be armed with the tools to help themselves and each other. Our brothers need help finding resources and accessing treatment. Our brothers must be armed with information about maintaining their health and nutrition. Our brothers need access to a support structure that can help encourage them, moti- vate them, and promote accountability. This is the goal of the “Are You Okay?” initiative. ♦ Brother Dr. Hernando Carter (Birmingham (AL) Alumni Chapter 2002) practices Internal Medicine at the University of Ala- bama Birmingham School of Medicine.
For more information and resources about mental health, please visit www.nami.org. If you or someone you know are having struggles with your mental health, please dial 988. You will be able to speak with a therapist free of charge.
FALL 2023 ♦ THE JOURNAL 13
NATIONAL NEWS
Kappa Alpha Psi Partners with Indiana University's Kelley School of Business New MBA fellowship program aims to increase diversity in corporate leadership diversity
K appa Alpha Psi Indiana University E.W. Kelley School of Business to increase diversity in corporate leadership. Through the partnership, college graduates from Fraternity, Inc., has partnered with the around the world who are Kappa Alpha Psi® mem- bers are invited to apply for a fellowship program to attend the Kelley School’s nationally ranked in-residence full-time MBA program. Successful candidates will be known as Kappa Alpha Psi Fel- lows. The fraternity, open to all men regardless of color, religion, or national origin, has 642 active chapters with more than 250,000 initiated members worldwide. Kappa Alpha Psi was founded 113 years ago by Black students at IU seeking camaraderie and support. “This partnership creates an exciting opportunity for Kappa men to share in the MBA experience at our
birthplace and deepen the special bond that Kappa Alpha Psi and Indiana Uni- versity share,” said Grand Polemarch Jimmy McMikle,
a 1991 initiate of the Alpha Chapter, and a 1992 IU graduate. Ash Soni, Dean of the Kelley School and The
Sungkyunkwan Professor, said the new partnership continues Kelley’s history of leading the way toward a more diverse classroom and
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NATIONAL NEWS
“AT LEAST THREE FULL-TUITION FELLOWSHIPS WILL BE AWARDED ANNUALLY TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS MEETING THE PROGRAM’S ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS.”
workplace experience. “Six decades ago, Kelley was one of three founders of the Consortium for Gradu- ate Study in Management, which has helped more than 100,000 People of color earn a graduate business degree,” Soni said. “Today, we celebrate this partnership with another impactful orga- nization to offer even more leadership opportunities and promote greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate America.” The Kelley School was also one of the first participants of the Forté Foundation, which supports the advancement of women in business. In addition to student and alumni chapters in nearly every state across the country, Kappa Alpha Psi has chapters in The Bahamas, United Kingdom, Germany, Korea, Japan, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Nigeria, Bermuda, Canada, Dubai, Dominican Republic and South Africa. Other noted alumni initiated through the Alpha Chapter at IU include Elbert Frank Cox (1915), the first Black person to receive a PhD in mathematics; Booker T. Jones (1964), a multi-instrumentalist, song- writer and record producer; George Taliaferro (1948),
alumni network of more than 130,000. “As a proud student at the Kelley School of Business, I am extremely honored to be a part of this extraordinary partnership,” said Jordan Q. Smith (2002), Junior Grand Vice Polemarch. “Kelley School of Business and Kappa Alpha Psi are paving the way for the next gener- ation of business leaders, including myself.” At least three full-tu- ition fellowships will be provided annually to suc- cessful applicants meeting the program’s admissions requirements. This will include applicants referred by the international head- quarters of Kappa Alpha Psi or one of its regional chapters. The school also may support fellowship recipi- ents to attend Kappa Alpha Psi conferences and provide applicants with application fee waivers. Kelley also will develop webinars and other opportunities for Kappa Alpha Psi undergraduates to learn more about careers in business. Kelley will continue to pursue similar opportuni- ties with other “Divine 9” historically Black fraterni- ties and sororities through outreach via the National Pan Hellenic Council. ♦
Jordan Q. Smith
Jeremy A. Morris
a leader of desegregation at IU and the first African American to be drafted by an NFL team; and Jeremy A. Morris, an IU Trustee and three-time graduate. “The Kelley School of Business stands as a global leader in business educa- tion, and I am immensely proud of our collaboration. Together, Kappa Alpha Psi and the Kelley School of Business are committed to elevating the business landscape and fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout
the professional jour- ney,” said Morris, also an Indianapolis-based trial attorney who was a 2002 initiate through the Alpha Chapter. Kappa Alpha Psi and the Kelley School will work together to support mem- bers who want to develop as leaders through an MBA. In addition to receiving finan- cial support, Kappa Alpha Psi Fellows will benefit from the school’s one-of-a-kind professional development workshop, Me, Inc., and become part of a global
FALL 2023 ♦ THE JOURNAL 15
CHAPTER NEWS
Outside the Zeta Omega House during Golden Anniversary Reunion Weekend .
The Zeta Omega of Kappa Alpha Psi Celebrates 50 Years of Achievement By Kirk Alan Jones and Aaron S. Williams
O n April 14, 2023, the Zeta Omega Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi celebrated the 50th anni- versary of its chartering. Based in Norman, OK, at the University of Oklahoma (OU), the chapter held a weekend-long celebration that brought Zeta Omega initiates from the charter members to the most recent initiates and every- one in between.
CHAPTER HISTORY Initial efforts to bring Kappa Alpha Psi to the OU campus began in the early 1970s with the estab- lishment of a Zeta Theta Colony. The Zeta Theta Colony members repre- sented Kappa Alpha Psi for a short time before an offi- cial undergraduate chapter was established. The colony had approximately 10 to 15 members during those years
and, including OU graduate student Dunn Cumby (Beta Psi 1970). George Hender- son (Alpha Beta 1951), who was OU’s first black-tenured professor, was instrumental in helping to establish a chapter on the OU campus. The weekend celebration saw the return of Herman Robbins (Zeta Theta 1972), Michael Pierce, Brian Nich- ols (Zeta Theta 1973), and Dr. Dunn Cumby (Beta Psi
1970) to the campus, where they helped to establish the chapter. Before the chapter’s chartering in 1973, several brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi had made their way to campus while others entered Kappa Alpha Psi via chapters located nearby, such as Epsilon Gamma (University of Central Oklahoma) or Zeta Theta (Oklahoma State
16 THE JOURNAL ♦ FALL 2023
CHAPTER NEWS
“IN APRIL 1973, THE GRAND BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVED THE MIDDLE WESTERN PROVINCE POLEMARCH CHARLES F. MCAFEE’S PETITION TO ESTABLISH A CHAPTER ON THE OU CAMPUS.”
House. Brothers rented a seven-bedroom house via Airbnb® adorned with chapter photos, decorated with charter artifacts, and flying a KA Ψ flag served as the “Kappa” House for the historic Weekend.
CELEBRATION WEEKEND
University). Although not formally established as a chapter yet, the brothers were acknowledged as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity by the university as early as 1971 according to several articles in the university’s newspaper, The Oklahoma Daily. Since the early 1970s, Kappa Alpha Psi has been a vibrant member of the Divine Nine community at OU. In April 1973, the Grand Board of Directors approved the Middle Western Province Polemarch Charles F. McA- fee’s petition to establish a chapter on the OU campus. Establishing the Zeta Omega Chapter made Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity the fourth National Pan-Hellanic Coun- cil organization at OU. OU’s Delta Sigma Theta Chapter shares the same chartering date as Zeta Omega. Over the years, the chapter has been on the forefront of innovation for the university and the
The weekend kicked off in earnest early Friday morn- ing as brothers gathered at Westwood Golf Course in Norman for a golf outing. All attendees had a good time fellowshipping and golfing. Daniel Bridges (Zeta Omega 2007) led the way with an 86 to tempo- rarily grab the title of Zeta Omega’s best duffer. The remainder of the day saw Zeta Omega initiates from around the country arrive in Norman and check in for the weekend. They spent time at the “Kappa” House. Brothers also spent time touring the OU campus, reviewing the growth and development of the campus, and visiting old stomping grounds. The flagship event was the Friday night banquet at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Norman, OK. The banquet was well attended by brothers, silhouettes, and other guests. The focus of the event was to
Zeta Omega Chapter members circa early 1970s.
surrounding community. In the late 1970s, Zeta Omega organized a stomp show and invited other Black fraternities and sororities on campus to participate in a formal competition. This invitation was also extended to nearby campuses such as the University of Central Oklahoma State (formerly named Central State) and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Due to its explosive growth and importance to the community, this event was eventually transitioned to OU where it was rebranded as the University of Okla- homa Regional Stompdown. KAPPA HOUSE The weekend kicked off on Thursday, April 13, with early registration check- ins at the celebration’s headquarters, the “Kappa”
FALL 2023 ♦ THE JOURNAL 17
CHAPTER NEWS
“THE CHAPTER LOOKS FORWARD TO THE NEXT 50 YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA. ”
celebrate the chapter’s charter members, and the charter line for Zeta Omega acknowledged Zeta Omega initiates who transitioned to the Chapter Invisible. The National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning Chief Operating Officer Marks Pitts (Zeta Omega 1982) of Tampa (FL) Alumni gave an inspirational keynote address, which was the highlight of the evening. With the banquet com- plete, the brothers did not slow down. Several brothers attended a community service project Saturday morning at The Bridges in Norman. The Bridges is an organization that provides housing and services for at-risk high school students in the area. The community service event was held with the Norman (OK) Alumni, Zeta Omega’s advising chapter, and included purchasing and assembling patio furniture for the housing development. Brotherhood and fellow- ship were the theme for the remainder of Saturday as brothers converged on the “Kappa” House for a cook- out featuring a local food truck and noted DJ, Kend- rick Warren (Zeta Omega, Spring 2010). The cookout included impromptu strolls from the younger brothers
as well as old school step routines from the older brothers. Domino chal- lenges, cigar-smoking, and fond reminiscing rounded out the occasion. On Sunday, as the celebration weekend came to a close, the brothers converged on Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church in nearby Oklahoma City, OK, to hear the Word from Senior Pastor Ray Douglas (Zeta Omega 1984) of the Norman (OK) Alumni. The church service was also the St. Jude’s Day of Giving organized by the Norman (OK) Alumni Chapter. ZETA OMEGA IN 2023 Over the course of the weekend, the returning brothers received a first- hand view of the excellence of the Zeta Omega Chapter as it passed the half-century mark. Led by Polemarch Andrew Adigun (Zeta Omega 2021), the chapter roster is comprised eleven members (as of the Spring 2023) representing seven
different states across the country from as far away as Seattle, Atlanta, Michigan, and New Jersey. Eight of the brothers were recognized on the academic honor roll for their respective colleges. The chapter was recently ranked Gold Level Excel- lence – the highest rank possible – by the universi- ty’s Fraternity and Sorority Programs. In addition to driving a strong chapter, Zeta Omega is also active across the OU campus. Polemarch Adigun serves as the Vice President of the National Panhellenic Council, the Chairperson for the National Society of Black Engineers, and the Networking Coordinator for Black Men in STEM. Vice Polemarch, Rickey Hewitt, is on the executive boards of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the OU Integrity Council and is an award-winning OU mock trial team attorney. Brother Alexander Lewis serves as the Chairperson for the Freshman Action
Team. Kunle Akinlosotu, Quoi Ellis, and D.J. Smith participated in OU’s Track and Field Program where they collected an assort- ment of Big 12 Conference and NCAA awards and acknowledgments. Outside of the OU campus environment, the Zeta Omega initiates keep achieving, with Brothers Adigun and Hewitt selected to participate in the LEAD- Kappa Program during the 86th Grand Chapter Meeting in Tampa, FL. Also, Devin Bishop is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Middle Western Province. Overall, the chapter is still achieving at a high level and the Zeta Omega 50th Anni- versary Celebration was a tremendous success, with approximately 120 Zeta Omega initiates attending with solid support from all eras of the chapter. The chapter looks forward to the next 50 years of achieve- ment at the University of Oklahoma. ♦
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CHAPTER NEWS
Notable Zeta Omega Initiates
He is a 2020 Cum Laude graduate, member of the 2019 OU University Leadership Class, and Homecoming Court. Francisco is noted for his stu- dent leadership at OU during a time of multiple racist incidents and was active in the OU Unheard movement, as well as the co-leader of the “Better Together” march and associated sit- ins. He is a fourth-generation Kappa and the son of Anthony Francisco. TERRANCE MULLINS (1990) Mullins was a four-year letterman on the Uni- versity of Oklahoma basketball team from 1987 to 1991, playing under legendary head coach Billy Tubbs. He was a two-year starter and was in OU’s top ten of all time in career three- point field goal percentage, steals, and blocked shots at the time of his graduation. Mullins was included on the Academic All Big-8 Team and is currently a Senior Database Adminis- trator for Shaklee Corporation. NORRIS G. WILLIAMS (Alpha Chi 1969) Williams had a long-time career at OU from 1977 until his retirement in 2012 as a staff administrator. During his tenure, he held multiple positions including the Director of African American Affairs and Minority Stu- dent Affairs. He is also credited with establishing the Henderson Scholars Program named after Professor George Henderson (Alpha Beta 1959). Most notably, Williams served as faculty advisor for the Zeta Omega Chapter during his time at OU.
RODERICK (ROD) SHOATE (1974) Shoate was a three-time All-Amer- ican linebacker at the University of Oklahoma and a four-time All-Big 8 Conference Player. He went on to play seven seasons in the National Football League for the New England Patriots. Shoate entered the chapter invisible on October 4, 1999, and was posthu- mously elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013. CHRIS ARNOLD (1977) Arnold he has been in broadcasting for over 45 years including 30 consecutive years at K104 FM in Dallas many alongside morning DJ legend Tom Joyner. Arnold also spent time on television where he wrote, produced, and hosted “On the Beam.” The syn- dicated program was seen by more than 20 million households in 46 cities across the US. Arnold currently serves as the Dallas Mavericks game night emcee. Brother Arnold is in both the Texas Radio Hall of Fame and Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame. KEVIN SAMUELS (1988) Samuels was a very popular and sometimes contro- versial social media influencer. His social media following included over 1.4 million subscribers to his You- Tube channel and another 1.2 million followers of his Instagram account. Originally from Oklahoma City, Samu- els entered the Chapter Invisible on May 5, 2022 at the age of 53.
MARK A. PITTS (1983) – Pitts is noteworthy for being one of the first African American executives in the front office of an National Hockey League when he became the Chief Operating Officer for the Tampa Bay Lightening and the Vinik Sports Group. Prior to making his mark in the NHL, Pitts enjoyed at 30 plus year career at Coca Cola culminating as the Group Vice President for Coca-Cola Beverages Florida. MYRON PATTON (1981) Currently serv- ing as the Sports Director for KOKH 25 in Oklahoma City, where he has worked for the last decade and a half, Brother Patton is a recent inductee into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. His recognition comes after a long career in television journalism, in addition to being a mainstay on local sports radio covering everything from the NFL to local high school sports. ANTHONY FRANCISCO (1979 As a third-generation Kappa, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City and Town Officials in 2013. Francisco has served for 40 years in public finance positions in Oklahoma, New York, Missouri, and Washington. He became the first Afri- can American Chief Financial Officer for the City of Norman and has had oversight of the city’s $280,000,000 annual budget and coordinated capital projects totaling over a billion dollars. AURELIUS MILES FRANCISCO (2018)
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UNDERGRADUATE NEWS
From left: Grand Lt. Strategus
Ryan I. Johnson, Grand Strategus Traylyn L. Ball, with Undergraduate Grand Board Members Amari M. Venzor, Brent C. White and Justin I. Nave.
Undergraduate Grand Board Members Shine at the CBCF
E very fall season, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation hosts its Annual Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. The Annual Legisla- tive Conference (ALC) is the leading public policy
convening focused on issues impacting African Americans and the global Black community. The ALC is a unique platform where thought leaders, legislators, influencers, and concerned citizens converge to discuss
and address critical issues, forge partnerships, and promote the political, economic, and social advancement of Black communities. For the first time in Kappa Alpha Psi’s history,
the entire elected slate of undergraduate Grand Board Officers attended the Annual Legislative Con- ference. During the week’s events, Kappa Alpha Psi’s undergraduate leadership
Continued on page 22
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UNDERGRADUATE NEWS
Democratic Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Honorable Hakeem S. Jeffries (Mu Kappa 1989), third from left with Undergraduate Grand Board Members and Grand Chapter Officers and Kappa Alpha Psi Executive Director and 109th Elder Watson Diggs Awardee John F. Burrell.
“ UNDERGRADUATE ENGAGEMENT IN THE POLITICAL AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY ARENAS ARE PARAMOUNT TO ACHIEVING THE PROGRESSIVE OBJECTIVES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CAUSES FOR WHICH WE FIGHT. ”
participated in a series of conference forums, work- shops, leadership sessions, and dinner events. They met with congressional leaders, including our own fraternal members of the House of Representatives. The culminating expe- rience was a visit to the White House. Undergraduate engage- ment in the political awareness and advocacy arenas are paramount to achieving the progressive objectives associated with the causes for which we fight. The responsibilities of our current generation in the continuous struggle for equality and justice requires
the full participation and advocacy of all demograph- ics of our membership. As a result, the 35th Admin- istration will include our collegiate leaders as an inte- gral and active part of the events and conferences in which we regularly engage as the fraternity strives for
progress. The full participation of our undergraduate Grand Board Members at this conference offers them a valuable educational experience by exposing them to the various factors and dynamics impacting people of color in general
in addition to how their specific demographic is affected. Their presence empowers their ability to galvanize the collegiate demographic and motivate their political awareness and action in what will be an important year in the democracy of our nation. ♦
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UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
The Future is Bright for the St. Jude’s Committee National Vice Chairman
to describe the impact that Absalom has had on that Province as a leader, Province Polemarch Donald L. Woolridge, Sr. shared that, “what Absalom lacks in experience, he always shores up with several elements of leadership that benefit the province and his colleagues. He routinely embraces change, is skilled at inspiring others, is results driven and pushes for improvement when and where necessary. Lastly, he’s always open to receiving feedback which has benefited him well in his growth. We are proud to have him as Junior Province Vice Polemarch here in the South Central Province.” When asked to describe Brother Bolling as a leader, Province Polemarch Woolridge went on to say, “personally, I think his strongest attribute is that of service to others. He wears his title well, but he was never about the title itself. He uses his platform to serve others by championing causes. He embodies servant leadership in every way.” History records Absalom as the first undergraduate
National Vice Chairman of a national operating committee, as appointed during the 35th Adminis- tration of Kappa Alpha Psi. Brother Bolling has been purposeful in his commit- ment to show that service to Kappa as a collegiate can be performed on all three levels (local, province and national). The Kappa Alpha Psi ® Journal is proud to spotlight him as the newly appointed National Vice Chairman of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospi- tal Committee. Vice Chairman Bolling has been thrust into a highly visible position that includes many speaking opportunities to represent the fraternity regarding our partnership with the hospital. He has been quoted as saying, “St. Jude is a powerhouse philanthropic organization with a truly noble cause: Saving lives, helping children, and defeat- ing cancer. As a fraternity, the service and work we do are externally facing and in the public’s interest, always. Partnering with St. Jude Children’s, with their vast
Brother Absalom R. Bolling
T he collegiate demo- graphic of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., is rich with a stockpile of talented young high achievers who are ready to take the world by storm. As a student at the University of Memphis, majoring in communications, and minoring in chemistry, Brother Absalom R. Bolling is one of those men. Absa- lom is a Fall 2021 initiate of the University of Memphis
Chapter, the Kappa Beta of Kappa Alpha Psi ® . He is building an impressive record of service in Kappa to accompany his stellar academic career. Brother Bolling is a well-rounded living representation of the true ideals of achievement. Absalom Bolling is a native of Washington D.C. and has served valiantly as the Junior Province Vice Polemarch of the South Central Prov- ince. When given a chance
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UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
innovative resources and technology that is positively affecting children and fam- ilies around the world, is an opportunity that we cannot pass up.” We had a chance to catch up with Brother Bolling for an interview, to learn a little more about this phenome- nal young man. Journal: When the Grand Polemarch vowed to appoint undergraduate members to the role of National Vice Chairmen of the various operating committees in Kappa, you were the first to step forward and offer yourself for service. Why was it important for you to do so, and how special is it to you being the first undergradu- ate National Vice Chairman of a committee? Brother Bolling: After the experience I had at the 2023 Grand Chapter meeting in Tampa, I was ecstatic and inspired by the vision Team 35 laid out for the fraternity. As I returned to campus for my senior year at the University of Memphis, I was searching for an opportunity to make a positive impact on an initiative coming from the newly installed leader- ship. When I got a call from Brother Grand Polemarch, who explained that he was
From left: South Central Province Polemarch Donald L. Woolridge, Sr., Bolling, South Central Province Vice Polemarch Terence M. Tunstall, Sr. and 85th Guy L. Grant Awardee Solomon Puryear.
“AFTER THE EXPERIENCE I HAD AT THE 2023 GRAND CHAPTER MEETING IN TAMPA, I WAS ECSTATIC AND INSPIRED BY THE VISION TEAM 35 LAID OUT FOR THE FRATERNITY.”
looking for an undergradu- ate to serve in the National Vice-chairman role for St. Jude, I knew it was the shot I was looking for. Being in Memphis, where St. Jude Children’s Research was founded and is still based… the St. Jude National Vice Chairman role had my name on it.
has afforded you close physical proximity to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. That has allowed you the opportunity to visit its campus and inter- act with the St. Jude’s staff, doctors, and patients with regularity. How has that provided you a unique per- spective or enhanced the experience of your service in the role of National Vice Chairman of Kappa’s St.
Jude Initiative? Bolling: Being local to the St. Jude campus has given me direct access to a multi-mil- lion-dollar nonprofit entity. To see some of St. Jude’s inner workings, and all the different effort areas they handle from a local to global scale is special. Attending events like the St. Jude Celebration of Hope and seeing the majorly impactful achievements being reached
Journal: Attending the University of Memphis
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UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
“... BELIEVING THAT AN UNDERGRADUATE-LED BANQUET, BRINGING THE MAJOR PUBLIC FIGURES OF THE AREA AS WELL AS EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP FROM ST. JUDE AND KAPPA TOGETHER, WOULD MAKE THE TYPE OF IMPACT MY CHAPTER AND I WERE LOOKING TO MAKE.”
in the scientific and fund- raising fields made me want to work even harder as the National Vice Chairman. St. Jude is a powerhouse organization, and Kappa’s efforts in this partnership will yield results that benefit the diverse generations of children coming in the near and distant future. Journal: You spearheaded a St. Jude fundraiser on your own campus that raised $10,000. Tell us a little about that? Bolling: Within my new- found Vice Chairman role, I wanted to create a situation or event that highlighted the undergraduate efforts and support within this initiative. After discussing this with Grand Polemarch McMikle, the concept of a partnership fundraising banquet in the city of Memphis came about. I spearheaded this event, believing that an undergrad- uate-led banquet, bringing the major public figures of the area as well as executive leadership from St. Jude and Kappa together, would make the type of impact my chapter and I were looking to make. Our goal was to show the Memphis commu- nity that Kappa stands with St. Jude. Through planning, prayer, and execution, the event was a complete
success, raising over $10K and reaching Apple News headlines, not to mention local city news feeds. Journal: Kappa Alpha Psi has made a commitment to raise an additional $2M for St. Jude over the next three years. How active, involved, and impactful do you envision the undergraduate demographic to be in this effort? Bolling: My committee’s vision is for our under- graduate brothers to be highlighted for their efforts all the way through the achievement of the $2M commitment in 2027. We want this partnership to be not only a plan for fundraising, but a limitless opportunity that breeds internships, jobs, St. Jude collegiate leadership roles, and more. The committee wants our undergrads to
be developed into confi- dent leaders who take full advantage of the global organization that is St. Jude. Journal: Are there any exciting next steps for this initiative? Bolling: My committee’s plan is to create a struc- ture for which all our undergrad chapters can directly engage with St. Jude. Very soon, there will be a release of the official St. Jude Undergraduate Engagement Plan from the committee. This plan will lay out the concrete ways and opportunities that undergrads can participate in fundraising, set clear and achievable donation goals for chapters across provinces, and provide incentives that will moti- vate our college brothers to lead the fundraising charge.
Journal: You also serve as a Junior Province Vice Polemarch. That position comes with tremendous responsibility. How is that role shaping you to be a better leader? Bolling: The role of the South-Central Province JVP has been a transfor- mative experience for me as a young man and leader. Attending meetings ran by Robert’s Rules of Order, discussing planning and budget for a jurisdiction stretching over three states, understanding the scope of Kappa at a high-level… this position has given me the confidence to take over roles that make an impact locally, regionally, and nationally. As I transition into life after college, I feel so equipped to take on leadership roles and high-level initiatives even outside of the fraternity. I think that’s one of the
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UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
“ THE ROLE OF THE SOUTH- CENTRAL PROVINCE JVP HAS BEEN A TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE FOR ME AS A YOUNG MAN AND LEADER. ”
(Washington (DC) AL 2014), pointed me in the direction of Kappa by bringing me along to a Kappa Conclave as a kid. He then placed me into the Washington Alumni guide right program, where I eventually grew to serve as its President for two consec- utive years. From these experiences, I developed a strong interest in pursuing Kappa when I reached the collegiate level. Journal: As you enter your senior year at the University of Memphis, what are your plans after graduation? Bolling: As I exit Memphis, my plans are to pursue a four-year Doctor of Phar- macy degree at Howard University. From there, I plan on earning a JD from Georgetown University, and then working as a patent attorney, pursuing pharmaceutical intellectual property.
Journal: Is there a motto or personal philosophy that you live by? Bolling: Achievement is not determined by the status or level one has reached, but by the challenges which they surpassed while trying to achieve. Journal: Do you have a favorite book? Bolling: A book that I’ve picked up numerous times has been The Art of War , by Sun Tzu. I appreciate the fact that the War General, Sun Tzu, wrote passages with life lessons that still apply to today’s world. Journal: We look forward to watching you continue to work for the fraternity and seeing the results of that labor. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Bolling: Thanks for the opportunity to chat! ♦
Bolling speaking at the 2024 South Central Province Council.
biggest benefits of serving well in the JVP role.
Polemarch Donald Wool- ridge one evening. Brother Woolridge explained that he spotted a spark of my talent all the way back when I was first brought into the fold, and that he had been watching my development from that point forward. It goes to show you that some- one is always watching, and you never know where your blessing can come from. I’m forever thankful to Kappa for transforming me into the man I am now. Journal: How did you become interested in Kappa Alpha Psi? Bolling: My father, Anthony Bolling
Journal: When you crossed … did you imagine yourself rising to the types of fra- ternal leadership roles that you’ve been able to hold? Bolling: No sir, I couldn’t have imagined it. When I crossed, I was a sophomore whose primary focus was the social aspect of the fraternity. As I look back, I recognize that there were numerous Brothers in leadership who saw my leadership potential and pushed me into the excel- lence that you see from me today. I remember having a phone call with Province
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