THE STORY OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI
Top: 46th Guy L. Grant Awardee Dramaine Irions. Right: Co-Authors Scott and Williams meeting guests and signing the 6th Edition.
d’oeuvres menu of black truffle risotto bites, sesame chicken satay, beef empanadas, and Louisiana crab cake. Upon entering the social space, the guests were greeted by a custom cream-colored 8’ x 8’ step-and-repeat that featured the fraternity’s Coat of Arms and the official logo for the 6th Edition . They enjoyed warm fellowship at the welcome reception one hour before the event began. Once the pro- gram started, the moderator, WVON 1690 AM Chicago talk radio person- ality Rufus Williams (Alpha Sigma 1977), introduced the authors and guided the discussion and guest inter- actions for the evening with a fire-side chat-styled dialogue. Among the topics discussed, Grand Historian Scott and Brother Williams gave insight into the research, writing, editing, and selec- tion of archived material and photos. Grand Historian Scott also read a few
excerpts of interest from the book. The nearly 560-page 6th Edition is the fraternity’s latest official written historical account published in the past 20 years. It has new content throughout, including quotes from the Founders, more significant details of key events, and never-seen-before photographs. It is also the only Divine Nine history book published as an e-book, in addition to the typical hardcover format. The e-book fea- tures an extensive reference section of historical details, not available in the hardcover version. After the agenda concluded, guests were invited to purchase a limited number of books, which immediately sold out. Those patrons and other guests who brought their book copies to the event anxiously waited to have their books signed by the authors. Some brothers bought multiple books to have
signed and gift to other brothers. Many of the guests took photos with the Grand Historian and Brother Wil- liams. Professional photos were taken by Brother Walter Mitchell (Theta Zeta 1979), while expert video recording was captured by Brother Tony Williams (Gamma Beta 1993). Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter Polemarch Tavius Jackson and Event Chairman Adam Guichard led the planning for this memorable event. Polemarch Jackson’s vision to have this affair be the first occasion of this kind and the finest held in the fraternity was remarkably accomplished.
NEW ORLEANS BOOK SIGNING EVENT
Seeking to capitalize on the excite- ment from the Chicago book signing and connect with a broader audience, Grand Historian Scott and Brother
64 THE JOURNAL ♦ FALL 2023
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