THE STORY OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI
“The Sixth Edition of the Story of Kappa Alpha Psi is a must-read for all Brothers who cherish from which we have come and are excited about where are headed. Regardless of the value of previous editions, this new edition breathes new life into our illustrious and exciting journey that started at Indiana University in 1911. We thank Brothers Kevin Scott and Aaron Williams for their in-depth knowledge and understanding of how we started and how we found a path to 2024. To be sure, our ten Founders were complex men of vision with various backgrounds and different pursuits in life. Yet, they all shared a common belief that Kappa Alpha Psi should be a beacon of light for all to see not just yesteryears but also, what is likely to be in generations yet unborn. To their credit, Brothers Scott and Williams have astutely chronicled the legacy of achievement that’s set forth in previous editions of our history into a readable story that’s compelling and interesting for all who yearn to glean what our past has been and what our future can be. This, my brothers, is a unique story that magnifies the flames of leader- ship that magnificently burn inside men of achievement!”
Co-authors Scott and Williams pose with New Orleans Book Signing event attendees after autographing their books.
Williams arranged a book signing event during the 16th National Founders’ Day festivities, January 3-6, 2024. This three-hour event was held at the New Orleans Marriott. Approximately 40 brothers were in attendance, including the 33rd Grand Polemarch Thomas L. Battles, who briefly stayed, greeted the attendees, and signed their books. Also present was the 60th Laurel Wreath Laureate John E. Jacob (Xi 1954). Jacob entered the room with his copy of the book in hand, which had a multitude of page markers extending from the front to beyond the middle of the book. Upon his arrival, Brother Jacob exclaimed, “This book should not be used as a coffee-table book but as a syllabus for developing a platform to indoctrinate, educate, and test. This book is more important than what we realize. It is an encyclopedia on Kappa.”
In contrast to the Chicago book signing event, Grand Historian Scott and Brother Williams self-moderated the New Orleans affair and led the dis- cussion. They addressed a wide variety of topics, including, When did work on the 6th Edition begin? How is the 6th Edition different from its predecessors? What are the benefits of the electronic version of the 6th Edition ? What was the process for developing and pub- lishing the 6th Edition ? How did social media play a role in creating the 6th Edition ? What was the rationale used for the selection of photographs? What was the method used to select a graphic artist and final imagery? Grand Historian Scott and Brother Williams scheduled time for a Q&A session where the attendees posed additional questions to the authors. An autograph session followed with National Photographer Mike Hume
- Robert L. Harris, Esq. 27th Grand Polemarch
(Belleville-O’Fallon (IL) AL 2010) taking pictures of attendees with the authors in front of the custom step and repeat. Plans for a possible book tour are being made to accommodate those unable to purchase a book or have it signed by the authors. Stay tuned for more details.
FALL 2023 ♦ THE JOURNAL 65
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