Fall Journal (Post Conclave Issue)

ALUMNI NEWS

be a task as they attempt to meet the demands of the paper's readers.

called democracy – freedom of expres- sion, freedom of movement, freedom of relationships, freedom of institutions, all those become important to who we are, and the life that we can live and can aspire to live. Nothing is forever. And for the time we have here, we all have a commitment to each other, whether you're a Kappa or not.”

Sullivan founded OIC in 1964 over the lack of opportunities given to African- Americans. “When Bogle came on board at The Tribune he basically enabled the com- pany to survive when things were shaky in every aspect,” Kittrells says. “He saved us from near death. This was back when he assumed the reign as president in 1989. As far as Kappa he's always com- mitted and goes beyond the call of duty

“I try to motivate my staff by living by example and encouraging them to have the same commitment to this institu- tion,” Bogle says. “I don't expect any more any less than I'm willing to put in as my commitment to this enterprise.”

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In addition to Bogle there are four members of Kappa Alpha Psi ® on staff

Bogle came to know Kappa Alpha Psi through the exposure to academic and col- legiate life when he would take trips to visit his brother John, who attended Morgan State University, and sister Jacque- line, a student at Cheyney. an opportunity from time to time go to those two institutions, and they made an “I would have

when asked to do something that would be beneficial to the fraternity based on his posi- tion with the newspapoer. I see Bogle about three to four times a week and I've never seen him without his Kappa life mem- bership pin.” Over the years The Tribune has covered milestone events that ranged from advocating for fair voting rights to cover- ing the election of America's first African American presi- dent Barack Obama. Readers have come to expect the Black community's perspective and viewpoint to be on full display in the next day's edition.

indelible impression on me in a way that became compelling for me to have the same experience,” Bogle says. “So I was looking forward to go to college, and to see the men of Kappa was impressive. In those two institutions the men of Kappa stood out. And it became symbolic for me of what I thought I'd like to be. So that's how I became interested in being a Kappa.” Bogle believes the role Kappa Alpha Psi and other Black greek letter organi- zations should have in society is to be rooted in truth, integrity, and a commit- ment to freedom. “Freedom requires an enormous price, because freedom is not free,” he says. “Freedom requires that each of us make a commitment to this enterprise

at The Tribune company: Alonzo W. Kittrells Jr. (Beta Sigma 1960), Direc- tor of Administrative Services; Irving L. Randolph (Philadelphia (PA) AL 2002), Managing Editor; Victor Smith (Delta Gamma 1974), Human Resources and Compliance Manager; Attorney Michael Coard (Gamma Omega 1979), colum- nist; and Johann Calhoun (Chester (PA) AL 2001) News & Special Projects Editor. Kittrells has known Bogle since the late 1960s, having worked together at the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), a vocational, educational, and life skills training program designed to prepare young men and women for full-time employment. They worked and reported directly to OIC's founder the late great Rev. Leon Sullivan (Tau).

“That's why you need the African- American press,” says Randolph, manag- ing editor. “To tell the everyday story of our people-- to talk about our contribu- tions, and to be an advocate for those issues. We still have a long way to go when it comes to racial economic equal- ity. The Tribune has a very important voice in terms of advocating for those is- sues that remain true to the community and our culture. That's why I'm proud to be a Kappa man and very proud to work with another Kappa man, my boss, Robert W. Bogle, who leads this paper.” When asked his observation of Bo- gle's achievement at The Tribune , Smith points to the company's financial stabil- ity. “His vision and tenacity has been to ensure we are always at a good financial position to complete with other media

THE JOURNAL ♦ FALL 2019  | 161

Publishing achievement for 105 years

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