Fall Journal (Post Conclave Issue)

The 84 th Grand Chapter Meeting Convenes in Philadelphia

The Grand Polemarch Makes His Entrance to the 84 th Grand Chapter's Public Meeting A s 33 rd Grand Polemarch Thomas L. Battles, Jr.'s distinctive entrance into this opening session will go down in history as he moved through the crowd to the theme of "Rocky," the 84 th Grand Chapter Meeting literally stood united under the banner “Great Men Achieving Great Things.” chapters. It was chartered in 1922 and we’ve been here serving in the community since that time,” Jackson said. “We’ve had such notable people as Rev. Leon Sul- livan, former Mayor W. Wilson Goode, former Mayor John Street and several representatives and judges throughout the city who have taken their time to give back to the fraternity and community at large.” Emblematic of his Career of Fighting for Peace and Justice

The Philadelphia (PA) Alumni Chapter, the host chapter of the 84 th Grand Chapter Meeting, sponsored the Pub- lic Meeting on July 30, 2019. Hundreds of Kappa Men turned out for the meeting in the customary Kappa Alpha Psi ® blazers and cream dress pants. More than 2,000 people descended on the Philadelphia Conven- tion Center including fraternity and sorority members from all Divine Nine organizations as well as local dignitaries. Philadelphia City Councilman Derek S. Green, Esq., (Eta Sigma 1989) and a current member of Philadelphia (PA) Alumni, in his remarks commented “I think we should rename the City of Philadelphia to the City of Fraternity Love and Sorority Affection.” Gospel recording artist Byron Cage then stirred the souls of the audience. “The Public Meeting is our introduction to everybody in Philadelphia. We are greeting all the other Greek or- ganizations as well as the public at large,” said Damian Jackson (Delta Eta 1987), First Vice Polemarch of the Philadelphia (PA) Alumni Chapter.

Harold Epps, Director of Commerce for the city, brought greetings on behalf of Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney “If we can host the Pope, we can host Kappa Alpha Psi. We thank you for choosing Philly for your Grand Chapter Meeting.” Grand Keeper of Records and Exchequer Chester Leaks in his address on the occasion stated, “We gather also recognize individuals whose contributions to society exemplify true interests in the welfare of mankind throughout servant leadership and public service. We also gather to recognize and acknowledge our corpo- rate partners that have continue to contribute to the success of the grand fraternity in the effort to remain relevant and viable in communities across our nation and beyond. This is our opportunity to thank our host city for the opportunity to have our international meeting in Philadelphia and hospitality given to us during our planning visits….” Senior Grand Vice Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. introduced to the audience dignitaries from each

“The Philadelphia Alumni Chapter is one of our oldest

38 | FALL 2019 ♦ THE JOURNAL

Publishing achievement for 105 years

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