®
Remembering the 16 th Grand Polemarch and 19 th Laurel Wreath Laureate: Celebrating 60 Years of the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference
KappaAlphaPsi1911.com
FALL 2021
VOLUME CVII, ISSUE 3
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Here at Volkswagen Group of America, we are multicolored; we are different, unique and part of the greater whole. We are open to other ways of thinking, to new experiences and solutions. We approach one another with respect, as equals. Our goals are to expand cultural acumen, inspire inclusive actions, and execute business integration, and we are facilitating that through critical partnerships with organizations such as Kappa Alpha Psi®.
VOLUME CVII, ISSUE 3
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Fellowshipping with the Brothers
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Journal Notes
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Grand Polemarch's Message
14 Cover Story: CRWLC
38 The Kappa Foundation
52 A Look Back: Kappa History
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56 To the Chapter Invisible
78 The Directory
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Published quarterly by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., 2322-24 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19132-4590. Periodic postage paid at Philadelphia, PA and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: $10 per year. USPS 291-300. No responsibility may be assumed by the Journal for receipt or return of material, news stories, photographs or creative pieces. Postmaster: Send address changes to: 2322-24 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19132-4590. International Headquarters 2322-24 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19132-4590 Phone: (215) 228-7184 www.KappaAlphaPsi1911.com Belleville-O'Fallon (IL) Alumni Chapter mlhphotography@hotmail.com Feature Photographers Kevin Sellers Gregory L. Williams Graphic Artist Keith C. King Grand Historian Kevin P. Scott Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter GrandHistorian1911@gmail.com Advertising Sales Director Clifford D. Franklin St. Louis (MO) Alumni Chapter cliffordfuse@gmail.com Cell: (314) 406-3472 Assistant Editor Clarence Tucker Norfolk (VA) Alumni Chapter ctuckermpt@gmail.com Feature Writers Nicholas Cole Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III Earl T. Tildon Dr. Samuel Odom Aaron Williams Chapter Invisible Section Manager Aaron Williams Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter aaronwilli02@yahoo.com National Photographer Michael L. Hume The Kappa Alpha Psi ® Journal 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 Thomas L. Cunningham IV 2014–2015 Cleveland Ferguson III, Esq. 2016— Editor Cleveland Ferguson III, Esq. Jacksonville (FL) Alumni Chapter KappaJournal1914@gmail.com
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JOURNAL NOTES
The 34 th Administration Continues to Build Bridges Through the Pandemic—Exhibit A: C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference
the highest tradition of Kappa Alpha Psi. There is much to remember about Wilson. A man of vision, uncommon dedica- tion, and an unswerving devotion to assumed responsibilities, he stirred the imagination of Kappa Alpha Psi as it has never been stirred before. At the moment of his first election, this fertile mind outlined a program for Kappa Alpha [Psi] so dynamic that some were frightened lest 'he carries us too fast.' And carry us fast, he did. He was impatient with mediocrity. Having a well-ordered life and mind, he disliked confusion and aimless- ness. He wanted Kappa Alpha Psi to have a new focus, a new direction, new and wider horizons. What is more, he knew how to get these things done. He plunged into the task like a man in a hurry but one who knew precisely where he was headed. Being completely unselfish . . . wish- ing only the best for the good of Kappa Alpha Psi ... he exacted this kind of de- votion from those who served with him. Men of less stamina fell by the way-
for us the history of the Undergraduate Leadership Conference. See page 14. With the 34 th Administration's focus on leading us through the pandemic, CRWLC has also allowed for MTA to safely resume. This has many obvious benefits. We append a small gallery to Brother Odom's article. See page 22. In addition, Grand Polemarch Shelton continues his unprecedented acces- sibility through his layovers at airports, attending as many gatherings of the brothers as he can, and representing the Fraternity at the highest levels of Pan- Hellenic life and government. See e.g. pages 9, 10 and 13. Through his efforts and those of brothers and chapters included in this issue, you can see that while the pandemic has a certain grip on personal health, safety and commerce, it has not dimmed the cause of achievement in the interest of mankind. We hope you enjoy this issue.
Cleveland Ferguson III, Esq., Editor D espite the lingering effects and continued variants of COVID-19, the 34 th Admin- istration has adapted and thrived. Grand Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq., established a national COVID-19 Taskforce led by Brother Kevin Kyles. The taskforce is providing guidance grounded in the best available science that is allowing the Fraternity to safely host in-person events. The taskforce provided guidance that allowed the provinces to host in-person C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Con- ferences (CRWLC)...just in time to observe the 60 th Anniversary. The Fraternity has also taken this op- portunity to recognize the life and work of our longest-serving Grand Polemarch Charles Rodger Wilson. He was the 16 th Grand Polemarch and 19 th Laurel Wreath Laureate. In recognition of that commemoration, The Journal cover fea- tures this iconic photo of the 16 th Grand Polemarch--our first black and white cover of this administration. In the October 1961 issue Journal Editor William L. Crump , stated the fol- lowing about Grand Polemarch Wilson. "Elected six times to office (only once with token opposition), he served in
Yours in the Bond, Cleveland Ferguson III, Esq. Editor
side . . . the pace was too fast. The theme. TRAINING FOR
LEADERSHIP, has been dramatically implemented by the effectuation of the Undergraduate Leadership Confer- ence, the establishment of a national job placement facility, and clarification of Guide Right." ( The Kappa Alpha Psi Journal , Oct. 1961, p. 126). By all remembrances shared with me, Brother Crump's account in his editorial was spot on. We continue to benefit from Grand Polemarch Wilson's vision and legacy. In this issue, Grand Historian Kevin Scott provides us with the unique gift of Grand Polemarch Rodgers' Golden Anniversary speech and we are pleased to feature it in this issue of The Jour- nal . See page 52. National CRWLC Chairman Dr. Sam Odom also recounts
Above: Past Journal Editor and Grand Historian William L. Crump. Opposite page: the first report on the Undergraduate Leadership Conference which opened on August 24, 1961. The Kappa Alpha Psi Journal, October 1961, p. 144.
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For the first time in the 50 years of Kappa Alpha Psi’s existence, the fraternity embarked upon a plan this year which will, if conscientiously worked with, improve the calibre of its young men to a degree that they will be able to assume responsible position sof leadership and contribute to community living as fully qualified individuals capable of representing Kappa Alpha Psi at any point on the globe.” “
GRAND POLEMARCH’S MESSAGE
Achievement in Every Field, A Networking Gold Mine
Life, generally, and membership in Kappa Alpha Ps i® , specifically. In an environment that has many organiza- tions competing for our time, talents and resources, it is important to make the case that Kappa is an organization that offers a tremendous return on one’s investment. I, normally, have only a short time to make my elevator pitch when others ap- proach me about this topic but a short time is truly all I need. In my brief colloquy about the value and virtues of fraternal life I usually begin with an experience I had in New York just weeks after my initiation. It only takes a minute to share my line brother’s and my interaction with then Brother Mayor Tom Bradley while at- tending the Broadway play, “Fences.” Based only on our fraternity regalia, Brother Bradley, whom we had never met before, invited us into his VIP box and influenced my trajectory in the fraternity in ways I am sure he did not intend and I never imagined. I am certain my simple anecdote is merely exemplary of experiences broth- ers have had all over the world and throughout their Kappa lives. The main value Kappa has to its members is the membership itself. The networking op- portunities are enormous as we navigate our respective professions looking for that proverbial edge that gets our feet in doors smashes glass ceilings. So, it is important to know about each other and how we have achieved in every field of human endeavor. More importantly, we need to know how to contact each other and make those important “Nupe” connections. Social media and communication platforms like the Kappa Journal play a critical role in that regard.
With this issue, we continue the tradi- tion of highlighting our achievements and enhancing the Kappa network. That is why it is important to respond to the pleas of Journal Editor, Brother Cleveland Ferguson, when he asks for stories about our brothers and their career progression. We are doing so many great things across the nation but it is impossible for Brother Ferguson to know about them all. Province and lo- cal chapter Reporters are key to compil- ing the information we need to keep the membership informed. The Achieve- ment Academy, chaired by Brother Dr. Christopher Johnson, is another vehicle we use to expand our networking op- portunities but he, similarly, needs our help to identify achieving brothers in positions to help jump start the careers of aspiring members. So, we need your help to fortify my pitch. My elevator speech is simple. For more than 110 years we have estab- lished and nurtured an organization that, irrespective of many of the dif- ferences that divide our society as a whole, serves as a network of amazingly accomplished individuals who are will- ing to help each other in every possible way and promote the betterment of the Bond which in turn works to the benefit of our communities. Now, who could turn down membership in an organiza- tion like that?
Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. Grand Polemarch I am always amazed by the many achievements for well over a century and I continuously marvel at the contribu- tions they make to the world and the communities they serve. Together we have shared each other’s stories in all platforms of social media. I especially delight in posting our stories in Facebook on the 34 th Administration’s group page because it is important for us to know about the impressive things our brothers are doing in all aspects of their lives. I raise this subject because people often ask me to explain the value of Greek and varied accomplishments of our members. We have celebrated our brothers’
Yours in the Bond, Reuben A. Shelton, III, Esq. Grand Polemarch
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THE GALLERY
I had a fantastic weekend in Nashville, TN at the Tennessee State University homecoming celebration activities. Brothers of the Nashville (TN) Alumni Chapter and The Tennessee State University Chapter, the Alpha Theta of ΚΑΨ, were extremely gracious and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them at the Frat House and football game. I also joined my Divine 9 Council of Presidents colleagues, Dr. Glenda Glover (AKA) and Dr. David Marion (ΩΨΦ) at a glamorous Scholarship Gala Friday night. Other events included Breakfast with several brothers including Laurel Wreath Designee, Brother Amos Otis, Nashville Alumni Polemarch Brother Al Studstill, National NPHC Representative Brother Curtis Halley and Dr. Pete Bon- ner. My favorite activity was the Town Hall meeting with brothers across the nation that originated from the Nashville (TN) Alumni Chapter House. Thank you brothers all for a great time.” “
Whether in transit, as he was in New York, above left, or attending to fraternity business and is in town for a few days as he was in Nashville, Grand Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. works to ensure he has the opportunity to fellowship with the brothers.
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The Divine 9 Council of Presidents Discusses Biden- Harris Administration's Build Back Better Framework with a focus on Investments in and Support for HBCUs
By Britton Smith T he National Pan-Hellenic Council of Presidents met with Vice President Kamala Harris on October 6, 2021 to discuss the administration's Build Back Better agenda. This including the infrastructure bill's impact on the Black Community, access to capital, the racial wealth gap and equity matters. Among these matters, the Vice President's briefing included a discussion of Historically Black Colleges and Universities or HBCUs. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a proud history and legacy of achievement. In the face of discrimination against Black Americans by many institutions of higher education, HBCUs created pathways to opportunity and educational excellence for Black students throughout our Nation. HBCUs vary in size and academic focus and serve a range of diverse students and communities in urban, rural, and suburban settings. HBCU graduates are barrier-breaking public servants, scien- tists, artists, lawyers, engineers, educators, business owners,
and leaders. This list includes several leaders serving in the Biden-Harris Administration, including Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement Cedric Rich- mond, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Mi- chael Regan, and the first HBCU graduate to serve as Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. Despite this record of success, disparities in resources and opportunities for HBCUs and their students persist, and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted continuing and new challenges for HBCUs. To promote our shared prosperity and advance equity for all Americans, the Biden-Harris Administration has delivered. It continues to prioritize historic levels of in- vestment in and support for HBCUs. Those actions include:
Historic Investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan
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provided over $4 billion in relief funding to HBCUs, including approximately $1.6 billion in debt relief to 45 HBCUs (13 public institutions and 32 private institu- tions) earlier this year. • FY 21 Grant Funding. The Department of Educa- tion awarded a total of $1 billion in FY21 to build the capacity of institutions that serve large numbers of stu- dents of color and low-income students. $500 million of this funding went directly to HBCUs. • FY 22 Budget Request. The President’s FY22 budget requests a total of $887 million for HBCU-specific funding in Higher Education Act (HEA) Title III funds—an increase of $247 million over last year’s level. Specifically, this would triple the mandatory Ti- tle III funding at the Department of Education— for a total of $252 million. Title III mandatory funds provide formula grants to all HBCUs to invest in capacity- building initiatives and student success programs. The President’s budget request also includes funding for research opportunities at HBCUs, labs, IT infrastruc- ture, and workforce development programs in STEM as well as DOJ funding for Violence Against Women Act programs at HBCUs among other priorities at other agencies. • Teacher Quality Funding. Through his FY 22 budget request and his Build Back Better plan, President Biden has proposed $60 million for the Augustus Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program to support teacher preparation programs at HBCUs and MSIs. • • Strengthening the White House Initiative on HBCUs • • In September, President Biden signed an Executive Order to reestablish the White House Initiative on Ad- vancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs and issued a proclama- tion recognizing National HBCU Week. • The President’s Executive Order calls for a whole of government approach to help HBCUs respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and to bolster HBCUs by improving their access to Federal procure- ment, grants, and other funding, particularly in areas of research and development. • The Order specifically directs senior officials in the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President to consult and collaborate with the Initiative on policy priorities for HBCUs. • Federal agencies must submit plans by February 1st of each year to describe how they are increasing HBCU access to Federal programs and improving Federal recruitment activities at HBCUs to build pathways into Federal employment. • During HBCU week, President Biden also named
Tony Allen, President of Delaware State University, as Chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs. The Board, established by the Carter Administration, is meant to engage key stakeholders in fields such as education, business, and philanthropy to advance the goals of the HBCU Initiative.
Ensuring Continued Support for HBCUs through the Build Back Better Plan
• The President’s Build Back Better plan would provide tuition subsidies to students who attend HBCUs with a family income below $125,000. It would also provide free community college to students who attend one of the 11 HBCUs that are also community colleges. • Build Back Better also includes a $5 billion increase in funding for HEA Title III and Title V, which can be used by HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to strengthen their academic, administrative, and fiscal capabilities, includ- ing by creating or expanding educational programs in high-demand fields (e.g., STEM, computer sciences, nursing, and allied health). Build Back Better would di- rect an additional $2 billion toward building a pipeline of skilled health care workers with graduate degrees from HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs. • Recognizing the historic underfunding of HBCUs and other institutions that serve large numbers of students of color, the President’s plan also would invest $40 billion in upgrading research infrastructure, half which would be reserved for HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs. • The President also proposed creating a new national lab focused on climate that would be affiliated with an HBCU.
Vice President Harris committed to continuing the dialogue on issues of importance to the Council.
Part of the Biden-Harris Build Back Better Framework moved forward just before Thanksgiving. The $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021. Vice President Harris invites the members of Kappa Alpha Psi to receive outreach and updates from her office by sign- ing up at http://wh.gov/ovp-ope-iga-signup.
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THE GALLERY
Grand Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. showing love to the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. at their national convention.
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The 34 th Administration of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. commemorates 16 th Grand Polemarch and 19 th Laurel Wreath Laureate Charles Rodger Wilson in celebrating the 60 th Anniversary of the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference, which was initiated during our Golden Anniversary on August 24, 1961.
C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference (CRWLC) through the years. Clockwise from left: In 2021, the 34 th Grand Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton III. Esq. welcomes the brothers remotely ensuring the commemoration of the 60 th anniversary of the CRWLC presses ahead. Delegates take a test during the first CRWLC. A Keeper of Records Prezi slide on Kappa Alpha Psi's Constitution and Statutes. Junior Province Vice Polemarch (FL) Joshua E. Clements and Junior Province Vice Polemarch (AL) Michael S. Moore preside over the Undergraduate Roundtable at the Southern Province CRWLC. The C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference A Building Block for Fraternity Efficiency, On-Campus Success, and Lifelong Achievement
K appa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. under the 34 th Administration com- memorated 16 th Grand Polemarch and 19th Laurel Wreath Recipi- ent Charles Rodger Wilson by celebrating and marking the 60 th Anniversary of the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference led by Grand Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton, III, Esq. on August 24, 2021. Second to Kappa Alpha Psi National Service Program Guide Right (1922) (forerunner in Kappa for developing the youth of the Black community), the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference (1961) is the oldest core program in the his- tory of Kappa Alpha Psi ® . Today, in Second Century Kappa, we look back at 60 years of A chieve- ment in Every Field of Human Endeavor anchored in the theme of Training for Leadership since 1911 . The C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference is held annually in each province to educate and train undergraduate officers and alumni and members on the professional aspects of leadership to effec- tively execute individual chapter procedures and responsibilities. Simply put,
By Dr. Samuel Odom
COMMEMORATING 60 YEARS OF CRWLC: 1961- 2021
the Conference prepares the leaders of tomorrow for achievement, whether that is within the Fraternity, career vocation, or community. The theme Training for Leadership had been used to describe the goals of the Fraternity, thus by 1957, the membership wanted the theme to be implemented. The implementation came from 16th Grand Polemarch C. Rodger Wilson that a national program in the interest of undergraduates includes a formalized school of leadership training. Hence, the C. Rodger Wilson Leader- ship Conference was born during the Golden Anniversary of Kappa Alpha Psi. The inaugural Undergraduate Lead- ership Conference was held three days before the opening Golden Anniversary Grand Ch pter M eting in Indianapo- lis on August 24, 1961. According to The Story of Kappa Alpha Psi (Bryson, 2003), “56 Undergraduates from 51 different chapters assembled at the Van Orman Hotel for the first meeting of the Undergraduate Leadership Conference. Four types of experiences were provided: 1) experiences which lead to an under- standing of and insight into the nature of leadership, the dynamics of Kappa Alpha Psi and the concomitant, 2) experi- ences with actual fraternity problems and goals, leading to the development of abilities and skills in problem-solving and goal achievement, 3) experiences designed to effect positive and negative reinforcement in the form of criticism, evaluation, and re-exposure and 4) experiences in the production of such projects as a manual, recommendations and chapter leadership conferences. For three days and nights, those fifty- six young men dedicated themselves to Kappa Alpha Psi, seldom getting more than five hours any night. From all in- dications, the first national event of the Golden Anniversary Celebration was a resounding success.” The C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference will always be associated and identified in connection with the Golden Anniversary: 50 th Grand Chap- ter Meeting (Indianapolis, Indiana) of Kappa Alpha Psi.
Ebony/Jet Magazine features the service of the Omicron Chapter.. Omicron Queen circa 1957. Omicron Scrollers circa 1957. Used by permission from author.
C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference 1961.
According to The Journal of Kappa Alpha Psi, Number 3, “For the first time in the 50 years of Kappa Alpha Psi’s existence, the Fraternity embarked upon a plan this year which will, if conscientiously worked with, improve the calibre of its young men to a degree that they will be able to assume responsible positions of leadership and contribute to commu- nity living as fully qualified individuals capable of representing Kappa Alpha Psi at any time at any point on the globe... This expansive opening statement describes the giant step forward which took place during the three days prior to the Golden Anniversary Conclave… representing 51 different active chapters assembled with a staff of 13 alumni brothers to ‘critically analyze some of the issues facing the fraternity.’” Conference director Brother Dr. Harland L. Randolph a Fall 1952 initiate of the Ohio State University Chapter, the Zeta of Kappa Alpha Psi, described the Undergraduate Leader- ship Conference as “one of the Fra- ternity’s instruments for ensuring the
Holding high the adopted theme of the Golden Anniversary Conclave titled “Reclamation, Rededication, Reflec- tion and Projection,” Grand Polemarch C. Rodger Wilson led the throng in a parade towards the celebration of the Golden Anniversary, which included the Undergraduate Leadership Conference in Indianapolis. The Conference began as the brain- child of the 16 th Grand Polemarch C. Rodger Wilson, who pushed for such a conference throughout the late 1950s. By 1960, the idea had taken hold and it was agreed that the Conference would be planned to coincide with the Golden Anniversary celebration in Bloomington, IN. A faculty of educators, accountants and administrators was assembled to conduct the meetings and the ses- sions—attended by a group of some 60 undergraduates covered all manner of fraternity procedures and leadership practices.
The 1961 Undergraduate Leader- ship Conference was a huge success.
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COMMEMORATING 60 YEARS OF CRWLC :1961- 2021
continued growth and success of the Bond.…During the Conference, the undergraduate brothers were allowed to examine the Fraternity critically and, through the methods of analysis set down by Brother Randolph and his staff, arrive at some possible means of solving these problems.” As a result, in his report to the The Kappa Journal desk, Brother Randolph was able to report that “discussions during the conference indicated that the National Guide Right Program can serve as a program which meaningfully defines achievement in a group sense.” The Conference covered such vital prob- lems as programming, financing, getting pledges, keeping pledges, increasing the sense of the Bond, community participa- tion, etc. In its entirety, the Conference covered 19 vital areas of Kappa Alpha Psi life. Dr. Randolph summarized the Un- dergraduate Leadership Conference as follows: 1. The Undergraduate Leadership Conference revealed that there are a large number of Kappamen with leader- ship potential. 2. The Undergraduate Leadership Conference is an effective Grand Chap- ter program for the development of this potential. 3. Direction for critical analysis and effective planning include: a.) A view of leadership as a function of the group needs in a particular situ- ation and of one in which a number of brothers can occupy roles which direct and aid group achievement. b.) A re-evaluation of the importance of the individual brother particularly in terms of chapter-brother welfare and of providing increased polarization. c.) A list of suggested programs for evaluation and implementation which will be stated in a subsequent report.
C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference 1961.
staff members “for meritorious ser- vice to the Fraternity.” The following brothers were members of the staff, and responsible for the success of the Undergraduate Leadership Conference: (1) Jacob Adams, Aeronautical Engi- neer, Wright-Patterson Missile Division, Dayton, Ohio (2) Donald Addison, Research Assistant, Research Commu- nity Service, Kansas City, Missouri (3) Carl E. Anderson, Director of Student Life, Howard University, Washington, DC (4) Dr. Ralph J. Bryson, Profes-
sor of English, Advisor to Beta Zeta, Alabama State College, Montgomery, Alabama (5) Dr. Ames W. Chapman, Professor of Sociology, Central State College, Wilberforce. Ohio (6) Hu- bert Crouch, Dean of the Graduate School, Tennessee A & I, South Central Province Polemarch, Nashville, Tennes- see (7) Ernest H. Davenport, Certified Public Accountant, Detroit, Michigan: (8) Thomas Hawkins, Dean of Men, Hampton Institute, Hampton, Virginia (9) Charles Hoard, Dean of Students,
Dr. Randolph extended his thanks and congratulations to the conference
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COMMEMORATING 60 YEARS OF CRWLC: 1961- 2021
dergraduate leadership conference since Bloomington in 1961. The meetings are now typically held regionally, with some conducting several such conferences in each province to make the conferences more accessible. They are far more likely now to include a wider realm of issues such as professional development or the responsibility of the Black male. Nonetheless, the Conference continues to motivate and enlighten. And it richly fulfils the mission of allowing Kappa men to confer with their colleagues in leadership and to explore another dimension of their Bond. And that, the most salient feature of the C. Rodger Wilson Undergraduate Leadership Conference, has gone unaltered in the 25 years that have passed since that first meeting in Bloomington.” According to the Diamond Jubilee Report (1986) from The Journal , Vol LXXII, 4, “it was one of the most signifi- cant undertakings in all of Kappa Alpha Psi; a national program held at univer- sities in all 12 provinces that brings together thousands of undergraduate brothers…the vibrant and productive gatherings that make up what is now known as the C. Rodger Wilson Under- graduate Leadership Conference has taken stumbles aplenty since its infancy a quarter century ago. In fact, the Con- ference even lulled into dormancy for a considerable number of years before its revitalization in the late 1970s. All the same, it emerged and is today one of the most visible signs of the Fraternity’s commitment to developing undergradu- ate leaders.” By 1978, Brother James “Biff” Carter had assembled a committee to draft guidelines for a model Undergraduate Leadership Conference and traveled throughout the country to monitor its progress. The committee determined that the costs associated with an annual trip to Indiana would make attending the conference prohibitive for most undergraduates. Consequently, they adopted the idea of having the meetings on a province-by-province basis. “We notified each province polemarch and
Ebony/Jet Magazine features the service of the Omicron Chapter.. Omicron Queen circa 1957. Omicron Scrollers circa 1957. Used by permission from author.
C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference Silver Anniversary 1961 - 1986.
Lincoln University, Jefferson City. Mis- souri (10) E. Gregory Moore, Director of the Chicago Institute of Juvenile Research, Resident Training, National Guide Right Director, Chicago, Illinois (11) Henry E. Simmons, Head of the Central State College News Bureau, Wilberforce, Ohio and (12) Albert C. Spurlock, Industrial Art Teacher and track coach, Indianapolis. Indiana. The Undergraduate Leadership Con- ference was renamed C. Rodger Wilson Undergraduate Leadership Conference in 1979 for the brother who was most responsible for its birth following his passing, namely C. Rodger Wilson. Under the 24 th Administration of Kappa Alpha Psi led by Grand Polemarch Robert L. Gordon, the revived C. Rod- ger Wilson Undergraduate Leadership Conference was well on its way. In the last issue of the Diamond Ju- bilee year, The Journal looked at another major anniversary in the Fraternity. 1986 marked the 25 th anniversary of the first Undergraduate Leadership Conference. In retrospect, C. Rodger Wilson Lead- ership Conference began in 1961 as a modest conference held in classrooms at Indiana University sixty years ago. The
C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Confer- ence celebrated its Silver Anniversary under the 25 th Administration of Kappa Alpha Psi led by Grand Polemarch and 49 th Laurel Wreath Laureate Randall C. Bacon. According to then- Journal Editor Jon- athan P. Hicks, “In coming from far and wide to attend the Fraternity’s first un- dergraduate leadership conference, they listened to lectures and discussed the varied challenges of being leaders. They talked about the Fraternity, its traditions and its policies…They shared ideas about how they could best manage their chapters and, at the same time, make some contribution to their communities at a time in their lives when they were beginning to assume responsibility for themselves. Those undergraduate broth- ers gained a fair measure of confidence and insight from that first Conference. More than anything, they learned that the challenges they faced in being not only leaders of their chapters, but of their campuses and communities, were challenges they at least shared with each other. There was comfort in knowing that the battles of Upsilon, for example, were also the tasks confronting Alpha Iota. Much has changed about the un-
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COMMEMORATING 60 YEARS OF CRWLC :1961- 2021
Today, Brother Morris is a retired physician (Ophthalmologist) residing in Washington, DC. He shared thoughts about his time as an undergraduate and participant at the 1961 Undergradu- ate Leadership Conference on August 1, 2021. “I caught two rides to get to the Undergraduate Leadership Confer- ence, one of the most impressive things about the Conference was the number of brothers and songs, this was the first time I cried, we went through the rigors of initiation, but it was that Conference that made an impression on me. I was so impressed with the crowd and the things the brothers knew. It was one of the things that got me going in Kappa. That leadership conference was so informative for me because I was later selected as Polemarch. Everything that I was exposed to was new to me unless it was rudimentary like learning the Founders and important dates about
chapters and the Fraternity. It was so timely for me to attend that Conference in 1961. It has been impressive to read about how the Conference has grown over the years. I have been aware of the growth of the Conference and impor- tance of the substance of the Confer- ence and the things that youngsters do…the Conference brought tears to my eyes.” 63 rd Laurel Wreath Recipient Dr. Carl E. Anderson shared his thoughts on August 1, 2021 as a member of the faculty at the inaugural Undergradu- ate Leadership Conference in 1961 by conveying, “it was a great privilege to be asked to serve, I had been a great admirer of Grand Polemarch C. Rodger Wilson since my undergraduate days, it was interesting how I met him (Grand Polemarch C. Rodger Wilson) and he made it a point of visiting the Gamma Upsilon Chapter at Southern Illinois University, he felt such a kinship to us at the Gamma Upsilon, he paid dues to our chapter,”…“later I remember telephoning Grand Polemarch and 33rd Laurel Wreath Recipient H.H. Hollo- way in 1976 to expand the Undergradu- ate Leadership Conference to reach more undergraduates by expanding to each of the twelve (12) Provinces because it was previously National, one Conference, one location, with a maximum of 50 - 60 members. I recom- mended to Holloway to Provincialize it, therefore involving many more mem- bers in all of the provinces extending this opportunity to many more of our members, he agreed to bring my idea to the Grand Board of Directors, they approved the idea, and the Confer- ence became a province event in each province.” 64 th Laurel Wreath Recipient & El- der Watson Diggs Awardee Dr. Ralph J. Bryson shared his thoughts on August 1, 2021, as a member of the faculty at the inaugural Undergraduate Leadership Conference in 1961 by asserting “the conference was very impressive and certainly the members who were on the
told them that we wanted a coordinator in each province,” Brother Carter said. He not only instituted sessions on lead- ership and fraternity practices, but he also began voter registration training ses- sions. “The response was great,” Carter said. “There was a lot of input from the provinces and a lot of enthusiasm for the program.” Brother Dr. William Morris, MD, FACS, was one of the 56 undergradu- ates to attend the inaugural Under- graduate Leadership Conference in 1961. He is a Spring 1960 Initiate of the Wiley College Chapter, the Alpha Chi of Kappa Alpha Psi. Of interest, the chapter advisor at the time of his initiation for the Wiley College Chapter, the Alpha Chi of Kappa Alpha Psi, was Elbert Enrico Allen (Alpha Chi 1941), the future 21 st Grand Polemarch and 35 th Laurel Wreath Laureate.
C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference Silver Anniversary - 1961- 1986.
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bers at previous Grand Chapter Meet- ings of Kappa Alpha Psi.
The 1961 Undergraduate Leadership Conference summarization by Brother Dr. Harland L. Randolph was not lost on our Fraternity for 1) the revelation continues to exist in that there is a large number of Kappamen with leadership potential in Second Century Kappa (2021), 2) Undergraduate Leadership Conference is an effective Grand Chap- ter program for this potential (Both the Undergraduate Leadership Institute (ULI) and LEAD Kappa bear this fact as fraternity-sponsored programs today and, 3) direction for critical analysis and effective planning, addressing and underscoring group achievement, chapter-brother welfare, providing a list of suggested programs for evaluation/ implementation for undergraduate lead- ership, this was evident in the very first Undergraduate Leadership Summit in 2019 during the 14th National Found- ers’ Day in Tampa, Florida. History is essential to understand- ing, tradition, and distinctiveness and it facilitates the Bond of Fraternity noting from whence we came. The following chronological list below illustrates the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Confer- ence Committee Chairman from 1961 to the present 34th Administration of Kappa Alpha Psi ® Fraternity, Incorpo- rated in 2021.
Ebony/Jet Magazine features the service of the Omicron Chapter.. Omicron Queen circa 1957. Omicron Scrollers circa 1957. Used by permission from author.
C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference Southwestern Province 1986 and 2016 respectively.
faculty were very diligent, I felt we were contributing something to the cadre of undergraduate brothers, it was a great experience, we tried to make it the kind of thing that would be remembered, I felt the conference was great for Kappa Alpha Psi as well as the young men in Bloomington, Indiana at that time, …we enjoyed what we did at the Undergradu- ate Leadership Conference, the confer- ence was extremely remarkable.” Enter 2019! Then something hap- pened in December 2019 which change the course of humanity on the planet. The world stage was gripped by the CO- VID-19 pandemic. It reshaped how our Fraternity convenes, works, and engages
its members.
Zoom (virtual platform) is now a perennial a buzz word in terms of how the world works today and it is also synonymous with platforms like Webex, GoToMeeting, Google Hangouts, Cisco and Microsoft Teams. So much so, post-December 2019, Kappa Alpha Psi led its virtual Inaugural National 2020 C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Confer- ence on October 10, 2020, and it was a real game-changer. The cost-free virtual Inaugural National 2020 C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference netted a Sea of Kappa Men which included a record breaking 4,200 members which surpassed some official attendance num-
C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference Chairman 1961-2021
• Dr. Cleo W. Blackburn, 1961 • Dr. Harland L. Randolph, 1961-65 • Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor, 1965-66 • Ernest H. Davenport, 1966-67 • Herbert Q. Hibler, 1967-73 • Dr. I. W. E. Taylor, 1973-76 • Dr. Carl E. Anderson, 1976-77 • James “Biff” Carter, Jr., 1977-82 • Dr. Oscar L. Mims, Sr., 1982-85 • Dr Jesse L. Rancifer, 1985-88 • Cleophus Thomas, Jr., Esq., 1988-91 • Sheldon L. McAlpin, 1991-93
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• James E. Greene, Jr., 1993-95 • Chauncy E. Haynes & Robert W. Scales, Jr., 1995- 2003 • A. Bates Lyons & Jimmy McMikle, 2003-07 • Elwood Shannon, 2007-11 • Joseph K. Davis, Jr., 2011-13 • Lascel A. Webley, Jr., 2013-15 • Dr. Marvin D. Carr, 2015-17 • Vincent K. Bennett, 2017-19 • Dr. Samuel Odom, 2019-Present C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference celebrated its ‘Golden Anniversary’ (50th) during the Frater- nity’s Centennial (100th) Celebration (2011) under the leadership of the 31st Administration of Kappa Alpha Psi led by Grand Polemarch and 76th Laurel Wreath Recipient Dwayne M. Murray, Esq. Post both the Silver Anniversary and the Golden Anniversary of the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference, it was transformational forward-thinking and imagination that successfully propelled the Conference into Second Century Kappa. Our evolving undergraduate membership cohort, which makes up the rank and file within Kappa Alpha Psi, is perpetually diverse, fluid, agile. Our undergraduates are well-represent- ed on the world stage yesterday, today, and tomorrow in Every Field of Human Endeavor. The virtual Inaugural National 2020 National C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference served as benchmark inter- secting with the future tackling officer training, leadership opportunity, expert accessibility, attendance validation and certificate attendance/participation. At its core, the principle of the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference remains to prepare our leaders of tomorrow for achievement within the Fraternity, their careers and their respective communi- ties. The 34 th Administration of Kappa Alpha Psi authored and approved the 2021 - 2025 Strategic Plan led by Senior Grand Vice Polemarch Brother Jimmy
C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference National Chairman Dr. Samuel Odom provides the Leadership Address to the Southwestern Province in 2021.
McMikle (Chairman). Focus Area # 7 focuses upon Training For Leadership and strategy #2 is designed for the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Confer- ence. The goal is to develop, enhance, and expand opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and life readiness, whether for an internal, external, youth or adult audience. The C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Confer- ence Committee seized upon Strategy # 2 and are well underway with the overhaul and standardization of the Conference to provide transformational leadership opportunities that truly increase the leadership capacity of our membership with a strong focus on our undergraduate demographic. Within the Bond of Fraternity, we must be forever mindful and embrace the belief uttered by Founder Elder Watson Diggs circa 1916, “You must make our motto “Phi Nu Pi” mean something to you. The organization is not one for personal aggrandizement nor one to fulfill petty vanities. It is to aid you in becoming noble, wise and true.” The veracity of this statement now more than ever, serves as our true North directionally in tandem with fidelity as our compass and leadership as our roadmap.
cess and triumph on August 24, 2021… here’s to continuous genius, here’s to Training for Leadership since 1911, and finally, here’s to the upcoming Diamond Jubilee anniversary of the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference in 2036. Our team endeavors remain laser- focused upon exceptional mentoring and teacher-learner opportunity as the touchstone for Training for Leadership leaning and looking forward to the next sixty (60) years for the C. Rodger Wil- son Leadership Conference. A special acknowledgment and thanks to our twelve (12) C. Rodger Wilson Leader- ship Conference Province Chairmen specifically, Marcus D. Bailey (E.C.); Dr. DeAndre T. Howard (E); Keith Crosby (M.E.); Marvin O. Pettaway (M.W.); Lenell Pryor (N.C.); Anthony A. “Tony” Morgan (N.E.); Jahquan C. Hawkins (N); Samuel W. Bell (S.C.); Dr. Joseph W. Ducksworth (S.E.); John “Tony” Foster (S); Andre G. Harden (S.W.) & Timothy A. Lankford (W) for their reliable, resolute, unswerving com- mitment and meticulous work. φν π
Here’s to Kappa Alpha Psi as we mark sixty years of achievement, suc-
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MTA preceded the Southern Province C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference in 2021. Southern Province Polemarch Chauncy E. Haynes presided.
Ebony/Jet Magazine features the service of the Omicron Chapter.. Omicron Queen circa 1957. Omicron Scrollers circa 1957. Used by permission from author.
Guy L. Grant Awardee and Grand Board Member Jwyanza B. Watt and Western Province Polemarch Timothy C. Woods. Above Executive Director and Elder Watson Diggs Awardee John F. Burrell present the Southern Province Flag flown over International Headquarters to Southern Province Polemarch Chauncy E. Haynes, center. They are joined by 10 th Southern Province Polemarch Bertram K. Orum, 9 th Southern Province Polemarch Linnes Finney Jr., Esq., 7 th Southern Province Polemarch and Elder Watson Diggs Awardee Dr. Frank S. Emanuel and Grand Board Member Watt.
CRWLC National Chairman Dr. Samuel Odom is joined by Atmore (AL) Alumni Chapter Polemarch Vinson Bradley, Laurel Wreath Laureate and General Counsel Cleophus Thomas Jr., Esq., and John Ivery of the Montgomery (AL) Alumni Chapter. Above Southern Province Polemarch Chauncy E. Haynes pins Chauncy E. Haynes II (Zeta Chi 2021) with his membership pin.
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A General Retires and Continues the Call to Service Reflections from the 66 th Inspector General of the United States Army. by Dr. Sam Odom L t. Gen. Leslie C. Smith, (Iota Pi 1982) the 66 th Inspector Gener- al of the Army, was honored for more than 35 years of the U.S. Army service in a retirement ceremony “I am humbled to have served with you for the past six years,” he said of his time in the IG system. Smith, a native of Atlanta, graduated in 1985 from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He also completed Army ROTC and
Army Chief of Staff Gen. James Mc- Conville hosted the event, and lauded Smith’s contributions to the Army and the Inspector General system. “You have been phenomenal in support- ing Army Senior Leaders … through some unprecedented challenges,” Mc- Conville said. McConville presented Smith with the Distinguished Service Medal. McConville’s wife, Maria, presented Smith’s wife, Vanedra, with the Army Distinguished Public Service Medal for her many years of working with Army families.
earned a commission as a field artil- lery officer in 1983 with the Georgia Army National Guard. After entering active duty service, he transferred to the Chemical Corps. He also holds a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, as well as a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from National Defense University. During his career, he served in a number of command and staff positions. Of note, he served as a joint staff non-pro- liferation planner, and he commanded
at Conmy Hall August 27, 2021. He will then join Georgia Southern University to become the Carter Chair for Leadership at the Parker College of Business. “Basically, this means that I will take the 38 plus years of leadership experience and use that along with other partners to provide leadership opportu- nities,” stated Smith. Smith has served as The Inspector Gen- eral (TIG) since February 2018. Before that, he served as Deputy, The Inspector General (DTIG) from April 2015 until becoming TIG.
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NATIONAL NEWS
the 83 rd Chemical Battalion and the 3 rd Chemical Brigade. He deployed to the Middle East for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a general officer, served as the Chief of Chemical and the Commandant of the CBRNE School, the 20th Sup- port Command–Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) command. Smith also served as the commanding general of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri—the first Chemical Corps officer in either command position. Additionally, he was the first Chemical Corps officer to serve as The Inspector General of the Army. Smith attributed his success to his fam- ily, and took much inspiration from his father, an Army veteran of the Korean War who died when Smith was 5 years old. Many of his siblings and other fam- ily members also served in the military. “We are very proud of our family’s service, and we believe in service as a
family to this nation,” he said.
When reflecting on his celebrated career of 35-plus years as an US Army General Officer and mentor to so many in the US Army, he shared a story. “Once I write the book, which will be focused on starting from humble begin- nings, I know that the military will play a key role in the making of the man that I have become. I always knew that I wanted to serve in the military because of my father’s and other members of my family’s service to the nation. Although my father died when I was only five years old, my uncles, aunts and other key elements of my family kept his legacy alive by showing me what right looks like and telling me who I was at a young age. So, needless to say, this service to the nation was inculcated in me a few years ago. Growing up my church and school were also bedrock foundations for the need to serve. My mom somehow paid to send all three of her children to private el- ementary school. I still, to this day, don’t know how she did it. We did see her work additional jobs to help ends meet, but she never complained about what
Col. Isaac Manigault, the Investigations Division chief of the U.S. Army Inspec- tor General Agency and former acting DTIG, remarked on Smith’s ability to engage with everyone he met. “He em- phasized the importance of family, com- munication, relationships, hard work, and building trust,” Manigault said. “He always made everyone feel important.” The family’s Army connections don’t end with Lt. Gen. Smith’s retirement. His younger daughter, Tori, is a second lieutenant studying medicine at How- ard University in Washington, D.C. His older daughter, Taylor, is a civilian graphic designer. Smith and his wife will continue to reside in the Washington area. Maj. Gen. Donna Martin will become the 67th Inspector General of the Army and receive a promotion to lieutenant general on Sept. 2 at Joint Base Myer- Henderson Hall. Martin was previously the Provost Marshal General and the commanding general of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command.
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