Undergraduate Affairs Issue (National Founders' Day)

A LOOK BACK: KAPPA HISTORY

Kansas. It was the first African American organization at Washburn. Topeka Alumni Chapter was chartered April 14, 1925 as a result of the continued growth and graduation of brothers from the Washburn University Chapter, the Rho of Kappa Alpha Psi. African Americans from 1916- 56 at Washburn University suffered similar obstacles and the same social isolation as our Revered Ten Founders experienced at Indiana University. Kappa Alpha Psi gave meaning to their college life, it motivated members to stay in school to achieve academically and to ultimately graduate.

out remuneration. The end of World War II had brought home African American military men that had the opportunity to see the country, see the world, to fight for freedom for others and they were determined to have it for themselves. The GI Bill made it pos- sible for them to attend college. Brothers spoke of their “dreamed deferred”: Brother Onan Burnett spoke of the anger and frustration of seeing German POWs near the end of WWII that could eat in mess halls and attend movies that Black soldiers couldn’t. It was not some-

being stationed in the south than in Kan- sas. In the south I knew where I stood, where I could go and not go.” “It’s one thing to treat you like a second-class citizen,” said Brother Joe Douglas, “It’s another thing to make it the high law of the land and say that you are second-class citizen.” According to Brother Richard Ridley, “the idea that Blacks were inferior was a concept we would not accept! Even today it’s hard not to be bitter about it.” The disillusionment of the returning African American GIs and their determi- nation to make a

Many of the brothers of that era claim that if not for the Fraternity, they would not have graduated. Brothers Elisha Scott, Raymond Reynolds, Charles Bledsoe, Elisha Scott Jr. and James Woodson were role models to young African American boys in Topeka, Kansas who all wanted to grow up to become lawyers. This sentiment led many to Washburn University, Kappa Alpha Psi and the law. After World War II the next gen- eration of African American young men returned from the war went to Wash-

better life for them- selves and their families combined with frus- tration of NAACP leaders in Topeka, Kansas to capture the at- tention of the school

board came

burn, pledged Kappa and were mentored by Topeka Alumni. Albeit, they moved from the Washburn University Chapter, the Rho of Kappa Alpha Psi to Topeka Alumni, Kappa served as the cornerstone of their lives. Kappa breathed commitment, tenacity and service into each of them and their respective lives. The Washburn University Chapter, the Rho of Kappa Alpha Psi and the Topeka Alumni Chapter were extremely close, often jointly hosting fraternity meetings. Often the meetings turned to discussions and debates over school segregation, strategies and associ- ated legal cases. This also was the case in the popular poker games that occurred after chapter meetings. Almost all the brothers who were lawyers participated in the background for the Brown case with-

together in 1950 and the result was the Brown v. Topeka Board of Education Case. Opposite page: Elisha Scott, Sr., Esq., far left, John Scott, Esq. Above: Charles Scott Sr., tour of duty in Europe during WWII. fifth from left on back row. Authors Kevin L. Burnett (Beta Psi 1975) National Guide Right Commission Chairman Dr. Samuel Odom (Beta Gamma 1993) Healthy Kappa Chairman (SW) Military and Veterans Affairs Commission

thing he was ready to endure when he came home. Brother Charles Scott after fighting in Europe in World War II became disillu- sioned when he returned home. Accord- ing to Charles Scott Jr. (University of Kansas Chapter, the Mu of Kappa Alpha Psi & Charles’s son) said “it was his hope and expectation that after having fought and defended the freedoms and liberties in this country...that America would be ap- preciative and reward he and his children the same liberties that he had fought and risked his life defending.” Brother George Thompson emphati- cally stated “racially times were difficult in Topeka, Kansas...I was more comfortable

Cleophus Thomas, Jr., Esq., (Eta Chi 1974) General Counsel

138 | THE JOURNAL

Publishing achievement for 105 years

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