ELDER WATSON DIGGS AWARDEES
J ohn Sylvester Newman Jr., was born in Danville Virginia; he is the middle child of three by his parents John Sr., and Betty Newman. He has the distinction of being one of a few NBA players who not only has a Bachelors’ degree from the University of Richmond but, also a Master’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. His basketball career helped him lead the University of Richmond to several CAA championships during his tenure where he is still the university’s all-time leading scorer. Brother Newman was the 29 th player selected in the 1986 NBA draft and became known as an exceptional marksman in the pros. The legendary player was proudly inducted into the 2011 class of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. Affectionately called “J New,” he is in a select group where his junior high school, high school, and college jerseys have all been retired with his number never to be worn again by any other athlete that plays for those schools.
Brother Newman started The Newman Group, an umbrella company for all his business ventures, such as the Johnny New- man Signature gas stations which are located in low-income areas and provide employment for 75 employees. In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Brother Newman has committed his talents and time to building awareness about the needs of our youth through the Johnny Newman Foundation for Youth. He has expanded his youth services to the Danville area to in- clude residential services, one-on-one mentoring, and specialized care assistance for challenged youth in the school system. He has the honor of being the current National Sports/Entertainment Chairman for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. This is a position that was originally created by the 29 th administration and Grand Polemarch Howard L. Tutman, Jr., who ap- pointed Newman the first ever chairman of this commission. Additionally, Newman is Chairman of the Youth Council of the Workforce Investment Board and the Program Chairman for the Henrico County Virginia Police Athletic League (PAL).
Newman is married to Velvet Newman and they have four lovely children, and two dogs. His son John Newman III is a 2011 initiate of the Saint Augustine College Chapter, The Gamma Omicron of Kappa Alpha Psi.
We salute ELDER WATSON DIGGS AWARDEE JOHNNY S. NEWMAN, II!
“I live by the mantra Achievement is my goal...in my private life, business life and Kappa life...I say thank you to the Fraternity for making another one of my dreams come true. I want to extend a congratulations to the four other outstanding brothers that make up this year's class of Elder Watson Diggs recipients and sharing this wonderful and humbling experience with me...Lastly to all the undergraduate brothers, please stay connected and active in Kappa. It will lead you to every one of your dreams.”
30 | SUMMER 2021 ♦ THE JOURNAL
VIRTUAL 85 TH GRAND CHAPTER MEETING
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