100 YEARS
THE ST. LOUIS (MO) ALUMNI CHAPTER CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL
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places it previously had dreamt of going to. The expanded design called for new level of production, that included speak- ers, musical contributions and histori- cal context, all brought into a concise production that would be engaging for viewers of all walks of life. Outside of the event itself, the incorporation of marketing, merchandise and community outreach efforts that previously would have gone unrealized if not for the pivot in approach brought on by the restric- tions of the pandemic. “The Pandemic really took the steam out of our original plans,” says Brother Clayton Evans, chairman of the Centen- nial Celebration planning committee. “Original plans consisted of a week-long celebration, hosting several community and Guide Right events, a Centennial Gala and wrapping up with a ‘brothers only chat’ with Grand Polemarch Shel- ton. The Pandemic and resulting restric- tions made it necessary to plan a virtual celebration taking into consideration the limitations of such an event.” The newly expanded upon event featured a re-branding to kick off the second century of the chapter in the process. One that will be geared in in- novation and inclusiveness, with a spirit of both reclamation and tradition that keeps Kappa both rooted in its princi-
ples, but also constantly moving forward. The Virtual Centennial Celebration was the first of what will be a yearlong celebration marking the chapter’s 100- year anniversary. There is still the goal of having the type of large-scale in-person celebration that was initially planned, as well as some of the brothers-only events to truly cherish the bond together. The celebration will also carry into the new year, as 2022 will mark the 100th anniversary of the Guide Right program, which will also be celebrated in St. Louis. Past St. Louis Alumni Polemarch and member of the National Guide Right Committee Sam Boyd III is already planning for how the chapter will mark this occasion, as the Guide Right and Kappa League stay at the heart of St. Louis Alumni’s initiatives. “The Guide Right program was set out to help young men succeed in the educational careers. It has remained highly important for St. Louis Alumni to keep this part of our lineage not only alive, but thriving,” says Boyd. “Technol- ogy has made it easier to do the things we have always done, but now we can extend our reach much further. One question I always wonder about is if we are fulfilling the vision of the Brothers Leon W. Stewart and J. Jerome Peters, and I feel that we are staying true to it.”
While navigating the ever-changing current environment presented challeng- es to mark the occasion, the experience proved to be a challenge that helped to galvanize the resolve of brothers through- out. Overall, at the height of the event, well over 100 brothers were online for the livestream from different parts of the nation. Meanwhile, others gathered in the St. Louis area in socially-distanced environments to celebrate and fellow- ship. “The Centennial Celebration pre- sented brothers with the opportunity to treasure and truly participate in this once in a lifetime special Kappa event” says Brother Evans. “Brothers knew the significance and the bond was elevated through the brotherly experiences shared in planning, the general commitment and overall brotherly support.” Echoing that sentiment, Polemarch Coleman leans into feeling the gravity of hard work and perseverance of seeing a vision through. “Many times, I told the Chapter that we were chosen to be here at this very time and place for this reason,” he says. “My reward is know- ing that our charter members would be proud to know that a century after their hard work and load lifting, their chapter is still intact and still setting the standard by which others reach to achieve.”
2021 St. Louis (MO) Alumni Kappa Khorus.
22 | SPRING 2021 ♦ THE JOURNAL
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