Travel back to Nassau, Bahamas for our National Founders Day Observance, and take leadership development lessons that will be applicable to you into the far future!
AMPLIFYING UNDERGRADUATE ACHIEVEMENT
WINTER 2025-2026
An Official Publication of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
kappaalphapsi1911.com
DIAMONDS IN THE SKY NASSAU 17TH BIENNIAL NATIONAL CELEBRATION THE BAHAMAS JANUARY 7-11, 2026 FOUNDERS’ DAY THE 17TH BIENNIAL NATIONAL FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION HIGHLIGHTS
NASSAU CELEBRATION FOUNDERS’ DAY 17TH BIENNIAL NATIONAL THE BAHAMAS JANUARY 7-11, 2026
THE BOND OF PHI NU PI WINTER 2025-2026
Undergraduate brothers displaying that ‘Good Ole Kappa Spirit,’ January 9, 2026.
WINTER 2025-2026 ♦ THE JOURNAL 1
NASSAU CELEBRATION FOUNDERS’ DAY 17TH BIENNIAL NATIONAL THE BAHAMAS JANUARY 7-11, 2026
THE JOURNAL PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT
THE BOND OF PHI NU PI WINTER 2025-2026
Junior Grand Vice Polemarch Victor L. Mattison, Jr., Undergraduate Grand Board Member Isaiah M. Robinson, Grand Strategus Lorenza A. Russell Jr., and Undergraduate Grand Board Member Cameron D. Morgan.
2 THE JOURNAL ♦ WINTER 2025-2026
THE BOND OF PHI NU PI WINTER 2025-2026
WINTER 2025-2026 ♦ THE JOURNAL 3
CONTENTS WINTER 2025-2026
IN THIS ISSUE 6 GRAND POLEMARCH’S MESSAGE 8 JOURNAL NOTES 10 UNDERGRADUATE NEWS New platforms to amplify undergraduate achievement 14 UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT Student-leader Tyson Bates’ summer on Capital Hill 18 CHAPTER NEWS Theta Theta wins several undergraduate awards 20 Detroit (MI) Alumni wins the First Motor City 1911 Cup 22 The Rise of Slidell (LA) Alumni 24 Zeta Delta turns 55 28 Theta Iota Celebrated Its Golden Anniversary 32 Elizabeth City (NC) Alumni is a model of achievement 76 ACHIEVEMENT Dr. Willie Underwood named AMA’s President-Elect 78 ALUMNI NEWS
DIAMONDS IN THE SUN 34
The 35th administration redefined leadership on the sun soaked shores
By Cleveland Ferguson III, Esq.
NASSAU CELEBRATION FOUNDERS’ DAY 17TH BIENNIAL NATIONAL THE BAHAMAS JANUARY 7-11, 2026
RC Williams continues to make his mark on the music industry
84 TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE 96 KAPPA ALPHA PSI® DIRECTORY
FREEDOM OF THE BLACK PRESS Pioneering Black newspaper executive E. Washington Rhodes By Kevin P. Scott 70
AMPLIFYING UNDERGRADUATE ACHIEVEMENT
WINTER 2025-2026
An Official Publication of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
kappaalphapsi1911.com
DIAMONDS IN THE SKY NASSAU 17TH BIENNIAL NATIONAL CELEBRATION THE BAHAMAS JANUARY 7-11, 2026 FOUNDERS’ DAY THE 17TH BIENNIAL NATIONAL FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION HIGHLIGHTS
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREGORY L. WILLIAMS
4 THE JOURNAL ♦ WINTER 2025-2026
THE JOURNAL PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT
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 DEPUTY EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Aliatu T. Burke New Rochelle-White Plains (NY) Alumni Chapter aliatu.burke@gmail.com @aliatuburke FEATURE WRITERS Edward Cole Judson L. Haynes Quentin Mitchell Ralph B. Williams CHAPTER INVISIBLE SECTION MANAGER Aaron S. Williams Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter aaronwilli02@yahoo.com NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Michael L. Hume Belleville-O’Fallon (IL) Alumni Chapter mlhphotography@hotmail.com FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS Gregory L. Williams Jacksonville (FL) Alumni Chapter Kevin Sellers Philadelphia (PA) Alumni Chapter GRAND HISTORIAN Kevin P. Scott Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter GrandHistorian1911@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR John F. Burrell Executive Director jburrell@kappaalphapsi1911.com (215) 228-7184 INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
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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.
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WINTER 2025-2026 ♦ THE JOURNAL 5
THE JOURNAL PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT
GRAND POLEMARCH’S MESSAGE A Season of Service
Brothers, F all is a season that signals pur- poseful transformation across our nation. The fall foliage ushers in the visual color change of leaves along with the onset of shorter days and cooler temperatures, reminding us that progress in changing times requires awareness, reflection, and resolve. This season challenges us to assess our position and strategy, while sharpening our focus, and prepar- ing for sustained achievement with intentionality. For Kappa Alpha Psi®, the fall season also marks the start of a new fiscal year, which brings the opportunity to write an extraordinary and bold new chapter in the continu- ing story of our fraternal greatness. As we welcome the Fall Edition of The Kappa Alpha Psi Journal , we are reminded that the strength of our Fraternity is found not only in its proud history, but in the living lead- ership that carries our noble purpose forward. This issue reflects that truth, highlighting the energy, vision, and commitment of our undergraduate national leadership, while capturing the breadth of excellence unfolding across the fraternal landscape. Our undergraduates stand at the intersection of tradition and inno- vation. I am extremely proud of our current generation of collegiate leaders. They are stewards of the
“OUR UNDERGRADUATES STAND AT THE INTERSECTION OF TRADITION AND INNOVATION. I AM EXTREMELY PROUD OF OUR CURRENT GENERATION OF COLLEGIATE LEADERS. ”
values established in 1911, while boldly shaping the future of Kappa Alpha Psi through scholarship, service, and prin- cipled leadership. Their stories, and those shared throughout this edition, affirm that Kappa men on all levels continue to answer the call to lead with discipline, integrity, and purpose. From undergraduate to alumni chap- ters, from local initiatives to national impact, the work of Kappa Alpha Psi remains rooted in achievement and guided by unity. So, as we move into a new fraternal year, let us recommit ourselves to living out the spirit and true meaning of our fundamental purpose and five objectives. Advancing Kappa during this generation of our organizational existence is our collective responsibility. May we continue to lead
with vision, serve with commitment and humility, and represent our Fraternity with distinction in every arena. I extend my gratitude to all our brothers whose dedication and service are reflected in these pages. May this edition inspire us to remain stead- fast in our fundamental purpose of achievement and united in our bond of brotherhood. So, dive into the follow- ing pages … and enjoy the stories of achievement spotlighted therein.
Yours in the Bond,
Jimmy McMikle Grand Polemarch, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
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JOURNAL NOTES
The Work That Remains Ours, Why Kappa Men Stay to Build
I n an era when it has become fashionable to publicly renounce membership in Divine Nine orga- nizations, Kappa Alpha Psi’s 17th National Founders’ Day observance in Nassau, The Bahamas offered a powerful counter-narrative: building is harder than breaking, and infinitely more worthy. This issue is devoted to that truth. Across a long weekend shaped by reflection, mentorship, strategy, and fellowship, brothers encountered not nostalgia but responsibility. Each speaker chosen did not gather merely to celebrate the past. They gathered to demonstrate what stewardship looks like when achievement meets obligation. Their presence—and their message made plain that Founders’ Day is not simply a commemoration. It is a recommitment. On New Providence Island, where the morning light seemed to rise just a little brighter over the Atlantic Ocean, three Soldiers of Achievement who are retired from the U.S. Armed Forces; General Dennis L. Via, Lieutenant General Leslie C. Smith, and Major General Hawthorne “Pete” Proctor, reminded the brotherhood what it means to remain engaged in the work. Brother Via, the 72nd Laurel Wreath Laureate, framed leadership in terms
“... THE COURAGE OF THE TEN YOUNG MEN WHO GATHERED IN BLOOMINGTON IN 1911. THIS NATIONAL OBSERVANCE HONORED SOMETHING EQUALLY IMPORTANT: THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GENERATIONS WHO FOLLOWED THEM.”
that were both practical and pro- found. Time, he reminded brothers, is measured not merely in minutes, but in moments. And he delivered a warn- ing as relevant to fraternity life as to national command: “A vision without resources is a hallucination.” Institu- tions do not strengthen themselves automatically. They are strengthened when members commit their cred- ibility, their experience, and their influence to shaping outcomes rather than retreating from difficulty. Brother Smith, the 84th Laurel Wreath Laureate, transformed the ballroom into a leadership laboratory. Rather than offering abstraction, he invited conversation. Rather than presenting hierarchy, he modeled accountability. Brothers were asked
to speak candidly about the differ- ence between good leadership and ineffective leadership—and about the responsibility each generation carries to prepare the next. His challenge was unmistakable: if an aspiring oral surgeon, engineer, educator, or PGA professional leaves a Kappa gathering without connection to a mentor, then the opportunity before us has not yet been fully realized. Brother Proctor, the inaugural Chairman of the Military & Veterans Affairs Commission of Kappa Alpha Psi, brought a perspective rooted in continuity and sacrifice. Seven of Kappa’s ten founders served in the military and he reminded the room, four during World War I. Their exam- ple did not authorize later generations
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THE JOURNAL PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT
JOURNAL NOTES
Five generations of Kappa men: learning, bonding, and building together—evidence that the work that remains ours endures because Kappa men stay, build, and achieve.
to withdraw when the work became difficult. It obligated them to remain engaged. Reflecting on the language of earlier struggles for justice, he observed, “In my day, we used to sing, ‘We shall overcome.’ Today, we ought to say, ‘We’re not going back.’” His words carried particular force in a moment when public discourse often rewards reaction more than resilience. The 73rd Laurel Wreath Laureate Rodney C. Adkins is a retired senior IBM executive who helped lead development of the company’s Watson artificial intelligence, distilled lead- ership into three essentials: curiosity, skills, and culture. Yet the most reveal- ing moment of his remarks came in the question he posed to himself—and to every brother present: “How can I do more for Kappa?” His answer was prac- tical. He invested in undergraduate brothers and he demystified board- rooms. Brother Adkins also reminded
the room that “Kappa lives in you. It is your superpower.” Founders’ Day celebrations across the Fraternity traditionally honor the courage of the ten young men who gathered in Bloomington in 1911. This national observance honored something equally important: the responsibility of the generations who followed them. The 35th Administration has pur- posefully shaped National Founders’ Day programming as a leadership devel- opment experience. The format itself reflects a belief that the Fraternity’s future depends not only on remember- ing our Founders, but also on preparing our successors. Conversations were structured across generations, networks were activated across professions, and expectations were clarified across chapters and provinces. The 17th Biennial National Found- ers’ Day observance made one truth
unmistakably clear; that departure is easy and stewardship requires courage. Grand Polemarch Jimmy McMikle and the 35th Administration reminds us that membership in Kappa Alpha Psi is not nostalgia. It is responsibility. It is mentorship. It is scholarship. It is civic engagement. It is preparation for leadership. It is love of the Bond expressed through action. For the Brother who pawned his watch in 1911—and for the young men who have yet to cross the Burning Sands—this observance renewed a shared commitment: To remain, to lead, and to do the work that remains ours.
Yours in the Bond,
Cleveland Ferguson III, Esq. Editor, The Kappa Alpha Psi Journal
WINTER 2025-2026 ♦ THE JOURNAL 9
UNDERGRADUATE NEWS
Amplifying Undergraduate Achievement
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.’s Office of Undergraduate and University Affairs is placing Undergraduate Accomplishments Front and Center
By Daniel I. Nixon
T he strength of our Fraternity’s future is measured not only by who we initiate, but also by how intentionally we invest in the voices, achievements, and growth of our undergraduate brothers. In support of that commitment, sev- eral advancements have recently been introduced to amplify undergraduate voices and highlight the remarkable accomplish- ments taking place across our campuses. These efforts include the launch of the Undergrad- uate Instagram® page on Founders’ Day, the contin- ued development of the Undergraduate Newsletter, the Spring Graduation Booklet , and the Fall 2025 Undergraduate Academic Report , each designed to showcase excellence, strengthen communication, and reinforce the standards of achievement that define Kappa Alpha Psi®.
“... SEVERAL ADVANCEMENTS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN INTRODUCED TO AMPLIFY UNDERGRADUATE VOICES AND HIGHLIGHT THE REMARKABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS TAKING PLACE ACROSS OUR CAMPUSES.” Director of Undergraduate and University Affair and 98th Guy L. Grant Awardee Daniel I. Nixon, Junior Grand Vice Polemarch Victor L. Mattison, Jr., Coordinator of Undergraduate and University Affairs Isaiah J. Phillips, are part of Kappa Alpha Psi’s undergraduate brain trust.
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SCAN TO VIEW AND FOLLOW THE UNDERGRADUATE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT
UNDERGRADUATE NEWS
“ THE UNDERGRADUATE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT SERVES AS A DYNAMIC RESOURCE NOT ONLY FOR OUR BROTHERS, BUT ALSO FOR COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY PARTNERS, CORPORATE SUPPORTERS, COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS, ASPIRANTS, AND THE BROADER PUBLIC.”
promotes successful pro- grams, inspires new ideas, and allows chapters across all twelve provinces to rep- licate impactful efforts and elevate their local presence. Follow @kapsi1911_ug The Monthly Undergraduate Newsletter was introduced last year and continues to grow as a platform for storytelling and recogni- tion. This year’s edition expanded its content to include additional resources for undergrad- uate development while further highlighting the impressive achievements of our brothers nationwide. From brothers receiving invitations to the 2026 NFL Combine, to brothers managing $25,000 invest- ment portfolios, launching entrepreneurial ventures, and excelling academically
and professionally, the newsletter cap- tures the diverse ways undergrad- uate members embody the ideals of achievement in every field of human endeavor. The Graduation Booklet serves as a special recognition of undergraduate brothers complet-
The Undergraduate Instagram Account serves as a dynamic resource not only for our brothers, but also for college and uni- versity partners, corporate supporters, community stakeholders, aspirants, and the broader public. Representing more than 350 colleges and universities, the platform highlights how undergraduate broth- ers are leading, serving, and achieving across the country. Through features that showcase community service initiatives, chapter recognitions, individual accomplishments, Grand Chapter programs, leader- ship spotlights, and practical tips and resources, the page provides a national window into undergraduate excel- lence. Beyond recognition, the platform also functions as a collaborative tool that
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
GRADUATING UNDERGRADUATES CLASS OF 2025
Achieveme nt
1
ing one of life’s most significant milestones. Released each spring, the publication acknowledges undergradu- ate brothers who graduated during the previous summer,
The Class of 2025 Graduating Booklet .
academic perseverance and forward-looking ambition as these men transition into the next phase of their profes- sional and fraternal journeys. The Fall 2025 Undergrad- uate Academic Report marked a record-break-
fall, and current spring semesters. Each entry
highlights the brother’s uni- versity, major or minor, and post-graduation plans, offer- ing a collective celebration of
ing submission cycle. Last year, the Office
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WINTER 2025-2026 ♦
SCAN TO READ THE LATEST MONTHLY UNDERGRADUATE NEWSLETTER
UNDERGRADUATE NEWS
“ THE MONTHLY UNDERGRADUATE NEWSLETTER WAS
of Undergraduate and University Affairs implemented a Jotform submission system to streamline the reporting process and improve accessibility for chapters. In the second semester of utilizing this system, the Fraternity achieved an impressive 96 percent sub- mission rate. This level of participation reflects both the accountability of our undergraduate chapters and the growing culture of academic transparency within the Fraternity. The report highlights chapter semester GPA, cumula- tive GPA, the number of members earning Dean’s List recognition at their respective institutions, accrediting bodies, com- munity service hours completed per chapter, and philanthropic dollars donated. Supporting the academic success of our undergraduate members remains paramount, and these reporting bench- marks help ensure that chapters remain aligned with the standards of scholarship and opera- tional excellence expected within Kappa Alpha Psi. Moreover, these measures reflect best practices recog- nized by our counterparts
INTRODUCED LAST YEAR AND CONTINUES TO GROW AS A PLATFORM FOR STORYTELLING AND RECOGNITION.”
in the North American Interfraternity Conference, reinforcing the Fraternity’s commitment to maintain- ing a national standard of excellence in undergraduate development. “Working hand in hand with Brother Director Nixon and the Office of Undergraduate Affairs, we consistently strive to support our undergraduate chapters and ensure they have the structure and guidance needed to meet the expectations of our Fraternity. One thing I see often when working with our undergraduates is their willingness to put in the work and step up when the standard is set, explains Junior Grand Vice Pole- march Victor L. Mattison, Jr. “This progress is a testament to the effort and accountability shown by
our undergraduate chapters as well as the guidance and leadership of our those who oversee and support them. We must continue building on this momentum and maintaining the standards of our Fraternity.” Collectively, these advance- ments reflect a
Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc. Academic Report Fall 2025
broader commit- ment to ensuring that the accomplishments, voices, and academic excellence of our under- graduate brothers are both recognized and elevated across the Fraternity. When we intentionally document, celebrate, and share these achievements, we strengthen not only individual chapters, but
The Fall 2025 Undergraduate Academic Report .
the collective legacy of Kappa Alpha Psi. By
continuing to invest in vis- ibility, accountability, and recognition, we affirm that the future of our Fraternity is being shaped today by undergraduate men who are truly leading, serving, and achieving in every field of human endeavor. ♦
12 THE JOURNAL ♦ WINTER 2025-2026
XXX
MEET THE COORDINATOR OF UNDERGRADUATE AND UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS
ISAIAH J. PHILLIPS (Pi Pi 2020) joined the International Headquarters staff in November 2025. Prior to joining IHQ, the Cincinnati, OH native served as a Patient Experience Assistant at a regional hospital in Kentucky, where he developed strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills while working in a fast paced and service driven environment. These experiences strengthened his ability to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and navigate complex organizational settings. Essential skills he now employs to support undergraduate brothers and campus relationships across the Fraternity. Phillips earned a B.S. degree in Sociology in May 2025 from Northern Kentucky University. During his undergraduate years, he demonstrated a clear commitment to leadership and service, serving as the Pi Pi Chapter Vice Polemarch, the South Central Province Junior Province Vice Polemarch and St. Jude Coordinator, and as a member of the National Political Awareness Committee. Through these roles, he gained a firsthand understanding of the responsibilities, expectations, and leadership required to sustain strong undergraduate chapters. In recognition of his impact, he was named the 2025 South Central Province Undergraduate Brother of the Year and is a ULI Lambda Class Fellow. His experiences and leadership within the Fraternity provide him with valuable insight into undergraduate engagement.
U NDERGRADUATE L EADERSHIP I NSTITUTE SUMMER 2026 MU CLASS
SCAN FOR APPLICATION
CHARLOTTE ,NC MAY 29-JUNE 6, 2026 *FOR UNDERGRADUATE BROTHERS ONLY
APPLICATION LINK: FORMS.GLE/RC4BZX6FA8U2MPKE8
IMPORTANT DATES EARLY APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 15, 2026 GENERAL APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2026 SPRING 2026 INITIATE DEADLINE: ONE (1) WEEK AFTER INITIATION SELECTIONS ANNOUNCED: MAY 1, 2026
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT KAPUGAPPLICATIONS@GMAIL.COM
FALL 2025 ♦ THE JOURNAL 13
UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
From Charlotte to Capitol Hill How student-leader Tyson Bates turned representation into action and brought an HBCU voice to the halls of Congress
Government Association for the 2024-2025 academic year, running on a platform that emphasized respect for students’ time, clear com- munication, and responsive leadership. Classmates and uni- versity communications often describe him as a political science scholar, which is as much about how he approaches issues as it is about grades. He has been active in the Political Science Student Associ- ation, where he connects classroom theory with the lived realities of his peers, many of whom are first-gen- eration college students balancing work, family responsibilities, and school. Bates is also deeply rooted in campus culture and tradition. He has been selected as Mister Senior, a role that combines the roles of ambassador, morale builder, and storyteller for the senior class. During JCSU’s historic Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association football championship run in 2025, university coverage high- lighted Bates in that role,
By Quentin Mitchell
O n a crisp November afternoon in 2024, as thousands of people filled Charlotte’s PNC Music Pavilion to hear Vice President Kamala Harris speak, a young voice stepped to the microphone first. The program listed him simply as “college student, introducer.” Yet for Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), for Historically Black Colleges and Univer- sities (HBCUs) across the country, and for a growing circle of online supporters, the moment carried a much larger meaning. The student was Tyson Bates, a political science major, student-athlete, and student government leader at JCSU. In a firm, mea- sured cadence that belied his age, Bates welcomed the crowd, spoke about the stakes of the election, and then introduced the vice president of the United States. For many in the audience, it was their first time hearing his name. For his campus community, it was confirmation of what
Brother Tyson Bates in the US Capital Rotunda during his Congressional summer internship.
they already believed: that Bates is one of the emerging voices of a new generation of HBCU leadership. That moment on stage in Charlotte would prove to be a turning point, not an endpoint. Months later, Bates would trade the bright lights of a campaign rally for the marble corridors of Capitol Hill, serving as a con- gressional intern in the U.S. House of Representatives and carrying his HBCU story
directly into the nation’s policy-making arena. Bates is a rising senior and political science scholar from Charlotte, NC, study- ing at Johnson C. Smith University, the historically Black institution founded in 1867 on the city’s west side. On campus, he is rarely described with a single title. He is a student-athlete, resident assistant, campus ambassador, and a highly visible leader. He was elected vice president of the Student
14 THE JOURNAL ♦ WINTER 2025-2026
UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
noting that he “carried his forefathers and mothers on his shoulders” as the Golden Bulls celebrated a long-awaited title. For Bates, the phrase is not a rhetorical flourish; it reflects a family and institu- tional lineage that stretches back generations through the university’s history.
voter. Bates articulated why democracy and representa- tion matter to him and his peers. Local coverage noted his presence, and JCSU amplified the moment on its social media platforms, thanking him for represent- ing the school in front of a national audience. BRIDGING CAMPUS AND CONGRESS Even as he was finding his voice on the campaign trail, Bates was working toward another goal: gaining first- hand experience inside the federal legislative process. In 2025, he secured a position as a congressional intern in the U.S. House of Representatives, a role that placed him at the center of policy discussions he had previously only encoun- tered in textbooks and campus forums. On his professional profile, Bates describes himself as “a driven political science student and student leader passionate about bridging the gap between policy and community impact.” His internship aligned directly with that mission. Situated within the House, he assisted staff with research, constituent communication, and policy tracking, and gained expo- sure to hearings, briefings,
Bates on Capitol Hill with Brother Minority Speaker of the House, Hakim Jeffries (D-NY).
LEADERSHIP IN THE BOND
Bates’ leadership extends beyond campus govern- ment and into the Black Greek-letter community. He was initiated into the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., in Fall 2023, joining a chapter whose history at JCSU dates back nearly a century. Within a short time, he rose to serve as Polemarch, while also recognized by advisors with a 2025 Advisors Award for his work in strengthening pro- gramming, academic focus, and community service. In social media spotlights, the chapter and university have emphasized not just his titles but his work ethic and approach to service. Bates is frequently seen at campus events, mentoring younger students, sup- porting athletic programs, assisting university staff, or representing the institution at civic functions.
“ BATES IS A RISING SENIOR AND POLITICAL SCIENCE SCHOLAR FROM CHARLOTTE, NC, STUDYING AT JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY ...”
In November 2024, as the Harris-Walz presidential campaign swung through North Carolina, Bates was selected to introduce Vice President Harris at a cam- paign rally at PNC Music Pavilion. If campus life pro- vided the training ground, the rally in Charlotte pro- vided access to the national stage. The event featured a slate of high-profile
speakers and performers, from elected officials to musicians, yet the program reserved a prominent role for a local HBCU student to speak directly to the crowd before Vice President Harris took the stage. It meant more than a few minutes at the microphone; it was a chance to speak as a young Black man, an HBCU student, and a first-time
WINTER 2025-2026 ♦ THE JOURNAL 15
UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
and legislative negotiations that shape everything from higher education funding to health care access. In a reflective statement about his summer in Wash- ington, Bates wrote that the opportunity to intern in Congress and work in proximity to leaders such as House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (Mu Kappa 1988) was “both inspiring and deeply enriching.” He watched how ideas move from draft language to debated bills, and from votes on the floor to programs that affect families in Char- lotte. The work, he noted, changed the way he saw his potential role in public life. Bates’ account of his time on Capitol Hill focuses less on the prestige of the setting and more on the process. He describes long days that began with early briefings and ended with late-night review of draft language or constituent messages. He paid close attention to how senior staffers framed issues, translated complex policy into accessible language, and weighed political constraints against community needs. One of the most import- ant lessons, he has said, “was seeing how incre- mental change interacts with larger structural problems.” Many of the
For Bates, every day on Capitol Hill was also a day he carried Johnson C. Smith University with him. In his reflections, he often returns to the significance of being a HBCU student in spaces where such perspectives have historically been underrepresented. He has pointed to the persistent underfunding of histor- ically Black institutions across the country and the ongoing fight for equitable investment as reasons that HBCU students must be at the forefront of the policy conversation. Decades of research and federal analyses have docu- mented funding disparities that have left many public HBCUs shortchanged by billions of dollars compared with predominantly white land-grant universities, thus limiting their ability to expand programs, upgrade facilities, and recruit faculty. Bates’ own campus, like many private and public HBCUs, has navigated these challenges while still producing gen- erations of successful Black professionals, educators, clergy, entrepreneurs, and public servants. In meetings, conver- sations, and informal moments with staffers and fellow interns, Bates found
Top: Bates with Congressman Al Green (D-TX). Bottom : Bates with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-NY).
issues that highlighted his coursework— voting rights, criminal
Congress push, negotiate, and sometimes compro- mise on these questions gave Bates what he calls a “deeper understanding of how legislative action can drive equity and opportu- nity, as well as where it can fall short.”
justice, health disparities— appeared in front of him in the form of amendments, appropriations language, and oversight hearings. Watching members of
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UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT
“BATES’ ACCOUNT OF HIS TIME ON CAPITOL HILL FOCUSES L ESS ON THE PRESTIGE OF THE SETTING AND MORE ON THE PROCESS. ”
opportunities to talk about what it means to attend a HBCU that sits in the heart of Charlotte, and about the students who rely on institu- tions like Johnson C. Smith for degrees and community. Those conversations were as important to him as any single policy memo. MATERNAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING Another issue that captured Bates’ attention during his internship was the crisis in Black maternal health. Recent federal data have shown that Black women in the United States are several times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related causes, even when controlling for income and education. Public health researchers and advocates have increas- ingly described the problem as a national emergency that is both preventable and rooted in structural racism and unequal access to care within health systems. Bates was drawn to these questions in part because of their impact on families in his hometown, where many Black communities face overlapping challenges in housing, employment, and health care access. Observing how policymak- ers, advocates, and health
experience. He speaks often about time, stewardship, and intentionality—the idea that how students spend their hours on campus can shape not just their resumes but their character. What comes next for Bates is still unfolding, but the contours are visible. He has expressed interest in continuing to work at the intersection of policy and community, whether through future roles in government, advocacy organizations, or higher education leadership. What is clear is that he intends to keep his college experi- ence at the center of that work, viewing JCSU not as a steppingstone but as a foundation. In one of his reflections on the summer, he wrote that the internship on Capitol Hill was “more than just a profes- sional experience.” It was, he said, “a season of reflection, purpose, and learning how to use one’s platform to create lasting change.” Brother Tyson Bates is not content simply to be in the room where decisions are made. He is intent on ensuring that when he speaks in those rooms, his voice amplifies—and that the policies that emerge on the other side leave the country more just than he found it. ♦
professionals approached the issue gave him a window into the complexity of reform, from Medicaid policy and hospital funding to implicit bias training and community-based care models. For a student who came to college thinking pri- marily about elections and campaigns, the summer internship broadened his understanding of what it means to work for justice. “It is not only about who holds office,” he now says,” but about how systems are designed, funded, and held accountable.”
by his experiences at JCSU, in his fraternity and in Washington. Within the Alpha Epsilon Chapter, he has worked to align chapter program- ming with the fraternity’s fundamental purpose of achievement in every field of human endeavor. That has meant mentoring younger brothers, orga- nizing service initiatives, and modeling academic discipline as much as it has meant wearing letters or holding titles. His recog- nition with an Advisor’s Award from the chapter’s alumni mentors was seen by many on campus as an affir- mation of that approach. Bates continues to juggle the demands of senior year with his roles in student government, fraternity life, and university representa- tion. Short videos produced by the university show him greeting new students, rallying Golden Bull pride, and encouraging classmates to take ownership of their
FAITH AND FRATERNITY Bates often frames his
journey in spiritual terms. In personal posts and reflec- tions, he has cited scripture about the steps of a good person being ordered and has spoken openly about feeling guided toward service. That sense of calling has been reinforced
WINTER 2025-2026 ♦ THE JOURNAL 17
CHAPTER NEWS
THETA THETA
Ain’t Nothing Greater
University of Maryland College Park’s Theta Theta Emerges as One of the Most Awarded Chapters on Campus
The Brothers of Theta Theta Chapter celebrate their achievements at the University of Maryland’s Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life Greek Awards Ceremony.
“THE CHAPTER CONCLUDED LAST SPRING SEMESTER WITH MAJOR RECOGNITIONS FOR OUTSTANDING CHAPTER PROGRAMMING, BROTHERHOOD AND CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT, AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ...”
By Shelton Eley, Jr.
A s students returned to the University of Maryland for a new academic semester, one fraternity began its work carrying the weight and promise of a standout performance which started last spring. The Theta Theta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. fresh off a sweeping series of honors at the university’s
2025 Department of Fraternity and Soror- ity Life Greek Awards, kicked-off the year as
one of the campus’s most celebrated organizations. The chapter concluded last spring semester with major
recognitions for Outstand- ing Chapter Programming, Brotherhood and Campus Involvement, and
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CHAPTER NEWS
Leadership Development; prestigious distinctions that now shape its trajec- tory for the new year. The awards, presented in May at the Adele H. Stamp Student Union, spotlighted Theta Theta’s influence across campus; highlighting its programming, service presence, and its disciplined approach to cultivating leadership among its members. For many in University of Maryland’s Greek community, Theta Theta’s success signaled both a return to form and a clear elevation of its campus leadership. “These recognitions don’t just represent a strong semester,” said one official within Maryland’s Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life. “They indicate a chapter with a strategic vision for its role on campus and a commitment to sustained excellence.”
“It’s a starting line. We are beginning the year knowing what our standard is—and now we must exceed it.” University officials believe the chapter’s awards reflect not only its internal strength, but also its responsiveness to a campus climate increas- ingly focused on inclusion, civic engagement, and personal development. Kappa Alpha Psi’s presence at events across campus — from cultural showcases to public service drives has helped broaden its foot- print among Maryland’s diverse student body. As the new fraternal year began, Theta Theta moved forward with something many organizations seek but few attain, validated excellence and a clear sense of direction. With its mem- bers returning to campus carrying the achievements of last spring—and with new leaders stepping into key roles, the chapter is poised to leverage its award-winning foundation in ways that could redefine its presence at Maryland. For a fraternity defined by the motto Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor , this year’s challenge is not simply to repeat past success. It is to transform it into an era. ♦
Theta Theta Polemarch Sean W. L. Smith is honored with the Chapter President of the Year Award.
a Maryland Greek leader. Smith’s presidency, marked by record levels of under-
plans already underway during the summer, the chapter mapped out a programming calendar designed to deepen service commitments, enhance mentoring efforts, and expand campus-facing initiatives that shaped last year’s award-winning portfolio. A CHAPTER SETTING THE PACE Chartered in 1974, Theta Theta has long been known for its mixture of academic focus, cultural leadership, and community engage- ment. But the recognitions earned last May has placed the chapter under a brighter spotlight—one that mem- bers say is motivating rather than daunting. “This is not a victory lap,” said one rising senior in the chapter.
graduate engagement, expanded community
partnerships, and strength- ened internal development laid a foundation that carries into the 2025-2026 academic year. His recog- nition affirmed what many on campus had already observed, that Theta Theta had entered a new era of intentionality and organiza- tional achievement. “Leadership creates cul- ture,” Smith said following the ceremony. “We wanted to build a chapter grounded in brotherhood, achieve- ment, and impact—and now the task is to build on that momentum.” Theta Theta’s incoming officers say they intend to do exactly that. With transition
LEADERSHIP AT THE CENTER
Much of that momentum is attributed to the steady leadership of Sean W. L. Smith (Theta Theta 2023), who was named Chapter President of the Year in the same ceremony, which is one of the highest individ- ual honors bestowed on
WINTER 2025-2026 ♦ THE JOURNAL 19
CHAPTER NEWS
Nupes For The Win!
Detroit (MI) Alumni Chapter Triumphs in Inaugural Motor City 1911 Cup, Advancing Youth and Community Programs
The Brothers of the Detroit (MI) Alumni Chapter and Detroit Que Golf Club battled on the links for a good cause.
A COMPETITION WITH PURPOSE Each team played on behalf of a signature charitable partner, reflecting the shared mission of service that has guided both organizations for more than a century. Kappa Alpha Psi® com- peted to support the Kappa Detroit Foundation, the phil- anthropic arm of the Detroit (MI) Alumni Chapter. For decades, the foundation has provided college scholar- ships, mentorship, and youth development programming
together 24 members, each from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in a spirited match-play challenge designed around teamwork, strategic play, and friendly rivalry. The front nine holes followed a scramble format worth one point per foursome, while the back nine elevated the stakes with head-to-head pairings worth two points each. A total of 36 points were available, with 18½ needed to claim the Cup.
throughout metropolitan Detroit. Its initiatives include STEM exposure, leadership development through Kappa League, and robust community service collaborations with local schools and nonprofits. “This event perfectly cap- tured the spirit of friendly rivalry and collective impact,” said Emmanuel Idowu (Alpha Beta 2001), President of the Kappa Detroit Foundation. “Both organizations share a legacy of service, and the Motor
By Harrison Duke III*
U nity, precision, and purpose were on full display at Fieldstone Golf Club in Auburn Hills, MI on October 4, 2025, as the Detroit (MI) Alumni Chapter captured victory in the inaugural Motor City 1911 Cup. The event is a new charitable golf tournament uniting two of the nation’s most storied Black fraternities in friendly competition. The 1911 Cup brought
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CHAPTER NEWS
City 1911 Cup illustrates what is possible when that tradition continues on- and off-the -field, or in this case, the fairway. Omega Psi Phi played on behalf of Homes for Heroic Veterans, a Detroit-area nonprofit ded- icated to providing housing, supportive services, and long-term stability for military veterans. Speaking on behalf of the Detroit Que Golf Club (DQGC), Frater Tarzza Williams emphasized the importance of unity. “This event was a true testament that Black men can work together for the betterment of our communities. Our goal is to uplift when and where we can. The ‘Show- down in Motown’ is a strong beginning for a collabora- tion rooted in service.” A VICTORY FOR KAPPA, A WIN FOR DETROIT Following a full day of com- petitive yet collegial play, Kappa Alpha Psi emerged victorious, securing the Motor City 1911 Cup by a score of 20½ to 15½. With the win, Detroit (MI) Alumni will retain the Cup for one year and steward the event’s inaugural legacy. In recognition of the victory, a $1,911 donation will be made to the Kappa
To the victor, belong the spoils. The $1,911 donation will support scholarships and youth programming.
“ BOTH ORGANIZATIONS SHARE A LEGACY OF SERVICE, AND THE MOTOR CITY 1911 CUP ILLUSTRATES WHAT IS POSSIBLE WHEN THAT TRADITION CONTINUES ON- AND OFF-THE-FIELD, OR IN THIS CASE, THE FAIRWAY.” - Emmanuel Idowu, President, Kappa Detroit Foundation
Detroit Foundation, support- ing scholarships and youth programming throughout the city. This contribution underscores the chapter’s enduring role as one of Detroit’s longest-standing African American service organizations, continuously active since its chartering and deeply rooted in edu- cational advancement and civic uplift. The success of the inaugural Motor City 1911
Cup marks the beginning of a philanthropic partner- ship between two historic fraternities with broad community footprints in southeastern Michigan. With high engagement, positive community response, and mission-cen- tered outcomes, the event is expected to become an annual highlight within Detroit’s civic landscape. The Nupe’s victory affirms more than
excellence on the fairway. It reinforces the chapter’s ongoing commitment to advancing educational opportunity, support- ing Detroit’s youth, and strengthening its legacy of service—a tradition that has defined the chapter for generations and continues to guide its work today. ♦ *Brother Duke entered the Chapter Invisible on February 8, 2026.
WINTER 2025-2026 ♦ THE JOURNAL 21
CHAPTER NEWS
A Year of Growth and Purpose
The Rise of Slidell (LA) Alumni Chapter
I n little over a year, the Fraternity, Inc. has emerged as one of the most compel- ling new forces for good in southeastern Louisiana. Chartered on December 21, 2024, with thirty brothers Slidell (LA) Alumni Chap- ter of Kappa Alpha Psi and a vision grounded in service, scholarship, and achievement. The chapter has rapidly transformed from an idea into an insti- tution that is shaping lives and uplifting the wider community. What began as a small gathering of dedi- cated men has grown into a deeply respected chapter whose work is already being recognized by civic leaders, community partners, and fellow brothers across the fraternity.
Brothers of the Slidell (LA) Alumni Chapter worshiping together at a local church service.
“ CHARTERED ON DECEMBER 21, 2024, WITH THIRTY BROTHERS AND A VISION GROUNDED IN SERVICE, SCHOLARSHIP, AND ACHIEVEMENT.”
A MOVEMENT BEGINS
The seeds of the chapter were planted in March 2024, when a group of brothers met at the Slidell Public Library. Though not yet officially chartered, they called themselves the Northshore Nupes— an early sign of their
commitment to visibility, unity, and purpose. At the center of this early momentum were five brothers whose leadership, sacrifice, and vision would earn them the honor of being recognized as the Five Jewels of the chapter’s
origin. Their resolve would carry the group through the petition process and lay the groundwork for a historic chartering. In December 2024, the Grand Board of Directors approved the Southwest- ern Province’s petition to
establish the Slidell (LA) Alumni Chapter. The chartering celebration captured pride, gratitude, and the unmistakable sense that something significant had just been born in St. Tammany Parish. Just one month later, on
22 THE JOURNAL ♦ WINTER 2025-2026
CHAPTER NEWS
“FROM ITS INCEPTION, THE SLIDELL (LA) ALUMNI CHAPTER EMBRACED SERVICE AS BOTH A MISSION AND AN IDENTITY. WITHIN MONTHS, ITS BROTHERS WERE OUT IN THE COMMUNITY, SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH RESIDENTS ...”
January 20, 2025, the City of Slidell issued an official proclamation honoring the chapter’s establishment and early civic impact. City leaders praised the chapter’s swift engagement and its commitment to strengthening the social and cultural fabric of the North- shore region. The moment signaled that Slidell was not only aware of the chapter, but grateful for its presence. Following the chartering, the new chapter installed its first Executive Board—a group of men dedicated to operating with discipline, transparency, and integrity. Their leadership helped shape the chapter’s path from foundational growth to active impact, ensuring that every initiative reflected the Fraternity’s values and the community’s needs. SERVICE AS A CALLING From its inception, the Slidell (LA) Alumni Chapter embraced service as both a mission and an identity. Within months, its brothers were out in the community, shoulder to shoulder with
Jr. Parade showcased their commitment to honoring the legacy of Dr. King. Their presence in the parade reflected the chapter’s dedication to unity and its desire to be an accessible, visible, and active part of civic life. The chapter’s adoption of Duckworth Park further underscored its commitment to commu- nity stewardship. Through cleanup efforts and beauti- fication work, the brothers ensured that local families had a safe, welcoming place to gather and play. The chapter’s Guide Right launched on March 29, 2025 and marked a defining moment in its first year. With a commitment to mentorship, leadership development, and aca- demic support, the Slidell (LA) Alumni Chapter began shaping young men into future leaders. The chapter’s Guide Right Day introduced families
and students to programs designed to elevate confi- dence, cultivate discipline, and foster achievement. On August 3, 2025, the chapter awarded its first scholarship—an impressive $3,000—to a deserving student preparing to attend Tuskegee University. The award signaled the chapter’s long-term vision: one that invests not just in community projects, but in the lives and futures of young scholars. Even while creating its initial footprint locally, the chapter remained deeply engaged with the larger fraternity. Brothers attended the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Con- ference, participated in the Southwestern Province Council Meeting, and ensured representation at key events throughout the province. Their presence demonstrated that even a newly chartered chapter can be a consistent, committed
contributor to the Kappa’s broader mission. Throughout every initiative, the chapter grounded its work in a shared spiritual foundation. Worship services and faith gatherings helped anchor the brotherhood, reminding members that achievement is strengthened by grati- tude, unity, and humility. As the chapter petitions for Small Alumni Chapter of the Year, it does so with a record that speaks for itself. In less than twelve months, the Slidell (LA)Alumni Chapter has shown what is possible when brotherhood meets vision, when service meets purpose, and when committed men work together to uplift a com- munity. The story is still unfolding, but one truth is already clear: this chapter did far more than establish itself. It made an impact that will shape Slidell for years to come. ♦
residents, demonstrat- ing what it means for a
chapter—not just individu- als—to lead with purpose. Participation in the Slidell Dr. Martin Luther King
WINTER 2025-2026 ♦ THE JOURNAL 23
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