CHAPTER NEWS
New Orleans (LA) Alumni Chapter Leads "Parade to the Polls"
ensuring members had helmets, wore mask, and practiced social distance. He talked a little about how the group started, "It was only supposed to be five or six of us. It grew into over 50 Broth- ers, we were just so excited to get out of the house and do something," said Pit- tman. When asked as to how he thinks this group will impact the vote he stated, “It is very important that the commu- nity recognize the impact of using your voice to choose our next President, and we must not forget that we also have to take care of home and vote locally and statewide. Being actively woke in your community is just as important as being physically active.” He also said “the success of Parade to the Polls campaign shows unity among Greek communities and the excitement of getting involved in the political process - especially among Black men. We can get the job done and it shows that Black men are engaged. WE WON TODAY!!!”
be severely affected by COVID-19 in early March. With the city shut down, brothers in New Orleans were stuck in doors for weeks with little hope in sights. Brother began to contracting the virus and people began to panic. Friends and family members were becoming af- fected with the virus and it was becom- ing all too common to receive news of a COVID-19 related death in the City of New Orleans. Living rooms turned into offices and classroom and it seemed like the walls were literally closing in. In addition to a pandemic taking over the cities, Brothers were seeing unarmed black men and women being murdered by the police and justice seem to never fall on the side of African Americans. As weeks passed and Brothers sought ways to escape the mental confinements brought about this virus, some brothers began riding bikes with their kids. Along the way, they would strategically stop by other Kappa homes to see new face and to check on each other. As fears eased a little and brothers understood how to so- cial distance, a few brothers decided to leave the kids home and enjoy the sights
T he New Orleans (LA) Alumni Chapter (SW) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. members led the way in a joint effort with the Operation Go Vote, the Divine Nine members, the Links, 100 Black Men, and other local organizations urging people to vote early Saturday morning on October 24, 2020 at the Smoothie King Center, home of the New Orleans Pelicans. Brothers, from the local Kappa Psi-Cling Krewe were invited to lead the way on their bikes and everyone paraded to the polls. The city of New Orleans is known for its elaborative Mardi Gras Parades. Families gather outside for all-day events as energy, the smell of good food, and great music fills the air. Brother Treyton Diggs served as the chapter’s representa- tive for this collaborative event as they sought ways to engage citizens of New Orleans to get out and vote. The group decided to parade to the polls in hopes that the community would hope in and parade to the polls. The 2.5 mile route was strategically chosen to go through African American neighborhoods with a high voter registration rate but with traditionally a low voter turnout.
Cycling During a Pandemic
New Orleans, Louisiana was one the first major cities in the United States to
Brother Keith Pittman led the charge
THE JOURNAL ♦ FALL-WINTER 2020 | 71
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