The Kappa Alpha Psi ®
An Ocial Publication of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
KAPPA'S FLAGSHIP MENTORSHIP PROGRAM REACHES ITS CENTENNIAL
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VOLUME CVIII, ISSUE 3
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VOLUME CVII, ISSUE 3
24
18
8
Journal Notes
10 Grand Polemarch's Message
18 Cover Story
35 Germany Alumni Chapter
Spotlight
13
44 A Look Back: Kappa History
48 To the Chapter Invisible
66 The Directory
17
22
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
48
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 Assistant Editor Clarence Tucker Norfolk (VA) Alumni Chapter ctuckermpt@gmail.com Feature Writers
12 35
Nicholas Cole Earl T. Tildon Dr. Samuel Odom
Chapter Invisible Section Manager Aaron Williams Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter
aaronwilli02@yahoo.com National Photographer Michael L. Hume
31
26
Belleville-O'Fallon (IL) Alumni Chapter mlhphotography@hotmail.com Feature Photographers Kevin Sellers Gregory L. Williams Graphic Artist Keith C. King Grand Historian Kevin P. Scott Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter GrandHistorian1911@gmail.com Advertising Sales Director Clifford D. Franklin St. Louis (MO) Alumni Chapter cliffordfuse@gmail.com Cell: (314) 406-3472 International Headquarters 2322-24 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19132-4590 Phone: (215) 228-7184 www.KappaAlphaPsi1911.com
Northern Brandon Jackson bmj1911@outlook.com
South Central Jarvaun Lindsay theonlyjarvaun@gmail.com
Eastern Dr. DeAndre Howard provincereporter@epkapsi.org Southern Julius L. Collins southernprovincenews@gmail.com Western Jeffrey Brown pacificreporter@kapsi-western.org
Southwestern Aljay Foreman aljayforeman@yahoo.com Southeastern Dr. C. Douglas Johnson cdouglasjohnson@yahoo.com Middle Eastern Quentin Mitchell kwin10mitchell@gmail.com Northeastern Dermal McCrear nepdiamondnewsletter@gmail.com Middle Western Frank Smith franksmith831@yahoo.com
North Central Bond A. Thomas Jr. achiever@kapsi-ncp.org
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.
East Central Brandon Fenty brandon.fenty01@gmail.com
Submit all chapter-related material to your respective Province Reporter for consideration for publication in The Journal.
VOLUME CVIII, ISSUE 3
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More than 2.5 million people over the age of 75 in the United States are suffering from aortic stenosis (heart valve disease). If the disease progresses and goes untreated, symptoms worsen, and heart valve disease can lead to severe illness or death. Common symptoms of heart valve disease are chest pain, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Patients sometimes confuse these symptoms with normal signs of aging. African-Americans are at greater risk for earlier onset of heart valve disease, with few being diagnosed or referred for treatment when they have symptoms and their disease progresses to heart valve failure. Don’t wait. Ask your doctor about heart valve failure and potential treatment options, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), an option that doesn’t require open heart surgery. Join as Edwards Lifesciences and Kappa Alpha Psi discuss heart valve failure and its impact on the Black community.
Edwards, Edwards Lifesciences, and the stylized E logo are trademarks or service marks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2023 Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. All rights reserved. PP--US-6272 v2.0 Edwards Lifesciences • One Edwards Way, Irvine CA 92614 USA • edwards.com Date: July 20th | Time: 8am-12pm PST | Location: Tampa Convention Center Visit NewHeartValve.com/Kappa to learn more about the event and heart valve disease.
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JOURNAL NOTES
Guide Right With Your Light
22 July 2022
Dear Kevin Burnett, It is my pleasure to announce that the Kappa Alpha Psi – Guide Right Foundation is the Ron E. McNair award recipient for the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees. For over 45 years, NBCFAE, a nationwide network, has been dedicated to promoting equal employment for African Americans, Female and minority employees; improving employee- management relations and providing an effective liaison amongst Federal Aviation Administration employees and the community at large. In addition, NBCFAE positively expands and promotes influence in our community by providing scholarships, presenting Aviation Careers Education (ACE) academies, supporting intern programs, and establishing educational grants and endowments. We have distributed over $1 million in scholarships to deserving students nation-wide. Due to our endeavors, over 50,000 young people have been exposed to a variety of aviation careers. You, and other worthy award recipients, will be presented your award at the 2022 National Training Conference during the C. Alfred Anderson Awards Gala on August 24 th . I simply would like to say congratulations! We’re lucky to have you as part of our NBCFAE family. We appreciate your continued commitment and service to the organization.
Cleveland Ferguson III, Esq., Editor I n yet another example of the re- silience and leadership of the 34 th Administration, we come to the milestone of the 100 th Anniversary of Guide Right: the seminal leadership and mentorship program of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Grand Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. immersed himself with the young men whose stewardship under National Guide Right Committee Chair- man Kevin Burnett and his committee members is truly a labor of love, and an investment in the future of our schools, communities, and indeed our nation. See examples of their work beginning on page 13. The aims and purposes are well set out in the Grand Polemarch Message. See page 10. It is wonderful to receive the recogni- tion from the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees on the Fraternity's program. The Centennial Conference featured our latest member to be promoted to 4-star general, Brother General Charles R. Hamilton (see page 24). See also Brother Kevin Vereen who was pro- moted to Lt. General on page 28). Each discusses Kappa as a positive influence on their leadership. They are guiding countless service men and women to achieve their respective missions. Achievement!
Sincerely,
Freddie Green National President
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PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT IN EVERY FIELD OF HUMAN ENDEAVOR
We Live Diversity
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Here at Volkswagen Group of America, we are multicolored; we are different, unique and part of the greater whole. We are open to other ways of thinking, to new experiences and solutions. We approach one another with respect, as equals. Our goals are to expand cultural acumen, inspire inclusive actions, and execute business integration, and we are facilitating that through critical partnerships with organizations such as Kappa Alpha Psi®.
GRAND POLEMARCH’S MESSAGE
Guide Right is Just Right
summarizes that Guide Right encom- passes many of our youth-oriented programs such as mentoring, college preparatory programs, and tutoring. However, the Flagship Initiative is the Kappa Leadership Development League or simply, Kappa League. The current national Guide Right pro- gram Chair is Brother Kevin Burnett and its objectives are: • To Create the Next Generation of Leaders via Leadership Develop- ment, • Prepare students for college, • Mentor students to college gradu- ation, • To positively impact youth through mentoring and training, • To prepare youth for academic success in middle school, high school, and college, and • To learn by interaction and group dynamics The following are Guide Right’s Core Initiatives: STEM: Activities include getting involved with NSBE, Jr, STE Career Fair, Utilize code.org for free programming training. Microsoft Retail stores offer free STEM training. College Success: Mentoring for col- lege. 90% Graduation Rate. Facilitate Undergrad/Alumni partnership for the mentoring College Prep Series Na- viance an online tool to assist students
in preparing for college; Diamonds in the Rough webinars (DITR); FAFSA Awareness; College Signing Day, recognizing graduating high school seniors going to college. Positive Video Reporting: Brother John Marshall Jones spearheads Kappa League TV and promotes posi- tive video recordings of Guide Right achievements. Enhanced Initiatives & Partnerships are: • College Tours, • College Conversations, • Online Leadership Conference, • STEM Drone Competition & Hack- athons, • Diamonds in the Rough Webinars, • National Kappa League Confer- ence, and
• Financial Literacy program Brother Leon W. Steward is the
Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. Grand Polemarch I n July 2022, in St. Louis, Missouri, the Fraternity celebrated the cen- tennial of one of its most cherished programs, Guide Right. It is the only community service program mandated by our Constitution and Statues and it fully embodies the Fraternity man- tra of leadership development and achievement in every field of human endeavor. Grand Chapter’s official web page
founder of the National Guide Right movement of Kappa Alpha. Psi. It was conceived in 1922 and at the twelfth Grand Chapter Meeting of Kappa Alpha Psi, it became the fraternity’s national service program. Soon after the St. Louis (MO) Alumni Chapter was chartered in 1921, Brothers Steward and J. Jerome Peters were assigned to research possible programs that would assist in devel- oping the youth of the Black commu- nity and to devise a “meaningful and
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GRAND POLEMARCH’S MESSAGE
The focus of Guide Right, from its inception, was to provide scholarships to needy and talented students, and to inform young people of the professions and other career options.
practical approach” to the problem of Black youth underachievement. Brother Steward proposed a program of guidance to be designated as Guide Right. The focus of Guide Right, from its inception, was to provide scholar- ships to needy and talented students, and to inform young people of the professions and other career options. The founding objectives of Guide Right may be summarized as follows: • To help youth in selection of courses leading to vocations com- patible with their aptitudes and personalities. • To assist students while they are in training, to get started in employ- ment, and to progress successfully in their chosen fields. • To assist parents’ relationships with their children by giving them opportunities to talk over their problems with those who know and are successful in their chosen vocations. • To afford the less fortunate youths a respite from the drudgery of the streets, through sponsored enter- tainment and cultural enrichment. • To inform youth of the values of
and flawlessly executed. It was a continuously vibrant few days, full of exciting events, competition and insightful speakers on many topics. One of the speakers was then-Brother LTG Charles R. Hamilton who is now just recently promoted to the rank of Four-Star General. He is one of only three Black servicemen in any branch of the military to rise from the rank of private to Four-Star General. His mes- sage and delivery was riveting and left the young audience craving for more. General Hamilton was just one of many speakers who delivered inspiring messages of hope and power. It was a message well-received by the Guide
Right participants, Kappa Leaguers and Brothers alike. Thank you, Brother Burnett and the entire team, for making this centennial celebration one for the ages. ACHIEVEMENT!!!
Yours in the Bond, Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. Grand Polemarch
Below, with the Grand Polemarch are National Guide Right Chairman Kevin Burnett and General Charles R. Hamilton.
higher education and assistance available for continued educa- tional pursuits.
The St. Louis centennial celebration was amazing. It was carefully planned
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THE GALLERY
T he Guide Right Centennial Celebration In St. Louis was epic!!! More than 600 Guide Right students from across the nation converged on the Gateway City and sparred in math, sports, video gaming and debate competitions. National Guide Right Chairman Brother Kevin Burnett and his team did a masterful job planning and imple- menting the historic celebration. Special thanks go to Brother Lt. General Charles Hamilton and his Chief of Staff Jaime Hicks for electrifying the participants at a special luncheon. I also want to thank Brother Demarcus Lee, Steve Harmon (Phi Beta Sigma) and The Honorable Kathy Surratt States (Alpha Kappa Alpha) for judging the debate competition. The Belleville O’Fallon (IL) Alumni Chapter Kappa League pulled off a narrow victory against the Alexandria Fairfax (VA) Alumni Chapter Kappa League team. Thanks to Brother John Marshall Jones. You can see many of the weekend’s activities on You Tube at Kappa League TV. I was beaming with pride all weekend as I watched these young men participate in all the activities. It made me realize the future is very bright .” “
—Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. Grand Polemarch
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PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT IN EVERY FIELD OF HUMAN ENDEAVOR
NATIONAL NEWS
Grand Polemarch Welcomes Guide Right's Return to St. Louis for Centennial By Damon Peebles
Grand Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. and National Guide Right Chairman Kevin Burnett meet with Kappa Leaguers during the Centennial.
F ollowing 100 years of mentor- ing young men in college and high school, Guide Right, the fraternity’s long serving mentor- ing and leadership program, celebrated its centennial in St. Louis Missouri, the place where it all began. From July 6-10th, more than 600 young men and their mentors from all over the country, descended upon the campuses of St. Louis University and neighboring HBCU, Harris Stowe State University for a half week of fun, cel- ebration, and enrichment. The historical significance of being in St. Louis was not lost on Grand Polemarch Reuben Shelton III, Esq. who was a born and raised in the city. “This is home,” he said, beaming with pride, when asked how it felt to see the program he champions, back in St. Louis for its centennial. “It gives me an opportunity to really share what Kappa Alpha Psi is all about, with the people that I've known pretty much all my life. Most of the local politicians, most of the local businessmen…this a great opportunity for them to see the value of Kappa Alpha Psi and the value of the
Guide Right program, and what we do for young men.”
great, he credits the vision of the frater- nity’s early structuring as another reason for Guide Right’s longevity. “One thing that the fraternity did that I thought was just genius, was they put the Guide Right program in the constitution. No other organization has done that for their youth development programs, so it's something that is mandated in our constitution and is something that we take very, very seriously. And that's why it's lasted as long as it has.” Reflecting on the contrast of 1922, when there was a climate of racism, in- justice and baseless persecution for Af- rican Americans, and the very need for
Following his matriculation from the University of Kansas in 1978, Polemarch Shelton says he returned home and immediately joined the St. Louis Alumni Chapter, and within 10 years, he was asked to be the director of its Guide Right program. He reminisced, “When I took over the position, I had no idea, just abso- lutely no idea, the value and the joy that I would get from seeing these young men grow from shy little kids to these boisterous young men, who, who are confident and able to speak for them- selves. And we did all sorts of things… (taking) them on trips, on college tours, to see them grow through the mentor- ship program, and to see them learn through all of the presentations that they had throughout the year. And to see them from day one, to the time that they graduated, some of them three or four years later, it was just exhilarating to see that.”
In addition to the program being
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NATIONAL NEWS
a program to mentor young Black men, Brother Shelton said, “the contrast is that it was more overt back then. They didn't mind being above board and out front with the discrimination, discrimi- natory practices that they had. It's more covert now. It's more undercover…if it were not for the advent of cell phones, and social media, we would still be back in the 1920s. Because they would do these things undercover, and a lot of folks wouldn't even know about it…but the problem is still the same. And that's why we still need Guide Right. And that's why we still need Black Greek letter organizations because we still need each other tremendously.” He also compared the similarity of forming Guide Right with the need to form the fraternity. “It goes to that vi- sion as to why they formed the frater- nity in the first place. The fraternity was formed to help each other because Black men had nowhere else to go, they had no networking opportunities. And so, it talks about the need for Black men to be able to rely on each other and to develop each other…from an early age. And they knew that even back then, I mean, our founders were visionaries, and the brothers that came after them were just as visionary as they were…that's what Guide Right means.” It was obvious to all, that being present throughout the campus for vari- ous events and workshops during the week, and engaging the young men and their mentors, it meant a great deal to Polemarch Shelton. He was in his ele- ment, and in his hometown, recaptur- ing his time as a Kappa League mentor, and for a once in a lifetime event, cel- ebrating 100 years of doing something he loved, in his city, while also leading the fraternity, it was priceless.
Grand Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton III, Esq. has made time for any member who wished to talk with him. Modeling the behavior every Kappa man should have, he immersed himself into every activity of the National Guide Right Centennial celebration. His direct engagement was a highlight for the more than 600 young men participating in the conference.
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NATIONAL NEWS
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Guide Right Celebrates 100 Years in St. Louis, Missouri Experiential Learning is a Theme Throughout the Centennial
By Damon Peebles
and that was just inspiring. The kids were motivated, and they were excited. They also asked great questions, he said. One workshop he noted was that of Brother Derek Greenfield where he en- gaged the young men, had them working in groups on fun breakouts, and evoked emotion from them when they shared some of the things that were troubling them. “It was a very emotional and movie presentation by Dr. Derek Greenfield, and the openness that he brought out of the young men and their willingness to share their vulnerabilities and their concerns with each other was just touch- ing…it was just inspiring (and) it felt great.” The overwhelming support and de- sire the young men had to be together to learn from each other impressed Burnett and all the mentors present. Comparing the racial climate of 1922 and the need for a program like Guide Right during that time, with the need for it 100 years later, Burnett said, “Things like mentoring, guidance, counseling were really not well known, and kind of foreign in 1922 and even in 1932. To start Guide Right and to reach out and help young people was just foresight. There are still problems, still issues. Still obstacles in front of young people, and with the pandemic, with the pressures of society today, they (still) need support. They need this program, and they need guidance more than ever. Closing the celebration, Burnett had high hopes for the young men as they re- turned to their respective cities. He said, “I hope they take away from this experi- ence, one, the power of networking and getting to know one another, (and) know- ing people from other places. We also want them to be able to think critically and to be able to express themselves. For Guide Right, the best is yet to come.
Kevin Burnett National Guide Right Committee Chairman
A s the National Guide Right Committee, led by Chairman Kevin Burnett, began plan- ning it’s 100-year celebra- tion, St. Louis, Missouri was the most obvious city to host it. Guide Right celebrated 100 years in July 2022. “Its history started right here in St. Louis, (and) what better place to start off the next 100 years than in St. Louis?” said Burnett. “We have some amazing broth- ers that participated in this, and it's our deal to guide right, and we're going to continue to do that.” Initially targeting 300 young men and their mentors from the various chapters nationwide, the outpour- ing of attendance doubled, totaling a little over 600, and it was amazing, recounted Burnett. “The young men had a great time. There was a lot of learning. We had great speakers that came in. We had Lieutenant General Charles Hamilton come in and speak,
Kevin Burnett, National Chairman of the Guide Right Program ensured there was a mix of classroom and experiential learning throughout the Centennial Celebration. More than 600 young men participated in the conference.
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PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT IN EVERY FIELD OF HUMAN ENDEAVOR
NATIONAL NEWS
John Marshall Jones Leads eGaming at National Guide Right Centennial By Damon Peebles
ok, we found something. This is the first time we've been able to get together since COVID…to get a gaming company to come in and to do this at a really high level.” Playing video games is just the start. Exposing the young men to the careers within the industry is the big picture. “So, when a kid starts getting involved with gaming, his first exposure is play- ing, but there's so many other exposures in this as an emerging industry, that now he can feel comfortable entering in other places, because he's had success with it at the base level. So, that's been a really exciting thing to watch,” said Jones. “It’s been an incredible weekend…and I think it is the perfect place to start the next 100 years of Guide Right.”
John Marshall Jones (with cap) with Kappa Leaguers at the eGaming Competition.
K appa Leaguers across the man, John Marshall Jones’s exclama- tory “Kappa League TV!” intro to each Kappa League TV video published on the Kappa League TV YouTube channel. However, for the Guide Right Centen- nial in St. Louis, his primary goal was to spearhead an eGaming competi- tion, which Jones said went over and above expectations. “The Guide Right committee probably worked for over a year. My part of it was about five or six months, and so I saw a lot of concepts, but it isn't until you see them all work together, that it really makes sense. So, everything came together for these kids, and it was it was amazing watch,” he said. country, since 2019 have been accustomed to hearing Na- tional Kappa League Spokes- Enlisting Unified Esports Association to conduct the competition, the Kappa Leaguers began the morning assembling the consoles, and later competed in games such as Fortnight, Call of Duty, NBA 2K, Madden, and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate. “We went into a building at St. Louis University, and we turned their lounge into a gaming lounge. Then the Kappa Leaguers hung
out and they played games, they ate pizza, they drank sodas, then they went upstairs and did podcasts, and went next door to watch movies. I think it was an incredible success…I'm super excited by what happened here this weekend,” Jones recounted. “One of the things that was really amazing to me, was in the middle of the gaming tourna- ment, at the height of it, I just went and stood in the middle of the room, because I wanted to feel the energy of these kids.” Reflecting on the success of Kappa League TV and how it led to eGaming at the centennial celebration, Jones said, “Kappa League TV has been an evolution. We started off just wanting to have content…and then COVID hit. And suddenly, we had to become both functional and relevant, because those young men were locked inside, they weren't getting to interact with their friends. And we wanted to make sure that they still had a chance to have some type of social outlet, so we got together a few brothers, and we created an online gaming tournament for about nine states. It went amazing, and the kids loved it. And that's when we knew,
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National Guide Right Chairman Remarks: Celebrating 100 Years of Guide Right
I t is my pleasure to report that The National Guide Right Centennial Celebration was an overwhelming success. It was a historic, amazing, awe inspiring, and memorable four days in St. Louis! From the amaz- ing presenters Dr. Greenfield to Lt. General Hamilton and all the rest, this is something we will never forget. We had 636 participants 507 of which were students from across the coun- try. The students and mentors were excited to see each other and interact post pandemic. It was truly a moti- vational event. The fellowship among the students was amazing. In my 47 years of Guide Right, I have not been involved in a more uplifting and moti- vating event! The Centennial Celebration kicked off with a STEM/Health and Wellness Expo and a Senior Kappa Luncheon that included Kappa Leaguers. We had a community service project that started with a symbolic march in observance of Minority Mental Health
Awareness Month from St. Louis Uni- versity to Harris-Stowe State University. The students assembled and provided hygiene items for over 600 bags worth $30,000 in items donated to five organizations in St. Louis. The items went to The Employment Connection, Haven of Grace, Sickle Cell Association of St. Louis, St. Louis Children's Hospi- tal Raising St. Louis and Healthy Kids Express Mobile Outreach programs. Special thanks to Brother Eddie Ross, Sr., wife and team at the Diamond Diva Employment Foundation for their generous support and donations of hygiene items. There were dynamic guest speakers such as Brother Dr. Derek Greenfield, who gave an inspiring and emotional message that actively engaged stu- dents and adults. Five months, later I still encounter students that remember Dr. Greenfield’s presentation! Brother Lt. General Charles Hamilton (U.S. Army) provided insight and motivation to the students as a guest speaker.
Kevin Burnett, National Guide Right Chairman
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COVER STORY Guide Right Centennial
Students participated in enrichment sessions on Financial Literacy, Mental Health Wellness, STEM, College Read- iness, Leadership, Law Enforcement, Entrepreneurship, Teen Choices, the Political Process and the Achievement Academy. The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement partnered with us for a Learn2Live seminar de- signed to get our young people home safely each day. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., was recognized by the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employ- ees with the Ron E. McNair Award for community service and the Boy Scouts of America with the National Whitney M. Young Jr Award for out- standing service toward youth. In the evenings, students enjoyed e-gaming, 3 on 3 basketball, math competition, SWAG competition and poetry slam competition. The Debate Finals and Awards program were livestreamed on Kappa League TV and featured not only a great debate between the Bellevue O’Fallon (IL) Chapter Kappa League and Alex- andria Fairfax (VA) Chapter Kappa
League, but Guide Right Awards and a poetry slam performance!
ence organizer – Terry Ward;
The presenters Brothers Martin Rax- ton, Augustin Jackson, Christopher Johnson, Derek Greenfield, Nick Thomas, Samuel Odom, Thomas McCaleb and Ron Johnson.
The thank yous are many: Brothers Mark Havener, Tom Garnett and Dra- on Glenn for making things happen. Special thanks to the National Guide Right Executive Team – Oscar Neely, Doug Scarbor, Ben Jackson, Daud Haseeb, Samuel Boyd III (critical onsite coordination), Damon Peebles and John Marshall Jones (for the e-gaming event and social media activities). You are the hardest working Team in Kappa. Special thanks to Ryan Wilson, who coordinated our stay on St. Louis Uni- versity, along with Silhouette Manisha Ford-Thomas and Kel Ward, who coordinated our community service project. Special thanks to the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation for providing the crucial funding to make this event happen. The Centennial Planners – Brothers Scott Johnson, Jermaine Murry and the National Kappa League Confer-
Guest presenters Ejide Fashima and Tracey Hermanstyne.
The St. Louis (MO) Alumni Chapter, St. Louis University and Harris Stowe State University for their hospitality and support. The Grand Polemarch, the Grand Chapter leadership, Committee Chairman, the Grand Historian and Province Polemarchs that partici- pated. Guide Right is the Oldest and Most Successful Mentoring Organization for Young People of Color. We have impacted over 500,000 young lives, 98% of our young people graduate high school and 74% graduate col- lege within six years.
To the Brothers involved in Guide
COVER STORY
Center: Kevin Burnett, National Guide Right Chairman. Second row: Draon D.Glenn (Iota Alpha 1991), Daud A. Haseeb (Mu Iota 1990). Third row: Damon Peebles (Alpharetta-Smyrna (GA) AL 2001), Douglas V. Scarbor (Hyattsville-Landover (MD) AL 1990). Top row: Ryan G. Wilson (Jefferson City (MO) AL 2007), Terry L. Ward (Sigma 1981), Jermaine Murry (Delta Kappa 2002), Samuel G. Boyd III (Beta Psi 1982) and Scott S. Johnson (Alpha Phi 1991).
Right, I thank you for your service, your dedication, your commitment to Guide Right and your students! We had a historic Guide Right Centennial and you made it HAPPEN!!! You are making a difference! The talent and potential of our students continue to uplift and inspire us. As they continue on their achievement journey, remind them, they do not walk alone we are with them to GUIDE RIGHT!
Right stated “Guide Right does not belong to the Commission, it belongs to the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. It is up to every true Kappa to contribute to its future success.” I have the honor and privilege to serve as your National Guide Right Chair- man and continue to blaze a path first started by Kappa stalwarts who have led Guide Right. The Bonds we share within Kappa are rich and inspiring. The Bond we share in Guide Right is
unique and deep, matched only be the Bonds we share with Chapter Broth- ers or Line Brothers. The future for Guide Right has never been better. We are now charting the course for the next 100 years, the Best is Yet to Come!
Yours in the Bond, Kevin Burnett National Guide Right Chairman
Leon Steward, the father of Guide
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COVER STORY
NATIONAL GUIDE RIGHT CENTENNIAL CONFERENCE
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. celebrated its centennial anniversary of one of the oldest youth programs in the country founded by the fraternity – Guide Right last week in St. Louis, Missouri. The fraternity and the Boy Scouts of America always had an organic partnership, however not until January 3, 2017 BSA and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. created a Memorandum of Understanding. William Bryant, Scout Executive/CEO of the Mobile Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, and a member of this grand fraternity presented the National Guide Right Chair (Kevin Burnett) and the Grand Polemarch , (Reuben Shelton, III. Esq.) with the National Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award for the fraternity’s outstanding service to youth through the Guide Right program. The four-day celebration of Guide Right brought chapters from across the globe. During this time, the members of the Kappa Leadership Development League had many enrichment programs and extracurricular activities. Whereas the highlight was the Awards Ceremony and the Debate Team Finals. Over 600 Kappa Leaguers and Kappa League Advisers attended the centennial celebration on the campus of Saint Louis University and Harris Stowe University. When William presented the national award to the fraternity, he asked for all scouts, former scouts, eagle scouts, scouting leaders, and volunteers to please rise. Over half of the audience rose.
For more information on starting your partnership and scouting program with your local council, please contact Wendy Kurten -
Director, Council Services – National BSA – wendy.kurten@scouting.org or 972-580-2268.
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NATIONAL NEWS
The Southwestern Province Hosts Its 5 th Kappa League Conference
By LV Dyer, Jr.
• Mansfield-Cedar Hill (TX) Alumni • Pearland-Manvel-Fresno (TX) Alumni • Port Arthur (TX) Alumni • Prairie View (TX) Alumni • Richardson-Plano (TX) Alumni • San Antonio (TX) Alumni Guide Right Guide Right encompasses many of our youth-oriented programs such as men- toring, college preparatory programs, and tutoring. However, the flagship initia- tive of the Guide Right Service Program is the Kappa Leadership Development League (Kappa League). Guide Right is a program of the edu- cational and occupational guidance of youth, primarily inspirational and informative in character. The purposes of the Guide Right Service Program is to place the training experience and friendly interest of successful men at the disposal of youth needing inspiration and counsel regarding their choice of a life’s career and to arouse the interest of the entire community in the problems of youth as they seek to realize lives of usefulness. Kappa League Kappa League is a subset of the Guide Right, our National Service Initiative. Under the chairmanship of Mel Davis, the Los Angeles (CA) Alumni Chapter’s Social Action Program took the form of training activity for young men of the Alain Leroy Locke High School. Called the Kappa Instructional Leadership League, it is designed to help young men grow, receive, and develop their leader- ship talents in every phase of human endeavor. It provides both challeng- ing and rewarding experiences, which richly enhance their lives. Membership is open to male students from the 10 th
Members of the Southwestern Province Planning Committee for the 5 th Kappa League Conference.
T he 5 th Southwestern Province Kappa League Conference was held February 17-18, 2023, at Texas A&M University- Commerce in Commerce, Hunt County, Texas. The conference was hosted by Richardson-Plano (TX) Alumni Chapter and the Texas A&M University-Com- merce Chapter, the Eta Phi of Kappa Alpha Psi. They welcomed more than 150 Kappa League and Guide Right participants within the Southwestern Province. Dignitaries in attendance included Kevin Burnett (Beta Psi 1975), National Guide Right Director; Draon Glenn (Iota Alpha 1991), Southwest- ern Province Guide Right Chairman; and Marcus Hawkins (Eta Phi 2008), Commerce-Greenville (TX) Alumni Chapter Vice Polemarch; among others. The attendees and their chaperones enjoyed two days of engaging and fun filled activities, consisting of a campus tour, canned goods drive, mathematics competition, leadership workshop ses- sions, time management exercise, and the Student of the Year Competition, to
name a few. The attendees and their chaperones also attended the Texas A&M University-Commerce vs. South- eastern Louisiana men’s and women’s basketball games at “The Field House,” which was filled with energy and excite- ment. More than 200 canned goods were collected and donated to a local food pantry. The Jackson (MS) Alumni Chapter had the most participants in at- tendance, which consisted of 41 mem- bers of its Kappa League program. This conference was a huge success as it involved two days of dynamic, entertain- ing, and thought-provoking activities.
Chapters in Attendance
• Arlington-Grand Prairie (TX) Alumni • Austin (TX) Alumni • Commerce-Greenville (TX) Alumni • Dallas (TX) Alumni • Denton-Lewisville (TX) Alumni • Eta Phi Collegiate/Undergraduate
• Houston (TX) Alumni • Jackson (MS) Alumni
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NATIONAL NEWS
Participants in the 5 th Southwestern Province Kappa League Conference.
through the 12 th grades. The fraternity assists these young men to achieve worthy goals for themselves and make constructive contributions to their com- munity when leadership roles become the responsibility. Student of the Year Competition The Student of the Year Competi- tion is a contest that encompasses six areas deemed critical to a successful life – scholarship, talent, community involvement, poise and appearance, career preparation, and model chapter operation. Future events are on the horizon as the Southwestern Province Guide Right and Kappa League programs continues to engage its participants with various lead- ership and development opportunities. For more information about the South- western Province Guide Right and Kappa League programs, refer to:
rnProvinceOfKappaAlphaPsiGuideRight?mibexti d=LQQJD4 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swp_ guideright.kappaleague/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ search?q=%40SWPGR&src=typed_query Website: https://www.southwesternprovince1911. org/guide-right
Scenes from the 5 th Southwestern Province Conference sponsored by the Richardson-Plano (TX) Alumni Chapter and the Eta Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Southweste
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PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT IN EVERY FIELD OF HUMAN ENDEAVOR
General Charles R. Hamilton Addresses Kappa Leaguers in St. Louis, Missouri By Damon Peebles
B rother General Charles R. Hamilton is the 21 st Com- manding General of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. He took time to address the National Kappa League Centennial Conference delegates. He leads one of the Army’s largest commands with 165,000 military, civilian and contractor employees, im- pacting all 50 states and more than 150 countries. However, as busy as he is, he made time to visit and speak to the Kappa Leaguers during the centennial celebration in St. Louis in July 2022. He was impressed with the young men and their mentors. “What a blessing. What an outstanding event…for the brothers to take their time, their pre-
cious weekend time to spend it with these young men is incredible. To do something really, that's bigger than themselves, that's going to have an ever- lasting impact,” he said. Brother Hamilton addressed the young men during a lunch break and provided them with sound advice: “A couple of things I shared with him that were really important is one, make sure you don't make any catastrophic mistakes in your life, because they're really hard to over- come. You can fail, but fail forward, get right back up, and keep going again, and then two, make sure you take advantage of the mentorship (you’re) getting today, and then listen to your parents. It's like simple things that sometimes we don't
do, that can get us in the most trouble, or in a bad situation.”
Sharing his own experience with men- tors while growing up, surprisingly Brother Hamilton admits he could have done more on his part. “I had a lot of great mentors…I probably was a bad mentee. I mean, I didn't keep in contact as well as I should have. But for some reason, they saw something in me, and they would, on occasion, call or write a letter, just to check on me to make sure that I was doing okay,” he said. He encourages young men to have a mentor that they can have a personal relation- ship with.
Reflecting on the 100-year anniversary
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SPOTLIGHT ON GUIDE RIGHT
and comparing the social climate of both eras, he said, “During that period of 1922, there was deliberate, in your face discrimination going on where we couldn’t even use the same bathroom or drink from the same water, fountain, etc. We don't have that today, but still, we have subtle discrimination; some of it not so subtle. Some of it is really go- ing back to kind of in your face. What I choose to do is not focus on it. Because if you do, you just won't sleep. I focus on the things I can control. If somebody wants to be a bad actor, write bad things, say bad things, I'm going to acknowl- edge it, but not in a way that is going to empower them. I'm going to keep my own power…and not use their negative energy to drive what I'm doing.” Brother Hamilton closed out his address by calling forward two Kappa Leagu- ers who are participants in their high
schools Junior Reserve Officers' Train- ing Corps (JROTC) and presented each with a challenge coin. He explained, “In the military, we have these challenge coins, and they give them to leaders at different levels. And we can give them to young soldiers to say, hey, you've done an outstanding job, however, we're challenging you to keep doing great. That's the kind of tradition behind those challenge coins.” He noted that the two young men he awarded coins to “have demonstrated outstanding charac- ter, and they've been able to be leaders within their small groups, so they were recognized today for being great young men.” After seeing all of the young men and their mentees celebrating the historic occasion, Brother Hamilton made a commitment himself. He said “I'm inspired. And so, I'm going on record
and say this, I told Grand Polemarch that he can call me anytime for events like this. I'm inspired by these young men and then certainly by (Brothers) that are taking out their time, per- sonal time, to do stuff like this on the weekend.”
General Hamilton presented a challenge coin to each of the two Kappa Leaguers who were members of their respective high school's JROTC.
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FEATURE STORY
General Charles R. Hamilton Becomes the 21 st Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command By Dr. Samuel Odom U nited States Army Lieu- tenant General Charles Ray Hamilton was promoted to General in with Generals (Ret.) Larry Ellis, William “Kip” Ward, Gus Perna, Robert Brown, Vincent “Vince” K. Brooks, General (Ret.) Dennis L. & Mrs. Via, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Arthur “Art” J. Gregg (Army G-4 79- 81), Lieutenant General (Ret.) Julius W. Becton (1978 V Corps) who gave
the Executive Operations Center at United States Army Materiel Com- mand, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama on March 16, 2023. Chief of Staff of the U. S. Army General James C. McConville hosted the promotion ceremony. After the publishing of the orders and Oath of Office & Flag Presen- tation, General Hamilton shared, “First, let me thank God for all his blessings in abundance. Colonel Gilbert, Major Hickman, Dr. Hill and Mario Coronel – this has been the best transition I have had in the Army, thank you all for your hard work…seamless because of your efforts pulling everyone together. Next, I want to thank the families of the fallen heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. They will forever be my heroes. I am extremely grateful to all of you at- tending in person today and virtually, I’m humbled that you would take the time to join Regina and I along with all of Team Hamilton. We appreci- ate you!” “I would like to thank the fol- lowing gentlemen who have all influenced, poured into and molded me over the years and I continue to strive to emulate their tremendous legacy and footprints left for us as guidance and wisdom. These indi- viduals are selfless, my inspiration and overall great people beginning
me his 3-Star Rank and General (Ret.) Johnnie R. Wilson, the 3 rd African American selected for his 4 th Star. General Wilson is the ultimate ambassador for our Army and mentor to so many of us sitting and listening today. Chief of Staff McConville, thanks for hosting today and please pass our regards to Ms. McConville. Chief is the People First Chief, Fit Trained Disciplined!” “I would like to recognize Mr. Reuben A. Shelton III, President of Kappa Alpha Psi and Vice President Mr. Jimmy McMikle. Kappa devotes and gives so much to the com- munity, literally millions of dollars and more importantly the personal mentorship in some of our toughest neighborhoods, true gentlemen and quiet community leaders. Special thanks to the ROCKS, especially earlier in my career.” “My family has made so many sacrifices and I cannot thank them enough. Most of you that are around me for more than five minutes always hear about our kids. Regina’s and my greatest accom- plishment. My daughter Crissy could not be here today, she runs a law office in Houston TX. Charles, Jr., my namesake, out in Hollywood
writing…living his dream, glad you went for it son. Reggie, as you can see, decided to join the family business and is leading Soldiers in the 82 nd Airborne, Proud of you son! Celine is working as a HR profes- sional. My father-in-law is really a true father to me so I just call him Dad. Another true hero, Korean and Vietnam War Vet, 32 years in the U. S. Air Force. Way too many awards to mention. But wanted to recognize him today in a very special way, he is 91 years young. And now to Regina, I don’t know how she does it, she is retired from the Army been with her current company for years, tried to leave they offered her more money and now spends a great deal of time in Florida helping to take care of her Dad… Thanks again to all of you… this is your promotion, Army Strong!” Brother General Charles R. Hamilton sat down with Brother Dr. Samuel Odom to discuss several
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