35TH ADMINISTRATION
“FRAMED BY THE FRATERNITY’S ENDURING COMMITMENT TO “ACHIEVEMENT IN EVERY FIELD OF HUMAN ENDEAVOR,” THE WEEKEND WAS LED BY GRAND POLEMARCH JIMMY MCMIKLE.”
Day one opened with
intention. Following registration and breakfast, the first leadership session focused on “The Character of the Leader”—a return to first principles. Partici- pants examined how vision, values, and vulnerability create the foundation for effective leadership. Emphasis was placed on the alignment between one’s public commitments and private choices—remind- ing all in attendance that leadership starts within. Afternoon sessions pivoted toward “Strategic Brotherhood”, where attendees explored the critical balance between personal ambition and organizational stewardship. Whether leading a chapter, a business, or a community organization, Brothers discussed the importance of aligning efforts with the Fraternity’s larger mission. The session reinforced that unity is not uniformity—it is clarity of purpose shared across difference. Saturday’s sessions brought energy and urgency. In “Institutional Agility in a Changing World,” facilitators chal- lenged participants to consider how Kappa Alpha Psi must evolve to remain relevant in a new era. Topics
included digital trans- formation, generational change, and community expectations. Discussions were candid and construc- tive, underscoring the need for adaptability without sacrificing identity. The final leadership ses- sion, “Legacy Leadership,” turned the focus forward. What does it mean to build beyond oneself? How do we ensure the next gener- ation inherits not just an organization, but a move- ment? Brothers explored the necessity of documen- tation, leadership pipelines, and servant-leader models that prioritize impact over image. Brother Governor Albert Bryan Jr. of the U.S. Virgin Islands presented a power- ful case study in leadership and succession planning. Throughout the retreat, there was as much learning outside the formal sessions as within them. Over meals, walks along Bávaro Beach,
or conversations by the pool, Brothers engaged in powerful dialogue—reaf- firming that the bond of Kappa extends far beyond ritual. These informal moments proved invalu- able, as seasoned leaders mentored newer members, and cross-regional collabo- rations began to take shape. The backdrop of Punta Cana was more than symbolic, it was a reminder that Black leadership is global. As Brothers explored local history, tasted Dominican cuisine, and reflected on the Afro-Caribbean legacy woven through the island, they were reminded of the Fraternity’s responsibility not just to the past, but to the broader Diaspora. Leadership, in this con- text, is about more than managing—it is about standing in solidarity, tell- ing the truth, and building systems that honor the humanity of all people.
The success of the 2024 Q4 Leadership Retreat lies not just in the execution, but in its spirit. It reminded every participant that lead- ership is not a moment—it is a mindset. Not a role— but a responsibility. As Brothers return to their respective provinces, chapters, and communities, they carry more than mem- ories. They carry mandates: to lead with purpose, to act with courage, to serve with humility, and to mentor with intention. The work ahead may be vast, but so is the network of capable, commit- ted men prepared to do it. In a world too often defined by division, the Leadership Retreat stood as a powerful testament to unity, excellence, and the transformative power of Brotherhood. It was not just a retreat. It was a recom- mitment—to the mission, to the movement, and to the men we are called to become. ♦
WINTER 2024-2025 ♦ THE JOURNAL 17
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