CONCLAVE REVIEW LEAD KAPPA
Gemini, ChatGPT, and Copilot for professional growth. Leadership remained at the fore- front, with LTG Leslie Smith, Vice President of Leadership & Education at the Association of the U.S. Army, stressing discipline, character, and accountability. Later, Kappa Fellows Dr. Charles Davis, Jaden Watt, and Brother Jaden York—all active in the Congressional Black Caucus Founda- tion—modeled how young leaders can already shape policy and drive change. As a culminating moment, the Council of Past Grand Polemarchs— Brothers Robert L. Harris (27th), Dwayne M. Murray (31st), William “Randy” Bates, Jr. (32nd), Thomas L. Battles, Jr. (33rd), and Reuben A. Shelton III (34th)—entered the room to thunderous applause. Their reflections on leadership, challenge, and legacy offered timeless lessons to undergraduates who will one day shape the fraternity’s future. GRADUATION AND LEGACY On Thursday afternoon, the program concluded with the Graduation and Kappa Fellows Reception, an inspiring celebration of growth and brother- hood. Words of encouragement from leaders including Brothers Smith, Dr. Davis, Rodgers, and Barrington personalized the moment for each participant. The ceremony closed with a powerful charge from Senior Grand Vice Polemarch Robert L. Jenkins, Jr., Esq., who reminded the brothers that the lessons learned must be carried into every sphere of their lives. Reflecting on the experience, one brother summed it up best, “Truth- fully, I wasn’t supposed to be here, but
Senior Grand Vice Polemarch Robert L. Jenkins, Jr., Esq. addresses the 2025 LEAD Kappa participants.
“A POWERFUL CHARGE FROM SENIOR GRAND VICE POLEMARCH ROBERT L. JENKINS, ESQ., WHO REMINDED THE BROTHERS THAT THE LESSONS LEARNED MUST BE CARRIED INTO EVERY SPHERE OF THEIR LIVES ”
God made a way, and I know He placed me in this space for a reason. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to gain new mentors and fifty-eight incredible brothers.” LEAD Kappa is built on the frater- nity’s Five Objectives, and in Phoenix those objectives came alive. With seeds of growth, inspiration, and purpose
firmly planted, these young men left transformed. They carried with them not only the lessons of the week, but also a vision to lead with intention. What began as a week long program has become a lifelong commitment— one that will shape their service, their leadership, and their brotherhood for years to come. ♦
52 THE JOURNAL ♦ SUMMER 2025
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