ELDER WATSON DIGGS
Hopkinsville, Kentucky’s “Founder’s Square,” the heart of Hopkinsville, at the corner of Main Street and High- way 68/80. An old store building was razed, and an exposed brick wall of the adjacent structure has several murals representing aspects of the town’s history painted there. The Diggs mural is the latest addition to these art compositions. A mural was designed by South Central Province Polemarch Donald Woolridge, Sr., and was brought to life by local artist and art teacher, Paula Gieseke. Diggs’ likeness is featured in the center of a diamond. The top and bottom corners of the diamond repre- sent aspects of the Fraternity (the coat of arms and founding date), while the left and right corners of the diamond denote facets of his life (birth state and county, and birth and death dates). The sides of the diamond provide char- acteristics of Diggs. The mural, painted in red and white, is situated next to a Coat of Arms painting with the name of the local chapter underneath. The marker was installed at Found- ers Square as a
From l to r: Many dignitaries were in attendence, including State Senator Reginald Thomas, KY State Representative George Brown, State Representative Joshua Watkins, South Central Province Polemarch Donald L. Woolridge, Sr., Deputy Commissioner of Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Juan Renaud, and South Central Senior Province Vice Polemarch Terence Tunstall.
and became commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant, fighting and leading fellow soldiers in the overseas battle. It is for these reasons that Diggs is lauded by his fraternity members, and a permanent recognition of him was conceived and placed in his birth state. The South Central Province Polemarch Donald Woolridge and the Hop- kinsville-Ft. Campbell (KY) Alumni Chapter created tangible remem- brances of Diggs to memorialize his legacy, and hosted a tribute unveiling ceremony in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The commemorative efforts were spearheaded by Brother Jeff Taylor, who first proposed the idea to the chapter 15 years ago. “This day has been a long time coming,” said Taylor. “It’s about preserving history and inspiring future generations.” His persistence, coupled with the chapter’s dedication, led to the installation of a
Kentucky Historical Society marker and a stunning mural located in the heart of Hopkinsville, the county seat of Christian County, the region of Kentucky where Diggs was born. A light rain could not dampen the spirit of celebration as more than 200 people gathered in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, on June 7, 2025, to witness the unveiling of a historic marker and mural honoring one of their fellow
Kentuckians, Elder Watson Diggs, the principal Founder of Kappa Alpha Psi Fra- ternity, Inc. Hosted by the Hopkinsville-Ft. Campbell (KY) Alumni Chapter, the event marked a historic tribute to Diggs’ legacy and lifelong impact on education, leadership, and service. The event was held at the historic downtown
The Elder Watson Diggs Historical Marker.
68 THE JOURNAL ♦ SUMMER 2025
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