REFLECTIONS ON THE LIFE OF DR. RALPH J. BRYSON
“If it wasn’t for Dr. Bryson there would be no At- more (AL) Alumni Chapter. Bryson was a giant amongst members of Kappa
Arkadelphia!” Praising my endeavor, he concluded “You have done an excellent job. I will see you somewhere along the way.” Always a class act, Brother Bryson’s almost 100 years of life were rooted in Achievement. To be sure, he will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His greatness will be admired by generations yet unborn. Farwell to a brilliant Brother who en- hanced and changed the landscape of Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity.”
who trained others for leadership in ac- ademia and believed in social justice for all people. How many “Reflection” sketches do I have in my keepsake box? I am not sure.
Dr. Ullysses McBride 26 th Grand Polemarch
Dwayne M. Murray, Esq. 31 ts Grand Polemarch
Alpha Psi ® . His written reviews
captured under ‘Books and Such’ in The Journal as well as The Story of our Fraternity’s history were profoundly enhanced by his countless contributions and his work. He lived a remarkable life inside and outside the vineyards of Kappa evident by his service to our na- tion in World War II and equally to our fraternity based upon the many awards and rewards he earned, notably the two highest awards bestowed upon members for achievement in Kappa, the Elder Watson Diggs Award & the coveted Laurel Wreath Award.”
What I do know, I enjoyed reading the summing up of his life that was mailed to my home each year in the month of January. These short essays were prepared with the use of a type- writer (not through the use of a com- puter- or computer-generated software). These personal messages are an everlast- ing glimpse into the life of an amazing man. Simply put, Dr. Bryson was like a magnet, when you saw him, you em- braced him, and he embraced you with quiet wisdom and humility. For me, Dr. Bryson’s reputation, which others thought of him, pales in the face of his character. I, too, stand in amazement of him by the reason of respect for his courage and affability. It is through his life that we have a greater appreciation for the breadth and depth of the workings and kindness of his gentle spirit.”
“Dr. Bryson was a symbol of altruism, a brothers’ brother. He often gave of himself assiduously, over and over again, in so many ways dating back to his
Howard L. Tutman, Jr. 29 th Grand Polemarch
service as one of the faculty members at the first Undergraduate Leadership Conference in Bloomington in 1961, to that of a feature writer in our Journal, to authoring the 5th Edition of the Story of Kappa Alpha Psi® during my tenure as Grand Polemarch. His impact & influence are well illustrated like many of the eminent members of our noble bond and his contributions are imprinted and indelibly stamped within the history of Kappa Alpha Psi®.” “A true Renais- sance Man. Impec-
“Regardless of the occasion, Ralph J. Bryson always stood as a giant among Broth- ers. I recall in the early 1980s visiting Montgomery as a new member of
Robert L. Harris, Esq. 27 th Grand Polemarch
the Grand Board of Directors. Brother Bryson met me at the airport. Our first stop was at the historic Dexter Avenue Baptist Church located only a few steps from the Alabama State Capitol. Once pastored by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dexter Avenue Baptist Church was a symbol of our quest for equal justice in this nation. Brother Bryson wanted me to appreciate the importance of Mont- gomery and its role in the Civil Rights movement. This experience left an indelible stamp on my life. Over the years, my respect and admiration for Brother Bryson grew and expanded as each milestone of achieve- ment unfolded in his long life. On February 1, 2018, after reading a copy of my book, “Goodbye, Arkadelphia! Turning Obstacles into Opportunities,” he wrote his final letter to me. In it he stated: “I thoroughly enjoyed Goodbye,
“It was my absolute honor and privilege to know and work with Dr. Ralph J. Bryson. He was the ‘real deal’, a true gentleman and scholar in every way.
cably knowledge- able and proficient in so many disci- plines, especially the Humanities. He personified achieve-
William "Randy" Bates, Esq. 32 nd Grand Polemarch
Samuel C. Hamilton 30 th Grand Polemarch
I distinctly remember when Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Incorporated released the 5th Edition of the Story of Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Incorpo- rated...he was seated in a room endors- ing copies of the 5th Edition for broth- ers and there was a very long line of brothers, both young and old seeking his autograph, and what I noticed was, how enthusiastic brothers were after they received their signed copy from him. Brother Bryson patiently autographed
ment in every field of human endeavor. I had the opportunity to spend time with him, read his Holiday Letters and his early transition years to the Office of Grand Historian.” “Like so many of you, I am a self- appointed son of Dr. Ralph J. Bryson. His life is a story of a man who made a difference in society. A story of a man who used his education wisely. A man
THE JOURNAL ♦ WINTER 2021 - SPRING 2022
PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENT IN EVERY FIELD OF HUMAN ENDEAVOR
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