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K A P P A A L P H A P S I F R A T E R N I T Y , I N C .

THE ANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW YORK ALUMNI CHAPTER

Kappa NewsFraternal Year 2005/2006

Polemarch’s Corner

Brothers All,

First & foremost I hope all is well with youand your families and pray the blessingsfrom above will fall upon you. As we begin

yet another fraternal year of Chapter activi-ties, let us be mindful of our combinedpotential as well as our responsibility toimpact that potential within our community.

New York Alumni is a Chapter with a rich,proud and triumphant history. Our begin-nings are rooted in struggle conveyed byforty-one charter members and a commit-ted determination to overcome social, polit-ical, fraternal and environment obstacles.For over sixty-eight years, our Chapter hasstood defiantly against these odds to createa Chapter legacy of astonishing achieve-ment, success and vision. Today, I realizethat our Chapter faces a formidable chal-lenge; however, we are equally resolute inour ability to recall our collective strength.Consequently we do recognize our fraternalobligation to fulfill organizational mandatesthat cultivates brotherhood and fellowship

that sometimes is both empowering andcomforting.

To that end, as Polemarch for the 2005-2006fraternal year, I have harbored ambivalentfeelings among both good and bad timesduring the summer recess. However, I alsoremain confident that in the end our broth-erhood and zeal for Phi Nu Pi will prevailsteadfast. Brothers our Chapter traditioncontinues and every first Saturday for thenext nine months I invite you to come sharein the “Good Olde Kappa Spirit”. Until then,I remain……

Yours in the Bond,

Jon PoolePolemarch

A Kappa Sunday IndeedBy Alturo Rhymes

In the BeginningIt’s not everyday the neighbors in the his-toric Hamilton Heights section of Harlemhear the echoes of the Kappa Alpha PsiHymn ringing in the street. But it is safe tosay the first Sunday of May was no ordinaryday.

Nearly 100 Brothers of Kappa Alpha Psigathered at the historic New York AlumniKappa House on May 7th to take part in aremarkable event, “Kappa Sunday InHarlem.” If the title sounds familiar itshould. It is inspired by the memorable“Great Day In Harlem,” which was the dayphotographer Art Kane took the photo ofthe world’s most renowned jazz musiciansin front of a brownstone in 1958.

The Kappa Alpha Psi version of this picturewas developed by the New York AlumniChapter and organized by Brother AlturoRhymes, a Spring 1996 initiate of New YorkAlumni and three-term Polemarch of theChapter.“It seemed like a great idea. GettingBrothers together in the spirit of fraternal-ism,” Rhymes said of the event.

But great ideas don’t come together bythemselves. Getting this event off theground took a lot of commitment. The firstthing, which had to be done was getting thesupport of the Chapter.“Some Brothers wereskeptical at first,” Rhymes recalls “but once Ilaid out the vision all the Brothers ralliedbehind the idea.” (continued on page 2)

Kappa Sunday in Harlem

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And rally they did. Chapter Brothers were soenthusiastic about the idea they decidedthey didn’t just want to make it just taking apicture, but making it an entire Sunday -- AKappa Sunday.

To make this event a truly historic occasionthe chapter felt it was important to havemany Brothers from across the country andmany fraternal dignitaries. The Brotherscrafted a letter and sent it to every livingPast Grand Polemarch as well as the currentGrand Polemarch Samuel Hamilton andSenior Grand PolemarchDwyane Murray. “Thatmade us a bit nervousbecause we didn’t havethe budget to assist dig-

nitaries with transportation and we felt thatmight keep officers from coming,” Rhymessaid. But surprisingly, the Grand Polemarchimmediately responded saying he woulddefinitely be there.“When the Chapter heardthat,”Rhymes said,“everyone felt really goodand it confirmed the picture was a greatidea.” The idea caught on and while the Past

Grand Polemarchs schedules didn’tallow them the opportunity toattend, the Senior Grand VicePolemarch, the Executive DirectorRichard Snow and the ProvincePolemarch and Vice-Polemarchquickly followed suit and said theywould attend. Kappa Sunday waswell on it’s way.

Now the Hard PartWith the knowledge thatthere would be plenty ofKappa dignitaries there, thehard part of convincingBrothers the idea was good

and they should attend had to begin.The Chapter drafted another letterand distributed it to the mass list ofBrothers via online listservs like thewell known “Nupe-Net.” In order tocontrol the responses the Brothersset up a separate hotmail accountand asked members to send in theirnames and other identification likechapter and year of initiation.

Rhymes says it was vital to confirmthat those whowould be in the pic-ture were indeedm e m b e r s .“Anyone could saythey were a Kappaand stand in thepicture.” Im-medi-ately after postingthe information the

names started to roll in. In amatter of days, it became clearthat Kappa Sunday In Harlemwould be well received.

“I think we got about 15, 20responses the same day.” Rhymes

said. “The problem was we hadn’t reallydecided on how many Brothers we weregoing to have in the photo.” But that proposalwould have to be the focus real soon.

The New York Alumni Kappa House is locat-ed on 141st Street and unlike the row-house

Brownstone in the Art Kane photo does nothave a steep row of steps for people to posi-tion themselves on. It is relatively flat withthree small steps and is bookend by twogrowing and sprawling trees.

The New York Alumni Chapter has ownedthe House for 50 years. The Brothers boughtthe house in 1956 for $24,000. They receiveda $12,000 loan from Carver Bank and paidfor the rest using fundraisers, specifically

from the Kappa Boat ride. Prior to owningthe House, the Brothers of New York Alumnimet at the YMCA on 135th street or inBrothers’ basements. It took the Chapter justunder 30 years to pay off the mortgage. TheChapter held a mortgage burning ceremonyduring the administration of Oliver W.Parson. Parson was initiated at Alpha Xi

Samuel C. Hamilton, Grand Polemarch, MichaelBrewington, Northeastern Province Polemarch and

Jon Poole, New York Alumni Chapter Polemarch along with brothers of New York Alumni Chapter.

KAPPA NEWS 2005/2006

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Chapter in the early 1940s and the longestserving Polemarch of New York Alumni. Henow proudly holds the title of PolemarchEmeritus.

The Kappa House is a fully functional four-story brownstone located in the heart ofHamilton Heights. It literally stands aroundthe corner from the Hamilton GrangeNational Memorial, which is anational landmark. The KappaHouse is primarily used as themeeting and social facility ofthe Chapter. However, it hasincreasingly become the placefor its community service proj-ects. Under the supervision ofAbdur-Rahim Ali, a 1988 initi-ate of the Chapter and SalFernandez a 2003 initiate, stu-dents from various elementary schoolsspend their Saturday mornings at the Housebeing mentored by Brothers of the Under-graduate Chapter, Omicron. OmicronChapter is one of the oldest Chapters in theFraternity and was chartered at ColumbiaUniversity in 1921.

In order to fit the Brothers into the picture,the Chapter devised a staging plan. SomeBrothers would have to sit on the curb, oth-ers in chairs and everyone else standingbehind them and on the steps. “We decidedto place the dignitaries on the steps,”Rhymes said “And others I think it was

KAPPA NEWS 2005/2006

Brother Ali who suggested we allowBrothers to be on the second floorwindow.”

Since the Chapter had set up anemail address and organized theprocess of registration it was veryeasy for the Brothers to keep track ofwho was registered. With about twoweeks to go before the May 7th eventthere were more than 80 Brothersregistered. “We quickly realized thiswas going to be a tight fit and decid-ed to shut down the official regis-tration.” Rhymes remembered.

What was really surprising was notthe amount of Brothers whoresponded but the number ofbrothers from outside of New York

who responded.There wereBrothers fromWa s h i n g t o n ,Baltimore, At-lanta, Houstonand Chicago

registering to take part. “The day we knewwe had done something big,” Rhymes said“was two days after we shut down registra-tion and I got a call from a Brother fromMaryland who wanted to charter a planeand fly up. I was like wow!”

The day was prettymuch set and itincluded services atthe Abyssinian Bap-tist Church, whereCalvin O Butts, III ispastor for the 11amservice and proceedto the Kappa Houseto take the picture.The chapter had itschapter meeting theday before so Bro-t h e rs wou l d b epoised for some fra-ternalism.

Picture Perfect:The sun was shining bright and there wasnot a cloud in the sky. The weather waswarm but not uncomfortably so. It was apicture perfect day. The Brothers decidedthey would meet at Abyssinian at 10:30 amthat morning. It seemed too much of anopportunity to miss if the host of Brotherswho were gathering in New York City didn’ttake the opportunity to visit one of the mosthistoric churches in Harlem. Especiallysince one of their fraternity Brothers is thepastor.

Brother Butts is a proud Kappa and he madethat point known when he addressed thecongregation. He acknowledged the GrandPolemarch and the other Brothers from NewYork Alumni and from across the regionwho had come just for this day.(Continued on page 11)

Samuel C. Hamilton, Grand Polemarch along withbrothers of Omicron Chapter.

Award for General Excel-lence and was nominatedfor the same award in 2002

and 2004. ESPN The Mag-azine was also named toAdweek’s Top 10 Hot List ofmagazines for five consecu-tive years. ESPN Books wascreated in May 2004 toleverage thecompany’s ex-pertise in sportsreporting and

sports entertainment to developand promote a sweeping cata-logue of sports titles. As the for-mer chairman and chief execu-tive of Vanguarde Media, he pub-lished Savoy, Honey and Heart &Soul magazines. Prior to found-ing VMI, he was the first African-Americannamed as a president at Time Inc. where hepublished Vibe Magazine.

Clinkscales graduated from Florida A&MUniversity, where he was initiated into theAlpha Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. Hewent on to earn an M.B.A. from the HarvardBusiness School. In the fraternity, he hasserved as Junior Vice Polemarch of the

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Keith T. Clinkscales was the keynote speakerfor the Reginald F. Lewis ScholarshipLuncheon, which was held Sunday, May 21,2006 at 1 p.m. at the Columbia UniversityLow Memorial Library. The annual luncheonis hosted by the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity’sNew York Alumni Foundation Inc.

Clinkscales is senior vice president/generalmanager of ESPN Publishing.Clinkscalesname is one that has been at the forefront ofthe publishing world for more than a decadeand now he is responsible for all operationsof the award winning ESPN The Magazine,domestically and internationally; ESPNBooks: and all new publishing related busi-ness initiatives. ESPN The Magazine washonored with the 2003 national Magazine

Keith T. Clinkscales – Keynote SpeakerNew York Alumni Foundation, Inc.

Reginald F. Lewis Scholarship Luncheon

Brother Keith T. Clinkscales, Scholarship Luncheon Keynote Speaker

Brother Jon Poole, Polemarch,Closing Remarks at the Luncheon

Brother Jonathan Hicks, ScholarshipLuncheon Chairman

KAPPA NEWS 2005/2006

Southern Province and as editor of the NewYork Alumni Chapter newsletter.

In addition to Brother Clinkscales as thekeynote speaker, community service awardswas presented to The Reverend Al Sharpton,President of National Action Network andBrother Raven P.D. Dennis, Owner ofCakeman Raven’s Confectionery.

The Oliver Sutton MemorialScholarship was presented toTerrence Copney, a senior atStuyvesant High School inManhattan, NY; the Albert G.Oliver Memorial Scholarship waspresented to Jonathan Pomboza, asenior at Stuyvesant High Schoolin Manhattan; the Melvin TaylorMemorial Scholarship was pre-

sented to Michael Romeo, a senior at JohnDewey High School in Brooklyn, NY; theErnest M. Wood Memorial Scholarship waspresented to Tyrone Thomas, a senior atRice High School in Manhattan, NY; and theJoseph Greene Memorial Scholarship was

In 2002, The New YorkAlumni ScholarshipFoundation expandedits mission to includebroader init iat ivessuch as the KappasAgainst AIDS. This ini-tiative’s mission is toencourage education,testing and protectionfrom this deadly virus.

In 2003, the Foundation creat-ed the Schomburg-WatsonMemor ia l Museum. Thismuseum is housed in the his-toric New York Alumni KappaHouse and named in honor oftwo beloved members ofKappa Alpha Psi in New York:

Arthur Schomburg and RobertWatson. The purpose of this

museum is to encourage a fuller under-standing of the unique role Kappa Alpha Psihas played within the New York Area.

In 2004, the Scholarship Foundation,changed its name to the New York AlumniFoundation (NYAF) and set out to increaseits visibility and role in the achievement ofyoung people by developing the LeadershipInstitute and adopting the motto, “TrainingTomorrow’s Leaders Today”.(Continued on page 10)

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KAPPA NEWS 2005/2006

presented to Michael Zalaznick, a junior atMercy College in Manhattan, NY.

To recap the keynotespeaker Brother Clink-scales was incredible,informative & inspir-ing; our communityservice awardees Rev. AlSharpton and BrotherRaven Dennis dazzlethe audience as well asour scholarship recipi-ents. Brother Jonathan P. Hicks,Scholarship Luncheon Chairmanwas the master of ceremonies andpull the program together in hissmooth, savvy manner.

The New York Alumni ScholarshipFoundation, Inc. was established in 1988,the 501 c ( 3) philanthropic entity of thechapter. The Foundation was originallyestablished as the New York AlumniScholarship Foundation. Its primary pur-pose was to solicit and raise funds for welldeserving, high academic minority studentsin New York City who were bound forcollege.

With the finan-cial assistance ofa number of gen-erous membersof the fraternity,including the latecorporate execu-tive Reginald F.Lewis, the New York Alumni Foundationhosted its first luncheon in 1989.

The New York Alumni Scholarship Found-ation, Inc. and it’s Reginald F. LewisMemorial Scholarship Program have donat-ed funds to talented young students formore than a decade. Cumulatively, theFoundation has given nearly $200,000 tounderserved students of the New York CityPublic School System.

Community Service Award Recipient The Reverend Al Sharpton

Community Service Award Recipient Brother Raven P.D. Dennis

Our efforts to reach out into the communityhave enhanced and strengthen ourchapter. Most importantly, the broth-ers who have supported these pro-grams are to be commended, for it isat the heart of our Bond that weshould the efforts of one another.Although we have had successes,there is still much to be done. I amappealing to all brothers to get moreinvolved in our programs and chap-ter goals.

Although we have had successes,there is still much to be done therefore withyour continue commitment & support toNew York Alumni Chapter will enable us togo forward and captivate our community.

Yours in the Bond,

Jon PoolePolemarch

Thanksgiving Meals

New York Alumni & OmicronChapter were joined by brothersfrom the Metro NYC area andserved Thanksgiving meals to the home-less November 24th at Abyssinian BaptistChurch. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III is Pastor.

Annual Holiday Party

As New York Alumni Guide Right initia-tive, the chapter hosted a holiday partyDecember 17 to collect gifts and dona-tions for children in the Harlem area.

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KAPPA NEWS 2005/2006

Polemarch’s Corner

Brothers All,

On January 5th, 2006 our noble clan became95 years old and seldom do we as a chapterhave time to reflect upon our accomplish-ments and aspirations. I would like to thankeach of you for your affirmation on the com-mitment to Kappa Alpha Psi as well as yoursupport of the ideals, the principles and pre-cepts of our great fraternity.

We can be proud of what we have accom-plish for the first half of our fraternal yearincluding Harlem HBCU College Fair,Harlem Halloween Fest, Guide RightColumbia Football Outing, MembershipFish Fry, Thanksgiving Community ServiceProject at the historic Abyssinian Church,Annual Holiday Party that help collect anddisburse educational toys and games to theyouth of Harlem and most recently theMemorial Service that remunerated homageto four belated brothers that passed awaythis past fraternal year. Now that we are wellunder way in producing our programs forthe second half of the year, I would beremiss to not mention committee chairs,committee members, officers and brothersoverall who have worked so diligently tomake our programs a success.

Thanksgiving Meals

Families of chapter members, friends,and members of the NYC Divine_9 sup-port the event. The gifts and toys werepresented to Foster Child Care Ser-vices in Harlem, NY.

Harlem Halloween Fest

Members of New York AlumniChapter opened the doors of theKappa Kastle to welcome chil-dren and parents of Harlem asthey celebrated Halloween. Morethat 200 children and their familymemb ers attended the safealternative to trick-or-treating.Polemarch Jon Poole and Guide

Right Chairman Skip Brown coordinat-ed the event. Thomas Brandon, Abdur-Rahim Ali, Yakik Rumley and OmicronChapter member Jamil Lacey were alsoinstrumental in ensuring the event suc-cess. s

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Salute to Fifty Year Members

On February 4, 2006, the New YorkAlumni Chapter honored ten 50-yearmembers of the chapter by awardingeach member a plaque commemorat-ing their achievements in the frater-nity. Present to receive their awardswere Oliver W. Parson a 1941 Alpha Xichapter initiate and PolemarchEmeritus of the New York Alumnichapter; George W. White, Jr., a 1941Alpha Nu chapter initiate; John S.Rice, a 1947 Beta Chi chapter initiate;Thomas Roberts, a 1948 GammaKappa chapter initiate; Ernest Knight, a1952 Gamma Phi Chapter initiate andTheodore Anderson, a 1956 Beta PhiChapter initiate. Due to health or familialobligations, the following brothers were notable to attend the event, but were recognizedas well: John Nailor, a 1933 Mu chapter initi-ate; Donald N.White, a 1933 Epsilon chapterinitiate; Clarence Brown, a 1939 Pi chapterinitiate and William Taylor, a 1939 a AlphaPhi chapter initiate. As each award wasgiven, brothers reminisced about their yearsin the fraternity and what the organizationmeant to them. The all-encompassing senti-ment for the evening was that, “there is nogreater man than a Kappa”. The Oath ofRededication was performed in honor of therecipients in order to reaffirm their dedica-tion to the fraternity; in much the same wayas is done at each Founders’ Days ceremony.After the official ceremony, the awardeesand the chapter members present brokebread together and shared stories of eventsthat have occurred over the years. s

From left to right was: Brother Anderson, Brother Knight,Brother White, Brother Parson, Brother Rice

and Brother Roberts.

KAPPA NEWS 2005/2006

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Memorial ServiceOn January 7, 2006, the NewYork Alumni Chapter held amemorial service in reverenceof four brothers, IgnatiusDuBuisson, R. Duke Marshall,Ronald A. Joseph, and RudolphCallendar, who all passed toChapter Invisible during theyear 2005. Brother RonaldAlfonzo Joseph a initiate ofOmicron Chapter was borneaway to Chapter Invisible onDecember 7, 2004. BrotherRudolph Milton Callender a 1950initiate of Omicron Chapter wasborne away to Chapter Invisible onJune 5, 2005. Brother R. DukeMarshall a 1981 initiate of NewYork Alumni Chapter was borneaway to Chapter Invisible on June

10, 2005. Brother Ignatius F. DuBuisson, Jr. a1952 initiate of Omicron Chapter was borneaway to Chapter Invisible on July 18, 2005.Invited to the memorial service were thesurviving family members of the brothers,who received plaques in their honor. Inaddition to the plaques presented to thefamilies, a memorial wall was established inthe Kappa Kastle in order to continuallyhonor the contributions those brothersmade to the chapter and the fraternity as awhole. In spite of the somber occasion, thefamilies were appreciative of the ceremonythat included remarks from family mem-bers, an invocation by Brother JamesHatcher, solo song sung by Brother JonathanHicks, and group song sung by past mem-bers of Omicron Chapter. After the formalproceedings, the families stayed at theKappa Kastle to fellowship with the chaptermembers over a meal. s

(Front from left to right) Christina and Regina Joseph,daughter and mother of Robert Joseph, both members

of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,Polemarch Jon Poole; (Rear from left to right)

William H. Williams, Conrad Carty, Oliver W. Parson,Robert R. Hines, Fernley A. Murray

KAPPA NEWS 2005/2006

Keith T. Clinkscales –Keynote Speaker(Continued from page 5.)

The NYAF will continue to seek new andinnovative ways to uplift the communitiesit serves as well as work to solicit uniquepartnerships with other nonprofits, corpo-rations and social organizations whichmatches its vision and mission. s

brotherly bond, and regain itsfinancial foundation. This revi-talization will enable andempower us to offer better andsound programs which willimpact our fraternity andcommunity. Revitalization forus can happen when good menof Kappa Alpha Psi reach out tomake the changes necessary tomeet challenges.

The call is made and hands of fellowshipand brotherhood are extended. For the2005-2006 fraternal year, our Reclamation

motto is “Each brother is calledhome and each brother is encour-aged to bring a brother home”.

Reclamation goals and objectivesfor the fraternal includes: Reduc-tion of membership dues for allincoming members from theundergraduate sector; initiate act-

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Reclamation

On behalf of the Board ofDirectors and members of NewYork Alumni Chapter of KappaAlpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., weextend our warmest greetings.We are certain that we can allagree that Kappa Alpha Psi andNew York Alumni in particularare now facing another pivotalmoment in our history. Suchmoments generally are pro-moted by challenges and accompanied bychange. Challenges are reality checks andchanges reflect new and better responses tothose realities. We call upon all brothers,

new and seasoned,strivers and retirees, tobring your talents, ener-gies, and wisdom againto meet and fulfill ourtraditional oath in PhiNu Pi. In order to do ourpart, New York Alumniseeks to rebuild itsranks, reconnect its

KAPPA NEWS 2005/2006

ivities to involve in-active brothers interact-ing with active Brothers. (I.e. NBABasketball games - televised and/or live);initiate a membership fish fry for brothersto bond together; initiate a news-letter todistribute Fraternity and/or non-fraternalactivities; establish chapter e-mail databasefor brothers only interaction to communi-cate activities, thoughts, issues and upcom-ing fraternal or chapter events. s

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New York Alumni Chapter GuideRight program up to 8th GradeStudents. Kappa Alpha Psi Frat-ernity, Inc. at IS 275, we are start-ing the Harlem Stars, a develop-ment program designed to im-prove the self-image of AfricanAmerican and Latino Youth inthe communit y by prov id-ing them with challenging andrewarding experiences that willenhance their lives. The GuideRight program will develop thestudents in the qualities of:

• Ethics;• Leadership;• Positive community contributions;• Academic development;• Etiquette;• Character;• Awareness of diversity;• Field Trips; and• Opportunities to meet with people

from various career paths.

New York Alumni will be guiding the stu-dents through a five-year journey from mid-dle school through high school and on tocollege. Brothers will act as mentors, helpingstudents achieve their full potentials andhelp them make the best decisions for them-selves. For the 2005/2006 fraternal yearGuide Right mission is to provide essentialinitiatives and programs to enhance the

Guide Right InitiativeGreater Harlem Com-munity of New York Cityand specifically it’s disen-franchised and under-served young community.Guide Right programs areconstant with our frater-nal obligation that re-flects our commitment.Such programs includes:Step Korrect is an ambi-tious program to teach

young students the essential skills ofTeamwork, discipline and unity through theuse of traditional Black Greek LetterOrganization stepping; the (KAAIDS)Initiative is a three year program with theobjective of making the Harlem communityaware of the vital statistics and infectionrate of African-Americans. This program isdesigned under the motto: “BecomeEducated, Get Tested, and Stay Protected;the Community First Initiative is a uniquesocial awareness program focused on theeducation and the health of the educationalenvironment of Harlem’s student popula-tion. This program will be designed to cre-ate a supportive parental foundation with apetition and events circled around a plat-form of educational issues; college Tour incooperation with the Black Caucus of theNew York State UFT, the Guide Right willprovide through application 10 high schoolsophomores the opportunity to attend a col-

KAPPA NEWS 2005/2006

lege tour of a New York State public school;the Leadership Institute will be a multi-week program opened to 3 & 4th graders aswell as Sophomore & Juniors. This will be aneducational based program designed tomeet the unique needs of these two studentgroups; and The Leaders & ScholarsLuncheon is the continuation of the originalpurpose of the Guide Right to provide schol-arship funds for aspiring, underservedminority students for college.

New York Alumni Chapter of Kappa AlphaPsi Fraternity, Inc. was chartered February

20, 1937, under the sponsorship of theProvince Polemarch, Brother I.T.Donaldson, with the cooperation of anumber of Brothers, including:Brothers Ernest L. Dimitry, ThomasHocutt, Ernest Wood, H. TaftThompson, Robert “Si” Jones, OthelloBroadnax, William Bryant, SamuelWalker, James B. Hardy, J. DouglassSerrell, John Perry, Marion Griffin,James “Chum” Reid, Walter I. Delph,Anthony G. Featherston, Rudolph Scott,Nathaniel Scott, Frizel Smith, LeroyPayne, Robert H. Watson, HarcourtTynes, George “Pat” Tynes, C.L.Heyliger, Laurence Hunt, Miguel

Houchen, Floyd Mourning, Chauncy Cox,Thomas Gorgas, Roosevelt Hammond,Robert Stevens, Von Dickerson, FrankWheeler, William Atkinson, E.K Jones, LeroyLowery, G. Victor Cools, Elihue Packard,Hubert Carter, John Silvera, Roy Fergusonand Irving Hamer.

Many of these Brothers were the originalsponsors of the Kappa Kostume Karnivalwhich became the unique and outstandingNY Fall Ball. Now called the AnnualKrimson and Kream Ball.

New York Alumni’s first Polemarch wasBrother Irving Hamer. The Keeper ofRecords, Brother Robert “Si” Jones; and theKeeper of Exchequer was Brother H. TaftThompson. In the early stages of theChapter’s incorporation there was no regu-lar meeting place. Brothers met at localYMCAs, Elks Home, Basement Room at

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KAPPA NEWS 2005/2006

135th Street and also at Brother Dimitry’sand Delph’s homes.

The most prominent issue on the minds ofBrothers was the longing desire to have aKappa Kastle. Brother Donaldson put up thefirst five dollars. This was the start of thefund to buy a house. Brother Donaldsonencouraged the Chapter to allocate a portionof their dues for this fund, as well.

The fund received its greatest impetus fromthe Annual Kappa Kruise. The Kruise beganin 1950. In 1952 the Boat ride netted$12,500 which was placed into the Bankalong with each subsequent net profit. In1959 the Brothers’ hard work and dreamspaid off. With a loan from Carver FederalBank of $12,500 the deal was solidified andthe purchase of a four story brownstone at472 W. 141st in Harlem, New York was made.

The mortgage was burned during theadministration of Brother Oliver W. Parson.Thus, the title of Polemarch Emeritus wasbestowed upon him. After a recent fire,funds being collected are for the completerestoration of the Kappa Kastle. To this date,the wood furnishings have been revar-nished, bathrooms have been renovated andplans to carpet the floor and renovate theSilhouettes room on the third floor areunder way.

There is an ongoing Guide Right program.The chapter sponsors a tutorial program atSalem Methodist Church. In the Spring of1996 the Fredrick Douglass Kappa Leaguemade the first Historically Black CollegeTour, visiting schools such HamptonUniversity, Howard and Morgan StateUniversity. New York Alumni is also lookingto expand its Guide right program to otherschools.

During Halloween and Christmas there arechildren’s parties given which are anticipat-ed by the neighborhood the entire year.Brothers also donate gifts to the childrenduring the Christmas party.s

This program is run independently of the Department of Education.

A Kappa Sunday...(continued from page 3)

“Butts was on today,”one Brother recounted.

While Brothers were attending service oth-ers were busy at the Kappa House gettingready for the day’s big event. Brother JoseZenon, a Spring 1993 initiate at OmicronGamma, serves as the House BusinessManager. He was charged with ensuring thehouse was prepared as well as the food andrefreshments were set. While Brother Zenonwas placing the final touches on the housealong with Silhouette Sherri Zenon, BrotherRhymes and a small committee of volun-teers from Omicron were working to set upregistration tables.

“Brother, where can we get something toeat” Brother McDonald asked after his longdrive up from Baltimore.To his surprise foodwas ready up-stairs and the sounds of the“Kappa Klassic” CD were filling the room.

In a matter of hours the house was buzzingand Brothers were exchanging stories.Quietly Brother Rhymes was informed theExecutive Director would not be able toattend and nor would the Senior Grand VicePolemarch. “It was disappointing,” Rhymessaid “but when Brother Murray called mepersonally, I really appreciated that.”

Soon after three o’clock the staging began.As planned Brothers were placed sitting onthe curb and immediately behind them thesenior Brothers, those with 50 years ormore, were seated. With more than 90Brothers left to be staged it was a tightsqueeze trying to fit everyone in by pre-arranged order and size.

“You could call it organized confusion,”Rhymes said laughing “ But it worked out.”Brothers were patient and understanding. Itreally got festive when Brother Butts, just offthe pulpit dashed up to take his spot.“Goodto see you my Brother,“

The Grand Polemarch told him, “Wouldn’tmiss it.” Butts responded.

It took about 30 minutes to organize every-one, some standing on chairs, leaning ontrees and others standing up against thewalls and a few leaning out on the ledge ofthe second floor. It was tight, but everyonegot in the picture, even those who just hap-pen to show up that day hoping to join in the history.

Standing in the crowd of Brothers lookingout across the street to the photographerand the neighbors who had come out to seewhat the fuss was, reminded some of thephrase in that famous song,“look at the peo-ple, standing on the side watching K-A-Psi.”

Brother Jon Poole, Polemarch of New YorkAlumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Frater-nity, Inc. stated “In honor of the founding ofour Fraternity 95th Anniversary, this daysymbolize brothers of new, seasoned,strivers and retirees to bring their talents,energies and wisdom to meet and fulfill ourtraditional oath; the call was made andhands of fellowship and brotherhoodextended, this is a day we will all remember”.

Standing on the side watching, Brothershave a Kappa Sunday In Harlem. s

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Polemarch’s State of the Chapter & Closing Remarks

During the 2005/2006 fraternal year, New York Alumni has reconnected its brotherly bond, and regain its financial foundation. I am proudof what New York Alumni Chapter has accomplish including Kappa Burial Service & repast for Brother Marshall and Brother DuBuisson, suc-cessful cooperation with NEP Investigative Team, Harlem HBCU College Fair, Harlem Halloween Fest, Guide Right Columbia Football Outing,Membership Fish Fry, Thanksgiving Community Service Project at the historic Abyssinian Church, Annual Holiday Party that help collectand disburse educational toys and games to the youth of Harlem, memorial service that remunerated homage to four belated brothers(Callender, DuBuisson, Joseph, & Marshall) that passed away this past fraternal year, Reclamation Fish Fry, Guide Right initiatives withHarlem Hospital Medical Doctors and most recently the salute to our 50 year chapter members on their support to the ideals, the principlesand precepts of our great fraternity. In addition, Brothers are esteem Chapter has capture history as well and May 7th, 2006 will forever beremember as Kappa Sunday in Harlem and I applaud everyone for participating including our Grand Polemarch, Province Polemarch, SeniorProvince Polemarch along with ninety brothers from across the country.

As we close out another fraternal year and as we anticipate the abundance and joy that the coming year will bring, we also must reflect uponanother year in the life of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. At the same time, our reflections turn toward the year 1911 and all of the chal-lenges that our founding fathers endured to form this grand fraternity. It is my humble opinion first, we must take a hard look at ourselves,we need to decide who we are as a chapter and if we have the desire, courage and commitment to do what is necessary to be consistent toour identity. Each brother must assume responsibility to assure that no member deviates from our state goals without an immediate strongaction to get back on the track established by our fraternity objectives. Secondly, we got to put a positive spin on the negative. Our chapterhas taken a 360 degree turn for the better and this is a time when one should say “how can I help keep New York Alumni alive and movingforward in the right direction”. Lastly, I would like to have brothers agree that we can disagree, without disengaging from the chapter and/orfraternity. Stay involve and let’s create a model chapter that will be capable of dealing with the dynamics of an ever changing world.

It is now time to release the past, assess the present, come together in the Good Olde Kappa Spirit and move ahead to achieve positive goalsfor our fraternity, chapter, family and community-at-large. The call is made and hands of fellowship and brotherhood are extended. In honorof the founding of our Fraternity 95th Anniversary, let’s continue to be thankful and to embody the principles of Phi Nu Pi.

Forever Yours in the Bond,

Jon PoolePolemarch

KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, INC.NEW YORK ALUMNI CHAPTER

P.O. BOX 178 - COLLEGE STATION

NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10031-0178(212) 592-9056 TEL

(212) 591-6981 FAX

NEW YORK ALUMNI CHAPTER 1937-2006K A P P A A L P H A P S I F R A T E R N I T Y , I N C .

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