Kappa Alpha Psi: fraternity, founded at Indiana University, stresses individual and group achievement - Black Sororities and Fraternities, part 4

Ebony, May, 1990

KAPPA ALPHA PSI

UNLIKE other major Black fraternities and sororities, Kappa alpha Psi Fraternity was founded in the Midwest. A child of excellence, the fraternity was organized in 1911 at Indiana University to foster individual and group excellence.

Since its founding, more than 82,000 members have been initiated into 331 undergraduate and 319 alumni chapters located throughout the United States with foreign chapters in the United Kingdom, Korea, Japan, Germany and the Bahamas.

"Guide Right" is the guiding theme of the fraternity. A vast collection of programs and events tied to a central objective, the Guide Right program is designed to improve the fortunes of African-American youths. To that end, chapters all over the world provide guidance and counseling, give scholarships, arrange student loans, assist the poor, work in political campaigns and support anti-apartheid activities. The fraternity also sponsors Kappa Leagues composed of junior and senior high school students.

ANational Student Revolving Loan Fund has been established in 123 colleges and universities in the United States. Kappas and non-Kappas alike may apply for use of these funds.

"Guide Right," Grand Polemarch Ullysses McBride says, "is the heart of Kappa Alpha Psi. There are no endeavors more important, no programs as urgent as those that focus on the development of the young." Dr. McBride, who is professor of political science and dean of students at Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette. Ala., says Guide Right is "the single undertaking by which Kappa Alpha Psi is best known. It is the fraternity's most important contribution within the African-American community on a national level."

The most important Guide Right program is the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference. Graduate and undergraduate chapter members in each of the 12 provinces meet annually to discuss fraternity policies and programs and examine attributes necessary for leadership in line with the theme of "Training for Leadership."

Like most fraternities, Kappa has abolished all hazing. It was one of eight national fraternities and sororities which met in St. Louis and adopted a national policy limiting initiation to non-physical ritual requirements.

The fraternity, which has long had a close relationship with various civil rights organizations, has adopted an international agenda, which includes an educational program and active support of organizations like the World Conference of Mayors. A new international headquarters is under construction in Philadelphia.

The first fraternity to join Africare, Kappa has initiated a drive to raise $100,000 for African aid.

The fraternity has attracted a number of distinguished Americans, including Gen. Daniel (Chappie) James, composer William Grant Still and Atty. Earl B. Dickerson. Among the bestknown Kappas are congressmen Mervyn Dymally, Louis Stokes, John Conyers, George Crockett and Walter Fauntroy; mayors Tom Bradley. Michael White and Johnny Ford; college presidents Leroy Keith, Harrison Wilson, Dalla Simmons and Joseph Johnson; ministers Samuel D. Proctor and Leon H. Sullivan; athletes Arthur Ashe and Bill Russell; and civil rights leaders John E. Jacob and William Gibson.

The organization's strength, however, is not in numnbers and names, Grand Polemarch McBride says. "Not in the number of members," he says, "but in the fidelity with which members approximate the ideals of fraternity, will lasting and meaningful success obtain."