California state u Pi Kappa Dispels Western Region Stigma Greetings from Alpha West! We the brothers of Pi Kappa Chapter, California State University, Northridge, would like to seize this opportunity to let brothers all across the nation know that the west is alive! The Western Region has carried a stigma for some time now. This stigma is simply that there seems to be very few active brothers or chapters within the Western Region. The time has come for that myth to be dispelled. As one of the larger chapters on the west coast, we felt it high time to enlighten the brotherhood on some of our activities, past and present, in order that you might gain a feel for the participation of brothers within our chapter, as well as chapters within our region. Key #0739 denotes one of the youngest chapters in the fraternity, as well as one of the most active and progressive. Pi Kappa (PK) was founded on September 7, 1984, by thirteen diligent and persistent brothers from UCLA, UC Irvine, and USC: Jimmy Chambers, Carl Luisville, Wil Bryant, Todd Henry, Desmond Gumbs, George Griffin, James Keys, Stanley Germany, Vince Zeabo, Craig Little, Lance Roberts, Jeffrey Hudson, and Usher Barner. Since that time, PK has distinguished itself as a producer of scholars, leaders, and the epitome of true Alpha Men. This is no small task considering the fact that for so long we were literally in the shadows of such illustrious chapters as Gamma Xi, UCLA (Chapter of the Year 1987), and Alpha Delta, USC (The first college chapter in California). With the collective effort of brothers in Pi Kappa, and surrounding chapters, PK began to form an identity of it's own. Pi Kappa Chapter was involved into somewhat of a breeding ground for leaders within and without. Since it's very first year in existence, 1984, PK has been the home of the Western Region A.V.P This started with James Key (1984-95, 1985-86), Ryan Williams (1986-87), and Vernon D. Jackson The Sphinx/Spring 1989
Brothers of Pi Kappa on the rise as one of the largest chapters in the west.
(1987-88). Also on a national level, PK has made a name for itself as one of the prime "Stepping Chapters" in Alpha, winning the Western Region Step Show (1986, and 1987), and winning the National Step Contest at the General Convention held in San Francisco, Summer 1987. Most of this dazzling footwork can also be seen in the documentary film based on the stepping brothers of Pi Kappa called "Ain't no half Stepping," also up for an Academy award nomination for best documentary. PK also breeds scholars, boasting an outstanding graduation rate among the brothers who have been in the chapter. As one of the leading
chapters with extremely talented orators, you have probably already heard the dynamic views of Brother James Key (1st runner-up National Oratorical Contest 1985, and competed also on a national level in 1986), Brother Vernon D. Jackson (2nd runner-up National Oratorical Contest 1987, and 1st runner-up National Oratorical Contest 1988). So as you see the Western Region is definitely on the rise and still alive. We the Brothers of PK wish to challenge all college chapters to come out this summer and support the National Convention because we can guarantee we will be there in full force!!!
FREE SOUTH AFRICA The television cameras are darkened, but the struggle continues. THE DREAM OF FREEDOM NEVER DIES.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Page 37