December 2024 LA Alumni Newsletter by WPKAPsi

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to you and your loved ones, may you find the joy and wonder of this season.

Brent TilleyPolemarch

Los Angeles Alumni Chapter

I hope this message finds both you and your loved ones well. As we come to the end of the year, the holiday season has been a busy one for the Chapter. During the month of November our Chapter hosted two signature events of our Fraternity, the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference (CRWLC) and our 85th Annual Black and White Ball.

Thank you to all of our Brothers who registered, attended and represented our Chapter at CRWLC. By all accounts it was the most impactful conference in recent memory, in no small part due to our participation. Special recognition goes to Chapter members Brothers Mayberry and Dillard who were recently appointed by Province Polemarch Roots as Director of Marketing/Social Media and St. Jude Chair respectively for the Western Province. They join Brothers Black (KOE), Faulk (GR Chair), Dickerson (Achievement Chair), Holmes (Reporter) and Neal (Senior Asst. Chair) in service to our Province. Additional kudos goes to those Brothers who assisted in hosting the Province Board, Brothers and new initiates throughout the weekend at the Kastle.

The following weekend the Chapter hosted the 85th iteration of the Black and White Ball. With our Grand Polemarch Jimmy McMikle in attendance, the evening included the first appearance of the Kappa Court post pandemic as well as the honoring of our own Brother Shannon Faulk with the Ted Alexander Award. Please join me in thanking Brother Pyles and the Black and White Committee for their vision, hard work and commitment in planning and executing this year’s affair as well as Brothers Yates and Dixon for their support in facilitating both Upsilon and Beta Omega’s participation.

As we celebrate the season of Christ’s birth, this is as good a time as any to remember that our Bond was founded by Christian men of faith. One way that we can support the spiritual welfare of our Brothers is by keeping those on our Sunshine list in prayer, in particular the families of Brother Hal Walker, who recently transitioned into the Chapter Invisible and Brother Jordan Dees who tragically lost his sister.

Finally, on another note, Brothers with the holiday season in full swing, our annual Chapter Christmas party is just around the corner. Information regarding this year’s party and instructions on how to RSVP are included in this newsletter. Please reserve your place(s) today for what promises to be an evening full of the Christmas spirit.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

INTRODUCING FALL

N O V E M B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4

LA Alumni Spring 24, K.O.N.S.O.R.T.I.U.M. (Knowledge Offers New Strengths, Opening Roads Toward Inspired Unity and Mission) joined the Bond on November 9, 2024. The line of 8 diverse men from diverse backgrounds came together over the 6 weeks of their process into one cohesive unit while still maintaining their individualism. The line consists of:

1.Adhy Joiner

2.Fredric Braggs

3.Cornelius Harrington

4.Keith Lewis

5.Gary Wiggins

6.Taylor Humphries

7.Tyreek Howard

8.Ira Hill

Brother Tyreek Howard, who is the youngest on the line had this to say about his initiate experience," "Being a former member of Kappa League, I was eager to join the bond. Although I could not apply for college membership due to the chapter's suspension, my devotion to Kappa remained unwavering. I had the good fortune to apply for an alumni chapter, but I was not accepted on my first attempt. I knew I was the ideal candidate for the fraternity therefore, I was angry. Of course, I applied again, and this time I was successful. The fact that I am the youngest made me initially anxious about how we would get along. To my amazement, we all developed sincere bonds, and I feel privileged to call them my brothers,"

Brother Fredric Braggs, an executive in an architecture firm, said this about his experience "The MTA process, though challenging, helped us embrace the meaning of altruism, and the inevitable benefits to all. We felt an amazing sense of pride crossing at the Kastle, under the watchful eye of the great Brothers who sacrificed their time to guide us through the process. We are inspired to live up to the Fraternity's primary purpose and represent the Chapter in all that we do,"

The line went through some trials and tribulations, one being Ahdy Joiner having to deal with some family medical issues, but they rallied, and the experience brought them closer together. Adhy said this about becoming a brother, "The process is very strategic from start to finish, which embodies a high level of trust and accountability, thus forming an unbreakable bond. The feeling of being a brother is unmatched, and now that I've joined the most prestigious Nobel Klan, the real work of becoming a great humanitarian begins,"

Brother Taylor Humphries started his journey into Kappa decades ago while an undergrad at Hampton University, " "Having started my journey at Beta Chi at Hampton, the alumni process incorporated the responsibilities of fatherhood, work, and other adult commitments. For me, this experience brought a deeper understanding and respect for the intense sacrifices and challenges our founders endured to create this brotherhood,"

Brother Cornelius Harrington is another new brother who started his Kappa journey years before. He talks about his journey and what he looks forward to, "Having an opportunity to complete something that was started 20 years ago has finally become a reality and surreal experience. Not to say without many challenges and sacrifices. It’s almost as if you’ve trained for a marathon and realize at the finish line that there is an entirely different course to run. The new journey and chapter has started since I’ve crossed the burning sands. That in itself is a new journey in the world of Kappa Land, The Divine 9, and all it takes now being a Kappa Man,"

Brother Gary Wiggins whose blood brother has been a Kappa for a long time offered his perspective, "Crossing into Kappa Alpha Psi has been a life-altering journey, bonding me deeply with my brothers as we shared every challenge and triumph. I’m proud to honor my family’s legacy and grateful to stand on the other side, ready to serve my community with positivity and purpose.”

Brother Ira Hill, a dentist from Philly said that he appreciates bonding with men he doesn't get to in his everyday life. "It's frequent being the only black professional in my day-to-day business. You get accustomed to having to bridge your perspective to others who have not shared similar experiences. The process has enabled me to exchange ideas and best practices among men of pursuit and perseverance. It has rekindled in me a sense of belonging to something greater than my outlook on life. I'm looking forward to the growth in the bond,"

Lastly, new brother Keith Lewis, an Information Technology Manager, who lives in the Inland Empire sums up his experience and hopes for brotherhood in a very erudite and loquacious manner, "You spend years observing from the periphery, contemplating the essence of being a Kappa, while possessing only scant information and lacking a true comprehension of what you are entering. As I embarked on this journey, I swiftly recognized the camaraderie I was immersed in and the robust sense of brotherhood that permeated the atmosphere upon entering a room. I valued every brother who held us accountable throughout the process to ensure we were deserving of such a profound kinship. The sacrifices and transformative experiences for someone like myself, who was unaccustomed to openness, facilitated my emergence from a lifelong shell. This method has bestowed upon me seven new brothers with whom I shall share a unique link that only the seven of us can comprehend for the remainder of my life. I recognize that my adventure has only just begun, although I would not prefer it otherwise. We owe immense thanks to the men who dedicated their weekends to prepare us for this endeavor, as first impressions invariably establish the standard, and these men exemplified that for us. A benchmark and illustration of the ideal Kappa Man,"

Chapter Holiday Party

Join The Los Angeles (CA) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for our annual chapter Holiday Party & Toy Drive to celebrate the season with good food, laughter, and holiday cheer!

Cocktail hour will start at 7P, with dinner being served promptly at 8PM. After dinner the evening will continue with games & entertainment for all to enjoy.

As we celebrate we can not forget those less fortunate, so if possible, please bring a new unwrapped toy to be donated in an effort to bring holiday cheer to kids less fortunate.

Dress festive, bring your holiday spirit, and get ready to make merry memories.

To ensure we can accommodate all guests who plan to attend, RSVP is REQUIRED! This event is NOT open to the public. Invited Brothers ONLY!

FAILURE to RSVP may result in non admittance to the event and/or a fee to be paid at the door upon arrival

As this is an event for family and friends, brothers are encouraged to bring their Silhouettes | Significant Other

Kindly RSVP no later than December 15, 2024.

J5 114

Our 114th Founders' Day is quickly approaching and what a weekend we have planned....

On Friday January 3rd, from 7PM - 11PM, we will host a Brothers ONLY Fellowship at the Kappa Kastle. No RSVP is needed, just grab your favorite bottle, your favorite cigar, and come bond with the brothers.

On Saturday January 4th, from 10AM -3PM, is our January Kommunity Service. We are opening the doors to the Kappa Kastle to collect items for our school supplies drive where all donated items will be given to Tom Bradley Global Awareness Magnet.

On Founders' Day January 5th, we are taking over Hollywood with a brunch and a day party celebration from 11AM-5PM at Bahia It. More details for the brunch and day party and/or to purchase tickets can be found at https:// LAJ5114.eventbrite.com

CelebratingTradition:The85thAnnualBlack&WhiteBall

The Los Angeles Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. proudly hosted the 85th Annual Black & White Ball—a celebration of tradition, community, and elegance that has come to define our chapter's legacy. Under the leadership of our Polemarch, Brother Brent Tilley, and the dedication of Brother Michael Pyles, Chairman of the 85th Ball, along with the hardworking committee, the evening embodied the spirit and excellence for which our chapter is known.

The Black & White Ball, which first began on September 11, 1937, at the Elks Ballroom on Jefferson Boulevard and Central Avenue, has grown into an iconic event that sets the stage for the Autumn season among Black Angelenos. That first ball was a glamorous opening to the season for our community, and 85 years later, we continue to uphold the tradition, hosting an elegant evening that brought over 400 guests together for a night to remember.

Held at the beautifully adorned Sheraton Hotel Ballroom, the black, white, and red decorations created the perfect ambiance to kick off the season in style. Guests were delighted by the opulence of the décor, capturing memories with photos and admiring the exotic sports car on loan from Galpin Motors and Brother Eric Felder, which was displayed prominently in the lobby Many attendees were already looking ahead to next year’s attire, inspired by the luxurious garments presented by Dicker & Dicker Furs and Brother Daylen Smith’s Bespoke Fashion Company, whose stylish evening wear was on full display throughout the evening.

The evening began with heartfelt greetings from the Divine Nine—the organizations of the Pan-Hellenic Council—who delivered messages of unity and celebrated our fraternity’s enduring impact. The presence of our Greek brothers and sisters underscored the deep bond among the historically Black fraternities and sororities, all working together for the betterment of our communities. We were proud to recognize and honor the undergraduates from UCLA, USC, LMU, and CSUN, highlighting our chapter’s ongoing support for young scholars and our shared commitment to education and community uplift.

Keenan “Kee Note” Holloway's band, featuring Madame D’s soulful music, kept the guests entertained, as did Chaz Shepherd, whose electrifying performance set the tone for the night. A standout moment occurred when Madame D and Kee Note paid tribute to Frankie Beverly, drawing the entire room to the dance floor in celebration. DJ Double E closed out the evening with an energetic set that kept guests dancing well into the night. The carefully curated musical lineup ensured that the event's energy remained high throughout, making it a true celebration of Black culture, music, and unity

One of the evening's highlights was our scholarship presentation, where we proudly awarded over three thousand dollars to undergraduate members of the Upsilon and Beta Omega Chapters. These scholarships reflect our commitment to fostering academic excellence and investing in the future of our fraternity's young brothers. The recipients expressed heartfelt gratitude, and it was clear that our support makes a tangible difference in helping these young men pursue their goals. Our chapter understands the value of education as a foundation for growth and empowerment, and we remain dedicated to giving back in meaningful ways.

Another memorable part of the evening was the crowning of our new Kappa Queen. The Kappa Kourt, led by the Queen of the 83rd Black & White Ball, Leila Kennedy, a recent UCLA graduate, graced the ballroom with elegance and poise. The 2024-2025 Kappa Kourt included princesses from UCLA, USC, LMU, and CSUN, and ultimately, Octavia Douglas of CSUN was crowned the new Kappa Queen. Sanaa Jefferson and Morgan Chouteau were named 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively. The regal Kourt Presentation was one of the many moments that underscored the grandeur of the event, and the three coeds were awarded over four thousand dollars in scholarships. The pride and excitement of the young women and their families were palpable as they represented the next generation of leaders within our community.

In addition to celebrating our Kappa Kourt, we took time to honor four distinguished individuals whose impact is felt within our community and beyond. Judge Mablean Ephriam received the 2024 Image Maker Award for her groundbreaking work in the legal field and media, as well as her dedication to advocating for justice and equity. James Breedlove was honored with the 2024 Community Service Award for his dedication to uplifting the community, having devoted countless hours to improving the lives of those in need through various initiatives. We were also proud to present Brother Jimmy McMikle, the 35th Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi, with the 2024 Humanitarian Award in recognition of his work to improve the lives of others, especially his efforts in spearheading initiatives for health equity and undergraduate membership support. Finally, Brother Shannon Faulk received our chapter's highest honor—the Lifetime Achievement Award named after Brother Dr. Theodore T. Alexander—for his lifelong commitment to leadership and excellence within Kappa Alpha Psi and the broader community. Brother Faulk’s heartfelt acceptance speech highlighted the importance of service, mentorship, and always striving to uplift others.

Our chapter also welcomed several distinguished guests, including the Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Ricky Lewis, Inglewood's District 04 Councilwoman Dionne Faulk, and Los Angeles County District 02 Supervisor Holly Mitchell, whose presence emphasized the importance of this year ' s event. The iconic ice sculpture commemorating the 85th Black & White Ball was another highlight, serving as the perfect backdrop for guests to gather, share conversations, and capture memories—many of which quickly made their way onto social media, reminding everyone of the joy and unity that defines this event

Beyond the awards, presentations, and festivities, the true heart of the Black & White Ball lies in its ability to bring people together, bridging generations and celebrating our shared history and accomplishments. This year, as we celebrated 85 years of the Black & White Ball, we were reminded of the incredible journey that brought us here—a journey of resilience, brotherhood, and the unwavering commitment to bettering ourselves and our community. The camaraderie among brothers, sisters, friends, and family filled the ballroom, creating an atmosphere that was at once nostalgic and hopeful for the future.

The 85th Annual Black & White Ball was a stunning success, and it could not have been achieved without the dedication of our chapter members. Brother Brent Tilley, Brother Michael Pyles, and the Planning Committee of Brothers Cedric Price, John Bowman, Wayne Bragg, Delmont Neal, Greg Black, Shannon Faulk, Wilbur Washington, Lee Smith, Derek Hamilton, Austin Foxxe, Darryll Holmes, Mario Ephriam, who all went above and beyond, showcasing the best of the Los Angeles Alumni Chapter and delivering a celebration that will resonate for years to come. The meticulous planning that went into every detail—from the venue selection to the decorations, entertainment, and guest experience—ensured that the Black & White Ball was an event of the highest caliber, worthy of its esteemed legacy.

Reflecting on this special evening, we remain proud of our accomplishments and look forward to next year ' s festivities. The spirit of the Black & White Ball is alive and well, and we are already planning for an even more remarkable 86th Annual Black & White Ball.

Thank you to all our brothers, guests, and supporters who made this night an unforgettable one. Let us continue to uphold our legacy of excellence and community service as we forge ahead to the next chapter in our story.

SeeYouAtThe86th

SpecialThanksto The Black&WhiteBall Committee

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible Black and White Ball Committee for your hard work, dedication, and creativity. Your efforts have made this event unforgettable, and we deeply appreciate the time and energy you put into bringing it to life.

Thank you for making this celebration truly extraordinary!

The Western Province is responsible for helping raise 180K of that 2 million dollar goal over 3 years or 60k per year.

This initiative is not just about reaching a financial target; it’s about coming together as a Province to make a real difference in the lives of children and families battling serious illnesses. Our collective efforts can bring hope and healing to those who need it most.

To ensure our success, the Province has set specific fundraising goals for each chapter:

Our chapter is encouraged to raise at least $1,500 by December 31st

Help us reach our goal, donate now.

DonateHere

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Taste of Soul

For the first time ever, or at least in a longtime, the Los Angeles Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. had a booth at the legendary Los Angeles family and music festival, A Taste of Soul. This year was the 19th year for the festival and it once again saw hundreds of thousands of people descend onto Crenshaw Blvd in the Leimert Park area to enjoy a day of food, good vibes, and great music. About a dozen members of the LA Nupes manned the booth, disseminating information about the chapter, the frat, and fellowshipping with people in the crowd. Many pictures were taken, and all who participated had a great time. The chapter has promised to come back next year with greater effect with a more lavish