The Middle Westerner | Volume 1

THE MIDDLE WESTERNER THE MIDDLE WESTERNER THE MIDDLE WESTERNER

PROVINCIAL PULSE

What's happening around the Middle Western Province?

WORDS FROM OUR PROVINCE POLEMARCH

A letter from our Middle Western Province Polemarch

SENIOR KAPPA SPOTLIGHT

Shining a light on senior Kappas

UNDERGRADUATE SPOTLIGHT

Shining a light on an undergraduate Kappa

MIDDLE WESTERN JUNIOR PROVINCE VICE POLEMARCH ADDRESS

A letter from our Middle Western Province JVP

...AND MORE...

VOL. 1 | JULY 2023

Polemarch Address SHANNON ARMSTRONG

Brothers, this is just the beginning of amazing new things to come. I look forward to working with every chapter and every Brother.

BROTHERS,

It’s an honor and pleasure to be bestowed the responsibility of leading our extraordinary Province. I’m very excited about the future of our great Province, and I look forward to further engaging with the Brothers, so we can continue to move forward positively and engagingly. Together we can rise and achieve anything we set out to accomplish.

The theme for the 21st administration is “Embracing change, Time for action.” We have completed the new Province website active in the spirit of that theme. The website is the same as in the past, www.kapsimwp.com. Please visit our new website at your leisure.

The goal is to have the website act as our primary communication hub. We will post important Province and chapter events, highlight chapter achievements, and post a live working calendar. Eventually, Brothers can register and pay for registration via the website for Province events such as the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference and Province Council Meetings.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the 2023 C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference. The Kansas City Alumni Chapter and the Nu Epsilon Chapter in Kansas City, Missouri, will host the 2023 C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference. MTA will take place from October 25TH -27TH. The conference will take place October 27TH -28TH. More details, such as hotel reservations, will be provided soon.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I greatly appreciate your feedback and suggestions.

YITB, Shannon L. Armstrong Sr. 21ST Province Polemarch

JuniorProvince JuniorProvince VicePolemarch VicePolemarch

Address Address

Domingo Ward Epsilon Gamma Chapter

Brothers of the Mighty Middle Western Province,

First and foremost I would like to express my extreme gratitude for the honor to service as your Junior Province Vice Polemarch. In my role I will continue to strive for greatness through achievement, leadership and I plan to follow in the footsteps of our past Junior Province Vice Polemarch who did an excellent job leading our province.

We have moved into a post Covid19 era and the world has changed. Our fraternity did a amazing job adapting and overcoming adversity. We shall continue to build our legacy by working together and supporting our brothers.

For all the undergraduates, I want to thank you for all your hard work and dedication you all are displaying on your campuses. Let’s continue to stay connected so we can share ideas, brotherhood and strengthen the bond.

This newsletter is a positive way to showcase all the talented brothers and chapters in our province. Enjoy and I look forward to seeing everyone soon at the 2023 C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference.

YITB, Domingo Ward Junior Province Vice Polemarch

What'shappeningaroundtheProvince?

OnJune10,2023, BrotherBonitoGay,on his50thyearinthe bondwithhiswhite coat.BonitoGayisa

1973initiateintothe

ZetaRhoChapter

(NortheasternState University)ofKappa

AlphaPsiFraternity,Inc.

OnJune9,2023,theMuskogee AlumniChapterinMuskogee, Oklahoma,hostedanawards ceremonyfortheirKappaLeague.

Their awards went as follows:

▪YoungScholar

▪ Commitmentto Achievement

▪CommunityService

▪CitizenshipandBravery

▪OutstandingGrowth

Provincial Pulse

Kansas City Alumni and Mu Chapter

The Kansas City Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. proudly commemorated its centennial celebration, marking a century of brotherhood, service, and community impact. Established on March 23, 1923, the chapter has been influential in Kansas City and beyond. The momentous occasion was celebrated through events that brought together esteemed guests, showcased history, and embraced the future.

The festivities started with a public forum honoring distinguished individuals who have contributed significantly to their respective fields. Among the esteemed speakers were Mrs. Qiana Thomason, President and CEO of Health Forward Foundation, Mr. Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the Honorable Fernando J. Gaitan Jr., and Mr. Ollie Gates, CEO of Gates Bar B-Q. Their inspiring speeches resonated with attendees, emphasizing the importance of leadership, community engagement, and the pursuit of excellence.

To highlight the rich heritage of the chapter, a historical exhibition was hosted at the esteemed Black Archives of Mid-America This captivating display allowed visitors to delve into the chapter's past, showcasing its pivotal role in promoting educational advancement, fostering brotherhood, and uplifting the African American community

A Diamond Friday party held at the elegant Epicurean brought together current and former members of the Kansas City Alumni Chapter The evening was filled with laughter, reminiscences, and renewed bonds of brotherhood as attendees celebrated the fraternity's enduring legacy.

Behind the scenes, Centennial Co-Chairmen

Reggie Smith and Jesse Barnes worked tirelessly for two years to bring the vision of this event to fruition Their dedication, alongside a dedicated planning committee, ensured that every aspect of the celebration was executed flawlessly, leaving an indelible mark on the fraternity's history.

Behind the scenes, Centennial Co-Chairmen

Reggie Smith and Jesse Barnes worked tirelessly for two years to bring the vision of this event to fruition. Their dedication, alongside a dedicated planning committee, ensured that every aspect of the celebration was executed flawlessly, leaving an indelible mark on the fraternity's history.

86TH GRAND CHAPTER MEETING IN TAMPA FLORIDA

Brothers of the Mighty Middle Western Province attended the 86th Grand Chapter Meeting in Tampa Florida, July 18th-22nd. All delegates were in attendance to represent each chapter in the Province. The 86th Grand Chapter Meeting had the 2nd most registrants in the history of Grand Chapter Meetings with over 3,000 brothers.

The Grand Chapter meeting culminated with Brother Shannon L. Armstrong Sr. from the Kansas City Alumni Chapter being appointed the 21st Polemarch of the Middle Western Province, by 35th Grand Polemarch Brother Jimmy McMikle.

Also, past 19th Middle Western Province Polemarch Damon O. Barry Esq. from the Denver Alumni Chapter was overwhelmingly elected to the Grand Board of Directors. Congratulations to Province Polemarch Brother Shannon L. Armstrong Sr. and Grand Board of Directors Brother Damon O. Barry Esq.

Members of the Wichita Alumni chapter, Delta Upsilon Chapter and along with the local Kappa Leaguers, packaged dinner boxes for their annual Turkey Drive. Each year the Wichita Alumni Chapter selects families in the community and gives them prepackaged Turkey dinner meals around the Thanksgiving holiday.

Wichita Alumni Chapter + Delta Upsilon Chapter (Wichita State)

Iota Omega Chapter & Zeta Omega Link Up In Tampa

The Middle Western Province had three undergraduates represented at the Lead Kappa Class in Tampa, Florida, prior to the 86th Grand Chapter Meeting. Present was Brother

Ilan Benn from the Iota Omega Chapter and Brothers

Andrew Adigun and Rickey Hewitt Jr. from the Zeta Omega Chapter.

ST. LOUIS ALUM NU HOST PROV COUNCIL

The Brothers from the St. Louis Alumni Chapter and the Beta Nu Chapter hosted the 101st Middle Western Province Council Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, April 20th22nd.

The Province Council Meeting was conducted jointly with the Brothers of the North Central Province. There were over 700 Brothers registered between the two Provinces.

Brothers from both Provinces participated in a joint community service project. Brothers helped clean up a neighborhood in the East St. Louis, Missouri, area.

Congratulations to the Brothers of the St. Louis Alumni Chapter and Beta Nu Chapters for hosting a highly successful Province Council.

EPSILON GAMMA PARTICIPATES IN NAMI WALK

On May 20th, 2023, members of the Epsilon Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. Fraternity Inc. participated in the NAMI charity walk.

NAMI stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness and is the largest organization devoted to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

EPSILON GAMMA PARTICIPATES IN "ROOM TO READ"

Members of the Epsilon Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. participated in a national community outreach initiative called The "Room to Read" Program on March 24th, 2023.

They read to students at Ridgeview Elementary School in Oklahoma City and also participated in the school's book fair.

St Louis Alumni Chapter

KAPPA LEAGUE

On Saturday, June 24, 2023, Young men from St. Louis and East St. Louis participated in The Kappa League Expo (Youth Experience) presented by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Guide Right National Service Program. The expo was held on the campus of St. Louis University. Topics included SAT/ACT Prep, STEM, Mental & Health Awareness, a drone experience, financial literacy, a college tour, gaming activities, and education breakout sessions. The event included Kappa Leaguers from St. Louis, Omaha, East St. Louis, and young adults in the St. Louis community.

St Louis Alumni Chapter

14TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

The 14th Annual Golf Classic Tournament was held in Forest Park to raise funds for the Guide Right Foundation of St. Louis, Inc. and the Krimson Achievement Youth Foundation. Approximately 160 golfers participated, and BJC’s PECad department attended to bring awareness around prostate cancer screening for Black men. The event was successful due to contributions from Brother Sam Boyd III, Brother Theron Morgan, the golf tournament committee, volunteers, and sponsors.

KEEPING KEEPING UP WITH UP WITH BETA NU BETA NU

EVENT 2

The Beta Nu officers conducted a women's self-defense class called "Just in Kase," where students learned self-defense strategies.

EVENT 1

In the Striktly Business event, young men were taught about business professional etiquette by guest speaker Daryl Tyler, the owner of Tailored Gents and Jayson Tatum’s personal stylist. The event also provided free ties to attendees.

EVENT 3

Reading to children at Guardian Angel Settlement: a nonprofit daycare that provides for low income mothers.

SENIOR KAPPA SPOTLIGHT HAROLD ALDRIDGE, JR.

Harold Aldridge, Jr. was born in San Francisco, California and reared in Oklahoma. He became an All-State high school basketball player and participated in several athletic programs including Oklahoma State University, Bacone Junior College, where he became a JUCO AllAmerican, Drake University, from which he received the B.A. degree in Biology. Aldridge received the Masters in Biology Education from Northeastern State University, and the Ph.D. degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Oklahoma.

He was one of the first African Americans to break the color barrier in high schools, teaching at Memorial Senior High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as well as at Northeastern State University, in Tahlequah, OK, where he taught for twenty seven years. He continued to break these barriers in high school and collegiate basketball, officiating throughout Oklahoma

Aldridge officiated in the NJCAA, NAIA, NCAA D-I and D-II and also served as a professional referee in professional basketball in the ABA His father was the first coach in Oklahoma, after desegregation, to win three consecutive high school state basketball championships.

Dr. Aldridge has a third degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do karate, plays and sings country and Delta blues, and breeds, trains and shows Tennessee Walking Horses. He has written numerous articles and two unpublished manuscripts. Currently, he is involved in compiling his years-long research, including personal interviews, on the segregation/desegregation of Oklahoma Public Schools.

More recently, Dr. Aldridge has been an emissary, historian and entertainer of blues music, presenting at the Oklahoma Historical Society, and a long list of musical events across the state of Oklahoma.

SENIOR KAPPA SPOTLIGHT FERNANDO J. GAITAN JR.

The first African-American appointee to the Western District of Missouri, Judge Gaitan’s closest family, friends and colleagues all describe him in the same way: A true public servant. A fair and measured judge.

Introspective, quiet, and dedicated to his job. Fun-loving, comical, and loyal as a friend and family man.

Judge Gaitan was born August 22nd , 1948 and raised in a segregated Kansas City, Kansas, during the civil rights era. He grew up with his mother, father, and three younger brothers. Judge Gaitan’s parents exemplified the work ethic they strove to instill in their children.

Judge Gaitan was the first in his family to go to college, where he was initiated into the fraternity in the spring of 1969 from the Alpha Psi chapter at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Judge Gaitan graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1970, at a time when racial justice and diversity were not priorities on most college campuses. In 1974 Judge Gaitan was 1 of only the three African Americans to graduate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

Judge Gaitan started his legal career as in-house counsel for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company while also serving on the boards of the Kansas City Museum, the National Conference of Christian and Jews and the De La Salle Alternative School, where he would ultimately become chairman.

In 1980 at the age of 32, Judge Gaitan was appointed to the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri. Six years later, he was elevated to the Western District of the Missouri Court of Appeals. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush nominated Judge Gaitan to sit as a district court judge on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri Judge Gaitan served as chief judge for the district from 20072014, when he assumed senior status. Having served on trial courts and an appellate court, and in both state and federal systems, Judge Gaitan’s path is one few others have traveled.

UNDERGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE

SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT

Brother Jayron Banks was initiated into the Delta Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. in the fall of 2022.

Since his initiation he has hit the ground running. His hard work has paid off by being recognized for his hard work and great work ethic by gaining recognition at the local and provincial level. He was recently awarded the Stephen B. Alexander Achievement Award for “Outstanding Undergraduate Brother” during the 101st Middle Western Province Council Meeting. Also at the 101st Middle Western Province Council, Brother Banks was elected to a one year term on the Middle Western Province Board of Directors.

At Wichita State University, Brother Jayron Banks was awarded a scholarship for his Physician’s Assistant program that he was accepted into during the spring 2023 school year".

The Middle Western Province was established in 1920 as the "Seventh Region" of Kappa Alpha Psi, under the leadership of Regional Director Harrison W. Hollie who served in that capacity until 1924.

HISTORYOF THEMWP

Regional Director Roy C. Garvin served from 1924 through 1926, then Carl Roman Johnson became Polemarch of what was then described as the "Western Province" of the fraternity.

Brother Johnson served from 1926 through 1929. He was followed by J. S. Hunnicutt (1929-1932), W. H. Beckett (1932-1933), Percy Harold Lee (1933-1955), Wyatt F. Jeltz (1955-1967), Charles F. McAfee (19671975), Art S. Williams (1975-1977), Ed Bivins (1977-1982), Ivory Johnson, Jr. (1982-1991), Cordell A. Stephens, Sr. (1991-1994), Willie H. Burnett, Sr. (1994-1996), Reuben Anderson Shelton, III (1996-1998), Broderick R. Crawford (1998-1999), Adolphus Morris Pruitt, II (19992003), and Elmer J. Crumbley (2003-2009).

MIDDLEWESTERNPROVINCEHISTORY

In 1935, the Western Province was renamed the Middle Western Province. At the time, there was one chapter in the Western Provincethe Upsilon in Los Angeles (CA). In that year, the Middle Western Province was defined to include four states: Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. In 1939, Colorado was added when Beta Theta was chartered on May 29th of that year in Denver, Colorado. Beta Theta was a "hybrid" chapter that included both undergraduate and alumni members until Denver Alumni was chartered fifteen years later on February 20, 1954.

In 1979, the northwest corner of Arkansas was added to the province when Iota Tau was chartered on April 8th of that year in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Consequently, there are now chapters from six states in the Middle Western Province.

MWP

Congratulations to 19th Middle Western Province Polemarch Damon O. Barry Esq. on being elected to the Grand Board of Directors, at the 86th Grand Chapter Meeting in Tampa Florida!

Province Announcements Damon O. Barry

Province Announcements

MWP

On July 25th 2023, the Middle Western Province Board of Directors meet via zoom. Province Polemarch Shannon L. Armstrong Sr. recommended the Province Board of Directors appoint Brother Shawn Oglesby to serve as the Senior Province Vice Polemarch of the Middle Western Province. The Board of Directors unanimously ratified the recommended appointment.

Shawn Oglesby

Oklahoma City (OK) Alumni

Shawn is a member of the Oklahoma City Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. Shawn was initiated on February 28, 1991, at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Chapter, the Gamma Sigma of Kappa Alpha Psi. While at UAPB, he was elected Keeper of Records from 1992-1993 He was named outstanding Brother in 1993

After graduating in May of 1994, Shawn accepted employment with the Federal Aviation Administration in Oklahoma City where one of his first priorities was to become a member of the Oklahoma City Alumni Chapter In the years since, he has served with distinction, including setting some chapter records that may never be broken, including being elected to a record fourteen consecutive terms as Chapter Keeper of Records (1995-2009) and becoming the only member to receive the chapter’s highest award twice, The Biennial Achievement Award in both 2006 and 2014. After serving one term as VicePolemarch He was elected Polemarch (2010-2013) which gave him the singular distinction of being the “icon” of the Oklahoma City Alumni Chapter as the Centennial Polemarch during the fraternity’s 100 Year Anniversary. Brother Oglesby established the chapter’s presence on social media, streamlined the duties of the Exchequer (electronic bill payment and mobile banking; established the chapter’s website and membership directory; designed the chapter’s Polo shirts and many other things too numerous to mention. For his unselfish contributions to the chapter, Brother Oglesby received the chapter’s Polemarch Award (2001) and Founders’ Award (2014).

Brother Oglesby’s service to the Middle Western Province is outstanding. He served as Province Keeper of Records (2015-2023), Province Board of Directors (2013-2013) Balloting Committee Chairman (2007-2012), On-Site Registration Chairman (2008-2011). Brother Oglesby became the 37th recipient of the Charles W Morgan, III Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 for his dedication and commitment to the Middle Western Province.

Brother Oglesby is a Life Member on the Grand Chapter and Province Level and is a Thomas J. Bradley Legacy Awardee from the Kappa Foundation. Outside of Kappa, Brother Oglesby is a Prince Hall Shriner and a 32nd Degree Mason. He is also a Life member of the UAPB Alumni Association.

Province Announcements

MWP

Province Polemarch Shannon L. Armstrong Sr. recommended the Province Board of Directors appoint Brother Dwayne Moore to serve as Keeper of Records of the Middle Western Province. The Board of Directors unanimously ratified the recommended appointment.

Dwayne Moore

Denver Alumni

Dwayne C. Moore is currently a member of the Denver Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Incorporated. Dwayne was initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi in the fall of 2004 at the Pensacola Alumni Chapter, which is located in Pensacola, Florida.

Dwayne joined the Denver Alumni Chapter in the fall of 2007. As a member of his chapter, Dwayne has served as Guide Right Director, Keeper of Records, Vice Polemarch and has chaired and participated in numerous committees. In May of 2021, Dwayne was elected as polemarch of the Denver Alumni Chapter where he served his chapter for two years. Dwayne has received Brother of the year awards for three years straight. And has been intricate in his chapter winning the Middle Western Province Chapter of the Year for multiple years.

Dwayne was born in Manhattan, New York. And is the son of Barrington and Pamela Moore. Dwayne also has three younger sisters named Mary Moore, Schenelle and Tiffany Henry. Dwayne is currently married to his wife, Wonder Moore (member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.). And a son, Barrington-James and daughter Ivy.

Dwayne is a North Carolina A&T State University graduate. And currently serve as Senior Manager of a Solution Architecture, Network Engineer, and Service Desk team supporting the US Government.

MWP

At the 86th Grand Chapter Meeting in Tampa Florida, Brother Kevin Burnett from the Topeka Alumni Chapter, was awarded the Elder Watson Diggs Award. The Elder Watson Diggs awards is the second highest award available to a member of the fraternity for meritorious achievement. Brother Burnett will be the 118th awardee.

Congratulations to our very own Brother Burnett!

Province Announcements Kevin Burnett

ADDAM M. FRANCISCO EDITOR'S BIO

Addam Francisco, a fall 2018, norman alumni initiate into Kappa Alpha Psi, is a multifaceted individual with a passion for sports. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in professional media and completed his studies in sports law and business. Addam's journey as a sports reporter began during his university days, and he has covered high-profile events for his self-created website, thesuavereport.com. He currently writes for Fox Sports and has worked for various esteemed newspapers around the country. Addam is also happily married and emphasizes the importance of balance in his personal and professional life.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER

Exciting news! Our second newsletter will be printed in November, and we're planning to distribute it quarterly from now on. We want to thank all our readers for making our first edition a success. If you have interesting articles, opinions, or features to share, send them to us by October 30th, 2023, following the guidelines on our website. Your support is invaluable, and we look forward to seeing your contributions.

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