July 2023

Dear Girlfriend,

I have been married for 20 years but I fear my marriage is over. My husband is cheating and I believe everyone knows, including my oldest child. I am too ashamed to discuss my situation with anyone. I am literally in tears now transposing this letter. He avoids my family and does not show up for family gatherings. We haven’t been intimate in at least 3 months and the last time we were, it did not work right. We never go anywhere together, not even church. Now the children and I go but he usually says he is tired. Yet, when we get home, he is not here. He says he is golfing. I pretend to believe him, but I don’t. I don’t know the last time we went out to a movie or dinner. I wanted to come to the Power Couples Ball last year but he said, no. We were invited to two parties last weekend and he did not want to go to either one. Don’t tell me to buy a ticket to something, he will go because I have done that over and over and it’s just money wasted. I bought tickets to the Improv, we had concert tickets given to us and last year I had Buc tickets given to me twice and he would not go to any of them. Ironically, he ran to see the game Sunday night at the sports bar with some of his frat. Girlfriend, I know what you think. You’re probably thinking I must have let myself go and my husband is ashamed of me. I know that’s not true because I can tell the way the men on my job treat me and the way men look at me when I am out. I can get a man but I want my man. I love my husband and I don’t want a divorce. My parents were married until my father passed away. I always thought that we would have the same longevity. I have had friends who are divorced and they say I may as well try and work it out because there is nothing out here for a Black woman and they are so lonely. What can you tell me? Signed Broken. Dear Broken,

Don’t cry another tear! Do like Beyonce said and put on your little black dress and get out of the house. Don’t give up on your marriage but don’t just sit there and take his bull manure and neglect. This is your life and this may sound cold, but you are responsible for your own happiness. Keep buying tickets for the two of you and if he will not go, take a girlfriend or go by yourself! Think of it as an investment in your marriage. ‘One monkey don’t stop the show’. You must go everywhere and anywhere with or without him. If you never go or do anything, you are boring. Walk out that door before he walks out and leave you for the other woman. It does happen!

For heaven’s sake, stop pretending! If you don’t believe him, tell him you don’t believe him. Don’t let him just do anything without a hassle. Don’t be scared. He married you, that means he loves you. Let him know you suspect something and that he is leaving you yearning. Now that will make any husband nervous when his wife walks out the door looking good and he knows she is not sexually satisfied. Some men are nervous when they know they are laying pipe. How do you think a man that’s half stepping on his duties is going to feel when his wife goes out looking fabulous without him. That’s right, insecure! That will change the focus from the other woman to YOU. Now don’t get stuck on stupid, you are always supposed to be sweet. No one wants a bitch and no one wants a whore. However you can be a lady and keep it moving. Stop being so predictable. Honey. if your husband will not take you to the party, bring the party to him. Ladies you all are going to have to stop being too lazy to entertain. Things don’t have to be perfect. I remember my parents having cookouts and card parties. You could have game day at your house and order pizza, hot wings and beer. You do not need his permission. Invite company and family members that he likes and have everyone bring something so it can be fun but not expensive. Stop waiting on someone else to entertain your husband because there are plenty of lonely women who will. Most importantly, “Prayer changes things.” Ask God for what you want and be specific. Have Faith that God will work it out and walk in it. Remember, “Faith without Works is dead.” Now I told you what to do, that’s the Works. Heyyy!!!!

You Heard It From ME

The Kappa Legacy of Ted Johnson Sr.

My father Theodore Roosevelt Johnson, Sr. was born in Indianola, Mississippi and raised in Memphis Tennessee. He received his bachelor’s degree from Lemoyne Owen College, and his masters from Tennessee State University. He was an educator; a schoolteacher that progressed to elementary school principal. However, he also worked as a barber and encyclopedia salesman to support his seven children: 6 boys and 1 girl. My mom was a housewife until I graduated high school.

My father retired from the Memphis City School system as an elementary school principal after 43 years of service. He was the last Principal of the last segregated school Kortrich Elementary near downtown Memphis.

My dad was well recognized in the city for being bold and a supportive life-member of the NAACP. A smooth and charismatic salesperson, he annually sold the most tables for the Prayer Breakfast fundraiser.

Ted Johnson began his Kappa legacy by pledging Alpha Nu chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in 1945 at Tennessee State University. My eldest brother, a near genius, Errol Johnson (Kappa Invisible), pledged in 1966 at Epsilon Epsilon of Stillman College in Tuscaloosa Alabama.

The next to the oldest is the smooth and debonair Naaman Johnson, a member of the singing group, The Jaedes, who also pledged in 1967 at Stillman College, as Headknocker of the Dirty Dozen minus1.

Then came Ronald Johnson who pledged at Beta Mu of Lemoyne College but administratively he finished as Head Knocker at Beta Lambda of Lane College, Spring ‘69, Spartan 13.

My middle brother Maurice Johnson, a head knocker and the founding pastor of Memphis Christian Center in Memphis, TN along with my brother Theodore Jr (Kappa Invisible), pledged at Lemoyne Owen College’s Beta Mu Chapter.

Of course, my sister was a beautiful Kappa Sweetheart and her first marriage was to a Kappa, Eddie Bailey, who pledged at Lane College in Jackson TN.

By Publisher Daryl Johnson

Last but not least of his sons, was I, the baby boy. I am the 7th child of seven children, and I pledged the Charter Chapter of Kappa Beta on Memphis State University’s campus as the Head Knocker. Our line name was the Furious Four.

I am proud to say that the legacy did not end there. My nephew and golfing buddy, Halvern Johnson, Naaman’s youngest son, pledged in 1997 at Beta Lambda (Lane College) and is now the Polemarch of Daytona Beach Alumni, FL Chapter.

My dad, Ted Johnson was known for his immaculate dress (always in a suit) and spewing out clever quotations. My dad believed that education was the key to success, thus all his children graduated from college. He was a stickler about grammar and would reiterate “You must master the king’s English.” When he thought we were slacking he would say “He who takes a shortcut could get cut short” and “He who is good at making excuses is good at very little else.”

My father also believed in home ownership. He told us all. “You must buy a house. I don’t care if you own a shanty shack with a peeling ceiling and a stooped roof, it would at least be yours.

I am proud of my father and his legacy of having the most Kappa sons noted in the Kappa Journal 1984. What an enduring legacy. To my father, the Johnson Family and all the men of Achievement of Kappa Alpha Psi, there is no greater bond than family and fraternity.

Kappa Alpha Psi, 1-5-1911

Ted Johnson Sr., Ted Jr., Maurice, Ronald, Naaman and Errol Johnson

Alpha Psi Inc., since 1911

Attend Guide Right National Debate & Competition, Kappa’s Youth Developement Program

by Sam Boyd

mentoring organization for young people of color. Guide Right encompasses many of our youth-oriented programs such as mentoring, college preparatory programs, and tutoring.

Calling the Tampa Bay Community to join all Kappas, Silhouettes, and supporters as we celebrate and recognize some of the brightest young men representing Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity’s Guide Right programs from across the country.

The National Guide Right Program is the oldest and most successful

On Thursday, July 20, 2023, at The Tampa Bay Convention Center, East Hall, we will showcase the talent portion of our Student of the Year competition, starting at 2:30 PM EST. Past performances have included dance, entrepreneurial demonstrations, instrumentals, oratory expressions, song, and spoken word. In addition to exhibiting talent, Student of the Year applications are inclusive of Extracurricular Activities, Awards/ Honors, Guide Right Involvement, and Career Profile/Personal Statement.

Immediately following in the same room at 5:00 PM EST we will an-

nounce the winning chapters of our National Guide Right Awards. Presentations will be made for Social Justice for Social Good, Kappa League TV Awards, Mentor of the Year, Undergraduate Guide Right Chapter of the Year, Outstanding Guide Right Member, Guide Right Director of the Year (Alumni), Guide Right Director of the Year (Undergrad), and Most Outstanding Guide Right Program.

The premiere attraction of the evening will be St Louis Kappa League and Belleville-O’Fallon Kappa League squaring off in an epic battle during the Annual National Kappa League debate competition.

Belleville-O’Fallon is the defending 2022 champion and St Louis is the 2021 champion. These two chapters will be putting it all on the

line for a shot at the $1500.00 grand prize. The event will be streamed live on Kappa League TV. Come out and bring your future leaders to experience a live debate! We would love for you to support and celebrate these young men of achievement.

The Guide Right program currently has 8,022 students in various programs in 197 chapters worldwide, including Japan and the Dominican Republic. This program is a true testament that mentorship works for our youth and the stats tell a compelling story. Currently, 70.74% of Guide Right students graduate college within six years, and 96% of Guide Right students graduate high school.

For additional information, please contact John Marshall Jones, National Guide Right Spokesperson, at (310) 864-9342.

Kappa Alpha Psi Impacts Youth in Tampa with $80,000 in Donation to The Skill Center, and more...

The Men of Kappa Alpha Psi kicked off their 86th General Conclave Meeting in Tampa, Florida with their first official order of civic community business by presenting The Skills Center a donation.

The Skills Center, A 501(c)3, is dedicated to the full focus of creating academic & leadership success through the power of sports and is presently completing a $23.5 million dollar campus in East Tampa.

The core founders, Chris Ward, John Arroyo and Celeste Roberts (CEO) have driven this foundation to success by collaborating with individuals and organizations and running their operation like a well oiled machine.

When Kappa Alpha Psi set out to find a non-profit to support, the criteria was; who is on their board, how well the company is run, how well they perform on their audits, who their CPA is, and if they fit in the overall goals of the Men of Kappa Alpha Psi. There were six organizations considered and the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi selected The Skills Center.

Kappa Alpha Psi presented Celeste and The Skills Center with a check for $80,000 that will go towards

different programs for the development of the youth but primarily it will help to infuse learning via their Academic Cafe, a new online digital tutorial that will operate 24-7, 365 days a year. No child will ever have to worry about not having tutorial assistance anymore according to Mrs. Roberts. Celeste is married to Ken Roberts, a general contractor, and they were selected as The Power Couple of the year - 2022 in Tampa Bay.

Additionally, Ed Narain of AT&T and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc (TAC) also presented a check for $40,000 to the fraternity for the Kappa’s Guide Right Program, a national foundation that serves to foster leadership and scholarship in young men of color.

The Kappas’s primary purpose is Achievement.

2023 Annual Imperial Connvention Coming to Tampa Bay in August

The International Convention of the Prince Hall Shriners are coming to Tampa Bay!

“I bring you Greetings as the 45th Imperial Potentate of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdictions (A.E.A.O.N.M.S.), Inc. As a part of our growing electronic footprint, and with ever-changing technological advancements Please visit AEAONMS. org, it will be your one-stopshop for all things A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Inc., and I encourage you to visit us often. Please note that you may also find links to our various social media platforms throughout the website, as we continually look for ways to keep you informed.”

The Honorable Eric Myers of Tampa, FL, was elected in August 2002 as a member of the Board of Directors for the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdictions, Inc. He was elected Deputy

Imperial Potentate, part of the 12-member body that helps govern the fraternal organization, on August 18, 2020. Fraternal Organizations

Myers earned his Bachelors and Law degree at Howard University in Washington DC. He’s an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Professionally, Judge Myers is a member of the Florida Bar, Hillsborough County Bar (Tampa, FL), American Bar and National Bar Association. His judgeships have included serving as the Assistant State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit Courts, Criminal County Court, and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. “Commitment to Success. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.”

Noble Hon. Eric R. Myers

Power Couple Stepping in African Attire

Curtis & Rosaland Lewis celebrated his birthday

@ The Well in Lakeland with family and friends

Since

Real Estate

Hillsborough Cty Democratic Black Caucus

through economic, social, and political awareness. They look to support legislative policy and democratic candidates that reflect their views while holding elected officials accountable to the everyday issues of their communities. As a collective body, HCDBC ensures county-wide civic engagement while bringing awareness and resolution to the disparities communities unjustly face.

Congratulations to Angela Birdsong on being elected to President of the Hillsborough County Democratic Black Caucus.

Angela Birdsong is the host of Tampa Bay Politics on NTouch Radio and is affectionately known as the Medicare Lady. Angela was elected along with Lewis Singletary, First V.P., Rhonda Billups, Second V.P., and Sonja Brookins, Treasurer. The HCDBC’s mission is to ensure the engagement of African Americans

Dr. Sonja Brookins is an experienced leader, teacher/professor, speaker, and organizer. Driven by community engagement, health and people over politics agenda, she takes pride in supplying the best solution possible. Rhonda Billups, is an Operations Program Manager at Microsoft and holds an MBA from American InterContinental University- Atlanta, as well as several professional certifications. Besides a love of traveling and learning about new cultures, She’s passionate about community and civic engagement. No information for Lewis Singletary at press time.

Go Ahead And Get Your Laugh On

The Wild Wild West

“An old woman walked up and tied her old mule to the hitching post. As she stood there, brushing some of the dust from her face and clothes, a young gunslinger stepped out of the saloon with a gun in one hand and a bottle of whiskey in the other. He looked at the woman and laughed, “Hey old woman, have you ever danced?” The woman looked up at the gunslinger and said, “No ... I never did dance ... Never really wanted to”

A crowd has gathered as the young gunslinger grinned and said, “Well you old bag, you’re gonna dance now!”, and started shooting at the old woman’s feet. The old woman prospector - not wanting to have her toes blown off- started hopping around. Many were laughing.

When his last bullet was fired, the gunslinger, still laughing, holstered his gun and turned around to go back into the saloon.

The old woman turned to her pack mule, pulled out a double-barrelled shotgun and cocked both hammers. The loud clicks carried clearly through the desert air, and the crowd immediately stopped laughing.

The gunslinger heard the sounds too, and turned around very slowly. The silence was almost deafening. The crowd watched tensely as he stared at the woman and the large gaping holes of those twin barrels.

The barrels of the shotgun never wavered in her hands as she quietly said, “Son, have you ever kissed a mule’s ass?”

The gunslinger swallowed hard and said, “No m’am, but I’ve always wanted too”

THERE ARE FIVE LESSONS HERE FOR ALL OF US:

1. Beware whiskey makes you think you’re invincible.

2 Don’t waste ammunition.

3 Don’t mess with old people; they didn’t get old by being weak”

4 Never underestimate a woman.

5 One day you may have to Kiss some azz.

The Blue Suit

A man who’d just died is delivered to a local mortuary wearing an expensive, expertly tailored black suit... The female blonde mortician asks the deceased’s wife how she would like the body dressed. She points out that the man looks good in the black suit he is already wearing.

The widow, however, says that she always thought her husband looked his best in blue and that she wants him in a blue suit.

She gives the Blonde mortician a blank check and says, ‘I don’t care what it costs, but have my husband in a blue suit for the viewing.’

The woman returns the next day for the wake. To her delight, she finds her husband dressed in a gorgeous blue suit with a subtle chalk stripe; the suit fits him perfectly...

She says to the mortician, ‘Whatever this cost, I’m very satisfied... You did an excellent job and I’m very grateful. How much did you spend?’

To her astonishment, the blonde mortician presents her with the blank check. ‘There’s no charge,’ she says. ‘No, really, I must compensate you for the cost of that exquisite blue suit!’ she says.

‘Honestly,’ the blonde says, ‘it cost nothing. You see, a deceased gentleman of about your husband’s size was brought in shortly after you left yesterday, and he was wearing an attractive blue suit. I asked his wife if she minded him going to his grave wearing a black suit instead, and she said it made no difference as long as he looked nice.’

‘So I just switched the heads.’

Death

The pretty blonde refused to go zip lining. She said this is too dangerous and would be a horrible death. She stated I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather did. Not screaming in terror like the passengers in his car.

The Rich Racist

A wealthy man walked into a bar in Miami. As soon as he entered, he noticed an African woman, sitting in one corner. He walked over to the counter, pulled out his wallet and shouted, “Bartender! I’m buying drinks for everyone in this bar, except that woman over there!”

The bartender collected the money and began serving free drinks to everyone in the bar, except the African woman. Instead of becoming upset, the woman simply looked up at the guy and shouted, “Thank you!” This infuriated the wealthy guy. So once again, he took out his wallet and shouted, “Waiter! This time I am buying bottles of wine and additional food for everyone in this bar, except for that African sitting in the corner over there!”

The bartender collected the money from the man and began serving free food and wine to everyone in the bar except the African. When the waiter finished serving the food and drinks, the African woman simply smiled at the man and said, Thank you!” That made him furious. So he leaned over the counter and asked the bartender, “What is wrong with that woman.. I have bought food and drinks for everyone in this bar except for her, and instead of becoming angry, she just sits there, smiles at me and shouts ‘Thank you.’ Is she crazy”

The bartender smiled at the wealthy man and said, “No, she is not crazy She is the OWNER of this establishment.”

Young Boy Scouts

A boy scout, a priest & a certified genius are all on a small plane bringing them to an award ceremony. The pilot suddenly suffers a heart attack & just before dies he manages to gasp@ I’ve turned towards the sea & engaged auto-pilot , you,ve got about 20 minutes before she will cross the coast but , I,m sorry, there are only 2 parachutes at the back …Aaaaah - & he dies.

There is a noise from the back as the door opens & the brainy guy is on his way out as he says ‘ Sorry but I

am known as ‘The Brain of Britain, & I have too many important decisions to assist the government with to die here, GOODBYE!’ and he jumps.

Priest: Now my son, you are young and have a good life ahead of you -take the other parachute. I will make my peace with God , Go & Good luck!

Boy Scout; Chill father, there’s one each left - the ‘Brain of Britain’ has just launched himself strapped to my haversack!