Informer Spring 2016

SOUTHWESTERN

INFORMER M A Y 2 0 1 6 I S S U E

SOUTHWESTERN PROVINCE

CONTENT Message from the Southwestern Province Polemarch............................................................Page 4 Message from the Southwestern Province Junior Province Polemarch..................................Page 5 80th Province Council Meeting...............................................................................................Page 6 Spotlights……………………………………........................................................................Page 9 Undergraduate News.............................................................................................................Page 13 Alumni News........................................................................................................................Page 14

Province Polemarch Theron Hightower – Jonesboro (AR) Alumni Senior Province Vice-Polemarch William Puder – Houston (TX) Alumni Junior Province Vice-Polemarch Perry Robinson – Kappa Iota (University of Southern Mississippi) Province Keeper of Records Mark A. Gallashaw Lake Charles (LA) Alumni Strategus Gerry Parker Eta Upsilon (Mississippi State University)

Province Keeper of Exchequer Ryan Gilner Gulfport (MS) Alumni Lt. Strategus Hillard Smith Eta Upsilon (Mississippi State University)

Executive Operating Assistant Keith Campbell – Houston (TX) Alumni The Southwestern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. will publish The Informer four times during the fraternal year. The opinions expressed in this newsletter may not reflect those of the officers and members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at any administrative level. The Southwestern Informer may assumes no responsibility for the receipt or return of material, news stories, photographs or creative pieces. Please contact the Southwestern Province newsletter editor at newsletter@southwesternprovince1911.org with any questions.

INFORMATION Contributing Reports Eta Lambda University of Huston

Gamma Sigma University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

Kappa Iota University of Southern-Mississippi

Akron Alumni Austin Alumni Arlington – Grand Prairie Alumni Beaumont Alumni Jonesboro Alumni Grambling Alumni Houston Alumni Killeen – Ft. Hood Alumni Meridian Alumni Missouri City – Sugar Land Alumni Spring, Woodlands & Huntsville Alumni

Submission Guidelines 1. Articles should be submitted in one of the following formats: MS Word (.doc), rich text (.rtf), text document (.txt), or as body of email text.

2. Photos should be submitted in JPEG format (do not include photo on Word.

3. Undergraduate and alumni submissions (i.e. stories related to chapters or chapter members) should be sent to: newsletter@southwesternprovince1911.org.

Publication Dates SUBMISSION DEADLINE January 1 April 1 July 1 October 1

PUBLICATION DATE January 20 April 20 July 20 October 20

THE GRAND CHAPTER

Theron A. Hightower 26th Province Polemarch

TRAINING FOR LEADERSHIP SINCE 1911

SOUTHWESTERN PROVINCE 4304 Cypress Springs Road Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401 (870) 926-2305 Hightowers3@suddenlink.net May 3, 2016

Greetings Brothers of the “Mighty” Southwestern Province: I have been attempting to develop the verbiage that truly expresses my gratitude for the results of the 2012 election and the subsequent four elections which afforded me the privilege of being your chosen as your Senior Province Vice Polemarch. Simple and precise seems to be best. My family and I thank you, Southwestern Province!

I must also express my humblest thank you to the Immediate Past Province Polemarch, Timothy F. Albert. For without his guidance and leadership of the Southwestern Province, we may not still be the premier province in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Effective May 1, 2016, by Grand Polemarch Thomas Battles’ appointment, I became the 26th Southwestern Province Polemarch. I choose to believe your trust in me as the Senior Province Vice Polemarch weighed heavy on his decision to appoint me. With this appointment, it was appropriate for me to immediately resign as your Senior Province Vice Polemarch and to comply with the rules of the Constitution and Statutes by appointing a new Senior Province Vice Polemarch to fill the vacated position and complete the term. At 8:15pm, May 1, 2016, Brother William Puder was unanimously voted by the Southwestern Province Board of Directors to complete the term and to fulfill the duties of Senior Province Vice Polemarch.

Through the implementation of at least three of Kappa 6 Point Plan under Grand Polemarch Battles by every chapter in the province, accompanied by documentation of their works and including the great works that are already being done in the Southwestern Province, the province is poised to reach even higher levels of excellence.

I am also happy to announce that Brother Keith Campbell will serve as my Executive Operating Assistant. For anumber of years, I have worked with and watched the work of Brother Campbell. His exemplary drive for tasks being done expeditiously and correctly is a mindset that I need close to me and is a necessary cog of this TEAM. Welcome Brother Campbell!

Yours in the Bond, Theron A. Hightower Southwestern Province Polemarch Cc:

Thomas L. Battles, Jr., Grand Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton, III, Esq., Senior Grand Vice Polemarch Chastin L. Gammage, Junior Grand Vice Polemarch Southwestern Province Executive Leadership Team Southwestern Province Board of Directors “Rebirth, Reclaim, Recommit, By Leaving No Brother Behind”

Brothers of the Mighty Southwestern Province Growing up, my parents always taught me to thank God and stay humble. Upon becoming a member of this noble fraternity, remembering these morals and teachings were an easy task. As brothers, we have to remember that this bond is a blessing. We need to be committed and dedicated to the upbringing of our future leaders. We must continue to live the dream that our 10 revered founders laid for us. For they worked tirelessly to allow us to walk and to serve as the forerunners in society.

Serving firstly as a man of God, and secondly, as the Junior Province Vice Polemarch of the Southwestern Province, it has truly been an honor and an experience. I was given the opportunity to succeed former Junior Province Vice Polemarch, Quadrex White, at the 80th Southwestern Province Council Meeting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Assuming this position comes with great responsibility. Serving as the JVP will help groom me for future tasks to come in my career. For that, I am thankful for the brothers who came before me. I am also thankful for the future brothers ahead, for with the astute and perceptive men in the fraternity currently, it’s safe to say that we are in good hands.

During the 80th Provincial Council Meeting, old and newly initiated brothers received great insight about the Fraternity. Chapter Polemarchs and advisors took away valuable information on how to better manage and run their respective chapters. Things discussed included managing chapter expenses, holding brothers accountable and continuing to build great relationships between undergraduate and alumni chapters.

As we prepare for ULI and the 38th C. Rodger Wilson Meeting in Shreveport, I look forward to joining in on conversation with like-minded brothers who hold the same passion that I do for our great fraternity. It is a pleasure and I look forward to serving the Mighty Southwestern Province in high esteem and true regard.

Yours In The Bond, Brother Perry Robinson Junior Province Vice Polemarch

Spring 2016 Membership Training Academy Membership is a solemn commitment. To this Fraternity, the maker of the commitment becomes synonymous with the commitment itself.

Membership in Kappa Alpha Psi is a lifelong dedication to the ideas and lofty purposes of Kappa Alpha Psi, which considers for membership only those aspirants whose personal, social and academic qualifications are acceptable to both the College and Fraternity.

Expectations concerning maturity and dedication are made upon new members and established members alike.

Maturity is more than simply reaching a certain age. Maturity to us means acceptance of reality, the ability to sacrifice and set goals, consideration of others, incisive judgment, emotional balance, development of social skills, intellectual competence and moral rectitude. We expect our members to be mature.

Dedication means putting those characteristics of maturity into a lifelong program of action to advance the goals and purposes of Kappa Alpha Psi. We expect our members to be dedicated.

But do not let personal goals supersede those of the Fraternity. A person who feels he would do the Fraternity a favor by joining is not worthy of membership. No one who holds himself superior to the brotherhood of Kappa Alpha Psi is worthy of this distinction.

Kappa Alpha Psi is not interested in the simple accumulation of members and chapters. Its emphasis, however, is in the quality and integrity of its membership. Membership quality manifests itself through an intangible element of brotherhood we call "that Good Old Kappa Spirit."

Acceptable qualities of

 

Kappa Alpha Psi members include:  The disposition to live in close companionship with men of similar values.  The wisdom to abide by the will of the majority without sacrificing individuality.  The discretion to refrain from destructive criticism while seeking to remove the causes of such criticism.

The acceptance of responsibility for any effort that moves the group forward.

The desire to strive for, and ultimately achieve, excellence in everything you do.

 

The commitment to train for leadership.

The resolution to give lifelong financial support and commitment to the maintenance and development of the Fraternity's programs and purposes.

The goal of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is not the simple accumulation of members. Our emphasis is on the quality and integrity of membership.

We seek men who serve as positive, role models within our university and local communities who can help accomplish the goals and objectives of the Fraternity as contained in the Fraternity's constitution:     

To unite college men of culture, patriotism and honor in a bond of Fraternity.

To encourage honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor.

To promote the spiritual, social, intellectual and moral welfare of its members.

To assist the aims and purposes of colleges and universities.

To inspire service in the public interest.

There are over 100,000 men from all walks of life who hold membership in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Some of the well-known Kappa men are: Astronaut Bernard Harris; Attorney Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr.; Phoenix Suns NBA star Anfernee Penny Hardaway and Illinois State Senator James F. Clayborne, Jr. II.

The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) announced the election of Ralph "RJ" Johnson of the United Nations Association to represent North America on the WFUNA Youth Advisory Council. The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) nominated Johnson to serve a three-year term through 2018.

Johnson became the first American in WFUNA history to be elected to this post.

"I am humbled and honored by the confidence my fellow delegates have placed in me and to make history as the first American to serve in this capacity,” Johnson said of his election to the WFUNA Youth Advisory Council. “I will do my best in representing the interest of all North American young people.”

Youth delegates at the 2nd WFUNA Global Youth Forum, which was held in conjunction with the 41st WFUNA Plenary Assembly in Vancouver, Canada Nov. 18-24, elected Johnson to his position. WFUNA's Youth Advisory Council is comprised of nine youth leaders from Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and South America. In this role, Johnson will advise the Secretary-General on youth-issues initiatives, foster youth involvement among United Nations Associations and United Nations Youth Associations, work with WFUNA's mission of developing youth programs that build the capacity of its global membership and work to strengthen and improve the work of the United Nations by brainstorming pragmatic, innovative and cost-effective programs for WFUNA's local, regional and global networks.

"I believe that youth, as civil society activists, have the power to be significant agents of positive change,” Johnson said. “It will be my charge over the next three years to innovate our outreach, advocate for, engage, and empower our colleagues around the globe to transform the world.”

Johnson has been a member of and has worked with UNA-USA and WFUNA since 2002. He has worked with UNA-USA's Global Classrooms Program rising over the years from administrative assistant to Deputy Secretary-General, the second highest post in the program. He currently serves as one of four elected national representatives on the UNA-USA Council of Chapters and Regions Steering Committee. In this capacity, he works with members at-large nationally. He is co-chair of the UNA-USA Youth Engagement Committee and a member of the Nominating Committee.

Johnson is an alumnus of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where he earned a Bachelor’s degrees in sociology and political Science. He is a member of the Alpha Epsilon of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity and the Shreveport (LA) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. Johnson lives in Shreveport, Louisiana and is the North Louisiana Community Manager for the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Spotlight: Austin Andre Knox, an 11-year veteran within Imprint Reality, works as a real estate broker. Knox graced us with his presence as we sat down for a brief interview regarding his role as Polemarch for the Austin (TX) Alumni Chapter.

Prior to being Polemarch, Andre served in several roles within the Chapter for a combined tenure of 10 years. His primary included the Membership Orientation Intake Program Chair (MOIP), Keeper of Records, Keeper of Exchequer and Vice Polemarch. Needless to say, he knows his stuff. What’s his secret?

Q: How did you get your start in the local chapter?

A: “I was actually initiated into the Austin (TX) Alumni Chapter. I recently celebrated my 10thyear anniversary in the Bond.”

Q: What makes you stay and keep working for Kappa?

A: “I have a genuine love for the Bond. As I awaited my time to enter into Kappa Land, I would always hear Kappa’s say they were doing work for the chapter or they were putting work in for the frat. Truth be told, I was envious but in a good way. Every time I heard those words, I promised myself when I got my opportunity, I would always do exactly what they were proclaiming.”

Q: What's your leadership style?

A: “My leadership style is more managerial than authoritative. I believe I've appointed strong people in leadership roles and I let them run their committees. If it makes sense and the chapter is able to make a difference, I'm all for it.”

Q: What strategic direction do you have for your chapter?

A: “We're attempting to strongly establish the Austin Alumni brand.”

Q: What's the biggest change your group has gone through in the last year?

A: “More than anything, I've tried to instill the WE CAN attitude. I truly believe that as Kappa men, there's very little that we can't achieve through diligent planning with earnest efforts. We attempted to complete some pretty challenging initiatives last year because I have true faith that we achieve in everything.”

Q: Who are the heroes in your chapter?

A: “My chapter hero is Bro. Donald Stewart. Being nearly 75 years old, he doesn’t rest on the work that he did in past years. He serves as chapter advisor to the Iota Delta of Kappa Alpha Psi and he also serves as the Strategus for our chapter. Brother Stewart attends nearly every meeting most of our chapter events. I can only hope that when I reach his age I still have the same vigor and passion as him.”

Spotlight: Killeen-Ft. Hood Terrance King has severed in the military for over nineteen years. He currently works a Commander- Supply and Maintenance Forward Support Troop, Regimental Engineer Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas.

Q: How did you get your start in the local chapter?

A: I was aware of the chapter in Killeen due to Bro. Corey Taylor who preceded me on being assigned to Fort Hood. Upon arrival and getting settled, the brothers of the Killeen-Fort Hood (TX) Alumni Chapter quickly made me feel at home by welcoming my family and I into the fold.

Q: What makes you stay and keep working for Kappa?

A: “Kappa Alpha Psi has been the best thing that happened to me. I am able to reach our youth in ways that some can’t imagine. I am able to exercise the programs of our great fraternity to mentor and to mold our youth. It’s always a good thing for “brothers to dwell together in unity.”

Q: What's your leadership style?

A: “The Army defines leadership as, “influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation, while operating to accomplish the mission and improve the organization.” We lead by example, I was once told, “In order to be a great leader, you must be a great follower.” I stand to by this advice today.”

Q: What strategic direction do you have for your chapter?

A: “We’re making our mark in the Killeen-Fort Hood area. We want our chapter to be known for something positive in the area. When people see the Crimson and Cream, they want to speak and not shy away. We want to remain deeply involved in the community around us by actively participating in Killeen’s festivities.”

Q: What's the biggest change your group has gone through in the last year?

A: “As a military chapter, our turnover rate has been extremely high. One year could be great for active members and the next, we have members departing the area leaving a gaping hole for us to fill. We were privileged to be able to participate in the Spring MTA Process. It enabled us to bring five good brothers into our Noble Clan to help our cause of making our community better.”

Q: Who are the heroes in your chapter?

A: “We have many heroes in the Chapter, but I want to recognize a few: Bro. Maurice Golden; Keeper of Records and will be departing the Killeen area for a tour in Korea. He’s supported me as Polemarch, but he has ensured the chapter documents to province and IHQ in a timely manner. Bro. Derrick Williams, who is currently living in Indianapolis. Although away, he remains financial in two chapters and provides support while he continues to be a voice as we move into the future. Lastly, Bro. Fred Corbin, he has brought so much wisdom and encouragement to the chapter. He tells the younger brothers, “You have to get out of Killeen to learn Kappa,” meaning you must participate in the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference, the Province Council and other leadership conferences that are held by the fraternity.”

Spotlight: San Antonio Dr. Howard Anderson currently works as the director and CEO at Diversified Spiritual Associates Trainers and the Assistant Pastor at St. Paul Baptist Church. We had an opportunity to speak with Brother Anderson to find out how he manages his chapter.

Q: How did you get your start in the local chapter?

A: I was initiated into the San Antonio (TX) Alumni Chapter in fall 1979. Embracing the opportunity to serve in various capacities of leadership, to believe in the idea of achievement, and to engage in a bond with college graduates trying to make the world a better place inspired me to join Kappa Alpha Psi. Q: What makes you stay and keep working for Kappa?

A: “That good old Kappa spirit” has allowed me to be a part of a constructive, dynamic and active brotherhood. The desire to achieve excellence in each assignment, either by appointment or election keeps me in a humble disposition to stay and keep working for Kappa. I am dedicated to advance the goals and purposes of Kappa Alpha Psi. Q: What's your leadership style?

A: I would classify my leadership style simply as to treat people as human beings, acknowledge their needs to belong and to feel important by listening to and heeding their complaints where possible and by involving them in decisions to enhance the Chapter. Each elected officer and appointed committee chairman has a personal responsibility to uphold.

Q: What is the strategic direction do you have for your chapter?

A: The strategic direction for San Antonio Alumni Chapter continues to be in the area of reclamation. There are over 200 Brothers in the area who are listed on the Grand Chapter Scroll but do not have a membership connection with the Chapter.

Q: What's the biggest change your group has gone through in the last year?

A: Our Guide Right program is exemplary. The Chapter has performed well in its civic and community responsibility. The visibility of San Antonio (TX) Alumni Chapter in the city is positive. The Chapter participates in the San Antonio National Pan Hellenic Council, volunteers at the San Antonio Food Bank, shares monthly visits with the residents of River City Nursing Home and participates in the San Antonio Parks and Recreation’s Adopt-a-Park Program (Pittman-Sullivan Park) where the chapter has logged 553 volunteer hours in cleaning the city parks.

Q: Who are the heroes in your chapter?

A: The heroes in the San Antonio (TX) Alumni Chapter are the founders—Dr. Joseph O. Aycock, Scott D. Foley, John W. Holland, Dr. B Dubois Brown, Clarence M. Friday, John D. Lowery, Jr., G. J. Sutton; the late Samuel F. Sampson (Elder Watson Diggs Awardee - 1999), and our Fifty Year Brothers—George J. Washington, Lake R. Stith, Church Watkins, Richard A. Wilson, James Shaffer and John H. Orange.

Eta Lambda Chapter raises awareness, supports the efforts of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital The Eta Lambda of Kappa Alpha Psi at The University of Houston as well as the Houston (TX) Alumni Chapter

Art Past and Present: From a Black Artist's Perspective

sponsored a field day for high school and middle school Kappa League students on March 26 at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.

Kappa Leaguers participated in three stations, consisting of dodge ball, basketball, and rock climbing. The purpose of the community service project was to raise awareness and support the efforts of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, instill a desire for high school students to pursue higher education in college and to acclimate new membership candidates to the roles they will fill in the mentoring program of Kappa Alpha Psi.

On Feb. 13, 2016, Kappa Leaguers from the Fort Worth Links/EMPRESS and the Arlington-Grand Prairie Guide Right Foundation attended a Black History Art Museum Exhibit called “Art Past and Present: From a Black Artist's Perspective” at the George W. Bush Presidential Library. Artists included in the exhibition were Delores Martin, Arthello Beck, Frank Frazier, Nathan Jones, Leslie Steele and Sedrick Huckaby.

Meridian Alumni Chapter hosts Annual Founders’ Day Celebration The Meridian Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi hosted its Annual Founders’ Day Celebration on Jan. 5, 2016 at Weidmann’s Restaurant in Meridian, MS. Brothers enjoyed the social atmosphere and reflected on the history of the Chapter with charter member, Bro. Reuben Little Sr.

Kappa League of the Houston (TX) Alumni Chapter completes college tour The Houston (TX) Alumni Chapter Kappa League hosted its second tour of colleges and universities from March 15 to March 20. Forty-nine Kappa Leaguers and six chaperones from the Houston (TX) Alumni Chapter took part in the event. This year’s tour featured colleges and universities on the east coast of the United States.

The trip was designed to encourage students to aim towards higher educational goals, to inspire academic achievement by exposing students to various types of colleges and universities and to educate the students on opportunities available in college.

Students visited Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL), Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, FL), Duke University (Durham, NC), North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, NC), Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA), Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA), Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA) and Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, AL). Due to unforeseen events, students were unable to attend Georgia Southern University (Statesboro, GA) this year but look forward to including the University on a future tour.

Delano Young, a senior Kappa Leaguer, was accepted to both Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College. He had the opportunity to speak with admissions officers while at the respective schools and was offered scholarship funds to attend Morehouse College.

Like last year, the tour concluded with an opportunity for the young men to fellowship with members of the Mobile, Tallahassee, and Birmingham Kappa Leaguers at the 13th Annual Battle of the Bay Step Show Competition and after party in Mobile, Alabama.

Special thanks goes out to the Brothers of Alpha Xi (Florida A&M University), Tallahassee Kappa League, Tallahassee (FL) Alumni Chapter, Statesboro (GA) Alumni Chapter, Omicron Phi (Georgia Southern University), Cary (NC) Alumni Chapter, Durham (NC) Alumni Chapter, Alpha Nu (North Carolina A&T State University), Stone Mountain (GA) Alumni Chapter, Lambda Delta (Georgia Institute of Technology), Mobile (AL) Alumni Chapter and Mobile Kappa League for their assistance and hospitality.

Pictured from left to right: Brother Dareyl Jackson, Brother John Evans, Brother Grandon Gray, Chancellor West, Brother D'James Rogers II and Brother Clifton Avant Sr.

Chancellor of ASU mid-South, who accepted the donation from Jonesboro Alumni Chapter Jonesboro (AR) Alumni of Kappa Alpha Psi recognized Arkansas State University mid-South’s commitment to provide higher education to citizens of eastern Arkansas. The Chapter presented a contribution of $500 to the Foundation to support student activities at the university.

“ASU Mid-South has a proven track record of achievement in the areas of education and training. The Jonesboro Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi is elated to forge a partnership with Arkansas State Mid-South. Together we pledge to continue to be difference makers’ in the Delta. Dollars invested in students are multiplied many times over in our efforts to create educational and economic opportunity and truly improve the quality of life for all the people of our region,” said Dr. Debra West, Chancellor of ASU Mid- South, who accepted the donation.

“This contribution could not come at a more perfect time, as it provides great synergy with our increased focus on student engagement. Having things for students to be involved in and creating a sense of belonging on campus have been shown to be instrumental in ensuring students stay enrolled in their coursework and complete their degrees or credentials.”

Meridian Alumni hosts their 6th Annual Scholarship Gala

Annual Founder’s Day Celebration with Meridian Alumni

The Meridian (MS) Alumni of Kappa Alpha Psi hosted their 6th Annual Scholarship Gala on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at The Northeast Conference Center here in Meridian, Ms. Gala proceeds are used to fund the Chapter’s Charles L. Young Sr. Achievement Scholarship to a Meridian or Lauderdale County graduating senior as well to assist with funding The Reuben R. Little Community Service Award to a deserving community organization.

The Meridian (MS) Alumni of Kappa Alpha Psi hosted our Annual Founder’s Day Celebration on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016 at Historic Weidman’s Restaurant in Meridian, MS. Brothers enjoyed a social atmosphere and reflected on the history of the Chapter with Charter Member Brother Reuben Little Sr.

2015 Northeast Louisiana Heart Walk The Heart Walk was held On October 31, 2015 by the American Heart Association.

This premiere event that brings communities together to raise funds and celebrate progress in the fight against this country's No. 1 and No. 5 killers, heart diseases and stroke. The Heart Walk was designed to promote physical activity and heart-healthy living.

Arlington-Grand Prairie Adopt-A-Street Clean Up Project On Saturday, February 6, 2016, twelve members of the Arlington-Grand Prairie Guide Right Foundation and 12 Kappa Leaguers held their quarterly their Adopt-AStreet Clean-Up Project. The purpose of the event was to promote pollution awareness among members, the community, and to reduce pollution.

spring 2007 initiates of the Gamma Psi of Kappa Alpha Psi.

Jackson (MS) Alumni hosts public meeting at Mississippi State Capitol The Jackson (MS) Alumni Chapter celebrated its 75th Anniversary at Ecumenical Service St. Luther Missionary Baptist Church. The Honorable Judge Carlton W. Reeves served as the guest speaker at the public meeting. Reeves serves on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.

Father, Son become active in same chapter Brother Conrith W. Davis, Sr., and past Grand Polemarch Dwayne M. Murray, Esq., are joined with son Brother Conrith W. Davis II. Brother Davis II joined the Missouri City-Sugar Land (TX) Alumni Chapter in fall 2015.

Grambling (LA) Alumni shares STEM Research Gamma Psi members Alexander Lodge, Brian Mosby and Preston Burnley participated in the Grambling State University STEM Alumni Spring 2016 Symposium, sponsored by the Center for Mathematical Achievement in Science and Technology at Grambling State University.

The three brothers shared knowledge on earning their doctorate degrees in STEM areas and provided various employment opportunities in the field. Lodge is a spring 2006 initiate while Mosby and Burnley are

Arlington-Grand Prairie (TX) Alumni, “Each One, Feed One” Canned Food Drive The Arlington-Grand Prairie (TX) Alumni Chapter along with its Kappa Leaguers ensured that 200 families in the ArlingtonGrand Prairie community will have everything they need to prepare wonderful holiday meals. The chapter also raised over $4,000 in donations with their “Each One, Feed One” campaign with GoFundMe.

Grambling (LA) Alumni Chapter walk to end Alzheimer’s Beaumont (TX) Alumni Chapter rings bells for the holiday season For the past 22 years, the Beaumont (TX) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi has been ringing the bell for the Salvation Army during the holiday season. Year after year, brothers look forward to this event because it helps the Salvation Army minister to the community at large.

In 2005, however, southeast Texas changed forever. Hurricane Katrina hit the Golden Triangle. Then, just 28 days later, Hurricane Rita struck the area, causing a whirlwind of devastation.

Several brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi served as key leaders at the city and county level to help citizens in the Beaumont area. The list of leaders included commissioners, firemen, police officers, correctional officer’s judges, constables, and first responders. Each day, the Salvation Army parked its food trucks at designate areas and provided hot meals for lunch and dinner to Beaumont citizens.

The Beaumont (TX) Alumni Chapter donates to the Salvation Army all throughout the year.

The chapter commits itself to to ringing the bell every year and the Salvation Army looks forward to its help. The alumni chapter, along with the Zeta Psi of Kappa Alpha Psi, raised nearly $1,200.00 in the span of five hours.

On Nov. 14, 2015, members of Grambling (LA) Alumni Chapter raised proceeds, participated in the walk and assisted vendors in breaking down their tents in cleanup efforts at the Walk to End Alzheimer's®, sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association, the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research.

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide and 10 locations in the region, this event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions.

AGP “Each One Feed One” Turkey Drive Ten members of the Arlington-Grand Prairie (TX) Alumni Chapter Guide Right Foundation, its thirty Kappa Leaguers, and other Metroplex Kappa Leaguers assisted with a canned good drive for the Tarrant County Food Bank.

The Houston (TX) Alumni Chapter and undergraduates in the Houston area participated in cancer awareness efforts for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

As a young man, Danny Thomas had a simple goal: to entertain people and be successful enough at it to provide for his wife and family.

But work, however, was not easy to come by.

As he and his family struggled, his despair grew. He wondered if he should give up on his acting dreams or find a steady job. He turned to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes.

“Show me my way in life,” he vowed to the saint one night in a Detroit church, “and I will build you a shrine.”

That prayer to St. Jude marked a pivotal moment in his life. Soon after, he began finding work, eventually becoming one of the biggest stars of radio, film and television in his day.

As one of the world’s biggest celebrities, Danny used his fame to fulfill his vow to St. Jude Thaddeus and to change the lives of thousands of children and families.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital opened its doors on Feb. 4, 1962, based on Danny's dream that "no child should die in the dawn of life." Since then, St. Jude has made incredible strides in childhood cancer research, improving the survival rate of childhood cancer from 20 to 80 percent. The disease, that had a virtual death sentence in 1962, now has a survival rate of 94 percent.

Today, St. Jude is a world leader in developing new, improved treatments for children with cancer, creating more clinical trials for cancer than any other children's hospital. The hospital freely shares those breakthroughs. Every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save other children.

And still today as when we opened our doors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all they should worry about is helping their child live. Danny Thomas passed away in 199 but he left us with an enduring legacy and commitment to saving the lives of children everywhere. We will not stop until no child dies from cancer.

St. Jude leads the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

The hospital also puts on other initiatives such as the St. Jude Walk-and-Run to End Childhood Cancer in September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This family-friendly event helps raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as well.

THE GRAND CHAPTER

TRAINING FOR LEADERSHIP SINCE 1911

SOUTHWESTERN PROVINCE 6343 Glenhagen Drive Houston, Texas 77084 (832) 689-9597 timfalbert@gmail.com

Timothy F. Albert 25th Polemarch

April 25, 2016 Thank You| Southwestern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated Greetings Brothers in the Bond: I sincerely congratulate Brother Theron A. Hightower on his appointment as the 26th Province Polemarch for the Southwestern Province. I say thank you to the brothers of the best and biggest province in all of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, namely the Mighty Southwestern Province. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your 25th Province Polemarch.

It has been a dream come true to lead the brothers into the Second Century of the fraternity. I think that we have enormous accomplishments to look back upon as a province and we continue to lead in “Every Field of Human Endeavor”. This would not have been possible without your support and commitment to our fundamental purpose as a fraternity. I know that we will support Brother Hightower and his team moving forward.

We still have work to do and I plan on continuing to work beside you in the province. Therefore, I am not saying goodbye as the Province Polemarch, I am simply moving over so that we can continue to move in the right direction as a fraternity.

Thank you again for your support. May God bless you, your families and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

With God’s Graces and Blessing, I remain Yours in the Bond,

Timothy F. Albert Southwestern Province Polemarch CC:

Thomas L. Battles, Jr., |Grand Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton, III, Esq., |Senior Grand Vice Polemarch Chastin L. Gammage|Junior Grand Vice Polemarch Southwestern Province Executive Team Southwestern Province Board of Directors “Rebirth, Reclaim, Recommit by Leaving No Brother Behind”

Brothers All, You are requested and encouraged to submit articles for the Winter Edition of the Kappa Journal. Deadline is March 1st Editors/Reporters to submit articles related to events occurring in December and January. Please submit to the Journal Editor at: 1911nupe@gmail.com. Brother Cunningham may supply another email address for these articles.

We would like full participation from each Province.

Yours in the Bond, Thomas Cunningham Editor for the Journal Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.,