Northern Light Logo produced by Brother Kyle Barnes. He can be contacted at urban.adshop@gmail.com.

Oct. 2014

The Official Publication of the

Northern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi

Fraternity, Inc.

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In This Issue…

2- Message from the Province Polemarch

4 - C. Rodger Wilson Leadership

Conference

6 - Undergraduate News

7 - Alumni News

13 - Inspiring Service

14 - A Moment in Kappa History

15 - Learning from Our Past

16 – To those who loved and toiled and

strove…

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Brothers of the Northern Province, welcome to another fraternal year. According to Andy Stanley “Visioneering is the engineering of vision. It’s the process one follows to develop and maintain vision.” As we look to the 2014-2015 Kappa year many of us have been challenged to reevaluate our Kappa plans as a result of the recent announcement of the moratorium. For over 103 years we have been the benefactors of a dream set forth on the Campus of Indiana University, the vision set forth by our revered founders was strong

enough to allow us to witness an incredible history and today we are charged with the responsibility of determining what our future will look like. Brothers there is a Leader’s Mandate that each of us must embrace and that is “to stay fully engaged and act boldly in the days, months and years ahead.” The mandate is directly related to the Leadership Challenge which is; “Leaders must challenge the process because systems will unconsciously conspire to maintain the status quo and prevent change.” Brothers we must sincerely look at our processes and determine where we will go from here. As you know a national task force has been charged with the responsibility of articulating a membership process that will do the following; 1) Protect men seeking admission into the Bond of Kappa Alpha Psi, and 2) Protect Kappa Alpha Psi as we seek to continue initiating men into the Bond of Kappa Alpha Psi. This is a daunting task, yet we believe that we can and will be successful. Leading is often difficult, whether you are a Polemarch, chapter Board member or a part of the general (decision making) body. There is no autopilot in the functioning of our chapters and certainly not within our fraternity. Sustaining the vision of our Founders, Province, Chapter and or Campus requires constant attention. We are the men who have been charged with addressing those challenges today. Every man is charged with the responsibility of preserving our Founders and Fraternities vision. This charge

Kappa 2K15 The Kulture and Klimate of Kappa!!!

Written by Province Polemarch Rev. Desmon R.

Daniel, Ph.D.

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demands that we be fully engaged. Now is not the time to cease our programmatic thrusts that have been specifically designed to address the issues of our Kampus’ and Kommunities. Our vision for our Kampus, Kommunity and Kappa requires constant attention. We are the men charged with the responsibility of maintaining the things and people of Kappa. The esoteric and exoteric; Esoteric means the "inner" (eso-), in the sense of the inner consciousness; the business of Kappa, the contemplative, mystical or meditative transpersonal perspective of Kappa. This is something different from the ordinary everyday understanding of things, and can only be understood by intuition or higher mental or spiritual faculties. These are characteristics that we have come to recognize in Nupes. The opposite of Esoteric is Exoteric, which means the "outer" (exo-), i.e. the outer or surface or everyday consciousness. This includes both the scientific-materialistic and the conventional (or literal) Kappa perspective. Today, I’m looking for the Nupes! I urge you to take the next 30 days to assess your chapters systems to determine if they are in fact capable of doing the general work required by our Grand Fraternity. Simply put are we doing our very best to promote Kappa? Are we doing our best to brand Kappa within our Kommunity so the Kulture of Kappa is viewed as we would like it to be. In the general sense are we accurately recording the activities of our respective chapter membership? Does our exchequer accurately reflect our dues structure, financial obligations for the 2014-15 Kappa year? Do we have quality programming in place that will enhance the population which we serve? We cannot underestimate the significance of our presence in our Kampus nor in our Kommunity. We are the catalyst for sustained change. We are the benefactors of the unknown and undocumented labors of our revered Founders. We are the ambassadors of Phi Nu Pi! We are the Kreators and sustainers of the Kulture and Klimate of Kappa 2K15!!! Yours In The Bond, Des

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Hosted by the Kappa Upsilon and Pontiac Alumni Chapters, the 2014 CRWLC took place at

the Pontiac Kappa Center and on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.

It was a weekend of great fellowship, candid discussions, and new leadership opportunities.

Attendance in 2014 was very high. Over 100 brothers were present on Friday evening at

the Pontiac Kappa Center. The brothers of Pontiac Alumni set it off with great food and

drink, great atmosphere, and great hospitality. Province Polemarch Desmon Daniel

spoke/presented on the Kulture and Klimate of Kappa and helped attendees better

understand the reasons for the recently mandated moratorium on new member intake.

Brothers had many questions, and most were answered in very thoughtful and thorough

fashion. Remarks were also made by Grand Board Member Harry G. Franklin and Director

of Organizational Effectiveness/Past Grand Board Member/Past Province Polemarch E. Ken

Glass, Jr. Many collegiate brothers were present on Friday evening, and Brother Glass

strongly encouraged them to speak up and to speak out regarding their questions,

concerns, and issues. Following the formal portions of the Friday evening program, a great

Loving Cup ceremony took place, with approximately 70 brothers. Several options for

entertainment on Friday evening were announced for brothers to consider and to enjoy,

following the Cup.

C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference

Written by Bro. Chris Carswell

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Saturday was Kappa Alpha Psi Day on campus. Approximately eighty (80) brothers

converged upon the Oakland Center. Kappa men between the ages of 20 and 75, from

Michigan, Ohio, and New York enjoyed a full breakfast and lunch. Polemarch Daniel

presented again on the Kulture and Klimate of Kappa. Brothers were subsequently

educated in new Guide Right Program initiatives, proper decorum/singing of the Kappa

Alpha Psi Hymn, proper conducting of a chapter meeting, and the launch of the new

fraternity Achievement Academy.

Following the morning presentations, the Kappamen assembled for photo opportunities

and fellowship. There was plenty of cane mastery, laughter, and lots of paraphernalia

for sale.

Following lunch, Province Senior Vice Polemarch Kevin D. Kyles provided gifts to the most

senior Kappa (earliest initiation date) in attendance, to the oldest Kappa (by date of

birth) in attendance, to the newest (Neophyte) Kappa in attendance, and to the Kappa

who traveled the greatest distance to the conference.

The afternoon included scheduled workshops related to Chapter Certification &

Compliance, Chapter Advisor Certification, and Undergraduate Affairs. A brief Town Hall

Meeting was held as a final opportunity for brothers to express themselves and to have

questions answered. The Kappa Upsilon and Pontiac Alumni Chapters were lauded for

excellent planning and hosting of the 2014 CRWLC, and special commendation made to

Brother Gregory Thomas, for his provision of structure, logistics, and oversight support

this year as CRWLC Committee Chairman.

The Detroit Alumni Chapter provided an outstanding setting for evening entertainment

and continued fellowship, for brothers traveling from New York and for others from

across the Northern Province - including viewing of the Floyd Mayweather, Jr. boxing

match.

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Delta Pi Chapter The Delta Pi chapter has been

continuously putting forth effort to uphold the

principles of our great fraternity. These young

men have been very active on campus with

collaborated blood drives with the lovely ladies

of Delta Sigma Theta and participating in

unified education event with Michigan State

University’s NPHC. Another highlight for the

Delta Pi chapter is their second annual chapter

picnic. There was a great turnout and

representation of Delta Pi both young and old.

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Ann-Arbor Ypsilanti Inkster Alumni

Members of Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni Chapter along with family members supported The Canton Chamber of Commerce live concert series featuring Kappa Brother Randy Scott on Friday, August 22, 2014 at the Super Bowl location on Ford road in Canton, Michigan. Brothers had a great time tailgating and enjoying the soulful jazz sounds of one of our own Brothers. The Ann Arbor Brothers also competed in the Southfield Alumni Chapter Softball "Slugfest" Tournament on Saturday, September 27, 2014. The team finished the Tournament in second place. Southfield Alumni finish in first place. Brother Chris Starks captained the team and coordinated the event for the chapter. Other players were: Andre Allen, Kyle Bell, Andre Carpenter, Tony Eccleston, Wiley Graham, Hal Heard, Michael Kinloch and Ramone Reese. Brothers from the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni Chapter expanded the brand of Kappa Alpha Psi by participating in the 2014 Ypsilanti Heritage Parade. This was another historical event for our chapter. Sixteen (16) members from the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster Chapter Kappa family, which includes the Kappa League marched, strolled, and strutted in the Ypsilanti Heritage Parade, held on Saturday, August 15, 2014.

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There were also three (3) cars in the Parade with our chapter logo displayed proudly on the doors. The Brothers had a great time marching in the Parade while greeting the community. As God leads us, plans are being made to participate in next year's Parade. Brother Darryl Campbell, Chapter coordinator. Other Brothers included Wiley Graham, Stafford Watts,

Andre Allen, Hal Heard, Kyle Bell, James Hawkins Calvin Bradbury, Derrick Washington, Mike Kinloch, Ted Sturdivant, Jeff Holland, Phil Anderson, Tim Lipkin, Larry Davis, and Byron Fox. Parks Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church Honors members of the Ann Arbor Chapter

Brothers Phil Anderson, John Finn, Hal Heard, Michael Kinloch and Polemarch Tadarial Sturdivant were honored by Parks Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church on July 27, 2014 for their outstanding contributions to the Detroit Metropolitan Community. All five of our Brothers were in attendance and were deeply touched by this special recognition. Kappa Brother, Pastor Rev. Dr. Gilbert Morgan, Sr., presided over the Men's Day Service, with the theme of “Iron Sharpens Iron" Proverbs 27:17.

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The Drumlins Country Club was once again the site for a successful event sponsored by the Syracuse Youth Movement Scholarship Campaign (SYMSC). For another year, the Brothers of the Syracuse (NY) Alumni Chapter paired with the ladies of Lambda Kappa Mu providing funds to deserving students. “This was an exciting first year for me as Scholarship Committee Chairman,” said Jose Cruz. “What I was most proud of was our ability to double our scholarship amount from last year.” This year the chapter was able to provide four deserving young men each with $500 scholarships, continuing a tradition started In March 1993. Two of the scholarships are in memory of Brother M. Gilbert Kirkland, a charter member and affectionately known as “Godfather” of the Syracuse (NY) Alumni Chapter. The other two scholarships are named in honor of Brother Merle R. Greene, also a charter member of the chapter, after a generous donation from his family in 2002. Roy Bell, a graduate of Corcoran High School will attend Buffalo State College. Rensey Chandler, a graduate of The Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central (ITC), will attend Adirondack Community College. Hizyme Porter, also a graduate of Corcoran High School, will attend Herkimer Community College. Wali Walker, a graduate of Henninger High School will attend Alfred State College. We are very proud of the four young men who earned scholarships, and wish them the best as they prepare for this next phase in their lives. The chapter also partnered with the Southwest Community Center of Syracuse and their Journey2Manhood program to offer the young men an opportunity to tour the campus of SUNY (State University of New York) Cortland and interact with key stakeholders in the offices of Diversity, Inclusion, and Support Services.

Syracuse Alumni

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Buffalo Alumni At the commencement of the 2014

school year, Buffalo Alumni Chapter selected the Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy as our Adopted School for the 2014-15 year. We also supported this school for the 2013-14 school year. This year the Chapter donated 50 Crimson colored Book Back Packs to this school to be distributed to those youth in need. We plan to continue to support this school throughout the school year with other activities such a Male Scholastic Achievement Award and Male School Attendance Incentive Awards.

Earlier this summer in June, the Syracuse (NY) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi the Southwest Community Center and Syracuse University academic support partners hosted a one-of-a-kind event in the Life Sciences Building. The BlackManCan Institute, a one-day mentoring institute for young men of color in grades six through 12, was definitely about life sciences. The Institute was comprised of seminars designed to uplift, empower, and inspire young men. The goal of these seminars is to ensure that, by the end of the institute, students are well equipped to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones and model that behavior for others. The keynote speaker for the day was Michael Mallery Jr., Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of I’m So Educated, and author of: “Respect the S.W.A.G. that matters: ʻStudents With Academic Goals” To get them focused on their future, there was a tie tying course and each participant left with a new tie so they will have plenty of time to practice.

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Lansing Celebrates a Hero

I met Brother Butler as an undergraduate student at Michigan State University and from our very first interaction one thing was clear….he cared. He committed to mentoring me and assisting me with my professional goals. Without his guidance and “nuggets” of professional insight there is no way I would have had the career and personal achievements I have encountered thus far. He has lived a life worthy of recognition ten times over, but for all his success and accolades he is as down to earth as anyone I have encountered, he truly epitomizes what it means to be a Kappa Man. He made me a believer in the statement that “Achievement is a verb”. It’s not just the motto of our great Klan, but something to be lived out in all we do and James Butler is Achievement! I am grateful not only to call James Butler my friend, and mentor, but also my Brother.

Bro. Jermaine Ruffin Lansing Alumni

On October 2, 2014 our very own Brother James W. Butler was honored for his service to his country and community. The 2014 Veteran Tribute at the Michigan State University Demmer Center was given by Volunteers of America. It featured exhibits, a strolling buffet and a wonderful video honoring Bro. Butler’s life. The event was attended by over 300 people and over 25 Kappa Brothers. A rousing introduction was given by our Province Polemarch Reverend Dr. Desmon R. Daniel. This event alone raised over $100,000 for the Volunteers of America.

Brother Butler is a decorated Vietnam veteran. He served as a Platoon Sergeant in the U.S. Army and earned many hours during his tour of duty, including Combat Infantry Badge, Army Accommodation Badge, Purple Heart (2) and the Bronze (4) with Oak Leaf Clusters for heroism in ground combat.

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Brother Butler has been a mentor to

me and a man that I can truly admire. He always encourages

active participation in all that he does. Brother Butler has been instrumental in helping me to

develop as a man, a brother and a leader in this chapter.

Bro. Scott Simon

Polemarch Lansing Alumni Chapter

When I think of Brother Butler, I can’t help, but be reminded of

when I decided to join Lansing Alumni and he asked “what can I do to help you buddy” and I told

him I did not want to join the chapter and not have my dues

paid at my first meeting. In that well-known JB voice, he said “It’s done” and he even went so far as

to ensure I had shelter after every fraternity meeting at his home since I have joined. Now

that is a Brother’s Brother!

Bro. Jason A. Hall, Sr. Assistant to the Province Keeper

of Records

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Inspiring Service

Every day, the Red Cross must collect almost 17, 000 pints of blood for patients at nearly 3, 000 hospital and transfusion centers across the country. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. The summer is one of the most challenging times of year for blood donations. Donations drop to 80 percent, causing about 80,000 fewer donations than anticipated. Brother Jason A. Hall, Sr. of the Lansing Alumni Chapter in his capacity as a Parole/Probation Agent with the Michigan Department of Corrections organized the 2nd Annual “Answering the Call . . . Give blood in honor of everyday heroes” at his office in the City of Detroit, MI on Friday, August 15, 2014. Over 30 Parole/Probation Agents, Field Service Assistants, and Regional Management team members volunteered to give blood to this worthy cause. In addition, a monetary donation of $180 was given to the Blood Services Division of the American Red Cross to further assist those in need.

The American Red Cross plays a critical role in our nation’s health care system. It’s the largest single supplier of blood and blood products in the United States, collecting and processing more than 40 percent of the blood supply and serving nearly 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers. Beth Frahm, Regional Representative of Donor Resources Development stated that “80 percent of blood comes from blood drives held at local businesses and organizations. We rely on organizations like the Michigan Department of Corrections and particularly event coordinators like Jason who work so hard to help meet the constant need for blood and we are truly thankful for the continued partnership as we host additional drives.” For Brother Hall, Sr. efforts, he has been awarded a Field Operations Administration Exemplary Service commemorative coin by MDOC-FOA Deputy Director Charles Sinclair who retired on October 1, but did send the following correspondence “Agent Hall, Sr. before I retire next week, I won’t have time to do it in person, but I’ll ensure you receive due recognition for your service. Please accept my gratitude for the many hours you spent on your own time organizing and bringing this event together. You have distinguished yourself in the process, and your efforts reflect positively on Field Operations and the Department.”

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A Moment in Kappa History

Written by Bro. Harrison R. Duke III

“In the case of Negro students, the fact must be recognized that men of African descent are not accorded the untrammeled opportunity for the full rounded development which is opened to other students in the larger universities. This imposes upon Negro men the task of supplementing the opportunities afforded by these institutions by providing additional means for their intellectual, physical and social development.” April 1914, Volume I, No. I, the first Journal Kappa Alpha

Psi, Alpha Chapter, Frank Summers, editor in chief. It was an era when it was incredibly uncommon for Negros to graduate from high school, let alone attend a university. “Affording a college education in the world of 1914 was profoundly difficult and involved extraordinary craft in pinching pennies, working painstakingly and pulling together resources through sheer perseverance”, wrote Founder Diggs. The publication of the fraternity’s first periodical and first among Negro Greek organizations in 1914 was an accomplishment that provided a great deal of pride for the members of our organization. “We were just a group of colored students, “ recalled Irvin Armstrong. The Journal’s tradition is to carry a strong message to all readers in and out the fraternity, clearly communicating the aims and purpose of achievement, the story of Kappa Alpha

Psi. The Journal, Official Publication of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Spring 2014 Volume C, Issue 1, centennial publication. It is a must read for all good Kappa men. Not because of the article on Detroit Alumni’s own Judge Harold Hood,

nor the spread on Brother Jim Caldwell, coach of the Lions. Nor recognition of our Northern Province’s brother, Past Grand Polemarch Ronald R. Young’s transition to Chapter Invisible. Or the 45 pages recalling the history of The Journal, nor a peak into the photo section for Brother HR Duke III, at the AFA National Advisors Committee meeting. Or the Ann Arbor Alumni brother who is the first African American National President of the National Association of Parliamentarians. The entire Undergraduate News Section highlights Kappa undergraduate chapters stand against racial perjures and bias on college campuses today. Brother Arnold Reed, Sigma Chapter, “there are a few white fraternities that threw racially insensitive parties. We want to foster an environment where our students feel safe”. “There have been events on the campus that have made it clear that black students are treated differently”, Brother Scott Grant, Omicron

Kappa Chapter, Lehigh University. The Journal, December 1924 Vol. XI, No. 3; “in many places the doors of educational institutions for which the colored people pay taxes, have been closed in their faces and we have been denied the right to obtain an education, for no other reason than that our skin is dark.” Tough political positions on racial equality with a focus on “training for leadership” are found in Journals over the past century. Remember undergraduate men

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published the first ten years of the Journal. Civil Rights, bring attention to the ugly tentacles of racism and prejudges, have been a cause of our Noble Klan for 103 years. The outcries of current campus Kappa leaders are consistent to the vision and ideals of our founders. Academic achievement, campus organizational leadership, positive character and graduation are tangible examples of social change and racial progress quietly demonstrated by the undergraduate men of Kappa Alpha Psi. The Journal of Kappa Alpha Psi, 100 years of tradition, the first Negro Greek publication of its kind, a voice of achievement in every field of human endeavor. Another special moment in Kappa History.

Learning from Our Past

An excerpt from the November 1933 Kappa Alpha Psi Journal

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To those who loved and toiled and strove…

A Special Dedication

Flint/Lansing Alumni Chapter 1968

Delta Nu Brothers, 1965