Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated

A historic photo from the archives each day, leading to Founders’ Day… This photo depicts four of our seven living Founders in 1953 showing off the NEW Founder’s Pin, given to them during the 43rd Grand Chapter Meeting in Chicago, IL. The Founder’s Pin was presented to (l to r) Founders Dr. Ezra D. Alexander, Edward G. Irvin, Dr. Marcus P. Blakemore, Dr. Guy L. Grant, (and not pictured) John M. Lee, Dr. Byron K. Armstrong, and Atty. Henry T. Asher. The countdown continues to the 114th anniversary celebration in 6 days. Kevin Scott Grand Historian

A historic photo from the archives each day, leading to Founders' Day... This is a candid photo of Founders Edward G. Irvin, Byron K. Armstrong, John M. Lee, and Ezra D. Alexander during the 46th Grand Chapter Meeting, December 27-29, 1956, Atlanta, GA. The countdown continues to the 114th anniversary celebration in 7 days. Kevin Scott Grand Historian

A historic photo from the archives each day, leading to Founders' Day... During a 1959 Founders Day Anniversary Banquet, hosted by Gary (IN) Alumni Chapter, Founder Ezra D. Alexander (seated) installs his son, Ezra D. Alexander Jr. (left) as the new Polemarch and G. Kenneth Washington (second from left) as the new Vice Polemarch, as Founder Guy L. Grant (right) looks on. The countdown continues to the 114th anniversary celebration continues in 8 days. Kevin Scott Grand Historian

A historic photo from the archives each day, leading to Founders' Day... This photo depicts three Founders (l to r: Ezra D. Alexander, Edward G. Irvin, (far right) Guy L. Grant) and the 2nd Grand Polemarch (second from right) Irven Armstrong, while attending the 48th Grand Chapter Meeting (1958) in Detroit, MI, while displaying a photograph from the Fraternity's first House Party (May 1911). The countdown continues to the 114th anniversary celebration in 9 days. Kevin Scott Grand Historian

Happy Birthday Founder Elder Watson Diggs!!! Elder Watson Diggs was born in Christian County, Kentucky, on December 23, 1883. He received a one-room school education in Louisville, Kentucky, where he helped teach the younger children. Following graduation from Indiana State Normal School in the spring of 1908, Diggs enrolled at Howard University in 1909. Diggs transferred to Indiana University in the fall of 1910 and was the first Black student to graduate with an A.B. degree from Indiana University’s School of Education in 1916. He subsequently earned his M.A. in Education from Indiana University in 1944. Diggs held educator positions at public schools throughout Indiana. Following his death, School #42 was named in his honor where he served as principal for 26 years. After WWI began, Diggs resigned as principal, entered the nation's first officer's training camp at Fort Des Moines, IA, and was commissioned a Lieutenant. He subsequently became a Captain in the Reserve Officers Training Corps. Based on discriminatory circumstances facing Black students at Indiana University, Diggs decided to establish a fraternity on campus to give them support and sanctuary based on high Christian ideals and the purpose of achievement. Diggs assumed responsibility for creating many of the primary fraternity documents and emblems. He served as Grand Polemarch, a Grand Board Member, and Grand Historian. He established the first nine undergraduate chapters and the Indianapolis (IN) Alumni Chapter. Diggs was awarded the first Laurel Wreath, the fraternity’s highest honor. The second-highest award available to celebrate a member’s achievements or service to the fraternity is dedicated in his name. Founder Diggs died on November 8, 1947. Kevin Scott Grand Historian

3 weeks from today, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. will celebrate its 114th Anniversary, founded on the campus of Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, January 5, 1911. As our Fraternity looks toward our future, we also reflect on our past that defined and shaped us. The picture featured in the 1911 Arbutus (Indiana University’s yearbook) depicts the campus of Indiana University as it appeared during the year 1911. Kevin Scott Grand Historian

In honor of Veterans Day, Kappa Alpha Psi recognizes the service of all U.S. military veterans. Members of KAΨ have served in the armed forces since 1917, during WWI. Nearly every KAΨ member was among the first to stand in the gap to prove their loyalty, patriotism, and worthiness for equal treatment in the United States. Seven of the ten Founders had active service in the military during WWI: Founder Elder W. Diggs was among the first Kappa men to serve and was commissioned a lieutenant. Founder Edward G. Irvin was cited for bravery while performing his duties as a combat medic with the Expeditionary Forces in France. He received the 2nd highest medal for valor. He served on the Selective Service Board during World War II and the Korean War. Founder John M. Lee enlisted in the 349th Field Artillery. He served overseas as a sergeant first class and gunner. He was a part of the first all-Black battery to open fire on an enemy and he fired the first shot. Founder Henry T. Asher served more than a year overseas in France. Founder Ezra D. Alexander served in the Army Medical Corps during WWI and as a medical examiner during WWII. Founder Marcus P. Blakemore served with the Army during WWI as a Private with Company 30, 154th Depot Brigade. 2nd Grand Polemarch Irven Armstrong acquired the rank of sergeant in the 351st Field Artillery in France. Countless amount of other Kappa Alpha Psi Brothers have proudly and valiantly served in all branches of the United States Armed Forces to preserve our freedom in every war since WWI. We salute you! KAΨ photo collage: (clockwise l to r: E. W. Diggs, J.M. Lee, E.D. Alexander, I. Armstrong) Kevin Scott Grand Historian

📸 Here are some photo highlights from the 46th Southwestern Province C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference held at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. The CRWLC is an annual event across each province, dedicated to fostering leadership and professional development. This year, the conference has expanded its focus to include both alumni and undergraduate members, offering a diverse array of sessions on critical topics such as entrepreneurship, leadership, career development, and health. These initiatives aim to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in their respective fields. #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #CRWLC #Entrepreneurship #CareerGrowth

Undergraduate Grand Chapter Officers and IHQ staff attended the 82nd Guy L. Grant Awardee, Dr. Ryan E. Tucker’s Emerging Leaders Town Hall session titled “Six-Figure Stories: The Road to Career Success and Financial Freedom” at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. observes the 23rd commemoration of Flight 93, the Pentagon, and World Trade Center Attacks on 9/11/01. It was the most lethal terrorist attack in history, taking the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans and international citizens, and more than 6,000 were injured. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity remains sympathetic to the families who lost their lives on that day and beyond from this horrific event. At least two fraternity members, Eddie Dillard, a 1967 Delta Sigma initiate and member of the Gary (IL) Alumni Chapter, and James Debeuneure, a 1965 Alpha Epsilon initiate, were lost with 62 other passengers on that day when their plane, Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon. Kappa Alpha Psi remains prayerful that time will help to heal the wounds inflicted from these tragic events. We pay tribute to the lives lost on 9/11 and honor their memory. Kevin Scott Grand Historian Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.