board of directors - Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated

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The New York Alumni Chapter Of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
Chapter Of The Year Submission 2014 - 2015 Fraternal Year
Polemarch's Message
It is my honor and privilege to serve my second term as Polemarch of
the New York Alumni Chapter for the 2014-15 fraternal year.
The Goal for this fraternal year is Embracing KAPPA –
Recommitting to the Tenants of PHI NU PI.
NYA has had large grown over the last few years both organically,
through intake, as well as through our RECLAMATION efforts. It is
now encompassed with a myriad of DYNAMIC Brothers, each with
varied talents, strengths and interests, each with a willingness to
serve the collective in some capacity to keep the Chapter moving
FORWARD.
From our August Planning session, the our task as an Administration
was to coalesce these individual talents around our three areas of
FOCUS:
Fellowship; Serving Our
Underserved Communities;
Training For Leadership
While we are focused internally, we do not lose sight of the fact that NYA is a part of a Larger network of
Achievers, all whom wear the KAPPA Pin, we are also members of the Pan-Hellenic family, and we are
members of the Harlem Community. NYA has obligations and responsibilities to each of these various
constituencies.
You will find within this 2014-2015 NEP Chapter of the Year (COTY) Submission a diverse compilation
of activities consistent with our vision, goals, obligations and responsibilities for the fraternal year.
Throughout the year we strive to build a stronger Bond amongst the Brothers in the Chapter, the City, the
Province, and the Fraternity as a whole, as evidenced through our various fellowship events, whether
through collaborating with the Metro Kappa Chapters, other organizations, or simply fellowshipping
together at a Sunday Morning Service.
Additionally, we maintained our focus on helping Underserved community, primarily through our Social
Action and Guide Right programs. We were able to reestablish our Kappa League to train our next
Generation of Leaders. We were also able to showcase our talented youth by hosting a Student of the Year
Competition. For the Community, we continued our tradition of providing comfort and relief during the
holiday season, and we joined our Community in protest to make sure the world remembers that Black
Lives Matter.
As Polemarch, I am the gatekeeper of the Chapter, but my job is not complete if the Chapter is not in a
position to thrive once I am no longer in the Chair. As such, this Fraternal year we emphasized having more
of our younger Brothers assuming Leadership roles and responsibilities in the Chapter as we continue to
prepare for tomorrow today.
Therefore, as Polemarch of NYA and on behalf of the Board of Directors and Brothers of the New York
Alumni Chapter, I proudly and respectfully submit to the COTY Committee Members our submission for
2014-2015 Chapter Of The Year.
I trust that you will find sufficient evidence of our hard work, dedication and commitment to Kappa; in a
manner consistent with the principles set forth by the Achievement Committee.
Faithfully Submitted,
Julian Bobb
Polemarch
New York Alumni Chapter
Historical Background Of The
New York Alumni Chapter of
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
The New York Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was chartered February 20,
1937, under the sponsorship of the Province Polemarch, Brother I.T. Donaldson, with the cooperation of a
number of Brothers, including: Brothers Ernest L. Dimitry, Thomas Hocutt, Ernest Wood, H. Taft
Thompson, Robert “Si” Jones, Othello Broadnax, William Bryant, Samuel Walker, James B. Hardy, J.
Douglass Serrell, John Perry, Marion Griffin, James “Chum” Reid, Walter I. Delph, Anthony G.
Featherston, Rudolph Scott, Nathaniel Scott, Frizel Smith, Leroy Payne, Robert H. Watson, Harcourt
Tynes, George “Pat” Tynes, C.L. Heyliger, Laurence Hunt, Miguel Houchen, Floyd Mourning, Chauncy
Cox, Thomas Gorgas, Roosevelt Hammond, Robert Stevens, Von Dickerson, Frank Wheeler, William
Atkinson, E.K. Jones, Leroy Lowery, G. Victor Cools, Elihue Packard, Hubert Carter, John Silvera, Roy
Ferguson and Irving Hamer.
Many of these Brothers were the original sponsors of the Kappa Kostume Karnival which became
the unique and outstanding NY Fall Ball. As our membership has changed over the years, so has the ball. It
was changed to the NYA Annual Krimson And Kream Ball and now exists in its latest incarnation - The
Annual Kasino Royale Black And White Affair.
New York Alumni’s first Polemarch was Brother Irving Hamer. The Keeper of Records, Brother
Robert “Si” Jones; and the Keeper of Exchequer was Brother H. Taft Thompson. In the early stages of the
Chapter’s incorporation there was no regular meeting place. Brothers met at local YMCAs, the Elks Home,
a rented Basement Room at 135th St. and also at Brother Dimitry’s and Delph’s homes.
The most prominent issue on the minds of Brothers was the longing desire to have a Kappa Kastle. Brother
Donaldson put up the first five dollars. This was the start of the fund to buy a house. Brother Donaldson
encouraged the Chapter to allocate a portion of their dues for this fund, as well. The fund received its
greatest impetus from the Annual Kappa Kruise. The Kruise began in 1950. In 1952 the Boatride netted
$12,500 which was placed into the Bank along with each subsequent net profit. In 1959 the Brothers’ hard
work and dreams paid off. With a loan from Carver Federal Bank of $12,500 the deal was solidified and
the purchase of a four story brownstone at 472 W. 141st in Harlem, New York was made. The mortgage
was burned during the administration of Brother Oliver W. Parson. Thus, the title of
Polemarch Emeritus was bestowed upon him.
After a terrible fire that occurred at our fraternal home, funds were collected for the complete
restoration of the Kappa Kastle. We have not lost sight of the need to maintain our home, to date, the wood
furnishings have been re-varnished, bathrooms have been renovated, we successfully completed a
$12,000.00 stairway renovation project and have now instituted the” NYA 80 Initiative”, a targeted funding
initiative that boasts such plans as restoring the hard wood flooring to the main and second floors of our
beloved “Kappa Kastle”, renovating the fourth floor into an executive conference / reception room and
restore the Silhouette room on the third floor.
Reclamation has always been an important issue for the Chapter. The National Reclamation
Committee which was once under the chairmanship of our dearly departed Past Polemarch, Brother R.
Duke Marshall, the Reclamation Committee reclaimed more Brothers than at any other time. The chapter
received recognition for this at the Detroit Conclave. In keeping with history, and in light of the recent
moratorium on MIOP, our chapter has increased their efforts to reclaim Brothers back into the Bond to
assist us in service to our community. We won the Reclamation Award at Province Council Meeting two
years ago, and confidently look forward to receiving the award again in the years to come..
There is an ongoing Guide Right program. The chapter also sponsors several youth groups that our
chapter brothers are involved with outside of Kappa. During Halloween and Christmas there are children’s
parties given which are highly anticipated by the neighborhood throughout the entire year. Brothers also
donate gifts to the children during our annual NYA Christmas Party.
Under the state’s Not-for-Profit laws, New York Alumni Founded the Reginald F. Lewis
Scholarship Foundation, Inc., in 1992. The Scholarship Foundation gives at least five scholarships to
college bound young men every year. This past year, we were unable to host the R. F. Lewis Scholarship
Luncheon, due to our Beloved Brother J. P. Hick’s health struggles, But we were able to continue the great
work that we help to facilitate with the J. P. Hicks Mass Communication Scholarship Fund. Through that
program, we were able to fund scholarships and laptops for 5 deserving journalism majors in Liberia.
The New York Alumni Chapter continues to participate in community affairs and civic events with
a great zeal and fervor, illustrating their strong desire to serve their community and continues to look
forward to maintaining its position as one of the jewels in the crown of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc
NEW YORK ALUMNI CHAPTER 2014 - 2015
LEADERSHIP
Chapter Officers
Polemarch:
Vice Polemarch
Keeper of Records
Keeper of Exchequer
Strategus
Historian
House Business Manager
Chairman, Chapter
Nominating Committee
Julian A. Bobb
Gregory Thomas
Sean A. Carswell
David Hamilton
Ja'Vaughn Dominguez
Russell E. Morgan, Jr.
Thierry Boubert
Leroy Barr, Jr.
Polemarch Emeritus
Oliver W. Parson*
Board Of Directors:
Thierry Boubert, Shamel E. Duncan, Michael Hatcher,
Kareem B. Joshua, Russell E. Morgan, Jr.
New York Alumni Foundation:
Jose M. Zenon, Chairman, Leroy Barr, Jr., Sean Davenport,
Verdun Perry, Gregory Tolson
NYAF Chairman Emeritus - Jonathan P. Hicks*
* - Deceased
NEW YORK ALUMNI CHAPTER 2013 - 2014
COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
(GENERAL)
Guide Right
Shamel Duncan
Reclamation
Nathaniel Deverteuil
Social Action
Torrence S. Traynham
Fundraising
Quentin L. Wright
McDuffie
House
Michael Hatcher
Nominating
LeRoy Barr, Jr.
COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
(AD-HOC / SPECIAL)
Public Relations / Newsletter
Andrew Johnson
Shamel Duncan
Senior Kappas
Terrance Holliday
Awards
Gregory Thomas
Intake
Kareem B. Joshua
Website
Jerrod Delaine
Social Media / Marketing
William Solomon
Name
NYA
Member
Life Member
IHQ
NEP
Life
50 Year
Member
Ali Abdur Rahim
Leslie Agard-Jones
Gregory Todd Anderson
Theodore Anderson
New York Alumni
Chapter Membership
2014 - 2015
Leroy Barr, Jr.
Julian A. Bobb
Thierry Boubert
Derrick Bryant
E. Campbell
Charter Members
William Atkinson
Thomas Gorgas
Leroy Lowery
Robert Stevens
Othello Broadnax
Marion Griffin
Floyd Mourning
Taft Thompson
William Bryant
G. Irving Hamer.
G. Elihue Packard
George “Pat” Tynes
Hubert Carter
Roosevelt Hammond
Leroy Payne
Harcourt Tynes
G. Victor Cools
James B. Hardy
John Perry
Samuel Walker
Chauncy Cox
C.L. Heyliger,
James “Chum” Reid
Robert H. Watson
Walter I. Delph
Thomas Hocutt
Nathaniel Scott
Frank Wheeler
Von Dickerson
Miguel Houchen
Rudolph Scott
Ernest Wood
Laurence Hunt
Douglass Serrell
Ernest L. Dimitry
Laurence Hunt
Douglass Serrell
Marlon Campbell
Sean Carswell
Irvin Crusoe
Guy DeVeaux
Ja’Vaughn Dominguez
Khary Dorsey
Shamel Duncan
Tremayne Ffriend
Michael Hatcher
Terrance Holliday
Kareem Joshua
Darnell Mayo
Guy Mitchell
James Moore
Russell Morgan
Edward Poteat
Kelly Richardson
Thomas Roberts
Robert Robinson
Donnie Rogers
Yakik Rumley
Casswell Samms
Mark Skeete
William Solomon
Shannon Taylor
Gregory Thomas
Torrence Traynham
Keith Ward
George White
William Williams
Quentin Wright
McDuffie
Jose M. Zenon
ALUMNI CHAPTER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
There shall be an award given by the Northeastern Province known as “The Alumni
Chapter Achievement Award”. This award shall be conferred upon Alumni Chapters of
the Northeastern Province. The award shall consist of an appropriate plaque that will duly
recognize the Chapter for its significant accomplishments. No more than one such award
will be given each business year. However, The Achievement Committee may deem it
necessary to recognize additional Chapters in form of suitable certificates where the
volume of submission and the quality of those submissions merit such recognition. There
is no limitations place on the number of times a given Chapter may win.
To be considered eligible for the Alumni Chapter Achievement Award, the
chapter shall give evidence, satisfactory to the Achievement Committee as spelled
out on the attached Rating sheet. It is essential that narratives be supported with as
much related documentation as possible where applicable.
PROCEDURE:
Alumni Chapters desiring to be considered for the Alumni Chapter Achievement
Award shall submit their qualifications to the Achievement Committee in such
forms, as the Achievement Committee shall require. the petition shall include
information for the twelve (12) months period immediately preceding the date of the
petition only and shall include all supporting evidence required.
Petitions to award the Alumni Chapter Achievement Award shall be submitted
to the Achievement Committee not later than two Calendar months prior to the
convening of the Province Council. The Achievement Committee shall consider all
petitions and its decision on all petitions shall be final.
THE NORTHEASTERN PROVINCE
KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY
Petition to confer the Northeastern Province Alumni Chapter
Achievement Award.
To: The Achievement Committee
Northeastern Province
Kappa Alpha Psi
Date:___2/18/2015______________
Dear Brothers:
We, the members of The New York Alumni Chapter, petition you to confer the Alumni Achievement
Award to this Chapter as evidenced by the material submitted as attachments hereto, covering the
past twelve months.
Please list (index) all attachments below.
1._ Chapter goals and objectives are developed and are a regular part of the Chapter’s management
planning.
2. The Chapter budget is consistent with the goals and objectives.
3. An effective and viable Chapter Guide Right Program is ongoing.
4. National and Province programs of Kappa Alpha Psi are supported as an on going part of the Chapter’s
activities
5. Extra meritorious service and involvement with the community and the external civic community
occurs and contributions to charitable and nonprofit organizations are made.
6. An effective and viable Chapter Intake and Reclamation Program exists
7. Chapter members hold or strive for appointive offices and or elective positions within the Province or
at Grand Chapter level.
8. Chapter gives timely attention to Province and Grand Chapter obligations
9. Chapter demonstrates good public relations
Attested to by:
___________________________
Chapter Keeper of Records
Form No. NEP5a
____________________________
Chapter Polemarch
ALUMNI CHAPTER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Rating outline with Numerical Values
To be considered eligible for the Alumni Chapter Achievement Award, the Chapter shall
give evidence, satisfactory to the Achievement Committee that:
Rated Items
Value
1
Chapter goals and objectives are developed and are a regular part of the Chapter’s management planning.
10
2
The Chapter budget is consistent with the goals and objectives.
3
An effective and viable Chapter Guide Right Program is ongoing.
15
4
Chapter provides planned and well articulate support to Undergraduate Chapters (if applicable). The scoring
is such that chapters where this is not applicable will not be penalized.
20
National and Province programs of Kappa Alpha Psi are supported as an on going part of the Chapter’s
activities
20
5
5
6
Extra meritorious service and involvement with the community and the external civic community occurs and
contributions to charitable and nonprofit organizations are made.
15
7
An effective and viable Chapter Intake and Reclamation Program exist
20
8
Chapter members hold or strive for appointive offices and or elective positions within the Province or at
Grand Chapter level. .
10
9
Chapter gives timely attention to Province and Grand Chapter obligations
10
10
Chapter demonstrates good public relations
5
Petition and supporting materials may be submitted in an appropriate 3-ring or clasp type
binder. Information should be on an 8.5 x 11” size paper where possible.
No petition will be accepted beyond the deadline
Form No. NEP5a
Rated Item: Chapter Goals And Objectives Are Developed And
Are A Regular Part Of The Chapters Management Planning
The New York Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, always crafts its
programmatic thrust, our programs and initiatives, to be in compliance with those of International
Headquarters and the Northeastern Province. Throughout each administration throughout our
history, we are guided by a central theme that is usually presented by the incoming Polemarch.
The central theme of the current 2014 – 2015 administration is “Recommitting To The Tenets Of
Phi Nu Pi”. The New York Alumni Chapter, is a chapter that is rich in tradition, history and
protocol. The goals and objectives for each new year, are set up prior to the start of the fraternal
year at our annual summer planning sessions. This year, the chapter decided to take our one day
session and expand it and make it a full – fledged weekend retreat.
On the weekend of August 21 – 24,
2014 the officers and members of New
York Alumni, prepared for a weekend
of “Kappa Business and Fellowship.
We moved the planning session /
retreat to Stamford Connecticut and
the Hampton Inn and Suites served as
our “Kappa Headquarters” for the
weekend. On Thursday, August 21st
before we left for Stamford, the
brothers of NYA partnered with the
Bronx Alphas to host a mixer at La
Marina Restaurant in the Dyckman
area of the Bronx. All enjoyed the
event in spite of a light rain was
still very well attended and enjoyed by our fellow greeks of the Pan Hellenic Council and from our friends
and supporters of the chapter.
On Friday August 22nd, 2014, a rather large number of us arrived early to see that all was ready for
the next day’s session. Afterwards, our chapter had a “Meet and Greet” with the Brothers of the Stamford
Alumni Chapter. It was another great night of fellowship as we enjoyed the “nightlife” of Stamford.
On Saturday August 23rd, our planning
session was underway. There were both AM
and PM workshops that focused around team
camaraderie and identifying and acknowledging
each other’s individual talents. Our Committee
Chairmen presented quite well and clearly
outlined the programmatic thrust of the chapter
for the 2014 – 2015 fraternal year. At that
meeting, our committee chairmen and chapter
officers present their proposed yearly budgets,
dates of National and Province events,
fundraising proposals, community service events
and initiatives that will comprise the next
fraternal year’s programmatic thrust. As is
customary, the chapter’s yearly calendar. Last
year, the chapter approved the KAP S.T.A.T.
committee, to track and assist the committees
with their proposed initiatives. The committee
proved to be beneficial to the chairmen and the
chapter as well. After the planning Session
ended, The Brothers present posed for a chapter
photo and then headed upstairs to the NYA
Hospitality Suite to further delve into the Bond
of Fraternity that unites us all. There were
nostalgic conversations, fun, games, chanting and a whole lot of other GREAT THINGS that happened
during the evening. Later on that evening, we met again with the Brothers of Stamford Alumni and
ventured into the downtown area for a night of socializing.
Here at New York Alumni, we have
found the true balance of “Work Hard – Play
Hard, We have accomplished a lot over the
past year, and we owe it to our planning
sessions…“if you fail to plan – then you plan
to fail.” This year, our planning session /
retreat has assisted the chapter in their
mission of developing not only programs, but
a stronger Bond of Fraternity amongst the
members of the chapter.
Rated Item: The Chapter Budget Is Consistent With
The Goals And Objectives
The New York Alumni Chapter's budget is one that is created from several different
revenue streams and takes into account several different chapter service projects, fundraising events and
social action initiatives. The fact that The New York Alumni Chapter has its own fraternity house, also
requires its membership to implement progressive fundraising initiatives and membership dues structures
that allow for the payment of property taxes, house repairs, maintenance, supplies, etc. as well.
NEW YORK ALUMNI CHAPTER OF
KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, INC.
BUDGET ANALYSIS
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015
Forecast
Fiscal Year 2014-15
INCOME
Unre s tri cte d Ba l a nce Forwa rd
$
-
Ba l . From 2014- NYA Li fe Me mbe rs hi p Due s
$
8,750.00
Ba l . From 2014 - Ope ra ti ng Acct. Di a mond Fund
$
2,992.25
Due s
$
18,550.00
Cha pte r Due s (45*$250.00)
$
11,250.00
I ni ti a ti on Due s
$
Re cl a i ma ti on Due s (5) now 10
$
1,250.00
I HQ Due s
$
4,950.00
NYA Me mbe rs (33*$150.00)
$
4,950.00
$
1,100.00
$
1,100.00
NYA 80 (18@ $400.00)
$
9,800.00
Above & Be yond
$
Cha pte r Me e ti ng Me a l
$
500.00
Re nta l I ncome
$
12,000.00
-
NYA Li fe Me mbe rs hi p Due s (2 @ 1,300)= 2600 Se e NYA 80
I ni ti a ti on
NEP Due s
NYA Me mbe rs (44 *$25.00)
I ni ti a ti on
Bl a ck & Whi te Ba l l
1,500.00
$
4,000.00
Fundra i s i ng
$
18,000.00
Tra ns fe rs I n
$
Mi s ce l l a ne ous
$
2,000.00
NET INCOME
$
78,092.25
-
Forecast
Fiscal Year 2014-15
EXPENSE
Outs ta ndi ng Che cks
$
-
Cha pte r Me e ti ng Me a l
$
(500.00)
Tota l Hous e Expe ns e s
$
(28,607.64)
Prope rty Ta xe s
$
(7,268.04)
Con Edi s on
$
(2,400.00)
Ti me Wa rne r
$
(1,238.88)
Hous e I ns ura nce
$
(6,693.72)
He a ti ng Oi l
$
(1,200.00)
Cl e a ni ng / Porte r / Suppl i e s
$
(2,400.00)
Re pa i rs
$
(3,600.00)
Ca pi ta l I mprove me nts
$
(3,807.00)
NYA 80
$
I HQ Due s a nd Fe e s
$
$
$
12,000.00
9,700.00
2,300.00
-
$
(6,235.00)
NYA Me mbe rs (33*$150.00)
$
(4,950.00)
I ni ti a ti on
$
-
Insurance
$
(810.00)
CRWLC
$
Foundati on
$
(100.00)
$
(1,150.00)
$
(1,100.00)
Concl a ve Re gi s tra ti on
NEP Due s a nd Fe e s
NYA Me mbe rs (44*$25.00)
(375.00)
I ni ti a ti on
$
(50.00)
Mi s ce l l a ne ous
NEP Schol a rs hi p
$
(1,000.00)
NET EXPENSE
$
(73,485.28)
NET INCOME
$
4,606.97
NYA 80
$
8,000.00
Ca pi ta l Fi na nce
$
3,000.00
Li fe Me mbe rs hi p
$
Di a mond Fund
$
2,992.25
TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS
$
22,742.25
FI SCAL YEAR NET I NCOME
$
4,606.97
RESTRICTED FUNDS
8,750.00
The New York Alumni Chapter’s annual
Black and White Formal Affair, Kasino Royale,
remains a consistent staple in the NYA event
calendar. Our theme for this fraternal year was the
“Krimson Masquerade. This version of our
signature event held on April 12th, 2014,
incorporated a masquerade ball styled theme,
where our guests had the opportunity to don masks
of intricate design to fit their style and fancy!!!
Again, our great success at hosting this annual
affair lies in the fact that NYA’s multigenerational membership, has mastered the fine
art of blending tradition with a flair for the new.
The fine dining selections to suit the palate of all
attendees combined with wonderful music from
carefully selected DJs and our signature charity
casino gaming component, have made this annual
event one that has been duplicated by a few
chapters– but never quite accomplished with such
an air of distinction and quality as the brothers of
New York Alumni have built this brand up to be.
We pause in our festivities to acknowledge
Brothers and community activists for their
dedicated service to the chapter and the
community in which we serve. As is customary,
the proceeds derived from this event serve to fund
our operations accounts and paired with the
recently adopted “NYA 80 Initiative”, we are
enabled to maintain the maintenance and smooth
functioning of the historic New York Alumni
chapter fraternity house, which we affectionately call “The Kappa Kastle”.
NYA believes in the age old adage “If It Ain’t Broke – Don’t Fix
It”! Our Fundraising Committee, has moved the chapter’s social fundraising
events to the next level. They have managed to take the blueprint of events
that have been sponsored in the past, improved upon the themes and created
event experiences that are unique in concept and are anxiously anticipated by
our followers. On June 20th, 2014, “Kandy Shop”, one of our recently
adopted signature events was revamped and a new expanded version of
“Kandy Shop – The Chocolate Factory Edition” was unleashed upon the
masses! The very popular and anticipated event kept the straight forward
approach of combing two basic premises – a candy flavored beverage menu
and an atmosphere that leads to nothing but great memories!!! As this event
has grown to new heights, the chapter has grown the event so much that we
now host it at an outside club style venue. The funds generated from the
event support the upkeep of our beloved fraternity home. This event has served us well and also serves as a
good event to train our newer initiates in the areas of event planning, budgeting and marketing as well. As
we always say…”At New York Alumni, we are always Training For Leadership”.
Straight off the success of the newly revamped “Kandy Shop
– The Chocolate Factory Edition” our Fundraising Committee struck
again on August 10th, with resounding success with the newly
introduced “NYA Kappa Summer Luau Roof Top Party”. This
summertime bash was a luau themed event that incorporated the heat
and décor of a Hawaiian bungalow, the energy of the summer and the
best of urban R&B that the streets had to offer that summer!!! The
event was completely packed out and helped to solidify the chapter’s
ability to sell out a venue outside of the Kappa Kastle. Going
forward, this event and others
that will be planned similarly
will help to provide growth not
only with the chapters
exchequer, but also with the chapter’s brand as a viable candidate for
outside vendors to consider for partnerships. To those that attend our
parties, they see it as simply a good time, but at NYA – we see it as a
way for the chapter to expand their brand and improve their marketshare of the NYC Greek Letter Party Scene!!!
On Friday, October 31, New York Alumni partnered with the
National Step Team of the Hispanic sorority of Sigma Iota Alpha to
host the “Tales from The Krypt – Legend Of The Unicorn” Halloween
Costume Party”. This is an event that we have hosted in the past with
other “special guest sororities”. Every year the crowd continues to
increase and the costumes become more fun to observe and very well
thought out and festive. As we have mentioned in our previous
fundraising features, NYA
has outgrown our beloved
Kappa Kastle and has
moved this event to a club /
lounge themed venue as well. The wonderful aspect of this
event is that it is one in which the chapter continues to look to
partner with a different sorority. It allows for an exchange of
different ideas, builds our “Kappa Presence” and also helps to
bring different genres of party – goers to an experience that
they might not have had the privilege to enjoy otherwise.
Our New York Alumni Foundation serves as our philanthropic
arm at the New York Alumni Chapter. Through the NYAF, we are able to
fund our various scholarships that are administered. The foundation
sustains the following scholarship programs: The Student of the Year
Competition, The J. P. Hicks Mass Communications Scholarship, The
Crimson Merit Scholarship and the five scholarships that are awarded at the
Reginald F. Lewis Scholarship Luncheon. We host several fundraisers for
the NYAF during the course of the fraternal year. We make account in our
budget for the payment of at least $10,000.00 in scholarships annually. You
will read of our accomplishments as a chapter in subsequent pages.
On Saturday, January 3rd, 2015, NYA took the lead this
year in organizing the annual Metro Founders Day Fundraising
Event at The Attic Rooftop Lounge in midtown Manhattan. This
year’s J-5 event, tells a story of true Brotherly fellowship and NYC
Metro Chapter “Nupe Unity”. Partnering with our fellow city-wide
chapters we packed out the rooftop venue and held an event that
brought fellow greeks from other fraternity & sorority organizations
and a surprisingly large independent crowd of patrons this year
which serves as a testament to the quality of the event and the spirit
of unity that we all displayed. In furtherance of the spirit of Phi Nu
Pi and “Fraternal Finance”, The chapters EQUALLY SPLIT any
proceeds above our mutually agreed upon ticket quotas. So at the
end of the night, we all were able to share in not just a GREAT
PARTY, but a GREAT PROFIT as well. By focusing on being
“One Kappa”, we painted the city CRIMSON that night!
On Sunday February 1 St, 2015 New
York Alumni returned back to the Kappa
Kastle for our Annual Nupe – “Her Bowl”
Super Bowl viewing Party. This event has
become one of the more anticipated
signature events on our chapter calendar.
Through the use of our social media and
marketing campaigns, we have been able to
consistently attract a more diverse crowd to
our events, bringing at least 100 people a
year to join in on the festivities. The
multiple screen experience that we have
incorporated over the past two years give the
entire fraternity house the feel and
atmosphere of a true viewing experience.
This year we switched gears, and instead of
the “Shimmy Like A Nupe” contest, we
decided to offer our patron’s free Super
Bowl Score Boxes, and at the end of each
quarter, we awarded the winner with a
complimentary bottle of “Sparkling Cheer”.
Through the chapters continuing ability to
provide quality entertainment for all the
different generations of patrons that we
serve, we continue to capture larger
demographics year after year!
NYA 80
“The Realization Of A Dream Come True,
The Crystallization Of A Vision Made Clear”
The New York Alumni Chapter has also embarked
upon another targeted sponsorship campaign in an effort to
increase its revenue to renovate certain areas of our Beloved
Kappa Kastle. The “NYA 80 Initiative”, is a comprehensive
funding project that humbly asks for brothers to make monthly
contributions of $40.00 per month over the next 3 years. The
funds collected will be used to install hardwood flooring on the
1st and second floors, the completion of structural work to the
outside of the building and to furnish a “Diamond In The Sky”
Executive Lounge on the 4th floor of our fraternity house. The
Brothers that participate will each receive a ticket to our 80TH
Anniversary Black & White Ball Celebration, A Custom Made
80Th Anniversary Commemorative Pin and in testament of
actually becoming a part of this time in history – we will have
a BRICK ENGRAVED IN YOUR NAME THAT WILL BE
BUILT INTO THE WALL OF THE KAPPA KASTLE!!!
As with our previous Diamond Fund campaign of 3 years ago
and our Stairway Restoration Funding Program of last year,
NYA realizes that as members we MUST do our part in
ensuring that The Kappa Kastle stands as that “House Where
True Brotherhood Resides”, and that it always remains viable
and available to be enjoyed by Kappa Men worldwide!!!
Rated Item: An Effective And Viable Chapter Guide Right
Program Is Ongoing
Kappa League
Above: Newly designed Kappa League Brochure.
Below: Members of the Guide Right Committee pose for a picture after a
Kappa League Presentation at Frederick Douglass Academy.
In 2013, Shamel Duncan was elected Chairmen of the
Guide Right Committee. Brother Duncan came in with two
goals; Strengthen and increase the Guide Right Committee and
improve the effectiveness of all five programs under the Guide
Right committee. The first program he would begin working on
was the Kappa League program. Realizing the need to
restructure the program, the committee spent one year
evaluating the program effectiveness and developing and new
Kappa League program.
During the summer of 2014, positions were filled,
literature was created or updated, a calendar was created, and
the committee was in contact and visited five schools recruiting
young men for the new and improved Kappa League program.
On Saturday, October 4th, 2014, Kappa League relaunched with its Kick-Off Orientation held at the New York
Alumni Kappa Kastle. During this orientation, members of the
New York Alumni Chapter, Kappa Leaguers, and parents
introduced themselves. The calendar was introduced and
brothers led icebreaker activities for both parents and Kappa
Leaguers to get everyone acquainted with each other. Twelve
young men were orientated into the Kappa League program.
On Saturday, October 18th, 2014, the very first session
was facilitated by Irvin Crusoe, Assistant Principal at Public
School 206. Tackling the very first Kappa League Phase; Self
Identity, Bro. Crusoe led a session titled; “Who am I”. Within
this session, Bro. Crusoe challenged Kappa Leaguers to think
about How one becomes successfully. Kappa Leaguers then
broke out into small groups and members of the Guide Right
Committee join a group and led a discussion. Afterwards,
everyone joined together and concluded the session. Bro.
Crusoe left the Kappa Leaguers with two thoughts; Success can
be determined by how disciplined you are and Discipline can be
determined by the habits you create.
Kappa League Director, Juan Royal, presided over the
session and thanked Bro. Crusoe for a great session and for
charging our youth to consider discipline before thinking about
success.
A Safe Haven on Halloween
Children in the Harlem
community don’t look forward to
Halloween every year to go trick-ortreating. Instead, their minds are set on
something more exciting. Something
that only takes place at 472 W. 141st
street. And that would be none other
than New York Alumni’s Haunted
House at the Kappa Kastle.
On Friday, October 31st, 2015,
Hundreds of children and parents came
out to take part in what has become one
of NYA’s annual signature events. In
fact, there was a line of people that
extended down the street and wrapped
around the block. But despite the large
number of people in attendance, all who
desired to walk the decorated halls of the
Kastle, were able to do so.
Many brothers from the chapter came
out to not only help setup, but also work
the event. Every floor of the Kastle was
setup with different Halloween
decorations.
“The Halloween
Haunted House serves
as a Safe Haven for
our youth in the
community. It
provides a fun
alternative to walking
the dangerous
neighborhood trick or
treating. That’s why I
constantly support this
event every way I
can.”
Brothers were dressed as
goblins throughout the house, popping
out of corners and spooking children as
they walked through the haunted maze.
Even our Kappa Leaguers was dressed
up as props to assist the members of the
New York Alumni Chapter.
It was truly a great evening and
many of the children and parents who
attended didn’t leave without extending
their thanks to the chapter. Bags of
candy were given to all the youth in
attendance. They also mentioned their
anticipation for returning next year.
This particular event has always
been important to the chapter because
it’s an opportunity to give the children
and members of this community a
unique experience that they can cherish
for a lifetime. That has always been the
chapter’s mission, and we look forward
to upholding that commitment every
year.
How to Make It Home When Stopped By the Police
On Saturday, December 6th, 2014. Spoke to the kids
regarding obeying the officer. Spoke about his experiences
with officers within his role as a prosecutor. They do not have
to answer any question. Make sure you have ID. Make sure
you don’t run. Don’t reach for anything. Do not talk back.
They are not the lawyers or judges, their job is to bring in
individuals if they have probably cause. Spoke about
appearance. Informed KL to be mindful of how they present
themselves. Watch the people that they are involved.
Although our youth may follow these steps, there is still a
high chance they will be stopped by the police so the key
thing to remember is to state that they are a minor and if and
when they arrive to the police station, state that you are a
minor again. This will allow you to have witnesses. KL were
able to ask questions based on things that had already
happened and discusses how they would approach the
situation if it had happened again. Bro. Mitchell charged the
KL to speak the police officers and get to know them. He
stressed that it is important to form relationships with
neighborhood police officers. KL attendance.
Add New And Replace Old From This Point……
Within The New York Alumni Chapter, We strive to maintain compliance
with our National Guide Right initiatives, and whenever possible, we create
activities and opportunities to enrich the lives of our youth wherever we may find
them. At the end of this submission period, we have come off the heels of
maintaining a Kappa League Program where we have taken our students to take
place in S.T.E.M. programs, compete in The Student of the Year Pageant on the
Provincial Level and added other initiatives such as EMBODI - a black male
awareness initiative that we co sponsor with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Incorporated and The P.S. 84 Step Loud - Step Proud Program That has been
spearheaded by our very own George Rodriguez, who was mentioned in the Kappa
Alpha Psi Journal this past summer for his efforts. We also offer our participants special field trips and
opportunities to enrich their personal experiences and make them socially aware of the community that they
are a part of.
On Saturday, April 13, 2013 New York Alumni Chapter hosted a
screening of the film "42 The True Story Of An American Legend" at the AMC
Magic Johnson Theater in Harlem, NY. The chapter felt that it was necessary to
expose as many of our youth and members of the community as possible to the
groundbreaking
accomplishments of members of
our race and to give them the
opportunity to see history
presented to them on the silver
screen, in a fun family-oriented
setting . The chapter invited it's
Kappa League and Guide Right
participants from P.S. 94 Step
Loud - Step Proud and our EMBODI programs as well as
their parents to come out and spend the afternoon with us at a special screening that was held exclusively
for us. In addition, our Social Action Chairman also extended an invitation to the members of the Charles
A. Young V.F.W. Post of Harlem, NY to attend the viewing as well. Our students from P.S. 94 performed
a brief step show for our group prior to the screening for their added pleasure. It was an event that was well
received by all that attended, and also impressed the rest of the other movie - goers in the theater, to see that
our organization still continues to reinforce the need to be familiar with African American history.
One of our most popular Guide Right initiatives, the “Step
Loud – Step Proud, program, which is facilitated by Brother George
Rodriguez, is one that is widely accepted by the school’s
administration and is thoroughly enjoyed by the students that
participate in it and their parents as well. At the beginning of each
school year 100 or so students try out for the coveted positions on the
“P.S. 94 Fly Rhythm Steppers”
team. Once they are selected,
they are taught step and boot dance routines. Along with the
teaching of the step maneuvers, the students are always visited and
mentored by members of the chapter, who teach them lessons of selfconfidence, the importance of receiving a good education, being
respectful to their parents and elders and how not to succumb to peer
pressure and bullying. The lessons learned about
both stepping and life, are evident in the pride and
enthusiasm that the children that comprise the team display. It
is also shown through the assistance and very active
participation that the parents play as well. New York Alumni’s
approach to mentoring is one of a village mentality. Not only
do we follow up with the teachers of the students to check on
their educational progress, but also with the parents at home.
There is a saying that states “It takes a village to raise a child”,
and we are indeed proud to be a part of that village. The entire
programs year of training and lessons culminate in the Annual P.S. 94 Step Loud Step Proud Step Jam
Competition. This competition has grown from initially just an annual showcase of the students that are
directly enrolled in our chapter’s Guide Right program, to many other schools with similar step teams that
come from as far as Albany, NY to compete. The competition is fierce, but always friendly as we also
espouse the principles of good sportsmanship. Our Guide Right group has performed at several school
functions, in borough parades and even here for the benefit of the Northeastern Province at our Province
Council meeting. They have also been our special guests for our “NYA Movie Days” during the course of
this year where they were treated see the movie “42” – The Jackie Robinson Story, and more recently, the
“Mandela – Long Walk To Freedom” film that was made available to us through Brother L’Mani Viney,
our National Guide Right Director.
We had our Guide
Right mentoring groups with
us for another day of
community service and fun
when the New York Alumni
Chapter hosted their Annual
Halloween Haunted Kastle
For The Community. This
was an opportunity for our Guide Right students and their
parents to come out and enjoy themselves in a safe “Trick or
Treat” environment. We had a haunted tour of the kastle and also gave out bags of candy to all the youth
that attended. It has become one of our annual signature events and we were glad that we could host our
Guide Right students and their parents.
On Wednesday November 27, 2013, our EMBODI program students
participated in the Annual Thanksgiving Wishes Pre-Thanksgiving Program at The
Children's Aid Society located at the Dunlevy
Milbank Center on 118th Street in Harlem, NY.
The students and mentors served as hosts, food
servers, order takers and clean up assistants for
more than 600 residents from the local
community. The program is comprised of several
different merchants, businesses and charitable organizations that donate
their time and resources at Thanksgiving to aid those in need during the
holiday season.
We paused for a weekend of our Guide Right activities, to give our Guide Right groups a bit of
rest from their hectic schedules and the other activities that we involve
them with and sponsored a “Guide Right Game Day”. The game day was
simply that – an opportunity for the
Guide Right participants to come to
the fraternity house, play board
games, video games, eat pizza and
get to know the Guide Right
Committee members and brothers of
the chapter in a more relaxed setting than our structured workshops and
program activities. The Guide Right Game Day was exactly that – fun,
games, food and just a Saturday filled with fun!
New York Alumni Chapter, in conjunction
with our National
Guide Right
Chairman Brother
L'Mani Viney and
his National Guide
Right Committee,
participated in the
"Mandela: Long
Walk To Freedom"
movie screening at the Angelika Theater on
Thursday December 19, 2013. The chapter's
Guide Right Committee and Board of
Directors, worked together to coordinate
parents and students that are involved in our Guide Right efforts, so that we could effectively get the word
out within the short turnaround time that was provided. The result of our hard work resulted in the chapter
being able to accommodate a bus load of our Guide Right students, their parents and teachers to a viewing
of the film. The Mandela movie screening, reinforced our belief in exposing our youth to positive role
models and the significance of seeing our history conveyed to them, as we had done in the past with the
screening that we held for the "42", Jackie Robinson film a few months prior.
The New York Alumni Chapter has also partnered with
Blue Nile Passage, Inc., in order to reach out to yet another
circle of promising young men and emerging young ladies
within our community that are in need of our help and
presence in their lives as positive role models. Blue Nile
Passage, Inc. is the largest Rite-of-Passage program,
dedicated to the spiritual, cultural, and moral character
development of young brothers and sisters 12- to 16-yearsold. The program is creating generations of community
conscious and socio economically prepared adults. Blue
Nile Passage Inc. is made up of a caring community of
volunteers dedicated to the development of youth of the
African Diaspora. The program is a team oriented environment where individual contributions are
recognized in the eyes of our youth while the community harvests the rewards.
Blue Nile Passage, Inc. offers a broad spectrum of programs; School Based Training, an AfterSchool Institute, Incentive Based programs and our flagship program Blue Nile Rites-of-Passage. The
Rites-of-Passage Component is a nine-month Manhood/Womanhood Training Program that
include Mentoring and seven Educational
principles. The principles taught are:
 Spiritual Grounding

Historical Black Experience

Health & Wellness

Personal Growth and Development

Community Consciousness

Economic Awareness

Politics
As our youth grow we must commit ourselves to providing them with the tools they
will need to live productive lives. To take on the challenges of overcoming the
negative elements of the environments in which they live and to be morally and
spiritually led by God. We must also mentor and motivate them to higher levels of
scholastic and professional achievement.
We invite you to explore NYA’s website. Find out more about our programs, current events, and
ways you can get involved to help us continue with our commitment to enhancing the lives of the
youth, specifically those of African heritage.
We instill within our Guide Right (EMBODI) students, the
importance of thinking of others and the impact that they have on their
communities. We also ask them to remember those that may need
cheering up during the holidays as well. On Saturday, December 21st, we
facilitated the Senior Kare Holiday Gift
Card Making Program. We instructed
and assisted our youth group to create
cards that will be distributed to senior
citizens in local nursing homes and
rehabilitation centers in the Harlem Community. We also presented the
young men of the EMBODI program with ties and taught them how to tie
them correctly on their own. The purpose of this annual event within the
program is to teach the importance of proper appearance and proper
perception. This exercise is greatly appreciated by the parents of the participants as well.
We finished off a wonderful January filled with wonderful fellowship
opportunities such as the MLK Day Civil Rights March with Manhattan Country
School’s 8th Graders and Staff. It was their 26 Annual Youth MLK Dream March,
that was inspired by the hopes and dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Its focus was
the 21 Voices Initiative - Letters of Protest and Hope. The group led a march through
Manhattan starting at the Abyssinian Baptist Church and ended
at the Manhattan Country School that is located at 7 East 96 th
Street New York, NY. The group stopped at several locations
on the marching route: Stop 1 Abyssinian Baptist Church; Stop
2 Harlem YMCA; Stop 3- AC Powell Jr. State Office Bldg; Stop 4: Harlem United
AIDS Care Agency on W 124th; Stop 5 El Museo Del Barrio -1230 5th Ave: Stop 6
Manhattan Country Public School 7 East 96th Street. The participants from the
school’s 8th grade class, had written essays that addressed some of the most pressing
issues of their generation: such as immigration, equal rights; domestic violence, as
well as national issues such as stop and frisk; gun control, health care and equal access to quality education.
Additionally, the EMBODI group has been deeply involved with
Black History Month. One of our more recent activities with the group
was to provide them with books about famous African American figures
that they may or may not recognize. We
gave them clues and their task was to
properly name the figure. At the end of
the exercise, the students were pleased
with themselves for being able to identify
most of the characters based upon the
descriptions and we were quite proud to have been of assistance.
Rated Item: National And Province Programs Of Kappa Alpha Psi Are
Supported As An Ongoing Part Of The Chapter's Activities
While planning its activities for the fraternal year, the New York Alumni Chapter is mindful of
those programs and initiatives championed by the Grand Chapter and the Northeastern Province, and seeks
to incorporate such programs into the Chapter’s plans for the year.
GUIDE RIGHT
Part of the Polemarch’s theme for the Fraternal year was BUILDING up the Underserved
Communities. The most efficient and effective way for the Chapteer to have a postive impact on the
community is through work with the Communties’ youth. As discussed in the previous section, the Chapter
has attacked Guide Right from several different angles in hopes of making a significant impact in the lives
of today’s youth.
At P.S. 94 Kings College Pre-paratory School in the Bronx, there is a
group of talented young people that have served as the ambassadors of our NYA
Guide Right program for a number of years. They call themselves the “Fly Rhythm
Steppers.”
This group is a hall-mark of
our Guide Right program, and is led by
Brother George Rodriguez. They meet
for four hours per week for step
practice throughout the school year.
And since the program’s inception in
2007, the group has performed in a
host of competitions, and has also been
asked to perform for many other
programs and events.
EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) – is
designed to refocus the collaborative efforts of the New York Alumni Chapter with Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc., New York Alumnae Chapter, on the plight of African-American males. Both informal and
empirical data suggests that the vast majority of African-American males continues to be in crisis and is not
reaching its fullest potential educationally, socially and emotionally.
EMBODI is designed to address these issues through dialogue, and
recommendations for change and action. EMBODI promotes and
provides opportunities to improve the quality of life for at risk African
American males through a comprehensive approach aimed at developing
their overall potential. The program focuses on education, culture,
mentorship, preventative health care, financial scholarship, and
community service.
The Blue Nile Passage, Inc. is an organization made up of a
caring community of people dedicated to the spiritual, cultural, and
moral character development of America’s youth, specifically those of
African heritage.
As our youth grow we must commit ourselves to providing
them with the tools they will need to live productive lives. To take on
the challenges of overcoming the negative elements of the
environments in which they live and to be morally and spiritually led
by God. We must also mentor and motivate them to higher levels of
scholastic and professional achievement.
Blue Nile Passage, Inc. offers a broad spectrum of programs; School Based Training, an AfterSchool Institute, Incentive Based programs and our flagship program Blue Nile Rites-of-Passage. All stress
spiritual, cultural, and moral character development.
We invite you to explore NYA’s website. Find out more about our programs, current events, and
ways you can get involved to help us continue with our commitment to enhancing the lives of the youth,
specifically those of African heritage.
KAPPA LEAGUE
NYA’s Kappa League is in the process of being retooled and restructured to
enable it no more efficiently and effectively benefit the brown and black young men in
our community. Previously, the Kappa League program was competing with many of
the other after school sports and athletic programs offered at its former Parter
instittuion. NYA has now located a very willing and motivated School parner through
which it can relaunch the program with the dedication and support that the program
requires. The Kappa League Director has mapped out his program and formulated his
core team to ensure that this launch is a sussessful and sustaining one.
HEALTHY KAPPAS HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
On Friday, February 7th, 2014, in commemoration of
World HIV / AIDS Awareness Day, New York Alumni, in
conjuction with Sigma Gamma Rho, Kappa Sigma Chapter and the
Wall Street Alpha Phi Alpha Chapter of NYC hosted the “I Am My
Brother’s / Sister’s Keeper National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness
Day Forum”. The forum consisted of free HIV / AIDS testing, and
a fact symposium on how to prevent the spread of HIV / AIDS
within our communities. We also had health care providers and
referral services on hand provided by Harlem United.
We were also in attendance at the Black Psychiatrists of Greater New
York & Associates (BPGNY) Conversation On Mental Health
Symposium, The symposium addressed the following issues...
Only 1/3 of African Americans who need professional mental health
services actually receive
them. Stigma of mental illness, lack of knowledge about symptoms,
and limited access to
care prevent open dialogue and treatment-seeking for mental illness
in the Black community.
The program's Keynote Speaker was Hakeem Rahim, Ed.M., M.A.,
Founder & President, Live Breathe, LLC. He was diagnosed with
Bipolar Disorder as an undergraduate at Harvard University,
Hakeem Rahim has lectured on his journey from mental illness to
wellness.
DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH
Education is the great equalizer. Access to a qality education very often requires resources, and
since its inception in 1992, the New York Alumni Foundation has been providing such resources to our
Black and Brown young men to help make their collegiate dreams a reality. The the foundation provides
scholarships to college bound young men annually. But there is a greater purpose to the NYAF. And that is
to provide our youth with a support system comprised of brothers in whom they can rely on for help and
guidance not only through-out their matriculation in college, but for a life-time.
On April 21, 2013 that commitment remained intact when
the NYAF held its annual Reginald F. Scholarship Luncheon at the
United Federation of Teachers located in lower Manhattan.
Five young men were awarded scholarships. The Oliver
Sutton Memorial Scholarship was presented to Nicholas Raven from
Riverdale County Day School. The Albert G. Oliver Memorial
Scholarship was presented to Gregory Whyte from Cardinal Spellman
High School. The Ernest M. Wood Memorial Scholarship was
presented to Kristopher L. Harris from the Academy for the
Advancement of Science and Technology. Mr. Harris was aso the
winner of the Chapter’s Student of the Year Competition. The
Melvin Taylor Memorial Scholarship was presented to Brother
Kavaneet Dhami from the Delta Eta chapter at the University of Pennsylvania. And the Joseph Greene
Memorial Scholar-ship was presented to Brother Javaun Francis from Chi chapter at Boston University.
Each of these young men gave brief remarks and thanked the NYAF for their scholarship. They
also spoke about their goals and commitment to achieving them.
In addition on June 15, 2013, The NYAF awarded an additional $1000 scholarship administered
through the Association of Black Educators of New York. The Fernley Murray Scholarship Fund named
after a past polemarch of the Chapter was awarded to Kesha Medas-King.
NEP STUDENT OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
On March 16, 2013, during the Joint Luncheon, Kristopher L. Harris, a student
from the Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology finished third in the
Province Student of the Year Pageant.
Join the Men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
For the Historic
50th Anniversary
CONTINUATION
MARCH ON WASHINGTON
LINCOLN MEMORIAL
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2013
Men of Kappa will assemble Starting @ 8:00 am
at the DC War Memorial located North Side of Independence Avenue, NW between
The World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial
The DC STATEHOOD MARCH & RALLY starts at 9:00 a.m
Confirmed and honored guests are as follows:
Senior Grand Vice Polemarch Thomas L. Battles Jr.,
Past Grand Polemarchs, Samuel Hamilton and Dwayne Murray
David L. Hardrick, Chairman, Political Awareness & Social Action Committee Cluster
Eastern Province Senior Vice Province Polemarch Robert L. Jenkins, Jr. Esq.
50th Anniversary March on Washington
On Saturday August 24, 2013 Brothers from NYA departed from
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church - 124Th Street Harlem, NY towards
Washington D.C. to take part of the Historic March. It was a proud moment
in our history to share with "Brothers In The Bond". We were inspired to
uplift our people and communities as well as elect officials that will uphold
our civil rights. Thanks to Brother
Leroy Barr and UFT for working with
our Chapter making this all possible as
well as The Brothers that shared in this
monumental occasion.
Kappa Reception
Immediately following the March & Rally at the
Washington (DC) Alumni Chapter,
Historic Kappa Kastle, 1708 S Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
For further information please contact Brother David S. Brewer, via email at
dsbnupe@hotmail.com or Brother David Hardrick dlhwaskay@aol.com Cell 301-266-2855
Rated Item: Extra Meritorious Service And Involvement With The Community And The External
Civic Community Occurs And Contributions To Charitable And Non Profit Organizations Are Made
The New York Alumni Foundation serves as our philanthropic arm at
the New York Alumni Chapter. Through the NYAF, we are able to fund our
various scholarships that are administered. There foundation sustains the
following scholarship programs: The Student of the Year Competition, The J.
P. Hicks Mass Communications Scholarship, The Crimson Merit Scholarship,
The Association of Black Educators of New York (ABENY) named a
scholarship after one of our Past Polemarchs, Brother Fernley Murray
(Deceased). The ABENY - Fernley Murray Scholarship is endowed by the
NYAF through donations that are raised amongst the membership of the
chapter. The NYAF also funds the five scholarships that are awarded at the Reginald F. Lewis Scholarship
Luncheon on an annual basis. We host several fundraisers for the NYAF during the course of the fraternal
year. We make account in our budget for the payment of at least $10,000.00 in scholarships annually.
On Sunday, April 21, 2013, the New York Alumni
Scholarship Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The New York
Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, hosted its annual Reginald F.
Lewis Scholarship Luncheon. Led by its Chairman, Brother Leroy
Barr, Jr. and its Chairman Emeritus, Brother Jonathan P. Hicks,
this past year, they were able to raise over $30,000.00 that has
been awarded to college bound young men from our communities
based upon their grades in school, their overall achievements and
personal growth, but most importantly, based upon their need for additional financial assistance in this
climate of ever increasing tuition. The event was hosted by Brother Keith
Clinkscales, who currently serves as the CEO of Sean “P-Diddy” Combs’
Revolt Media Network. Our keynote speaker for the afternoon was
Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn. The scholarships that are
presented consist of four scholarships that are bestowed upon college
bound young men and one that goes to an undergraduate member of our
fraternity. Since the NYAF’s inception in 1988, the chapter has donated
well over $100,000.00 in scholarship funds to those in need.
During the months of November and December, Brothers are asked to donate
clothing and toys in the hopes of being able to donate them to shelters,
hospitals and other worthy organizations within our community for the
benefit of children in need during the holiday season. During this
holiday season, the various toys and items of clothing that were donated
by our brethren were distributed to Abyssinian House, Covenant House
and the Y.U.N.G. Harlem Gr8 Foundation’s 2nd Annual Toy Drive.
These organizations directly benefit a wide range of men, women and
children that have become either displaced or dis-enfranchised within the New York City area. Our chapter
realizes that through partnerships with our various community based organizations, we can have an
improved impact within our community and reach people that we may not have had the ability to reach
with our prior initiatives.
On Wednesday December 11th,
members of the New York Alumni Chapter
attended the 6th Annual Holiday Charity Concert
sponsored by Virginia’s House of Hope.
Virginia’s House of Hope is a 501 (c) (3)
charitable organization that was organized to
improve the quality of life of children in New
York City and its surrounding areas. They are
assisted in this effort through various
partnerships that they form with several different
organizations throughout the city. Through an
already established relationship that New York
Alumni has with the Organization of Black
Maritime Graduates, we were able to join in
partnership to attend this event and volunteer to
assist Virginia’s House of Hope in their future
endeavors
On Saturday, December 14, even though there was a major
snow storm in the making, the New York Alumni Chapter, through its
philanthropic arm, The New York Alumni Scholarship Foundation
hosted its annual Prayer Breakfast Fellowship event at the Abyssinian
Baptist Church in Harlem New
York, where our Good Brother
Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts
serves as Pastor. The event was
very well attended by a vast multitude of Brothers from several
different chapters of Kappa. Brothers Barr and Hicks, Chairman and
Chairman Emeritus respectively, created a very light and witty
program, where we received messages of inspiration coming from not
only Reverend Butts, but also from Brother Reverend Marshall Mitchell of
The Baptist Church of Jenkinstown, right outside of Philadelphia
Pennsylvania. We were also honored to have Brother Craig Chisolm,
Northeastern Province Senior Vice Province Polemarch in attendance and
also to bring us words of greetings from the NEP. Though the purpose of the
Prayer Breakfast is
primarily to raise
funds for our scholarship endeavors, it also serves as
one of our chapter’s most powerful Bonding
experiences. I am sure that any and every Brother
that has ever been in attendance will attest to this
fact. This signature event of our chapter will
continue to aid in the task of not only assisting
young men to achieve their dreams of obtaining a
college education, but it will also continue to be an
inspiration to members of this fraternity as to the
true value of fraternal brotherhood.
Another of New York Alumni’s signature holiday events, the
“NYA Adopt – A – Family” event that was held on December 21, 2013,
truly exemplifies the New York Alumni’s capacity to give service to
others. The program consists of us receiving letters from families within
our community that require assistance in making their holiday season
better for their families. The Brothers of the chapter then go out and
purchase the gifts that were listed within the letters. We then invite these
families to the Kappa Kastle to celebrate and share in their holiday
experience with us. The most important aspect of the program is not in
the families receiving gifts, but in the instances where some families
have been reunited after being split up amongst several different men
and women’s shelters. We as a chapter are warmed by the feeling that
is received when we witness children
receiving the simplest of gifts from under
a Christmas tree that we have provided at
the Kappa Kastle because they may not have one in their home. To the
members of the chapter – it serves as one of the most fulfilling and
simultaneously most humbling of feelings. In an instance such as this – it is
truly better to give than to receive.
New York Alumni – Very Socially Relevant In Our Community
The New York Alumni Chapter truly “hit the ground running’ since the very first month of being back to
work for the 2013 – 2014 fraternal year. We attended the Polemarch’s Roundtable, so that we could certify
our officers in advance as we were planning a very aggressive year and anticipated intake to swell our
ranks and aid us in answering our "Call To Service". We had a mix of our seasoned officers with a very
good mixture of newer initiates that have embraced this same “Call to Service”, and have committed
themselves to not just being members of this fraternity and storied chapter, but to roll up their sleeves and
work for the good of the chapter as well.
The Brothers of The New York Alumni Chapter were Socially
Aware and Very ready to attend the 50th Anniversary of The
March On Washington, that took place on Saturday August 24,
2013. Brothers and their guests departed from the Greater
Calvary Baptist Church where our Chapter Brother Reverend
Dr. Stephon McKinney serves as pastor. It was a proud
moment in our history to share with "Brothers In The Bond".
We were inspired to uplift our people and communities as
well as empower them to elect officials that will uphold
our civil rights. We would like to offer our thanks to our
Brother, Past Polemarch Leroy Barr and the United
Federation of Teachers for working together with our
chapter to make the journey possible as well as The
Brothers that shared in this monumental occasion.
New York Alumni maintains a Voters Registration Drive
partnership with the lovely ladies of the Pi Kappa Omega Chapter of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Food Bank NYC which is
located on116th Street Harlem, NY. The team
met from 4:30 PM- 6PM Every other Friday from
Sept 13, 2013 - first 2 weeks of October 11, 2013,
encourage residents of the Harlem community to
register in time to vote in the general elections.
Additionally, the two chapters raised a total of
$130.00 ($65 each) for Susan G. Komen and American Cancer Society in support of
their annual October efforts to eradicate and raise awareness of breast cancer.
Sunday, November 10, 2013The Brothers of New York Alumni
and our fraters of Omega Psi Phi partnered for an evening of jazz
and honoring our veterans at the Charles Young V.F.W. Post, to cohost a children’s book drive in celebration of Veterans Day and to
also support the families of our deployed U.S. Troops through the
“United Through Reading Military Program”. We collected a large
number of children’s books, which were in turn donated and
shipped to the family of an active duty US Soldier. The USO also
supplies the family of the deployed U.S. soldier, with a recorded
DVD of the soldier reading the story aloud for their child. In the
process of working with this project, the chapter was blessed with
the opportunity to connect deployed military parents and adults with
the special children in their lives. We raised $130.00 and plenty of
Dr. Seuss and Berenstain Bears Children’s Books that went to a
very worthy cause.
NYA Brothers came out to volunteer by assisting Special Olympic Athletes at
their third annual Bowl A Thon on Sunday November 17, 2013 at BowlMor Lanes.
Brothers were on hand to lend their assistance by cheering for them to give them
encouragement during the course of the event. The Brothers of the chapter also served
as chaperones at various stations to ensure that all participants got involved and had
their turn. Some of us were so skilled that we even gave out a bit of bowling advice.
Some of us in New York Alumni take a more “hands on”
approach to giving during the holidays. On December 10, 2013 our
Social Action Chair, Brother Marcus Jones participated in “The
Polar Bear Plunge-Freezin For A Reason” event that was sponsored
by The Special Olympics organization. He actually jumped into the
freezing ice cold waters of the South Beach Board Walk in Staten
Island, NY. Brothers that know our Social Action Chairman, know
that he can be very fiery and passionate when it comes to his Social
Action initiatives, so we were most anxious to see him get a moment
to “Cool Off”! We are proud of him and inspired by the lengths that
he would go to advance the aims of Social Action
NYA Kappa Alpha Psi has adopted Covenant
House For Homeless Youth for the 2013 - 2014 fraternal
year and onward. In doing so we have participated in a
series of initiatives that began with The Covenant House
Candle Light Vigil and March To Time Square in drawing
awareness to the large population of Homeless Youth in our
Area and Nationwide. In addition to this we went back
during the 2013 Holidays with Operation Kappa Klaus and
distributed toys, suits, and other clothing to homeless youth
and new born mother that were residents of this long term
shelter during Christmas 2013. In addition we have raised
$250 in support for participating in the upcoming
Covenant House Young Professionals Overnight Sleep Over this March 2014 .
On Friday, February 7th, 2014, in commemoration of
World HIV / AIDS Awareness Day, New York Alumni, in
conjuction with Sigma Gamma Rho, Kappa Sigma Chapter and the
Wall Street Alpha Phi Alpha Chapter of NYC hosted the “I Am My
Brother’s / Sister’s Keeper National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness
Day Forum”. The forum consisted of free HIV / AIDS testing, and
a fact symposium on how to prevent the spread of HIV / AIDS
within our communities. We also had health care providers and
referral services on hand provided by Harlem United.
We were also in attendance at the Black Psychiatrists of Greater New
York & Associates (BPGNY) Conversation On Mental Health
Symposium. The symposium addressed the following issues...
Only 1/3 of African Americans who need professional mental health
services actually receive them. Stigma of mental illness, lack of
knowledge about symptoms, and limited access to
care prevent open dialogue and treatment-seeking for mental illness
in the Black community. The program's Keynote Speaker was
Hakeem Rahim, Ed.M., M.A., Founder & President, Live Breathe,
LLC. He was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder as an undergraduate
at Harvard University. Hakeem Rahim has lectured on his journey
from mental illness to wellness.
Rated Item: An Effective And Viable Chapter Intake And Reclamation
Program Exists
The New York Alumni Chapter has adopted the policy of growing our chapter through three
important aspects. We grow our ranks through Intake, Reclamation and also Retention or our existing
membership through structured programs and events that cater to every generation of Kappa.
New York Alumni has been fortunate to have generated a lot of interest in membership over the
past few years. We attribute that to the fact that we not only are doing great community service and
philanthropic work, but we are also merely being Brotherly and personally reaching out to our Good
Brothers in the New York City and tri State areas. With the new technological advances that we have made
by updating our technology and social media tools and the electronic distribution of our chapter newsletter,
all of these separate moving parts now work seamlessly to spread the story of what New York Alumni is
about and who we are.
INTAKE: After our certifications are done and the chapter is
cleared to participate in intake, our MOIP Chairman, and the
administration immediately set
themselves to the task of preparing
their informational meeting and
packages. Copies of our newsletter
are also available to be handed out
to the men that are interested in the
chapter as well. The meeting is attended by the MOIP Chairman, his
committee members, the administration of the chapter and all financial
members of the chapter. We do this to give the aspirants an idea of the scope of our programs, membership
make up in regards to age range and activities of the men and chapter that they seek to associate
themselves with. Upon favorable vote and proper training, all that remains is for them to attend the
C.R.W.L.C. and become full-fledged members.
In the true spirit of fraternity, the Brothers of the New
York Alumni Chapter believe in working hard so that we can
play hard. We truly believe in the spirit of Brotherhood. We do
all that we can to instill not just the principles of our honored
organization, but that the Bond should be celebrated as well.
We welcome our newest members into the fold, with a grand
introduction to the rest of the greek world through our Annual
neophyte Showcase.
Older members teach our
newest initiates steps, chapter traditions and humorous anecdotes
about their older Brothers in the chapter, that they can practice and
display before their families and friends in a huge welcoming
gathering. Every year – it has become more anticipated and
attendance has grown exponentially. After the public performance
that proclaims our newest members into the fold, we all gather at the
Kappa Kastle to celebrate our collective achievement in bringing
new members into the Bond. As our younger Brothers like to say, on that night we are all “Turn’t Up”!!!
RECLAMATION: In New York Alumni Chapter, as well as other alumni
chapters throughout Kappa, reclamation is a huge portion of the alumni experience. Through the hard work
of our technology and social media committees, brothers are made aware of all the good things that the
chapter is involved in. It creates a buzz amongst our younger followers and assures them that they would
be considered viable members of this long standing chapter and can contribute their skills and talents as
well. Brothers from many different provinces and universities come together to do service in the areas in
which we operate because the word is put out electronically and is just an IG post, or tweet away.
RECLAMATION AND COMMUNICATION GO HAND IN HAND:
Here at New York Alumni, our leadership has been astute enough to understand
that in not only today’s business world, but our fraternal world – the
dissemination of information regarding your “Brand” is key to the growth and
sustainability of your chapter. Acknowledging this, the chapter set out on a
course to extend our technological reach far beyond just our local community
area and province. New York Alumni took advantage of the emerging
technology available and restructured our website www.nyakappas.com . It is
now more user friendly and boasts a much more useful interface. Allowing
Brothers and viewers alike the ability to view our upcoming events, make
donations, pay dues, express interest in the chapter and so forth.
Our quarterly newsletter, The Hamer Observer, is
viewable by the public so that any casual browser can take
a moment to read about the good Kappa work that is being
done in our community. It is distributed on our website and for the benefit of those
Brothers of the chapter that are not as “internet savvy”, a few color hard copies are
always made available. It is a labor of love, but it is well worth it. The editors and
writers for the Hamer Observer, gather their information and stories from all of the
different media of Kappa that surround them. They will be sure to mention not just
achievements that brothers have earned through our chapter, but on Province and
National levels as well. The Hamer Observer is truly a reputable record of the story of
The New York Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi.
The Brothers of New York Alumni, by
being comprised of several different generations
of Kappamen, listened to the suggestions of our
younger Brothers and through their suggestion
and hard work, have enabled the chapter to take
advantage of the latest social media applications
and masterfully use them to take the message of
New York Alumni to the world! Our Instagram page is truly a “gateway to the
world of Kappa”. We can proudly say that through our posts, videos, flipagrams
and targeted interactive video messages, we have acquired over 6,000 followers that
are from all over the country and internationally as well with followers that are in
Afghanistan, Africa and Japan that are constantly viewing the good charitable works
and social events of our chapter in as close to real time as possible.
Our posts of community service have appeared on the National website
and National Instagram page. It is also a point of personal privilege to
know that our Grand Polemarch Randy Bates knows that we are “heavy on
that Instagram”. While we attended the 81 Grand Conclave, Brothers of the
chapter were afforded the opportunity to take a photo with him. After the
photo was taken, he turned to the Brothers of New York Alumni and said
“Now post THAT on your Instagram”!
Reclamation for New York Alumni is also an act of outreach and
of brotherhood. At last year’s Province Council Meeting, we were
honored to receive the first place Reclamation Award for a chapter of our
size. Members are reclaimed back into the fold through our community
service projects, philanthropic service and social events because they feel
that they can easily transition into the chapter and become contributors to
the story of New York Alumni. We allow for discounted membership fees
of 50% of our local chapter dues for Brothers that are transitioning from
undergrad into the alumni ranks, or any Brother that is being reclaimed.
At New York Alumni – “every event is a
reclamation event”. One of our more popular events
“Reclamation Sundays” manages to gather brothers from
everywhere regardless of age or location that they reside.
Brothers are drawn to the house like “mosquitoes to a bug
zapper” on the Sundays when we open the fraternity house
to view sports, exchange chapter chants and simply
fellowship with each other. Brothers are not required to pay
for anything, just come by meet a few Nupes and enjoy the
fellowship. At the end of the afternoon we are certain that
the Brothers that did come to visit will be back and will take
further steps to reinstate their membership.
RETENTION: Another aspect to the progressive
health of any chapter, and especially New York Alumni is
retention of the membership that you currently have on your
chapter roster. New York
Alumni accomplishes this
task by gearing many
different social gatherings
and acknowledgements
towards the Brothers that
comprise the chapter. We
have a slot of time portioned
out in our monthly chapter
meetings for “Kappa of the Month” awards that are
bestowed upon Brothers that have managed a task or event
for the chapter well throughout the length of a project or perhaps a committee position throughout the year.
We attend “NYA Nupe Night Out” sessions, where we may gather for a
bite to eat after a community service initiative or attend a basketball game
together. New York Alumni understands that there must be life outside of the
Kappa Kastle and also sometimes outside of just attending community service
events – we must also be fellows of similar social tastes.
We realize that we have gotten this far because of the
brotherhood that is expressed between each other. We not only
congregate at chapter meeting or at the Kappa Kastle, we also
welcome each other into our homes every few months for the
“NYA Pot Luck Fellowship Dinner”. On Sunday, September 8th,
brothers of the chapter met at the home of Brother Jonathan Hicks
with various dishes and desserts, to partake in a new chapter event,
“NYA Pot Luck Fellowship Dinner”. We simply got together to
just be with
each other.
No business – no agenda – just pure unadulterated
fraternal fun!!! We enjoyed it so much, that we
decided to do it again December 8th at the home of
Brother Jose Zenon. It has proven to be a great event
that is attended by every generation of Kappa within
our chapter. It keeps us rooted in brotherhood and
also helps us in membership retention and reclamation
as well. We have another pot luck dinner scheduled
next month at another brother’s home.
We also honor our Senior Brothers and
acknowledge them for their dedication to the
chapter throughout the years, paying them
proper respect for their many sacrifices that they
have made for the chapter over the years. In the
month of November, the New York Alumni
Chapter dedicates that meeting to our “Senior
Members”, but please note - they prefer the term
“SEASONED Members! During that meeting,
we present them with certificates of
appreciation; make the chapter aware of the amount of years that the “Seasoned
Brother” has been in the Bond and how long they have been a member of New
York Alumni. The Senior Night serves as a wonderful way to bridge the gap
between the newest and oldest of us within the chapter. It instills the concepts of
deference, and true dedication within our younger members and inspires us to also
stay active within the fraternity to receive our merit certificates, 50 year pins and
silver bowls. In New York Alumni, we value all of our members no matter the age difference. We all
share in each other’s greatest of times and worst of tragedies.
On Saturday May 2nd 2013, the angel of death visited upon the New York Alumni Chapter. And
as GOD’s will was done, he did indeed remove our beloved Polemarch Emeritus Oliver W. Parson from
this place of labor to one of true reward. The Brothers of the chapter, rallied together to make the
painstaking preparations and tear stained plans to ensure that we as a chapter could demonstrate before his
bereaved family, dearest friends and Kappamen from all corners of the world, our lasting and enduring love
and esteem that we held our dear Brother Parson. Being a member of the organization since his initiation
into The Alpha Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi at Florida A.&M. University, Brother parson lived a
respectable life within society as an educator and was legendary within Kappa Alpha Psi. The Brothers of
the chapter in the true spirit of Brotherhood, handled the details of both the fraternal and church services,
escorting our dear Brother Parson and his family to the place of interment and also were on hand to host the
repast on behalf of the family at our beloved Kappa Kastle. The Brothers of the chapter also kept the house
open during the course of the week, in the event that any other family and friends wanted to stop by to view
the the “House on the Hill”, where the Brothers of New York Alumni dwell. Though he has moved on, his
legacy and love of Kappa still remains. As we remember him, we remember the mantra that he instilled in
us, "Kappa had no life per se; The only life it has is that which we the Brothers give it”.
Rated Item: Chapter Members Hold Or Strive For Appointive Offices And Or Elective Positions
Within The Province Or At Grand Chapter Level.
 Editor of The Kappa Alpha Psi Journal - Jonathan P.
Hicks
 NATIONAL Kappa Choir - Marcus Jones
 NATIONAL Guide Right Committee - George
Rodriguez
 NEP Senior Kappa Affairs Chair – Col. Terrance R.
Holliday
 NEP By Laws Committee Chair - Julian Bobb, Esq.
 NEP Life Membership Committee Chair - Jose Zenon
 NEP Alumni Chapter Achievement Award Committee Conrad Carty
 NEP Time and Place Committee - Sean Carswell
Rated Item: Chapter Gives Timely Attention To Province And Grand Chapter Obligations
NYA Members continue to support the Province and IHQ in every level; National Programs,
Initiatives, Partnerships, Full attendance and registered Delegates at all CRWLC, Province Council and
Grand Chapter Meetings as well as attendance and participation in the Province Polemarch’s Committee
Chairmen’s retreat and the Polemarchs Roundtable. NYA’s Paperwork and Certification were made in a
timely fashion and were 100% compliant. Most importantly, financially at all levels. As the NYA
Financial Membership Breakdown illustrates below our members are fully committed to the long term
financial sustainability of our Noble Klan for another 100 years.
81st Grand Chapter
2013 CRWLC
Hosted by NYA
Rated Item: Chapter Demonstrates Good Public Relations
As we all are well aware, Kappa Alpha Psi affords Brothers several opportunities to enjoy each
other’s company in a bond of fellowship. The good brothers of the New York Alumni Chapter, have taken
that idea, and taken that opportunity to share in that “Good ole’ Kappa Spirit” and take their fellowship
opportunities on the road. The Annual NYA Miami Fellowship trip, now in its 4 th year continues to grow
and capture the interest of not just our younger chapter brothers, but some of us “middle aged brothers” as
well! Annually in the month of May, on the weekend between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, the
brothers of the chapter descend upon sunny South Beach in Miami Florida, for a weekend of fun sun and
fellowship. During this time, brothers have the opportunity to just relax and enjoy the “Bond” and
strengthen the ties of fraternity and brotherhood that they share with one another. At New York Alumni –
we are a chapter that works very hard in planning and executing our community service initiatives – and we
also take time out to truly just be brotherly as well.
New York Alumni was present at the Eta Nu Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma
Rho’s Golden Mother’s Day Brunch. Some of us even brought our Mothers and
significant others to share in the fun and festivities – showing true support.
Last year The New York Alumni Chapter had the pleasure
of travelling to Houston Texas for our 81 st National Conclave. It
was a time to re-align our chapters and ourselves, with the business
of the fraternity. To New York Alumni, it is a time of great excitement, and we
more than welcome the occasion, we celebrate it! We held a Pre – Conclave
Celebration at the home of our good Brother, Past Polemarch Leroy Barr, Jr.’s home
that Saturday, August 3rd, 2013. Brothers of the chapter brought food and supplies,
music and that “Good Ole’ Kappa Spirit” to come celebrate and “break bread” as
Brothers should. We invited family, fraternity brothers and friends from
other organizations to come and share in the joyous occasion with us. As
we ended that night – we each took with us such a marvelous feeling that it
followed us all the way to Houston! The New York Alumni Chapter had 8
delegates registered for the Conclave itself and boasted a heavy roster of
over 20 Nupes from the chapter to come share in the festivities and spirit
of fraternity by the week’s end of meetings and social events. We were
truly blessed to see one of our very own, Brother Jonathan P. Hicks, have
the Elder Watson Diggs Award bestowed upon him. We also must not forget Brother
Kevin Brown, New York Alumni Chapter initiate of Fall 2010, and his contribution in
facilitating a workshop during conclave week for the fraternity’s L.E.A.D. Kappa initiative.
It was truly a proud week for us. To have brothers being recognized for years of dedicated
service as is the case with our dear Brother Hicks, but to also encourage and cheer on one of
our newer Brothers as he begins his work for this great fraternity. After the business of
kappa had concluded, we all convened at the house of one of our
Brothers, William Scott, who at the time had recently relocated to
Houston to accept a lucrative new position in the field of finance. Again
NYA illustrates its penchant for Tradition, History Hard Work and Fellowship. As we
left “the clave” – satisfied with the business sessions and with the fellowship
opportunities that were afforded us, we were anxious to get back home to continue the
work of Kappa.
As we returned from the 81st Conclave in Houston Texas, we hardly had
time to rest. One of our good Brothers Sean Carswell, had entered and won the
“K.A.O.S. Knights of the Round Table competition sponsored by the east Kings
County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Though it is
purely a social event, it is one that comes with a bit of “bragging rights” amongst the
men that participate in it. As a matter of fact, we even keep score amongst each other
in regards to who has won the most first place titles throughout the Kappa chapters
here in New York City. It’s all in the name of good sportsmanship – but I am happy
to say that New York Alumni was able to win this one, as well as the last two
previous competitions as well.
The New York Alumni Chapter set out to renew the ties that
they have within the city’s Greek life as we began a new fraternal
year. We attended the Whitney Young Classic and fellowshipped
with our Brothers in Kappa under the NEP Tent. We also visited
other locations within the stadium’s parking area to fellowship with
our fellow Fraters and Sorors from the other “Divine 9”
organizations.
New York Alumni participated in the African American Day Parade this year
in large numbers. Our newer initiates got the crowd involved by doing their “Shimmy”
all the way up the parade route of 7th Avenue. At the conclusion of the parade, all
participants and well-wishers alike were invited to the Kappa Kastle to relax, refresh
themselves from the long walk uptown, and fellowship with the “Nupes
of NYA”.
On September 27,2013 New York Alumni of Kappa Alpha Psi
co-sponsored the “Red Light Special” event with the Devastating Divas of The New York
Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated at Stitch lounge in midtown
Manhattan. Not only did it turn out to be a wonderful mixer that brought out several
different age demographics
On Saturday, October 26, 2013 New York Alumni partnered with the Hispanic
sorority of Sigma Alpha Iota to host the “Pick Your Poison Halloween Costume Party.
This is an event that we have hosted in the past with other “special guest sororities”.
Every year the crowd continues to increase and the costumes become more elaborate
and very well thought out. The event served to be a wonderful way to expand our
“Kappa Brand” to another Greek letter organization that
is not a part of the Divine Nine community.
We were on hand to support our good friend Saequan Jones as he premiered his film “The
Founders Keeper. It was a great night of fellowship and a welcomed change of pace. Some of our own
chapter brothers were in the film as well as a few other Fraters and Sorors that we know within our Greek
Letter community.
Brothers of the New York Alumni Chapter, as per good
compliance and in the spirit of fraternity, attended the annual C. Rodger
Wilson Leadership Conference this past November 22 – 24, 2013. All
officers attended in order to certify themselves as per the mandates of the
Northeastern Province and to welcome our newest initiates through the
MOIP activities. Additionally, the chapter can happily say that we were
not just attendees of the conference, but workshop facilitators as well.
Our Vice Polemarch, Brother Gregory Thomas facilitated the “Event
Planning 101” workshop for the opening day of the conference. The
workshop, proved to be one that was not only well prepared, but very well
received by the membership that was in attendance. It touched on many
different topics such as “Target Audience Vs. Brand”, “Proper Event
Budgeting” and “Bridging The Generational Divide When Planning The
Annual Chapter Event”. As always New York Alumni is always happy to not only attend our mandated
conferences – we are always willing to assist wherever needed.
Over the course of these past few months, we have made every effort to fulfill our
“Fraternal Family” obligations thus far, finding the time to enhance the bonds of fraternity
that exist between us as members of New York Alumni and also “show some love” to our
fellow Greeks along the way. In December, we donated the Kappa Kastle to the National
Pan Hellenic Council of Greater New York (NPHCGNY), to host their annual holiday party,
You would figure that after the very busy holiday season of
community service initiatives we just put behind us, New York Alumni
would pause for a slight breather to
regain our strength – that was not
quite the case!!! Sunday, January
5th, 2014 Brothers of the chapter
met for a “Founders Day Worship
Service” at Greater Calvary Baptist
Church where our very own NYA
Brother Reverend Dr. Stephon
McKinney, serves as its Pastor. Brothers of the chapter took up a
collection for the church’s current project, “Dasani – The Invisible
Homeless Child”. Later that same afternoon, being that our chapter has
the Kappa Kastle, as in years past, we though it only fitting that all of the
Brothers in the New York Area should meet and celebrate together on
Founders Day. A joint event coordinated by the area Polemarchs brought
food and beverage to the Kastle for every member of the fraternity to
enjoy. A great time was had by all that attended as we paid homage to the founding of our beloved
organization.
On January 11th, 2014 The New York Alumni Chapter was
privileged with the opportunity to serve as the host chapter of “The
New York Metro Area Founders Day Celebration”. We are proud
to say that we were up to the challenge and managed to raise the bar
a bit by not just hosting the event – but “changing the game” just a
bit by using New York City’s own Citi Field, home of the New
York Mets, to serve as the
site of our celebration. We
were able to host our NEP
Officers and Brothers from the various metro chapters, in an
environment that offered more than just the usual catering hall.
Our menu was different than most, our atmosphere was different
from the traditional seating of rounds of tables and it gave the
experience a more personal approach as opposed to the formal
settings that we may have become used to. Our keynote speaker,
Brother Mike Muse, brought home the message of the importance of Founders Day and challenged us to
continue to live by the principles that were set forth by the Founders. Later on that same night, we all
gathered at Club Pascha, to continue our celebration into the night with our guests and well-wishers.
In January, we attended the Founders Day Celebration of Delta Sigma Theta. We also donated our
fraternal home to the lovely ladies of Zeta Phi Beta, to host the NPHCGNY monthly chapter meeting.
New York Alumni is always prepared to be a gracious host and
operate under the banner of “One Kappa”. No matter if it be by phone call,
Instagram or a Twitter tweet, Brothers of New York Alumni are always more
than willing to reach out to any visiting Brother that may find himself in the
New York City Area. We are always ready to be hospitable – we are always
willing to be Brotherly. As a matter of fact – just recently, we were
privileged to “break bread” and fellowship with our very own Northeastern
Province Polemarch, Jimmy McMikle while he was in New York City on
business.
In February, we continued to support and participate in the
functions of our Greek letter organization peers. In the first two weeks of
February alone, New York Alumni has attended the Pre-Founder’s
Valentine’s day celebrations of the lovely sororities of Alpha Kappa Alpha
as well as the “Drunk in Love” joint Pre-Valentine’s Day mixer hosted by
the women of Sigma Gamma Rho and our fellow Brothers in PNP the
Queens Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, showing that we not only
support other groups within the Divine Nine, but also our own Brothers as
well as we espouse the concept of “One Kappa”.
INTRODUCING JONATHAN HICKS: THE “NYA NUPE” THAT EVERY NUPE KNOWS
Often called the Nupes’ Nupe, Brother Hicks is known by almost every Brother in the Bond.
Being a very good singer, he has been known to affectionately
offer to sing at Brothers weddings or other special occasions. He
has traveled all over the world to meet and fellowship with
Brothers. Let it be within the continental United States or abroad
in the far east, he will meet, greet and give a warm hug and share
a story or two about
Kappa Alpha Psi
Fraternity
Incorporated.
Brother Hicks is an
award-winning writer and journalist with more than 30 years
of experience covering politics, business, industry and the role
of people of color in the world of business. Brother Hicks is a
senior national correspondent with BET.com as well as a
columnist with The New York Amsterdam News, the oldest
and largest black newspaper in New York City.
Brother Hicks has been a recipient of The New York Times’
Publishers Award and has also received the public service
writing award from the New York Association of Black
Journalists. In addition, he has received awards for
excellence in journalism from the New York Chapter of the
National Black MBA Association and from the Arizona
Press Association.
He was recently appointed as the editor of The Kappa
Alpha Psi Journal, the official publication of that national
fraternity. It is a position he held earlier, from 1985 to
1989. Along with Anthony Patrick, he is also the voice in
the CD Kappa Klassics, a compilation of a number of sings
of Kappa Alpha Psi.
Brother Hicks is also the director of MANIFEST, an allmale ensemble that sings contemporary, Christian music. The group’s first recording was released in
August 2011.
He has been involved in a number of philanthropic issues. He
served for four years as chairman of the Kappa Alpha Psi New
York Foundation, a role in which he helped raise $250,000 for
scholarships for college-bound students in New York City.
The J.P. Hicks Family Mass Communication Scholarship was
established in 2010 to provide support for students at the
University of Liberia who are interested in mass
communication, either in print, broadcast or online
publications. Scholarship awards are based on a combination
of academic achievement, exceptional talent within the discipline and a commitment to enhance the quality
of journalism in Liberia. The scholarship award covers the cost of tuition and fees for a period of up to four
semesters at the University of Liberia. It also provides for online, one-on-one mentorship with professional
journalists as well an allowance for Internet usage. Students entering their junior and
senior years at the university are eligible to apply for the award.
JOINT CHARTERING CELEBRATION:
The New York Alumni and The Bronx
Alumni Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi, share a unique
history. Both of esteemed chapters were chartered on
February 20th. New York Alumni was chartered in the
year of 1937 and The Bronx, in 2009. Additionally,
most of Bronx Alumni’s charter members were at one
time members of New York Alumni. In the spirit of
true fraternity and “One Kappa”, both chapters have
met to fellowship and celebrate their similar chartering
day anniversaries together. The first such meeting
occurred last year on Wednesday, February 20, 2013.
The combined memberships of The New York Alumni
and the Bronx Alumni Chapters, shared an “evening of
brotherhood” as they hosted the first annual “Joint
Chartering Ceremony Fellowship Dinner”, together at
Londell’s Restaurant in Harlem, NY. The fellowship was
started under the administration of Past Polemarch Jose
Zenon and inspired by the good will and camaraderie
shown between the Brothers of both chapters. Moments
before we officially submitted this award presentation,
the Brothers of New York Alumni and Bronx Alumni
gathered together again to “break bread” at the Pine
Restaurant in Bronx, NY. The evening was short on
formal programming, but very big on fraternal fellowship
and good times between brothers. The two chapters have grown closer through hosting the joint chartering
day celebration. It has served as a great unifying effort between two chapters that we are sure will produce
many fruitful programs for both chapters to collaborate on in the future.
Conclusion
In reading this submission, it is New York Alumni’s hope that we have been able
to effectively demonstrate through our programs, initiatives and social activities, that
New York Alumni is truly a dynamic chapter and special place to be a member of. We
are a chapter that is diverse in its programming and are proud of the fact that we can host
functions that include each and every member regardless of age, creed, theology and
areas of interest or professional expertise, if they choose to participate and/or attend. Our
service projects and community endeavors have become more innovative, in order to
better encompass the needs of our multi-cultural and ever changing community
demographics. Our vast make up of members from different age groups, serves as a
platform for the transformational nature of the chapter. Time honored traditions are
preserved through the tutelage of our senior members, the bridge, or “conduit” so to
speak is demonstrated through our former and present leaders of our chapter’s past and
present administrations – leadership that is able to steer this chapter with balance. Last,
but certainly not least, we are reinvigorated by the youth of our chapter’s membership.
The Brothers who are helping us with the outreach efforts, that are taking us into the
youth symposiums taking place across the country. The very same Brothers that are
raising the visibility of this chapter and its good works through the uses of our chapter
website, newsletter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and other social media venues. All
of these things blend together to uphold this year’s motto that was set by our current
Polemarch, Brother Julian Bobb “Let’s Build.. Our Bond, the Underserved Communities,
A Sense of interdependence: Tomorrow’s Leaders, Our Dynasty”!
We thank you and your fellow Achievement Committee members, for your time
and consideration in reviewing this submission.
Yours in the Bond,
Brother Julian A. Bobb, Polemarch
Brother Gregory Thomas, Awards Committee Chairman
New York Alumni Chapter
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated

board of directors - Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated

Transcription

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