January 2013 Newsletter

Volume 5, Issue 01
2012 - 2013 Officers
James Batiste Jr.
Polemarch
The Kappa Bulletin
Brothers, welcome to 2013! I am glad to say we enter 2013 the same way
we exited 2012, with a BANG! We had a very successful 2012, due mainly in
Wilbur Washington
Vice-Polemarch
part to a strict adherence to our established processes, the extra mile taken by
Steven E. Bayne
Keeper of Records
support provided by our members to our committees. However, 2012 was not
Derek L. Hamilton
Assist. Keeper of Records
visible. The Brothers we lost had a direct impact on the financial stability of
our committee chairman to ensure fiduciary success where applicable, and the
all positive gains. We lost quite a few stall worth brothers to the Chapter In-
Polemarch’s Address
Lydell Hall
Keeper of Exchequer
our chapter and although they will be greatly missed, I am pleased to say the
Aidsand “Ace” Riggins
Strategus
we filled the voids, and we managed to exceed expectations. We had a great year! It is imperative that we con-
Keith Davis
Lt. Strategus
finally it is imperative that we continue to keep Our Founders purpose for establishing this great Fraternity near
Brothers of our chapter recognized the potential impact and refused to let it happen. We picked up the pieces,
tinue to build on our successes from 2012, its imperative that we continue to support each other at all times, and
Carlton W. Blanton
Historian
and dear to our hearts, so we can continue to make sound decisions with our minds. Lastly, I would like to publi-
Marc Alexander
Reporter
incoming lines. Great things are anticipated from “The Inphinity” Line.
Rhen C. Bass
Board Member
Brothers, I leave you with this, let’s make 2013 better than 2012, let’s work together in harmony to ensure efficiency, and let’s remember we are stronger as a group than we are as individuals.
Larry J. Moffett, Sr.
Board Member
Marion Price
Board Member
Cedric L. Price
House Director
cally welcome our newest initiates, “The Inphinity” Line of Fall 2012. These 8 Brothers are raising the bar for
Yours In The Bond,
January 2013
It is the promise of lifelong dedication to the ideals and purposes of Kappa Alpha Psi
K ap p a A lp h a P s i F r a t e r n it y, In c . L o s A n ge l e s A l u m n i C h a p t e r
Brother James Batiste, Polemarch
Los Angeles Alumni Chapter
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc
Recent Events
Fall 2012 MOIP Intake
December 1, 2012 saw
the initiation of 8 men
into our Noble Bond. It
was quite a journey for
the new brothers. The
process sent them
through a personal journey of seeking knowledge.
A bond began to grow
between the men of the
line called Inphinity which
was born out of their
common goal and their
growing sense of brotherhood. The newly initiated
men are: Austin Foxxe,
William Bender, Mike
Johnson, Brandon Harrison, Mike Fisher, Kaypers
Jackson, Mark Washington and Ramel Ford.
Page 2
Professor Edward L. Graves Honored in Los Angeles
During his October 4-9, 2012, visit to Los Angeles for rest and relaxation, both the Alpha Theta men of
the Tennessee State University (TSU) Los Angeles Alumni Association, and the alumni association itself
honored Professor Edward L. Graves, Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at TSU. Although Professor Graves was aware of the reception, he was surprised to receive a plaque and gifts
honoring his service to TSU from his Kappa Alpha Psi brothers (Drs. Warrick Carter and Ron Stephens)
as well as a proclamation from the Kappa Alpha Psi Los Angeles alumni chapter. Both the gifts and proclamation extolled Professor Graves’ dedication and the hard work ethic that he used to reinvigorate and
expand the tradition of excellence in the Aristocrat of
Bands for over thirty-three years. Dr. Meadows began
the tribute by chronicling the achievements of several
Aristocrat of Bands members during his and Professor
Graves’ tenure at TSU (1958-1962), discussing the decline of excellence in the band’s performance after
Frank T. Greer retired, and applauding the resurgence
of excellence after Professor Graves returned to TSU
as director. Among the musicians and their accomplishments cited by Dr. Meadows were Dr. Joe Boyer
(tuba), who became president of Mississippi Valley State
University; Harrison Calloway (trumpet), who became
music arranger and producer for the Muscle Shoals Recording Studio, a studio in Alabama that rivaled Stax
and Motown in its heyday; Dr. Warrick L. Carter
(percussion), current president of Columbia College
Chicago; J. Alvin Cato, Jr. (French horn), who graduated
in three years and became the first Black member of
Virginia’s Norfolk Symphony Orchestra; Maurice Davis
(trumpet), who has performed with artists such as Aretha Franklin and can be heard on numerous Motown Records recordings from the mid-1960s to 2012;
and Cleveland Eaton (bass) and Pete Mingles (trumpet), who were recruited to play in Count Basie’s
Band. In his remarks, Dr. Meadows stated that the Aristocrat of Bands’ history of excellence dated to
musicians who played in the band long before he and Professor Graves arrived in 1958. To that end, Dr.
Meadows named world class jazz artists like Jimmy Cleveland (trombone), Andy Goodrich (alto saxophone), Phineas Newborn (piano), and Les Spann (guitar) who also played in the band before receiving
world acclaim after leaving TSU. The reception was
conceived and planned by three members of the Alpha
Theta Network: Ervin Kinsey, Theo Maxey, and Eddie
S. Meadows. Dr. Meadows and his wife, Dr. Jacqueline
Cogdell DjeDje, Professor of Ethnomusicology at the
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), hosted
the event.
Included among the 26 persons who attended were
non-music alumni, former band members and majorettes, and two guests from another university. The
reception was both an excellent tribute to Professor
Graves’ unwavering support and service to TSU, and
to the truest values of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Page 3
Past Grand Polemarch Randall C. Bacon’s Omega Service
Almost 200 brothers attended the
Omega service for Past Grand Polemarch Randall C. Bacon on November 23, 2012 at the Angelus Funeral
Home in Los Angeles. Kappa dignitaries were in abundance and included Past Grand Polemarch
Robert L. Harris, Senior Grand Vice
Polemarch Thomas L. Battles Jr,
Elder Watson Diggs Awardees, Clarence Nelson and Rhen C. Bass, and
Western Province Polemarch Samuel Knight. The program was highlighted by the many tributes by
brothers to the man Brother Bacon
was inside and outside of the Bond
and by a rousing rendition of “1911”
by Kappa Journal editor Jonathan
Hicks. After the service brothers
recessed and reconvened at the
Kappa Kastle for a delicious meal
and fellowship.
Page 4
Achievement and Information Korner
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Brother Jerry Morrison and Silhouette are expecting their first born!
•
Brother Aidsand “Ace” Riggins and Silhouette Eugenia are expecting their first born!
•
Brother Harry Miller and Silhouette Shirley celebrated 50 years of marriage!
•
Brother Delmont Neal and Silhouette Debra celebrated 40 years of marriage!
•
Brother Garfield Finley was named to the Board of Directors for the “Go for Broke National Education Association.
•
Brother Marc Alexander was hired by ‘Take Over Films’ to write his first movie script.
•
Need a ride to chapter meetings from the valley please contact Brother Marc Alexander (818) 929-8209.
Sunshine Report
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Brother Randall C. Bacon has transitioned into the Chapter Invisible his funeral services was held in November.
Brother Mervyn M. Dymally has transitioned into Chapter Invisible his funeral services was held in October
Brother Alphonse Edwards lost his mother, Brother Edwards can be reached @ 310-216-0601
Brother Jerry Morrison lost his younger sister Jerricca who was battling Leukemia. Brother Morrison can be reached
@310-963-3526.
Brother Lee Smith lost his father this past November. Brother Lee can be reached @323-506-9920
Brother Ralph Butler is doing better but would love a call or a visit from the brothers.@310-839-0231
Brother Giles Hurley had a relaps and is suffering from Back pain. Brother Hurley would love a call or a visit from the
brothers;@323-291-5367
Brother Gaston Boyd is having good and bad days, he would love a call from the brothers @909-355-5609
Brother Gary Washington is doing well and is a surviver of prostate cancer.
Brother Junius Covington’s health is not great but he is in good spirits and would love a call from the Brothers. Brother
Covington or Sillouette Mary Covington can be reached @ (323) 299-2556.
Brother Roland Jefferson is doing better, calls to Brother Jefferson would be appreciated.
Brother Tom Gathers is going better, he suffered from a fall he took at his home. Brother Gathers can be reached
@323-757-7897
Brother Lefty Williams health is okay, but visits, calls and prayers would be appreciated. Brother Lefty would love a
visit and some Jazz CD’s to enjoy.
Brother Fred Anderson is doing better but is still receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Brother Anderson can
be reached @323-938-8461
Please keep all in your prayers and thoughts
Jan/Feb Birthdays
@
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/
LAKAPSI
January/February
Brothers:
Brothers:
FOLLOW
LOS ANGLES ALUMNI
CHAPTER ON
FACEBOOK
Silhouettes:
February
January
Marcus Peter Blackmore
Vaun Cleveland
Amir Johnson
Leo Davis
Reginald Jones-Sawyer
John Davis
Curtis Haynes
Kenneth R. Miller
William Parish
Monte Hairston
William Carlisle
Happy Birthday To All !!!!
3rd
4th
7th
9th
14th
16th
19th
23rd
23rd
28th
29th
Jon Faivbre
Edward Evans
Lawrence Reney
Kaypers Jackson
William D. King
Adam Jackson
Vander Dale, Jr.
Larry Moffett, Sr.
Clinton Benton
Irvin Williams
2nd
12th
13th
16th
18th
18th
20th
20th
21st
24th
Yvonne Bragg
Denise Evens
Henryetta Benton
Shirley Miller
1/9
1/12
1/24
1/24
Carolyn Robinson
Jacqueline Cochran
Rena Black
Pam Colby
Anna Byrd
Carolyn Conner
2/2
2/9
2/14
2/15
2/18
2/23
Page 5
Volume 5, Issue
LA ALUMNI BROTHER SPOTLIGHT
Brother Terrynce Rucker, LA Alumni, Spr. 2010, is a quiet unassuming brother it would
seem but Brother Rucker has recently undergone a transformation fueled by fires that beg
the question. After finishing up a Masters program he found that though he had achieved
educationally, the physical him was not to his liking. Terrynce set himself upon a journey
and in a relatively short time he made major changes that have his friends and family talking and inspired by his action. I asked the now cut-up brother 5 questions for the Diamond
and Shield.
D&S-What made you want to get into shape? Or should I say better shape?
I recently graduated with my Masters degree some months prior and felt as though I had
achieved a milestone in my life. I saw pictures of myself and I did not completely like the way I
looked. I decided at that moment that I was going to challenge myself and make a change instead of just talking about it. My mentality was “I just got my masters degree after spending
two years in school, I can spend a couple of months getting in shape and living a healthier
lifestyle” and that’s exactly what I did.
D&S -What was the hardest thing to change or do starting out?
The hardest thing to change was my eating habits. We are constantly surrounded by fast and
convenient food. The temptation is there and it’s not easy but you have to realize that this is
your life and nobody else controls what you put in it but yourself. So you really have to make a
conscious decision to consider what you put in your body and the effect it will have.
D&S-When did you decide and what made you want to get into competitions?
In all of us lies a competitor in some way shape or form. Since I don’t play sports at the level
that I would want to play anymore, I wanted something to be physically competitive in again.
After I started going to the gym consistently, I was asked by a trainer who saw my progress if I
was interested in competing. I said yes without a second thought but never really thought I’d
make it to the competing level. I definitely took on an attitude of proving people wrong in
terms of getting fit being impossible in addition to just wanting to challenge myself to do
something I had never done before.
D& S-What have your friends and families reactions been?
The reaction from everyone has been amazing! Sometimes they are so happy and enthusiastic
that I look around and wonder who they are talking about because in my mind, it just can’t be
me. It’s surreal to say the least. But most of all, a lot of people have been inspired from what
I’ve been able to do and that is very humbling and gratifying to me. I started out at 200lbs and
on December 1st, 2012 I was at 165 lbs. I’m happy to be someone that people look to as a motivating force because in the end, they just want to better themselves and that’s what matters
most.
D&S-What's in the future as far as fitness? Will you become a personal trainer/continue to
compete?
I’ll definitely continue to work out and practice better eating habits. I’ve learned so much
about the human body and the effects that your diet has on a person overall. Once the New
Year begins, I plan on entering more shows and trying to win. My first show was to get the experience and see how I compared to other competitors who have been doing this for some
time. I don’t believe that becoming a personal trainer is in my future but you never know what
the future holds. I’m definitely open to helping others achieve their goals with the knowledge
that I possess.
BROTHER
Terrynce Rucker
The
Kastle
3rd Annual
Ulysses Griggs Jr.
Blood Drive
Saturday, February 2, 2013-9am—2pm
Refreshments will be served
Kappa Kalendar
January
Jan 5rd - Founders Day
Jan 13th - Kappa League Meeting
Jan 14th - Board Meeting
Jan 18th - Chapter Meeting
Jan 19th - MLKing Day Parade
Jan19th - Silhouette Meeting
Jan 19th - Winter WP Board Meeting
Jan 22nd– LA NPHC Meeting@ DWP Build., 6:30pm
Jan 27th - Kappa League Meeting
Jan 27th - 2013 MOIP Informational Meeting
The deadline for Newsletter input is the Thursday after
the board meeting!
It is imperative all Committee Chairs present reports to
the board prior to and immediately following each event
to give a final report.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Los Angeles Alumni Chapter
1846 S. Crenshaw Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323)737-5960
losangelesnupes@sbcglobal.net
Achievement In Every Field
of Human Endeavor
February and beyond
Feb 1st - First Friday
Feb 2nd - Kappa League Informational Mtg.
Feb 2nd - Kappa League@Black Expo
Feb 2nd - Founders’ Day Banquet
Feb 2nd - Uly Griggs Annual Blood Drive
Feb 3rd - LA Alumni Super bowl Party
Feb 11th - Board Meeting
Feb15th - Chapter Meeting
Feb 16th - Silhouette Meeting
Feb 26th - LA NPHC Meeting@ DWP Build., 6:30pm
March 6th-10th Western Province Council
Meeting in Sacramento
Please submit any information for the newsletter to the
chapter’s email address.
Websites
National –Kappaalphapsi1911.com
Western Province - Kapsi-western.org