THE NORTHERN LIGHT March 2023

THE NORTHERN PROVINCE CENTENNIAL

Ten years after the founding of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Grand Polemarch George F. David, II (Delta Chapter-1915), third Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi (who had been Grand Lieutenant Strategus, Editor of the Journal, Grand Vice Polemarch) and the first Grand Polemarch who had not been nurtured by the Alpha Chapter under the influence of the Founders, proposed dividing the Fraternity into supervisory districts. The idea originated with his father who was a Presiding Elder of the A.M.E. Church and also member of Kappa Alpha Psi. Grand Polemarch David, II implemented the division of the Fraternity into three districts. Past Grand Polemarch Irven Armstrong was assigned the first; Harrison R. Duke, the second; and Harold M. Tyler, the third district. The three districts grew into four "regions". Of interesting note, Brother Duke was the father of Harrison R. Duke, Jr., a former member of the Detroit Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi and the grandfather of Harrison R. Duke, III, a Detroit educator and currently a member of the Fraternity. Grand Polemarch Earl B. Dickerson changed the designation of "Region" to "Province" and "Regional Director" to "Province Polemarch" at the 15th Grand Chapter Meeting in 1925. Dr. Edward A. Carter was appointed Province Polemarch of the Great Lakes. The Northern Province has produced three Grand Polemarchs: Ernest H. Davenport (1967-1970), Robert L. Gordon (1982-1985), and Ronald R. Young (1995-1999), five Laurel Wreath awardees, five Elder Watson Diggs awardees, one Guy L. Grant awardee and 25 Province Polemarchs.

PAST NORTHERN PROVINCE POLEMARCHS

Harrison R. Duke* - 1st Province Polemarch, Detroit Alumni Dr. Edward A. Carter* - 2nd Province Polemarch, Detroit Alumni Atty. Herbert V. White* - 3rd Province Polemarch, Detroit Alumni Dr. L. L. Spann*- 4th Province Polemarch, Detroit Alumni Fred H. Williams* - 5th Province Polemarch, Detroit Alumni Victor LaNier Hicks* - 6th Province Polemarch, Detroit Alumni Theodore R. Owens* - 7th Province Polemarch, Detroit Alumni Floyd Pennick* - 8th Province Polemarch, Detroit Alumni John W. Johnson* - 9th Province Polemarch, Detroit Alumni A. Roscoe Tyler* - 10th Province Polemarch, Detroit Alumni George H. Edwards* - 11th Province Polemarch, Detroit Alumni Dr. Williams A. Sims* - 12th Province Polemarch, Flint/Lansing Alumni James A. Jones* - 13th Province Polemarch, Toledo Alumni Clarence Walker* - 14th Province Polemarch, Toledo Alumni John D. Russell* - 15th Province Polemarch, Flint/Lansing Alumni Robert L. Gordon* - 16th Province Polemarch, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti/Inkster Alumni Ronald R. Young* - 17th Province Polemarch, Syracuse Alumni Charles C. Smith* - 18th Province Polemarch, Detroit Alumni E. Kenneth Glass, Jr. - 19th Province Polemarch, Saginaw Alumni Thomas E. Howard, Jr.* - 20th Province Polemarch, Detroit Alumni Chester Hughes, Jr.* - 21st Province Polemarch, Flint Alumni Harry G. Franklin* - 22nd Province Polemarch, Southfield Alumni Desmon R. Daniel - 23rd Province Polemarch, Saginaw Alumni Kevin D. Kyles - 24th Province Polemarch, Detroit Alumni Michael L. Kinloch – 25th Province Polemarch, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti/Inkster Alumni *Chapter Invisible

Northern Province Founder’s Day Eugene Hawkins, III

On January 7, 2023, the Northern Province hosted a 112th National Founders Day & centennial “Kickoff” celebration at the Somerset Inn hotel in Troy, MI. Keynote speaker Brother Harrison Duke III educated, enlightened, encouraged and inspired everyone with a history of the province from its establishment in 1920 through 1955. 135 Brothers registered to attend, several having to leave throughout the night for other commitments. On this 112th Founders Day, there were 112 “Good Kappa Men” in the room.

Brother Kyles for Grand Keeper of Records Brother Michael Kinloch, Province Polemarch

Brothers, The Northern Province has always been known to make leaders. And today I’m excited to endorse our brother, past Province Polemarch Kevin D. Kyles as he has been nominated for the office of Grand Keeper of Records for our noble clan. Brother Kyles has demonstrated countless times his abilities, talents and commitment to our Bond. It is only right that we reciprocate. Brother Kyle’s leadership is just another way we Strengthen the BASE of Nupe Nation. The election will take place during the 86th Grand Chapter Meeting in Tampa Bay this summer. Let’s show that Northern Province support for Brother Kyles as we continue to make history.

91st Northern Province Council Brother A. Maurice Etheredge, Province Keeper of Records

Northern Province History Book – Chapter Spotlight Brother Michael Kinloch, Province Polemarch

The Northern Province History Book – Chapter Spotlight is intended to feature each of the illustrious Chapters (Alumni and Undergraduate) of the Northern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Highlights of each chapter’s incredible history, tradition, and key events will not only strengthen our bond and brotherhood, it will also show the powerful link between our Alumni and Undergraduate chapters. We want to show the strong community service and social activities that allow Nupe Nation to “achieve in every field of human endeavor.” Process •

• •

Beginning in the second quarter of 2023, Province Polemarch Kinloch will select 2-3 Chapters to submit a 3-5 page brief history of their Chapter, key events and pictures that capture the essence of their Chapter’s work and contributions to our great Fraternity. We’ll publish the histories based on their Chapter Charter Dates, from the oldest to the newest. The Northern Province will send out the communication to all the brothers of the Northern Province, every month.

Each Chapter should begin gathering the following information: • • • • •

Chapter Name and Charter Date Names of Chartering Members Brief History of the Chapter (3-4 paragraphs maximum) Signature Events planned by the Chapter A few meaningful pictures (10-15-) e.g. Chapter group picture, Executive Board, Kappa League, well established events (community service, social, political, spiritual etc.) and please include a caption explaining the event the picture was taken, and those pictured.

**More information will be provided after the 91st Northern Province Council.

A Moment in Kappa History Harrison R. Duke III, Province Historian

January 5, 1911, 112 years of achievement is historic and monumental in the American University Greek Life Community. Today this Founders Day, let’s us focus on the Legacy of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity House as one of the priority principles, keystone and foundation of our Noble Bond. Our founders were occupied with establishing a safe secure location for the men to meet, study, meals, lodging and recess. In 1910 the Negro student would often go an entire week not seeing nor engaging another person of color on campus. Indiana state law limited the number of Negro’s that could gather in a public area, and it was illegal for a Negro to carry a book on IU’s campus. Meetings to discuss the establishment of a new fraternity on IU’s campus, was a challenge. Ms. Mollie Spaulding rented her spare room to Founders Marcus Blakemore and Byron K. Armstrong, serving as the first meeting place. Also the home of Ms. Campbell was identified as a safe and secure meeting location for the planning of Kappa Alpha Nu. Two years after the chartering of Kappa Alpha Nu, Founder Diggs lived in a converted stable. The lack of men’s dormitories and the scarcity of lodging accommodations for Negros constituted a serous problem. Subsequently he leased a five-room house at 721 Hunter St. Founder Diggs boosted, “A piano was rented and the installment purchase of cots, kitchen tables for study purposes, a davenport, a library table and a few scatter rugs.” This was the Fraternity’s, Kappa Alpha Nu’s first chapter house. The membership was united in their goal of “Honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor”. Limited in their access to campus resources, the men of Kappa prove to be superior students, exceptional athletes and presented themselves as men of distinction. The fraternity house became instrumental in germinating the seeds of Brotherhood. The fraternity house was their refuse an oasis, a safe heaven for academics, intellectual discussions, meals, socializing and entertaining the ladies. Maintenance and upkeep of the property was essential. Immaculately landscaped, clean and respectful of their neighbors was the priority. Initiates, the title of men seeking membership, were required to give “sweat equality”, completing a variety of task within the fraternity house; painting, cleaning, making beds, washing dishes, laundry, cooking, landscaping. Personal commitment and sacrifice were the bedrock of the pledge program for membership. This process brought the men together, creating a bond, a brotherhood of fellow-shippers. The fraternity house was the crucible that blended men of different backgrounds, social economic status, ages, career paths and interest.

A Moment in Kappa History Harrison R. Duke III, Province Historian

Living and socializing together under the same roof was meaningful, providing the building blocks of brotherhood. The Initiates earned their Diamonds, with a pledge and giving of themselves to support the fraternity house and in the company of likeminded men that motivated everyone to be an achiever. The fraternity house was a part of a Kappa man’s spirit. Founder Edward Irving was a champion and advocate for safe, secure undergraduate housing and alumni chapter houses for 60 years. One of my first associations with Kappa was coming down to the Historical Detroit Alumni House with my father as a youth. The Kappa house was the gathering place of Kappa men within the Northern Province. As student housing/dorms for Black students were made available, university-housing regulations amended, undergraduates Kappa men could not financially support an officially sanctioned fraternity house. I Scrollered in the Hampton-Newport News Kappa House and fellowshipped there as an undergraduate Nupe for three years. I participated in my first pledge sessions as a Kappa in the Kappa Kastle, Washington DC. As an undergrad my Kappa sojourn took me to alumni fraternity houses in Petersburg, Baltimore, Philly, New York, Boston, Durham and the Pi Chapter house in the middle of campus. Many undergraduate Kappa chapters maintained unofficial fraternity houses or apartments that were populated by Nupes and severed as the de-facto Kappa House. Brotherhood was alive and well at every house. The family of Kappa Alpha Psi embraced all visiting brothers, breaking bread, toasting, a fine cigar, sharing tales of trial and tribulation, exchanging Nupe paraphernalia, songs of praise to Kappa and learning new songs and steps. Today the term is networking, I prefer building bonds of brotherhood. The relationships and Kappa knowledge learned was priceless. Many of us younger men gravitated to the older mature Kappa’s present, seeking wisdom. Though their Diamonds were bigger and shinier than mine, I was accepted as a peer, felt special and knew I was among an elite group of men. The bonds and knowledge I received in each of the Kappa Houses I visited has lasted 53 years.

A Moment in Kappa History Harrison R. Duke III, Province Historian

Detroit Alumni the second oldest Alumni Chapter in the fraternity, has the honor of a special place in the Kappa universe, a frat house. Not just a fraternity house but also a Historical Fraternity House, of 78 years. The founder’s legacy and spirit engulfs the house. It is a link to our past and will shape and dictate our future. 1946 Founder Elder W. Diggs wrote a letter to then Detroit Alumni Polemarch Joseph A. Craigen, congratulating the chapter on securing a home for Kappa. The Journal of Kappa Alpha Psi, Volume 33, August 1947, #3, declared “ the Detroit Kappa Kastle Outstanding …. The envy of the fraternity“, and received request from chapters on the processes to establish one. 1950 Detroit Alumni’s 1st Founders Day Celebration at the Kappa House, Founder Henry T. Asher served as chairmen. The Journal of Kappa Alpha Psi, May 1952, Volume 38, #4, “history was made in Detroit when for the first time since 1911, all of the living founders of Kappa Alpha Psi descended almost unannounced upon the city of Detroit for the purpose of “discussing plans for the rewriting of the history of the fraternity.” All business sessions were held at the Kappa House. Not many men can share the tale of lifting and carrying Founder B. K. Armstrong up and down the basement stairs in his wheelchair as a pledge, like Brother David Porter and sands. Our house is a living testimony to the high ideals and principles of our Founder’s, a shrine to Brotherhood, the embodiment of the family of Kappa. The archives of past achievements, photos, letters, pledging relics and Kappa memorabilia are on display. We are unique within the fraternity. Where else can a brother meet old school Nupes with a wealth of Kappa history. Or chat with Past Province Polemarch, Past Grand Board Member, and Elder W. Diggs Awardee E. Kenneth Glass about how his Big Brother father hazed him as a Scroller. Brother Todd Miller embellishing tales of Delta Zeta. The young Brothers Carl Stone, Ronald Spears mellow with word of wisdom. Brother Zack Berry respected and recognized nationally as Election Chairmen. Members of Harshest 22 Alpha Beta 1969, which exemplifies the meaning of Brotherhood. Past Northern Province Polemarch Kevin Kyles, holding court at the end of the bar on fraternity policy. Brother Gregory Jackson, wearer of the Laurel Wreath 2021. We are blessed to have currently and in the past a committed House Chairmen Brother Randy Brooks and committee to keep the legacy alive. Happy Founders Day 112 years and counting. It’s great to be a Kappa! Brothers see you at the house. Another Moment in Kappa History.

DETROIT ALUMNI CHAPTER – BRO. MARCUS HARRIS Brother Harrison R. Duke III

Marcus Harris II, is a Detroit Police Officer and currently has ‘6’ years on the department. He works under the Office of Workplace and Community Resiliency, and the liaison and training coordinator for the department Mental Health Co-Response Team and Unsheltered Response Team. On August 21, 2022 Corporal Harris II was requested by the Deputy Mayor to make Gratiot and Sylvester to check on an unsheltered individual. Corporal Harris II engaged with the unsheltered individual Adrian Hugh and provided him with resources or a bus ticket for him to return to California. Mr. Hugh declined the ticket and decided to take the resources Corporal Harris II has offered. Corporal Harris II kept his word and made sure Mr. Hugh was placed in permanently shelter. Mr. Hugh and Corporal Harris II has gained a brotherhood relationship with one another over the period of time. Corporal Harris II has helped Mr. Hugh to obtain his identification information, such as a Michigan ID, Birth certificate, social security ID, and completed resume. However, before they gained this relationship Mr. Hugh was homeless for 8 months and had contemplated about taking his life and lost hope on everything until Corporal Harris II gave him another chance of HOPE. Mr. Hugh is in the process with getting setup for long term housing through the shelter program

SIGMA CHAPTER - A NEW DAWN Chapter Polemarch Nicholos Daniel ‘22

Following the crossing of 6icko Mode in the Spring of 2019, another line would not cross until the centennial year for Sigma Chapter in 2022. During that time, the Nupes continued a strong line of programming and events for campus. This would last until the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, leaving campus in a state of no man’s land with no way to hold events due to the quarantine that arrived. However, this would not stop Sigma Chapter from Achieving. With Zachary Winfrey leading the charge as Polemarch, this time would be spent preparing for the greatest year the Chapter would ever see: the 100 Year Celebration. Moving ahead to the 2021-2022 school year, campus would be back on its feet with a full, in-person semester. This would pave the way for the Nupes to make a stand on the yard and let the students know that we are still here. Zachary would go on to hold events and programming as the only Nupe on the yard. His work on campus would lead him to winning Prophyte of the year at the NPHC awards. He would also go on to cross the centennial line of Spring 2022, ReinKarn8, the newest set of Nupes in Sigma Chapter. These 8 men would enter the stage with the next generation of students at the university. This would mark a new Dawn for Sigma Chapter, being the first of the next 100 years of Achievement. Over the summer, the Neos as well as Sigma Chapter brothers at large, would spend their time in fellowship with the centennial celebration over the summer. During this time, they had a chance to meet a lot of brothers within the chapter and get to learn more about the bond as well. The reception was held on July 8th, and the Picnic on July 10th. As we approached the school year, the centennial celebration would end with the homecoming tailgate on September 24th. Following this, it was now time for the Neos to run the yard. So far, NOTY has been able to participate in a lot of community service and events on campus. Some of the most notable would be the Midnight Madness step show during NPHC week, Strides Against Breast Cancer, and the C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference. They also have been able to experience their first C Rodger Wilson Leadership conference, and How the Nupes Stole Kristmas, a Sigma Chapter Tradition. Looking ahead, NOTY are approaching the WINTER 2023 semester which means they will be able to experience their first charter week celebration, hosting a lineup of events along with A Night at the Set and The Charter Day Brunch.

Southfield Alumni Chapter – Field of Dreams Brother Mike “Tiger” Price

Hello Brother Northern Province Historian Harrison R. Duke, III and all of the Northern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Thank you all for helping the Southfield Alumni Chapter recapture the excitement of baseball and softball for our boys and girls, and ultimately place this history into the Centennial celebration of the Northern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity documents (1923 - 2023). The diversity of girls and boys playing baseball or softball is special for academic growth and inclusion. Beginning in 2002 the Southfield Alumni Chapter’s former amateur baseball and softball players set up time to work with the Detroit Metropolitan community children at Comerica Park to provide them a basis for fun, team building and academic/athletic fundamentals. We find that team sports build character, critical thinking, and friendships that are lifelong. For many of us growing up in the 1950’s and 60’s (no cable television or video games) Baseball was the American National past time. While we played all sports nothing was harder or more gratifying than hitting a round baseball with a curved bat while hitting the ball square. The years of participation of the Southfield Alumni Chapter began after 2001 which was the year that Comerica Park opened for Major League Baseball. This concise account of helping youth through sports is a pleasurable opportunity to display participation in the outdoor timeless sport of baseball and softball. Mr. Horton requested the Tigers to help him provide skills building for Metro Detroit area children. This program was launched and assisted by many coaches working with our youth on teams and individual skills sets for children ages 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12. One of our own fraternity brothers Samuel Abrams, Jr., was formerly a "Hook a Kid on Golf" 10 year golfing promoter for children. Sam was an annual visitor to my co-hosted hour long sports program "Sports Talk", television on Barden Cablevision, 1988-1998. Mr. Abrams appeared multiple times to enhance the value of golf in our community for youth. When Samuel Abrams, Jr. became the Detroit Tigers Organization’s Manager of Player Relations, Youth & Sports Programs/ Community Relations Manager from 2006 until 2017 his S.A.C. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Brothers welcomed him as we were already involved in the [Willie Horton Batting for Kids] for four good instructional years.

Southfield Alumni Chapter – Field of Dreams Brother Mike “Tiger” Price

Southfield Alumni Chapter – Field of Dreams Brother Mike “Tiger” Price

Additionally, Kappaman “Legendary Lloyd” McClendon, a former Major League Baseball catcher, manager with Pittsburgh and Seattle Baseball, a major league hitting coach, and bench coach for years. The key ingredient here was Brother Darryl Dixon, a retired semiprofessional baseball pitcher and catcher, who is well rounded in all facets of baseball and sports period. He is a former all student athlete-sportsman on the diamond, basketball, track and football. Dixon is our acting SAC athletic director/coach and is a boyhood friend of Brother McClendon who also was involved in all sports. Some of the chapter members participating in the teaching of baseball and softball skills to hundreds of children over at Comerica Park were also from the “Nupes of the Fitness Unlimited Health Club”, 1980’s -1986 that later was instrumental in starting the Southfield Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. The first sports education venture was led by Brother(s) Rick Byas, Hector Shamley, Jerome Rush, Gerald Cardwell, Ricky Welch, this writer, and many more Nupes. We are all thankful for the Men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Southfield Alumni Chapter for their expertise in baseball and working with Willie Horton’s Batting for Kids.

Authors: Darryl Dixon, SAC Athletic Director/ Coach; Sam Abrams, Jr, Detroit Alumni, the Detroit Tigers manager of Player Relations, Youth and Sports Programs and Community Relations 2006-2017; and Mike “Tiger” Price the longtime Barden Cable Television Channel 6 Co-host and writing sports journalist 1968-present.

Pontiac Alumni Chapter – Adopt-A-Family Brother Kiyoshi Hunt

Pontiac Alumni Chapter (PAC), Curtis R. Terry, Polemarch, hosted its Annual Adopt-A-Family event to make the Christmas season special for families in the local Pontiac, MI area. Over the years, this event has been the highlight of the season, allowing brothers to give back to the community in a unique way. The chapter partners with other members of the community, churches, and local Greek organizations to make these families feel loved and appreciated. This year we contacted local area churches to provide us with the names of families in their congregation that need help in providing a great Christmas for their children. We then reach out to the families and get the wish list for the kids, then we go to work! The entire chapter reviews the list and picks individuals to make their wishes come true. Brothers bought and wrapped toys, clothes, and whatever the kids wanted. As a bonus, every kid received a bike, whether they asked for it or not. One of our partner churches, New Mount Moriah Church, provided bike helmets for all the children. In addition to the gifts, the brothers go grocery shopping for a complete Christmas dinner and other needed items for each family. They all received a. turkey, ham, and all the sides and trimmings to make their Christmas meal special for their families! The event culminated with a full catered breakfast by Lilly’s Bee’s Catering, games, Christmas caroling, and gifts at the Pontiac Kappa Center on Saturday, December 17, 2022. The PAC brothers, PAC Silhouettes, the Pontiac Kappa League, the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho, Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church, and a host of other friends all worked together to make these families feel special and made what would have been a difficult time, a very Merry Christmas!

Pontiac Alumni Chapter – Adopt-A-Family Brother Kiyoshi Hunt

Pontiac Alumni Chapter – Adopt-A-Family Brother Kiyoshi Hunt

Canada Alumni Chapter – “John Brown Lives” Brother Dr. Martin T. Tyler, Historian, Canada Alumni Chapter

To many in the north, the mention of John Brown vaguely elicits the memory of a song of which only the first line is recalled. That line, “John Brown’s body lies amouldering [sic] in the grave,” although well-known, has lost its true significance over time—to some. We in The North Star Chapter (The Canada Alumni Chapter) and the Northern Province have the unique opportunity to help revive the true meaning of this song, which was so inspirational to abolitionists who marched through the south in 1861 to eliminate slavery. Our particular location has always been an integral part of the historical struggle of both free Blacks and those who suffered the cruelty of enslavement in the United States. People who were self-emancipating via the Underground Railroad, passed through northwest Ohio, New York, and Michigan seeking freedom in Canada. This was during the many 19th century decades when enslavement was widespread and the keystone of America’s economic development.

Cities in southwestern Ontario such as Buxton, Amherstburg, Chatham, Dresden, Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines, provided refuge to thirty thousand formerly enslaved people before slavery was abolished in the United States. St. Catharines, Ontario was the final terminus of the Underground Railroad for many in the 1820’s and after 1850, when the fugitive slave act was passed. Located just 272 miles from Toronto or 113 miles from Albany, John Brown Lives! and John Brown’s body lie awaiting discovery at his farm in Lake Placid New York. At this site one comes to understand how “His soul keeps marching on” and his relevancy to the community is served by the organization, John Brown Lives!

Canada Alumni Chapter – “John Brown Lives” Brother Dr. Martin T. Tyler, Historian, Canada Alumni Chapter

John Brown is often described as “The man who killed slavery, sparked the Civil War, and seeded Civil Rights.” Brown was born in Connecticut into a puritanical family of strict English Calvinist Christian origin, which shaped his life of devotion to the abolition of slavery. It was well-known that his father hated slavery. Brown’s family, rooted in England, moved from John’s birthplace in Connecticut to Pennsylvania and later to Ohio. While working with his father as a tanner, he developed a strong sense of independence. His early work led him to travel away from home, where he witnessed an incident in which an enslaved Black boy was beaten to death by a White overseer. The savagery and prevalence of the cruelty of such incidents led John Brown to vehemently proclaim his support for the abolition of slavery—a cause to which he became devoted and that eventually led to his death. Brown was deeply influenced and supported by the strict abolitionists of his day. Most notable and influential was the New Yorker Gerrit Smith. In the state of New York in the 1800’s, ownership of property, usually land, was a requirement to vote. To address this impediment to voting, Smith in 1848 donated 120,000 acres of Adirondack land in northern New York to poor Blacks to live free and farm; this African American community was called Timbuctoo, and 3,000 Blacks expected to inhabit the land would be free and eligible to vote because they were property owners. When John Brown heard that abolitionist Gerrit Smith was offering 120,000 acres of land to permit 3,000 African Americans to live in Upstate New York, he purchased land in the area to live and be of assistance to the former enslaved and free Blacks. Although John Brown and his wife moved to their farm near Timbuctoo, he was a travelling activist with the intention of taking more immediate action to end slavery. In 1855, when his sons informed him of the need for help in combatting proslavery supporters in Kansas Territory, Brown headed west. A battle ensued between Brown and some of his seven sons against the proslavery settlers. The battle in Pottawatomie, Kansas is often called the Pottawatomie Massacre or “Bleeding Kansas,” which killed several people. As it was never proven that John Brown himself murdered anybody, he remained free to continue his quest to oppose slavery and its expansion westward.

Canada Alumni Chapter – “John Brown Lives” Brother Dr. Martin T. Tyler, Historian, Canada Alumni Chapter

Not being satisfied with the slow pace or sincere intent of ending slavery, Brown plotted to take direct action. He tried to enlist enslaved persons, including the famous Black abolitionist and statesman, Frederick Douglass, himself formerly enslaved, to join a raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Douglass declined, but five African American men were among the eight collaborators who joined John Brown in the raid. Other enslaved persons expected to join the battle, who, for various reasons, were perhaps misinformed about the raid and did not participate. John Brown was severely wounded, and two of his sons were killed in the raid at Harpers Ferry. Brown and two of the raiders were captured, and on December 2, 1859, they were tried for inciting a slave insurrection and hanged. John Brown was lauded as a hero and martyr, and during the Civil War that followed two years later, Union soldiers marched to the new song “John Brown’s Body.” Six days after Brown’s execution, his widow Mary accompanied his body on the five-day trip to the Lake Placid area of North Elba, New York for burial at their farm. As he had requested, John Brown was buried near his farmhouse. A year and a half later the United States Civil War broke out, and John Brown’s actions to end slavery are often cited as contributing to the start of the war. Brown was considered a hero and icon of the north. Unfounded stories, mostly from the southern states, labeled John Brown as a mad man and a religious zealot for taking action as a White man to oppose slavery. To many, all that remained of his positive contribution to ending slavery was the song: “John Brown’s body lies a-mouldering [sic] in the grave, but his soul keeps marching on.” To others, however, his famous raid at Harpers Ferry, his fierce fight in Kansas to prevent the westward expansion of slavery, and his resting place at the John and Mary Brown farm have continued to be revered. In 1922, Dr. J. Max Barber, a founding member of the Philadelphia NAACP, realized the importance of preserving the historical significance of John Brown and his efforts to eradicate slavery. Dr. Barber organized a pilgrimage from Philadelphia to lay a wreath on John Brown’s grave. This tradition slowly diminished at the John Brown farm until its revival in 1999.

Canada Alumni Chapter – “John Brown Lives” Brother Dr. Martin T. Tyler, Historian, Canada Alumni Chapter

In the month of May in 1999, Martha Swan, a local educator, and other Adirondack local residents revived the long-standing tradition of celebrating John Brown’s life at the gravesite. Martha founded the organization John Brown Lives! in 1999. The aspiration of the organization is based on the determination to keep the relevance of John Brown and his fight against injustice alive. If he were alive today, he would surely be a fervent fighter against today’s social injustices. Thus, John Brown Lives!, comprised of members in the North Country, the community, and other notable freedom fighters, actively oppose White Supremacy and the inequity of incarceration of African Americans, interpreted as “The New Jim Crow.” Of no less importance is their opposition to human trafficking, unfair attempts to restrict voting, oppositional response to reparations due the descendants of United States slavery, lagging helpful governmental response to communities such as the deplorable water contamination in Flint, Michigan, and other aspects of social injustice. It behooves concerned individuals, especially in the North Country, to familiarize themselves with the true history and achievement of our neighbor, John Brown the abolitionist, who lies a short distance away on the State Historic Site, John Brown Farm. The New York State Office of Parks has awarded John Brown Lives! a significant grant to enhance the John Brown Farm, which displays a remarkable exhibit detailing the history of Timbuctoo, the African American Community around the farm, and the original farmhouse where John and Mary Brown lived. The farm is the major site of activity for Executive Director Martha Swan and the social justice group, John Brown Lives!, which welcomes visitors and collaborators in the fight for justice. Dr. Martin T. Tyler, Historian, Canada Alumni Chapter

CHAPTER INVISIBLE Brother Isadore King

Isadore King 1949-2023 University of Michigan, Sigma Chapter Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Inkster Alumni Chapter

CHAPTER INVISIBLE Brother Isadore King

Isadore Julius King has passed away on Friday, January 13th, 2023 at the age of 73. Isadore J. King was born and raised in Port Huron, Michigan. Upon graduating from high school, Isadore moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan to matriculate at the University of Michigan. Simultaneously, his parents and siblings relocated to New York City. Eventually the “Big Apple” became his second home. While at the University of Michigan, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and Strategic Planning. His college days included liberal amounts of student activism, fraternal involvement (Kappa Alpha Psi), academic achievement, and fun. He left college with a commitment to improve the economic status of African Americans. In 1974, Isadore began his professional career as an auditor with Arthur Andersen & Co. He passed the CPA exam later that year and received his license in 1975. In 1976, he became an audit manager with a local CPA firm that was owned by African Americans (Barrow, Coleman, Aldridge, and Co.). He left this job with the realization that he could have more impact on the African American community by managing a business instead of working as a CPA, it was time to put his MBA to work. In 1978, one of Isadore’s former Clients (Total Healthcare, Inc.) became a licensed health maintenance organization (HMO) and offered Isadore his first of many executive positions. Over the years, Isadore has served on numerous boards of directors as a board member and officer. Isadore is a member of two fraternities, Sigma Pi Phi (the Boule) and Kappa Alpha Psi. He was initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi on April 10, 1970 at Sigma Chapter, University of Michigan. He is a lifetime member and was active in the Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Inkster Alumni Chapter where he served as Polemarch and Vice Polemarch. He was instrumental in creating the chapter’s Kappa Foundation – youth scholarship foundation. Isadore is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Linda; his three daughters, Adelia, Khalila (Jonathan Richardson), and Shayla (Marcus Moore); his three granddaughters, Zori and Nova Richardson and Amaya Moore; and two brothers, Carl and Duane King. He is also survived by many cousins, friends and extended family. Isadore was preceded in death by two siblings (Raymond King and Cynthia Byrnes).

CHAPTER INVISIBLE Brother Richard L. Smart

Richard L Smart 1928-2022 Educator, Mentor, Community Leader

CHAPTER INVISIBLE Brother Richard L. Smart Brother Richard L. Smart (Gamma Nu 1949) entered Chapter Invisible in Southfield, MI on November 13, 2022 at the age of 94. Richard Lee Smart was born on July 10, 1929 in Columbus, OH. He was the only child of Richard Washington Smart and Willie Maude Smart . Richard Smart graduated from Columbus South High School in 1947 and matriculated to Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC on a basketball scholarship. While at Claflin, he was an excellent athlete and student. He pledged on the chapter’s first line at the Gamma Nu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. by himself and crossed on December 10, 1949. In December of 1950, he was drafted into the United States Army and served on the frontlines in the Korean War. He became a Corporal and was honorably discharged in 1956. While on leave from the Army, on June 1, 1952, he married Esther Juanita Smart in Camden, SC. To this union, two children were born (Deborah 1953 and Richard, III 1959). In 1956, he received his undergraduate degree in physical education from Allen University in Columbia, SC in 1956. He began his career in education, teaching in elementary, junior high, and high schools. He also coached girls and boys basketball. Richard continued his educational pursuits throughout his life. He received his Masters of Arts Degree from Indiana University in 1962. That same year, he moved to Detroit, MI where he taught in the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) from 1962-1971. Richard was promoted to the position of Health Administrator in 1971. He received his Educational Specialist certificate from Wayne State University in 1981 and was inducted into the WSU Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Richard remained in administration with DPS until his retirement in 1987. Richard was a man of faith and a loyal member of People’s Community Church in Detroit from 1965 until his death. He served as a scout leader, member of the Trustee Board, and a member of the Men’s Usher Board. He was also a Master Mason with the Prince Hall Lodge. Richard loved his community and invested his time, talent, and treasure into it. He coached little league baseball, was a founding member of the Northwest Detroit Cougar Athletic Association, and a member of the Dad’s Club at University of Detroit High School. Richard was also the President and Lt. Governor of Kiwanis International of New Detroit. He took every opportunity to mentor young people throughout his life. Richard loved being a Kappa. He was a faithful member of the Detroit Alumni Chapter from the early 1960s to 1992. He joined the Southfield Alumni Chapter in 1992 with his son. On the 70th anniversary of becoming a Kappa, he received a phone call from Grand Polemarch Rueben A. Shelton, III, Esq., congratulating him on this great accomplishment. This phone call brought him so much joy. It made him smile every time he talked about it. Richard’s greatest joy in life was his family. He adored his wife. They were married for 70 years. He cherished his children and grandchildren, never missing a program, concert, game, recital, or graduation. Richard lived a full life. He received his wings on November 13, 2022. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Leola Wilder, and his beloved mother, Willie Maude Smart. He will live on through those who loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Juanita, his children, Dr. Deborah Smart (Dennis Walker), and Richard L. Smart, III (Miriam Blanks-Smart), his grandchildren, Jillian Brie Walker, Jasmine Marie Walker, Danielle Virginia Smart, and Rachel Juanita Smart. He leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many loving fraternity brothers, and many, many other family and friends.

CHAPTER INVISIBLE Brother Nelson I. Willis

Nelson Issac Willis 1937-2022 Beta Lambda Chapter, Lane College Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Inkster Alumni Chapter

CHAPTER INVISIBLE Brother Nelson I. Willis Nelson Isaac “Coach” Willis was born June 30,1937. He was born at Herman Kiefer hospital in Detroit; his mother was Noemer Watson, whom he affectionately called “Sister”. Yet he was raised and lived in Inkster, Michigan, which he loved as his home. Nelson, although childhood friends call him “Ike”, attended grade school and high school in Inkster. He graduated from Inkster High School Class of 1955. He loved Inkster High School and was an entertainer and athlete. Ike was in plays, the band, and played basketball, football, track & field, and baseball. Ike was a four-letter athlete. Post high school graduation, he signed up for the Air Force but later was offered a full academic and athletic scholarship to Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. His mother explained to him the importance of attending college. That changed his life! Nelson’s sophomore year at Lane College, he met Eunice Conley at the library. For several months he was her “big brother”. Ike was in a singing group called the Moroccos. He often serenaded Eunice singing “In the Still of the Night” outside her window. Soon thereafter, Ike became the love of her life for the next sixty-two years. In 1957, Nelson became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Beta Lambda Chapter at Lane College. He proudly continued his membership for sixty-six years with the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni Alpha Lambda Chapter. Nelson graduated from Lane College in 1961. He taught in Memphis, Tennessee for one year before they decided to move to Michigan to be near his family. Ike loved his home and family; you would have thought the first house they purchased in Inkster was a “palace”. With his well-manicured lawn, everyone on the block knew whose grass you could not walk or play on! The same philosophy applied years later when they purchased a home in Wayne. Moving from the south in 1961, Mr. Willis made history as the first black teacher hired in the Taylor Michigan School District in 1964. Nelson worked over forty-eight years in one school district between Taylor Jr. High School, Taylor High School, Truman High School, and Kennedy High School. These career moves were all promotions related to teaching assignments in Physical Education and Science and Health. Head Basketball coach and administrative roles as Athletic Director would soon follow. Mr. Willis retired after forty-eight years, but he decided he did not have enough of coaching! He became a volunteer assistant Varsity Basketball Coach at Wayne Memorial High School, where they won two All-District championships, one Association, and one conference championship. Finding his passion and doing what he loved, Mr. Willis coached until December 2022. Memories of Ike will be cherished by his wife Eunice Willis, his daughters Kim Willis (Atlanta), Lavetta Willis (Los Angeles), L Christopher Simpson (Los Angeles), sisters Gwendolyn Watson (Westland), Shirley Wade (Dearborn Heights), brothers Charles Watson (Westland) and Edward Watson (Westland), and a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.