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Message From Our Polemarch
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Welcome to the Queens Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. website!
The Queens Alumni Chapter was founded March 10, 1990, at the Roy Wilkins Center in Jamaica, NY. Inspired by the visionary leadership of Brothers Paul Carey and Geoff Gross, the 15 charter members, most of whom were recent college graduates, sought to inspire and provide a new, different and diverse perspective and voice of Kappa principles and objectives to the City of New York, with a special focus on the borough of Queens.
Over the past twenty-seven years, the Queens Alumni Chapter has provided service to the Queens community and has implemented programs consistent with the Fraternity's objectives such as:
• Annual “Salute to Achiever’s” Celebration – an award ceremony where we recognized Kappa Men in the metropolitan area for their Leadership, Dedication, and Vision
• Annual Health Fair
• Feed the Needy
• Adopt-a-Family
• Toy Drive programs
• Financial Aid programs for college bound students
• Sunday of Hope - is a program benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital sponsored by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. where each chapter partners with a church to raise money.
• Kappas against Sexual & Domestic Violence
• Adopt-a-Highway Beautification Project
• NY Cares Community Service programs
• Voter Registration and Awareness programs
The Queens Alumni Chapter has also received tremendous accolades from the Fraternity as well as the community:
• Northeastern Province Reclamation Chapter of the Year from 2002-04 and 2006
• National Reclamation Chapter of the year in 2009
•Northeastern Province Chapter of the Year in 2005, 2006, and 2007
• Declaration of Honor: Proclamation from the Borough President of Queens Helen M. Marshall in 2006
•Declaration of Honor: Proclamation from the Borough President of Queens Helen M. Marshall in 2010
One of the chapter's main focuses has been the guidance of young, predominantly urban males in an effort to assist them in their journey to becoming responsible and productive MEN. Through nurturing relationships and involvement with four undergraduate chapters, a broad base Guide Right program featuring the “Kappa Development League” located at the Queens Eagle Academy for Young Men and individually committed efforts of its membership, the Queens Alumni Chapter seeks to instill in young urban males a sense of pride, determination, respect, responsibility, knowledge of self, academic excellence, maturity and moral integrity.
Thank you for visiting QANUPES.com, we look forward to your continued support. Please visit us regularly to find out about our upcoming programs and events.
Sincerely,
Gerald Augustin
Polemarch
Queens Alumni Chapter
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Our Illustrious Founders
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| Early in this century, African-American students were actively dissuaded from attending college. Formidable obstacles were erected to prevent the few who were enrolled from assimilating into co-curricular campus life. This ostracism characterized Indiana University in 1911, thus causing Elder W. Diggs, Byron K. Armstrong, and eight other black students to form Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, which remains the only Greek letter organization with its 1st Chapter on the University's campus.
KAPPA ALPHA PSI, a college Fraternity, now comprised of functioning Undergraduate and Alumni Chapters on major campuses and in cities throughout the country, is the crystallization of a dream. It is the beautiful realization of a vision shared commonly by the late Revered Founders ELDER WATSON DIGGS, "THE DREAMER"; JOHN MILTON LEE; BYRON K. ARMSTRONG; GUY LEVIS GRANT; EZRA D. ALEXANDER; HENRY T. ASHER; MARCUS P. BLAKEMORE; PAUL CAINE; EDWARD G. IRVIN and GEORGE W. EDMONDS.
Click on the Founders' images for more information.
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About Kappa Alpha Psi
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Kappa Alpha Psi was founded on the campus of Indiana University on January 5, 1911. The Fraternity's fundamental purpose is achievement. It was the vision of ten astute men that enabled them in the school year 1910 - 11, more specifically the night of January 5, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana, to sow the seed of a fraternal tree whose fruit is available to, and now enjoyed by, college men everywhere, regardless of their color, religion or national origin.
The founders sought a formula that would immediately raise the sights of black collegians and stimulate them to accomplishments higher than they might have imagined. Fashioning Achievement as its purpose, Kappa Alpha Psi began uniting college men of culture, patriotism and honor in a bond of fraternity. Further the Fraternity sought to promote the spiritual, social, intellectual and moral welfare of its members, assist in the aims and purposes of colleges and universities and to inspire service in the public interest. These five objectives comprise the foundation of Kappa Alpha Psi!
It is a fact of which KAPPA ALPHA PSI is justly proud that the Constitution has never contained any clause, which either excluded or suggested the exclusion of a man from membership merely because of his color, creed, or national origin. The Constitution of KAPPA ALPHA PSI is predicated upon, and dedicated to, the principles of achievement through a truly democratic Fraternity.
About Kappa Programs
The Grand Chapter as well as chapters worldwide organize, sponsor and participate in various civic, academic and social programs aimed at improving the lives of its’ members but more so the community at large. These programs include the Guide Right Program (the Fraternities international mentoring initiative which include the high school directed Kappa League), The C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference, The Kappa Leadership Institute and the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation.
The VISION of the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation is to become the premier Greek lettered Foundation in its resources and services to the community.
The MISSION of the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation is to provide support for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated members and others in service to communities with particular emphasis on African-American communities.
The Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation, Incorporated exists as the philanthropic arm of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. The Foundation was established in 1981 as a non-profit, tax exempt, publicly supported organization as described in Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Its purpose is to assist the community service efforts of the more than 600 active undergraduate and alumni chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi. The Foundation currently supports scholarships, after-school programs and national projects such as "Habitat for Humanity".
About Kappa Membership
Membership is a solemn commitment. To this Fraternity, the maker of the commitment becomes synonymous with the commitment itself.
Membership in Kappa Alpha Psi is a lifelong dedication to the ideas and lofty purposes of Kappa Alpha Psi, which considers for membership only those aspirants whose personal, social and academic qualifications, are acceptable to both the College and Fraternity. Expectations concerning maturity and dedication are made upon new members and established members alike.
The Fraternity has initiated over 100,000 members worldwide in various walks of life including Brothers Johnnie Cochran, Arther Ashe, John Singleton, Montell Jordan, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, Kenny Lofton, General Daniel "Chappie" James, and Ed Bradley. Their achievements as Kappa Men are all the more notable in light of the fact that Kappa Alpha Psi to date, unlike some other fraternal organizations, does not induct honorary members! Men of honor seek to be involved with organizations that will foster their development.
Kappa Alpha Psi attracts a wide array of individuals, each with their own identity, under one common theme: Achievement!!!
Queens Alumni Chapter is a proud member of The Northeastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi which was established in 1930 when James E. Allen was appointed the first Northeastern Province Polemarch by then Grand Polemarch, Archie A. Alexander.
Our province is made up of over 40 Undergraduate and 30 Alumni Chapters. We cover a geographical area spanning from the tip of New England in the north through Delaware in the south, and Pennsylvania in the west over to Germany and the United Kingdom.
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Elder Watson Diggs
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Elder Watson Diggs (circa 1883-1947), born in Christian County, Kentucky, was a graduate of Indiana State Normal (now Indiana State Teachers College) and Indiana University, the birthplace of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He served as Grand Polemarch for the first six consecutive years of the Fraternity's existence. For this and other outstanding contributions to the Fraternity, he was awarded the Fraternity's first Laurel Wreath in December, 1924.
An educator by profession, he taught in the public schools of Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was elevated to a principalship. After his death on November 8, 1947, the name of the school where he taught was changed to the Elder Diggs School in his memory. Upon America's entrance into World War I, Diggs resigned his principalship to enter the Nation's first Officer's Training Camp at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, and was commissioned a lieutenant. After European service with the 368th Infantry, he became a captain in the Reserve Officers Training Corps. Diggs was instrumental in having the Indiana Constitution amended to permit Negro enlistment in the Indiana National Guard.
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Dr. Byron Kenneth Armstrong
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Byron Kenneth Armstrong (1890-1980), born in Westfield, Indiana, entered Indiana University where he studied philosophy, mathematics, and sociology. After finishing Indiana University, he earned his Master's degree at Columbia University in 1913, and subsequently the Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Michigan. He held teaching positions in Florida, Indiana, Kansas, and Oklahoma. During World War I, he served as an investigator for the Department of Labor. He was awarded the Laurel Wreath in 1935. |
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Dr. Ezra D. Alexander
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Ezra Dee Alexander (1892-1971) was born in Bloomington, Indiana in 1892, the site of Indiana University. He was graduated from Bloomington High School in 1910. He matriculated at Indiana University in the fall of 1910 and was graduated from Indiana University in 1917 with the A.B. degree. He received his M.D. degree from the Medical School of Indiana University in 1919. He practiced medicine in Indianapolis. In 1920, he married Mary Hunter, a teacher in the Indianapolis Public School system. Alexander served several terms as a member of the Grand Board of Directors. |
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Henry T. Asher
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Henry Tourner Asher (1892-1963), born in Woodburn, Kentucky in 1892, was graduated from the Bloomington High School in 1910. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University in 1914 and the next year was an instructor at Lincoln Institute at Jefferson City, Missouri. He was a graduate student at the University of Minnesota in 1917. He received the degree of LL.B. at the Detroit College of Law in 1928. |
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Dr. Marcus Peter Blakemore
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Marcus Peter Blakemore (1889-1959), born in Franklin, Indiana in 1889, attended common and high schools in Anderson, Indiana. He was graduated from High School in 1909 and entered the University of Indiana the following year. After leaving the University, he organized the Electric Engineering Company, which he operated until he enlisted in World War I. He later entered the Dental School of the University of Pittsburgh, from which he was graduated in 1923. At the time of his death in October 1959, he was residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he maintained his practice of dentistry |
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Paul Waymond Caine
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Paul Waymond Caine (1891-1931) was born in Charleston, Indiana, in 1891 and attended grade school and high school in Greencastle, Indiana. He enrolled at Indiana University in 1909 and helped the other Founders in organizing Kappa Alpha Nu. Because of a disastrous fire in the Fraternity house in which he was employed, he never finished his sophomore year.
Brother Caine went into the catering business in his hometown, later attended Columbia University, set up a catering business in Gary, Indiana, and published a book on catering, which was copyrighted in 1919 by the Hurst Publishing Company. Brother Caine was instrumental in setting up the Gamma, Delta, and Zeta chapters. He later went into business in Peoria, Illinois and was fatally burned during an explosion of gaseous materials in his business in 1931.
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George Wesley Edmonds
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George Wesley Edmonds (1890-1962) was born in Vanderburgh County, Knight Township, Indiana on August 13, 1890. He entered Carver Elementary School and Clark High School in Evansville, graduating in 1910. In the fall of 1910, George entered Indiana University at Bloomington. He joined nine other students in founding Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
After George returned home for the summer of 1911, his father became ill with pneumonia and died. His father had worked in the coal mines of Vanderburgh County for many years. George, being the eldest son, became head of the family, thus preventing his return to school. With the new responsibility of supporting the family, George took a job with the area coal mines and worked with the coal mines and the railroad until he died of pneumonia on June 13, 1962. George married the former Willa Mae Forte and settled in Stevenson, Indiana. They became the parents of one son, Noel.
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Dr. Guy Levis Grant
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Guy Levis Grant (1891-1973), born in New Albany, Indiana, attended public schools in that city, was graduated from Scribner High School in 1909, and later entered Indiana University. While there, he majored in chemistry, graduating with the A.B. degree in 1915. In 1920, he received the D.D.S. degree from Indiana Dental School, then a part of the University of Indiana; he practiced dentistry in Indianapolis. In 1929, he married Laura Hammons.
He served as a member of the Grand Board of Directors and was the Fraternity's Historian. In addition to his activities with Kappa Alpha Psi, Brother Grant held memberships in several civic, professional, and business organizations. He was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Indianapolis.
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Edward Giles Irvin
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Edward Giles Irvin (1893-1982), born in Spencer, Indiana, on August 13, 1893, was graduated from Kokomo, Indiana High School in 1910 and entered the University of Indiana the same year. After leaving school, he pursued a Journalistic career in various cities throughout the country until World War I.
Aside from his success as a Journalist, Brother Irvin was a pioneer in promoting basketball and track athletics in the small town schools of Indiana. He was an active member of the Methodist Church of Chicago and a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges. He organized and operated the Afro-American Manufacturing Company in Chicago, which produced novelties, candies, and specialties.
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John Milton Lee
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John Milton Lee, born in Danville, Indiana, September 7, 1890, was graduated from the Danville High School in 1910 and entered the University of Indiana and there completed three years of pre-medical work. He later became a student at Temple University (1915) but was compelled to leave school because of a death in the family. He enlisted in the 349th Field Artillery in March of 1918 and served overseas as a First Class Sergeant and Gunner. His battery enjoys the unique distinction of having been the first battery of Negro Artillerymen ever to open fire upon an enemy. John Milton Lee fired the first shot.
He helped organize, and for several years was president of, the Fairview Gold Club, the first Negro Golf Club in Pennsylvania. In 1931 he married Mary Walker Robinson. Vocationally, he was engaged in several enterprises. For eight years, he conducted a successful catering business in Philadelphia; he organized and served as Vice President and Secretary of the Mutual Emergency Union, a mutual aid company in Philadelphia. He was also a member of the Board of Managers of the Columbia Community Branch of the YMCA.
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Northeastern Province
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Queens Alumni Chapter is a proud member of The Northeastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi which was established in 1930 when James E. Allen was appointed the first Northeastern Province Polemarch by then Grand Polemarch, Archie A. Alexander.
Our province is made up of over 40 Undergraduate and 30 Alumni Chapters. We cover a geographical area spanning from the tip of New England in the north through Delaware in the south, and Pennsylvania in the west over to Germany and the United Kingdom.
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