Chapter History

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 Hammer.

Many of these Brothers were the original sponsors of the Kappa Kostume Karnival which became the unique and outstanding NY Fall Ball. Now called the Annual Krimson and Kream Ball.

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, Elks Home, Basement Room at 135th Street 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 recent fire, funds being collected are for the complete restoration of the Kappa Kastle. To this date, the wood furnishings have been re-varnished, bathrooms have been renovated and plans to carpet the floor and renovate the Silhouettes room on the third floor are under way.

Reclamation has always been an important issue for the Chapter. Under 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.

There is an ongoing Guide Right program. The chapter sponsors a tutorial program at Salem Methodist Church. In the Spring of 1996, the Fredrick Douglass Kappa League made the first Historically Black College Tour, visiting schools such Hampton University, Howard and Morgan State University.

During Halloween and Christmas there are children's parties given which are anticipated by the neighborhood the entire year. Brothers also donate gifts to the children during the Christmas party.

Under the state's not-for-profit laws, New York Alumni Chapter Scholarship Foundation formed a Reginald Lewis Scholarship Luncheon in 1992. The Scholarship Foundation gives at least five scholarships to college bound young men every year. This year, five scholarships were given at a luncheon at the New York Sheraton.

New York Alumni is looking to expand its Guide Right program to another school. The Chapter is also making moves to reactivate the undergraduate chapters under their advisory.

New York Alumni continues to participate in community affairs and looks forward to maintaining its position as one of the jewels in the crown of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.