Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is a historically African American fraternity founded on January 5, 1911, at Indiana University Bloomington. It is the oldest predominantly African American Greek-letter organization founded west of the Appalachian Mountains still in existence. The fraternity was initially known as Kappa Alpha Nu before changing its name to Kappa Alpha Psi in 1915.

History

Established by ten African-American college students, the fraternity was created in an era of significant racial tension and discrimination. Founders Elder Watson Diggs, Ezra D. Alexander, Byron Kenneth Armstrong, Henry Tourner Asher, Marcus Peter Blakemore, Paul Waymond Caine, George Wesley Edmonds, Guy Levis Grant, Edward Giles Irvin, and John Milton Lee aimed to establish a fraternity centered on achievement and unity among college men. Despite the challenges faced by Black students at Indiana University, the fraternity was founded with the purpose of fostering culture, patriotism, and honor.

Name Change

The original name, Kappa Alpha Nu, was chosen possibly as a tribute to the Alpha Kappa Nu club, which began in 1903 but had limited success. However, due to racial slurs and misunderstandings surrounding the acronym "KAN," the fraternity changed its name to Kappa Alpha Psi in 1915. This change emphasized its Greek letters and established it as a recognized Greek letter fraternity.

Expansion and Growth

By the end of its first year, Kappa Alpha Psi completed its ritual and began work on its coat of arms and motto, with the motto being "Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor." The fraternity expanded rapidly, chartering its first chapters outside Indiana in 1913 and entering the eastern United States in 1915. Except during World War I and II, when some activities were suspended, Kappa Alpha Psi continued to grow with consistent momentum.

Structure and Membership

Kappa Alpha Psi has over 260,000 members worldwide and operates with 721 undergraduate and alumni chapters across the United States and international chapters in ten countries. It is divided into twelve provinces (districts/regions). The fraternity emphasizes social welfare, academic scholarship, and community service through programs supported by the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation.

Community Engagement

The fraternity is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). It supports organizations like the United Negro College Fund and Habitat for Humanity. Kappa Alpha Psi is renowned for its "cane stepping" performances in NPHC step shows, showcasing cultural heritage and unity.

Auxiliary Groups

In 1947, the National Silhouettes of Kappa Alpha Psi were established as an auxiliary group comprising wives or widows of fraternity members. This group provides support for fraternity activities and was granted representation on the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation's board of directors in 1980.

Publications

Kappa Alpha Psi publishes a journal that has been continuously printed since 1914, making it a pioneering publication among Black Greek letter organizations.

Symbols and Traditions

The fraternity's colors are crimson and cream, and its symbol is the Kappa Kane. The red carnation is its official flower. The fraternity conducts various cultural and service events throughout the year, reinforcing its mission of brotherhood and community service.