[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 13, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H11185-H11187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATING KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY

  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 659) congratulating Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, 
Inc., on 98 years of serving local communities and enriching the lives 
of collegiate men throughout the Nation, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 659

       Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., was founded on 
     January 5, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University in 
     Bloomington, Indiana, by Elder Watson Diggs, John Milton Lee, 
     Byron K. Armstrong, Guy Levis Grant, Ezra D. Alexander, Henry 
     T. Asher, Marcus P. Blakemore, Paul W. Caine, Edward G. 
     Irvin, and George W. Edmonds;
       Whereas the founders of Kappa Alpha Psi were young men who 
     possessed the imagination, ambition, courage, and 
     determination to defy custom in pursuit of college educations 
     and careers during an oppressive time in American history for 
     African-Americans;
       Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi stressed the importance of 
     achievement in seeking to set the sights of African-American 
     youth on accomplishments greater than those they otherwise 
     would have imagined or realized;
       Whereas, since its founding, Kappa Alpha Psi has matured to 
     an organization of over 150,000 college-trained men;
       Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi's undergraduate chapters are 
     located on more than 360 college and university campuses and 
     its alumni chapters are located in 347 cities in the United 
     States and 5 foreign countries;
       Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi has a partnership with Habitat for 
     Humanity and builds a home for a local family in conjunction 
     with each of its biennial conventions;
       Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi has a partnership with Memphis-
     based St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and has 
     designated the hospital as the primary benefactor of its 
     national fundraising efforts;
       Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi sponsors Kappas on Capitol Hill, a 
     four-day conference for its members in the Nation's capitol 
     designed to increase its members' awareness of the political 
     process through workshops, seminars, and lectures;
       Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi has emphasized financial literacy 
     in its community-based outreach, implementing two major 
     programs, Credit Abuse Resistance Education (CARE) and Greeks 
     Learning to Avoid Debt (GLAD) in partnership with the 
     National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees, the National 
     Foundation for Credit Counseling, and the National Pan-
     Hellenic Council;
       Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi, through its Kappa League and 
     National Guide Right programs, has provided thousands of at-
     risk youth in communities throughout the Nation with role 
     models and mentors that encourage them to make positive 
     contributions to, and to take leadership roles in, their 
     communities;
       Whereas, since 1990, Kappa Alpha Psi's Kappa Scholarship 
     Fund has provided scholarship grants to over 10,000 high 
     school graduates to assist in furthering their education;
       Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi's chapters nationwide regularly 
     participate in its Holiday Food Drive, provides food, 
     clothing, and toys to low income citizens in many 
     metropolitan and rural communities throughout the Nation;
       Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi's national theme of ``One Kappa, 
     Creating Inspiration: A Call to Service'' has mobilized Kappa 
     men across the Nation who are leaders in business, education, 
     government, the humanities, arts and entertainment, science, 
     and medicine to become better servant leaders for their 
     respective families and communities, the Nation, and the 
     fraternity at large; and
       Whereas Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., will hold its 
     79th Grand Chapter Meeting in Washington, DC, August 4 
     through August 9, 2009: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates 
     Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on 98 years of serving 
     local communities and enriching the lives of collegiate men 
     throughout the Nation.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Clay). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan) and the 
gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous 
material on House Resolution 659 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SABLAN. I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 659, which 
congratulates Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, on 98 years of 
service and leadership.
  Founded in 1911 at Indiana University, Bloomington, Kappa Alpha Psi's 
fundamental purpose is achievement. It seeks to develop its members, 
particularly its collegiate men, into leaders in their communities and 
into achievers of excellence in their academic pursuits. This 
distinguished fraternity boasts undergraduate chapters on more than 364 
college and university campuses and alumni chapters in more than 347 
U.S. cities and 5 foreign countries.
  In honor of the ideals it was founded on, members of Kappa Alpha Psi 
play active roles in their communities. The fraternity sponsors an 
array of programs providing community service and social welfare. 
Members participating in their Biennial Undergraduate Leadership 
Institute built homes in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity in St. 
Louis in 2005 and in Minneapolis in 2007.
  The fraternity maintains a philanthropic partnership with St. Jude 
Children's Research Hospital, with each chapter committed to serving 
that cause. Additionally, its chapters annually participate in the 
Holiday Food Drive, working to provide food, clothing and toys to local 
citizens in need.
  The values and principles of Kappa Alpha Psi have attracted a diverse 
group of men throughout the years, many who have gone on to become 
prominent and achieved members of society. Among them are Percy Sutton, 
entrepreneur and owner of the Apollo Theater; Judge Herman Thomas, 
justice on the State Supreme Court of Alabama; Dr. C. Eric Lincoln, 
author of ``Black Muslims in America''; Ralph Wiley, sportswriter and 
author; and numerous State and elected officials.

[[Page H11186]]

  Uniting under their national theme of ``One Kappa, Creating 
Inspiration: A Call to Service,'' Kappa Alpha Psi members from all 
walks of life continue to mobilize in service of each other and their 
communities. Kappa Alpha Psi has developed a strong tradition of 
leadership and service, and I congratulate them on their 98 years of 
achievement.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 659, 
congratulating Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on 98 years of serving 
local communities and of enriching the lives of collegiate men 
throughout the Nation.
  Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was founded in 1911 at Indiana University, 
Bloomington. Today, the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity has over 150,000 
members with 700 undergraduate and alumni chapters in every State of 
the Union and international chapters in the United Kingdom, Germany, 
Korea, Japan, the Caribbean, St. Thomas, St. Croix, the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, Nigeria, and South Africa.
  Annually, more than 1,800 members are initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi. 
The fraternity's constitution has never contained any clause which has 
either excluded or suggested the exclusion of a man from membership 
because of color, creed or national origin. To be considered for 
membership, a candidate must have a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 
scale.
  Kappa Alpha Psi chapters are active in their communities and colleges 
and universities. The fraternity has sponsored programs such as Guide 
Right, Kappa League and the Student of the Year competition.
  I am happy to congratulate Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and I ask my 
colleagues to support this resolution for this great organization, this 
fraternity, that has meant so much to our country.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to applaud the 
actions of the House of Representatives in recognizing one of the first 
African American fraternities. I strongly support H. Res. 659, which 
recognizes Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and its 98 years of service to 
local communities, the pursuit of academic scholarship and a commitment 
to social welfare. I urge my colleagues to support this important 
resolution.
  Since its humble beginning on the campus of Indiana University 
Bloomington in 1911, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity has been characterized 
by a commitment to empowering African American men through mentorship, 
financial literacy, and community involvement. It is this commitment to 
excellence that has established Kappa Alpha Psi as one of the finest 
fraternal organizations in the country. With over 150,000 members, 700 
undergraduate and alumni chapters in every state of the United States, 
and international chapters in the United Kingdom, Germany, Korea, 
Japan, and Nigeria, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity has produced notable 
leaders in the fields of government, athletics, education, and 
business. Current alumni include director, writer, and producer John 
Singleton, Civil Rights advocate Donald L. Hollowell, and Robert L. 
Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television.
  Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity has far surpassed the vision of its 
founders to produce upstanding, high quality African American males who 
possess positive values and the desire to serve their communities.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of H. Res. 659 to congratulate Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 
on 98 years of serving local communities and enhancing the lives of 
collegiate men throughout the United States.
  Throughout this organization's history, the gentlemen of Kappa Alpha 
Psi Fraternity, Inc. have proven to be exemplary public servants and 
strong leaders in their communities. They seek to train their members 
for leadership roles and encourage a high academic standard. In close 
to a century of existence, the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has 
initiated over 120,000 members and encouraged their members to 
participate in programs such as their Undergraduate Leadership 
Workshop, their Habitat for Humanity Program, their St. Jude Research 
Hospital Partnership, ``Kappas on Kapitol Hill'', and their CARE/GLAD 
Financial Literacy Programs. Additionally the Kappa Alpha Psi 
Fraternity, Inc. counts within its ranks numerous professional 
athletes, entertainers, and countless civic and business leaders, and I 
have the distinct pleasure of serving in the House of Representatives 
with Sanford D. Bishop, John Conyers, Jr., Alcee L. Hastings, William 
Lacy Clay, and Bennie Thompson who are all members of this noble 
organization.
  As a member of a Greek organization myself, I value and appreciate 
the deep meaning that this brotherhood holds for so many individuals. I 
ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in supporting H. Res 659 to 
honor Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 659 to congratulate Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on 98 years 
of serving local communities and enriching the lives of collegiate men 
throughout the Nation. The achievement of this noble organization for 
building generations of God fearing, clean-living, serious-minded young 
men who possess the imagination, ambition, courage, and determination 
to pursue college educations.
  Early in the 20th 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 
African-American students to form Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, which 
remains the only Greek letter organization with its 1st Chapter on 
Indiana University's campus. 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 their purpose, Kappa Alpha Psi began uniting college men 
of culture, patriotism and honor in a bond of fraternity.
  I believe such righteous efforts to be the foundation for so many 
college age males is a praiseworthy venture. Since its founding in 
1911, Kappa Alpha Psi has matured to an organization of over 150,000 
college-trained men, maintains undergraduate chapters on more than 360 
college and university campuses and its alumni chapters are located in 
347 cities in the United States and 5 foreign countries. With an 
established history of community service, Kappa Alpha Psi is involved 
with such charitable organizations as Habitat for Humanity, where they 
build a home for a local family in conjunction with each of its 
biennial conventions. They also have a lasting partnership with 
Memphis-based St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and have designated 
the hospital as the primary benefactor of their national fundraising 
efforts. Kappa Alpha Psi, through its Kappa League and National Guide 
Right programs, has provided thousands of at-risk youth in communities 
throughout the Nation with role models and mentors that encourage them 
to make positive contributions to, and to take leadership roles in, 
their communities. Since 1990, Kappa Alpha Psi's Kappa Scholarship Fund 
has provided scholarship grants to over 10,000 high school graduates to 
assist in furthering their education. Kappa Alpha Psi's national theme 
of `One Kappa, Creating Inspiration: A Call to Service' has mobilized 
Kappa men across the Nation who are leaders in business, education, 
government, the humanities, arts and entertainment, science, and 
medicine to become better leaders for their respective families and 
communities, the Nation, and the fraternity at large. With so many 
viable ways of helping out within their community, Kappa Alpha Psi is 
at the forefront of achievement through service.
  The Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was 
chartered March 31, 1928. The charter members were men who wanted to 
continue a formal association with the fraternity at a time when they 
were no longer undergraduates. So, they petitioned the Grand Chapter 
and the Houston Alumni Chapter became the 2nd Alumni Chapter chartered 
in Texas. These men were professionals and leaders in the community. 
What is most impressive about them is that they were living in the 
South in 1928 only 63 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, yet 
they had all graduated from or attended college. The Charter members of 
Houston Alumni Chapter were Dr. Charles W. Pemberton, Leland Ewing, 
Cornelius A. Ladner, ``Watty Watkins'', Dr. Leon J. Peacock, W.L.D. 
Johnson, Sr., J.C. McDade, R.C. Chatman, Dr. Birch, Obie Williams, T.B. 
Allen, Albert Bateman, and J.D. Collins, Jr. It has been noted that 
Allen, Bateman, and Collins came to Houston after pledging at 
undergraduate chapters in the midwest and the southeast.
  Dr. Charles W. Pemberton was the 1st Polemarch of the Houston Alumni 
Chapter. The first two initiates of Houston Alumni Chapter were F.L. 
Howard and D.P. Young in 1929.
  The Houston Alumni Chapter has produced six Southwestern Province 
Polemarchs (Regional Presidents): Dr. Charles W. Pemberton (1934-1936), 
W.L.D. Johnson, Sr., (1944-1946) Cornelius Ladner (1947-1951), T.B. 
Allen (1971-1973), Attorney William ``Randy'' Bates (1998-2003), and 
Ronald V. Julun (2007-present). These represent approximately 25 
percent of all the Polemarchs in the history of the Southwestern 
Province.

[[Page H11187]]

  Two Grand (National) Chapter Officers have come from the Houston 
Alumni Chapter. C.B. Davis was on the Grand Board of Directors from 
1973-1976. Current Sr. Grand Vice Polemarch William ``Randy'' Bates has 
served in that capacity from 2007-present. He previously served as an 
elected at-large member of the Grand Board of Directors from 2003-2007.
  There has been two Laurel Wreath Awardees (which is the highest Award 
in Kappa Alpha Psi), Astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., 51st awardee 
and Dr. Bobby L. Wilson, 58th awardee.
  There have been two Elder Watson Diggs Awardees (the second highest 
Award in Kappa Alpha Psi): Attorney Carl Walker, Jr., and Willie High 
Coleman, Jr., Esq.
  Houston Alumni Chapter was the host of the 2nd Southwest Provincial 
Meeting held April 17-19, 1936.
  Houston Alumni Chapter was the host of the 57th Grand Chapter 
meeting, held December 26-30, 1971. And, it will serve again to host 
the 81st Grand Chapter Meeting (Conclave) in 2013.
  Houston Alumni Chapter hosted the 62nd Southwestern Province Council 
Meeting on March 12-15, 1998. This was the largest Province meeting in 
the history of the Fraternity.
  Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was the 
first Greek Letter organization to bring the Ebony Fashion Fair to 
Houston beginning in the 1960s and continuing for a period of 5-6 years 
making the Chapter one of the first sponsors of the Ebony Fashion Fair 
in the nation.
  The Chapter has historically held various social entertainment 
activities for members and the community, including the Kappa Kostume 
Carnival and Kappa Kasino Night. For the last 20 plus years, the 
Chapter hosts an annual dance/gala around Valentine's Day. In recent 
years it is referred to as either the Sweetheart Dance or Red & White 
Ball. Its predecessor was called the Fireball. Typically in June for 
the past 30 plus years, the Annual Black & White Ball is held. This 
stylish affair is the Chapter's marquee social event, and annually 
attracts 500-700 guests. Scholarship award recipients and their parents 
are recognized during the Ball. Other events include the Annual 
Christmas Party, Local Founders Day, and Chapter Picnic.
  Three Houston Alumni Chapter Polemarchs have served four consecutive 
terms: Ollie Harris (1966-70), Manassus McGowan (1986-90), and Willie 
H. Coleman, Jr. (1996-99). At 27 years of age Willie Earlie is the 
youngest person to have served as Houston Alumni Chapter Polemarch. 
Brother Prince Barrett is the oldest initiate in the history of the 
Chapter and possibly in the history of the fraternity. He began his 
process in 1948 and became a member in 1997. He is now in his 80s and 
continues to participate in most of our activities. Brother Stan 
Weakley first pledged Kappa in 1968 and became a member in 1998.
  Great effort, time, and expense have been expended to grow Kappa 
Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and to bring Houston Alumni Chapter to its 
current status. A very select few, pledged as undergraduates or 
graduate members, have maintained unbroken financial status at the 
local and/or national level. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., is not a 
club. Sustained and lifetime commitment are crucial elements to 
fulfillment of the goals of this Great Fraternity. Those unwilling to 
make such a commitment should look elsewhere.
  The history of the Fraternity, and Houston Alumni Chapter 
specifically, is forever evolving. Capable men dedicated to service and 
high achievement will always be remembered in its story.
  In 1929, records show that both Marshall Alumni and Houston Alumni 
were chapters of the Southern Province. The actual establishment date 
of the Southwestern Province, however, is unclear. But, its first 
Polemarch is known to be Dr. Oliver W. Phillips, who served from 1930-
31. Brother Phillips was a charter member of Kappa Chapter in 1919 and 
a member of the Guide Right Commission in 1930.
  Hosted by the Epsilon, Lambda and Philadelphia Alumni Chapters, the 
Twentieth Grand Chapter assembled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 
December 27-31, 1930. A. Moore Shearin was elected to the office of 
Grand Polemarch. He appointed J.W. Holland as Province Polemarch of the 
Southwestern Province consisting of Upsilon Chapter at UCLA; Los 
Angeles Alumni Chapter, Marshall Alumni Chapter, and Houston Alumni 
Chapter. Holland's appointment continued to usher a legacy of 
Achievement in the Southwestern Province. Today, the Southwestern 
Province consists of Arkansas, Louisiana, Southern Mississippi, New 
Mexico and Texas and constitutes the largest Province in the 
Fraternity.
  The Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi also sponsors the 
Education & Charities Foundation of Houston, which was incorporated in 
1992 as a non-profit 501(c)3 entity. The primary purpose of the 
Foundation can best be described as stated in Article Four of the 
Incorporation documents:
  ``Operated for charitable and educational purposes which directly 
benefit the citizens of Houston and Harris County by the provision of 
services for and support of the attainment of higher education for 
youth via support services and models of achievement, along with the 
development of cooperative efforts with social and civic organizations 
to support and participate in educational and cultural activities for 
the benefit and fulfillment of these purposes.''
  The Education and Charities Foundation of Houston is comprised of 
well respected professional men who aspire to high ideals and honorable 
achievement in all aspects of life. Inclusive in the membership of the 
Foundation are such prominent personalities and leaders as former city 
of Houston Council Member Al Calloway, State Representative Harold 
Dutton, Astronaut Bernard Harris (1st African American to walk in 
space), Channel two news personality Khambrel Marshall, TSU Vice 
President of Academic Affairs Dr. Bobby Wilson (and interim President), 
District Court Judge Mark Carter and former District Judge Carl Walker.
  In pursuit of its goals, the Foundation has engaged in a variety of 
fund raising initiatives since its inception, with the primary focus 
being to raise money for scholarships and to directly support 
predetermined programs, e.g., Kappa Kamp, mentoring events, etc. We 
have awarded 11 4-year scholarships and made several one-time awards to 
students who otherwise might not have been financially capable of 
pursuing a college education.
  The Foundation has sponsored numerous ``at-risk'' youth programs 
during the past several years inclusive of Kappa Kamp and Prince Hall 
Summer Camp both of which are youth development, leadership and 
enrichment experiences. Kappa Kamp is a youth camp enrichment program 
conducted at the renowned ``Piney Woods Country Life School'' in 
Mississippi, every summer.
  The group has supported numerous community initiatives inclusive of 
the Ft. Bend Education Foundation's and STEPS auxiliary Fine Arts 
Program and recently assisted a University of Houston student in the 
African American studies program participate in a trip to Ghana, West 
Africa.
  For these reasons and more, I join Congressman Hastings and my 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to congratulate Kappa Alpha 
Psi Fraternity, Inc., on 98 years of serving local communities and 
enriching the lives of collegiate men throughout the Nation.
  Mr. GUTHRIE. I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the distinguished 
gentleman for his support of House Resolution 659, and I also urge my 
colleagues to support it.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 659, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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