[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.
____________________