A Brief History...

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., is one of the largest Black organizations in America. The Fraternity was established January 5, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana by ten enterprising Black men led by Elder Watson Diggs. We have chapters in every state as well a Germany, The Bahamas, and even South Korea. The establishment of Upsilon Chapter on April 25, 1923 at the University of California, Los Angeles (U.C.L.A.), enabled the Fraternity to extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Our organization is a Fraternity in the true sense of the word. We are built on strong leadership and achievement in every aspect of human endeavor.

Our objectives are to reach within the Black community and educate the young leaders of tomorrow, the leaders of today, and the leaders of yesterday in respect to political and social sanctions which affect the Black race and culture. Although Kappa Alpha Psi is a predominately Black Fraternity, its membership transcends all racial barriers. Kappa Alpha Psi does not discriminate on race, creed, color, or religion. Our members are mainly men ho strive for the highest goals at all times. We have within ourselves the intestinal fortitude to keep lunging forward (even in the most adverse circumstances) and reciprocate the knowledge which we have acquired to those less knowledgeable than ourselves. We are an organization which desires growth; however, we will not overlook our objective in order to expand. Kappa Alpha Psi is for those who possess intelligence, character, strength, and an unquenchable desire to achieve.

Kappa Alpha Psi gives privileges that are a prerogative enjoyed out of mere membership in Kappa Alpha Psi, but true entitlement is earned, not gratuitously given. Entitlement is derived from creditable performance in the Fraternity's interest and the accompanying respect of one's own fellows.

A few of the many men of Kappa Alpha Psi that have accomplished great goals in life include: Thomas Bradley (Mayor of Los Angeles), Mervyn Dymally (Assemblyman - Los Angeles, California), John Conyers (U.S. Representative - Michigan), Willie Davis (former football great and owner of KACE Radio Station 103.9, Los Angeles), Ralph D. Abernattly (past president of SCLA), Carlton Blanton (Upsilon, president of California State University, Los Angeles), John E. Jacob (President of National Urban League), Danny Tabor (youngest City Councilman - Inglewood, California), Winston Doby (Vice Chancellor - UCLA). Also noted sports figures, such as Wilt Chamberlin, Bill Russell, Gayle Sayers, and Arthur Ashe.

Again, we stress that Kappa Alpha Psi is not interested in having more members or more chapters than other fraternities, but rather in the quality of membership and first rate chapters that measure up to the best organization of its kind; more especially, members and chapters that satisfy our purpose of achievement and our commitment to progress. Let it be said here and now that brotherhood is two way communication: From you to Kappa Alpha Psi and its members, and from Kappa Alpha Psi and its members to you. Communicate much and you will receive much. The emphasis in Kappa Alpha Psi is your RESPONSIBILITY rather than privilege.

"MANY ARE CALLED. . . FEW ARE CHOSEN"