Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. members at National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Conference in Chicago ????

Kappa Alpha Psi’s leadership along with other #Divine9 leadership gathered today in Selma, Alabama, to honor the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday at the Bridge Crossing Jubilee. This annual event pays tribute to the civil rights protestors who were attacked on Selma’s Edmund Pettus Bridge, an event that sparked the historic Selma-to-Montgomery march and ultimately contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. ?? @michaelhume2 #goodtrouble #bloodysunday

Grand Polemarch Jimmy McMikle pictured with Darlene Whittington, National President of Jack & Jill of America, and her leadership team, all attending the Gospel Explosion event in Selma, Alabama, for the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

In recognition of Black History Month, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. continues to recognize a few of its member's “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.” #KappaHistoryIsBlackHistory William Grant Still, Jr. became affectionally known as ‘The Dean of African American Composers.’ He was born in Woodville, MS, in 1895. After his father died when he was 3 months old, his stepfather exposed him to classical music and opera. At 15, he began taking violin lessons and was self-taught on the clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bass, cello, and viola. He enrolled at Wilberforce University in 1911, becoming one of the 13 charter initiates of the Delta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi on January 22, 1915. While there, he participated in music ensembles, conducting the university band, and his first attempts to compose and arrange music. Still decided to become a music composer and dropped out two months before graduation. He studied at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. His studies were interrupted by Still’s enlistment in the Navy during WWI. After the war, his studies were disrupted again as he played in bands and orchestras. He combined an unorthodox mixture of his classical instruction with folk, blues, spirituals, and jazz music into his compositions. Still accumulated eight honorary music doctorates and received several compositional commissions, including the 1929 N.Y. World’s Fair. Over his life, he composed more than 150 works, including five symphonies. In 1931, Still’s “Symphony No. 1 Afro-American” became the first symphony composed by a Black musician to be performed by a major orchestra in the U.S., and the first Black artist to conduct an all-White radio orchestra and a major symphony orchestra in the Deep South. One of his eight operas was the first by a Black musician to be staged by a major opera company. He died on December 3, 1978. He was the first Black (posthumous) artist to have an opera televised nationwide. Still’s Los Angeles home was designated a city monument. The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau named the Grand Ballroom in his honor. He was inducted into the American Classical Hall of Fame. Kevin Scott Grand Historian

The January Edition of the State of Undergraduate Affairs Monthly Newsletter is here! Stay informed on the latest undergraduate achievements, chapter highlights, and key updates each month! ?? Tap the link in bio to read now! ?? Want to be featured in the next issue? If you or your chapter has an achievement to highlight, fill out the form in our bio! Tag an Undergraduate or chapter you see in the newsletter!????

On behalf of the Grand Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., we would like to announce one of our January, Undergraduate Brothers of the Month. Da’Quandalon Daniel is an honors senior computer science major with a 3.94 GPA. A two-time recipient of the AAMU Presidential Gold Medallion, he has demonstrated academic excellence and innovation in technology. Recently, he was one of 15 students nationally awarded the Splunk HBCU National Scholarship and is an alumnus of the Summer Institute for Emerging Managers and Leadership at UC Davis, earning free tuition for a UC graduate degree. His professional interests include software engineering and entrepreneurship, leading him to win business case competitions with major companies like American Airlines, FICO, and the NFL. One of his biggest accomplishments was developing an AI-driven sewer system recommendation for York, AL, in partnership with the National Department of Energy. He has also completed two software engineering internships with Fortune 500 companies. Outside of academics, Da’Quandalon is a Spring ’24 Initiate and serves as Keeper of Exchequer for Gamma Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He also tutored first-year students in Python through the Google in Residence program. After graduation, he will begin his career as a software engineer while pursuing his MBA.

On behalf of the Grand Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., we would like to announce one of our January, Undergraduate Brothers of the Month. Elijah Neal has left a powerful mark on Grambling State University through his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to student empowerment. As President of Grambling’s NAACP chapter, Vice Polemarch of the Gamma Psi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and President of G-Squad, he has been at the forefront of voter engagement, civil rights, and school spirit. Beyond leadership roles, Elijah founded Prince to King, a male leadership program dedicated to providing second chances for students facing challenges. His impact earned him Grambling’s first-ever Trailblazer of the Year award and national recognition at the NASAP HBCU Student Leadership Conference. As founder of Changing the Narrative Movement, Elijah is committed to inspiring individuals to see beyond stereotypes and create lasting change in urban communities. His dedication to justice, mentorship, and student advocacy continues to shape Grambling and beyond.

On behalf of the Grand Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., we would like to announce January Undergraduate Chapter of the Month. The Alpha Omicron Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. had an impactful January, exemplifying our commitment to service, scholarship, and leadership. This month, we proudly completed six service projects, including braving a winter storm on Founders Day to clear walkways for a village of homeless individuals. We also participated in the MLK Day of Service at Goodwill, furthermore we engaged with students across three schools for National Room to Read, organized a successful clothing drive, assisted with food distribution at an elementary school, and continued our mentorship efforts with Kappa League and Jr. Kappa League. Academically, our chapter achieved the highest GPA among fraternities in NPHC at the University of Louisville and the second-highest GPA in all Fraternity & Sorority Life, boasting an impressive 3.3-chapter GPA. Additionally, one of our brothers is recognized as a Deans Scholar, and six brothers earned spots on the Dean’sList for academic excellence. Our leadership extends beyond the classroom, with three brothers serving as Resident Assistants (RAs) on campus, two brothers competing in track and rugby at the Division I level, and several brothers actively involved in various Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and participation in campus pageants. This semester, we are proud to support St. Jude Children Research Hospital through our ongoing philanthropy efforts known as Krimson Kause a dance philanthropy. Please consider supporting our cause by clicking the link in our bio as all proceeds go directly to St. Jude. The Alpha Omicron Chapter continues to set the standard through service, scholarship, and leadership, embodying achievement in every field of human endeavor.

In recognition of Black History Month, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. continues to recognize a few of its member's “Achievements in Every Field of Human Endeavor.” ?#?KappaHistoryIsBlackHistory???? Jesse Ernest Wilkins Jr. was a genius mathematician, nuclear scientist, and mechanical engineer. He was born in Chicago, IL, the son of J. Ernest Wilkins, Sr., a well-renowned attorney and president of the Cook County Bar Association in Chicago and Assistant Secretary of Labor. Wilkins Jr. was an academic prodigy who became the youngest student admitted to the University of Chicago at 13. He majored in mathematics and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1940 at 16. Wilkins Jr. earned a master’s in mathematics in 1941 and his doctoral degree from the University of Chicago at 19. He became the 8th Black person and one of the youngest Americans to earn a Ph.D. mathematics degree. He acquired a position as a physicist in the Metallurgical Laboratory at the University of Chicago in 1944. While there, Wilkins Jr. worked under Holly Compton and Enrico Fermi to develop a technique to produce plutonium 239. This research, “the Manhattan Project,” was realized when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. During this research, he worked alongside future Nobel Laureate Eugene Wigner and contributed to nuclear-reactor physics, now known as the Wilkins effect and the Wigner-Wilkins spectrum. Wilkins Jr. obtained formal training from New York University as a mechanical engineer. While there, he earned a bachelor’s degree with magna cum laude honors and a master’s degree in 1957 and 1960, respectively. He authored volumes of scientific papers and received several awards, including being the 2nd Black person elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest honors to be conferred upon an engineer. Wilkins Jr. (Iota Chapter 1938) was elected to succeed Wilkins Sr. (Beta 1918) as the Fraternity’s Grand Keeper of Records and Exchequer when Wilkins Sr. was elected 13th Grand Polemarch. Wilkins Jr. held this position from 1947-1951. Wilkins Jr. died in 2011 at the age of 87. Kevin Scott Grand Historian

On behalf of the Grand Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., we would like to announce one of our January, Undergraduate Brothers of the Month. Justin Alexis is a sophomore biology major at Livingstone College with a 3.96 GPA, being the vice president of Alpha Lambda Delta honors society and a STEM white coat inductee, he further demonstrates his commitment to leadership and academic excellence. Through his Chapter Gamma Delta of Livingstone College he is a dedicated community service advocate committed to making a positive impact through outreach and volunteerism. With a passion for giving back, Justin has led and participated in several initiatives, including organizing a Christmas community feeding event in partnership with their hometown church in Brooklyn, NY ensuring families in need receive warm meals during the holiday season. Beyond holiday giving, Justin has contributed to the Ronald McDonald House by assisting with food and pantry restocking, supporting families with hospitalized children. Their dedication to education and literacy is evident through their involvement with National Reading Day at Essie Academy, where they inspire young minds through the power of books. Additionally, Justin plays an active role in men’s mental health and strategic planning discussions as a participant in the Nupe Red Table Talk, fostering dialogue around personal growth, resilience, and well-being. Through these initiatives, Justin continues to be a pillar of service, uplifting communities and driving meaningful change.