Bloomington, IN today is known for being the home of Indiana University, among the higher regarded public institutions of higher learning. But prior to January 5, 1911, it is more of a battison of inequity instead of living up to its motto of Lux et Veritas (Light and Truth).
The truth is for the handful of African-Americans attending the school at the time due to the presence of Jim Crow laws, students not only have limited opportunities to interact with each other, but also are strategically barred and denied opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities with the larger mainstream population, save for the track and field team. Add to it the hard to believe fact (but read the statistics) that the state with the largest number of reported lynchings is indeed the Hoosier State, and it is clear that this section of the country, let alone the nation at large, is clearly lacking in sense, civility, or humanity.
And then came January 5, 1911, along with the 10 young men who are able to pool their collective resources and talents together as a means of support and achievement in light of the clearly hostile environment present on campus and the immediate area. From its May 15th (1911) incorporation as Kappa Alpha Nu to its eventual resolution in December of 1914 and its finally effective change on April 15, 1915 to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the fraternal organization is able to be a galvanizing presence in matters related to education, business, athletics, and other fields of importance and relevance.
Be it through their male-mentoring intiatives via the Kappa League, their long standing Guide Right program, their $1 million pledge to support the medical research efforts of St Jude's Children's Hospital, the presence and contributions of member such as (but not limited to) Dr. Calvin Butts, Walt Hazzard, Montell Jordan, John Singleton, Ralph Wiley (one of my favorite authors), Arthur Ashe, Sanford Bishop (D-GA), and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, their impact is genuinely felt, noticed, and appreciated in the areas of education, government, entertainment, business, and other fields.
For 101 years, the men of Kappa have been keeping it together for the greater good in their own creative ways, shapes, and forms. In building upon the principles and premises established by their 10 founders, one of whom is born (and presumably buried) in the very same county that many of my relatives are from, Christian County (KY), it is clear that at 101, they are far from done.
Then again, what else would you expect when you are focused and committed to achievement in every field of human endeavor...
Courtesy Andrew Snorton
