History of Kappa Alpha Psi
A Brief History

The story of Kappa Alpha Psi is to a large extent the story of black students everywhere, whether organized or not, who attended predominantly white colleges or universities in America prior to World War II. The accomplishments of these first Black students are all the more noteworthy because typically they worked their way through college. Their determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable social and economic odds is the source of inspiration to less than full privileged students at white institutions of higher learning throughout America. To understand this is to understand the birth of college fraternities among Blacks

Black-sponsored Greek letter organizations on the Indiana University campus might well have begun in 1903, but there were too few registrants to assure continuing organization. In that year, a club was formed called Alpha Kappa Nu with the purpose of strengthening the Blacks' voice at the University and in the city of Bloomington. There is no record of any similar organization at Indiana until the chartering of . . . Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, in 1911.

The Ten Illustrious Founders gave birth to a great concept, the idea that if we are going to be brothers, let us be brothers on the best terms that we know. If we are going to bind ourselves together, let it be around something that is strong enough to hold us; if we are going to sing, let us sing about something that will have a lasting refrain; if we drink a toast, let it be of something beyond the trivial and the vulgar; let us exalt the theme of achievement. Reliance would be placed upon high Christian ideals and the purpose of honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor. The Fraternity would seek to raise the sights of young black youths and stimulate them to accomplishments higher than might otherwise not be realized or even imagined.

In Depth History

The Objectives

The Founders

Why Kappas Have Kanes

The Burning Sands, The NUPE Journey

Brand Identities

KAPPA ALPHA PSI, a college Fraternity, now comprised of functioning Undergraduate and Alumni Chapters on major campuses and in cities throughout the country, is the crystallization of a dream. It is the beautiful realization of a vision shared commonly by the late Revered Founders:

(Click picture for Founder Information)

It was the vision of these astute men that enabled them in the school year 1910 - 11, more specifically the night of January 5, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana, to sow the seed of a fraternal tree whose fruit is available to, and now enjoyed by, college men everywhere, regardless of their color, religion or national origin. It is a fact of which KAPPA ALPHA PSI is justly proud that the Constitution has never contained any clause which either excluded or suggested the exclusion of a man from membership merely because of his color, creed, or national origin. The Constitution of KAPPA ALPHA PSI is predicated upon, and dedicated to, the principles of achievement through a truly democratic Fraternity. . . (cont.)

Taken from
"A Short Chronicle Of
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity"

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has chapters in every state as well a Germany, The Bahamas, South Africa and even South Korea. 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 African-American race and culture. Our members are mainly men who 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.

In Kappa Alpha Psi 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 brothers.

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.  Our brotherhood is a 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"

HOME - HISTORY - MEMBERS - EVENTS - PICTURES - GUESTBOOK - LINKS