He received the degree of LL.B. "Membership Handbook". It is the beautiful realization of a vision shared commonly by the late Revered Founders that enabled them 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. These men of vision decided the Fraternity would be more than another social organization. [61], In 2018, it was reported that the chapter at Edward Waters College was beating and paddling pledges as well as forcing them to take a designer drug called "jig," a mixture of synthetic heroin, cocaine and LSD.[62]. shown in 2nd picture from left to right are Past Polemarch Brother Roderick Ray,Past Polemarch Brother . The activities provide both challenging and rewarding experiences to enhance their lives. These incidents caused the Founders to change the name of the Fraternity. Conceived in 1922 by Leon Wop Stewart, and suggested at the twelfth Grand chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Guide Right became the Fraternity's National Service Program. [40], In 1998, 11 Kappas affiliated with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore were charged with first-degree assault and reckless endangerment for hospitalizing several pledges. Three organizations (Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Gamma Rho) were founded on predominately white college campuses. Since the fraternity's founding on January 5, 1911 at Indiana University . History. Vocationally, he was engaged in several enterprises. [49], In April 2012, the fraternity at Arkansas Tech University was permanently banned from campus for beating a pledge into a coma. It is a tribute to the ten deceased founders of Kappa Alpha Psi. Some confused the abbreviation of the letters to refer to the state of Kansas. By the end of the first year, the ritual was completed, and a design for the coat of arms and motto had begun. Forever and a Day. The Fraternity has over 125,000 members with 700 undergraduate and alumni chapters in nearly every state of the United States, and international chapters in Nigeria, South Africa, the West Indies, the United Kingdom, Germany, Korea and Japan. Guy Levis Grant, Edward Giles Irvin, and Sgt. [56], In 2015, a D.C. man sued the fraternity for hazing and humiliation. Since the beginning, every endeavor was directed toward establishing the Fraternity upon a strong foundation before embarking on plans of expansion. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was a founded January 5, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kappa Alpha Nu became the first incorporated Black Fraternity in the United States once granted a charter by the Indiana Secretary of State on May 15, 1911. Copyright 2022 The Brooklyn-Long Island Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Guide Right is a program for the educational and occupational guidance of youth, primarily inspirational and informational in character. More. The charter members were Elder Watson Diggs, Byron K. Armstrong, John M. Lee, Henry T. Asher, Marcus P. Blakemore, Guy L. Grant, Paul W. Caine, George W. Edmonds, Ezra D. Alexander and Edward G. Irvin. Ezra Dee Alexander (1892-1971) was born in Bloomington, Indiana in 1892, the site of Indiana University. Membership in Kappa Alpha Psi is a lifelong dedication to the ideas and lofty purposes of Kappa Alpha Psi, which considers for membership only those aspirants whose personal, social and academic qualifications are acceptable to both the College and Fraternity. The 45-year-old filed a $2 million lawsuit because he stated after paying his non-refundable $3,000 graduate intake membership fee, he was coerced to allow himself to be beaten with a cane, rub lotion on a Kappa, and clean a Kappa's house in only his underwear and bare feet to become a welcomed member of the fraternity. . During their lives, all four were Master Masons. The Past Polemarchs of the Hartsville Alumni Chapter of KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY,INC. These three Founders are credited with guiding the infant Fraternity through the most perilous years of its life. John Milton Lee, born in Danville, Indiana, September 7, 1890, was graduated from the Danville High School in 1910 and entered the University of Indiana and there completed three years of pre-medical work. After George returned home for the summer of 1911, his father became ill with pneumonia and died. Kappa Alpha Psi proudly boasts of members who epitomize the very essence of Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor. Expert solutions. J5 refers to the day the fraternity was founded " 5 January. The only surviving fraternity founded at Indiana University, Kappa Alpha Psi, couldn't actually be formed on IU's grounds. Founders. The rest of the organizations were founded on Black College Campuses. [5], Some believe the Greek letters Kappa Alpha Nu were chosen as a tribute to Alpha Kappa Nu,[12] but the name became an ethnic slur among racist factions. The percentage of Blacks on campus was less than 1%. 95% of the founders of the Great 8 are Prince Hall Masons or Eastern stars. Guy Levis Grant (1891 - 1973) Born in New Albany, Indiana, attended public school in that city, was graduated from Scribner High School in 1909, and later entered Indiana University. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}395919N 750922W / 39.98856N 75.15611W / 39.98856; -75.15611, Last edited on 19 February 2023, at 00:57, North American Interfraternity Conference, African American intercollegiate fraternities, List of social fraternities and sororities, Before You Pledge: Essential Information You Should Know About the Divine Nine, "History of the National Silhouettes of ", "Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. Kappa Kamp Summer Enrichment 2008", "Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. Partners with A-MAN, Inc. To Promote Interest In Science and Technology Among Youth", "Message From Guide Right Commission Chairman", "National Pan-Hellenic Council Aboutpage", "North American Interfraternity Conference", "Ex-Kappa Alpha Psi exec sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for embezzlement", "Kappa Alpha Psi Financial Director Stole $3M, Blew it at Harrah's", "Lawsuit Shatters Code of Silence Over Hazing at Black Fraternities", "5 members of University of North Texas fraternity face hazing charges", "Kappa Alpha Psi Hazing Wrongful Death Settlement", "Greek Tragedy: Pledging a Black Fraternity can Bring Terror What is Hazing? Click here to view past events and photos , 2322-24 North Broad Street His battery enjoys the unique distinction of having been the first battery of Negro Artillerymen ever to open fire upon an enemy. [20], The Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation was conceived by Dr. Oliver S. Gumbs, the 23rd Grand Polemarch. Grand Polemarch David II, implemented the division of the Fraternity into three districts. The organization was given the temporary name ofAlpha Omega, while they further developed the formation of the organization. He enrolled at Indiana University in 1909 and helped the other Founders in organizing Kappa Alpha Nu. by Talibah Chikwendu July 7, 2011. . Carol R. Carter was the first woman elected a national officer of Alpha Kappa Psi. Reliance would be placed upon high Christian ideals and the purpose of ACHIEVEMENT. In 2018, the Pi chapter at Morehouse College was given a 30-year suspension from the college after pledges were beaten, hit with canes, and punched multiple times. Howard University and the Creation of Kappa Alpha Nu Seven years after the creation and dissolution of Alpha Kappa Nu, forces were set in motion . George Wesley Edmonds (1890-1962) was born in Vanderburgh County, Knight Township, Indiana on August 13, 1890. 103 . Brother Caine was instrumental in setting up the Gamma, Delta, and Zeta chapters. The name was officially changed to Kappa Alpha Psi on a resolution adopted at the Grand Chapter Meeting in December 1914. Low 36F. Jesse Jerome Peters, later to become the eighth Grand Polemarch, was chairman of the committee, during the administration of W. Ellis Stewart as Grand Polemarch. Lyle was inspired by . He also edits and prepares the Manual for the universal use of Undergraduate and Alumni.[15]. [8], The fraternity was founded as Kappa Alpha Nu on the night of January 5, 1911, by ten African-American college students. Some confused the abbreviation of the letters to refer to the state of Kansas. He helped organize, and for several years was president of, the Fairview Gold Club, the first Negro Golf Club in Pennsylvania. Eight other fraternity members received University discipline but no criminal charges related to a hazing incident.[65][63]. [5] The Journal is published four times a year in February, April, October and December. The state of Indiana became the 19th state of the Union in 1816 and it founded Indiana University in Bloomington four years later. In 2011, the fraternity registration was cancelled at the University of Texas at San Antonio for striking pledges and providing misleading information to university officials during the hazing investigation. Before being exposed to the general public by various individuals in the 1990s and . Wood was a member of Moorefield Lodge, Moorefield, West Virginia. With the new responsibility of supporting the family, George took a job with the area coal mines and worked with the coal mines and the railroad until he died of pneumonia on June 13, 1962. Fifth Grand Polemarch Earl B. Dickerson changed the designation of "Region" to "Province" and "Regional Director" to "Province Polemarch" at the 15th Grand Chapter Meeting in 1925. At the time of his death in October 1959, he was residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he maintained his practice of dentistry. Ras J. Founder Elder Watson Diggs, was quiet, polished, scholarly, a prolific writer and commonly referred to as 'the Father of Kappa'. My research has found documentation. This city was largely populated by settlers from below the Mason-Dixon line and therefore found many sympathizers of the . In 1929, he married Laura Hammons. African-American students were denied membership on athletic teams with the exception of track and field. Bakersfield, CA (93308) Today. The organization was given the temporary name of Alpha Omega, while they further developed the formation of the organization. The founders of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. are: Elder Watson Diggs, more affectionately known as 'The Dreamer', Dr. Ezra D. Alexander, Dr. Byron Kenneth Armstrong, Atty. January 5th - Kappa Alpha Psi. Kappa Alpha Psi sponsors programs providing community service, social welfare and academic scholarship through the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation and is a supporter of the United Negro College Fund and Habitat for Humanity. Alpha Kappa Psi co-ed professional business fraternity; Alpha Nu Omega Christian . Their intolerance toward Blacks fueled the negative mindset of other Whites residing there. [27], In February 2022, fraternity member and head financial director of the fraternity, Curtis Anderson, was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for embezzling $3 million from the fraternity over six years. The inaugural edition of the Kappa Alpha Nu Journal debuted April 1914 and has printed uninterrupted since with the exception to 1918 and 1919, due to WWI. Some key factors to remember if you are interested in becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Home. Kappa Alpha Psi proudly boasts of members who epitomize the very essence of Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor. For their works to establish the fraternity, Diggs was named permanent chairman, Lee was designated as secretary and Armstrong as sergeant-at-arms. He received his M.D. The names of the college chapters consist of either one or two Greek letters. There was an additional misunderstanding being attributed to the acronym of the Fraternitys Greek letters, KAN. The financial reward can range from $500 to $5,000 or more. He later went into business in Peoria, Illinois and was fatally burned during an explosion of gaseous materials in his business in 1931. [37] Any member, who participates in underground pledge activities, or hazing of any kind, shall be expelled from the fraternity.[38]. Kappa Alpha Psi is a college fraternity established by ten black college students at Indiana University in 1911. Errol W. ( Walton) Barrow Bro. Silhouettes provide support and assistance for the activities of Kappa Alpha Psi at the Grand chapter, province and local levels. These three Founders are credited with guiding the infant Fraternity through the most perilous years of its life. Phi Beta Sigma. Frank M. Summers was the magazine's first editor and later became the Fourteenth Grand Polemarch. THE FOUNDERS OF THE OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC. _____ Ernest Everett Just Brother (Dr.) Ernest E. Just was a college professor selected by Brothers Coleman, Cooper and Love to assist with the founding and establishment of Omega at Howard University in 1911. . From the beginning, Lee was an active participant in the founding of Kappa Alpha Nu. 2 Timothy 2:15. January 15th - Alpha Kappa Alpha. 6 The Pride of All Our Hearts The Founders of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Michael E. Jennings Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. was founded on the campus of Indiana Uni- versity on January 5, 1911. . [41], In 2006, the chapter at Florida A&M University was suspended after two members were sentenced to serve two years in prison and three others given three years of probation due to an anti-hazing law established in Florida following a hazing death involving the Kappa Sigma fraternity at the University of Miami in 2001. Kappa Alpha Psi is the 2nd oldest existing collegiate historically Black Greek Letter Fraternity and the 1st intercollegiate Fraternity incorporated as a national body. From left to right: Lee Burton, John Al Amin, George Blue, Rodney Hawkins. Why did the start their own organization? [19], The Student of the Year Competition is a contest that encompasses six areas deemed critical to a successful life - scholarship, talent, community involvement, poise and appearance, career preparation, and model chapter operation. Founded in 1911 at Indiana University, the . The organization was given the temporary name of, The Founders were God-fearing, and serious minded young men who possessed the imagination, ambition, courage and determination to defy custom in pursuit of a college education and careers. [9] The name of the organization was changed to its current name in 1915, shortly after its creation. [33][34] In 1990, Kappa Alpha Psi along with fellow NPHC organizations issued a joint statement announcing the elimination of pledging. David was first Grand Polemarch who had not been nurtured by the Alpha chapter under the influence of the Founders, proposed dividing the Fraternity into supervisory districts. There was an additional misunderstanding being attributed to the acronym of the Fraternitys Greek letters, KAN. Some confused the abbreviation of the letters to refer to the state of Kansas. Blacks could go weeks without seeing one another on campus. GM - LIF - Today's American Champion organization is a historically African American Greek-lettered fraternity. [5] The organization known today as Kappa Alpha Psi was nationally incorporated under the name of Kappa Alpha Nu on May 15, 1911. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 13th Sovereign Grand Commander, United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction . Kappa Alpha Psi is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). John Milton Lee was born in Danville Indiana on September 7, 1890. Despite the growing hostility of Whites toward Blacks in Indiana, some Black students sought a college education at Indiana University, as it was a tuition-free university of the highest quality. [18] In addition to the above-mentioned national initiatives, chapters within the Fraternity sponsor a wide variety of Guide Right programs in their communities that support their local youth. Byron Kenneth Armstrong (1890-1980), born in Westfield, Indiana, entered Indiana University where he studied philosophy, mathematics, and sociology. One hundred years ago this year, 10 men matriculating at Indiana University came together to found Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. After leaving the University, he organized the Electric Engineering Company, which he operated until he enlisted in World War I. He enlisted in the 349th Field Artillery in March of 1918 and served overseas as a First Class Sergeant and Gunner. [26] Kappa Alpha Psi also prides itself in that it no longer bestows honorary membership. George Wesley Edmonds. Steward brought the idea to Los Angeles from Dayton, Ohio, where he had worked closely with Jay Crosby to expand the guide right activities of Dayton (OH) Alumni chapter. Taking careful attention to detail and to ensure the fraternity was rooted in authenticity, these Founder Diggs took courses in Greek heraldry and mythology and applied their combined knowledge to the development of these articles. In March 2019, Delaware State University student Marlon W. Jackson died and three other students were hospitalized after a car crash due to sleep deprivation caused by pledging the fraternity. The Fraternity would seek to raise the sights of Black youths and stimulate them to accomplishments higher than might otherwise be realized or even imagined. [52], Also in 2013, nine Kappas were charged with felony assault for severely beating pledges from Youngstown State University. January 13th - Delta Sigma Theta. Past Grand Polemarch Irven Armstrong was assigned the first; Harrison R. Duke, the second; and Harold M. Tyler, the third district. The idea originated with his father who was a Presiding Elder of the A.M.E. Church. Reliance would be placed upon high Christian ideals and the purpose of, On January 5, 1911, the Fraternity then became known as, Born out of the vestiges of racism, Kappa Alpha Nu encountered another metamorphosis, partially related to action of bigotry. The upcoming calendar is currently empty. Any member, who participates in underground pledge activities, or hazing of any kind, shall be expelled from the Fraternity. The first Pageant at the Grand Chapter Meeting occurred at the 58th Grand Chapter Meeting. The founders endeavored to establish the fraternity with a strong foundation before embarking on plans of expansion. Beginning July 2, members of Kappa . degree in 1915. There are hundreds of scholarships from which to choose, including the Rainey Scholarship at Michigan State, the Mekhdjian Scholarship at San Jose State, the Vasquez Scholarship at Arizona State and the de . [14], In the 1950s, as black Greek-letter organizations began the tradition of step shows, the fraternity began using the "Kappa Kane" in what it termed "cane stepping". The 20 pearls of Alpha Kappa Alpha, or AKA, refer to the 20 young women who founded and expanded the sorority beginning in 1908, explains the group's official website. Two of the founders were, Elder . The Chief Founder and others. In 1920, Xi chapter was chartered at Howard University. Vigilante lynchings of Blacks were commonplace. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college. Kappa League was founded on Thursday, February 12, 1969, by the Los Angeles Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., at Alain It was renamed the Kappa Instructional Leadership League The Founders were Mel L. Davis and Edgar H. Bishop. [13] The resolution to rename the group was adopted in December 1914, and the fraternity states, "the name acquired a distinctive Greek letter symbol and KAPPA ALPHA PSI thereby became a Greek letter Fraternity in every sense of the designation." Study sets, textbooks, questions. Create. In 1921, the Fraternity was divided into districts as a result of proposed legislation by George F. David II, the third Grand Polemarch. Although KA was founded as a predominantly African-American Greek organization, it has always been an inclusive fraternity that welcomes members of all races and nationalities. Through its worldwide prominence, Kappa Alpha Psi has had a global impact on events which affect our local communities as well as places around the globe. Kappa League was adopted by the Grand Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at the 56th Grand Chapter which was held August 12-15, 1970. Who are the Founders of Kappa League The founders of the Kappa Instructional Leadership League were Mel L. Davis and Edgar H. Bishop. If someone asks you "how long were you on line", how do you respond? He served as Grand Polemarch for the first six consecutive years of the Fraternitys existence. Most of them were working their way through school. The founders of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. are: Elder Watson Diggs, more affectionately known as 'The Dreamer', Dr. Ezra D. Alexander, Dr. Byron Kenneth Armstrong, Atty. Except for the years of World War I and II, when some Grand Chapter Meetings were suspended, Kappa Alpha Psihas grown and prevailed with unabating impetus. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight January 16th - Zeta Phi Beta. The name was officially changed to Kappa Alpha Psi on a resolution adopted at the Grand Chapter Meeting in December 1914. The state of Indiana became a stronghold for the Ku Klux Klan. In 1920, he married Mary Hunter, a teacher in the Indianapolis Public School system. Their experiences at Howard gave rise to the chief motivating spirits which sowed of the seed for a fraternity at Indiana University and crystallized the idea of establishing an independent Greek-letter organization. He practiced medicine in Indianapolis. Prosecutors confirmed he blew most of the money at Harrah's Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack.[28][29]. The fraternity has over 160,000 members with 721 undergraduate and alumni chapters in every state of the United States, and international chapters in the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, Japan, United States Virgin Islands, Nigeria, South Africa, and The Bahamas.[4]. It is the nation's first Black Greek organization. Fidelity Lodge No. It is a fact of which Kappa Alpha Psiis 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. Read about the time and period of KA's founding. Ernie Banks *Bro. George married the former Willa Mae Forte and settled in Stevenson, Indiana. Each Province sponsors a pageant during its council. The American fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi has established over 350 "chapters" (local sections) in universities and colleges all over the United States and elsewhere, in addition to about 90 chapters of alumni in American cities and a small number of colonies.The majority of the chapters remain active. Members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. They found that through these close interactions, they had common interests and a close bond began to emerge. It is a fact of which Kappa Alpha Psi is 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. Kappa Alpha Nu began uniting college men of culture, patriotism and honor in a Bond of fraternity. Kappa Alpha Nu became the first incorporated Black Fraternity in the United States once granted a charter by the Indiana Secretary of State on May 15, 1911. The Founders sought one anothers company between classes and dropped by one anothers places of lodging to further discuss the means of formulating the fledgling fraternity in an effort to relieve the depressing isolation. Many African-American students rarely saw each other on campus and were discouraged or prohibited from attending student functions and extracurricular activities by white college administrators and fellow students. Kappa Alpha Psi Apparel & Merchandise. Since the beginning, every endeavor was directed toward establishing the Fraternity upon a strong foundation before embarking on plans of expansion. Omega Psi Phi. WASHINGTON (7News) Some of the historically Black fraternity and sorority, also known as the Divine Nine, plots located . In the school years of 1910-11, a small group of Black students attended Indiana University. After his death on November 8, 1947, the name of the school where he taught was changed to the Elder Diggs School in his memory. Blacks were not allowed to reside in on-campus dormitories, were not afforded off-campus accommodations, and they were also denied the use of all other university facilities, and were barred from participating in contact sports. During World War I, he served as an investigator for the Department of Labor. However, the culture of underground pledging is deeply embedded in fraternities and sororities as a whole and extreme hazing continues to be widespread across the organization. 9/29/2019National Partnership with National Society of Black Engineers. Some of these members include: Ralph Abernathy, Wilt Chamberlin, Montell Jordan, Benjamin Jealous, Oscar Robertson, Cedric the Entertainer, Arthur Ashe, Mike Tomlin, Gayle Sayers, Adrian Fenty, Robert S. Abbott, Bennie Thompson, Donald Byrd, Johnnie Cochran, Ed Gardner, Smokie Norful, John Singleton, Tom Bradley, Bob Johnson, John Conyers, Alcee Hastings, Lerone Bennett, Jr., Kwame Jackson, Bill Russell, Tavis Smiley, Marvin Sapp, and Colin Kaepernick to name a few. These men of vision decided Kappa Alpha Nu would be more than another social organization. Browse 82 kappa alpha psi stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Attend "School Daze" 30th Anniversary Screening at The Fox Theatre on February 19, 2018 in Atlanta,. [7] Frederick Mitchell's name is on the application for the incorporation of the fraternity but withdrew from school and thus never became a member of the fraternity. And today, 5 . Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated is a historically African American Greek-letter fraternity that was founded on January 5, 1911 at Indiana University Bloomington. Blacks could go weeks without seeing one another on campus. This city was largely populated by settlers from below the Mason-Dixon line and therefore found many sympathizers of . [24], Membership is a solemn commitment. Instead, because of social restrictions for African Americans, fraternity . Blacks could go weeks without seeing one another on campus. His family won a $1.4 million wrongful death lawsuit against the fraternity and several Kappas served time in prison. On January 5, 1911, such an organization was born and thus Kappa Alpha Psi (then Kappa Alpha Nu) became a reality. Since the fraternity's founding on January 5, 1911 at Indiana University Bloomington, the fraternity has never limited membership based on color, creed or national origin.The fraternity has over 150,000 members with 721 undergraduate and alumni chapters in every state of the . Realizing that they had no part in the social life of the university and drawn together by common interests, they decided that a Greek-letter fraternity would do much to fill the missing link in their college existence. degree from the Medical School of Indiana University in 1919. These men of vision decided the Fraternity would be more than another social organization. degree. [57][58], Also in 2015, a former pledge at Coppin State University sued the fraternity for $4 million due to injuries he sustained while pledging. FOUNDED 1952 Learn about Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, Inc. in OrgCentral. He enrolled at Indiana University in 1909 and helped the other Founders in organizing Kappa Alpha Nu. These incidents caused the Founders to change the name of the Fraternity. The inaugural edition of the Kappa Alpha Nu Journal debuted April 1914 and has printed uninterrupted since with the exception to 1918 and 1919, due to WWI. "What they wanted to achieve being founded in the . Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. () is a historically African American fraternity.Since the fraternity's founding on January 5, 1911 at Indiana University Bloomington, the fraternity has never restricted membership on the basis of color, creed or national origin though membership traditionally is dominated by those of African heritage.The fraternity has over 160,000 members with 721 . [44], Also in 2009, two Kappas at the University of North Texas were arrested and charged with a Class B misdemeanor for brutally beating a pledge with a paddle.