ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was founded on January 5, 1911, at Indiana University Bloomington by ten visionary young men. The fraternity was established during a time of significant racial segregation and limited opportunities for African American students in higher education.


Through commitment, vision, and perseverance, these young men established an organization that would transcend generations and shape the lives of countless members who would join their ranks in the ongoing pursuit of achievement and brotherhood.

FOUNDERS

Fraternity Founders
Elder Watson Diggs
Byron Kenneth Armstrong
Ezra Dee Alexander
Henry Tourner Asher
Marcus Peter Blakemore
Paul Waymond Caine
George Wesley Edmonds
Guy Levis Grant
Edward Giles Irvin
John Milton Lee

OBJECTIVES

01

To unite college men of culture, patriotism and honor in a bond of fraternity

Creating a strong brotherhood among men who share similar values and aspirations, fostering lifelong connections that extend far beyond campus life.

02

To encourage honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor

Motivating members to strive for excellence in their academic, professional, and personal pursuits, setting high standards for accomplishment.

03

To promote the spiritual, social, intellectual, and moral welfare of its members

Supporting the holistic development of every brother, ensuring growth in all aspects of life that contribute to becoming well-rounded individuals.

04

To aid the aims and purposes of colleges and universities

Aligning with educational institutions to enhance the academic environment and contribute positively to campus culture and initiatives.

05

To inspire service in the public interest

Encouraging members to give back to their communities through service, leadership, and civic engagement, making lasting positive impacts.

ALPHA IOTA CHAPTER

Alpha Iota Chapter

The campus of Morgan State College in 1927 was a rich environment for academic excellence. The college existed of a robust student body which included men of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity from other chapters.

Charles Law: Epsilon Chapter
Robert "Cliff" Tarter: Xi Chapter
Kenneth Broom
Howard "Jack" Spencer
Thomas "Rapp" Wheatley: Xi Chapter
Henry Joyce
Randolph Jefferson

With the Lambda, Epsilon and Philadelphia Alumni Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. assembled in Philadelphia, December 27-31, 1930, the Twentieth Grand Chapter was authorized for an active chapter at Morgan State College of Baltimore, Maryland. A charter authorization reached maturity on May 29, 1931, with the establishment of The Alpha Iota Chapter, the 32nd undergraduate chapter established by the Fraternity and the first undergraduate chapter in the state of Maryland.

Brothers Tarter, Law, Spencer, and Wheatley were charter members. Brother Robert "Cliff" Tarter served as the first Polemarch of the chapter.

CHARTER MEMBERS

Charles Law

Thomas "Rapp" Wheatley

Howard "Jack" Spencer

Robert "Cliff" Tarter

FIRST INITIATED MEMBERS

Additionally, the first line pledged by the charter members at Morgan College and initiated into the Epsilon Chapter were also listed as charter members. These men were:

John W. Patterson
Herbert Jones
Melvin Roy
Babe Jones
Alphues Edwards

EXCELLENCE

Diamond Excellence

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

  • 1999-2003 29th International Grand Polemarch
  • 1994-1945 1st Junior Grand Vice Polemarch
  • 2009-2015 2x Past Grand Board Members
  • 1986-2014 3x Eastern Province Polemarch
  • 1982-1986 North Eastern Province Polemarch
  • 2011-2018 2x Region 1 Board Members

CHAPTER RECOGNITION

  • 2009 International Chapter of the Year
  • 2011-2018 8x Eastern Province Chapter of the Year
  • 2001-2025 10x Junior Vice Polemarch
  • 1989-2025 10x Mr. Morgan State

INDIVIDUAL HONORS

  • 2009 6x Byron K. Armstrong Awardee
  • 2009 1x William L. Crump Awardee
  • 1977-2011 6x Guy L. Grant Awardee

DETAILED ACHIEVEMENTS

Eastern Junior Vice Polemarch
2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009,
2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2024-2025
Guy L. Grant Awardee
1997, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2009, 2011
Mr. Morgan State
1989-1990, 1992-1993, 1994-1995, 1996-1997, 1999-2000,
2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2012-2013, 2015-2016, 2024-2025