Administration

2013-2014	Officers	2014-2015
Brandon Wylie	Vice Polemarch	Brandon Wylie
Floyd Taliaferro IV	2nd Vice Polemarch	Floyd Taliaferro IV
Leonoid Lashley	Keeper of Records	Leonoid Lashley
Brandon Hines	Asst. Keeper of Records	Brandon Hines
Kai Nichelson	Keeper of the Exchequer	Kai Nichelson
Darryl E. Strange	Asst. Keeper of the Exchequer	Darryl E. Strange
Erik Hagood	Strategus	Erik Hagood
Sammie L. Johnson Jr.	Lt. Strategus	Sammie L. Johnson Jr.
Craig Sims	Historian	Craig Sims
Enyinna Anthony	Reporter	Raymond Teasdell
Randall Craig	Legal Counsel	Randall Craig
	Board of Directors
Anthony Ferguson		Anthony Ferguson
Floyd Taliaferro III		Floyd Taliaferro III
Enyinna Anthony		Enyinna Anthony
Theodore Garrett Jr.		Theodore Garrett Jr.
Carey Edwards		Carey Edwards

2013-14 Key Events and Highlights

Transitional Leadership Workshop

A Transitional Leadership Workshop was held on Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 10am-2pm at the Baltimore Alumni Chapter Fraternity House to kick-off the agenda and expectations of the incoming administration. Kirk Hemphill facilitated the workshop and covered a series of topics that ranged from duties and responsibilities of each office/officer to the administrative process.

Purchase of 1207 Eutaw Place

Polemarch Kirk Hemphill contacts the membership via email on June 28, 2013 with the following communications:

“I am pleased to announce that the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation – Metropolitan Baltimore successfully closed on the 1207 Eutaw Place property today.  I would like to thank all of the members of the acquisition committee for diligently working to bring the Baltimore Alumni Chapter home to 1207 Eutaw Place.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Kappa Alpha Psi Youth and Community Center (KYCC).

See the story on Real Property.

2013 Retreat

The William O. Dennis Retreat Planning Conference was held on July 19 – 21, 2013 at the Hyatt Fairfax Fairlakes in Fairfax, VA. “The Rededication To Our Pledge And Tasks” was the theme during the retreat and for the upcoming fraternal year. The 48^th Polemarch Kirk A. Hemphill addressed the Brothers of the Baltimore Alumni Chapter by reiterating BAC’s mission and vision, shared an overview of his experiences (on the job training) leading up to his election as Polemarch and outlined his platform as Polemarch. 

Mission

The mission of the Baltimore Alumni Chapter (BAC) of ΚΑΨ Fraternity, Inc. is to promote the fundamentals of brotherhood, achievement and community service throughout the Greater Baltimore metropolitan area and beyond.

 

 

Vision

The Baltimore Alumni Chapter will be the premier chapter of ΚΑΨ Fraternity, Inc. and a leader among fraternal organizations worldwide.

 

Polemarch Hemphill shared that to address MOIP concerns, the Chapter plans to introduce a Benchmark Academy to facilitate new member induction and fraternalism.  The SOP manual will also be a part of Benchmark Academy. Polemarch highlighted that retention and reclamation also required the same amount of energy. Polemarch stated that it is his wish that the Guide Right program return to its previous level of excellence. Polemarch closed by highlighting our Creed and reiterated that we should rededicate ourselves to our pledge and tasks. 

81^st Grand Chapter Meeting – Houston, Texas

Brother George David receives the Elder Watson Diggs Award (develop a separate page to honor him)

Jacquelene S. Massey Elected President, National Silhouette, during the National Silhouette Meeting in conjunction with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 2013 National Meeting – Houston, Texas.

Bull Roast

Brother Duane Elliott, Chairman of the 2013 Bull Roast and Day Party acknowledged that the September 29, 2013 event held at Morgan State University’s Calvin & Tina Tyler Ballroom was another successful event and could not have done it without the support of the Brothers. 

50/50 Raffle @ Bull Roast

Polemarch Kirk A. Hemphill presented the report on the chapter’s first 50/50 of the year held on Sunday, September 29, 2013 at the Bull Roast and Day Party.  The committee raised $1,230.00 and the winner of the raffle, Ms Deborah Huey, received $615.00 and the Chapter received $615.00.

MOIP

Brother Brandon Wylie announced that the Body elected 8 of the 10 candidates interviewed at the September 28, 2013 called meeting.  The Fall 2013 MOIP Cluster was held on Thursday, October 31-Friday -November 1, 2013 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.  The new Brothers added to the bond are as follows:

Brother Jamal Brown	Brother Sammie Johnson
Brother Stephen Carrington	Brother Zachary Pencarski
Brother H. Duante Duckett	Brother Turner Rascoe
Brother Dr. Jonathan Grant	Brother Joshua Thomas

Benchmark Academy

Brother Marvin Carr stated, “The academy will be open to newly initiated brothers and has three goals: developing leadership, event management, and event planning skills; understanding fraternal duties and responsibilities and understanding chapter and fraternal history and etiquette.” The program was conducted on the first and third Mondays at the Kappa Youth and Community Center beginning on November 4, 2013. Brother George F. David III reiterated, “The Benchmark Academy is very important to retention and legacy of the chapter.”

Academy Schedule:

Dates	Topics
November 6, 2013	•        True to the Ideals… •        What is Kappa Alpha Psi?
November 18, 2013	•        Showing up is half the battle •        Understanding the By Laws and the C&S
December 2, 2013	•        Event Planning and Execution •        Going Beyond Community Service
December 16, 2013	•        Where do I Fit in?  Finding your Place in the Committee Framework
February 3, 2014	•        BAC Annual Events: Their History, and Their Future
February 17, 2013	•        BAC Leadership: Breaking into the System
March 3, 2014	•        Executing and Hosting Events •        The Use of Social Media in a 21st century Benchmark
March 17, 2014	•        Financial Responsibilities: More than paying dues •        Kappa Alpha Psi: The Political Process
April 14, 2014	•        Quality Management and The Use of Social Media in a 21st century Benchmark
April 28, 2014	•        The Benchmark:  It’s a lifestyle and Kappa Alpha Psi Governance
May 10, 2014	•        Portfolio Presentations & Pinning

“The Benchmark” Newsletter

September 2013, Volume 27, Issue 1 of the new and improved “The Benchmark” newsletter rolled of the digital press. Brother Brandon Hines, Editor and Graphic Designer of the publication revitalized a valuable and viable component of the chapter’s communication by enhancing the look, feel, and delivery through the use of digital and social media.

National Founders Day

Eastern Province hosted the 2014 National Founders’ Day celebration on January 2^nd-5^th 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland at the Marriott Renaissance Harbor Place Hotel.

Night in Kappa Vegas

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Black & White

Brother Brandon Wylie chaired the Annual Black & White was held on May 31, 2014 at the KYCC from 6pm to 10pm.

Family Picnic

Bro. Godfrey Durham invited Brothers to participate in this family friendly picnic at Elks Camp Barrack in Crownsville, Md.

Summer Boat Ride

Brother Kai Nichelson chaired the summer event, Kappa Boat Ride, which was held on July 19, 2014 on the Spirit of Baltimore. The committee also hosted a pre-boarding cocktail hour at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Inner Harbor.

Guide Right Program/Benchmark Kappa Youth Leadership Academy (GR/KL)

Activities Kappa Leaguers participated in during the year included:

• The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade held on January 20, 2014.
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority career panel workshop in April for 2014-15.
• Kappa League Lock-In on March 7th, 2014
• Bond Bill Saturday in Annapolis on March 8, 2014.
• Donated non-perishable food collected to the Basket of Help initiative sponsored by the Baltimore City government and published the Benchmark “Son” Volume 4.
• 1^st Annual Beautillion in June 8, 2014
• On April 26, 2014, approximately 9 GR/KL scholars participated in Comcast’s 13^th Annual nationwide day of service and Green Week initiative at Druid Hill Park.

Worship Service

BAC attended services at the following churches:

Sunday, September 15, 2013: Morning Star Baptist

Sunday, December 15, 2013: Empowerment Temple

Sunday, March, 30 2014: Douglas Memorial

Sunday, June 22, 2014: New Psalmist

Community Service

BAC participated in a fall coat drive with AKA Sorority, Inc. Rho Xi Omega chapter yielding a total of 131 coats for needy families in Baltimore City. On October 12, 2013 the committee delivered these coats to St. James Church in Baltimore.

“Kappas in the Community” is collaboration between the BAC and our UMES Alumni Brothers.  The goal of this project was to collect hats, scarves, uniforms and gloves for two Baltimore City public schools (Booker T. Washington and Martin Luther King).  School uniforms were donated to homeless families by the Foundation.

On December 7, 2013, approximately 25 BAC Brothers volunteered at Maryland Food Bank on Saturday. 

BAC participated in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade held on January 20, 2014. 

On February 24– 28, 2014, the BAC participated in an event called “The City Hall Rotunda” for Greek organizations to share information on community involvement and a historical perspective on accomplishments in the City of Baltimore. On Wednesday, February 26, the Mayor hosted a reception to honor the Divine Nine Presidents’ Awardees.

On April 26, 2014, BAC participated in Comcast Cares Day at Druid Park.

On May 3, 2014, BAC also participated in the March for Babies at Camden Yards.

On May 17, 2014, BAC participated in a community cleanup of Eutaw Park (1300 block of Eutaw Place)

On June 28, 2014, BAC participated in the Bolton Hill community cleanup.

Mid-Year Retreat

Mid-Year Retreat was held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at the KYCC.

Membership Notables

Brothers who passed on to the Chapter Invisible:

Brother Charles Bowie Jr.,Brother Bowie was initiated on December 11, 1958 at the Morgan State University Chapter, the Alpha Iota of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

Brother Philip  Ray Hall (Alpha Iota 1949) initiated on December 9, 1949 at the Morgan State University chapter, the Alpha Iota of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Brother Clarence “Channing” Jackson, III: initiated on May 10, 1951 at the Morgan State University chapter, the Alpha Iota of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Brother Gerald Smith, Esq: initiated on May 10, 1954 at the Howard University chapter, the Xi of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

Brother Clarence “Channing” Jackson III: Initiated on May 10, 1951 at the Morgan State University chapter, the Alpha Iota of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

Brother Melvin Money Johnson: Initiated on January 6, 1947 at the Morgan State University chapter, the Alpha Iota of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

Brother George F. David III, Brother David was initiated on December 7, 1940 at the Wilberforce University chapter, the Delta of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

Brother Charles W. Stills Jr.: Initiated on April 13, 1954 at the Morgan State University chapter, the Alpha Iota of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

Brother Claude D. Urquhart Jr., Brother Urquhart was initiated on June 12, 1954 at the Columbia University chapter, the Omicron of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Brother S. Lee Martin, Brother Martin was initiated on 1959 at the Morgan State University chapter, the Alpha Iota of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

Reclamation

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Achievement Highlights

Brother David received the Elder Watson Diggs award.

Big Brother Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake recognized the BAC’s Guide Right mentoring program.

George L. Russell Brunch honored Brother Larry Gibson who has had a prolific career in Law and Education. He released a new book, Young Thurgood: The Making of a Supreme Court Justice, in the fall.  The book was the first in-depth examination of Marshall’s formative years and shows how his personality, priorities, and work habits were shaped by people and events before he joined the NAACP staff in 1936.  

Brother of the Year	John Dameron
I.W.E. Taylor	No Recipient
G. James Fleming	Marvin Carr
James Fenimore Cooper	Leonoid Lashley
William “Box” Harris	No Recipient
Talmadge H. Pickney	Kenneth Oliver
C. Rodger Kelly “Brother to Brother”	Eric Booker
Professional Awards	Health- Vacant Government – Antonio Hayes Science – Vacant Business – Paige Davis Jr. Religion – Vacant	Education – Vacant Industry – Vacant Law – Vacant Arts – Vacant

 

2014-15 Key Events and Highlights

2014 Retreat

Bro. Polemarch Kirk A. Hempill reflected on the chapter’s achievements and community activism since last August.  Highlights included BAC’s renewed commitment to monthly community service, the introduction of 1^st Saturday’s Kappa paraphernalia day, the completed BAC SOP manual, the inaugural Benchmark Academy, recognition from the Eastern Province for reclaiming 23 Brothers, and the inaugural Guide Right Beautillion. Furthermore, Polemarch charged Brothers to recommit to BAC and together we will reach higher heights by staying true to our ideals.

Cease and Desist Order

“PLEASE BE ADVISED that the Baltimore (MD) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, is hereby ordered to cease and desist all activities regarding Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. The Baltimore Alumni Chapter is placed under direct supervision of the Province Polemarch.”

Bull Roast

Bull Roast and Day Party was held on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Morgan State University’s Calvin and Tina Tyler Ballroom.

Night in Kappa Vegas

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Triple Play Raffle

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Black & White

Black and White Ball was held on May 30, 2015 at the KYCC.

Family Picnic

On June 13, 2015, The Family Cookout was held at the Elks Camp Barrack in Crownsville, Md. The event was enjoyed by all who attended and lived up to theme of the 5 F’s (Fun, Family, Fraternity, Food, and Friends).

MOIP

An excerpt from the notice regarding membership intake from the desk of the Grand Polemarch William “Randy” Bates, Jr., Esq:

“Effective September 12, 2014, Grand Polemarch William “Randy” Bates, Jr., Esq. announced that the Grand Board of Directors of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.® unanimously adopted a resolution imposing an immediate moratorium on membership intake for both alumni and undergraduate chapters.  The Board resolution authorized the fraternity’s CEO and Grand Polemarch, William “Randy” Bates, Jr. Esq., to establish a task force to study the current process by which fraternity members are selected and initiated, and to make recommendations of possible revisions or modifications to it. The board has mandated that the membership of the task force be broad based, comprised of both undergraduate and alumni members, and  well qualified individuals from a broad array of professional fields, including education, business, law and the social and behavioral sciences.”

Guide Right Program/Benchmark Kappa Youth Leadership Academy (GR/KL)

The Kappa Youth Leadership Academy hosted an interest meeting for parents and students on September 13, 2014. Young men grades 8th – 12th grade were invited to learn about the program, meet current program scholars and the program’s leadership.

The Guide Right program conducted a community service project, supporting the Bolton Hill Nursery by selling Lemonade on Saturday, October 11, 2014. A portion of the proceeds funded Bolton Hill’s Community non-profit grants.

Brother Jonathan Grant presented the current activities for the Kappa League/Guide Right program. Tutoring began September 16, 2014 and was held every Tuesday from 6- 8p at the KYCC

September 26 – 27^th, new members of the program had their first phase class retreat.

October 18, scholars attended Morgan State University’s homecoming game and tailgate with members of BAC.

October 25th, scholars participated in a Health Fair Parade sponsored by First Apostolic Church.

October 27th, 11^th & 12^th scholars attended the Baltimore National College Fair at the Baltimore Convention Center.

November 8th scholars of The Benchmark Kappa Youth Leadership Institute participated in the CEASE (Communities Engaged and Advocating for a Smoke-free Environment) conference at Morgan State University. The scholars presented a poster on engaging poor and under-served populations to prevent and end tobacco use.

Under the guidance of Guide Right Chairman, Darien Nolin, Kappa Leaguer, Uriel Gray, won the 2015 Eastern Province Guide Right Student Of The Year Competition.  Uriel Gray, a junior, attends Frederick Douglass High School, participates in the Marching Band, Swim Team, and has aspirations to become a physician and maintains a 3.5 G.P.A. Uriel will be representing the Eastern Province to compete in the National Student Of The Year Competition at the Conclave in New Orleans.

2015 Beautillion was held on April 25, 2015, “Building the Present, Illuminating the Future”, at the Kappa Alpha Psi Youth and Community Center.  Polemarch Kirk Hemphill was recognized for his continued support and commitment to the Guide Right/Kappa League program.

Worship Service

BAC attended services at the following churches:

Sunday, September 28, 2014: Morgan State University Christian Center
Sunday, December 14, 2014: Morning Star Baptist Church
Sunday, March 22, 2015: New Waverly United Methodist Church

Health Awareness

Members of BAC participated in the Zero Prostate Walk/Run on Sunday, September 14, 2014.

Community Service

BAC participated in The People’s BBQ for the Homeless on Saturday, August 16, 2014 assisting with set-up, grilling, and clean up.

BAC hosted a Christmas Classic: Celebration and Toy-for-Tots Drive on December 19, 2014. With the Christmas Classic we’re bringing back a BAC traditional Christmas party. The The event was sponsored by the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation of Metropolitan Baltimore and held at the Midtown BBQ and Brew Pub.

Mayor’s Spring Harvest Fresh Produce Distribution, on Saturday, May 30, 2015 members of BAC along with other chapters of the Divine 9 participated in the Mayor’s Spring Harvest Fresh Produce Distribution. The event will took place at the Jones Falls Expressway under pass at Holiday & Saratoga Street. The Mayor’s Office needed volunteers to help bag and distribute produce items from the Maryland Food Bank to those in need.

BAC participated in Comcast Cares Day held on April 25, 2015. 

Baltimore Uprising, requests to support and help the community by members of our Fraternity, generally and the Baltimore Alumni Chapter, specifically was overwhelming. The leadership of the Chapter and Foundation made concerted efforts to share information and resources so that every Kappa could pursue service in the public interest. The members of BAC rallied to participate in the following activities:

• On May 3, 2015, in response to the Baltimore Uprising, Brothers also participated in an event to benefit the Baltimore community with other members of the NPHC-MB.
• Peace Walk on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Johns Hopkins main campus
• Community Clean-Up on Sunday, May 3 and Saturday May 9, 2015 at Baltimore City Public School System, 200 E. North Avenue Baltimore, MD.
• Brother Antonio Hayes requested donations to support Penn North Plaza Senior Center

Membership Notables

Brothers who passed on to the Chapter Invisible:

Brother Samuel E. Jackson Jr., Brother Jackson was initiated on April 26, 1953 at the University Of Louisville Chapter, the Alpha Omicron of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Brother Robert Ammons, Brother Ammons was initiated on December 9, 1949 at the Morgan State University Chapter, the Alpha Iota of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Brother Rudolph Johnson, Brother Johnson was initiated on March 18, 1943 at the Lincoln University Chapter, the Epsilon of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

Brother Dr. Raymond Gray, Brother Gray was initiated on May 24, 1944 at the Lincoln University Chapter, the Epsilon of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Brother Ernest Colvin, Brother Colvin was initiated on December 9, 1954 at the Morgan State University Chapter, the Alpha Iota of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Brother Jesse Edwards, Brother Edwards was initiated on December 10, 1966 at the University Of Maryland Eastern Shore Chapter, the Gamma Xi of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Brother Carl Adair, Brother Adair was initiated on December 11, 1954 at the Virginia State University Chapter, the Alpha Phi of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

Brother Joseph L. Gibson, Esq., transitioned to the Chapter Invisible on June 8, 2015. Brother Gibson was initiated in 1955 at the Temple University Chapter, the Lambda of Kappa Alpha Psi.

Brother James Albert Dorsey, Alpha Iota, 1954, passed to the Chapter Invisible on Wednesday, 3 June 2015.  He was a chartering Brother of the Columbia (MD) Alumni Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Brother William A. Ross Sr., Brother Ross was initiated on December 11, 1948 at the Delaware State University Chapter, the Beta Sigma of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

Reclamation

Brothers Carey Edwards and Duane Elliott chaired Reclamation Committee and the BAC hosted an open house on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at the KYCC. The event involved collection of emails, addresses, phone numbers, etc. and possible payment of dues.

Achievement Highlights

Brother Dr. Nathan Fletcher, the Board of Trustees of the National Dental Association announced on Saturday, September 27, 2014, at its fall meeting that NDA Past President Dr. Nathan Fletcher will serve as Interim Executive Director.

Brother Turhan Robinson, was nominated for and was selected to receive the Paul Thompson Memorial Award.  Brother Robinson received the award during the 15th Annual Memorial Buffalo Soldiers Banquet held on February 22, 2015 at the Morgan State University Ballroom. (Note, Paul Thompson served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.  Later, he became the first African American to head a national veterans service organization – the DAV and one of his accomplishments was the study, Forgotten Warriors, which led to validation of PTSD in the DSM III.)

 

Brother Leonadus Plenty, to celebrate the accomplishments of 32 years of service to the Fairfax Park Authority, the Lee District Park Amphitheater was renamed in honor of Leonadus K. Plenty, former manager of the Lee District RECenter.

 

Large Chapter of the Year Award, BAC petition won the 2015 Eastern Province Large Chapter of the Year award.

Brother of the Year	Kevin Clark
I.W.E. Taylor	Brandon Hines
G. James Fleming	Dedric Rogers
James Fenimore Cooper	Donald Chambers
William “Box” Harris	Eric Booker
Talmadge H. Pickney	No Recipient
C. Rodger Kelly “Brother to Brother”	No Recipient
Professional Awards	No Recipient	No Recipient

For the Good of the Chapter

The Young Brothers of the Baltimore (MD) Alumni Chapter hosted “The PreGame Morgan Homecoming Happy Hour” at The Kappa Alpha Psi Youth and Community Center on Friday, October 17, 2014.

Kappa House Sold, On January 15, 2015 at 9:30am the sale of the Kappa House at 4903 Liberty Heights Avenue was made official.

Kappas in Annapolis, BAC participated in the annual Kappas in Annapolis on March 11, 2015 hosted by Brother Nathaniel McFadden (BAC), Brother Anthony Muse, and Brother Antonio Hayes (BAC).

BAC Logo, Brother Hines introduces the new BAC logo

New BAC Logo