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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED MEN OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, INC. FOR THEIR 113th FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION
WHEREAS, on the evening of January 5, 1911, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated was founded at Indiana University located in Bloomington, Indiana. The founders 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; and
WHEREAS, the motto of Kappa Alpha Psi is “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor”; and
WHEREAS, the five (5) objectives of Kappa Alpha Psi are:
• to unite college men of culture, patriotism, honor in the bond of fraternity,
• to encourage honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor,
• to promote the spiritual, social, intellectual, and moral welfare of its members,
• to assist in the aims and purposes of colleges and universities,
• to inspire service in the public interest; and
WHEREAS, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is the second oldest existing collegiate historically Black Greek letter fraternity and the 1st intercollegiate fraternity incorporated as a national body; and
WHEREAS, notable members include Ralph Abernathy, Wilt Chamberlin, Montell Jordan, Benjamin Jealous, Oscar Robertson, Cedric the Entertainer, Arthur Ashe, Mike Tomlin, Bennie Thompson, Johnnie Cochran, Smokie Norful, John Singleton, Lerone Bennett, Jr., Kwame Jackson, Bill Russell, Tavis Smiley, Marvin Sapp, and Colin Kaepernick; and
WHEREAS, on February 9, 1995, Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. became the first Black person to perform an extra-vehicular activity in space, also known as the spacewalk. Harris spent a total of 4 hours and 39 minutes outside of the space shuttle during the mission, completed 129 orbits, and traveled over 2.9 million miles; and
WHEREAS, members are Politicians, Scientists, Mentors, Fathers, Entrepreneurs, Entertainers, and Community Leaders; and
WHEREAS, there are several active Chapters Chartered in Cook County, Chicago Alumni, Iota, Theta, Theta Zeta, Kappa Phi, Chicago Heights Alumni, Calumet City-Lansing Alumni, Evergreen Park Alumni; and
WHEREAS, every year, these Chapters donate thousands of dollars in scholarships to high school students and mentor’s young men through the Kappa League and Guide Right Programs. Chapters also conduct Civic Action, Reclamation, and the Diamond Youth Foundation; and
WHEREAS, the Kappas conduct a program called “Healthy Kappas,” an initiative focusing on critical health issues and crisis affecting the residents of Cook County, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, on Friday, January 5th, 2024, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. celebrated their 113th Founders Day where individuals are recognized for their contributions to Community Achievements via Civic Action, Polemarch Appreciation, and Laurel Wreath awards.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that on behalf of the President, the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the 5.2 million residents of Cook County take great pleasure in honoring and celebrating the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for their leadership, dedication and commitment, and Founder’s Day celebration herewith express our sincere gratitude for your service to the community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution is spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in honor of this auspicious occasion.
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