.png)
The storied fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi was founded in 1911.
It was founded on lofty goals of achievement, service, and empowering young black men.
Over a century later, the fraternity’s complex history mirrors the broader struggles of the black experience in America.
Founded in 1911 with noble principles, the fraternity has faced ongoing challenges with hazing incidents.
Kappa Alpha Psi banned the practice in 1990 after the tragic death of Michael Davis in 1994.
The death happened during an illegal pledging ritual at Southeast Missouri State University.
Some have attributed the death to a dangerous hazing culture of hyper-masculinity and ancient rites in specific chapters.
Even after the official banning of hazing, the organization continues to struggle with reconciling its stated ideals against dangerous sub-cultures.
Many of these hazing have resulted in multiple hospitalizations, arrests, and lawsuits over the decades.
Kappa Alpha Psi was founded as an African American fraternal organization, where it implemented a “pure Negro blood” membership requirement in 1923.
This practice excluded individuals of mixed racial heritage.
This discriminatory policy remained in effect for nearly 40 years!
Only to finally be repealed in 1961 during the civil rights movement.
The fraternity has faced multiple serious allegations regarding its handling of sexual assault cases.
Some chapters have been accused of suppressing reports and failing to investigate incidents between 2001-2018 properly.
Universities in Texas and Maryland are the most prevalent offenders.
These chapters have been criticized for fostering environments that were negligent in preventing assaults and protecting female students’ safety.
Many legal challenges and arrests taunt Kappa Alpha Psi to this day.
In 2005, the University of Missouri-Kansas City chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi was placed on probation after members were found involved in gang-related crimes—including forcing new recruits to participate in shootings and drug trafficking with the Bloods.
However, these are just a few isolated incidents of gang activity among local chapters.
It’s important to note that the leadership of the national Kappa Alpha Psi has never condoned such behavior and they have responded firmly with suspensions and anti-gang initiatives whenever violations were discovered.
While acknowledging past challenges, Kappa Alpha Psi demonstrates its core mission through:
All these programs empower Black achievement.
The fraternity’s commitment to service has been highlighted via national partnerships like a $500,000 NAACP donation, and robust alumni network that provides professional opportunities.
Though it has a dark history, the fraternity has tried to live by the motto of “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.”
.png){kind=logo}
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)