WHEREAS, The original seed of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was planted in Bloomington, Indiana on the campus of the University of Indiana on January 5th, 1911. The founding of the fraternity was the beautiful realization of a vision shared by the ten founders and all undergraduate students: Elder Watson Diggs, John Milton Lee, Byron K. Armstrong, Guy Levis Grant, Ezra D. Alexander, Henry T. Asher, Marcus P. Blakemore, Paul W. Caine, Edward G. Irvin, and George W. Edmonds; and,
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WHEREAS, The fraternity was initially chartered and incorporated under the laws of the State of Indiana as Kappa Alpha Nu on May 15, 1911. The fraternity name was changed to Kappa Alpha Psi on a resolution offered and adopted at the Grand Chapter in December 1914. This change became effective on April 15, 1915, on a proclamation by the then Grand Polemarch, Elder Watson Diggs; and,
WHEREAS, An initial founder of the now international fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Marcus P. Blakemore built his life and business in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Blakemore studied dentistry at The University of Pittsburgh after graduating from the University of Indiana. Upon receipt of his Doctorate degree of Dental Surgery in 1923, Dr. Blakemore opened his own successful dental practice in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, which he operated until his death in October 1953. He is buried at the Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh; and,
WHEREAS, The Pittsburgh Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc. was founded in July of 1922 on the campus of Duquesne University. It is important to recognize members of the fraternity who have committed their lives to advancing the mission of the fraternity, such as Russell Washington and Lorenzo Hill of Pittsburgh, who have both served the fraternity for more than 70 years; as well as Retired Lt. Col. George N. Charlton, Jr. and Eric S. Morris who have both received the prestigious Elder Watson Diggs award for their continued service to the fraternity. It is also important to recognize Pittsburgh Alumni Chapter member Prentess E. Washington, who was the catalyst in getting the City of Pittsburgh to recognize Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for its Centennial Anniversary; and,
WHEREAS, The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has groomed and boosted the leadership qualities of various leaders in today's society. A few notable members of Kappa Alpha Psi include: Comedian Cedric "The Entertainer" Kyles, Musician Marvin Sapp, Businessman Robert L. Johnson, Coach Mike Tomlin, Attorney Johnnie Cochran, and Athlete Wilt Chamberlain;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for the work they do on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh and internationally through community service;
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare January 5th, 2011 to be "Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.
SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMAN R. DANIEL LAVELLE
CO-SPONSORED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
DARLENE M. HARRIS, REV. RICKY V. BURGESS, PATRICK DOWD, BRUCE A. KRAUS, THERESA KAIL-SMITH, WILLIAM PEDUTO, NATALIA RUDIAK,
AND DOUGLAS SHIELDS