Commend Brooklyn Kappa Alumni

March 22, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those illustrious organizations within the State of New York whose focus and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Brooklyn-Long Island Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its Public Meeting for the Northeastern Province's 89th Regional Council on Friday, March 22, 2019; and WHEREAS, On April 9, 1949, the Brooklyn Alumni Chapter was chartered with the vision to spread its concepts and ideals in its community; in

1960, that name was changed to the Brooklyn-Long Island Alumni Chapter; the original 15 members included Lewis S. Flagg, III, Polemarch; Leroy A. Payne, Vice Polemarch; Clifton E. Gross, Keeper of Records; Frank C. Johnson, Keeper of the Exchequer; Claude B. Cave, Historian; and Elliott J. Barnett, Williams Brooks, Wesley H. Carrion, William M. Chisholm, R. Risley Dent, Jr., Charles R. Joseph, Rudolph Scott, Frizzell J. Smith, Austin Sobers and LaVerte T. Warren; and WHEREAS, These civic-minded men worked diligently to better their Brooklyn community in a myriad of ways including annual Thanksgiving turkey drives, toy drives, mentorship programs for youth, and, in conjunction with local foundations, graciously donated significant funds to inner-city high school students entering college; and WHEREAS, In 1954, the Brooklyn-Long Island Alumni Chapter hosted its first province council at the Sumner Avenue Armory; the Chapter partnered with Long Island University-Brooklyn campus, and the first Kappas made at Delta Mu were Preston L. Lambert, John Yancy, Nick Ramos, Harry Eli, Randolph Grannum and Hamilton N. Jenkins; they were led by Thomas "Beanie" Watkins and Clifford Jenkins and assisted by members of Omicron and New York Alumni; and WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, the Brooklyn-Long Island Alumni Chapter established the Guide Right Program at JHS 35 under the leadership of Brother Sobers; the Chapter branched out and contributed to athletic programs and other events in the community such as the Annual Scholarship Dance which raises significant funds for local youth; and WHEREAS, The Brooklyn-Long Island Alumni Chapter also developed the Kappa League Program; under the luminous leadership of Donald Fields and Leroy Talford, the Program was recognized for its good work in the community; after serving for many years as Chairman of the NEP Guide Right Committee, Brother Fields was honored by the NEP with the James M. Kidd Award for Distinguished Service; and WHEREAS, Also, during this time period, two of the stalwart chapter members played important roles on the Grand Chapter level; Donell H. "Flat Top" Edgerton III was elected to the position of Grand Chapter Nominating Committee Chairman and served in that role for 19 years, and Brother William S. "Bill" Eaddy was Grand Chapter Recorder for many years; and WHEREAS, In 1970, the Brooklyn-Long Island Alumni Chapter hosted its second Province Council, and in the 1980s and 1990s, it expanded its involvement with undergraduate chapters by helping organize the Mu Pi Chapter and chartering Xi Zeta and Xi Omicron Chapters, and became advisors for Mu Omicron Chapter; and WHEREAS, The Brooklyn-Long Island Alumni Chapter also supported its community by holding canned food and clothing drives, distributing Thanksgiving baskets and meals, and held various walk/run-a-thons, and SAT workshops for college hopefuls; and WHEREAS, In addition, the Brooklyn-Long Island Alumni Chapter hosted its Annual Alumni Greek Step Show to raise funds for both the College Fund and the Hale House, the 62nd NEP Council, and the 1993 CRWLC; and WHEREAS, The success of Brooklyn-Long Island Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is in direct correlation to the efforts of its members, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the sorority and the population it serves; and WHEREAS, In light of its commitment, dedication, and successful efforts, it is the practice of this Legislative Body to extend its highest commendation to the Brooklyn-Long Island Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Brooklyn-Long Island Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its Public Meeting for the Northeastern Province's 89th Regional Council on March 22, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Brooklyn-Long Island Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.