The History of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was founded January 5, 1911 on the campus of Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.  It was first known as Kappa Alpha Nu Fraternity. The name was changed to Kappa Alpha Psi on April 15, 1915. The founders were the honorable Elder Watson Diggs, affectionately known as “the dreamer”, Ezra D. Alexander, Byron Kenneth Armstrong, Henry T. Asher, Marcus Peter Blakemore, Paul W. Caine, George W. Edmonds, Guy L. Grant, Edward G. Irvin, and John Milton Lee. The fraternity was founded on the principle of “Achievement in every field of human endeavor”.  In 1922 Kappa Alpha Psi created its Guideright program which gives educational and occupational guidance to youths.  On January 5th, 2011 Kappa Alpha Psi celebrated its 100 year anniversary.
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History of The Zeta Iota Chapter

In 1970, Brother Walter R. Allen, Sr. mobilized sixteen young black men at the University of Georgia. With the support of William Kennedy, they formed the first interest group of prospective Kappas.
The Athens Alumni Chapter supported the prospective chapter throughout the charter process. On April 16, 1971, Province Polemarch Joseph Johnson and the Athens Alumni Chapter chartered the Zeta Iota Chapter at the University of Georgia.

Zeta Iota Chapter Charter members were Regero Sampson, Ric Gilmore, Henry Childs, JuDonn Adams, Donald Perry, James Harvey, Joe Ripley, Vernon Neely, Charles Benton, Joe Tate, Ralph Bryant, Levert Hood, Sam Smiley, William Kennedy, Jackie Davis, and Jeff Brooks.
Since the chapter’s inception, Zeta Iota has worked to cultivate the intellectual, professional, spiritual, and social development of its members. More than half a century later, the chapter remains committed to developing leaders and equipping them for a lifetime of success. Zeta Iota is engaged on the campus of the University of Georgia and remains active within the Athens community.

The Zeta Iota chapter has attained some of the highest achievements throughout the Southeastern Province and Grand Chapter levels of Kappa Alpha Psi. A chapter member has earned the distinction of Grand Junior Vice Polemarch. Four have served as Southeastern Province Junior Vice Polemarchs. Four members have been recognized as Guy L. Grant awardees.
Chapter members continue to serve their fraternity at every level. Years later, our members continue making their impact in their chapter, in their community and on the world.