Founded on the campus of Indiana University, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was formed during a time where segregation was normal. Unable to participate in the typical college activities, Elder Watson Diggs and Byron Kenneth Armstrong decided to create a fraternal space where they could have their own collegiate experience. 

The fraternity was founded with five objectives in mind, including promoting “the spiritual, social, intellectual and moral welfare of members.” They work to provide a positive global impact through all of their actions. Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc. is the first intercollegiate fraternity incorporated as a national body and the second oldest existing collegiate historically Black Greek-letter fraternity. They have over 700 alumni and undergraduate chapters in countries including Japan and Nigeria, with over 125,000 members. 

Here are a few valued members of Kappa Alpha Psi that we admire!

Marc Lamont Hill

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill is the host of BET News and the podcast Coffee and Books. Hill is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and serves as the Steve Charles Professor of Media, Cities, and Solutions at Temple University. He has earned journalistic awards from organizations like GLAAD and the National Association of Black Journalists. 

Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick started as a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Now, he works as a social justice activist after famously taking a knee during the National Anthem for racial and police reform at his games. His movement has inspired thousands of people across the world to stand up against the injustices around them. His new show, Colin in Black and White, is now out on Netflix. 

Kaepernick pledged Kappa at the University of Nevada Reno, earning his bachelor's degree in business management.

John Singleton

The late director John Singleton is known for his numerous films essential to Black culture, including Boyz N The Hood and Poetic Justice. While studying screenwriting at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, Singleton was initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at the Beta Omega Chapter, April 1987.

He was later nominated for an Oscar for Boyz N The Hood and became the "youngest director and the very first African-American in cinema history ever to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director." One of his last projects, Snowfall, is now showing on FX. 

Cedric the Entertainer

Comedian Cedric the Entertainer crossed in the Mu Zeta chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. He graduated with a B.A. degree in mass communication from Southeast Missouri State University in 1987. He has starred in The Steve Harvey Show and movies such as Johnson Family Vacation. In 2018, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He currently stars in The Neighborhood on CBS, where he also serves as the producer.

Montell Jordan

Musical artist Montell Jordan first hit the music scene with the songs "This Is How We Do It" and "What's On Tonight." He now serves as a pastor at Victory World Church in Atlanta. Like John Singleton, he also crossed the Beta Omega chapter. In 2015 he released a book with his wife, Kristin Jordan, titled This Is How We Do It! Making Your Marriage a Masterpeace. Recently, he sang the National Anthem at an LA Raiders game in December. 

Bishop Marvin Sapp

Bishop Marvin Sapp is a gospel artist who has made several iconic hits in Black culture, including the beloved song "Never Would Have Made It." He received the GMA Dove Award for Traditional Gospel Album of the Year in 2021 for his album "Chosen Vessel." He also serves as the founder and former senior pastor of the Lighthouse Full Life Center Church, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He crossed at the alumni chapter in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

"Nephew Tommy" Thomas Miles

Comedian, actor, and producer Nephew Tommy is one of the featured co-hosts of The Steve Harvey Morning Show. Miles is a lifetime member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, and he crossed in the Nu Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi and studied theater arts at Texas A&M University.

Ye Ali

Musical artist and producer from Hammond, Indiana, Ye Ali is also a proud Kappa and says joining a frat in college is still one of the "smartest things I ever did." His moniker, notably TrapHouse Jodeci, comes from his Kappa Alpha Psi party days. Along with working with Kehlani and Doja Cat, he is best known for his new project "Dangerous."

Happy Founder's Day to the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi!

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