History of the Jackson TN Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated
The Jackson Tennessee Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., located in Jackson, TN, was chartered December 3, 1949. Charter members included, Earnest Carter, Fred Mitchell, Andrew Jack Payne, and Robert Redford. These Kappa men received their undergraduate education at Lane College in Jackson, TN, and as Tennessee A&I College, now Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. The college chapters from which they hailed were Beta Lambda and Alpha Theta of Kappa Alpha Psi.
As professionals, these men were primarily educators; the exception was Earnest Carter, who was a dentist.Their focus obviously was to foster relationships and opportunities for others that were in the bond to maintain fraternal relations.
During the era of Jim Crow and racial segregation, few if any opportunities existed for African American men to engage in civic and social opportunities with the majority race. Developing a means to foster social and fraternal relations with likeminded men became a natural for the formation of the local chapter. The chapter also fostered opportunities for the wives, significant others, (Silhouettes) to develop relationships and a social bond. Rotational meetings in members homes became the norm and were continued for many years.
The chapter began to grow as members relocated to the area to pursue their careers and vocations. One of our signature events was the sponsorship of the annual Black & White Ball. This event was the social event of the year. It featured a band and people attended from all over West Tennessee. A focus on youth was also import in the early years. Student of the Year pageants were annual events.
The current membership embodies the Kappa Motto, “Achievement in every field of human endeavor.” Historically, our membership has represented many prestigeous fields, to include, medicine, education, religion, business, administration, entrepreneurship, music, manufacturing, as well as, a host of others.
Our chapter members our consistently sought out for special assignments at the Province and Grand Chapter levels of Kappa Alpha Psi. In addition, Senior Kappas and their wisdom is well represented in our membership.
The Jackson TN Alumni Chapter remains vibrant to this date and continues to support the programs and initiatives of the South Central Province and the Grand Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi.
Awards and Achievements of Jackson TN Alumni Chapter and Its Members
South Central Province Small Chapter of the Year Award
2009 64th Province Council - Louisville, KY
2010 65th Province Council - Nashville, TN
2011 66th Province Council - Memphis, TN
2024 78th Province Council - Louisville, KY
South Central Province Reclamation Award
2013 68th Province Council - Tupelo, MS
2014 69th Province Council - Lexington, KY
2015 70th Province Council - Murfreesboro, TN
2024 78th Province Council - Louisville, KY
South Central Province Alumni Brother of the Year
Jessie T. Apple, Sr. 1987 42nd Province Council - Jackson, TN
Dr. Jessie Cannon 2016 71st Province Council - Knoxville, TN
South Central Province Achievement Award
Jessie T. Apple, Sr. 1992 47th Province Council - Louisville, KY