On UD’s campus, the word “nupe” might not generate many pictures in a person’s head.
There aren’t many of them left, but nupes, members of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., are trying their best to revive a brotherhood they hold dear.
Kappa President Stacey Harris is the only active member left on campus and represents the fraternity alone in the Kappa house, 206 Lawnview Ave. He is surrounded by colorful 5-foot pledge class paddles in every room, with names of brothers he never knew. He is also often surrounded by invested alumni, a reminder of the family he will always have.
From 2000 to 2006 Kappa was the largest black fraternity on campus. UD recognized it as an official organization in 1978; it was founded at Indiana University in 1911. Its birth state was the same as the Ku Klux Klan’s during a time there weren’t many black college students, according to chapter adviser Charles Kellom.
The adversity Kappas have faced throughout the years gives them a reason to join together. Kellom, ’05, said the fraternity is “a tradition of lifetime commitment . . . because we’re always helping brothers succeed.”
He models his commitment after his father, a Kappa since 1968 at the University of Cincinnati. Kappa connections gave his father and others job opportunities and prominence in the community.
“It’s not a black and white issue,” said Jason LaFlore, ’07. “It’s more cultural.”
From congressmen to UD grads and MLS player Dasan Robinson, Kappas are everywhere. Their presence reflects upon a Kappa motto, “teaching for leadership.”
“We expect Kappas to be true leaders on campus in the black community and the university community as a whole,” LaFlore said.
The Christian-based Kappas build leadership through education and service opportunities. Kellom is taking a free trip to “Kappas on Capitol Hill” this spring. During this trip he will meet Kappas who are now congressmen. All members are working toward raising money and gaining naming rights for a sickle cell research wing in St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
On campus, Kappas hold a program once a month and Kappa week each semester. Every night is a different topic, like education about graduate school or current events. In true Kappa style, they always throw a dance party at the end.
Harris may be the only active Kappa left on campus, but on Tuesday night two other Kappas had taken over the living room to play video games and plan Friday’s party. They said the house still feels like home and one more member would soon be joining them on the couch.
The Kappas are hosting Pristine Kreation dance party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. tonight in McGinnis Center. A midnight performance unveils the newest line (pledge class) to cross the burning sands (join the fraternity). Admission is $2 for Greeks and women and $3 for men.
Every UD Kappa has gone through a proshow, the dance party where new members are unveiled, and always comes back for more.
“It’s a lifetime commitment,” Kellom said. “You’re a Kappa forever.”
This article was provided by: Flyer News
Written by: Jennie Szink
