Congratulating Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on 98 years of serving local communities and enriching the lives of collegiate men throughout the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 659 to congratulate Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on 98 years of serving local communities and enriching the lives of collegiate men throughout the Nation. The achievement of this noble organization for building generations of God fearing, clean-living, serious-minded young men who possess the imagination, ambition, courage, and determination to pursue college educations.

Early in the 20th century, African-American students were actively dissuaded from attending college. Formidable obstacles were erected to prevent the few who were enrolled from assimilating into co-curricular campus life. This ostracism characterized Indiana University in 1911, thus causing Elder W. Diggs, Byron K. Armstrong, and eight other African-American students to form Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, which remains the only Greek letter organization with its 1st Chapter on Indiana University's campus. The founders sought a formula that would immediately raise the sights of Black collegians and stimulate them to accomplishments higher than they might have imagined. Fashioning achievement as their purpose, Kappa Alpha Psi began uniting college men of culture, patriotism and honor in a bond of fraternity.

I believe such righteous efforts to be the foundation for so many college age males is a praiseworthy venture. Since its founding in 1911, Kappa Alpha Psi has matured to an organization of over 150,000 college-trained men, maintains undergraduate chapters on more than 360 college and university campuses and its alumni chapters are located in 347 cities in the United States and 5 foreign countries. With an established history of community service, Kappa Alpha Psi is involved with such charitable organizations as Habitat for Humanity, where they build a home for a local family in conjunction with each of its biennial conventions. They also have a lasting partnership with Memphis-based St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and have designated the hospital as the primary benefactor of their national fundraising efforts. Kappa Alpha Psi, through its Kappa League and National Guide Right programs, has provided thousands of at-risk youth in communities throughout the Nation with role models and mentors that encourage them to make positive contributions to, and to take leadership roles in, their communities. Since 1990, Kappa Alpha Psi's Kappa Scholarship Fund has provided scholarship grants to over 10,000 high school graduates to assist in furthering their education. Kappa Alpha Psi's national theme of `One Kappa, Creating Inspiration: A Call to Service' has mobilized Kappa men across the Nation who are leaders in business, education, government, the humanities, arts and entertainment, science, and medicine to become better leaders for their respective families and communities, the Nation, and the fraternity at large. With so many viable ways of helping out within their community, Kappa Alpha Psi is at the forefront of achievement through service.

The Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was chartered March 31, 1928. The charter members were men who wanted to continue a formal association with the fraternity at a time when they were no longer undergraduates. So, they petitioned the Grand Chapter and the Houston Alumni Chapter became the 2nd Alumni Chapter chartered in Texas. These men were professionals and leaders in the community. What is most impressive about them is that they were living in the South in 1928 only 63 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, yet they had all graduated from or attended college. The Charter members of Houston Alumni Chapter were Dr. Charles W. Pemberton, Leland Ewing, Cornelius A. Ladner, ``Watty Watkins'', Dr. Leon J. Peacock, W.L.D. Johnson, Sr., J.C. McDade, R.C. Chatman, Dr. Birch, Obie Williams, T.B. Allen, Albert Bateman, and J.D. Collins, Jr. It has been noted that Allen, Bateman, and Collins came to Houston after pledging at undergraduate chapters in the midwest and the southeast.

Dr. Charles W. Pemberton was the 1st Polemarch of the Houston Alumni Chapter. The first two initiates of Houston Alumni Chapter were F.L. Howard and D.P. Young in 1929.

The Houston Alumni Chapter has produced six Southwestern Province Polemarchs (Regional Presidents): Dr. Charles W. Pemberton (1934-1936), W.L.D. Johnson, Sr., (1944-1946) Cornelius Ladner (1947-1951), T.B. Allen (1971-1973), Attorney William ``Randy'' Bates (1998-2003), and Ronald V. Julun (2007-present). These represent approximately 25 percent of all the Polemarchs in the history of the Southwestern Province.

Two Grand (National) Chapter Officers have come from the Houston Alumni Chapter. C.B. Davis was on the Grand Board of Directors from 1973-1976. Current Sr. Grand Vice Polemarch William ``Randy'' Bates has served in that capacity from 2007-present. He previously served as an elected at-large member of the Grand Board of Directors from 2003-2007.

There has been two Laurel Wreath Awardees (which is the highest Award in Kappa Alpha Psi), Astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., 51st awardee and Dr. Bobby L. Wilson, 58th awardee.

There have been two Elder Watson Diggs Awardees (the second highest Award in Kappa Alpha Psi): Attorney Carl Walker, Jr., and Willie High Coleman, Jr., Esq.

Houston Alumni Chapter was the host of the 2nd Southwest Provincial Meeting held April 17-19, 1936.

Houston Alumni Chapter was the host of the 57th Grand Chapter meeting, held December 26-30, 1971. And, it will serve again to host the 81st Grand Chapter Meeting (Conclave) in 2013.

Houston Alumni Chapter hosted the 62nd Southwestern Province Council Meeting on March 12-15, 1998. This was the largest Province meeting in the history of the Fraternity.

Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was the first Greek Letter organization to bring the Ebony Fashion Fair to Houston beginning in the 1960s and continuing for a period of 5-6 years making the Chapter one of the first sponsors of the Ebony Fashion Fair in the nation.

The Chapter has historically held various social entertainment activities for members and the community, including the Kappa Kostume Carnival and Kappa Kasino Night. For the last 20 plus years, the Chapter hosts an annual dance/gala around Valentine's Day. In recent years it is referred to as either the Sweetheart Dance or Red & White Ball. Its predecessor was called the Fireball. Typically in June for the past 30 plus years, the Annual Black & White Ball is held. This stylish affair is the Chapter's marquee social event, and annually attracts 500-700 guests. Scholarship award recipients and their parents are recognized during the Ball. Other events include the Annual Christmas Party, Local Founders Day, and Chapter Picnic.

Three Houston Alumni Chapter Polemarchs have served four consecutive terms: Ollie Harris (1966-70), Manassus McGowan (1986-90), and Willie H. Coleman, Jr. (1996-99). At 27 years of age Willie Earlie is the youngest person to have served as Houston Alumni Chapter Polemarch. Brother Prince Barrett is the oldest initiate in the history of the Chapter and possibly in the history of the fraternity. He began his process in 1948 and became a member in 1997. He is now in his 80s and continues to participate in most of our activities. Brother Stan Weakley first pledged Kappa in 1968 and became a member in 1998.

Great effort, time, and expense have been expended to grow Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and to bring Houston Alumni Chapter to its current status. A very select few, pledged as undergraduates or graduate members, have maintained unbroken financial status at the local and/or national level. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., is not a club. Sustained and lifetime commitment are crucial elements to fulfillment of the goals of this Great Fraternity. Those unwilling to make such a commitment should look elsewhere.

The history of the Fraternity, and Houston Alumni Chapter specifically, is forever evolving. Capable men dedicated to service and high achievement will always be remembered in its story.

In 1929, records show that both Marshall Alumni and Houston Alumni were chapters of the Southern Province. The actual establishment date of the Southwestern Province, however, is unclear. But, its first Polemarch is known to be Dr. Oliver W. Phillips, who served from 1930- 31. Brother Phillips was a charter member of Kappa Chapter in 1919 and a member of the Guide Right Commission in 1930.

Hosted by the Epsilon, Lambda and Philadelphia Alumni Chapters, the Twentieth Grand Chapter assembled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 27-31, 1930. A. Moore Shearin was elected to the office of Grand Polemarch. He appointed J.W. Holland as Province Polemarch of the Southwestern Province consisting of Upsilon Chapter at UCLA; Los Angeles Alumni Chapter, Marshall Alumni Chapter, and Houston Alumni Chapter. Holland's appointment continued to usher a legacy of Achievement in the Southwestern Province. Today, the Southwestern Province consists of Arkansas, Louisiana, Southern Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas and constitutes the largest Province in the Fraternity.

The Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi also sponsors the Education & Charities Foundation of Houston, which was incorporated in 1992 as a non-profit 501(c)3 entity. The primary purpose of the Foundation can best be described as stated in Article Four of the Incorporation documents:

``Operated for charitable and educational purposes which directly benefit the citizens of Houston and Harris County by the provision of services for and support of the attainment of higher education for youth via support services and models of achievement, along with the development of cooperative efforts with social and civic organizations to support and participate in educational and cultural activities for the benefit and fulfillment of these purposes.''

The Education and Charities Foundation of Houston is comprised of well respected professional men who aspire to high ideals and honorable achievement in all aspects of life. Inclusive in the membership of the Foundation are such prominent personalities and leaders as former city of Houston Council Member Al Calloway, State Representative Harold Dutton, Astronaut Bernard Harris (1st African American to walk in space), Channel two news personality Khambrel Marshall, TSU Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Bobby Wilson (and interim President), District Court Judge Mark Carter and former District Judge Carl Walker.

In pursuit of its goals, the Foundation has engaged in a variety of fund raising initiatives since its inception, with the primary focus being to raise money for scholarships and to directly support predetermined programs, e.g., Kappa Kamp, mentoring events, etc. We have awarded 11 4-year scholarships and made several one-time awards to students who otherwise might not have been financially capable of pursuing a college education.

The Foundation has sponsored numerous ``at-risk'' youth programs during the past several years inclusive of Kappa Kamp and Prince Hall Summer Camp both of which are youth development, leadership and enrichment experiences. Kappa Kamp is a youth camp enrichment program conducted at the renowned ``Piney Woods Country Life School'' in Mississippi, every summer.

The group has supported numerous community initiatives inclusive of the Ft. Bend Education Foundation's and STEPS auxiliary Fine Arts Program and recently assisted a University of Houston student in the African American studies program participate in a trip to Ghana, West Africa.

For these reasons and more, I join Congressman Hastings and my colleagues in the House of Representatives to congratulate Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on 98 years of serving local communities and enriching the lives of collegiate men throughout the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 659) congratulating Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., on 98 years of serving local communities and enriching the lives of collegiate men throughout the Nation, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 659 into the Record.

I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 659, which congratulates Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, on 98 years of service and leadership.

Founded in 1911 at Indiana University, Bloomington, Kappa Alpha Psi's fundamental purpose is achievement. It seeks to develop its members, particularly its collegiate men, into leaders in their communities and into achievers of excellence in their academic pursuits. This distinguished fraternity boasts undergraduate chapters on more than 364 college and university campuses and alumni chapters in more than 347 U.S. cities and 5 foreign countries.

In honor of the ideals it was founded on, members of Kappa Alpha Psi play active roles in their communities. The fraternity sponsors an array of programs providing community service and social welfare. Members participating in their Biennial Undergraduate Leadership Institute built homes in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity in St. Louis in 2005 and in Minneapolis in 2007.

The fraternity maintains a philanthropic partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, with each chapter committed to serving that cause. Additionally, its chapters annually participate in the Holiday Food Drive, working to provide food, clothing and toys to local citizens in need.

The values and principles of Kappa Alpha Psi have attracted a diverse group of men throughout the years, many who have gone on to become prominent and achieved members of society. Among them are Percy Sutton, entrepreneur and owner of the Apollo Theater; Judge Herman Thomas, justice on the State Supreme Court of Alabama; Dr. C. Eric Lincoln, author of ``Black Muslims in America''; Ralph Wiley, sportswriter and author; and numerous State and elected officials.

Uniting under their national theme of ``One Kappa, Creating Inspiration: A Call to Service,'' Kappa Alpha Psi members from all walks of life continue to mobilize in service of each other and their communities. Kappa Alpha Psi has developed a strong tradition of leadership and service, and I congratulate them on their 98 years of achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the distinguished gentleman for his support of House Resolution 659, and I also urge my colleagues to support it.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., I rise today to pay homage to my fraternity brothers. On July 17, 2009, I introduced House Resolution 659 along with Representatives John Conyers, Jr., Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., Wm. Lacy Clay, and Bennie G. Thompson congratulating Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. on 98 years of community service. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (KAC) is a collegiate Greek-letter fraternity founded on January 5, 1911 by ten distinguished African-American gentlemen on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The vision of the God-fearing men was to foster leadership through fraternal brotherhood and Christian ideals.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has been a significant contributor to our society. Through its Kappa League and National Guide Right programs, Kappa Alpha Psi has provided thousands of at-risk youth in communities throughout the Nation with role models and mentors that encourage them to make positive contributions to, and to take leadership roles in, their communities. Among so many other notable accomplishments from my brotherhood, I am honored to continue serving Kappa Alpha Psi alongside our other brothers in Congress. Each day in Congress, we strive to ensure that our brotherhood continues to exemplify achievement in every field of human endeavor.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is celebrating its 79th Grand Chapter Meeting in Washington, DC from August 4 to 9, 2009. With anticipation of the Golden (100th) Anniversary in 2011 at Indiana University, the Washington, DC Conclave of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is projected to be one of the largest and most celebrated ``homecomings'' within the Kappa's conclave history. Madame Speaker, I ask that you join me in welcoming the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and, their families to our Nation's ``Kapitol'' for this significant occasion of unity and achievement.

I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this important resolution honoring my great fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 659 to congratulate Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. on 98 years of serving local communities and enhancing the lives of collegiate men throughout the United States.

Throughout this organization's history, the gentlemen of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. have proven to be exemplary public servants and strong leaders in their communities. They seek to train their members for leadership roles and encourage a high academic standard. In close to a century of existence, the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has initiated over 120,000 members and encouraged their members to participate in programs such as their Undergraduate Leadership Workshop, their Habitat for Humanity Program, their St. Jude Research Hospital Partnership, ``Kappas on Kapitol Hill'', and their CARE/GLAD Financial Literacy Programs. Additionally the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. counts within its ranks numerous professional athletes, entertainers, and countless civic and business leaders, and I have the distinct pleasure of serving in the House of Representatives with Sanford D. Bishop, John Conyers, Jr., Alcee L. Hastings, William Lacy Clay, and Bennie Thompson who are all members of this noble organization.

As a member of a Greek organization myself, I value and appreciate the deep meaning that this brotherhood holds for so many individuals. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in supporting H. Res 659 to honor Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to applaud the actions of the House of Representatives in recognizing one of the first African American fraternities. I strongly support H. Res. 659, which recognizes Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and its 98 years of service to local communities, the pursuit of academic scholarship and a commitment to social welfare. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Since its humble beginning on the campus of Indiana University Bloomington in 1911, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity has been characterized by a commitment to empowering African American men through mentorship, financial literacy, and community involvement. It is this commitment to excellence that has established Kappa Alpha Psi as one of the finest fraternal organizations in the country. With over 150,000 members, 700 undergraduate and alumni chapters in every state of the United States, and international chapters in the United Kingdom, Germany, Korea, Japan, and Nigeria, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity has produced notable leaders in the fields of government, athletics, education, and business. Current alumni include director, writer, and producer John Singleton, Civil Rights advocate Donald L. Hollowell, and Robert L. Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television.

Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity has far surpassed the vision of its founders to produce upstanding, high quality African American males who possess positive values and the desire to serve their communities.