The San Diego Alumni Chapter was established with James O. Whaley as Polemarch and Bert Ritchey as the Keeper of Records. The Charter members of the San Diego Alumni Chapter are: James O. Whaley, Bert Ritchey, Ernest Grady, Alpha Montgomery, Eugene Moore, Isaac Rollins, Robert Steele, King Taylor and John W. Young. Unfortunately Roy E. Logan had to leave San Diego for several years and was not listed as a Charter Member. He is however considered as one of the Charter member of the San Diego Alumni Chapter by all officer’s and members of the Chapter.

 

During the 70’s the San Diego Alumni flourished at both the Grand Chapter level as well as in Western Province. San Diego hosted the Western Province Council August 14-17,1975. On Sunday February 1, 1976 the San Diego Alumni Chapter and Delta Epsilon Chapter experienced a historical moment when joined by Founder Brother Edward G. Irvin, as they celebrated Founders Day. It was the first time any founder of Kappa Alpha Psi had visited San Diego. Brothers in attendance were Senior Grand Vice Polemarch Randall Bacon, the guest speaker, Province Polemarch Robert L. Harris and San Diego charter members Roy E. Logan, Bert Richey, Ike Rollins, Robert Steele, Past Province Polemarch James O. Whaley: San Diego Polemarch Dr. Wm. E. Johnson and Delta Epsilon Polemarch Tonny Fitch. At the 61st Grand Chapter meeting in Denver Colorado (1977) James O. Whaley received his Elder Watson Diggs Award from Grand Polemarch Hillary H. Holloway. Brother Whaley served as the Western Province Keeper of Records and Exchequer for 17 years and Western Province Polemarch for 2 years. San Diego Charter members, Bert Richie Past Province Board Member and James O. Whaley Past Province Keeper of Records and Exchequer continued to be a strong force in the San Diego community and received much acclaim attending Western Province Meetings. Preston Kelly is a revered member locally having held the Exchequer duties for over a two decades. Locally Brothers from San Diego started getting involved with Community Service. The Annual Holiday Bike drive was started by Brother Raymond T. Robinson while setting on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Jackie Robinson YMCA. Brother Robinson collected used bicycles and stored them in his garage. He would repair them from his own funds and donate them to the YMCA during the holiday season for needy children. After Brother Robinson passed to chapter invisible the Chapter named the Annual Holiday Bike drive in honor of Brother Raymond Robinson. Today Brother Brett Fisher has picked up the torch and the chapter annually donates over one hundred bikes and helmets annually to children in San Diego. Brother Fisher has continually chaired this committee for the past 25 years.

 

Annually the San Diego Chapter hosts an annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. Its proceeds’ go to the Scholarship fund which rewards Graduating High School seniors with assistance to further their education by attending a college of their choice. The Annual Golf Tournament was renamed in memory of several charming San Diego Chapter members LTC Clancy Davis and Bobby L. Hatcher. Their legacies will never be forgotten and The San Diego Alumni is proud to have consecutively held Thirty-Two Golf Tournaments in their memories.

 

During the 80’s San Diego remained a premier chapter in the Western Province having Brother Doris “Pete” Wigfall (1986) elected as a Province Senior Vice Polemarch. Brother Ricky Hereford served on the Province Board of Directors during the Edgar H. Bishop administration. He also served on the Grand Chapter Intake Committee during the 25th Grand Polemarch Randal C. Bacon administration.

 

The chapter received formal National recognition from the San Diego Unified School District citing the male mentor Program (Nia Umoja Club). Partnering with Valencia Park Elementary School chapter members during the morning hours mentored young African American boy’s grades 4, 5 and 6. Due to the lack of a male figure in many households the program made a positive impact in the community. Brothers Al Fulton, Jackie Mitchell, Dr. Lawrence Johnson and Brett Fisher to name a few, insured the program’s success for many years.

 

During this same time period Brother Roy E. Logan a charter member gained much recognition with the chapter’s Scholarship Program. Brother Logan an unsung hero of San Diego Alumni chaired this committee for more than a decade before he turned over the reigns. Brothers Charles Kindred, Samuel Knight, Gary Walker, Ernest Clayton, Jeffrey Jones and Aaron English all chaired the committee which annually recognized high school seniors for their achievement. Six scholarships are presented annually named after the following San Diego Chapter members, James O. Whaley, Atty Bert Richie, Preston Kelly, Roy E. Logan, the Honorable Napoleon A. Jones Jr, and Charlie Carmichael Jr, DDS.

 

During the 90’s and into the year 2000 the San Diego Alumni has continued as strong chapter within the Western Province. During this time frame the San Diego Alumni was once again as to host the Province Council in 1992. Brother James Hatcher was elected as a Province Board member. During this same time frame San Diego chapter continued to host regularly the Black and White Ball, Founder Day, Sweetheart Valentine Dinner, Holiday Bike Drive and Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. Brother Jackie Mitchell was elected Province Senior Vice Polemarch at the 49th Province Council Phoenix Arizona (1996).

 

In 2001 Samuel B. Knight was appointed and then elected eight times as Province Senior Vice Polemarch. Under Brother Knight’s leadership he propelled the Province in a new light. Brothers from San Diego were recognized for their commitment and service to the Province. Brother Ernest G. Clayton was bestowed the James L Bradford Award at the 60th Province Council Meeting in 2007. Brother Ernest G. Clayton was appointed by the 21st Western Province Polemarch Curtis R. Silvers as the Province Historian and has been reelected at the 61st, 62nd, 63rd, and 64th Province Councils as the Province Historian and served in that capacity at the Fraternities Centennial Celebration.

 

Brother Frank B. Robinson Jr. a chapter past Polemarch and Delta Epsilon chapter advisor, was bestowed the James L. Bradford award at the 62nd Province Council 2009. Brother Jackie Mitchell was bestowed the James L. Bradford Award at the 63th Province Council 2010.

 

On October 1, 2009 Samuel B. Knight was appointed as the 22nd Western Province Polemarch by the 31st Grand Polemarch Dwayne M. Murry, Esq. Brother Knight served in that position four years leading the Western Province into the new Century. Brother Ernest G. Clayton served as the Province Historian from 2008 until 2012. His Western Province Historical Display seen at the Centennial 80th Grand Chapter Meeting in Indianapolis portrayed unique Western Province archives and photos. On October 3, 2011, Brother Jackie Mitchell was appointed by the 32nd Grand Polemarch William “Randy” Bates Esq., Chairmen of the Achievement Commission. At the 65th Western Province Council meeting in Oakland California Brother Frank B. Robinson Jr., was unanimously elected as a member of the Western Province Board of Directors. On July 1, 2012, Brother Ernest G. Clayton was officially appointed by the 32nd Grand Polemarch William “Randy” Bates Jr., Esq. as a member of the Laurel Wreath Commission.

 

On December 31, 2013 the 32nd Grand Polemarch accepted Brother Samuel B. Knight resignation as Province Polemarch and appointed his successor. Brother Knights many accomplishments will never be forgotten, I quote from Brother Knight final letter to the Province:

 

“After serving as you Sr. Province Polemarch from November 2001 to September 30, 2009, and Province Polemarch from October 1, 2009 until now, I just feel that it is time to go. I have given all that I have to give and I did not want to just "go through the motions". You see Brothers, having a title or office has never been something that I have strived for in Kappa. I just wanted to serve!

 

Having said that, I would like to thank all of the Brothers that have helped me over the past four years. All of you that served with me as an officer, served as a committee chairman, served as field deputies, served as Chapter Advisors, and served as special appointed admin assistants. But most of all, I want to thank you, the Brothers of the Western Province! Without your help and support, this administration would not have been able to do the things that we were able to do! It is never about the leaders of an organization, it is about those that are out front and those that are the backbone of it! Thank you so much my Brothers! I love you all! Just remember, I will still be around, just going back to work in my local alumni chapter (of which I never left)”.

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On January 18, 2014, the San Diego Alumni chapter set the bar high again beginning with the Founders Day celebration held at the Town and Country Hotel in San Diego. The 21st Western Province Polemarch Curtis R. Silvers Jr was the guest speaker. Over one hundred and fifty brothers were in attendance including brothers from surrounding Southern California chapters, Long Beach Inglewood South bay, Carlsbad Temecula Laguna, Los Angeles and Phoenix Alumni Chapter.

 

The 23rd Western Province Polemarch Gilbert D. Brown III and Province Senior Timothy Woods were in attendance and presented Immediate Past Western Province Polemarch Samuel B. Knight with a symbolic gift in appreciation for his service as the 22nd Western Province Polemarch.

 

Later that evening the San Diego chapter members recognized and honored Brother Knight with a symbolic gift of thanks and gratitude for his loyal service to the Western Province and home chapter “San Diego Alumni”.

 

At the 67th Western Province Council Meeting in Tucson Arizona March 27-30 2014, the San Diego Chapter was well represented with over fifteen Brothers present and in attendance during Province Council Business sessions and closed banquet. Brother Samuel B. Knight received the James A. Bradford Award at the Council Meeting Closed Banquet. The James A, Bradford Award is the highest Province award given to an Alumni member. Brother Frank B. Robinson Jr., was unanimously re-elected as the Western Province Assistant Keeper of Records and Exchequer.

 

The San Diego Alumni chapter continued to flourish in the year 2014. Due to the hard work and determination of Brothers Henry Foster III and Donte Wyatt, Esq, the San Diego held an Inaugural ceremony of the San Diego Kappa Leaguers. During the same year the San Diego Alumni Chapter received pending approval from the Internal Revenue Service of 501c 3 tax exempt. The name established and used is called the “San Diego Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Education and Mentoring Fund” 501(c)(3).

 

The chapter concluded the fiscal year 2014 in Kappa Style with the 60th Annual Black and White Ball held at the Doubletree Hotel Mission Valley Hazard center. Past Polemarch Brother Daryl Forbes served as chairman. Because of his leadership and with the help of the local Chapter of Silhouettes this Black and White was said to be the best ever held here in San Diego. The Annual Christmas Party was held at the home of Brother Samuel Knight and Silhouette. Over fifty Brothers, Silhouettes and guest were in attendance and celebrated the holiday season in good fashion.

 

At the 68th Western Province Council Meeting Tacoma Washington, Brother Frank B. Robinson Jr, was reelected as Western Province Assistant Keeper of Records and Exchequer.

 

In 2015, the San Diego Alumni chapter successfully obtained 501c 3 status from the Internal Revenue Service. On December 17, 2015, Officer’s and Board of Directors were elected for the San Diego Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Education and Mentoring Fund 501(c)(3) the first elected officers are: Samuel B. Knight President, Frank B. Robinson Vice-President, Daryl Forbes Secretary, Aaron English Treasurer, Board Directors, Ernest G. Clayton, Jeff Brown, and George Conley.

 

On September 1, 2015, the 33rd Grand Polemarch Thomas L. Battles, Jr appointed Brother Samuel B. Knight as the Chairman of the Achievement Academy Committee.

 

On January 20, 2018 the San Diego Alumni held its 68th Annual Founders Day Program at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel Mission Valley. The Keynote Speaker was A. Ronald Barryman, Treasurer of the Kappa Foundation. The chapter had over 75 brothers in attendance.

 

The San Diego Chapter presented is Inaugural “San Diego Living Legends”, recognition lapel pins and certificates to the following chapter members: Roy E. Logan, Theophilus A. Logan, Raymond E. Smith, Samuel B. Knight, Lawrence “Larry” Johnson, Earl “Coach” Hines and Jackie R. Mitchell.

 

These members were voted on by chapter members having faithfully served over 30 years as a San Diego financial member and served in positions of responsibility at the local chapter and Western Province level. The Concept was developed by Brother Jackie R. Mitchell and his Living Legends committee. The intent was that the chapter should recognize chapter members while still alive for their accomplishments.

 

The San Diego Alumni Chapter, Delta Epsilon Chapter and the San Diego Chapter of Silhouettes host the 72nd Western Province Council meeting April 3-7, 2019. The event was held at the Doubletree Hotel Hazard Center in Mission Valley. Over 300 brothers and guest were in attendance. Province Council Chairmen Brother Frank B. Robinson received the Robert L. Harris Esq, Province Polemarch Award for his yeoman’s work in the planning and execution of an excellent Province Council meeting. The award was presented by the 23rd Western Province Polemarch Gilbert D. Brown III.

 

The San Diego chapter was forced to isolate its membership and cancel its meetings due to the COVID-19 Pandemic during the early months of 2020. The Province Council/MTA scheduled for March 2020 was postponed. Donte Wyatt San Diego Polemarch encouraged that Brothers continue to check upon each other by phone and email during this time. We also support IHQ directives regarding “pandemic social distancing” and “Black Lives Matter”. Still the chapter was able to initiate five new Brothers during these trying times.

 

Just as our Founders persevered during hard times in the early 1911 with discrimination and racism the San Diego Alumni chapter battled through the pandemic (COVID 19). Throughout the year from March 2020 to April 2021 because of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention restrictions and local health guidelines, the chapter ceased all in person meetings and meet Virtually via Zoom internet platform.

 

Under the leadership of the Polemarch (Freeman V. Hayes) the Board of Directors and chapter members, we still were able to meet many chapter goals for the year. The chapter membership roster rose to 51 brothers financial. The chapters Foundation continued to raise over $60,000 for its Philanthropic endeavors. The chapter never skipped a beat though these troubling times.

 

At the 74th Western Province Council, the chapter submitted the name Samuel B. Knight for the coveted Elder Watson Diggs Award. The delegates unanimously approved the Resolution with 95% of the delegates voting in the affirmative. The petition was sent to the International Headquarters and Achievement Commission Chairman prior to deadline April 24, 2021.

 

The San Diego Alumni chapter meet virtually on April 16, 2021 and voted unanimously the 2nd Class of San Diego Living Legends. Brother Ernest G Clayton, Brett Fisher, Daryl Forbes and Ricky Hereford.

 

The San Diego Alumni Chapter is proud of the many accomplishments and achievements made by its members. “The Journey Continues” As we celebrate our chapters 71st year Anniversary may we all remain safe and GOD in our Hearts.

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Your Chapter Historian

Ernest G. Clayton April 2021