TAMPA – The Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. introduced 17 new members into their ranks on Nov 3. in Montgomery, Ala. The new members include:
- Greg Alford
- Rashaad Austin
- Keith Berry
- Willie Bradford
- Deshon Charles
- Emmett Emery
- Manuel Gayle
- Gary Green
- Maurice Harvey
- Andre Lewis
- Erik Lewis
- Antonio Love
- Faheem Nasir
- Temperance Paris
- Courtney Pledge
- Michael Tunstall
- Fredrick Williams
The 17 members are known as “The Konklave Line,” as they were initiated during the year Tampa Alumni hosted the area’s first Divine 9 Grand Chapter Meeting in July.
Senior Kappas teamed up with local author
It was a busy few months for Tampa Alumni. The Senior Kappas of the Chapter teamed with author and educator Lisa Hook Bell to hold book reading/storytelling sessions at Tampa Heights Magnet Elementary School on Sept. 22, and Edison Elementary on Oct 10. Bell read and told the story from her book “Kenya and the Terrible Tornado Toilet.”
The book reading is part of a grant awarded to Tampa Alumni from the Kappa Alpha Psi Senior Kappa Affairs Foundation. It purchases books for sharing and distribution to elementary school students.
“Engagement is vitally important for the long-term success of students, families, and school communities and can serve as a powerful lever of change in meaningful school progress,” said Watson T. Ragin, chairman of the Senior Kappas Committee. “As ongoing research shows, community engagement in schools can help improve student achievement, reduce absenteeism, and ensure sustainability in school improvement efforts nationwide.”
At the end of the visit, books were donated to the schools.
Chapter hosts mental health forum
The Chapter also hosted a virtual three-week town hall meeting in October that focused on the overall health and well-being of each of us now and in the future. It was part of the Chapter’s ongoing virtual “Now You Know” series. The forums started during COVID-19 and have continued because of their popularity.
The latest of the three-part series was held last month and entitled “Laughter and Wellness,” “Advance Care Planning” and “Know Us Before You Need Us: Hospice Myths vs. Facts.” Dr. Natasha Rubie of Empath Health led the town hall meetings.
Carrington speaks on Veterans Day
Retired Colonel Cedric Carrington spoke to a group about the history and importance of Veterans Day. The Tampa Alumni member made his speech at Memorial Park Cemetery in East Tampa last Saturday.
Ari McCray placed flags on the grave sites to honor the veterans resting at the cemetery.
