FREDERICKSBURG (VA) ALUMNI CHAPTER HISTORY
The Fredericksburg Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi has served as an integral part of various communities for 17 years. Its members have continuously strived to promote the ideals of Kappa Alpha Psi and shown willingness to serve the chapter, the province, and the various communities.
With the love for Kappa Alpha Psi and the desire to be connected with the Kappa Family, the idea to establish a chapter in the Fredericksburg area grew from the sincerity of a few brothers. In 1967, a drive was conducted to find all Kappa men in the area. Finally, on November 16, 1968, six brothers met for the first meeting at Brother Jesse Miller’s home in Dahlgren, VA. The purpose- - to draw up a petition to be chartered. The Brothers in attendance were Eugene Fields, Marvin Raines, Daniel Jeffries, Walter Moore, Fred Howes, and Jesse Miller. After filling the necessary requirements, the Charter was granted June 6, 1969 by Brother James Overton, Polemarch, Eastern Province.
The Charter members were Walter Moore, Clarence Jenkins, Eugene Fields, Daniel Jeffries, Fred Howes, Jesse Miller, Otis Thomas, Marvin Raines, Malvin Ross, and Edwin Bardsdale. The members at that time elected their first Polemarch, Walter Moore and Keeper of Records Marvin Raines.
During the three-year leadership of Brother Moore, the chapter moved forward to establish itself as a leader in community affairs. We began to grow, and our existence was felt in many communities by our contribution to charitable organizations, giving food and toys to the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas, tutoring students in various subjects and establishing a scholarship fund. The Chapter also initiated two strong Kappa Men, James C. Wiggins and Benjamin Simmons to the Bond. The Chapter continued to grow strong under the leadership of our next Polemarch, Brother Carlton Lewis.
Under the leadership of the next Polemarch, Brother Eugene Fields, many excellent projects were initiated and completed. Four members took Life Memberships in Kappa Alpha Psi and Branch Coleman, was initiated into the Kappa Bond. The Chapter was able to hold its first Awards Banquet on May 22, 1977. At the banquet, Charlie T. Jones Jr., Keeper of Records, was awarded our first Kappa Man of the Year Plaque. A plaque was also given to past Polemarch Eugene Fields, for his leadership and dedication to the fraternity.
Under the excellent leadership and guidance of our next Polemarch Brother Jesse Miller, the chapter was faced with one of its greatest challenges- - HOST to the 1978 Eastern Province Council Meeting. With a small membership of 14 brothers representing a wide geographical area, the chapter worked diligently to enable our brothers of the Eastern Province to have a meaningful and enjoyable Province Meeting.
The Administration of Brothers Ronald Thompson, Joseph Gilreath, Fred Essex, Walter Moore, and Charlie T. Jones Jr. have continued the strong KAPPA traditions and achievements in the Fredericksburg and surrounding areas.