J.A.C.K News & Information
On March 19, 2010, Dwayne M. Murray, Esq., the Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Senior Kappas, 50 Year Members, and members of the Guide Right Kappa League program of the Jacksonville Alumni Chapter came together in celebration of the Chapter’s 85th Charter Day Year-Long Anniversary. Chartered on February 27, 1925, the Chapter has engaged in a variety of activities throughout the year to commemorate being the oldest African American community service organization in Florida.
In addition to hosting the Grand Polemarch, Jacksonville Alumni arranged a “Listening Tour” session with its Senior Kappas. Members who were initiated as far back as 1944 (Brother C.B. McIntosh) and 1948 (Brother William Surcey, also a Tuskegee Airman) along with members who just turned 60 years old, all regaled the Grand Polemarch with days of yore as well as new initiatives they would like to see the Grand Polemarch consider. More than two dozen Senior Kappas participated in this event.
The Chapter then sponsored a banquet in honor of the Grand Polemarch where the Jacksonville Silhouettes and members of the Guide Right Kappa League program joined the brothers. Members of the Guide Right Kappa League program made a presentation to the Grand Polemarch. Next the Grand Polemarch was presented with Jacksonville Alumni’s 85th Charter Day Anniversary Pin. He was then introduced by Elder Watson Diggs Awardee and 7th Southern Province Polemarch, Dr. Frank S. Emanuel. The Grand Polemarch then delivered a stirring message, particularly aimed at the members of Jacksonville Alumni’s Guide Right Kappa League program. The evening closed with the Chapter Polemarch, Cleveland Ferguson III, Esq., presenting the Grand Polemarch with a one-of-kind, crimson acrylic, and rhodium writing instrument on behalf of the Chapter. The entire evening was videotaped to be used in various national and regional projects in Kappa Alpha Psi.
On March 20, 2010, the Grand Polemarch participated in the 16th Annual Charity Golf Tournament sponsored by the Chapter’s Foundation at Eagle Landing Golf Club in Orange Park, Florida. The event is chaired by Brother Dr. William L. Cody, who also hosted the Grand Polemarch at his home for the weekend. The Grand Polemarch, along with 107 other golfers helped raise nearly $30,000 toward the Chapter’s Kappa Scholars program. Each year, the Chapter awards ten scholarships in the amounts of $1,500 – $2,000. This year’s effort brings the total amount raised to over $180,000. The scholarships will be awarded during the 60th Southern Province Council’s Public Meeting on April 7, 2010 at Jacksonville City Hall. The Grand Polemarch taped a video welcome for the event. The Grand Polemarch’s presence during the fundraising weekend made the activities both festive and historic.