Founders of Kappa Alpha Psi
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was founded on January 5, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Ten visionary young men came together with a shared commitment to achievement and brotherhood, establishing a legacy that has endured for over a century.
The Ten Founders
Elder Watson Diggs
Founder
Elder Watson Diggs was a quiet, polished, scholarly, and prolific writer. Initially referred to as 'the Father of Kappa,' he became affectionately known as 'the Dreamer' due to his profound vision to create the fraternity. He was born in Christian County, Kentucky, on December 23, 1883, and was the eldest son of three children. He received a one-room school education in Louisville, Kentucky, where he helped teach the younger children. Following graduation from Indiana State Normal School in the spring of 1908, Diggs enrolled at Howard University in 1909. While a student there, he developed a friendship with Byron K. Armstrong. During the summer of that year, Byron Armstrong visited his cousin, Irven Armstrong, at Indiana University. Byron was so impressed that he persuaded Diggs to enroll with him in the fall. Diggs enrolled at Indiana University in the fall of 1910 and was the first African American to graduate with an A.B. degree from Indiana University's School of Education in 1916. He subsequently earned his Master of Education from Indiana University in 1944. Diggs was an educator who held teaching positions and served as principal at public schools throughout Indiana. Diggs was married on three occasions — to Clara Bell Smith, Elizabeth Byrd, and Lylia P. Roberts. Clara Bell and Lyla were teachers, and Diggs assumed Clara Bell's teaching responsibilities once they became married since female teachers were not permitted to teach in the state of Indiana at that time. When the U.S. made its declaration in World War I against Germany, Diggs resigned as principal and entered the nation's first Negroes Officers Training Camp at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, and was commissioned a First Lieutenant. After serving in Europe with the 368th Infantry, he rose to the rank of Captain in the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps. Diggs was also a past commander of the American Legion. After the war, Diggs was instrumental in having the Indiana Constitution amended to permit Negro enlistment in the Indiana National Guard. Based on the hostile attitude and circumstances facing Black people at Indiana University, Diggs established a fraternity on campus to give African Americans support and sanctuary based on high Christian ideals and the purpose of achievement. Diggs assisted Byron and Irven Armstrong in designing the fraternity's Coat of Arms, assumed responsibility for preparing the initiation ceremonial forms, completed the fraternity's Constitution, and took a course in Greek heraldry and mythology to ensure the fraternity was rooted in authenticity. He was one of two Founders who pawned his watch to pay for the Fraternity's incorporation fee. Diggs wrote the lyrics to the Kappa Hymn and established The Kappa Alpha Nu Journal, the second periodical of any national Black college fraternity. He is the fraternity's longest-serving Grand Polemarch, serving during the first six years of the fraternity's existence. He also established nine of the initial undergraduate chapters in addition to the Indianapolis (IN) Alumni Chapter. The Elder Watson Diggs Award, the second-highest award available to celebrate a member's achievements or service to the fraternity, is dedicated in his name. The Elder W. Diggs Memorial at Indiana University was constructed in his honor in 1962. Diggs died on November 8, 1947, and is laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Byron Kenneth Armstrong
Founder
Byron Kenneth Armstrong was a scholar, imaginative and outspoken. Affectionately known as 'Boomski,' he was born on April 8, 1892, and was one of five children and the cousin of 2nd Grand Polemarch Irven Armstrong. Armstrong enrolled at Howard University in 1909, met Elder W. Diggs, and together they transferred to Indiana University in the fall of 1910, where he studied philosophy, mathematics, and sociology. He graduated from Indiana University with an A.B. degree in 1913, earned an M.A. from Columbia University in 1914, and was decreed a Doctor of Philosophy by the University of Michigan in 1940. He held teaching positions at universities in Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, and Michigan, and served as Dean in Maryland and Oklahoma. Armstrong was instrumental in persuading Diggs to enroll at Indiana University, a decision that ultimately led to the founding of the fraternity. He assisted in designing the fraternity's Coat of Arms and was one of two Founders who pawned his watch to pay for the Fraternity's incorporation fee. His cousin Irven Armstrong later served as the 2nd Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi.
Guy Levis Grant
Founder
Guy Levis Grant was small in stature but was a giant in charitable endeavors and a preserver of history. He was born in New Albany, Indiana, on April 9, 1891, and was the third of thirteen children, five of whom became members of the fraternity. When his father died, he became head of the household and assumed responsibility for educating himself and his siblings. Grant attended public schools in his hometown, graduated from Scribner High School in 1909, and entered Indiana University. While there, he majored in chemistry, graduating with an A.B. degree in 1915. In 1920, he received a D.D.S. degree from Indiana Dental School, then a part of Indiana University. He practiced dentistry in Indianapolis for over 50 years. In 1929, he married Laura Hammons, a cousin of Founder Byron K. Armstrong. He was a veteran of World War I, was the Founder and President of Recorder Charities, and was active in several civic, professional, and business organizations. He was also a member of the Second Baptist Church in Indianapolis. Grant helped to establish the Beta Chapter and joined Founders Diggs and Alexander to establish the Indianapolis (IN) Alumni Chapter in 1920, serving as its first Polemarch. He served several terms as a non-voting member of the Grand Board of Directors and as Grand Historian. Grant gathered bits and pieces of Kappa history for several years to accumulate a recorded history for posterity. This archive collection became the factual supportive base for the written account of the Fraternity's history. The 2nd Edition of the Story of Kappa Alpha Psi was dedicated to him. Following 16 years of dedicated service as the Grand Historian, the Fraternity conferred the title of Grand Historian Emeritus upon him at the 54th Grand Chapter Meeting in 1967. The Guy Levis Grant Award is named in his honor and is bestowed to undergraduate members who exhibit extra meritorious contributions to the Fraternity's advancement. Grant died on November 11, 1973, and is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Marcus Peter Blakemore
Founder
Marcus Peter Blakemore was a man of deep religious convictions and quiet confidence. Affectionately known as 'Blakie,' he was born on January 3, 1889, and was the eldest of four children. His family moved to Anderson, Indiana, where he attended public schools and graduated high school in 1909. He entered Indiana University the following year. Blakemore was one of three freshmen — along with Asher and Edmonds — who were the first initiates of the Alpha of Kappa Alpha Nu. After leaving Indiana University in 1912, he organized the Electric Engineering Company, then enlisted with the U.S. Army in World War I, serving as Private with the 30th Company, 154th Depot Brigade. He was honorably discharged in August 1918. Blakemore remained connected to the fraternity throughout his life and was recognized for his steadfast commitment to the ideals of Kappa Alpha Psi.
Ezra Dee Alexander
Founder
Ezra Dee Alexander was an outgoing and dedicated worker. He was fondly known as 'Dee,' was born in Bloomington, Indiana, on July 18, 1891, and was the second eldest of seven children. Alexander graduated from Bloomington High School in 1910. He matriculated to Indiana University in the fall of 1910 and graduated from Indiana University in 1917 with an A.B. degree. Prior to graduation, he held positions as a teacher and principal at Indiana public schools. He received his M.D. from the Medical School of Indiana University in 1919. Alexander served an internship at Provident Hospital in Chicago in 1920. Alexander served in the Army Medical Corps during WWI and as a medical examiner during WWII. He practiced medicine in Indianapolis for nearly 50 years. In 1920, he married Mary Hunter, an Indianapolis Public School system teacher. They had a son, Ezra D. Alexander Jr., who became a member of the fraternity, and a daughter, Dorothy Alexander. He later married Leota Snorden in 1961. Alexander served 22 years as a non-voting member of the Grand Board of Directors to fulfill a requirement of the Constitution and Statutes that at least one of the directors was an Indiana resident. Alexander presented and dedicated the new KAΨ flag at the 47th Grand Chapter Meeting in 1957. He was one of three Founders who helped establish the Indianapolis (IN) Alumni Chapter. His affiliation with the Indianapolis (IN) Alumni Chapter lasted until his death on September 29, 1971. He is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.
John Milton Lee
Founder
John Milton Lee was a scholar, loyal, and tireless worker for the growth of the fraternity. Due to his idealist character he was commonly referred to as 'a dreamer' during the fraternity's early years. Born on September 7, 1890, he was the third of four children. He attended Danville public schools and enrolled at Indiana University in 1910, completing three years of pre-medical work. In 1914, he enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1915 became a student at Temple University, though personal circumstances interrupted his studies at both institutions. Lee remained a dedicated supporter of the fraternity's mission and ideals throughout his life, embodying the spirit of achievement that Kappa Alpha Psi was founded upon.
Henry Tourner Asher
Founder
Henry Tourner Asher was an unassuming, dependable supporter of Negro youth, equal rights, higher education, and religious affairs, and the son of a Baptist Minister. He was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, on June 30, 1890, and was the eldest of seven children. After his family moved to Bloomington, Indiana, he attended and graduated from Bloomington High School in 1910. He enrolled at Indiana University in 1910, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1914. He became an instructor at Lincoln Institute in Jefferson City, Missouri, from 1914 to 1915. In 1915, he enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Wisconsin and subsequently at the University of Illinois. However, he transferred to the University of Minnesota, where he earned his Master of Arts in 1917. He received the degree of LL.B. at the Detroit College of Law in 1928. Asher served a year overseas in France during World War I and attained the rank of corporal, assigned to the 809th Pioneer Infantry unit of the U.S. Army. Upon completing his service in 1919, he gave up a possible teaching career at Wilberforce University for one in real estate, and subsequently entered the postal service in Detroit. Asher married Celia Craig in 1936 and later met and married his second wife, Bessie. Asher, along with Founders Edmonds and Blakemore, were the first three freshman initiates of the Alpha of Kappa Alpha Nu. Although he was not a charter member of the Detroit (MI) Alumni Chapter, he was among the first to affiliate with the chapter in 1920. In 1925, Asher served as Detroit (MI) Alumni Chapter's Strategus and Keeper of Records. Asher was an active member of several organizations, including the NAACP, the Elks, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He spent the remainder of his life in Detroit, Michigan, where he died on March 5, 1963. He is buried at Detroit Memorial Park (East) in Warren, Michigan.
Edward Giles Irvin
Youngest Founder
Edward Giles Irvin was a civic and religious leader, journalist, and entrepreneur. Born on August 13, 1893, he was the seventh of nine children of an African Methodist Episcopal minister. Following graduation from Kokomo Indiana High School in 1910, he enrolled at Indiana University the same year. At only 17 years of age, Irvin was the youngest of the ten Black students who founded Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He served on the fraternity's Incorporation Committee before leaving the school following the spring term of 1911. Irvin went on to become a respected civic leader and journalist. In 1975, it was Founder Irvin who urged brothers to intensify their search for the long-lost Founder George Wesley Edmonds, whose whereabouts had been unknown to the fraternity for decades. His dedication to preserving the fraternity's founding legacy remained steadfast throughout his life.
George Wesley Edmonds
Corresponding Secretary
George Wesley Edmonds was witty and an enigma to most in the fraternity. He was born in Knight Township, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, on August 13, 1890, and was the eldest of two sons. He attended Clark High School in nearby Evansville, Indiana, and enrolled at Indiana University in the fall of 1910. He joined nine other students in founding Kappa Alpha Nu Fraternity. Edmonds was listed as the Corresponding Secretary in the articles of incorporation of the Grand Chapter of Kappa Alpha Nu. He was one of the three freshmen, along with Asher and Blakemore, who were the first initiates of the Alpha of Kappa Alpha Nu. After Edmonds returned home for the summer of 1911, he never returned to school. Instead, he worked in the coal mines and railroad of Vanderburgh County for many years, joining the local union, where he was elected secretary and treasurer. Edmonds also lived in Lake County, Indiana (1917–18) and Warwick County, Indiana (1942). Edmonds married Willa Mae Forte and settled in Stevenson, Indiana. They became the parents of one son, Noel. Founder Edmonds died on June 13, 1962. The fraternity had attempted to locate Edmonds for several years, but the circumstances of his life prevented him from moving in the circles of higher education. In 1915, the Fraternity changed its name from Kappa Alpha Nu to Kappa Alpha Psi. Attempts to locate him may have been hindered because his last name was misspelled in the Fraternity's records. For these reasons, Edmonds' location was unknown to the Fraternity for sixty-seven years. In 1975, Founder Edward G. Irvin urged brothers to intensify their search for Edmonds. Edmonds' burial site was finally confirmed in 1978. He is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Evansville, Indiana.
Paul Waymond Caine
Founder
Paul Waymond Caine was the consummate entrepreneur and chef before his time, always friendly and displaying a pleasant disposition. He was born in Greencastle, Indiana, on May 17, 1890. He was long thought to be an only child but is now known to have had a half-brother. Caine attended Greencastle public schools and enrolled at Indiana University sometime between 1909 and 1910 as a business major. He was adept at cooking and honed those skills while working at DePauw University, where he worked as a cook in the sorority houses before enrolling at Indiana University. He was a fine caterer and was in demand by the White fraternities on campus and kept many of the Founding fraternity brothers from hunger. He lost all his belongings during his freshman year because of a disastrous fire in the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity house where he was employed. Caine persevered but was eventually forced to withdraw from school during his sophomore year, the winter quarter of 1911. He subsequently set up the Caine Catering Company in his hometown and continued his catering business in various cities, including Gary, Indiana, Peoria, Chicago, and Evanston, Illinois. Caine opened a restaurant and bakery while residing in Peoria, Illinois. He also published a catering book, Artistic Dishes, copyrighted in 1919 by the Hurst Publishing Company. He became well known in culinary circles and was well sought after to teach and conduct lectures. While residing in Gary, Indiana, Caine worked as a laborer at the Gary Steel Mill and married Jeanette E. Wilson in 1921. While living in Chicago in the early-mid 1920s, Caine assisted in organizing and furnishing the Chicago (IL) Alumni Chapter's new 'Kappa Kastle.' Caine helped the other Founders in organizing Kappa Alpha Nu and was among the first to be initiated into the Fraternity. He was also instrumental in setting up the Beta, Gamma, Delta, Zeta, and Theta Chapters. He later acquired a second-hand goods clothing store and dry-cleaner business in Rockford, Illinois. He was burned during an explosion of gaseous materials while working in his dry-cleaning business. Caine subsequently died of pneumonia on April 15, 1931, from injuries sustained from the fire.
A Legacy of Achievement
Since its founding on January 5, 1911, Kappa Alpha Psi has grown to over 160,000 members across more than 700 chapters worldwide. The fraternity's motto — Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor — continues to guide brothers in making meaningful contributions to their communities and professions.