The Newark Alumni Chapter was only one of forty-six alumni chapters established during the forties. Past Grand Polemarch, Earl B. Dickerson, summarized the ambivalence towards Blacks during his opening address of the 37th Grand Chapter Meeting held in August of 1947:

“America is not yet in a position to assume world leadership, and will not be until she has shown

  a will to master her own domestic problems.”

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Later that year, in November of 1947, the Fraternity’s most revered Founder, Elder Watson Diggs, passed away in his sleep. One month later, almost as a testimony to the determination of Brother Diggs, the brothers of Newark, New Jersey, banded together to promote the interest of the Fraternity. It is to these men that the members of the Newark Alumni Chapter dedicate their efforts.

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As the oldest Alumni Kappa chapter in New Jersey, and the third oldest chapter in the Northeastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi, the Newark Alumni Chapter has hosted the Northeastern Province Council Meeting in April 13-15, 1962; May 4-6, 1973; April 11-13, 1986, and March 8-11, 2001. The chapter’s relationship with the Northeastern Province has been exemplary. The members have relished the occasions when they have been honored with the privilege of hosting Province Council meetings. In addition to adhering to the Fraternity’s fundamental purpose of Achievement, along with the chapter’s embracing of the core elements of the Fraternity’s foundation: Guide Right and scholarship, the Newark Alumni Chapter has sponsored youth athletics, clothing and food drives, voter registration drives, Black Heritage Day parades, and other community service activities. The Chapter promotes progress and the public welfare by encouraging its members to become concerned and involved in the affairs of their community. Members of the Newark Alumni Chapter were instrumental in the establishment of the Montclair Alumni and Iota Epsilon Chapters (Montclair State University), both in Montclair, New Jersey.

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During the last weekend in March 1980, the chapter was honored with the presence of Founder Edward Giles Irvin, as they celebrated their annual Kappa Weekend. Brother Irvin inspired and motivated the entire chapter as he reminded them of their commitment to the Fraternity, the community and to themselves. Also in attendance at the event was Past Province Polemarch, the late James M. Kidd. In 1985, the chapter celebrated its Diamond Jubilee Founders’ Day Banquet, featuring Past Grand Polemarch Hillary H. Holloway and Brother Jonathan Hicks, past Editor of the Kappa Alpha Psi Journal. In 1991, the chapter’s Founders’ Day Banquet was again honored with the presence of Laurel Wreath Awardee, the late Dr. Samuel Proctor as the keynote speaker. On December 20, 1997, the chapter celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a gala black tie affair at the Westwood Manor in Garwood, NJ. The audience was thrilled to be

addressed by one of the chapter’s charter members, Dr. William T. Harper.

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It is always difficult to speak of your brother in the past tense, so when the subject of the “Chapter Invisible” is broached, brothers are often removed to a reluctantly somber disposition. The Chapter Invisible is the final destination of all Kappas upon their departure from this Earth. The Newark Alumni has not been spared its share of painful loss, and with each one, another bright Diamond goes dim. However, while we mourn our loss, we celebrate that our dear brothers are in a better place. Over the years, brothers have expressed, and have received expressions of sympathy and love in many forms, but one occasion will remain in the chapter’s memory. Upon the death of Brother Wilcox H. Brandon, the chapter presented his widow, Mrs. Gladys Brandon, with Brother Brandon’s Life Membership Pin, plaque and identification card. Mrs. Brandon was overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. Her letter of thanks remains in our Archives to this day, and the chapter established the Wilcox H. Brandon Scholarship Fund at the J.F. Kennedy High School in Patterson, New Jersey.