Fraternity History

On Thursday, January 5th, in the year 1911, the noble Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc., was founded on the campus of Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. Kappa Alpha Psi®, a college Fraternity, now comprised of functioning Undergraduate and Alumni Chapters on major campuses and in cities throughout the country, is the crystallization of a dream. It is the beautiful realization of a vision shared commonly by the late Revered Founders.

Kappa Alpha Psi was founded at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, at a time when African-American students faced tremendous adversity and isolation on predominantly white campuses. The ten founders—known as the "Revered Founders"—created the organization to unite men of culture, patriotism, and honor in a bond of fraternity.

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Originally called Kappa Alpha Nu, the fraternity's name was changed to Kappa Alpha Psi on April 15, 1915, at the Grand Chapter meeting in Chicago, Illinois. This change was made to avoid being referred to pejoratively as "Kappa Alpha Nig."

The fraternity quickly expanded, establishing chapters at universities across the country. By 1921, the fraternity had established chapters at over 50 institutions. Today, Kappa Alpha Psi has 700+ undergraduate and alumni chapters located throughout the United States, the Caribbean, United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, Japan, and other parts of the world.

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The fundamental purpose of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, which is exclusive and unique from all other fraternities, is ACHIEVEMENT.

Kappa Alpha Psi is not a business; it is not sustained by commercialism. Kappa Alpha Psi is a Fraternity, an instrument and a means by which men who have common interest, common goals, and common ideals can benefit mutually through fellowship and mutual support.

The fraternity trains its members for leadership and service through its programs, including Guide Right (mentorship), Kappa League (youth leadership development), and various community service initiatives.

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Colors: Crimson and Cream

Greek Letters: ΚΑΨ

The Coat of Arms of Kappa Alpha Psi is rich with symbolism representing the ideals and aspirations of the organization. The design includes elements representing scholarship, achievement, and brotherhood.

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