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The Northern Light - Northern Province

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This Issue:<br />

2<br />

3<br />

5<br />

8<br />

<strong>Province</strong> Polemarch’s<br />

Message<br />

C. Rodger Wilson<br />

Leadership Conference<br />

Chapter<br />

Announcements<br />

A Bit of Kappa Lore<br />

EXCLUSIVE:<br />

SPECIAL ELECTION<br />

EDITION<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Light</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> Official<br />

Publication of the <strong>Northern</strong><br />

<strong>Province</strong> of Kappa Alpha Psi<br />

Fraternity, Inc.<br />

“It all begins in the North”


Rev. Desmon R.<br />

Daniel, PhD<br />

<strong>Province</strong> Polemarch’s<br />

Message<br />

Brothers of the <strong>Northern</strong> P rovince,<br />

I hope that you will enjoy this edition of the <strong>Northern</strong><br />

<strong>Light</strong>. It is our goal to make the publication both<br />

relevant and informational. We ask that each chapter<br />

submit information in a timely manner so that we may<br />

adequately capture the programs, activities, events and news<br />

within the <strong>Province</strong>.<br />

Welcome to what promises to be<br />

a historic year in Kappa Alpha<br />

Psi and the <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Province</strong>.<br />

<strong>The</strong> 23 rd Administration is in<br />

place and ready to serve you as<br />

we embark on another year of<br />

service in our respective<br />

communities and our noble clan.<br />

Our team will continue to serve<br />

with the same spirit of excellence<br />

that you have come to know and<br />

trust as we strive to meet and<br />

exceed the expectations of our<br />

Grand Chapter. As we prepare<br />

for the August Grand Chapter<br />

meeting that will be held in<br />

Houston, Texas let’s roll up our<br />

sleeves and get busy.<br />

You may now register for the<br />

Conclave via the International<br />

website<br />

www.kappaalphapsi1911.com or<br />

via the <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Province</strong><br />

website www.kapsi-np.org. Our<br />

commitment to serve the<br />

membership of the <strong>Northern</strong><br />

<strong>Province</strong> has never been more<br />

resolved than it is today. I urge<br />

you to contact myself or any<br />

member of the Board with any<br />

concerns that you may have as<br />

we endeavor to represent you<br />

throughout this fraternal year<br />

and beyond.<br />

Again Brothers, let me welcome<br />

you to this fraternal year and<br />

encourage you to renew a spirit<br />

of service as we proceed in our<br />

quest to be the Kappa Men that<br />

we were created to be.<br />

Yours in the Bond,<br />

Rev. Desmon R. Daniel, PhD<br />

<strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Province</strong> Polemarch<br />

2 <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Light</strong> October 2012


<strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Province</strong><br />

2012 C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference (CRWLC)<br />

Hosted by the Sigma Chapter,<br />

the 2012 CRWLC took place at<br />

the Ross School of Business on<br />

the campus of the University of<br />

Michigan in Ann Arbor. It was<br />

a weekend of technological<br />

advancement,<br />

symbolism,<br />

leadership, and<br />

growth.<br />

Attendance in<br />

2012 was<br />

higher than<br />

expected and<br />

highest in at<br />

least 15 years.<br />

Representatives from 23 of 29<br />

chapters were present - most<br />

arriving on Friday evening, and<br />

they enjoyed great food and<br />

fellowship. <strong>Province</strong> Polemarch<br />

Desmon R. Daniel, PhD.<br />

welcomed the attendees and<br />

shared the vision and mission of<br />

the <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Province</strong> with<br />

them. An outstanding and eye-<br />

September 21 & 22<br />

Written by Bro. Christopher Carswell<br />

opening presentation on Roberts<br />

Rules of Order was delivered by<br />

Maurice Henderson of the Ann<br />

Arbor/Ypsilanti/Inkster Alumni<br />

Chapter. Ann<br />

Arbor/Ypsilanti/Inkster AL<br />

Silhouette Ruth Jordan facilitated<br />

two (2) extremely challenging<br />

leadership activities, helping<br />

attendees understand the<br />

importance of listening as a<br />

critical leadership skill. Harrison<br />

Duke of Detroit AL conducted a<br />

portion of Chapter Advisors<br />

Certification to complete the<br />

formal evening agenda.<br />

Saturday was Kappa Alpha Psi<br />

Day on campus. One hundred<br />

and six (106) Kappas (69 AL, 37<br />

Collegiate) – most wearing<br />

paraphernalia, were the topic of<br />

conversation for Ross Business<br />

School students,<br />

university staff,<br />

and others with<br />

a view. Kappa<br />

men between<br />

the ages of 20<br />

and 70, from<br />

Michigan, Ohio,<br />

and New York<br />

enjoyed a<br />

continental<br />

breakfast and<br />

subsequently<br />

were educated in chapter<br />

leadership, records management<br />

and communication, financial<br />

controls, and execution of duties<br />

by officers. Presentations were<br />

made Senior <strong>Province</strong> Vice<br />

Polemarch Kevin Kyles,<br />

<strong>Province</strong> Keeper of Records<br />

Chris Carswell, <strong>Province</strong> Keeper<br />

3 <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Light</strong> October 2012


of Exchequer Julius Maddox,<br />

and Sigma Chapter Polemarch<br />

Tony Barrett.<br />

Following the morning<br />

presentations, the Kappamen<br />

walked through the U-M campus<br />

– stopping in the middle of the<br />

Central Campus for photo<br />

opportunities and fellowship.<br />

<strong>The</strong>ir walk continued to the<br />

Michigan League Ballroom,<br />

where a networking lunch was<br />

held. <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Province</strong> Junior<br />

Vice Polemarch Ian Grant<br />

facilitated the lunch agenda.<br />

Alumni brothers in various<br />

careers including business, law,<br />

engineering, and politics sat at<br />

specifically designated tables and<br />

were joined by collegiate<br />

brothers studying in or aspiring<br />

to begin careers in the same<br />

areas. Informal career<br />

discussions between the alumni<br />

and collegiate brothers were<br />

healthy and valuable for all the<br />

participants. A keynote address<br />

was delivered by guest speaker<br />

Brandon Bradford, North<br />

Central <strong>Province</strong> Junior Vice<br />

Polemarch.<br />

Excellent presentations followed<br />

the keynote address. Greg<br />

White, a 1996 Sigma Chapter<br />

initiate<br />

addressed<br />

<strong>The</strong> Black<br />

Male in<br />

Corporate<br />

America<br />

and helped<br />

the<br />

audience<br />

understand<br />

the need to obtain career<br />

mentoring, to read and analyze<br />

career information incremental<br />

to that required for employment,<br />

and to give back to others.<br />

Bryan Johnson of the Ann<br />

Arbor/Ypsilanti/Inkster Alumni<br />

Chapter presented on Brand<br />

Management, defining it in<br />

corporate and individual terms<br />

and helping the audience to<br />

understand best practices for<br />

increasing positive visibility and<br />

for communicating desired<br />

messages to individuals and<br />

organizations.<br />

After returning to the Ross<br />

Business School, <strong>Province</strong><br />

Polemarch Daniel led the<br />

<strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Province</strong> Town Hall<br />

Meeting. Brothers were updated<br />

on key items related to support<br />

of the fraternity and the Grand<br />

Polemarch. Brothers were given<br />

considerable time to ask<br />

questions and comment on<br />

topics of interest or concern for<br />

them. Answers and feedback<br />

were primarily provided by<br />

members of the <strong>Province</strong><br />

Executive Board and Grand<br />

Board Member Harry G.<br />

Franklin.<br />

Ian Grant provided closing<br />

comments, expressing gratitude<br />

for the outstanding attendance<br />

and participation of the brothers<br />

of the <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Province</strong>. He<br />

additionally acknowledged the<br />

outstanding planning and<br />

execution of the 2012 CRWLC<br />

by members of the Sigma<br />

Chapter, supported by Phillip<br />

Anderson of the Ann<br />

Arbor/Ypsilanti/Inkster AL<br />

Chapter.<br />

4 <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Light</strong> October 2012


Corning Alumni Chapter of Kappa<br />

Alpha Psi<br />

Written by<br />

Bro. Elijah Baity<br />

Corning Area Alumni of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity<br />

volunteered service to the Corning Habitat For<br />

Humanity organization in an effort to continue to serve<br />

the communities in the Corning/ Elmira areas.<br />

Members of the fraternity painted a storage shed at the<br />

Habitat For Humanity Restore facility. <strong>The</strong>y also<br />

installed insulation and paneling in a tech room where<br />

volunteers will repair electrical appliances.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Corning area Alumni consists of members in the<br />

greater Corning, Elmira and Ithaca areas. Elijah Baity,<br />

Polemarch of the local alumni remarked, “Kappa Alpha<br />

Psi Fraternity’s fundamental purpose is service to our<br />

communities and to lead through examples of<br />

achievement in every human endeavor.”<br />

(From left to right) Roosevelt Dillard, Gregory Thomas,<br />

Ivan Jubilee, Jerome Nuckles, Tim West, Stephen<br />

Sengstacke, William Blanchard, Elijah Baity<br />

Lansing Alumni Chapter Of Kappa<br />

Alpha Psi Fraternity<br />

Written by<br />

Bro. Jackie J. Marks<br />

In collaboration with the Lansing Branch of the<br />

NAACP, Kappa Alpha Psi Lansing Alumni Chapter<br />

began a voter registration drive. For the month of<br />

October, every Saturday during little leagues football<br />

games in which Kappa Express teams were members<br />

of both organizations worker diligently to register<br />

voters.<br />

<strong>The</strong> highlight for me was when a seventeen-year-old<br />

girl stated that she would turning eighteen the<br />

upcoming Monday and wanted to register so she<br />

could vote in the November general election. Many<br />

people who were already registered expressed<br />

gratitude that both organizations were taking the time<br />

and effort to reach people so that they may exercise<br />

their right to vote.<br />

5 <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Light</strong> October 2012


Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni<br />

Chapter Of Kappa Alpha Psi<br />

Fraternity<br />

Polemarch Michael L. Kinloch received the 2012<br />

Alumni Brother of the Year Award during the<br />

banquet at the 65th <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Province</strong> Council<br />

Meeting on May 5, 2012. <strong>The</strong> entire Ann Arbor-<br />

Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni Chapter is proud of<br />

everything Polemarch Kinloch has helped our<br />

chapter accomplish this past year. His leadership has<br />

led us to great success and the best is yet to come!<br />

Below: Brothers stop to pose at the D.A.P.S.<br />

Centennial Golf Classics.<br />

<strong>The</strong> 2012 Kappa & Pool Party was held on Saturday<br />

July 28th 2012. Approximately 53 members of the<br />

Ann Arbor – Ypsilanti- Inkster Alumni Chapter<br />

participated. <strong>The</strong> Brothers, Silhouettes and friends<br />

had a great time and enjoyed the food, fellowship and<br />

swimming.<br />

Looking forward to the “2013” Island & Pool Party!!!<br />

6 <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Light</strong> October 2012


Pontiac Alumni Chapter Of Kappa<br />

Alpha Psi Fraternity<br />

Written by<br />

Bro. Dwaine Campbell<br />

On Aug. 17-19, 2012 the Pontiac Alumni Chapter held its<br />

planning retreat at the Windsor Riverside Inn in Windsor,<br />

Ontario Canada. <strong>The</strong> retreat focused on fellowship and<br />

planning the 2012-2013 chapter activities.<br />

On Saturday, August 25, 2012 the PAC participated in the<br />

Pontiac community’s Annual Back to School Picnic at the<br />

Cobb Funeral Home in Pontiac Michigan. At this event,<br />

the chapter donated school supplies and their time to the<br />

many children and their families attending the<br />

picnic. <strong>The</strong> event served over 3000 people in the<br />

community and 700 backpacks were given out to<br />

students. (Pictured with participants Rodger Davis and<br />

Melvin Lee)<br />

Saginaw Alumni Chapter Of Kappa<br />

Alpha Psi Fraternity<br />

Anti Violence Press Conference<br />

On October 2 nd 2012, an Anti Violence Press<br />

Conference was held at Bethel AME Church. <strong>The</strong><br />

chapter will go into Saginaw-area middle schools to<br />

talk about gangs. <strong>The</strong> classes will focus on boys,<br />

giving them tools on how to stand up to gangs in<br />

their own neighborhoods.<br />

7 <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Light</strong> October 2012


Southfield Alumni Of Kappa<br />

Alpha Psi Fraternity<br />

Written by<br />

Bro. Darnell Lewis<br />

<strong>The</strong> Southfield Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi<br />

Fraternity, Inc. participated in a Back to School Rally<br />

on September 14, 2012. <strong>The</strong> rally was held in Redford,<br />

MI at Methodist Children’s Home Society, a residential<br />

care program for boys that have been rejected by their<br />

families and caregivers. Brothers Dante Dixon, Jerome<br />

Menifee, Darnell Lewis, Joseph Carter and Timmie<br />

Roberts spoke to the youth about the importance of an<br />

education. After a panel discussion, the brothers<br />

participated in a stroll off with members of Alpha Phi<br />

Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity,<br />

Inc. Our brothers were well received by the staff and<br />

were asked to come back and mentor the young men.<br />

A Bit of <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Province</strong> Kappa Lore<br />

Written by<br />

Bro. James Bell III<br />

“Over at Michigan<br />

State you will find that<br />

every Negro on State’s<br />

crack track team is a<br />

Wearer of the<br />

Diamond. Say! Have<br />

you ever heard of<br />

Eugene Beatty? Well if<br />

you have not, it is a<br />

reflection on your<br />

knowledge of American<br />

sports; and in order to<br />

remedy that defect, listen! Beatty was given an honor-<br />

able mention on every All-American Track Team<br />

mentioned last year. Last July he won and set a new<br />

official 400-meter hurdle at the National Junior<br />

A.A.U meet at Lincoln, Nebraska and at present is a<br />

strong contender for berth on this year’s Olympic<br />

team. Beatty is also holder of a title in hurdle events<br />

of last year’s Penn. Relays. (Pulled from the March<br />

1932 Kappa Alpha Psi Journal)<br />

<strong>The</strong> Athlete<br />

Brother Eugene Beatty was born in Detroit, in<br />

1909. As a student Beatty was an exceptional track<br />

and field athlete at Northeastern High School. In<br />

8 <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Light</strong> October 2012


1927 and 1928, he won multiple events in the<br />

Michigan High School Athletic Association Track<br />

and Field Championships and was named the Track<br />

and Field Athlete of the Year in 1928. <strong>The</strong><br />

previously mentioned Penn Relays was the largest<br />

track and field competition in the United States. Bro.<br />

Charles Eugene Beatty Sr. was initiated into the<br />

Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi on February 13,<br />

1932. Bro. Beatty had the opportunity to compete<br />

with Jesse Owens in the Olympic Trials, but fell at<br />

the last hurdle in one of the races.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Educator<br />

Bro. Beatty served as the first African American<br />

principal in the state of Michigan. Beatty served as<br />

the principal for Perry Elementary in Ypsilanti, MI<br />

from 1940 to 1967. Bro. Beatty became an instant<br />

community leader, desegregating the school and later<br />

going on to serve on the school board. Bro. Beatty<br />

actively engaged Perry Elementary School’s parents,<br />

instructing them on the purpose of teaching outside<br />

of the classroom. <strong>The</strong> Perry School would also serve<br />

as a site for wedding receptions, civil rights rallies,<br />

teen dances, voting, and an immunization clinic<br />

among other roles. Bro. Beatty was successful in<br />

creating a “community’s school”, an introduction to<br />

the development of Head Start programs in the<br />

United States. Here Beatty was able to emphasize<br />

health, nutrition, family and community as being<br />

factors in school success. Beatty along with other<br />

individuals created the well-known HighScope Perry<br />

Preschool Project. This project took an in-depth<br />

look at the issues of academic failure and explored<br />

preventative measures by involving community and<br />

parents in the preparation process of very young<br />

students for their future. In 19bout 85 Bro. Beatty was<br />

inducted into the Michigan Education Hall of Fame<br />

and inducted into the Eastern Michigan University<br />

College of Education Hall of Fame in 2011.<br />

Bro. Beatty entered Chapter Invisible in February 1998.<br />

9 <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Light</strong> October 2012


K ap pa’s Kall for the 2012 Elections<br />

Dr. King said, “Our lives begin to end the day we<br />

become silent about things that matter.” As citizens<br />

we have a responsibility to let our voices be heard on<br />

important issues including the selection of those that<br />

lead and represent us.<br />

As we all know, the right to vote wasn’t given to us<br />

automatically. It wasn't until the signing of the Voting<br />

Rights Act of 1965 that discriminatory voting<br />

practices against African Americans were outlawed in<br />

the U.S. Today, African American turnout is needed<br />

more than ever.<br />

This is true not just because the Presidential race<br />

includes an African American, but because the<br />

decisions that will be made by all of our elected<br />

officials impacts us and our communities. All politics<br />

is local and that’s why it is important for all eligible<br />

voters to participate in every election. That’s where<br />

Kappa can play a significant role.<br />

<strong>The</strong> International Headquarters has issued a call to all<br />

chapters to participate in the Kappa Voter Action<br />

Network (VAN). Kappa VAN is a call for all<br />

provinces, alumni chapters, collegiate chapters, and<br />

senior Kappas to actively engage our communities to<br />

increase turnout and voter participation.<br />

Kappa VAN is designed to position Kappa to play a<br />

key role in six specific areas: voter education, voter<br />

Education is Key<br />

Knowing the candidates and the<br />

issues empowers voters with the<br />

ability to make better decisions as<br />

they cast their votes. Kappa can<br />

play a key role in providing access<br />

to information about candidates<br />

and current issues.<br />

This fall chapters should host<br />

candidate forums that are open to<br />

the public. Some chapters have<br />

T h e N o r t h e r n l i g h t<br />

S p e c i a l e l e c t i o n e d i t i o n<br />

even partnered with other<br />

identification, voter registration, voter transportation,<br />

voter protection and getting out the vote. This<br />

special election edition of the <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Light</strong> is<br />

designed to break the role of Kappa down so each<br />

chapter can have a clear picture of how we can<br />

engage our communities over the next few months.<br />

It’s important that all Kappa chapters throughout the<br />

<strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Province</strong> participate in this network. As<br />

Kappa men, we know first and foremost the power of<br />

being educated and active. We must now let our<br />

example inspire others to exercise their right as<br />

American citizens and fulfill their responsibility to<br />

participate in the system that sets our country apart<br />

from others in the world.<br />

As your chapter begins to hold events and engage the<br />

community, be sure to let<br />

me know so I can document<br />

all that the <strong>Northern</strong><br />

<strong>Province</strong> is doing to “Inspire<br />

service in the public<br />

interest.” If your chapter has<br />

question on how to execute<br />

aspects of this action plan,<br />

you can contact me at<br />

jvj1911@gmail.com<br />

anytime for assistance.<br />

BGLOs to host joint forums. In<br />

some communities, you can have<br />

them televised on your local cable<br />

networks to increase your reach<br />

to voters.<br />

All chapters should provide links<br />

on your websites to the local<br />

election bureaus for information<br />

on ballot issues. Usually, the local<br />

James V. Jackson<br />

Political Awareness &<br />

Social Action Chairman<br />

<strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Province</strong><br />

clerk’s office or groups like the<br />

League of Women Voters have<br />

candidate and ballot issue<br />

information on their websites that<br />

you can link to.<br />

Kappa should be one of the key<br />

local resources for current<br />

election information. This will<br />

make your chapter and our<br />

fraternity look good.<br />

In this issue:<br />

Kappa VAN 1<br />

<strong>The</strong> Fight for Our<br />

Future<br />

Useful links:<br />

� Michigan Elections<br />

Bureau:<br />

www.michigan.gov<br />

/elections<br />

� Ohio Secretary of<br />

State:<br />

www.sos.state.oh.<br />

us/elections.aspx<br />

� New York State<br />

Board of Elections:<br />

www.elections.ny.<br />

gov/<br />

� League of Women<br />

Voters:<br />

www.lwv.org/get-<br />

involved/local-<br />

leagues<br />

Fall 2012<br />

2<br />

<strong>The</strong> Kall to Service 3<br />

GOTV 4<br />

1


T h e Fight for our Fu ture<br />

As a citizen of the Unites States, we are<br />

called upon by our constitution to perform<br />

two specific duties for our communities.<br />

One is to serve as a juror for our peers and<br />

the other is to vote. Voting is a fundamental<br />

right that most of us only exercise during<br />

big elections like a presidential or<br />

gubernatorial race. In many cases, we only<br />

vote for what is commonly called the “top<br />

of the ticket” and don’t vote on the rest of<br />

the ballot.<br />

<strong>The</strong> reality is that elections are held every<br />

year for all kinds of races and ballot issues<br />

and our absence from the polls in the off<br />

years tends to lead us to scratch our head<br />

when local government policies are passed<br />

that have a negative impact on our lives.<br />

That’s why it is critical that we, our families,<br />

our neighbors and friends stay engaged in<br />

the political process and vote in every<br />

election.<br />

T h e Key M essage on Vo t er I Ds<br />

In recent months the national and state<br />

debate over voter identification has heated<br />

up. It’s safe to say that this debate will not<br />

be solved on a national level in this election<br />

cycle. Currently, states vary in their<br />

requirements for showing proper ID when<br />

voters go to the polls to cast their votes.<br />

<strong>The</strong> important message that chapters should<br />

be sharing with your communities is to<br />

know the laws in your specific state. <strong>The</strong><br />

states that make up the <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Province</strong><br />

have different laws for voters.<br />

For example, in Michigan and Ohio all<br />

voters must bring acceptable identification<br />

to the polls in order to verify their identity.<br />

However, voters in Michigan and Ohio who<br />

do not provide one of these documents at<br />

the precinct will still be able to vote using a<br />

T h ere’s Still T i me to Register!<br />

As some voting requirements vary from<br />

state to state, the requirement that is<br />

consistent is that we must all be registered.<br />

For the states that make up the <strong>Northern</strong><br />

<strong>Province</strong>, you must be registered at least 30<br />

days for the election.<br />

With the election just over 80 days away,<br />

there is about a month and half left for<br />

eligible unregistered citizens to register for<br />

the general election. Local Kappa chapters,<br />

Now, obviously this election cycle includes<br />

the race for the highest office in the<br />

country. So, it is vitally important that we all<br />

participate in the process and cast our vote.<br />

President Barack Obama (Left) is running for<br />

his second term in office against Mitt Romney<br />

(Right) in November’s election.<br />

As we talk to our Kappa brothers, Kappa<br />

Leaguers, family and friends, it’s important<br />

to remind them why presidential elections<br />

are so important. <strong>The</strong> president influences<br />

both alumni as well as collegiate, can assist<br />

in this process.<br />

Many chapters have been active in voter<br />

registration drives in their communities.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is still time to host more of these at<br />

local events, outside libraries, grocery<br />

stores and in our churches. Also, your<br />

chapter can provide the link to your state<br />

elections bureau for online voter<br />

registration forms. (See links on page 1)<br />

public policy (including monetary policy),<br />

influences the national economy, manages<br />

our international relations, nominates our<br />

Supreme Court Justices and commands our<br />

military. <strong>The</strong>se are all parts of our society<br />

that have a direct and indirect impact on<br />

our lives. That’s why we must vote.<br />

Over the next several weeks, its our<br />

responsibility as citizens to learn all we can<br />

about these candidates and cast your vote<br />

for the person whose plan for our country<br />

is closest to your beliefs and values. That is<br />

how our democracy works and by voting<br />

we make our democracy stronger.<br />

As Kappa men, we must set the tone and in<br />

some communities lead the discussion of<br />

why its important to vote and assist in<br />

providing access to the information that will<br />

keep our communities informed. <strong>The</strong><br />

<strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Province</strong> can play a key role in<br />

the fight for our nation’s future.<br />

provisional ballot. In New York, you are not<br />

required to bring identification to the polls<br />

unless you are a first time voter.<br />

For more information on your state’s voter<br />

ID laws, be sure to check your state<br />

elections bureau’s website. You should also<br />

place a link on your website for brothers<br />

and the general public to refer to for more<br />

information.<br />

It’s important that your chapter not wait<br />

too long to set up and host a registration<br />

drive or set up a link to your site. Make<br />

sure you send the web link information out<br />

to your chapter email list and have brothers<br />

forward the information to their friends and<br />

family. Kappa’s have always had an<br />

audience…let’s use it to get our folks<br />

registered!<br />

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Ta ke Yo ur Soles to the Polls<br />

<strong>The</strong> election process only works if you<br />

vote. <strong>The</strong>re are primarily two ways to vote.<br />

One is by absentee ballot and the other is<br />

by going to the polls. Usually seniors make<br />

up the largest percentage of absentee<br />

voters. Generally, everyone else votes at<br />

their local voting precincts. Either way the<br />

goal is to just vote!<br />

Kappa chapters throughout the <strong>Northern</strong><br />

<strong>Province</strong> should identify ways they can help<br />

those that don’t vote absentee but have<br />

issues getting to the polls. Some suggestion<br />

on how to do this includes carpooling with<br />

neighbors, family or friends to the polls.<br />

Also, chapters can coordinate with local<br />

churches, senior citizen homes and assisted<br />

living homes to provide transportation to<br />

the polls. In some cases, the churches may<br />

supply church vans to help transport voters.<br />

<strong>The</strong> chapter website can also be used as a<br />

A nswering the Kall to Ser v ic e<br />

As Kappa men, we all learned and took an<br />

oath to fulfill the five objectives our beloved<br />

Founders charged us with. One of those<br />

objectives is to “Inspire service in the public<br />

interest”. Throughout Kappa history,<br />

countless brothers have answered the call<br />

to service both locally and nationally. On a<br />

national level, we all know Kappa brothers<br />

like Congressman Conyers, Hastings and<br />

Clay that serve as elected officials on a<br />

national level. Within the <strong>Northern</strong><br />

<strong>Province</strong> Kappa men have held, currently<br />

hold or are currently seeking elective office<br />

in our local communities.<br />

Serving in elected office is an honor that not<br />

enough of us pursue. This is especially true<br />

in areas where African Americans make up<br />

a significant portion of the population. Time<br />

and time again we claim that we are being<br />

left out of the process, when we are<br />

positioned closer than we think to actually<br />

playing a role in the process.<br />

Members of BGLOs are among the best<br />

positioned to run for office. We have the<br />

education, training and network to make<br />

effective runs for office. Those of us that<br />

have or currently serve know first-hand<br />

what is required to run and to serve. This is<br />

knowledge that we should be passing on to<br />

brothers that have an interest in public<br />

service. In the years to come, there should<br />

be core groups of brothers in the NP who<br />

are actively building their candidate<br />

credentials so that when there is an<br />

opportunity to run for office they are ready<br />

and electable.<br />

This has been practiced in some parts of the<br />

province for years. For example, for the<br />

better part of the last decade, three<br />

members of the seven-member Southfield<br />

Board of Education have been Kappa men.<br />

Currently, Bro. Darryle Buchannan serves<br />

as the Board President. Former board<br />

member Bro. Rudy Hobbs went on to be<br />

P ro t ec t ing Yo u r Right to Vo t e<br />

Since the passing of the Voting Right Act of<br />

1965, the challenge of social action<br />

organizations have been to watch over the<br />

election process to protect the rights the<br />

Act provides. Each election cycle, that task<br />

becomes more challenging as those seeking<br />

power increase their resolve to obtain it at<br />

all costs.<br />

First, its also important to know your rights<br />

as a voter. Be sure to refer to your state<br />

elections website for a complete list of your<br />

rights to avoid any confusion at the polls.<br />

As leaders in our communities we can assist<br />

in watching over the process and even being<br />

a part of the process to ensure that it is fair<br />

for all.<br />

Some of the ways we can assist in watching<br />

over the process is by contacting our local<br />

sign-up tool for voters that need assistance<br />

getting to the polls.<br />

With November 6 rapidly approaching, we<br />

must position ourselves to help voters in<br />

our communities so that they’re voice will<br />

be heard.<br />

<strong>The</strong> bottom line is we can help reduce<br />

people excuses for not voting…and you<br />

know how much Kappas hate excuses!<br />

elected to the Michigan House of<br />

Representatives where he is finishing his<br />

first term in the state legislature.<br />

<strong>The</strong> other aspect of our brotherhood is<br />

that we must continue to support these<br />

brothers as they run and serve our<br />

communities. <strong>The</strong>y will need our time,<br />

talent and treasure<br />

to make a<br />

successful run for<br />

office as well as our<br />

vote.<br />

Brothers, when I<br />

pledged I was<br />

taught that a Kappa<br />

man never turns<br />

away from<br />

leadership. We are<br />

made to serve and<br />

we should let that<br />

service inspire<br />

others.<br />

clerk’s office and serving as an election<br />

judge or monitor at the polls or even<br />

volunteering to work the polls on Election<br />

Day for a local candidate.<br />

Being active in some capacity at the polls<br />

will go a long way in ensuring that our<br />

election process serves the people and<br />

doesn’t cheat them.<br />

Rep. Hobbs is serving his<br />

first term representing<br />

Michigan’s 35th District<br />

in the Michigan House of<br />

Representatives.<br />

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2012 Nor t h er n Prov ince A c t i on Plan<br />

Get Involved: Participate, Educate, Protect and Vote<br />

Participate in Voter Registration Drives<br />

Host Candidate Forums<br />

Serve as Election Judges/Monitors<br />

Work the Voting Polls on Election Day<br />

Provide Transportation for Voters<br />

Vote: Emphasis on Early Voting<br />

100% Registered Voters with our Chapters<br />

Document your Chapter Activities with your NP Political Awareness Chairman<br />

Demonstrate what the NP can do!!!<br />

100 Years and Building: <strong>The</strong> Journey Continues<br />

“<strong>The</strong> Journey Continues”<br />

November 6, 2012<br />

Get Out <strong>The</strong> Vote<br />

GOTV<br />

And<br />

Go Out And Vote<br />

Don’t Forget to Vote!<br />

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