The first efforts at establishing an Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity in Hawaii were initiated by our dear, departed Brother, Lieutenant Colonel, U. S. Army, Fred D. Brown from Gamma Epsilon Chapter (Tuskegee University, May 6, 1955). He came to Hawaii with the vision of sparking a bond not only with the other Kappa’s on the island, but the African American community as a whole and creating leadership within the local chapter of the NAACP. He was not alone in creating a bond with the Kappa’s on the island. The mother of Honolulu Kappa’s was Mrs. “Billy” Walker (schoolteacher). She was instrumental in the organizing of social gatherings and events for Kappa Men and their Silhouettes. Also, transforming the island style events which originally consisted of slippers and Aloha shirts, to Tuxedos and Ball Gowns. She is married to Brother William Walker, from Alpha Chapter (Indiana University, Dec 6, 1950). From the beginning, Silhouettes have been very important to the Honolulu (HI) Alumni Chapter. Their passion for friendship and brotherly love created an atmosphere whereas Brothers and their families wanted to engage in social activities, like never before. Which each one found personally fulfilling.
In December of 1962, Kappa men stationed on the island of Oahu, hosted what would become known as the Honolulu (HI) Alumni Chapter, and hosted its first informal meeting. The meeting took place at the home of Brother William Walker. This meeting was spearheaded by Brother Fred Brown, who inspired to organize a first Black Greek Fraternity and/or Sorority, in the Hawaiian Islands and Far East. The persistence and determination of Brother Brown finally culminated in a formal meeting, in January of 1963, at Brother Walker’s house. Other brothers joining Brother Brown and Walker were Marshall Banks, John Hawkins, Leon Anderson, Ed Wilkinson, Wade Gatlin, Roger Lewis, Charles Burghardt, Harry Davis, James Howell, Frank Boudreaux, Al Edmonds, Prentice Jones, C. G. Pruitt, Edward Minor, Gregory Smith, and Bill Greene. By the end of this final planning meeting, in June of 1968, Brother Brown had collected all of the documentation, fees, and information required to forward to the Grand Chapter. Thereby obtaining the charter and archives for the establishment of the History of Honolulu (HI) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Incorporated. All of the brothers participating in this notable meeting were designated Charter Members. Eighteen brothers filed a petition, for a charter and a decree, for the establishment of an Alumni Chapter in Hawaii.
In February of 1963, the Oahu-based Kappa men petitioned the Grand Board of Directors in an effort to establish an Alumni Chapter and Undergraduate Chapter at the University of Hawaii. On March 20, 1963, this petition was reviewed and properly voted on resulting in the Honolulu (HI) Alumni Chapter, originally named “Aloha Alumni Association.” As per Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.’s Constitution, and in reference to Alumni Associations; “…Alumni Associations shall be known by such names, as shall be determined and assigned by the Grand Board of Directors.”
The Grand Board of Directors and 17th Grand Polemarch, Richard B. Millspaugh approved the Chapter’s request to establish an Undergraduate Chapter at the University of Hawaii on March 27, 1963. However, the Undergraduate Chapter would not come to fruition as the local chapter found it very difficult to establish and sustain an Undergraduate Chapter with the low enrollment numbers and interest in the Fraternity.
In February of 1964, the Kappa men, of the “Aloha Alumni Association”, submitted a petition to the Grand Board of Directors to have the charter changed to that of an “Alumni Chapter.” The Grand Board of Directors denied the request based on the transitory nature of the personnel, thereby comprising the chapter membership. The Board felt that the current membership would not be able to sustain the chapter.
It wasn’t until 1972, that the Grand Board of Director and the 20th Grand Polemarch, Dr. William T. Carter finally approved the petition, to establish an Alumni Chapter. The charter was granted on May 20, 1972. Upon receiving the charter, chapter officers were elected, national dues were collected, and official reports of activities for the 1972-73 year, were submitted to the Philadelphia – based Grand Chapter Office. Subsequently, newly arrived Kappa men also joined the new chapter. The very first roster of officers and brothers for the 1972-73 year was proudly published: