The establishing of an Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc in Asheville, NC is a concept that goes back many years. However, it was not until 1976 that seven Brothers formed the nucleus of the present Chapter. This group of Brothers included Vernon Hinson, Naaman Johnson, Wilbur Eggleston, Horace McDonald, Rufus Pharr, Walter Scott, and Willie Jones. Unfortunately, plans to originate an Alumni Chapter once again had to be shelved when Brother Pharr was called to the Invisible Chapter and Brothers Hinson. and Johnson was relocated to other cities.

 

In the spring of 1980, Brothers Eggleston, Jones, McDonald and Scott plus several new Brothers once again began meeting on a regular basis with one main goal in mind - THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ALUMNI CHAPTER. The new Brothers were Arthur Bryant, Sheldon McAlIpin, Will Settle, Clint Washington, and Charles Young.

 

In September 1980, the Asheville Alumni Chapter was unofficially established. Finally, on April 11, 1981, after years of dreaming, planning and anticipating, the dream became a reality when Province Polemarch Alfred C. Perry along with Provincial Chaplain, the Reverend Ray A. Bouton, presented the Asheville Alumni and the Kappa Sigma Chapters (Western Carolina University) with their Charters in a moving ceremony witnessed by a number of distinguished Brothers from several Chapters throughout the Middle Eastern Province. The ceremony was held at the old Ambassador’s Club in Asheville, NC.

 

The Chapter’s first officers were: Willie Jones, Polemarch; Will Settle, Vice Polemarch; Charles Young, Keeper of Records; Walter Scott, Strategus; Arthur Bryant, Reporter; Horace McDonald, Historian; Brother Settle also served as the first Advisor to Kappa Sigma Chapter. In September of 1982 Brother Young was installed as the second Polemarch.

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In February 1982, three Scrollers were initiated into the Fraternity and Chapter. These Brothers, known as “Phase 1” were David Middleton, Donald Ruff, and Frank Wilson. In July of 1982 four more Scrollers were initiated, these Brothers were Michael Burnette, Kenneth Mapp, Larry McCallum, and Ira Simpson. They were known as “Phase 2.” Two more Scrollers were initiated in April of 1983. These Brothers were known as “The No Names” were Anthony Ellerbe and Henry Snipes. Following that we initiated Bro. Tyrone Murphy in 1985, and in 1986 the “Ace” line was initiated which was Bro Jonathon R. Crooks “The Black Diamond.”

 

The Asheville Alumni Chapter has established an outstanding position in the local community since its inception. The Chapter remains active in the area. It is now a dual city chapter Asheville/Hickory. For 15 years Bro Jonathon Crooks, Bro Larry McCallum, Bro David Roberts kept the chapter going occasionally supported by Bro Kenny Mapp, Bro John Jones, and Terry Young. In the year 2002 when Brother David Roberts and Brother Steven Davenport began to reclaim brothers in the Hickory and Cullowhee areas, the Chapter began to experience a new birth. In 2008 the “Rebirth” line was initiated and they were Dwayne “Pedie” King, Chening Evans. In 2010 the chapter initiated 4 more brothers and they are Cory Hannah, Kenneth Owens, the Rev. Terry Phillips, and Minister Montee Simmons. One of the notable Guide right programs of the chapter is its Annual Tennis Tournament named after Brother Dr. Larry McCallum who has kept the tournament going along with his family since its inception 19 years running.

 

Under the direction of Polemarch Dr. D'quayvion Cloud the chapter moves forward as it enters its 43rd year. It has successfully hosted the 69th  Provincial Council meeting and now has grown from 3 members to 15 members. The Chapter has chartered chapters at  UNC Asheville, Lenoir Rhyne and reactivated the Mu Tau Chapter ( Mars Hill) of Kappa Alpha Psi. From this Chapter has emerged the 21st  Middle Eastern Provincial Polemarch, Brother Sheldon McAlpin and the National Reclamation Chair of the Middle Eastern Province, Brother David E. Roberts, II.