A Legacy of Service
Origins of a Chapter
The Detroit (MI) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. reflects the same spirit that shaped the Fraternity in the years following World War I — when the Negro population in the industrial cities of the North nearly doubled. In that moment of rapid growth and transition, Kappa filled a social, economic, and political need for Negro male college students that did not previously exist. Kappa men could count on their fraternity brothers for help and support as they settled in urban areas across the nation.
In Detroit, four Delta Chapter (Wilberforce University) graduates — McKinley Carey, Joseph D. Duplessis, Leoniadas Curtis, and Fred Jones — recognized a similar need in their own city. Following the Eighth Grand Chapter Meeting in Chicago (1919), they petitioned to establish a graduate chapter in Detroit. Dr. E. A. Carter and Newton Dolphin joined them to become the charter members.
"On April 3, 1920, by proclamation of Grand Polemarch Irven Armstrong, the Detroit Alumni Chapter was officially chartered — the second alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in the nation."
McKinley Carey served as the first Polemarch. As of the charter date, the Fraternity had fourteen active chapters nationwide — twelve undergraduate and two alumni.
Notable Early Members
Detroit Alumni's early membership included some of the most distinguished Kappas and leaders of the era, including Founders Bryon K. Armstrong and Henry T. Asher, as well as brothers Victor LaNier Hicks and Ossian H. Sweet — men whose contributions extended far beyond the fraternity.
Growth & Milestones
Throughout its history, Detroit Alumni has played a pivotal role in advancing the Fraternity's presence and impact in Michigan. In 1927, the chapter was instrumental in chartering the Alpha Beta Chapter at Wayne State University and hosted the Seventeenth Grand Chapter Meeting — a first for the chapter.
On April 15, 1945, Detroit Alumni unveiled the "Kappa Kastle," the fraternity house located at 269 Erskine St., Detroit, MI 48201, designed by the famed Detroit architect Albert Kahn. Decades later, the Historic Detroit Kappa House continues to serve the Fraternity and the community.
The Kappa Kastle
The Historic Kappa House at 269 Erskine Street stands as one of the most enduring symbols of our chapter's legacy. Designed by Albert Kahn — one of Detroit's most celebrated architects — the building has served as a hub of brotherhood, community service, and fellowship for over 75 years.
Serving Detroit Today
Over the years, Detroit Alumni has been the home chapter of a multitude of civic, religious, educational, and industry leaders — men of achievement within Southeastern Michigan. In 2014, the chapter donated historical fraternity memorabilia to be part of a permanent display at the Smithsonian Museum, dedicated to African American fraternities and sororities.
As the flagship of the Mighty Northern Province, Detroit Alumni remains a hub and mecca for Kappa men in the Midwest — preserving history, strengthening brotherhood, and serving Detroit.