tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post6775620345745020964..comments2023-04-09T22:14:56.193-07:00Comments on The Sophisticated Paperboy: I Pledged Kappa Alpha Psi At Virginia State University More Than Fifty Years Ago.The Sophisticated Paperboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18013416072848463274noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-68971790788881984992023-04-09T22:14:56.193-07:002023-04-09T22:14:56.193-07:00It's usually a very nice and informative blog.... It's usually a very nice and informative blog..keep sharing..We are very much interested in your blog please keep updating us.. As you said above it's very true <br /><a href="https://srislawyer.com/personal-injury-lawyers-virginia-good-car-accident-attorney/" rel="nofollow">Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer!</a>Alexandra12https://www.blogger.com/profile/09960393539120525881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-4561110655432188452020-12-02T09:04:24.035-08:002020-12-02T09:04:24.035-08:00Interesting story.
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I pledged Kappa in 1965 but, did not g...Dr. Gordon:<br />I pledged Kappa in 1965 but, did not go over due to grades dropping. Now 50 years later and 73 years old I am taking steps to pledge again. Thanks for your story!Ambrosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01933428982219140986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-71544547641841661542019-07-02T06:36:58.976-07:002019-07-02T06:36:58.976-07:00As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha I loved reading you...As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha I loved reading your post. Thank you for sharing your wonderful history.<br />THS ALPHAMANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08928095005399398831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-27721094934364246412017-08-08T08:17:17.802-07:002017-08-08T08:17:17.802-07:00As a once aspiring member, I never understood how ...As a once aspiring member, I never understood how hazing can help create a special bond between brothers. I admire everything that Kappa Alpha Psi represents on the surface but I can't see myself being part of any organization that condones physical abuse as part of the initiation ritual. I have fought with these feelings for many years while painfully wanting to be part of this great organization so badly. I love the aspect of brotherhood, community service, mentorship and Black pride that the frat represents. I chose to attend an Intake meeting a few years ago at a local casino near my hometown. Being one of the older men present I felt like I was surrounded by spoiled "children" whose only goal was planning for the next party and brag about their supposed positions at their jobs. <br />One conversation that I had that evening that remains memorable was with, surprisingly, another member closer to my age. What struck me as odd was how surprised he was to find that I previously had no idea how to join the fraternity post undergraduate. I told him that I had visited the website and phoned the person in charge of the region of the country where I resided but had not gotten any response back from him as to how I could pledge Kappa. It was only after finding out that a co-worker of a friend of mine is a member and he made me aware of the Intake that was to take place that evening. My lack of knowledge about how to join the Frat was so surprising to him that he called several other "brothers" over to hear my story - I didn't realize it was that interesting. I asked why it was so hard to believe. I graduated from a University that did not have a chapter while I was there and I was a commuting student who worked 50 per week while attending university to earn my degree, so there was very little time for socializing during my college years.<br /><br />After the novelty of that disbelief wore thin as the night progressed there were many inferences of "hazing" heard from the members to the potential pledges in the room. i voiced my concern to my friend who brought me there that night, and while he could not confirm that physical abuse was part of the initiation ritual he did state that it is not unheard of and that there would more than likely be some kind of "hands on" processing during the pledge weeks. I remember the look on his face when I had a knee jerk reaction to his comment by saying, "well I'm a grown man and hands on me will only result in me defending myself in any way necessary". His response to that was only, "I wouldn't do that if I were you". I could only think how an organization could pride itself on brotherhood and service all while physically abusing potential members during initiation. How could I ever think to befriend person or persons who physically abuse me? For me that's not a real world attitude. For this reason I had begun to rethink my position of wanting to become a Kappa. Maybe I don't have the right mindset for the organization if I feel that abuse shouldn't be condoned. This is my current struggle.<br /><br />Conversations like this went on during the 3 hour Intake "social hour". Instead of being impressed I was severely disappointed with the attitudes of these young men that night. <br />I will not generalize my opinions to all those other members who represent what attracts me most about being a Kappa but that night I left knowing that I did not want to join that chapter.<br /><br />If anyone has any advice for me on how to join a chapter that exemplifies what Kappa Alpha Psi stands for, please inbox me.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02615142053768523784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-1861526532769584742017-08-06T17:44:17.832-07:002017-08-06T17:44:17.832-07:00Good sir, as a Brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraterni...Good sir, as a Brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity made several blocks away from the Earl B. Dickerson House at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I just wanted to acknowledge the substantive value of your 2009 post. Your story is a testament to better days in many ways, Dean Gordon. I offer much respect and hope that you and yours are doing well. Also, I wonder whether you have remained in communication with Dean Clarence Shelley from the University of Illinois? Superb gentlemen, the both of you. I thank you & wish you continued blessings and strength on your path!<br /><br />Very Best Always<br /><br /> Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09956748299312036692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-12816649354675166182017-03-27T20:18:38.755-07:002017-03-27T20:18:38.755-07:00My goodness, my heart is filled. I don't know ...My goodness, my heart is filled. I don't know you, you dont know me but thank you. This is why I became an AKA, to increase the crowd I can reach and impact like this. Thank you sir. The people if your time are so strong. That's all I strive to be. I will carry your story in my heart forever.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16851118021276446867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-68005568758670874392017-03-11T23:40:34.121-08:002017-03-11T23:40:34.121-08:00Lisbeth Henry Lopez! My my my!
I received an e-ma...Lisbeth Henry Lopez! My my my! <br />I received an e-mail today which I just read from a former high school<br />student of mine from East Brooklyn and then at Indiana University who told me that he had just happened upon my page and read what you had said about me. So I had to get on the internet and see. <br /><br />Reading all you said about your journey as a teacher and that you remembered me and even remembered what I had suggested as a life's work, brought me to tears.<br /><br />I am now 80 years old and not as sharp as I thought I was once, but I am sharp enough to say this; if this were the only product of my teaching, then 44 years of teaching was truly worth it. There is no salary, no awards, and no set of degrees could equal the award you gave me, and no tribute that is more cherished than what you gave to me.<br /><br />Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And it was my teacher at Virginia State, Undine Moore who inspired me. She said to us in class one day:<br /><br />" You have chosen noble things to do in your lives. To be a musician is one of the most noble things to do for humankind. The only thing, perhaps more noble than that is to be a teacher. And you have chosen to be a Music Teacher. That then must be the noblest of all things to devote your life to!"<br /><br />So she did it for me; I did it for you and you gave that gift to Luis, and I am so sure there have been many more in your 20 years of teaching, some you had no idea about until<br />years from now one of them or more than one will find you as you have found me, and do what you did for me. You have rekindled in me that fire passed from one to another in the most noble way possible, what love really is.<br /><br />Yours,<br />Michael The Sophisticated Paperboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18013416072848463274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-77295045911118512072017-03-10T16:00:42.084-08:002017-03-10T16:00:42.084-08:00Hi, Dr. Gordon! Do you still check your blog post...Hi, Dr. Gordon! Do you still check your blog posts? I hope so. I wanted to tell you how much being in your music ed class at IU in the 90's defined the kind of teacher I have become. When I came to IU, I had just graduated from a mostly white upper class high school and had dreams of teaching music at a similar kind of school. Those schools had RESOURCES afterall! It took only ONE of your stories describing teaching in Harlem to make me see injustices of poverty and I decided right there to do something about it. I listed you as a reference on my application to East Aurora School District, (100% low income, 80% latino), and thanks to you, I got a job! You handed me your rose colored glasses and I wore them proudly! Truth be told, it was HARD working there! I might have been ready to change the world for those kids, but it didn't mean that they wanted me to! I kinda sucked at teaching kids who didn't share my background, but I got better. One boy in particular, Luis Sifuentes, ended up being like a son to me. He was special. He could sing. He was in the gifted program. He would wear a T-shirt that said "Future Entrepreneur" in 8th grade! His only problem was that no one in his family had ever really considered jobs outside of landscaping or other manual labor. No one went to college in his family. When he was a senior in high school, he looked me up to say hi. I asked what his future plans were and he didn't really know because his family had no money for anything like college. I channeled my inner-Dr. Gordon and figured it didn't matter: he had too much potential and there would be a way for him. I took him to three college visits around Chicago and helped him fill out his FAFSA form. He ended up getting a partial scholarship and a bunch of loans to go to Valporaiso University to study business. Cool, right? I was there for his college graduation day. That was about 7 years ago. We are still in close contact to this day. Two days ago, he called me from Texas to say he had just been awarded a fellowship from the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management to pursue his MBA at Indiana University this fall. This boy who grew up eating breakfast and lunch paid for by the government who lived in Section 8 housing for 18 years credits me with being the one who got him to where he is now. But Dr. Gordon, he doesn't know about you. He doesn't know that if it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't have been in his life because I would not have chosen to apply at his school district. Sure I gave money to food banks, but that isn't what you taught me. You taught me to teach only love and I tried so hard to love all of my kids and let them know they all had potential. It's taken 20 years since my IU graudation, but I think I can finally say I reached the goal I set for myself based on your experiences. I couldn't change the world, but I did change it for Luis. His world is changed because of you. I really hope you get a chance to read this and know that you didn't just change those kids' lives in Harlem, you changed mine too. Thank you. Thank you.<br /><br />Lisbeth (Henry) Lopez<br />BME 1997<br />lalyswishytail@wowway.comlisbeth henryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00407793921307224757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-23444656566087561172016-07-19T08:22:08.333-07:002016-07-19T08:22:08.333-07:00Hello Dr. Gordon i like to take time and thank you...Hello Dr. Gordon i like to take time and thank you for your moving story it was very inspirational, i am a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.. And again just want to say thanks and more importantly always keep GOD first:)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08875514321804360068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-90736142242486368832016-06-16T21:55:21.131-07:002016-06-16T21:55:21.131-07:00Dr. Gordon,
I am a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rh...Dr. Gordon,<br /><br />I am a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc, and may I say that it was an honor reading your blog! You are the true definition of a great individual that an organization needs. I strive to work and Sigma as you have in Kappa land. I hope all is well!<br /><br />-IndyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16472645487562448951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-56699825562631256812016-06-16T21:54:57.567-07:002016-06-16T21:54:57.567-07:00Dr. Gordon,
I am a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rh...Dr. Gordon,<br /><br />I am a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc, and may I say that it was an honor reading your blog! You are the true definition of a great individual that an organization needs. I strive to work and Sigma as you have in Kappa land. I hope all is well!<br /><br />-IndyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16472645487562448951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-48972134871737590362014-12-02T19:04:23.752-08:002014-12-02T19:04:23.752-08:00I was touched by your story considering that I am ...I was touched by your story considering that I am a currently a Sophomore at Virginia State University, and interested in joining such a great fraternity. You have paved the way for the Alpha Phi chapter at Virginia State and many others who were inspired by all you have done. I am a Computer Science Major. I also recall that you majored in music. I play in the Marching Band, now called "The Trojan Explosion", and I also have been playing in the jazz ensemble stage band since my freshmen year. Your story should be heard by many and of knowledge to the Alpha Phi Chapter at Virginia State University. Also I see your Anniversary/Birthday is tomorrow 12/3/2014. Happy Anniversary!! What a great man the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated has brought in as one of their own. May God bless you and continue directing your paths. Please contact me at thegreatmantobe@gmail.com ,because I would love to keep in contact with you and ask for a recommendation letter from you to become a noble brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.<br />Thank you,<br />BeastBoyBeastBoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03241253766132244986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-62144257146767042012-11-11T14:45:37.731-08:002012-11-11T14:45:37.731-08:00Well, I hope you are not too surprised that this 7...Well, I hope you are not too surprised that this 76 year old man is not as sharp as he used to be. I had no idea until today, just now that all these wonderful comments were posted on my blog about fraternity life at Virginia State University more than 50 years ago.<br /><br />I have been really touched at the sincerity and deep emotions for FRATERNITY. Those who wondered could you still pledge after being more than thirty years old.<br /><br />Of course you can! run, do not walk to your nearest alumni chapter and make your desires known. Brothers would welcome you warmly. There is still so much work to do in our communities, especially inspiring and up-lifting our youth. Kappa does a lot of that all over the USA. <br /><br />Frankly I don't know what would happen all over the USA if Kappa Alpha Psi were not there.The Sophisticated Paperboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18013416072848463274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-78109273229738364732012-10-01T07:05:56.105-07:002012-10-01T07:05:56.105-07:00for the above post/comment, you can contact me at ...for the above post/comment, you can contact me at my profile, or any follow up comments are linked directly to my emailtygerzizehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14840925931718724729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-53557469250347891302012-10-01T06:55:02.458-07:002012-10-01T06:55:02.458-07:00Hi, I am searching for old pictures of my father a...Hi, I am searching for old pictures of my father at Virginia State University, he was there (I believe) between 1959-1964 (could be 1959-1963 or 1960-1964). He pledged to the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity there, and he was a member of the football team, on a football scholarship. His name is David M. Fortson (Sr.). He passed in December of 1997 and all of his old college pictures were lost in transition. I remember as a little girl seeing pictures of his yearbook and other pictures of him in his fraternity with his cane. My son is now in his 3rd year at a university and I would love for him to see pictures of his grandpa, when he was in college. My son looks just like his pop-pop. Use this link to view a picture. The picture at this link is the only picture I have of him right out of college <br />http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2176/2861820/5766455/404110757.jpgtygerzizehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14840925931718724729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-4906531110691959732011-11-05T15:57:56.917-07:002011-11-05T15:57:56.917-07:00I am not a member of any fraternity but reading yo...I am not a member of any fraternity but reading your blog has inspired me to look into the fraternity life. It was touching and motivational, it is clear to see that it has molded you into a strong and successfull individual.<br />With myself having little to no positive male influences in my life, I look towards those men who strive to make a difference and overcome any obstacles to say that they are proud of themselves and the things in which they have accomplished <br />I am saying that now with being the first male in my family to not only pay and complete high school but also making it to me senior year in college and working hard to afford it all and a great social life <br />I would love to be able to sit and meet with you <br />You are a true inspirationJoe Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14519011481942597155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-91132364865404872342011-10-14T20:01:05.899-07:002011-10-14T20:01:05.899-07:00Brother Gordon, Thank you for sharing this story. ...Brother Gordon, Thank you for sharing this story. It takes me back. I will share this site with our Alpha Phi Brothers.<br />I actually have met a couple of your line brothers - Big Cal Swinson and Willie Shepperson.<br /><br />And YES! Looking back over almost 50 years, I'd do it again!!<br /><br />Herman Bell<br />Alpha Phi Spring-'63Kappaman63https://www.blogger.com/profile/15021458966250749232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-16196297592322549872011-08-14T12:59:49.244-07:002011-08-14T12:59:49.244-07:00What an inspiring story!
I am aspiring to join th...What an inspiring story!<br /><br />I am aspiring to join the Fraternity as a graduate member and it is members like you who have influenced my decision ever since my days as an undergrad. <br /><br />Thank you.Matt C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05434743198543465699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-28307971717799420482011-07-27T17:51:21.111-07:002011-07-27T17:51:21.111-07:00Dr. Gordan:
I am a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, hav...Dr. Gordan:<br /><br />I am a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, having pledged at Zeta Chapter in 1979. As you are aware, our Chapter, known as The Zeta Zulus, is the home of the Scroller Club and William "Randy" Bates, Jr., our current Grand Polemarch. I share these details, thinking about how proud our dearly departed Brother, Elias Tuggle, must be that the Scroller Club he named produced such a powerful individual as you.<br /><br />In the 32 years of being a Kappa Man, memories have included weddings, reunions, community service, laying to rest Brother in the Chapter Invisible, communications from Nupes on the front lines of war, and countless others. Your reflections are an invaluable gift that will accompany my life's journey. <br /><br />Thank you for sharing these words. Thank you for appreciating Kappa and the entire Black Greek Letter Organization system. Thank you for being the Brother, man of integrity, and role model you are. Be ever so blessed in the says to come even as you have blessed so many.<br /><br />Yours In the Bond,<br />Kenneth D. Pricebloggerkenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04780754852025129316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-32391636052354297032011-07-27T17:41:56.368-07:002011-07-27T17:41:56.368-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.bloggerkenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04780754852025129316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-69536250303195547752011-05-20T13:09:06.398-07:002011-05-20T13:09:06.398-07:00Dr. Gordon,
I just read your blog and it really m...Dr. Gordon,<br /><br />I just read your blog and it really moved me. I have always wanted to join Kappa Alpha Psi, but didn't get a chance to join before having to stop going to school to work and provide for my growing family. Now I'm 36 years old and I'm wanting to still join but is it too late for me? How does Kappa Alpha Psi look at potentially older members? I really want to join the fraternity and be apart of this great brotherhood. Your advice would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />JMJ Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14495540846760510602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-42298020517023529692011-03-24T07:45:59.715-07:002011-03-24T07:45:59.715-07:00Brother Gordon, as a 1987 initiate of the Alpha Ph...Brother Gordon, as a 1987 initiate of the Alpha Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, it is an honor to read your history and the legacy of our noble klan, our noble chapter, our noble fraternity through your words. Most of my friends pledged Que as well, and we are still friends today, exchanging barbs at one another, etc, knowing through it all BLACK GREEK IS BLACK GREEK and we are in it together. God Bless you brother and hope to see you during Homecoming. <br /><br />Will BarnesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-76712646665334837272011-03-23T12:33:21.898-07:002011-03-23T12:33:21.898-07:00Sir, all I have to say is that your story filled m...Sir, all I have to say is that your story filled my eyes with tears of love and joy. Kappa Alpha Psi is my heart and soul, and brothers like you is the reason why <br /><br />YITB<br />Brother Deneal, Martin<br />Seoul Korea Alumni Chapter Fall 93Nealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03821599197879640177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564564967794396756.post-22963867784787206352011-03-20T17:33:36.620-07:002011-03-20T17:33:36.620-07:00Dr. Gordon:
As a member of the Noble Klan from ...Dr. Gordon: <br /><br />As a member of the Noble Klan from nearby Eta Sigma of Kappa Alpha Psi, I felt moved to post as well. Thank you for your commitment, courage, wisdom and determination. Alpha Phi Brothers have always represented their long legacy of excellence. As the previous comment states, you inspire us all to Achieve even more. As a writer and educator, I think I can speak for many: We look forward to reading the rest of the story!<br /><br />Respectfully,<br /><br />MWUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10561605717227422402noreply@blogger.com