The Kappa League Institute of Chicago gathers young black men from across Chicago. Founded by inactive members of the Kappa Alpha Psi college fraternity, it traces its origins to the Fraternity’s 1911 establishment, originally named Kappa Alpha Nu. The Kappa League itself began with the Los Angeles alumni chapter, aiming to help black men achieve greatness by supporting and guiding them from sixth to twelfth grade.
My grandfather, Maurice Williams, age 60, is a Purdue alumnus and former Kappa League member. Mr. Williams joined the Kappa League in 1982 during his sophomore year of high school, following a recommendation from his school counselor to participate in the leadership development program. Reflecting on how Kappa League meetings differ between generations, Mr. Williams shares, “Our meetings were run by Robert’s Rules of Order.” Robert’s Rules of Order are guidelines for conducting fair, efficient, and orderly meetings.
While current meetings have evolved to allow more social interaction and are now held virtually, the structure remains similar. The leadership-building aspect has had a lasting effect; Mr. Williams attributes much of his professional growth to skills gained in the league.
“I think it was really the beginning of developing me as a leader,” said Williams. My grandfather is a very busy person; he has a high-stress job and works surprisingly long hours, even though he works from home. As a project manager, he leads many people under tight deadlines, applying these leadership lessons to get work done effectively and efficiently. He works under tight deadlines and manages lots of money and cash flow without fail every single day. His mind is filled with knowledge, and he is not afraid to share it with anyone who needs it and is more than willing to share it with anyone who wants.
“Achievement in every field of human endeavor.” That is the motto of Kappa Alpha Psi, whose former members serve as Kappa League moderators. Kappa Alpha Psi is a fraternity of exemplary black men who strive for greatness at all times and never stop pursuing personal success.
“All my life, I wanted to be a part of Kappa Alpha Psi. I love their mentality, their motto, and I really want to exemplify that,” said Patrick Amazube ‘27, who recently joined the Kappa League. Amazube wants to build the best possible future for himself by joining the Kappa League and getting started as soon as possible, and is excited to be molded by the organization.
The main organizer and leader of the Kappa League is Melvin Flowers-Esquire, a lawyer who recently opened his own firm.
“Mr. Flowers has taught me the core values of becoming a man as well as how to handle pressure and responsibility,” said Amazube. Through Mr. Flowers’ mentorship, Patrick is gaining insight into becoming the better man he aims to be.
The Kappa League offers many scholarship opportunities that a person becomes eligible for once they are a senior in the program. They also host events where you can earn money and learn how to start a business. The organization creates a foundational brotherhood and a path to resources that will benefit any member in their future. The Kappa League is the perfect organization for any young black man looking to get a start on building their future.
