Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 7-16-21

Feature
National Conclave:
Tampa Steps Up For The Men Of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
Kappa Alpha Psi Frater- nity, Inc. is celebrating its 85th Grand Chapter Meeting known as the Conclave here in Tampa this week. The Con- clave is the biannual meeting that allows the fraternity brothers to catch up, refresh, celebrate, and conduct the or- ganization’s business.
Originally planned for Phoenix, AZ, the convention moved to Tampa because of the COVID situation in the Arizona city. Fortunately, Phoenix’s loss was Tampa’s gain.
Tampa will also host the 86th Grand Chapter Meeting in 2023. Visit Tampa Bay’s Sherri Brown, VP of Multi- cultural Sales and Develop-
ment, and Tampa officials worked with the fraternity to hold a hybrid virtual conven- tion in Tampa.
Atty. Reuben A. Shel- ton III, Grand Polemarch (International President) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, says that the fraternity is excited to be in Tampa. After watching the Lightning Boat Parade from his hotel room and dining with local officials at historic restaurants, the St. Louis res- ident is galvanized by the prospect of expanding their portfolio of community serv- ice e projects.
In his address to the broth- erhood, this week, Atty. Shelton plans to highlight all the collaborative efforts with the Divine Nine (the Pan-Hel- lenic Council of traditionally
Black fraternities and sorori- ties) and others in the last six months.
He has been heartened by the spirit and unity shown by all the Divine Nine as they came together to fight for racial justice and equality.
In previous years, some critics have taken issue with the organizations, saying that they were not using their plat- form for the community. Al- though the Kappas and other Black Greek organizations had spoken out, it really made an impact as they spoke as one voice for equity. As an indi- vidual organization, the Kap- pas also spoke out separately to fight for justice.
Atty. Shelton says that the Kappas are a “cradle to grave” service organization. From their initiatives to elim-
inate SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), to school in- terventions and literacy ef- forts, to high schools with their Kappa League, to college and post-graduate programs such as the Achievement Academy. There are also sen- ior Kappa initiatives.
“We are very proud that we can offer such comprehen- sive training and aid for every age.”
Shelton continues, “We were forced to go virtual be- cause of COVID. It ended up being wonderful as virtual meetings allow older or infirm brothers to attend. We will continue this even after every- thing has completely re- opened.”
In light of the death of George Floyd and the world-wide awakening of racial injustice, a national col- laboration between Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Exec-
utives (NOBLE) to formally address one of the most criti- cal issues facing young Black people, dealing with law en- forcement and staying alive.
Titled the Learn 2 Learn Program, Shelton says he realized the benefits in action when he received positive feedback from a young man who was pulled over after completing the course.
Atty. Shelton retired as Lead Litigation Counsel for Monsanto Company where he handled antitrust and intellec- tual property litigation.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Uni- versity of Kansas where he was captain of the basketball team, a Juris Doctorate degree from St. Louis University, and a Master of Business Adminis- tration degree from Washing- ton University in St. Louis.
He has been married to his wife D’Anne for 39 years and they have three daughters, three grandsons and one great grandson.
REUBEN SHELTON III, ESQ. Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Incorporated with Former County Commissioner Les Miller.
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