Predominantly Black Fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi Marks 100 Years

INDIANAPOLIS – A traditionally Black fraternity formed at Indiana University in Bloomington is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Kappa Alpha Psi was formed in 1911 to provide a support network for the few Black men enrolled at Indiana University in the early 20th century. About 30,000 members of Kappa Alpha Psi and their guests plan to celebrate 100 years of the fraternity’s existence in Indianapolis starting Tuesday.

The Indianapolis Star reports that 65 buses will take attendees on a pilgrimage to Bloomington to visit places important to the history of the fraternity, which is predominantly Black but open to any man.

The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association estimates that the Kappa Alpha Psi convention will increase visitor spending and generate a local economic impact of about $17 million.