The fraternal brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi in Memphis TN held their annual Black and White Gala at the beautiful downtown Renasant Convention Center. This year's honorees were Attorney Robert Spence of Spence Partners Law Firm, Former Mayor Dr. W Willie Herenton and Memphis Police Chief, Cerelyn "CJ" Davis. Robert Spence spoke on his love of family, fraternity and his mantra of Faith, Hope & Charity, something his father instilled in him at an early age. Dr. Herenton, at 84 years old, still had the swag of a young man as he made his way to the stage to accept his award. He talked about how his mother and grandmother made him the man that he is, and that his driving force is "faith, work ethic and competitiveness", especially since he was a young boxing champ during his teen years. Chief Davis brings to Memphis almost four decades of law enforcement from Atlanta, GA and Durham, NC and is dedicated to a holistic interagency approach to reducing crime in Memphis. This is her second administration as Memphis Police Chief.
Brian Harris spearheaded the event in grand style to make the night a memorable and fun event in Kappa annals. The young men of Guide Right were there to escort in the attendees to their tables and were quite distinguished in providing assistance to those that needed it. The night is driven by Kappa Alpha Psi Inc desire to reach their goal of $5 million dollars in partnership with St. Jude Children's Hospital. Over $3 million has already been raised. Locally, Memphis Alumni Kappas push to provide at least 5 scholarships each year to students in need through The Achievement Foundation.
Sydney Gray, news anchor for Channel 5 was the emcee for the night. You can catch her every Saturday and Sunday morning. Polemarch Norman Miller Jr. opened and welcomed everyone and the entertainment was off the chain. Devin Crutcher, Zalissa Stewart, the strings of violinist Journey and DJ K Malone kept the night banging. Mayor Paul Young briefly addressed the audience about his desire to show the world who Memphis truly is and not what's been reported lately. He sees a more involved parent base, raising kids in the way that they should go so that they will not depart. He says don't let the social media hacks talk bad about Memphis and we do nothing. He's looking for the do gooders to not sit on the sidelines but to get involved in making what every Memphian should desire it to be, 'The Best City in the World' to live.
To see more of the who's who check the link below for a photo gallery of attendees.
By: Daryl Johnson, Ace, Kappa Beta, Fall '80, Tampa Alumni touch_down@hotmail.com