BGLO Blog

42 Responses to “Is Barack Obama a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.?”

1. D White
   February 6th, 2008 at 11:59 am

   

   For the record, Steve Harvey is a member of Omega Psi Phi, Incorporated. However, I am not clear as to whether or not Mr. Obama has pledged anything.

2. Kim
   February 6th, 2008 at 1:57 pm

   

   Actually the comment that Senator Obama is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi was made on the SHMS by Nephew Tommy (Harvey’s nephew and co-host). It was said in jest.
   Tommy is a Kappa and Steve is an Omega. The two boast about their fraternities often and Tommy made the comment about Obama - in “one-ups-manship”.

3. American Voter Who Couldn't Care Less
   June 5th, 2008 at 2:41 pm

   

   Who cares about this nonsense. The bigger issue at hand is whether or not he is fit to lead the nation and, if so, how does America gather enough votes to make it happen. His greek affiliation has no bearing or consequence on his candidacy. If he is a Kappa then great for him and good for them. If not, no loss for America.

   What the Kappas should figure out is why the had a handful of young men who are apparently members and could not find anything better to do during Mr. Obama’s speech other than watch a monitor to find out when the camera was on them. That’s something that could occupy historical researchers a Kappas HQ. They didn’t even appear interested in the man’s speech. Then no less than 12 hours later one of their “old heads” sends out a still photo and rambling email about how great it is that the young men are political activists. Interesting.

4. Snoopy
   June 16th, 2008 at 2:27 pm

   

   I did some research, and is not a Kappa.

5. anonymous
   July 16th, 2008 at 12:36 pm

   

   To the American Voter Who Couldn’t Care Less. I definately saw how those 4 kappas were feelin themselves in the back of o’bamas speech. I guess they do live up to thier pretty boy status cuz those men were so induldged in how they looked on camera they could have cared less what obama was talking about

6. NUPE, MS. Ed.
   July 19th, 2008 at 12:17 pm

   

   As a NUPE and a person who knows those young men very well your perceptions, although amusing, are inexplicably off! Barack is not a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, however, it is an honor to be associated with him. How about we be happy that a D9 organization was visible at such a historic event. We all get enough negative press!

   God Bless!

7. 83 Phinupi #3 From Z.O.
   August 4th, 2008 at 3:08 pm

   

   Indeed, it is an honor to be associated with Sen. Obama, however… Nupe or not, his leadership should be the only issue on the table. ” Can he assist with the fixing of America? Because, the end result is ultimately up to us as citizens.” So many people get caught up in the trivial matters in life these days that the true issues are often overlooked. Nupe, MS. Ed., I agree, negativity has no place here. Peace and God Bless.

8. beautiful~ivy
   August 26th, 2008 at 5:20 pm

   

   May I add that the very sophisticated and beautiful Michelle Obama is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated!!

9. KonArtist
   August 29th, 2008 at 6:27 am

   

   For “American Voter who could care less”……If you didn’t care, don’t bother to say anything about it. Keep your thoughts about how “You” perceive my fraternity to act at such an event to yourself.

   Now, as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi (Eta Psi #4FA06) , I am not surprised that someone would make a negative comment on this matter. The fact that we as a fraternity care about something like this is just for clarification purposes and not as some ideal meant to catapult our organization into higher stature. No disrespect intended whatsoever to Barack Obama but, Kappa Alpha Psi has had numerous leaders emerge from its ranks. To those that don’t know, these men were born leaders and made the decision to develop a bond of brotherhood with other men who shared the same desires to change themselves both metally, intellectually and spiritually. “Achievement” has been our benchmark and will continue to be for many years to come.

   Barack Obama is a great man and will become an even better leader as his journey commences as the Commander in Chief. The mere fact that Barack Obama would be affiliated with my organization is an honor and something not meant to be taken lightly. However, DO NOT try to downgrade MY fraternity by suggesting that the only thing that we were concerned about on that night was that we were seen on television. Those men were proud Obama supporters excited to be emersed in this movement for change. Those men proved that night, that it is never about just “wearing the letters” once you become a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, that its about the choices that you make as well. They are leaders and I am proud to call them MY BROTHERS!! God Bless!!

10. THEKOOK
    September 8th, 2008 at 4:44 pm

    

    Well said KonArtist I too was proud to call them “MY BROTHERS”. anonymous is a HATER
    and to beautiful~ivy please get your facts straight

    Michelle Obama is not a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha they offered her membership, and it was said that she would be made in Washington DC at the Centennial celebration, for some reason unknown reason it never took place, maybe she though about how the membership was offered to Hillary Clinton when the AKAs thought she would win the primary, and then they came on the late frate offering it to Michelle when it did not happen with Hillary. That is really not a good look for AKA.

11. PC1989
    September 17th, 2008 at 2:30 pm

    

    First of all, I think the AKA’s a bunch of prissy, stuck up women. Obama’s wife is not a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. I did some research and according to their official website, she is not listed as a member. The AKA’s personally discriminated against the darker skinned African-American women, which caused them to dispurse and Delta Sigma Theta was formed. I personally do not have anything against the pretigous and honarable women of AKA, however I just do not like their attitudes. But since this is not about sororities or fraternities. I will just get the point. Whether Barack is a Kappa AKA A pretty boy or not, that should not affect his abilities to be the best leader he can be and lead the United States effieciently as a man of color. And if he is a Kappa more power to him, if he isn’t than so what? Life goes on.

12. VEGASAKAPEARL
    September 21st, 2008 at 9:50 pm

    

    Mrs. Obama has accepted the invitation to join Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. This was not just a recent gesture, as Mrs. Obama had expressed interest in joing AKA many years before her husband’s bid for the presidency. It was just serendipity that her possibility of becoming First Lady and our Centennial Celebration coincided. It was our great fortune to have that intersection of events.
    And to the person who thinks the AKAs dispursed for some reason in 1913; please know that was the year of incorporation for AKA and the founding of DST. The women who left AKA to form Delta Sigma Theta did so because they wanted to change the focus of the organization from education for blacks to political inclusion for blacks. So, they disagreed. These are both noble causes which resulted in great sisterhoods. There is no need, 100 years later, to continue the color war among black people. (There are plenty of others who do it so well.) You do our people a great disservice when you regard us as monolithic. Every member of every sorority has a unique personality and a wide range of attitudes. Lumping all AKAs together as one massive attitude, is ridiculous. It is time for all greeks to stop the sniping at one another and get about the business of saving our communities.

    Signed - a very dark, very black AKA (dreads, wide nose, thick lips and all). By the way, I am the daughter of a Kappa and Delta.

13. Lisa
    September 30th, 2008 at 2:20 pm

    

    You know, I don’t mean to be rude but if you can make blank assumptions about something you know nothing about then I can respond.
    To PC1989, AKA has NEVER discriminated against anyone. Like you and so many other non AKA’s, you continue to perpetrate innuendos and third hand information as fact when it’s not fact at all. AKA’s come in all shades and shapes so stop speaking reckless. Vegasakapearl has already enlightened you to why DST members went their way and it was NOT because AKA discriminated against dark skinned women.
    To THEKOOK, many inaccurate things were said about Michelle Obama being inducted into AKA and one of the inaccurate statements was that she was going to be inducted during our Centennial. For your information Michelle Obama was never going to be inducted during our Centennial. Our Centennial planning had been in the works for years. I know haters want to think that AKA is pressed for membership but please believe we are NOT. Furthermore, Michelle Obama would NOT be the first 1st Lady in the White House; why don’t you research that. If and when Michelle Obama becomes a member of AKA, a press release will be sure to follow.
    In regards to the Hillary Clinton, Mrs. Clinton initially accepted our invitation but when she learned of the clause where she would not be able to join any other sorority she declined. Mrs. Clinton knew that she would be running for President and didn’t want to offend constituencies which makes perfect sense; AKA understood. Thus, Michelle’s acceptance and Hillary’s acceptance have nothing to do with one another.
    “That is really not a good look for AKA.” Why you would make the preceding statement regarding something you have no knowledge about is peculiar but in any event AKA women always look good so don’t concern yourself with that.
    And just for future information, instead of being so quick to jump on the AKA hater’s bandwagon, for whatever reason (jealousy, bitterness or just plain old ignorance) you can always refer to the AKA website (aka1908.org) which is updated on the regular.

    Sincerely,
    Lisa
    An Active AKA Member

14. Phineas Clark
    October 1st, 2008 at 3:27 am

    

    As one of the NUPEs in attendance at the Obama rally in St. Paul on the evening of June 3rd, I would like to clarify a couple things. My Chapter Brothers and I attended this event in support of a man who we as INDIVIDUALS believe can steer America in the direction of a brighter future. In NO WAY were we attempting to create the impression that Senator Obama is a member of our illustrious organization. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, does NOT bestow honorary membership upon ANYONE. That is one of the aspects of Kappa that I cherish.

    Secondly, to anyone who holds the opinion that my Brothers and I looked bored or were “trying to get some shine”, I would like to address the following question: Does it not seem hypocritical to pore over every detail of irrelevant footage in order to build a case against a handful of audience members amid a speech by a great orator, on a night that made US history??? To worry about what we were looking at only reinforces the thought that you couldn’t keep you eyes off of the NUPEs. In truth, we WERE watching the monitor, though because it provided a much better view of Barack, and also because it featured updates from Montana and South Dakota on a digital news ticker. We were six men among tens of thousands, and at no point did we assume that we would be part of the broadcast. Our decision to proudly represent our Noble Fraternity was born out of a genuine love for our Bond, and for the principles of Kappa Alpha Psi. Thanks for reading, AND PLEASE, PEOPLE……………VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4TH!!!!!!!!

    PJC

15. Phineas Clark
    October 1st, 2008 at 3:33 am

    

    Oh, and PS…the networks never stream their versions of the broadcast on the in-house monitors…so all anyone saw on the monitors was Barack Obama and a news ticker. This was not a ballgame, folks.

    “Kappas don’t hate people…some people just hate Kappas.”

    PJC

16. Darth Vadaar The Scroller Hater
    October 3rd, 2008 at 5:39 am

    

    I accidently came across this blog. As I am reading it, I find it a very misplaced dialogue between intllectuals. To be clear, Senator Obama is not a Kappa and will never be one until he decides to pledge this noble bond. Would the bond accept his? Of course because he is a biracial man with African roots that has achieved something that only a hanfull will ever achieve. As it relates to the concern about the postering of Nupes in St. Paul. I was not present to discern their intent, but Nupes should always look good in front of or outside of a camera. They should represent the bond in board rooms, political events, college campuses, as husbands, sons, and as black Americans. What some viewed as misplaced vanity was really Nupes being present and active in the political process. Finally, as I shift back to this political issue, I will say that although I am not supporting the Obama/Biden ticket, I hope that this momentum caused by Senator Obama is taken all the way to the Voter booths. As black Americans, we shout real loud but have historically failed to punch the voting ticket because we have more important things to do like get our hair fixed, nails done, buy more depreciated assets, wear six inch pumps to the polls and get tired because the line is so long, and the list goes on. What will you do on November 5? What will be your execuse? Have you checked your voter registration? Do you know where your voter polling place is located? Finally, what about the other issues and candidates that will be on the ballots.

17. UnbreAKAble
    October 6th, 2008 at 11:51 pm

    

    As my lovely sorors have already stated there are so many blank assumptions about my sorority and those affilated with it. It is quite immature to generalize an entire organization as “prissy stuck up women” due to personal encounters with maybe only a handful of my sorors or just simple sterotypes…cleary you havent met every member of Alpha Kappa Alpha to come to that conclusion. Im not sure if the people that made those silly posts are members of greek orgainzations …and since none of you have celebrated a Centinnal Celebration (with the exception of my phrat APhiA) you wouldnt know that our Boule is every other year in the agenda is put in place the year before(and the 100yr Celebration even longer than that)..also Honorary members are considered and selected prior to the convention so Ms Obama had been considered before her husband was selected as a Presidental Canidate. For the record Ms Obama hasnt been inducted into the organization as of now but an invitation was extended and accepted so keep you televisions on for the press release when that comes to past. Futhermore as already stated Mrs Clinton and Mrs Obama’s invitations were not assoicated with each other in any way, but at any rate there has already been an AKA in the White House so trying to be first in that area has already been accomplished. Also it is simply silly to suggest that DST was formed because of the skin tone of the organization’s members…and Im sure the sisters of DST would agree…you can even google that and come up with a better reason for seperation..lol You can look at photographs of our members since 1908 and see the variance of skin color for yourself.

    Written By A Pretty Girl~Also a Dark Sista~Your Black Barbie
    An Opinionated AKA

    UnbreAKAble

18. THiCK BaRBiE!
    October 7th, 2008 at 9:20 pm

    

    THIS IS INTERESTING! LOL :]

19. Thinker
    October 29th, 2008 at 8:33 am

    

    If he isn’t then why does he use the greek letter phi in his signature? Exhibit A.

    http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Barack_Obama_signature.svg

20. Phineas Clark
    November 3rd, 2008 at 4:30 am

    

    To Thinker,
    That is clearly an instance of a lower-case ‘B’ bisecting the ‘O’ in Obama. Coincidence. Further, I am certain that definitive evidence of Senator Obama’s affiliation with a D9 organization would be available if he was indeed a member of one.

21. Ice Burg Slim APHIA Fall 04
    November 3rd, 2008 at 11:49 pm

    

    you guys are hilarious…. when it comes to being apart of any greek letter organization, it is never based upon looks and if so their outlooks on the purpose of the organization is misguided and that person should re-evaluate why they joined or even became interested. for that person who is clearly hating on my soror… you need to look in the mirror and ask yourself… why not think highly of yourself… why not take pride in being apart of something where people you look up to have been apart of… why not? yeah i’m cocky… but thats because few are chosen and even fewer are phrozen… so stop hatin… get a life and become something for yourself rather than because of the organization you’re apart of. obama for prez… i hope all yall making these comments are voting cause otherwise yall wasting yall time… peace…
    smooth criminal alias crushed groove/iceburg slim… fall 04 BG APHIA

22. Sunni
    November 7th, 2008 at 3:04 am

    

    So Rumors will be rumors but i heard he went Omega Psi Phi back in around June anyways …Just wondering does anyone know?

23. VEGASAKAPEARL
    November 7th, 2008 at 4:15 pm

    

    Can we now stop this nonsense? He is the President -elect of the Ubited States of America, and as such now belongs to all of us. When and if he decide to join a BGLO, I hope it will be when he is a senior statesman, after eight years of fixing the mess dubya bush has entrenched us in. It will be a long time coming, but right now he’s going to have to work on the change that’s gotta come. Oh, yes he does.

    PS - Weren’t you grinnin’ from your heart to your earlobes when you went and cast your vote? I know I was. Just to be able to cast your vote for a black man and actually dare to hope. I was moved to tears on Tuesday night when I could look my son in the face and really mean it this time- “You could grow up to President of the United States of America.”

24. QUENACITY
    November 9th, 2008 at 1:52 pm

    

    Thank God for Omega Psi Phi:). People please get a grip on yourselves and stop wasting your time with nonsense. I challenge each of you to learn your history and furthermore where America is headed in the future. As a proud American who has served this country in a military leadership position as part of the Commissioned Officer Corps for some years now, it pains me to see that some of our black people are still so damn ignorant. Cease the ridiculous whining and get out and help make America a better place. Your Greek colors are only as good as your commitment to those principles you swore to uphold. Examine those principles again and be honest with yourselves. Lastly, when you’ve looked death in the eye and been spared, you begin to have a new appreciation for life. Let us move forward and celebrate history in the making. Although, they did not take the African into account, President-Elect Obama exemplifies what the framers of the constituion intended with regard to life, liberty and prosperity. Unite People, Unite! Proud Omega Man Owt!

25. KL President
    November 9th, 2008 at 8:25 pm

    

    All this was a waste of time. Reguardless or not he is still the President and has too many worldly issues to focus on bs like this…..what a find example of how “adults” should converse.

26. KrassKommissioner
    November 10th, 2008 at 5:54 pm

    

    Dear AKA’s and Alphas,

    My question was when are ya’ll going to stop with the HONORARY members. Just quit, If Barack wanted to be an Alpha he would’ve been an Alpha. Ya’ll always trying to bring folks in…

    “In 1921, members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity designated Frederick Douglass as an honorary member. Theirs was the first African-American intercollegiate fraternity. Douglass was the only man to receive an honorary membership posthumously.[13]”

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fredrick_Douglass

27. celebritygreek
    November 19th, 2008 at 10:40 am

    

    I was wondering how that was possible. I don’t think dead people should be made honorary members posthumously. Not only do they not have a say in what organization they are associated with, they don’t have to capability to serve within the organization. Anyway. Read my blog about Celebritry Greeks at http://www.celebritygreeks.blogspot.com

    Only class will do.

28. Kappaveli da Diamond Don
    November 19th, 2008 at 11:52 am

    

    Barack aint a NUPE, Tommy was joking. yO!

29. Mr.Xclusev
    November 21st, 2008 at 8:46 am

    

    honestly, why does the new president elect have to be associated with any organization at all. i do believe that his aim is to change America and the situation we are in, not put a face on any BGLO. ok maybe it was a joke maybe it wasn’t but the fact still remains that he is the first black president to hold the office. so lets be happy for that and as a minority celebrate in his and our success and stop downgrading each other. if im not mistaken the D9 community was designed for the uplift and empowerment of each other in the initial years of organization. these organizations fall hand in hand because each one promotes a different aspect of life that we as a minority need to focus, but one has become so wrapped up in the stereo type and the social aspect that they cannot seem to focus on the moral standards. people pledge for the wrong reasons, now people just want to do it because their mothers or fathers are greek, or they hear one of those infamous stereotypes and decide thats for me. weather the kappa’s are pretty, or the que’s are dogs, or the aka’s are prissy, or the alpha’s are the business men should not matter. stop feeding into the hype of one frat or sorority is better than the other because its not. because one way or another their founders where associated weather we all believe it or not.

    in closing get off the train that you have to be greek in order to be somebody important because its not true. the men and women who are more power to them on their choices to be associated with those organizations,but you dont need them in order to achieve a monument of success, those are just one of the things that is associated once you become successful!!! thank you and God Bless.

30. Lou
    November 21st, 2008 at 10:26 am

    

    To hear African Americans arguing about greek lettered fraternities and sororities is a shame. Do me a favor and look up your own history. Maybe then you’d learn that majority of the “greek secrets” you learned on line are actually of African origin. I challenge each of you to research a few things about the so called secrets you learned on line or through out your life once you crossed over. I promise you that none of it has a greek origin. I’ll give you a little hint…Egypt wasn’t known as Egypt until the Greeks conquered her. Start with the true name…Kemit…and you’ll see that all of your so called greek teachings are really African in origin. This is coming from a member of Omega Psi Phi so don’t refer to me as a hater or what ever term you may come up with. Just study a little history and you’ll realize that it doesn’t make a difference what greek lettered organization Mr. Obama belongs to. The bottom line is that he is black and president-elect of our great country.

    Peace

31. Clarification
    November 21st, 2008 at 4:34 pm

    

    For the person who stated that the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. left Alpha Kappa Alpha because of the dark v. light issue - let’s use a little critical thinking here. WHy would this be an issue for them if they were already members and the only members of AKA on the campus at the time? Either (a) some would not have been members or (b) as the only members on campus, they would have realized the opportunity to change this if it was the issue. ISOS clearly states that these women desired to have a focus on social activism/public service. Don’t believe me - read it for yourself. There was no mention of colorism being the impetus for the creation of their new sisterhood.

    On another note, I have read in articles from “sources” that Mrs. Obama was previously interested in the organization. Has this been stated or confirmed by Mrs. Obama or is this assumed because a chapter did not exist at Princeton (although I am not sure whether a city-wide chapter existed)? Using a little critical thinking again and considering that she didn’t have children until at least 9-10 years after graduating, I found this statement questionable since she could have pursued membership as a graduate member.

    Just asking since it was put out there for public consumption…

32. Clarification
    November 21st, 2008 at 4:37 pm

    

    “Using a little critical thinking again and considering that she didn’t have children until at least 9-10 years after graduating, I found this statement questionable since she could have pursued membership as a graduate member. ”

    I’d also like to add that I am sure her credentials were impressive prior to becoming “Mrs.” and Obama becoming a State Senator.

33. 1906
    November 25th, 2008 at 7:00 pm

    

    To krasskomissioner, If you would know the founding and information that us alphas know, you would be aware of why he is considered an “honorary” member and why he was never actually initiated as a brother….it’s called discretion my brother and why my illustrious fraternity chose to do that will only be knowledgeable to those considered lucky enough to be a part of such a great organization. And in no way in form has Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. suggested any offers towards Obama into joining our Fraternity…Lets get our facts straight people…DEUCES

34. Lou
    November 26th, 2008 at 9:55 am

    

    you all sound like cry babies. aren’t there more important things to discuss right now? let’s move on to a better more enlightened topic.

35. 1906
    November 26th, 2008 at 1:54 pm

    

    Ok Lou first, if you are a member of Omega Psi Phi then you would know that they are not greek teachings so i dont know why you would think any other org would believe so. Alpha is based off Kemit and anchient egypt hence the Sphinx on our shield…Its only thought of to outsiders as GREEK because of what you said about the Greeks taking over…we all know this info my brotha

36. lol12
    November 30th, 2008 at 2:26 pm

    

    thank u KrassKommissioner omg that s my question when r u guys gonna stop the non sense and for yall get a life their s more important thing beside frat nn sorro in the world go travel

37. Lou
    December 1st, 2008 at 8:38 am

    

    06 I hear you but to read some of the things written here I felt that needed to be said. I’m done with this discussion. It’s a waste of time.

38. AtlAKA
    December 5th, 2008 at 11:43 pm

    

    President-elect Obama stated on local Atlanta radio station V-103 this summer that if he would have pledged a fraternity, it would have been Alpha Phi Alpha due to his respect of their legacy, distinguished members, and overall reputation. I heard his interview with dj Frank Ski. Obama went to Occidental College and then Columbia as an undergrad. Skee-Phi!

39. NUPE 32
    December 10th, 2008 at 9:14 pm

    

    YO NUPE!!! we the Fly Phi Nupes!

40. Kollective
    December 18th, 2008 at 5:12 pm

    

    I just wanna say it doesn’t matter what frat he’s from, he’s a black man doing something good with his life and has made a very long for achievement. YO!

    #2Fall08

41. N.A.S.D.A.K.
    December 27th, 2008 at 2:51 pm

    

    i just want to say it doesnt matter….OBAMA! change the world! YO!

    #4DX Fall08

42. EZ Fa 99
    January 1st, 2009 at 9:39 am

    

    I think this is quite komikal. No one in the noble 9 kan say without any reservation that they have have achieved their kurrent state of success without the assistance of all of the members of the Pan-Helenic Council. In VA we make great effort to include all organizations in our endeavors, for we know at the end of the day, it’s about inspiring service in the public’s interest. Sure, it would a good thing if President Obama wore one of our Kolor schemes, but really, is that what this thing is about? Im a NUPE & I agree with the Q, we are obligated to make our Kommunity, and or our Kountry a better place. Now this is my charge to you, those of you who attempt to kreate demise in effort to exault yourselves above the others.