Kappa Alpha Psi: The 25 Most Famous Members
Posted by Onassis Krown on
The Ultimate Guide on the 25 Most Famous Members of Kappa Alpha Psi (and Their Achievements)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., founded on January 5, 1911, at Indiana University Bloomington, has produced leaders who have made significant contributions in every field imaginable. From civil rights and sports to entertainment and science, these men exemplify the fraternity's motto: "Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor."
Here are 25 of the most famous and impactful members of Kappa Alpha Psi—and the legacy of excellence they each represent.
1. Colin Kaepernick
Achievement: NFL Quarterback & Civil Rights Activist
Kaepernick became a household name after kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality. While his football career was derailed, he became a global icon for social justice and remains a powerful voice in the movement for equality.
2. Johnnie Cochran
Achievement: Legendary Trial Attorney
Renowned for his command of the courtroom, Cochran led the defense team in the infamous O.J. Simpson trial. His career was defined by defending the voiceless and fighting systemic injustice, making him one of the most influential legal figures of our time.
3. Cedric the Entertainer
Achievement: Comedian, Actor, Host
One of the “Original Kings of Comedy,” Cedric’s humor and charisma have made him a staple in both television and film. He's starred in The Steve Harvey Show, Barbershop, and The Neighborhood, always repping Kappa with pride.
4. Arthur Ashe
Achievement: Tennis Legend & Humanitarian
Ashe was the first Black man to win the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open. He later became a powerful advocate for civil rights and AIDS awareness, using his platform to bring about meaningful change.
5. Tavis Smiley
Achievement: Author & Broadcaster
Smiley became a well-known commentator and TV host who interviewed world leaders and tackled critical social issues. His books and speeches have helped shape thought leadership in the Black community and beyond.
6. Wilt Chamberlain
Achievement: NBA Hall of Famer
From scoring 100 points in a single game to dominating the league, Chamberlain was a generational athlete. Off the court, he was a businessman, philanthropist, and cultural icon.
7. Jalen Rose
Achievement: Former NBA Star & Sports Analyst
A founding member of Michigan’s “Fab Five,” Rose had a standout NBA career and transitioned into broadcasting. He also founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit, empowering youth through education.
8. Bill Russell
Achievement: NBA Champion & Civil Rights Pioneer
Russell won 11 NBA titles with the Boston Celtics and was a vocal civil rights advocate. His leadership and activism earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom and made him a symbol of excellence and integrity.
9. Reggie Lewis
Achievement: NBA All-Star
A rising NBA star and captain of the Boston Celtics, Lewis's life was tragically cut short by a heart condition. He is remembered for his grace, humility, and leadership on and off the court.
10. Montell Jordan
Achievement: R&B Star Turned Minister
With hits like “This Is How We Do It,” Jordan was a 90s R&B sensation. He later stepped away from music to become a minister, using his life and testimony to inspire others in faith-based communities.
11. Bernard Harris
Achievement: NASA Astronaut & Physician
Dr. Harris made history as the first African American to walk in space. A physician and entrepreneur, he continues to advocate for STEM education, particularly for minority students.
12. Marc Lamont Hill
Achievement: Academic, Author, Commentator
A noted professor and social critic, Hill has become a thought leader on race, justice, and education. His books and media presence are shaping national dialogue and pushing for equity and reform.
13. Byron Allen
Achievement: Media Mogul
Allen turned a modest start in comedy into an empire by founding Entertainment Studios. Today, he is one of the few African American media owners in the world, with a portfolio that spans television, film, and digital platforms.
14. Tommy Smith
Achievement: Olympic Gold Medalist & Civil Rights Icon
His Black Power salute during the 1968 Olympics became an enduring image of protest and pride. Smith’s stand for human rights earned him both criticism and respect, cementing his place in history.
15. Robert Johnson
Achievement: Founder of BET
Johnson revolutionized African American media by founding Black Entertainment Television (BET). He became the first Black billionaire in America and has remained a trailblazer in business and philanthropy.
16. Max Julien
Achievement: Actor & Cultural Icon
Julien is best known for his role as Goldie in The Mack, a foundational film in the Blaxploitation era. He helped redefine Black masculinity on screen and influenced a generation of urban storytelling.
17. Hosea Williams
Achievement: Civil Rights Leader
One of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most trusted lieutenants, Williams led major protest marches and organized grassroots activism. His work laid a foundation for future civil rights efforts and community empowerment.
18. Ralph David Abernathy
Achievement: Civil Rights Strategist & Minister
Abernathy was a key architect of the Civil Rights Movement alongside Dr. King. He co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and succeeded King as its president, continuing the fight for social justice and racial equality.
19. John Singleton
Achievement: Filmmaker & Director
Singleton made history as the first African American and youngest person nominated for a Best Director Oscar for Boyz n the Hood. His groundbreaking films brought real Black stories to the mainstream with raw authenticity.
20. David Justice
Achievement: MLB All-Star & World Series Champion
Known for his clutch hitting and leadership, Justice was a key contributor to the Atlanta Braves’ 1995 World Series win. He’s also been a mentor to young athletes and community advocate.
21. Stan Lathan
Achievement: Television Director & Producer
Lathan has directed everything from Def Comedy Jam to Dave Chappelle’s stand-up specials. He helped shape the modern comedy landscape and nurtured the careers of countless Black performers and creators.
22. George Fraser
Achievement: Networking Expert & Author
Fraser is the founder of FraserNet and a pioneer in business networking. His books and conferences focus on Black economic empowerment, mentorship, and legacy-building.
23. Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway
Achievement: NBA Star & Coach
Penny was one of the NBA’s most exciting players in the 1990s. After injuries shortened his career, he turned to coaching, taking the helm at the University of Memphis and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
24. Charles S. Dutton
Achievement: Acclaimed Actor & Director
Dutton overcame incarceration to become a Yale-trained actor known for his roles in Roc, Alien 3, and The Corner. His story is one of redemption, resilience, and artistic excellence.
25. Kevin Samuels
Achievement: Image Consultant & Social Commentator
Samuels sparked global discussions about modern relationships, gender roles, and self-image. While controversial, his commentary gained a massive following and ignited conversations across generations.
Final Thoughts: 25 Notable Kappa Alpha Psi Brothers
Kappa Alpha Psi has produced titans in entertainment, athletics, activism, academia, business, and beyond. These 25 brothers not only shaped their respective industries—they changed culture, shifted narratives, and left legacies that inspire future generations.
To the Nupes: Achievement is not just a motto. It's a lifestyle.
Kappa Alpha Psi is more than just a fraternity; it’s a brotherhood that has cultivated leaders, visionaries, and agents of change for over a century. The men highlighted here have each made significant contributions to their fields and communities, embodying the fraternity’s guiding principle: Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.
Whether through sports, entertainment, activism, science, or education, these 25 distinguished members have carried the torch of Kappa Alpha Psi’s legacy with pride, purpose, and unparalleled excellence.
Their stories remind us that greatness comes not only from personal success but from lifting others along the way—a principle that has been central to the Kappa spirit since 1911.
Yo to the Nupes!
Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur and musical artist A.L.I.A.S.
- Tags: kappa alpha psi
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