Kappa Kappa Psi Returns to B-CU Campus After Two Decades

Founding Editor, The Ave B-CU

Stephen Holmes

The year was 2004. MySpace had just become the first social media platform to reach one million users. Usher and Lil Jon released their hit song “Yeah!” and George W. Bush had just won re-election. In fact, Bethune-Cookman University was not even a thing yet. We were still affectionately known as Bethune-Cookman College. That is just how long the “band frat” has been off the yard. 

The Band Frat Returns

For fraternities and sororities alike, being off the yard is not anything unusual. For one reason or another, there are individuals in these organizations who make bad decisions. Whether it be hazing, financial malfeasance, or improper conduct, they have all had chapters sent to Greek purgatory at one point or another. Sometimes, these stints last a few months, sometimes they last a couple of years. However, in this case, it lasted two decades. 

On April 27^th, 2024, the brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi (KKPsi)made a triumphant return to the revered grounds of Bethune-Cookman University! It was a moment that seemed improbable, yet there they were, 11 new inductees dawning their traditional blue Dickies suits with blue and gold spray painted boots. For the current members, this was a day 20 agonizing years in the making. In a bit of irony, the chapter has been formally reintegrated back into B-CU’s Greek culture as all Divine 9 organizations are currently on cease and desist for reasons that deserve their own separate discussion. That aside, they have been granted the benefit of a clean slate, if for nothing else, time served.  

Who is Kappa Kappa Psi

To understand the significance of their return is to understand who they are and what they do. Kappa Kappa Psi is a nationally recognized honorary band fraternity dedicated to the enrichment of college and university band programs. Founded in 1919 at Oklahoma State University, the mission centers around fostering leadership, musicianship, and service within the band community. Through its diverse membership, Kappa Kappa Psi promotes the advancement of music education and supports the development of young musicians. With chapters across the United States, the fraternity remains committed to upholding its values of brotherhood, musicianship, and service.  

In the band world, KKPsi and their sister organization Tau Beta Sigma are king and queen. Although, when one of them is not actively around, the other has to bear the weight of the entire band program alone. So, let’s give a special shoutout to the women of “TBS” for holding it down in the absence of their brothers, KKPsi. HBCU bands thrive on the health of their band fraternities and sororities, so their absence is felt.  

The Impact of KKPsi

The Eta Iota Chapter was chartered in 1978 and quickly developed into the unofficial student leadership arm of the band. Their presence is necessary, but you cannot miss what you have never had. The harsh reality is that many of the students that have come through the Marching Wildcat program over these past 20 years never understood the impact of having KKPsi around.  

They are a service organization for the underlying band programs in which they participate. Furthermore, whenever Dr. Wells needs thankless tasks done in and around the band room, he does not go hire a company or random students to do it, he solicits the services of both KKPsi and TBS. Everything from sorting uniforms, instrument inventory, and even providing snacks and food for the band after practices, etc. They have always been known as a reliable organization to help keep the band moving. Having KKPsi rejoin TBS and be fully operational again will be a welcome boost to the band morale.    

Honorary Inductees

Not only did KKPsi return with 11 members, but they also added 3 honorary members: Mr. Dexter Bailey and Mr. Mario Ford. These BCU Alumni became the first honorary members of the reestablished group. In addition to leading their own HS band programs, both Bailey and Ford have been pivotal for the Marching Wildcats Summer Band Camp over the years. They have continued to avail themselves to B-CU and the Marching Wildcats through their time and service. KKPsi could not have selected two more deserving honorees.  Mr. Jeremy Blackwell, who was not pictured below, was also selected as an honoree. He is the Director of Bands at Atlantic High School and remains integral to the program as well.  

Lastly, KKPsi’s journey back is not about reclaiming their place in campus fraternity culture, but about reaffirming their dedication to the enrichment of Bethune-Cookman’s Marching Wildcats Band. The team here at The Ave would like to wish the Eta Iota Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi well as they commence a new era of brotherhood, musicianship, and service. Welcome back! 

All Hail to Thee.