Background/History
“Evolution of the Dream!”
‘70s
The beginning of an undergraduate Nu Zeta (NZ) of Kappa Alpha Psi® Fraternity, Inc. has its origin with the vision of Brother Larry D. Meredith, Esq., a native son of Erie, Pa. When Brother Meredith, an initiate of Howard University’s Xi Chapter, returned to Erie, Pa in the mid ‘70s, he envisioned bringing together a bond of Brothers to form a local alumni chapter and an undergraduate chapter. Here’s the story.
Brother Meredith officially initiated the process in 1977 through correspondence with the International Headquarters (IHQ) requesting the steps needed to start an alumni chapter. During this process Brother Meredith was assisted in his efforts by Brother Maj. Raphael H. Sayles (Alpha Mu), who worked at Gannon College (now Gannon University) at the time. Although Brother Meredith was pursuing an alumni chapter, he was also working with Brother Sayles to pursue an undergraduate chapter at Gannon College.
The undergraduate chapter at Gannon was never able to get started.
‘80s
While Brother Meredith was pursuing an alumni chapter, there were undergraduates interested in becoming Kappas at Allegheny College. Brother Taylor W. “TC” Cannon, Jr. just happened to be working at the campus. After correspondences between Brothers Lt. Col. George N. Charlton Jr. (Province Polemarch), Meredith and Cannon regarding this undergraduate interest, Brother Meredith forwarded his updated list of Brothers in the area to Brother Charlton who passed it on to Brother Cannon. Brother Charlton assigned Brother Michael “Black Magic” McLendon to assist Brothers Meredith and Cannon. They were charged with initiating the 1st BE Swing line in the Greater Erie area with hopes of starting a full fledge Chapter.
Here’s the story as told by Brother Cannon.