Famous Kappa Alpha Psi Brothers | Notable Alumni

by ethan.brook News Editor

ATLANTA, January 5, 2026 — If your social media feed is awash in crimson and cream today, there’s a good reason: it’s Founder’s Day for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and members are celebrating its 115th anniversary with pride.

A Legacy of Achievement: Kappa Alpha Psi Turns 115

The historically Black fraternity, founded in 1911, boasts a membership roster filled with accomplished figures in entertainment, sports, politics, and beyond.

  • Founded in 1911 at Indiana University, Kappa Alpha Psi is part of the “Divine Nine” of Black Greek letter organizations.
  • The fraternity emphasizes achievement in every endeavor, scholarship, and service to the community.
  • Numerous prominent figures across various fields proudly call themselves “Nupes,” a nickname for Kappa Alpha Psi members.

Kappa Alpha Psi is more than just a fraternity; it’s a brotherhood built on a foundation of scholarship, leadership, and service. Established in 1911, the organization is one of the nine historically Black Greek letter fraternities and sororities known as the “Divine Nine.” Their signature colors—crimson and cream—are instantly recognizable, and their members have left an indelible mark on American culture.

Notable Nupes: A Look at Prominent Members

Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer at the TikTok Awards 2025 held at Hollywood Palladium on December 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images)

Comedian Cedric the Entertainer joined Kappa Alpha Psi in 1984 while attending Southeast Missouri State University. Throwback photos showcase his enjoyment of fraternity life alongside his brothers.

Marc Lamont Hill

NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 07: Moderator Marc Lamont Hill attends BET Presents “An Evening With ‘The Quad’” At The Paley Center on December 7, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET Networks)

Political pundit and podcast host Marc Lamont Hill reflected on his Kappa Alpha Psi experience, writing on Instagram in June 2025: “Words can’t express how grateful I am for the privilege of having taken the long, rough, and rugged journey (in the SUMMER!) into Kappa Land. Eternal gratitude to everybody who made me right and taught me the true meaning of Phi Nu Pi.”

John Singleton

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – FEBRUARY 04: Director John Singleton attends the 69th annual Directors Guild of America Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 4, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

The acclaimed director of “Boyz n the Hood” and “Poetic Justice,” John Singleton, became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi in April 1987 while at the University of Southern California.

Colin Kaepernick

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 05: Colin Kaepernick attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/FilmMagic)

NFL star Colin Kaepernick crossed into Kappa Alpha Psi in the Spring of 2010 while at the University of Nevada, later becoming a prominent figure known for his activism.

Other Notable Members

The fraternity’s membership extends to a diverse range of leaders, including film producer Stan Lathan, BET founder Robert “Bob” Johnson, actor Lance Gross, pastor Jamal Bryant, NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain, former NFL player Ryan Clark, and gospel rapper Lecrae.

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