The North Atlantic Region
To my true Baby Blue,
Community & Aspiring Members, it is
with great pleasure that we are able to
come to you again to share the
wonderful work that we have done
here in the North Atlantic Region. Each
member of this region has displayed
remarkable leadership qualities, and
proven to be a strong support of the
communities from which they belong.
Our journey since our founding
day in 2008 has provided so much
space for growth for the Region as a
whole, as well as each individual. As
we move forward in completing
another year of service, it is our goal to
hold strong the bonds and relationships
that we have built and show
appreciation to those who continue to
support us.
It is my hope before the year of
2010 comes to an end, that the North
Atlantic Region will be able to
generate a buzz far past the borders of
Boston, MA. It brings me great joy to
once again present to you the work
and service of the North Atlantic
Region
Warmest Regards,
Elijah Dear
North Atlantic Regional Director
.
From the Regional Seat…
Bro. Elijah Dear
Lambda Chapter Boston, MA
Regional Events
August 2
nd, 2010
Bro. Dishon Laing’s
Birthday
August 4th
, 2010
QWOC Event
Activism & Karaoke
August 7th
, 2010
QWOC Event
Family Day
August 14th
, 2010
Bro. Yovannys Kenney’s
Birthday
MOCAA
Fundraiser BBQ
(Cape Cod)
2-6pm
August 17th
, 2010
FOUNDERS DAY!!!
August 26
th, 2010
Bro. Steven Fleury’s
Birthday
August 27th
, 2010
Lambda Chapter Interest
Meeting
Bro. Dear & Leotti
StandUp for Kids Event
maximize their self-
potential.
To provide an opportunity
for nontraditional LGBT
students to further their
educational goals.
Bayard Rustin Academy is a school
that is trying to create an
environment that is accepting of all
racial and ethnic backgrounds. Our
vision for Bayard Rustin Academy
Inc. is to develop a safe space for
GLBT youth to receive an academic
education without limits to self-
expression. We strive to provide
additional resources to GLBT youth
to address self-misrepresentation
and decrease the rates of isolation.
There is definitely a need for a
school that will be safe for GLBT
youth to be themselves and not
having to worry about being
harassed or bullied because of their
sexual orientation or sexual identity.
Bayard Rustin Academy is always
looking for support and if you have
questions, please feel free to email
me at
Brother Promotes Scholarship Bro. Yovannys Kenney
Standing Up For Kids Bro. Elijah Dear
Bro. Yovannys Kenney
My name is Yovannys “ImpaKt”
Kenney; I am the President and Co-
chair of Bayard Rustin Academy
Inc. I am currently working on
structuring a school specifically for
GLBT youth here in the inner city of
Boston, a school that will be able to
provide a safe space for GLBT
youth.
Bayard Rustin Academy‟s mission is
To provide a safe space
for GLBT youth that
supports and provides a
positive alternative outlet
for education and
personal growth.
To provide an
educational space
where youth of diverse
sexual orientations and
Ethnic backgrounds thrive
academically, socially
and personally. (same as
bullet point one, but
more explained).
To empower the youth
though mentorship to
It was a wonderful Sunday morning when I
sat down with the chair of Queer Women of Color
{QWOC}, Adaora Asala and began to discuss QWOC
week and all that was planned. As she was filling me
in on the events planned, she shared that she would
like to do some form of community service
throughout the week. I than begin to share with her
information about StandUp for Kids, and their mission
as an organization. She was absolutely thrilled about
the organization and insisted that we collaborate to
assist them in their efforts.
This summer, the Lambda Chapter of Boston,
MA in collaboration with QWOC facilitated a
charitable drive for StandUp for Kids. The mission of
this organization is to is to help homeless and street
kids, by providing them with resources and support.
Their focus goes beyond street outreach and extends
to deterrence and resource programs that they
provide in schools and via the internet.
Through this drive we were able to collect
clothing items, survival tools, and monetary funds. It is
our hope that through our efforts, that we were able
to greatly assist and support not only StandUp for
Kids, but the children they reach out to! On behalf of
the Lambda Chapter I would like to thank all those
who donated these needed items! And QWOC for
their continuous support of this chapter!
Queer Women of Color – Boston
www.qwocboston.com
“The bond of a
brotherhood, never settling
in the past but striving for
the future” “The bond of a
brotherhood, never settling
in the past but striving for
the future” “The bond of a
brotherhood, never settling
in the past but striving for
the future!”
CONGRATS SOROR BRIGGS!
The Brothers at Soror A. Briggs
graduation cookout!
Caption describing picture or graphic.
Line Name: Crossing:
ImpaKt Spring of 2010
Birthday: Hometown:
August 14, 1986 Boston, MA
Favorite Book: Least Favorite Food:
Goosebumps Mashed Potatoes
Share a moment that has shaped you
into who you are today: The day my
mother told me that, if I do not get
myself together and get back into
school, I will end up in the grave like my
brother. When I was 16 years old, I was
facing a lot of depression and couldn‟t
keep myself together. I always blamed
myself for his death because I couldn‟t
help him and his drug addiction. Not only
was I facing the challenge of my
brother‟s passing, but also the issue of
being gay in school. It was difficult to
deal with all of the things that I was
facing from being harassed, being
kicked out of my mom‟s house, smoking,
drinking partying, and not going to
school, made me realize my life was
going no where. I had no brother to
teach me right from wrong or to tell me
what his flaws were and to make sure I
do not do the same thing he was doing. I
had two best friends who I still talk to as
of today, tell me that they did not want
to have a friend that is not going to go
no where in life and if I do not change
my ways, they were going to be around
any more. After hearing that I could
potentially loose my best friends and my
mom telling me that she did not want a
son who was not going to go to school or
perhaps end up dead like his brother
was definitely a wake up call. So, I turned
to job corps and went there for two
years to obtain my high school diploma
and my certificate in nursing assistant.
After graduating from Job Corps, I
ended up going back to work for Boston
GLASS (Gay, lesbian, Adolescent and
Social Services) to do outreach. I worked
with GLASS for almost 7 years on and off
since I was 14 years old… Today, I have
learned that my brother‟s passing was
not my fault and that I was young and
did not know how to help him. Today, I
am working to build my own school for
LGBT youth to feel safe and to allow
them to have a second chance in life. A
school that can benefit their needs and
that will be able to support them as
A Spotlighted Kane Bro. Yovannys Kenney
National Information
Kappa Psi Kappa Fraternity,
Inc.
P.O. Box 733
Philadelphia PA, 19105
National Website
www.kappapsikappainc.org
Local Information
Lambda Chapter
Boston, MA
E-Mail:
Web Site:
www.kpsiklambda.webs.com
“One Brotherhood,
One Bond”
much as possible. Last but not least, I can truly
say that if it was not for the people who stood
by me and dealt with me, I would not have
been here today. I have a career job working in
research on HIV behavioral studies and helping
people access services. I have my own place
and I have friends and brothers who as of
today, continuously help to make me a better
person. This is what helped shape me into who I
am today.
Where would you like to see Kappa Psi Kappa
in 10 years?
I would like to see the structure of KPsi,
along with that of Kappa Sapphires reach great
heights. I would like to reach a point where we
are receiving internal and external funding;
Thus, improving our national scholarship
program and our services to youth of the LGBT
community. I would like to be known across the
United States and having chapters in each
state. It is my hope that we reach a more
escalated level of organizational morale and
support.
Most importantly, I want to see Kappa
Psi Kappa fraternity, Inc. to be in 10 years is to
have a full national board that is proactive
about the fraternity. This is where I would like to
see Kappa Psi Kappa Fraternity, Inc. in 10 years,
not settling in the past, however striving for a
grand future!
Phi Nu Kappa Sorority, Inc www.phinukappa.org
CHECK OUT THE PHAMILY
Alpha Psi Kappa Fraternity, Inc. www.alphapsikappa.org
B Bro. Steven Fleury
Interested in becoming a
member of Kappa Psi
Kappa Fraternity, Inc.?
The Bond of Brothers is not just a phrase, it is a lifetime commitment. The Founders of Kappa Psi Kappa wanted more than just a fraternity, they wanted a True Brotherhood. A Brotherhood that would unite many men from all walks of life that would come together for what Kappa Psi Kappa believes
in. By joining Kappa Psi Kappa you are agreeing to accept the high ideals of Brotherhood, Service, Leadership, and Scholarship. You are also accepting yourself for who you are, and committing to strive for the best despite what obstacles should
occur. This concept which has roots from the very beginning of the organization. Yes, there were a number of fraternities that were already founded but the founders of Kappa Psi Kappa wanted something that other organizations didn't have. The founders, lead by strength, founded the concepts of Kappa
Psi Kappa.
www.kappapsikappainc.org
Kappa Psi Kappa Fraternity, Inc. was
given a wonderful opportunity to
promote and raise awareness on HIV
Vaccine Research. Educating the
men of our organization and our
community about HIV and the
impact that is has on our community.
Steven Fleury, one of our regions very
own is leading the project internally. I
was able to sit down Mr. Fleury to
discuss the project, and the direction
the organization is heading.
Could you take a moment and tell us
a little bit about yourself and the
work you have done in the HIV field?
I actually started doing HIV work as a
volunteer in 2005. I joined this HIV
prevention group called Preparing
You For tomorrow, which was a
group level intervention of MOCAA.
Pretty much just like any other young
gay man who joined the group, our
intentions were to meet other young
men for relationships, or some kind of
sexual encounter. Contrary to some
of these other young men, I ended
up developing a passion for HIV
prevention. In 2006, is when I actually
committed specific times to
volunteer with the program. I did
outreach, and developed
prevention packages (condoms,
lubrications, etc.) . In August 2006, is
when I was offered a full- time
position to work as a program
assistant for MOCAA. This involved
program administrative work and
outreach. From there on, I attended
a lot of community meetings and
events that were HIV related. I was
afforded the opportunity to meet a
lot of stake holders in the community.
I did youth development, involving
HIV awareness and education. The
most recent step to my journey was
a Program Coordinator, supervising a
group of health system navigators
who were responsible for the
outreach work I once did. Now I am
unemployed, however looking for
work the same field.
Bro Fleury, How did Kappa Psi Kappa
become involved with the HIV
Vaccine Research Project? It was
November 3rd, 2009, when Dr. Russell
Brewer from Academy for
Educational Development came to
the office for a site visit. After the site
visit, we were socializing and I
mentioned that I was part of a
National Fraternity. He immediately
expressed interest in having the
organization get involved with HIV
vaccine research education. So he
then forwarded a grant
application, which I forwarded to
Brother Blake, former Supreme
President. After Brother Blake‟s
separation from the organization,
Dr. Brewer contacted me to inform
us that our application had been
selected and that a person of
contact to attend the initial
meeting in Washington DC. I put
him in contact with SP Mitchell,
who attended the meeting. When
Brother Mitchell returned from the
meeting, he contacted me and
asked if I would be interested in co-
coordinating the project with
Brother Kenneth Freeman.
How do you intend on
implementing the education and
awareness aspect of the study
amongst the community? Our
participation in the project is really
to help raise awareness regarding
HIV vaccine research in the
organization, and the community
at large. In the application we
submitted, we proposed to
produce t-shirts and buttons with
HIV vaccine messages on them.
We agreed to do an informational
session during Conclave 2010.
However, we have encountered a
block in continuing with the project
because Kappa Psi Kappa
Fraternity, Inc. does not have a
501C3 status. When that was
presented to Dr. Brewer, he
suggested that we find another
organization with a 501c3 status, to
filter the money to us to
accomplish the proposed
objectives. We are currently still
searching for an organization to do
so. I have been in contact with a
few organizations in the Boston
area, as well as the International
Federations of Black Pride.
However, I have not had a
concrete answer stating that any
of these organization agreeing to
be a fiscal conduit.
Please follow onto page 5…
Joining the Fight Interview with Bro. Steven Fleury
What do you ultimately hope the
organization achieves by working on
this initiative? I do hope that in the
very near future to find an
organization willing to accept the
funding. I hope that Kappa Psi
Kappa, if not Tau Kappa Phi will
become very well educated around
the HIV epidemic that is affecting
our communities of color. It is my
hope that we can be one of the
organizations leading HIV vaccine
research education in the country.
One final word, finding an HIV
vaccine will be THE most effective
HIV prevention method. Let‟s not
forget that we have developed
other vaccines in the past, and it
took us years to accomplish that.
With 27 years, and the fight against
HIV/AIDS and the work that we have
done so far, we should not be
discouraged. Be aware that HIV is
100% preventable, so no one has to
become infected.
Bro. Fleury, I would like to thank you
for your time, hard work, and
dedication not only to this
organization, but the work you do in
the HIV field. Thank You!
Lambda Chapter at the Men‟s Event
Lambda Chapter at Turn Purple Event
GUESS WHO???
Can you match the
descriptions to a North Atlantic
Brother?
1. This brother loves
animated and family
films
2. This brother grew up
with a pet dog
3. This brother is the only
married kane in the
North Atlantic Region.
4. This brother would love
to own a home on a
beach.
5. This brother recently
obtained a job is his
desired career path.
For the answers, visit the
Lambda Chapter website:
www.kpsiklambda.webs.com
Memorial Day 2010 LA
MB
DA
CH
AP
TER
EX
TRA
VA
GA
NZA
!!!!
The Lambda Chapter Extravaganza was
a day the chapter set aside for
brotherhood & scholarship. Brothers took
on leadership roles, facilitating HIV 101
workshops & fraternal jeopardy. Lambda
got creative with an Arts & Krafts
workshop along with a chapter PHamily
dinner, with a special appearance from
Soror. A. Briggs. Let‟s find out what this
meant to the gentlemen!
Picture: Lambda Chapter attempting the
Human Knot.
What did this day mean to you?
Bro. Elijah Dear
This day tied in everything it means to be a
man of this organization, and a man of this
chapter. We were able to tap into our
internal resources to learn information and
issues surrounding HIV, nationally and
locally. We were able to open up further,
and learn more about each other. It truly
solidified my presence here in this
organization, and brought me closer to the
men of my chapter. Most importantly, we
were all together, and those moments can
be rare. I love these gentlemen!
Bro. Dishon Laing
That day was extremely important to me.
That day for me signified true Brotherhood.
We came together, had fun together, ate
together, and learned about one another.
With all of my brothers there, I felt like that
day cemented the bond between my line
and the brothers who came before us.
Share something you learned about a
brother:
Bro. Dishon Laing
I learned that Tranquility has a very strong
sense of self. Not that I was not aware of
this before, but I realized, as we drove to
pick up Brother Kwiksand, that he is
extremely proud of himself as an
individual. He knows what he wants and
where he wants to go. He is very
passionate and really wants to be loved
by someone worthy of his own affection. It
sounds like an ego, but it really is about
finding the right person, not just someone
who will pass by his life.
Lambda Chapter with Soror Briggs
What was your favorite workshop?
Bro. Sigmond Lewis
The HIV 101 was the workshop that I feel was
the best part of the day. It was eye opening to
me to find out some of the numbers for the
infusion rate of young men under the age of 25.
I feel like we should be sharing this workshop
not only Kappa Psi Kappa, but TKPhi as a whole;
as a PHamily. We all need to know the truth
and be able to share it with each other.
Bro. Elijah Dear
I am a very family oriented individual. Having all
the gentlemen I hold near and dear to my
heart all at one table, enjoying the food stylings
of the members of our chapter was truly
magnificent. There is no better way to my heart
than through my stomach. Although it wasn‟t
one of the workshops of the day, it truly was
memorable! Much Love Lambda!
A Spotlighted Kane Bro. Shakir Edwards
Line Name:
Enigma
Crossing:
Spring „09
Birthday:
March 16th 1987
Hometown:
Boston, MA
Favorite Book:
Rubyfruit Jungle
Least Favorite Food:
Tuna Melt Sandwich
If you could share a few words with an aspiring member,
what would they be?
I strongly believe in Murphey‟s Law: “Anything that can go
wrong, will go wrong”. Be optimistic, things WILL always go
wrong but its up to you to see the positive. Also, there is
always area for growth, don‟t beat yourself up too much
when it the road gets tough.
Share a moment that has shaped you into who you are
today:
If I could choose a moment, I would have to pick the
moment I was voted into the position of Chapter president.
In that moment I knew I had to step up or be eaten alive.
But as I look back I‟ve realized that my chapter doesn‟t
expect a leader, they shape one. I can recall moments of
where I had to stand corrected and bite my tongue for my
faults. One may view criticism as ridicule but I view it as
building blocks to a stronger individual. If you are unable to
learn from your mistakes and correct them, then you will be
eaten alive within your faults.
Lambda Chapter Interest Meeting
August 27th, 2010 @ 7PM
Location: TBA
CONRATULATIONS! Conclave 2010
Bro. Shakir Edwards
Academic Achievement Awards
Bro. Elijah Dear Certificate of Appreciation
* * * *
Lambda Chapter National Chapter
of the Year
Lambda Chapter Outstanding Service Award
Continue to shine my
diamond studded kanes!
Elijah Dear
North Atlantic Regional
Director