Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Announces Official Period of Mourning
In Honor of 17th Grand Polemarch Richard B. Millspaugh
(Philadelphia, PA) – May 30, 2008 - Grand Polemarch Dwayne M. Murray, Esq. announced today that the fraternity will observe an official period of mourning to honor Grand Polemarch (17th) Richard B. Millspaugh for his unswerving dedication and commitment to the fraternity and its principles, which he held dear to his heart until his untimely and unfortunate passing to Chapter Invisible.
Brother Millspaugh passed to the Golden Shores on Thursday, May 29th. “When I think of a man whose life was so intertwined with the fundamental purpose of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., I immediately think of Grand Polemarch Millspaugh,” Grand Polemarch Murray said in making the announcement.
Grand Polemarch Richard B. Millspaugh made history in his hometown of St. Landry Parish, Louisiana by becoming the first African-American to register to vote. He was given the enormous privilege of attending a dinner at the White House in 1958 by special invitation from President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Brother Millspaugh was elected Grand Polemarch in 1961, which he served for three years and was subsequently honored as a Laurel Wreath Laureate, the fraternity’s highest acknowledgement, in 1968. The fact he was elected after the tenure of Grand Polemarch C. Roger Wilson and followed by Grand Polemarch Thomas L. Bradley is a clear indication of the high prestige and respect he carried within our noble Bond.
Therefore, each Brother shall take heed that each of us shall observe a period of mourning for our dear Brother through June 30, 2008. Each member shall drape their badges and chapter regalia in due form. It should also be noted each chapter is encouraged, during this period, to hold a moment of acknowledgement within their meetings and gatherings in due recognition of our dearly departed Brother. “As we pause and reflect upon Grand Polemarch Millspaugh’s death,” said Grand Polemarch Murray, “it is equally important that we praise and remember the accomplishments of his life.”
Your prayers and wishes of encouragement for the family are greatly appreciated during these challenging times. Arrangements are as follows: Viewing (10:00a); Kappa Service (12:00n); Mass (1:00p) all Tuesday, June 3rd @ 2125 S. Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, 337.942.5628. ALL MEMBERS ATTENDING SHOULD ARRIVE BY 11:00a. Funeral Arrangements by: Ford & Joseph Funeral Home, 907 N. Market Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, 337.942.6750. Cards and Condolences: c/o Ms. Adrienne Gibson, 928 N. Market Street, Opelousas, LA 70570.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is an international organization founded on the campus of Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana on January 5, 1911. Since its inception, it has trained over 125,000 men, particularly undergraduates, for leadership roles in their communities and the attainment of a high degree of excellence in their academic pursuits. The International Headquarters is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.