If you’re wondering why you’re seeing a lot of crimson and cream up and down your social media timelines today, than it’s probably because Jan. 5 marks the 115th annual Founder’s Day for the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.–and their members don’t hesitate to celebrate!
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Founded in 1911, the fraternity is just one of the “Divine Nine”–the five fraternities and four sororities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Black Greek-letter organizations. Their colors red and white (often referred to as the aforementioned crimson and creme), signature strolling and shoulder shimmying, and impressive cane twirling makes them some of the smoothest, “prettiest,” (and arguably the best-dressed) brothas on the planet.
Given their celebratory day, we thought it’d be fun to take a look at some of the frat’s most famous faces across Hollywood, music, business, sports and more.
Keep reading to find out!
Cedric the Entertainer
In 1984, comedian Cedric the Entertainer became of member of Kappa Alpha Psi while attending Southeast Missouri State University. Several throwback pictures of him during that time show him clearly enjoying frat life and hanging out with his fellow frat brothers in different colleges.
Marc Lamont Hill
Political pundit and Joe Budden Podcast cohost Marc Lamont Hill is also a member of the frat. Marking another year of the Kappas anniversary, he reflected on his time pledging and influential line brothers that made his experience worthwhile, writing in part in June 2025 on Instagram: “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
Legendary director John Singleton became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in April 1987 while attending the University of Southern California. His notable works included “Boyz n the Hood,” “Poetic Justice,” “Baby Boy,” “Snowfall,” and more.
Colin Kaepernick
In the Spring of 2010, NFL star Colin Kaepernick crossed and became an official member while attending the University of Nevada. He’s since gone on to become of the sport’s most influential figures.
Stan Lathan
Film producer and director Stan Lathan (yes, Sanaa’s dad) became a Kappa while attending Penn State University. For his creative works — which span across film and television — he’s earned multiple Emmys and other accolades.
Bob Johnson
Robert “Bob” Johnson may be most known for creating BET, but those who went to school with him at the University of Illinois may recall that he’s also a proud Nupe as part of the Beta chapter.
Lance Gross
In 2021, actor Lance Gross — known for starring in Tyler Perry’s popular show “House of Payne” and “Temptations: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor”–revealed to his fans and followers that he was a proud new member of Kappa Alpha Psi. And to be clear, there’s no honorary membership going on either as he made sure to let everyone know he earned his spot!
Jamal Bryant
Pastor Jamal Bryant may be known to may now for his activism, but what some people may not know is that he’s also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and a graduate of Morehouse College.
Acknowledging the frat’s founder’s day on Instagram, Bryant posted on Monday: “Happy #J5 to the noble klan of @kapsi1911 ….black men making achievement in every human endeavor…I’m a proud life member! #nupes #yo #kappa You have to have the Kourage to be disliked.”
Wilt Chamberlain
Before he became one of the NBA’s most talented players, Wilt Chamberlain decided to become a Kappa while getting his degree at the University of Kansas. In 1957, his efforts were rewarded when he was initiated as a member of the fraternity’s Mu chapter.
Ryan Clark
Former NFL star, ESPN host and host of the popular “Pivot” podcast, Ryan Clark is a member of the Nu Iota chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. He was initiated in 2001 while attending Louisiana State University (LSU).
DeMarco Morgan
Former “GMA3” cohost DeMarco Morgan is also a proud Kappa. He crossed as a member of the Delta Delta Nupes while attending college at Jackson State University.
Lecrae
Popular gospel rapper Lecrae became a member of the Eta Gamma chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., while attending Middle Tennessee State University for a brief stint. He ultimately went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree at the University of North Texas and later Grammy nominations for his music.
Montell Jordan
Just two years after Singleton pledged, singer and pastor Montell Jordan would also cross as a member of the Beta Omega chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in 1989 while attending USC. As an entertainer, his biggest hit “This Is How We Do It,” earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 38th annual Grammy Awards in 1996.
Marvin Sapp
While pastor and gospel singer Marvin Sapp may have once instructed people to “close the doors,” the doors of Kappa Alpha Psi opened up for him after he was initiated in March 2009. He even performed at their conclave later that same year.
Andre Dickens
Atlanta’s mayor Andre Dickens is also a proud Nupe, crossing during his time at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in 1995 as a member of the Lambda Delta Chapter.
Tavis Smiley
Tavis Smiley, radio talk show host is also a Nupe who crossed during his second year at Indiana University Bloomington. In addition his work on the radio, Smiley is also an author, entrepreneur and a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Arthur Ashe
Arthur Ashe, the first Black person to win the men’s single’s titles at Wimbledon and the US Open was also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi. He reportedly crossed in 1963 as a member of the Upsilon chapter while attending UCLA on a tennis scholarship.
Y’lan Noel
Before we knew him as Daniel on “Insecure,” Y’lan Noel was and still is a Nupe as part of the Omicron chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. He attended Morehouse College before transferring to New York University and eventually moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting.
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