Name Edward Irvin | ||
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Born August 13, 1893 Spencer, Indiana, U.S. Occupation Founder of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated; journalist Died November 4, 1982, Chicago, Illinois, United States Education Indiana University Bloomington, Kokomo High School | ||
Speech of Founder Edward G. Irvin (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.)
Edward Giles Irvin (August 13, 1893 – November 4, 1982) was a founder of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He was a recipient of the Laurel Wreath, the highest recognition of achievement for the fraternity.
Contents
- Speech of Founder Edward G Irvin Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc
- Early life
- Founding of Kappa Alpha Psi
- Later life
- References
Early life
Irvin was born in Spencer, Indiana, on August 13, 1893. He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1910.
Founding of Kappa Alpha Psi
After graduating high school, Irvin enrolled at Indiana University. He joined Elder Watson Diggs and other African American men in forming the fraternity of Kappa Alpha Psi, officially founded January 5, 1911. Irvin later became a member of the fraternity's first alumni chapter, the Chicago Alumni Chapter, established on April 6, 1919.
Later life
Irvin left Indiana University in 1911 and pursued a career in journalism. He served on the staff of the Indianapolis Freeman, the first black illustrated newspaper. and in March 1922, established his own newspaper called The Shining Star in Anderson, Indiana.
He was successful at expanding the paper from initially being a leaflet to an eight-page paper. This success garnered the attention of management at the Gary Sun, who offered Irvin the job of editor. Irvin accepted the offer, but later left to become sports editor for the Chicago Daily Bulletin.
Irvin was a veteran of World War I, and served on the Selective Service Board during World War II and the Korean War. He was a recipient of a Distinguished Service Medal from both President Harry S. Truman and President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Irvin died on November 4, 1982, having been the last surviving founder of Kappa Alpha Psi. He was buried in Burr Oak Cemetery on November 12, 1982.