Bobak Kasrai collection of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Kappa Pi Chapter) materials

Access and use

Location of collection:
College of William and Mary
Special Collections Research Center
Earl Gregg Swem Library
College of William and Mary
400 Landrum Drive
PO 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Fax: (757) 221-5440
Restrictions:

The collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Terms of access:

Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.

Preferred citation:

Bobak Kasrai collection of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Kappa Pi Chapter) materials, Special Collections Research Center, William & Mary Libraries.

Summary

Extent:
6 Linear Feet
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Bobak Kasrai collection of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Kappa Pi Chapter) materials, Special Collections Research Center, William & Mary Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

A collection of documents, ephemera, and correspondence related to Bobak Kasrai's experience as a member of the Kappa Pi Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

One booklet from the Chartering Ceremony for Upsilon Gamma Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on February 21, 2010. The second booklet is from William and Mary Charter Day on Februray 4, 2011.

Two programs from 2011 and 2012 announcing schedules for the Hulon Willis Association's 19th and 20th annual receptions. The 2011 program features the portraits of Lynn Briley ('71), Karen Ely ('71), and Janet Brown Strafer ('71), the first Black women and Black residential students to attend William & Mary.

Promotional materials and programs relating to the Washington DC Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project Foundation and dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on August 28, 2011. One letter from Foundation President and CEO Harry E. Johnson, Sr. urges Kasrai to join as a Founding Sponsor. Among these documents is a 2008 Annual Convention Report prepared by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. This report details fundraising achievements, provides a timeline for the year in review, and cites contributors and respective donation amounts.

MLK commemorative ceremony programs and materials from 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010. Of note is a gray 2006 Program signed by guest speaker Julian Bond, then Chairman of the NAACP. Bond signed the front of the program.

A Richmond Times Dispatch article commemorating the Richmond 34. The Richmond 34 refers to the 34 protesters arrested during the February 22, 1960 sit-in protest at Thalhimers department store in Downtown Richmond.

The article was sent to Alpha Phi Alpha brother Bobak Kasrai by Wendell Foster, along with a letter recommending a tv interview about the event from Foster.

Thirty-two photos. Some depict the 1992 step show at the Kaplan Arena. Members wearing Alpha Phi Alpha apparel perform onstage. Other photos show a "smoker," an informational session hosted at the Campus Center for potential interests.

Two documents list the crossing times for members in the Zeta Lamda and Kappa Pi chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. One crossing ceremony took place on April 12, 2008 and the other on March 28, 2009.

Membership application booklet describing necessary contents of the application, the membership process, and sponsor forms.

2010 report with photographs of members of Alpha Phi Alpha conducting social outreach in Haiti. The report includes demographic information, summaries of events such as the Haitian Revolution and 2010 earthquake, and descriptions of the Fraternity's commitment to contributing aid and services in the wake of the earthquake. Summaries and explainers in the special report are written by Alpha Phi Alpha members.

One letter from Executive Director William Douglass Lyle contains information (December 31, 2009) about Brother Kasrai's continued membership as a graduate. A new card was issued with this letter. One notice addressed by Executive Director Willard C. Hall apologizes for the delay in processing a pass-card (May 14, 2009). One letter confirms, addressed by Executive Director William Douglass Lyle, confirms Kasrai's registration for the 88th General Convention/102ndAnniversary Convention (June 24, 2008) that celebrated the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Letter from a friend congratulating Kasrai on acceptance to graduate school. Another card thanks Kasrai for his participation in his chapter's homecoming festivities and 35th anniversary celebration. A final note is an unsent sympathy card, signed by brothers of the Kappa Pi chapter, to a member who had lost his father.

There are also programs for a 2008 Kappa Pi advisor meeting, a 2000 chapter retreat, an Alpha Phi Alpha Awareness Seminar, a 2009 event called "Ladies of Class and Elegance," and the 2008 Eastern Region Caucus Agenda that met in Kansas City, MO.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Bobak Kasrai.
Physical description:
The albums are yellowing and starting to discolor the photographs.