Building A New Way Forward, One Dream at a Time

Michael DuBose, Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation Board President

This past March, hundreds of individuals from across the country spent an inspiring weekend at the PGA National Resort and Spa for the 2018 Building the Dream Klassic event hosted by the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation.

The weekend brought together more than 300 participants, representing global corporations, local and national business owners and community-minded professionals. While the warm temperatures and scenic beauty of the resort were an alluring draw, the true impetus of this gathering was the desire to support the youth of our communities.

There were many amazing moments during the Building the Dream Klassic weekend. One that stayed with me was the participation of more than 80 young men who represented our Kappa League programs from across the state of Florida. While watching these young men listen attentively to the presentation by Dr. Freeman Hrabowski from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, I could see ideas forming and dreams being created right before my eyes. At a time when our young men are often the subject of negative stories and situations, I could see before me our future scholars, entrepreneurs and businessmen. To know that the Foundation has played a part in their development gives me great pride.

In addition, during the 2018 Building the Dream Klassic, we:

• recognized several national scholarship contest winners from our Kappa League program and national stipend contest winners from our Undergraduate Leadership Institute;
• awarded over $60,000 in scholarships and honorariums to nonprofits throughout country that provide programs for youth development and advancement;
• celebrated youth and art with an amazing performance by the Harlem School of the Arts All-Stars featuring Aiyana Smash, Franklin Rankin and Brandon Brown. Brown has been featured on NBC’s “The Voice.”

Joining our participants, youth and sponsors were several dynamic industry leaders – Mandell Crawley of Morgan Stanley, Jonelle Procope from the renowned Apollo Theater and Katrina Adams from the United States Tennis Association. These leaders gave thought-provoking presentations to our audiences throughout the weekend.

In closing, what began as an idea several years ago has now culminated into an annual reality that people eagerly anticipate. That realization could not have been possible without the drive, creativity and fortitude of Building the Dream Klassic Committee, led by Rod Adkins, Event Chair. I would like to thank all of the members of the committee:

Honorary Co-Chairs: Oscar Robertson and Sam Jones

Committee members: Michelle Adkins, Rich Coleman, Linnes Finney, Jr., Clifford Franklin, Naiema Frieson, Wilburn Hardison, Leonard Herring, Jr., Kelly Holloway, John Jacob, Pierre Le Veaux, Sherman Kizart, James Simms, Anthony Stepney, L-Mani Viney, and Janice Savin Williams.

I hope you consider joining us for the 2019 Building the Dream Klassic as we continue on our path to build a new way forward for our youth and our country. You can find more information at thekappaklassic.com.