The History of
The Sarasota (FL) Alumni Roots
In the summer of 1978, four young men returned to Palmetto and gathered in Mrs. Inez Ware’s home. When their former teacher, Brother Steve Lewis, arrived in his Kappa sweater, the reunion sparked a vision: charter an Alumni Chapter to serve the Manatee–Sarasota area. This is the story of the brothers, journey, and community impact that grew from that moment.
The legacy of the Sarasota (FL) Alumni Chapter began in the summer of 1978 in Palmetto, Florida. Four young local men returned home from their college days in Alabama and gathered at the home of Mrs. Inez Ware, mother of Larry Washington. Three of them—Larry Washington (Epsilon Epsilon, 1975), Nathaniel Simmons (Epsilon Epsilon, 1976), and Charles Pompey (Epsilon Epsilon, 1976)—had crossed the burning sands into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at Stillman College. The fourth, Freddrick Williams (Beta Zeta, 1976), pledged at Troy State University. As they socialized, Mr. Steve Lewis (Alpha Xi, 1946)—the very educator who had taught all four men in the sixth grade — arrived wearing his Kappa sweater. In that moment of profound coincidence, an unbreakable bond was sealed, and the dream of chartering an Alumni Chapter in the Manatee-Sarasota area was born.
Adding to the historical momentum of the chapter’s birth, Brother Aaron Randall Sr., another well-accomplished Kappa, was in town at the time of this establishment, strengthening the local fraternalpresence. With the vision firmly set, these brothers immediately united with other local area Kappas to construct the foundation of their new chapter.
Together, this dedicated group of men formed the historic roster of Charter Members, forever cementing their names as the bedrock of Sarasota (FL) Alumni:
- Steve Lewis – Alpha Xi 1946 (Chapter Invisible)
- Alfonso Baker – Alpha Xi 1950 (Chapter Invisible)
- Everett Pearcey – Alpha Xi 1951 (Chapter Invisible)
- William Armstead Jr. – Alpha Xi 1951 (Chapter Invisible)
- Arthur Bryant – Gamma Theta 1958
- Cleveland Pearcey – Gamma Theta 1962 (Chapter Invisible)
- Larry Washington – Epsilon Epsilon 1975
- Nathaniel Simmons – Epsilon Epsilon 1976
- Freddrick Williams – Beta Zeta 1976
- Charles Pompey – Epsilon Epsilon 1976
From that foundational spark, the Chapter built a multi-decade empire of philanthropy, health advocacy, and youth development across the tri-county area. In 1999, the creation of The Sarasota-Bradenton Project Guide Right (SBPGR) structurally solidified their charitable reach. A cornerstone of this vision materialized in 2018 with the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the Steve L. Lewis Community Center, an achievement honored by formal proclamations from both the City of Sarasota (“Steve Lewis Day”) and the Manatee County Commission. Brother Lewis’s enduring civic impact was further cemented when he became the first Black Grand Marshal in the historic DeSoto Grand Parade, and his life’s work remains preserved for future generations through the Steve Lewis Exhibit at the State College of Florida and the documentary “A Soldier’s Legacy.”
2017 & 2019 National Awards:
Twice capturing the ultimate crown as the Paul W. Cain Small Chapter of the Year, beating out every small chapter in America.
Regional Dominance:
Named the Southern Province Small Chapter of the Year in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
2017 Provincial Laurels:
Awarded the Southern Province Reclamation Award, the Community Service Award, and 2nd Place for the Jay Crosby "Guide Right Program of the Year" Award.
2018 Philanthropic Laurels:
2018 Philanthropic Laurels: Captured 1st Place for the Sarasota Community Foundation’s Small Organization Overall Campaign Award, 1st Place for the Knight Foundation Award, and won the Cheers for Charity Grant, alongside a nomination for the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Health Awards.
This standard of excellence extends directly to the chapter’s roster. Brother Carl Willis achieved the ultimate individual milestone, being awarded the prestigious MVAC (Most Valuable Active Brother) Award at Grand Chapter Conclave. A testament to its institutional strength, the Chapter has frequently hosted numerous Province Officers and Past Grand Polemarchs as keynote speakers at its signature Black & White Balls and Golf Tournaments.
Today, the Chapter’s influence reaches the highest echelons of the fraternity, driven by the leadership and contributions of prominent brothers on the Province and Grand Chapter levels— including Alphonza Mobley, Tim Dawkins, Omar Edwards, Keenan Wooten, Aaron Randall II, Rodrick Martin, and Brother Donald Frieson, who serves as the National Foundation President. From a living room in Palmetto to national renown, the story of Sarasota Alumni remains a shining testament to achievement.
Take the next step in reconnecting with a legacy of excellence and brotherhood. The Sarasota (FL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. welcomes Brothers seeking to reclaim their bond, renew their commitment, and reengage in meaningful service and leadership. Your journey back into active fellowship begins here—strengthening the Chapter, the bond, and the legacy we continue to build together.