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A look into the origin/purpose of the Alumni Association

History of Chapters Continued

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI Following their return from the Fourth Reunion of Classes in Little Rock, Arkansas in July 1979, a small group of determined alumni met at the home of Olivia Clark Hamilton to establish a Kansas City alumni chapter. The group initially named itself the KC Satellites but later withdrew the name when it was discovered the name to be in conflict with the national organization’s constitution. The first officers of the group were: · Billie Gene Duncan - President · Harvey Ray - Vice President · Olivia Clark Hamilton – Secretary/Treasurer Group activities and projects fell into three categories: Educational, Civic, and Social. A successful raffle provided funds for the chapter’s first scholarship presentation. Monetary contributions were given to the United Negro College Fund and the Kansas City Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs. Quarterly group visitations were made to active alumni’s churches in alphabetical sequence. A monetary donation was mad at each visit. Social events for the membership as well as for the community served to attract and retain members. The third national president of the NDAA residence was in Kansas City.

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS The relationship between the original Little Rock chapter and the National Dunbar Alumni Association broke off after the Fourth Reunion of Classes held in Little Rock in 1979. Disagreement arose regarding certain policies and procedures and the Little Rock chapter’s refusal to share proceeds from the 1979 Reunion with the national body. The chapter refused to pay national dues and as a result, its members were not permitted to vote during the Fifth Reunion of Class in St. Louis, Missouri. The chapter continued to operate as an independent group. Most notable was the formation of a Dunbar Alumni Choir that performed throughout the city on various occasions. A new alumni chapter affiliated with the national organization was formed in April 1983 following intensive efforts by members of the Class of 1948, led by Jack Gilbert. Credit was also given to Don Walters, at the time National Parliamentarian, who provided the assistance which helped to expedite the process. Officers elected and later installed by the National President, Newton Long, were: • Andrew Fingers, President • Jack Gilbert, 1st Vice President • Barbara Hill, 2nd Vice President • Carl Hines, 3rd Vice President • Erma Hendrix, Recording Secretary • Golena Crump, Corresponding Secretary • Henri Jean Carey, Financial Secretary • Rasheedah Rahmaan, Treasurer • Joe Williams, Chaplain • Washington Adams, Sergeant-at-Arms • George Walton, Parliamentarian