Kappa Alpha Psi Founder Elder Watson Diggs Recognized in His Kentucky Hometown With Mural, Historical Marker, and Ceremony

In a public ceremony set for June 7, 2025 in Hopkinsville, Ky., the birthplace of Elder Watson Diggs, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. will unveil a mural and historical marker honoring the man who was essential in founding the organization more than a century ago.

Organized by the Hopkinsville/Fort Campbell Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, the event will celebrate Founder Elder Watson Diggs’ enduring legacy as an educator, military officer, and co-founder of one of the nation’s most prominent historically Black fraternities. Diggs was born in Christian County, Ky., and later became one of ten men who established Kappa Alpha Psi in 1911 while studying at Indiana University.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to honor Elder Watson Diggs’ enduring legacy,” said David Davenport, Polemarch of the Hopkinsville/Fort Campbell Alumni Chapter in a press release. “His contributions to education, leadership, and the founding of Kappa Alpha Psi have had a profound impact on countless individuals and communities.”

The ceremony, which will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Founders Square on West 9th Street, will include remarks from the fraternity’s Grand Polemarch and Grand Historian, as well as the formal unveiling of the mural and historical marker by fraternity leaders from both the national and provincial levels.

In addition to his role in founding the fraternity, Diggs served in World War I and worked as a teacher and principal. His vision for Kappa Alpha Psi was to build a brotherhood committed to academic excellence, leadership, and service. More than a century later, Kappa Alpha Psi includes over 150,000 members and 700 undergraduate and alumni chapters across the United States and internationally.

The event is free and open to the public. Organizers encourage fraternity members, community leaders, and local residents to attend and celebrate a historic figure whose influence continues to resonate.