Black Greekdom Mourns the Passing of Kappa Alpha Psi’s 26th Grand Polemarch, Dr. Ullysses McBride

The Black Greek community is mourning the loss of a monumental figure in Black fraternity life, Dr. Ullysses McBride, the 26th Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the 46th Laurel Wreath Laureate. Dr. McBride transitioned on Friday, September 5, 2025, leaving behind a powerful legacy of scholarship, service, and brotherhood.

A lifelong Kappa man, Brother McBride was initiated into the Beta Phi Chapter at Knoxville College in 1952. Over the course of his extraordinary 73-year membership, he served the Fraternity at every level with distinction. From chapter roles such as Polemarch, Keeper of Records, and Lieutenant Strategus, to regional leadership as Southern Province Polemarch, and national service as Senior Grand Vice Polemarch and Grand Board Member, his journey ultimately led him to the Fraternity’s highest office: Grand Polemarch, where he served in the position from 1988 to 1991.

Beyond his leadership, McBride was a charter member of the Atmore (AL) Alumni Chapter and a dedicated Life Member. His years of service were recognized with the Fraternity’s highest honor, the Laurel Wreath, awarded for extraordinary achievement.

Dr. McBride’s academic and professional résumé reflected the same excellence he brought to Kappa. He earned degrees from Knoxville College, Indiana University, and Auburn University, and served as a Coe Fellow at SUNY Stony Brook. His career in higher education saw him rise to professor and department chair, championing Black academic excellence throughout his life.

In their official announcement, Kappa Alpha Psi highlighted not only the magnitude of his service but the depth of his character. The Fraternity has called for a 30-day period of mourning and has asked brothers to keep the McBride family in their thoughts and prayers while respecting their privacy during this time.

Dr. Ullysses McBride was more than a leader, he was a builder of men, a steward of legacy, and a living example of achievement in every field of human endeavor. His memory and contributions will remain etched in the heart of Black Greekdom.