03/01/2026
Beta Rho Charter Day! History
During 1947 on the campus of Allen University located in Columbia, South Carolina eight great men, affectionately known as the great eight waited anxiously to obtain membership with the best fraternity known to mankind.
Dr. W.E. Johnson, who affectionately served as a professor at Allen University, Benedict College, and as a member of the Columbia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., along with 15 members of the Alpha Lambda Chapter of South Carolina State University journeyed to Allen University to initiate the great eight into the noble clan of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Although, the great eight foundations differed socially, economically, and spiritually they shared a common aspiration to become members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, inc.: however, more particularly Chartering members of the Beta Rho Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
The Beta Rho chapter is the fraternity’s 63 chartered collegiate chapter, the fourth oldest collegiate chapter in the Southeastern Province, the second oldest collegiate chapter in the State of South Carolina, and the oldest collegiate chapter in the Columbia Metropolitan Cluster of Kappa Alpha Psi.
Since its establishment the Beta Rho chapter has initiated & charters over 4 chapters into Kappa Alpha Psi and all its initiates have one common value, Achievement.
Chartering Members of Beta Rho Allen University:
March 1, 1947
Roosevelt Marshall Franklin
Robert J. Jenkins
John Thomas McDonald
Harold Mcfadden
Bishop Rouse
David C. Sams
Abie Wilson
William M. Young