Senate Resolution No. 2132

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMEMORATING the 45th Anniversary of the Kappa
Alpha Psi New York City Step Team

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor organizations and collectives whose creativity, cultural
expression, and commitment to unity have strengthened community
identity, fostered mentorship, and enriched the artistic and fraternal
traditions of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to commemorate
the 45th Anniversary of the Kappa Alpha Psi New York City Step Team, to
be observed on Saturday, June 20, 2026, and to recognize its enduring
contributions to the art of stepping, youth development, and cultural
expression; and

WHEREAS, In 1981, the New York City Step Team was founded through a
bold and unifying collaboration of brothers across multiple chapters of
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; their shared vision and creative
innovation helped redefine stepping culture and elevate it as a powerful
form of performance, discipline, and storytelling; and

WHEREAS, The founders of the New York City Step Team, representing
multiple collegiate chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., across
institutions, including Hofstra University, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Albany,
Long Island University, Cornell University, Fordham University, and
Virginia State University, as provided in the historical record,
collectively established a pioneering organization that would help shape
and advance the art and culture of stepping in New York City; and

WHEREAS, Emerging from this visionary collaboration, the
organization achieved early and historic milestones, including a
groundbreaking 1982 championship and continued competitive and cultural
success in 1983 and beyond, solidifying its legacy within the stepping
tradition; and

WHEREAS, The founding of the Kappa Alpha Psi New York City Step Team
reflects a legacy of brotherhood, innovation, and cultural excellence,
uniting collegiate chapters across New York City and the broader region
in a shared commitment to artistic expression, discipline, and unity;
and

WHEREAS, Through decades of performance, mentorship, and cultural
leadership, the New York City Step Team has served as a beacon of
discipline, unity, and artistic excellence, inspiring generations of
students and community members alike; and

WHEREAS, The 45th Anniversary Celebration serves as both a
commemoration of historic achievement and a recognition of the enduring
impact of stepping as a cultural art form rooted in tradition,
collaboration, and expression; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that this Legislative Body pause
in its deliberations to honor the founders, members, and legacy of the
Kappa Alpha Psi New York City Step Team and to recognize their lasting
contributions to cultural heritage and community empowerment; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the founders and members of the Kappa Alpha Psi New York City
Step Team, upon the occasion of its 45th Anniversary Celebration on June
20, 2026, and to extend its sincere appreciation for their decades of
leadership, artistic excellence, and commitment to unity, mentorship,
and cultural expression; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Kappa Alpha Psi New York City Step Team founders and
organizers in recognition of their enduring legacy and contributions to
the cultural fabric of New York State.