History
The history and development of KKI is closely
woven in the history of Kappa Alpha Psi. The first incarnations of the organization
eventually to become KKI was started by the girlfriends and wives of the members
Kappa Alpha Psi. These women were known as sweethearts because they were originally
the sweethearts of the members. Though having no official status or organization
these women aided the members of the various chapters in various service and social activities.
Latter in the development of Kappa Alpha Psi,
Undergraduate chapters started initiating little sisters and calling them sweethearts.
These organizations were under the complete control of the members of that chapter and had
little or no organization between the members. This type of little sister organization
only purpose was to support the brothers of the chapter with which they were associated.
Several different names were used but in general they were still the same organization.
They were known also as Kappa Kittens, Kappa Diamonds and Kappa Karnations these
types of little sister organization flourished until the late 1980’s.
Due to directives sent down from the Grand Chapter
of Kappa Alpha Psi Undergraduate Chapters were instructed to disband their little
sister organizations. This left the members of the former Sweethearts without the
direction of local chapter of which they affiliated. To fill the void and provide
direction for the themselves these women started the organizations that were controlled
and directed solely by themselves. Since the majority of the members were former
Sweethearts there still existed a close association with the members of Kappa Alpha Psi.
These organizations took various names the most commonly known are, Kappa Kourts Inc.,
Krimson Kourts Inc. and Pretty Girls Inc.
Today these organizations still exist in various forms
and names, but as separate entities from Kappa Alpha Psi. Their continued existence
is
testimony to the usefulness of these types of organizations both to the campus and
communities they serve and the women that are apart of them.