For the past 38 years, the Kansas City Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity has hosted its annual Easter egg hunt, bringing hundreds of children and families to Swope Park. Everyone expects the exciting event, but because of the pandemic, it has been canceled for the past two years.
Jordan Brown, chairman of this year’s Easter egg hunt committee, said he’s excited to announce the event is back, on April 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Swope Park Entrance, 5605 E. 63rd St. Tfwy., KCMO.
“It’s a family event that has guaranteed fun,” Brown said. “We want people to know we didn’t forget about them and we’re happy to bring it back.”
This year, there will be 5,000 Easter eggs for the hunt, face painting, candy, bounce houses and free food. The first 150 children to arrive will receive free books from the Kansas City Public Library Southeast Branch. Liberty Bank will provide financial literacy resources to families.
There will also be hand sanitizing stations and COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.
The Kappa Easter egg hunt was the idea of late Kappa Alpha Psi member Archie L. Langston, Jr. who saw the event as a way to give back to the community.
Langston passed away in 2016.
“One of Kappa Alpha Psi’s objectives is to inspire service in the public’s interest,” Brown said. “Brothers bring their talents and ideas to the chapter and then we rally around the ideas. This is just an example of Brother Langston’s idea that ended up becoming one of the staples of our chapter.”
Kappa’s Alumni Chapter member and previous coordinator of the Easter egg hunt, Michael Shaw said he looks forward to the event each year.
“It’s really about giving back more than anything,” he said. “We need to support and pull each other up. That’s what this Easter egg hunt means to me, is helping and serving the community.”