Black greekdom is currently mourning the death of Samuel C. Hamilton, the 30th Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. who passed away on Wednesday, June 15th, 2023 at the age of 79.

Hamilton was an esteemed 75th Laurel Wreath Laureate and a a prominent figure within the fraternity. A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Hamilton pursued his higher education at Clark College, now known as Clark-Atlanta University, where he was initiated into the Gamma Kappa Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in 1963 and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965.

His passion and commitment to the fraternity were evident throughout his remarkable 60-year journey within its ranks. Hamilton held various leadership positions, including that of Gamma Kappa Chapter Polemarch, Hartford (CT) Alumni Polemarch, Northeastern Province Senior Province Vice Polemarch, Northeastern Province Polemarch, and Grand Keeper of Records and Exchequer.

Professionally, he served as a regional director at Aetna Life and Casualty Company, headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut and went on to assume the role of Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at the Hartford Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering economic growth within the Hartford metropolitan area.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Hamilton was deeply committed to volunteer work and philanthropy. He dedicated his time to organizations such as the Hartford Neighborhood Development Support Collaborative, Child and Family Services and TLC, the Center for Sports Parenting, and the United Way. Hamilton also held positions as an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Hartford, and he was recognized for his athletic achievements as a member of the Clark-Atlanta University Athletic Hall of Fame. Additionally, he was a respected 33-degree Mason, a Shriner, and an esteemed member of the fraternity.

In the wake of this profound loss, the current Grand Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton, III, Esq., has called for a 60-day official mourning period, in accordance with the fraternity’s protocol standards. According to the fraternity, details regarding the memorial services for the esteemed 30th Grand Polemarch Samuel C. Hamilton will be announced in due course, allowing the fraternity and its supporters to honor his extraordinary life and enduring legacy.

We at Watch The Yard ask that you keep 30th Grand Polemarch Samuel C. Hamilton’s family, friends, fans and fraternity brothers in your thoughts. We also ask that you leave your condolences and memories of him so that his family can see how much he meant to all of us.