2002
CMAC chartered
The Grand Board unanimously approved the chapter with a designated charter date of Friday, December 6, 2002.
Our History
A legacy built since 2002.
From ten original petitioners to a thriving alumni chapter, the story of Canton-Madison is one of vision, fraternity leadership, service, growth, and achievement.
The Beginning
Spring 2002
In the spring of 2002, as Nissan North America was establishing its Canton plant, a conversation about corporate investment in the local community helped spark discussion among local Kappas about forming an alumni chapter for men in Madison County.
Brothers Arnel Bolden, Christopher Brown, Reginald Rigsby, and Michael Yant were among those who met to explore the possibility. The effort proceeded with guidance from Southwestern Province leadership and with a commitment to protect the integrity and strength of the neighboring Jackson (MS) Alumni Chapter.
By July 2002, ten petitioners had committed to moving forward. After additional organizing, support, and review, the Grand Board of Directors unanimously approved the chapter. Canton-Madison (MS) Alumni Chapter was chartered on Friday, December 6, 2002.
Founding Brothers
The original petitioners.
Ten brothers formed the original petitioning group for what became Canton-Madison (MS) Alumni Chapter.
Hon. Arnel D. Bolden
Christopher B. Brown, M.D.
Dr. Ashton T. Hamme, II
William L. McElroy, AIA
Hiawatha Northington, II, Esq.
Reginald D. Rigsby, M.D.
Dr. Michael T. Robinson
George V. Russell, Jr., M.D.
Darley J. Solomon, Jr., M.D.
Michael A. Yant
Milestones
More than two decades of achievement.
Selected moments from CMAC's early history and chapter development.
2003
Southwestern Province Alumni Chapter of the Year
CMAC earned province recognition during its first full year of operation.
2003
Grand Chapter Reclamation Award
The chapter received the Grand Chapter Reclamation Award at the 2003 Grand Conclave in Charlotte, North Carolina.
2003
Central Mississippi Kappa League
The chapter expanded its youth-development legacy through the establishment of Central Mississippi Kappa League.
2004
Summer Membership Intake
CMAC became the first chapter in the fraternity to conduct a designated Summer Membership Intake.
2004
St. Jude affiliation
CMAC established an early affiliation with St. Jude Children's Hospital and hosted a fundraising golf tournament with hospital officials and fraternity leadership.
2009
73rd Southwestern Province Council Meeting
CMAC co-hosted the province council meeting with Jackson (MS) Alumni.
2013
C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference
CMAC hosted the 35th C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference.
2015
Men of Achievement Foundation
The chapter expanded its community-service structure through the establishment of the Men of Achievement Foundation.
2017
81st Southwestern Province Council Meeting
CMAC hosted the Southwestern Province Council Meeting.
2021
Province & leadership conferences
CMAC hosted the 85th Southwestern Province Council Meeting and the 43rd C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference virtually.
First Elected Officers
Leadership at the beginning.
PolemarchReginald D. Rigsby
Vice-PolemarchHiawatha Northington, II
Keeper of RecordsMichael A. Yant
Keeper of ExchequerRoy K. Smith
StrategusArnel D. Bolden
Board MemberWilliam L. McElroy
Board MemberDeMarco D. Morgan
Board MemberWalter Howard Zinn, II
Spring 2003
The first initiates.
Patrick E. Beasley
Gary B. Crosby
Timothy C. Howard
Craig S. Reid
Gary A. Wynter
Growth & Legacy
Quality, not quantity.
The chapter grew from 18 charter members to 52 members in its first two years. The chapter history document dated August 15, 2026 records a membership of 52 brothers and 95 initiates since chartering.
Across the years, CMAC has supported schools, youth programs, health initiatives, food and holiday drives, scholarships, disaster relief, and community organizations throughout central Mississippi and beyond.
Growth is our future. Quality remains our standard.