The Organization, formerly known as National Silhouettes came into existence because of a need. Many wives accompanied their husbands to the Grand Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi and found themselves alone and in need of activities to fill their time. Later, the Kappas asked their wives to act as hostesses and plan activities for visiting wives and children. Many such groups remained together and organized permanent groups, calling themselves “Kappa Wives” or Kappa Alpha Psi Silhouettes.”
In Columbus, Ohio in the year 1945, at the 35th Conclave of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. a need for a National Organization for Silhouettes was felt. The first chairperson of this effort was Mrs. Willa Ranson of New York. Mrs. Ransom asked the New York Silhouettes to host a meeting where organizational plans could be discussed. An announcement of the meeting was put in the Kappa Alpha Psi Journal. On December 31, 1946, a group met at the home of Mrs. Harold L. Edgehill of New York for the purpose of laying groundwork for the formation of the National Organization of Kappa Silhouettes. At this meeting, the committee present suggested the formal name of Kappa Alpha Psi Silhouettes. The formal organization of Kappa Silhouettes became official in August of 1947, at the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Conclave in Los Angeles, California. In 1980, the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., led by Grand Polemarch, Dr. Oliver S. Gumbs, officially recognized the Silhouettes as an auxiliary to the Fraternity. On September 11, 1987, Policy Statement No. 87-12 was entered into the records of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., recognizing the Silhouettes as an affiliate whose purpose is to provide support and assistance for the activities of the Fraternity at Grand Chapter, Province, and Local levels.
The Smithfield Silhouettes were originally chartered on March 10th, 1996 by founding Silhouettes Evelyn Duck, Carolyn Ennis, Bayetta McNeill, Brenda Smith, and Mary Windley. The chapter was Re-charted in 2023 by Silhouettes, La’Toya Cesar Nollan, Katrina Hill, Krystal Holder, Shawna Poteat, and Ashley Williams.