The Elder Watson Diggs Award, named after the Revered Founder of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is the second highest award a member can achieve. It is presented for meritorious achievement above and beyond the general scope of service. Members who receive this prestigious recognition are among the highest and most noted members of the fraternity. Philadelphians who have previously received the award, include: Dr. John N. Williams (the first recipient in 1958); Dr. Charles Otis Stout (1976); C. Clifford Washington (1979); Dr Melvin L. Jackson (1999); and Mark Canty, Jr. (2001). Snow, a native of Western Pennsylvania, has a long record of achievement both inside the fraternity and otherwise. He served as the 8th Executive Director from 1998-2011 and was subsequently the only one of his peers to be given the title of Chief Operating Officer. His service to the community goes beyond Philadelphia, having served as Chairman of the Boards of Dream Builders Foundation, Inc. (New York) and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, Inc. (Washington, DC). Snow currently serves as Chairman of the Board of PHLDiversity, the division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau that oversees multicultural meetings and conventions. Having been honored with the highest award as a collegiate at his Alma Mater, The Pennsylvania State University, Snow has also been honored with the highest awards at the Philadelphia (PA) Alumni Chapter; the Northeastern Province and now the fraternity’s Grand Chapter; he is in rare company. He has also been honored outside of the fraternity with many recognitions. A member of Canaan Baptist Church, where he is the Servant Leader of its Scholarship Ministry, he is married to the former Judith Lynn Brister (37 years) with two adult sons, Richard Lee, Jr., and Joseph Lawrence.
Richard L. Snow was designated an Elder Watson Diggs Awardee at the 84th Grand Chapter Meeting & Conclave in Philadelphia, PA held July 27th through August 2nd, 2019.