^W*HmMmmUUIWBWUmmMmUU^
THE SPHINX
I
i
^m&
i
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY 3
OCTOBER 1916
W/w»\VM»YrtY/lWlv/i\7mi^
j
DIRECTORY GENERAL OFFICERS: President
-
H. H . Long, 2525 Ga. Ave., N . W., Wash., D. C.
Secretary
- Geo. P . Hinton, 2191 E a s t 46th Street, Cleveland, O.
Treasurer
- Chas. A. Tribbett, 24 Foot St., New Haven, Conn.
Alumni Chairman Editor
-
-
-
F . H . Miller, Mound Bayou, Miss.
W. A. Pollard, 2347 Ga. Ave., Washington, D. C,
CHAPTER OFFICERS: Alpha—President, Moses H . Dorsey, 142 Linn St., Ithaca, N . Y. Secty, James R. Westheimer, lJ/i Central Ave.,Ithaca.N. Y. Beta—President, Wm. A. Pollard, 2347 Ga. Ave., Wash., D. C. Secretary D. J. Firse, 2347 Ga. Ave., Wash., D. C. Gamma—President, Secretary Epsilon— Pres., A. Secretary, A.
John L. Nixon, Va. Union Univer.,Rich., V a . Adolphus Bayton, J. Pope, 608 Fuller St., Ann Arbor, Mich. H . Taylor, 608 Fuller St., Ann Arbor, Mich.
Zeta—Pres., Early E. Caple, 65 Edgewood Ave.,New Secty, John F . Williams, 33 Spruce St., New Kappa—Pres., Daniel L. Ferguson, 227 E. 18 Ave., Secretary, Emmett B. Saunders, 398 W. 5th
Haven,Conn. Haven,Conn. Columbus, O. Ave., Col. O.
Mu—President, Louis C. Valle, 2441 5th A v e . , S . Minneapolis, Ma. Secretary, Dr. Albert C. T a l m a n , T h e Campus Club, University of Minnesota, Ma. Nu—President, D. G. Hill, Lincoln University, Lincoln, P a . Secretary, J . H . Credit, Lincoln University, Lincoln, P a . Omicron—Pres., A. V. Stevenson, 2711 Ellis St., N- S. P i t t s , P a . Secretary, W. R. Brown, Jr., 1447 Sandusky St., P i t t s . , P a . Xi—President, A. L- Foster, Wilberforce Uni., Wilberforce, O. Secty, C. S. Sprivy, Wilberforce Uni., Wilberforce, O. Pi—President, Arner G. Evans Secretary, C. E. Cheeks, 2335 E . 89thSt., Cleveland, O. Rho—President, Secretary,
R. N. Gardener, 4026 Sansom St., Phila., P a . Ullysses S. Dunn, 1026 S. 18 St., Phila., P a .
Sigma—President, A. A. Pope, 1560 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MassSecretary, A. H. Tavernier, Boston University Law School, Boston, Mass.
THE
SPHINX
O F A L P H A PHI A L P H A T H E OFFICIAL ORGAN OF T H E A L P H A P H I A L P H A FRATERNITY
VOL. II. OUR NEXT
'
OCTOBER, 1916. CONVENTION,
To begin talking about the Ninth Annual Convention at this early date may be .considered, to some, too remote; and particularly so in view of the fact that we are just re-entering upon our new scholastic duties. But it is not too early for quite a few reasons. First: Some of our Chapters were not represented at the last Convention, which should not have been the case; so it is time that they were grasping every available opportunity to replenish their treasury, and undergoing every metamorphosis that will rid them of their seeming lethargy. Second: The next Convention must of necessity be the greatest yet because of the decennial year of our establishment, and also of the important legislation which should, and no doubt will, take place. And lastly, the Convention meets at a place where the work done, if creditable—and it must be—will be as an aurora of the dawn thrown into the hearts of many Southern schools, whose hearts heretofore dim and dark, have been skeptical and hostile toward fraternal organization? of Alpha Phi Alpha caliber. No chapter can afford to be delinquent or unrepresented at this our Decennial. Moreover there ought to be two hundred Alumni present, for tho' their schoolroom days are over, yet the true spirit imbued by the never-to-be-forgotten final impression, should buoy itself above vocational routine and sing again the song of Grant, " O n to Richmond." I say this is a year of important legislation. We all feet that there ought
NO. 3
to exist a more functionary relation between the active Chapters and the Alumni, and certainly between the Alumni and the Convention. The present system borders upon "Taxation without, representation." Here lies a problem for each Chapter. Work it out as best you can ; submit something tangible through your delegate to the Convention. Don't pass this matter n|> and say some other Chapter will do it. Moreover, the Alumni have a. viewpoint, probably, which we don't have. They, too. must be active and help solve the problem, it must be solved at the next Convention! It will be solved ! At the Eighth Annual Convention much was said about Southern extension. Some recommendations were made and one of our officers was given full authority to thoroughly investigate conditions in at least the two most representative of our Southern universities. Surely this officer has performed his duty, inasmuch as he was instructed to stop over at one of the schools en route from the Convention and hi' fortunately was located in the same city of the other. In one of the schools we have some Alpha Phi Alpha men already who have gone there from other schools: and the writer has met several advanced undergraduates from the bitter institution, who say thai if the proper influence was exerted from without, under the present administration they would be glad to establish a Chapter there. And permit me to say right here that Alpha 1'hi Alpha can do the race a great good in this one particular. It is this: .Most of the so-called Southern universities for our | pie are
2
THE
far below the standard. Their courses arc weak, instruction inferior and faculties poor. But they are going to remain that way so long as they do not come in contact with some external power of a higher kind. They cluster among themselves and the darkness of the one hides t lie other. Consequently their graduates are deceived, until they strike the doors of our American universities. But if wTe can get into these schools, the contact of the student of the two zones, and the migration of our Alumni to the Southland, will exert a tremendous influence upon them and the inevitable result will lie hetter schools. Our new factor of the next convention, namely •. Our public session, at which Alpha Phi Alpha Hings open its doors to the people of the city in which it meets, should prove a valuable asset to our progress. For them "seeing is believing." Our officers and Gamma Chapter cannot put too much thought and planning in this meeting. It is our initial revelation, and lambasting journalists, as well as Keratinizing critics, will be on hand. Perhaps some "Defender," the columns of whose paper lack news, will use every opportunity to misrepresent and expose. But, concerning this we have little fear, as our very efficient president is and will continue working for, not only the success of this session, but of the entire Convention in general. LUCIUS L. MeGIIEE, Ex-Editor-in-Chief.
TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF I'III ALPHA.
ALPHA
A Note from the Historian. October 23, 1916, marks the Tenth Anniversary of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. On the 23rd day of October, nineteen hundred and six, Brother
SPHINX George B. Kelley moved that the hitherto social and literary club be known by the Greek letters Alpha Phi Alpha. Thus we have become to regard October 23, 1906, as the day of birth of the Fraternity and Brother Kelley as the fat lice. Each Chapter ought to see to it that the day is fittingly observed. CHAS. II. GARVIN, Historian. THE
PROBLEM.
At the General Convention which met last year in Pittsburgh, Pa., the question of what should he the status of Alumni members in the convention arose, and at once created a problem so difficult for the delegates that it was wisely and timely turned over to three of the visiting Alumni, President Long remark hit i at the time that since it concent! (I llt< Alumni, they could better settle that matter than anyone else. Let us hope that this will be the case. Strange to say, these three men had come unmindful of the presence of each other and without even having ever corresponded with each other. Nevertheless, they ail had identically the same thing in mind and came bent upon the same purpose, namely, " t o bring about a closer nnion" between the Alumni and the undergraduates. This is the problem. I t is needless to say that there is a seeming disloyalty of some who have entered upon the duties of life and who are now known as the Alumni members. There is also a seeming disloyalty on the part of some of the undergraduates; fewer, however, of the latter than of the former. And why all of this? Who is responsible? Is there a reason for all this seeming disloyalty .' Maybe so and maybe not. Anyway, it all reminds me
THE
3
SPHINX
of the " P u p p y Case," where two boys clubbed a neighbor's dog, giving as a reason that he constantly opposed their passage. One boy held his hind legs while the other clubbed his head. Subsequently the owner of the dog, on observing that the dog's bead was very scarred and that it was unusually shy of these boys, asked the one who held his legs if he had been boating his dog. He replied: "No, sir, I've never hit your dog in my life." The old man replied: "Well, he is mighty shy o' you, which ain't no wise natural fer a dog of his breed.'' The story concludes by saying that the boys later found out that the dog was not a bad dog, but instead was a brave dog, and when they met again they had a real understanding and thereafter became friends and fought for cadi other in the place of fighting each other. After the Richmond Convention, it is the hope of the Alumni committee that there be thereafter a real understanding and that our interests will be knitted and welded beyond a possible rupture for all times. Last month I had the pleasure of visiting Louisville. Ky., and there Brother Lee Brown called together practically all of the members of Alpha Lambda Chapter and I gave them a verbal report of the last convention. They were all delighted to hear that things are still hopeful. They said, however, i as Brother Hinton said in the April number of the Sphinx, in speaking about the inactive and dead Chapters: "Something must be done to aid this condition. We must all pull together." The Alpha Lambda Chapter seemed to have been of the opinion and may be now, as well as others whom I have interviewed, that the undergraduate member has the club with which the "dog was clubbed." Whatever might be the condition, I say this: Everybody must do
some serious thinking before the next convention meets. When the convention adjourned last year the first epoch of that body closed. This was the decision reached by every member at that session, which could easily be gathered from the speeches of I hose present. They all seemed to discourage the idea that the convention is a mere law making body, but on the other hand they all see the need of a stronger union in order to accomplish a greater work which has not yet been entered upon. Brother L. L. Mc&hee of Gamma, seeing this, and anticipating what a great amount of work would he brought forward, made a motion that the time be extended another day, thus allowing foatr days instead of three, which was passed without a dissenting vote. This should especially interest the Alumni for the reason that those who are planning to be present may be able to get a true vision of the new life now permeating the Fraternity. It should be of no less importance to the undergraduate for the reason thai he will have time to vietw the situation as regards the apparent Lack of interest on the part of many of the Alumni. The report of the Alumni Committee will be based on the written suggestions of the Alumni members. It is expected that every one will submit his suggestions as early as possible after receiving his letter. There will he another question. It pertains to the purchase, ownership and management of Chapter houses, and the consideration of a national headquarters. Everybody is expected to think on this question, and I mean every phase of it. You will have to read the constitution very thoroughly to think clearly on this point, but by all means think I JULIUS C. JI'DKIXS. Alumni Committee.
4
THE
THE SPHINX Published Quarterly by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Printed at Washington, D- C EDITORIAL S T A F F Editor-in-Chief
-
W. A. Pollard
BUSINESS S T A F F T H E P R I N T I N G COMMITTEE
Editor-in-Chief, Chairman Ralph J. Young (Beta) J. P . Sampson (Beta) Subscription $ 1.00 Year This publication is intended for members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity only) Address all communications to The Editor-in-Chief OCTOBER, 1916
EDITORIALS. What can be done to draw the alumni body nearer to the general organization! This is, perhaps, the most perplexing issue of our fraternal body. The alumni feel that the lack of interest on 1 heir part is due to the fact thai they are a negligible quantity iu the management of the fraternity. The undergraduates, on the other hand, believe that the alumni are of the opinion thai their graduation relieves them of their fraternal duties and obligations. Lei as briefly exmanie the situation to see with whom we can justly agree or disagree. An alumnus owes his first allegiance to his Chapter, for it is to her he is indebted for his fraternal status; it is to her he must pay his dues; il is through her he is introduced to the general body. With these facts in mind, it would be expected that an alumnus would bestir ltfmi.se] I' to acquaint his Chapter of his whereabouts, would thrive to pay \
SPHINX the small annual dues imposed upon him, and, if circumstances permit, render her whatever aid or advice he is capable of giving. But what is our experience? An alumnus goes out, often with high hopes and expectations, leaving the Chapter buoyant over the promises he had made of what he is going to do for Alpha Phi Alpha. For the first few months, while still imbued with the spirit, he may, perehance, send her words of his failure or success; then by degrees his correspondence becomes less frequent, the center of his interest is changed, the pressure of life begins to weigh heavily upon him. until finally his Chapter ceases to hear from him. As a result our Chapter records are filled with the names of alumni whose whereabouts are unknown, and of a still larger number with years of unpaid dues. For an example, Beta, recently sent out letters to each-of her ninety alumni, reminding them of their unpaid dues. The corresponding secretary received replies from six and payments from three alumni. A similar complaint comes from many of the other Chapters. Now, is it reasonable to expect that a. man who has not the opportunity nor inclination to comply with the requirements of his own Chapter, that is so near and dear to him, will be able to conduct successfully the affairs of a larger and more distant; group? Experience does not warrant the presumption. It is but fair to say that there are many notable exceptions, yet, as a rule, our alumni are too engrossed in the affairs of life to think seriously of Alpha Phi Alpha. With many the adverse circumstances under which they must labor in order to adjust themselves to the economic pressure of the age, are too great to admit of their giving to the organization any proper amount of time and consideration. On whom, then, must the burden, of conducting the machineries
T H E
S P H I N X
of the fraternity fall but upon the undergraduates and those of the alumni who can and will be of service to the Fraternity ? In reply to the charge that the alumni are excluded from the management of the general organization, the undergraduates have but to point to the General President and Vice President, who are both members of the alumni body. The three alumni who had the interest of the Fraternity at heart and made such visible by their presence at the last General Convention, were all made members of the Alumni Committee and much is to be expected from them at Richmond next Xmas. !The undergraduates should not be blamed for the lack of interest manifested by the al unini. lor they seem to he making such selections as will produce. according to their best judgment, the greatest results. It is to he regretted that we are not as yet financially able to employ a few permanent officers. who would he able to render us more efficient service, in the meantime. therefore, let us make the best of the material we have at hand. Let the undergraduates say to the alumni: " I n stead of holding yourself aloof from us and offering criticisms, come to us with your aid. help us with your advices, visit the conventions so that we might have the benefit of your matured judgment and let us join hand in hand to work for the good of our beloved fraternity."
XO TICK. The Grand Tax! The Grand Tax! The Grand Tax! What about it? Have you paid yours? If not. why! Your duty to your Fraternity is still unfulfilled, and the time is short before the time limit
expires.
5
Therefore, get busy, brothers. C. A. TRIBUTE, Treasurer.
-Much praise is due Gamma for her promptness in meeting her obligations to the General Organization. She was the first and only Chapter to pay her grand tax before the close of the last school year.
IN M E M O R I A M
Lloyd Smith Bagl,â&#x20AC;˘//, Sept. M, 19-16. Again mortal man stands breathless before the Infinite. Our coming in we do not know; our going out we cannot control. We are but specks on the great sea of life moving in response to an unknown cause. We serve our time,, quit the life we know and return to Him thai gave it. So. this our youngest brother lias gone. He played only in the ascending beams, and in the early dawn and in the eastern light; he drank only of the youthful life; hovered for a little space over a world of freshness and blossoms; and fell asleep ere he had reached the noontide of life. We cannot but mourn his untimely departure ami we feel keenly this unexpected loss. As co-workers with him in our mutual development, physical, men-
6
THE
tal, moral a n d spiritual, we do here make known the loss we suffer as we extend our sympathy to the members of his loving ninl devoted family. I t is the will of his b r o t h e r s : That a copy of this Memoriam lie presented to liis bereaved family; Thai a copy lie published in the .Sphinx ; T h a t a copy be published in t h e University J o u r n a l ; That a copy be spread upon the records of this his beloved F r a t e r n i t y . T H E A L P H A 1MI1 A L P H A , Beta Chapter. In tin- death of Brother Lloyd S. Bagley, Beta Chapter and Alpha P h i Alpha lost an interested, active and capable member. Brother Bagley was only about two years old in Alpha Phi Alpha, and hut nineteen years of age, but in spite of this dual youthfulness. he wielded a powerful influence for good, always taking Alpha Phi Alp h a as his ideal. Brother Bagley was not only a good F r a t e r n i t y man, but was also a genuine college man. l i e was an honor man in college, g r a d u a t i n g with I?. S. degree in the class of 1916 from the College of Arts and Sciences; ;ilso ranked ;is one of the two highest in the Freshmen .Medical Class; where he did his senior college work. He earned his varsity foot ball II last fall. In all. be was clean, houesl and Straight-forward, both as a student and athlete. These qualities, coupled with his generally affable disposition, made him an ideal F r a t e r n i t y man. That he was beloved by all was shown by the floral tributes senl by his host of friends both in Washington and Detroit.
His funeral was sad but impressive, One notable incident was the fact that the entire service was conducted by Alpha P h i Alpha men. the funeral director being the only outside party. Brother
SPHINX E m o r y B . Smith, pastor of Lincoln Memorial Temple, preached the sermon. The members of Beta C h a p t e r acted as active and h o n r a r y pall-bearers. Interment was made in H a r m o n y Cemetery. So past one s of B e t a ' s most youthful, most active a n d best beloved of h e r members.
CHAPTER LETTERS. /,' F/l\ I
HQ WARD
UNIVERSITY.
W e send greetings to our brothers of other Chapters. W e hope you h a d a prosperous season, a n d t h a t every success may be y o u r s d u r i n g the coming year. Since the last edition of the Sphinx twelve of o u r brothers have been graduated from Howard I'niversity. Fifty per cent of these were honor men. Brother Beaman, D. D. S., '16, has returned to his home in Newport News, Va. Brother Temple will enter Michigan ; Brother C u n n i n g h a m enters H a r v a r d ; both will study law. All the other brothers will enter Howard Medical School, with the exception of B r o t h e r Bagley, God has seen fit to take him from us. Brother Bagley died in Detroit. S u n d a y . September 24th. The funeral services were held in Lincoln Temple Memorial Church on F r i d a y . September 28th. They were conducted entirely by the b r o t h e r s ; even the sermon was preached by our Brother Smith, pastor of the church. The classmates of our deceased brother. all F r a t e r n i t y brothers, acted as pallbearers, while the entire C h a p t e r was in attendance as honorary pall-bearers at both the church a n d cemetery. Resolutions wiv read from Beta Chapter, from his class a n d from the student body. The floral contributions
THE
S P H I N X
were numerous, showing Brother Bagley's popularity, not only in the various departments of the University, but also in the city. Beta has received much favorable comment for their loyalty to Brother Bagley. We feel the loss of our brother very keenly. We held our first meeting of the school year on the evening of October 4th, at which time eighteen brothers received their assignments to the various rooms of the Chapter House. The house was papered and painted during the summer, and an electric lighting system is to be installed in a few days. All together, we are in good shape for a prosperous year. "We were pleased to have Brothers Turner, Beaman and " J a p " Brown visit us on their way to their various destinations. Brother ('has. Garvin, who finished his interneship at Freedman's Hospital in June, has been acting on the surgical staff of the hospital all the summer. Brother Garvin left on the 9th of this month for Cleveland, 0., where he will take iip the practice of medicine. Brothers Lee and Crawford, also of Freedman's Hospital, will soon leave for the West. The former goes to Kansas City, Mo. Brother Harris has been appointed as member of the Gynecological staff of Freedman's Hospital, and will remain in the city. Brother H. H. Long, our general president, has returned to us this year, after receiving his .Master's Degree at Clark University. He is now a teacher in the school of Liberal Arts of Howard University. Brother Russell and Brother Curley are teaching in the Academy and Commercial College respectively. Brother John Hunt has gone to Lynchburg to coach the football team
7
of the Seminary and College located there.
On Friday evening, October 6th, the Chapter gave a "smoker" in honor of our departing brothers. A very enjoyble evening was spent. The speeches of our departing brothers were very touching. They expressed their intention of holding up A. Phi A. in every way possible as they start out into the world. We only wish that more of our departed brothers would say the same. We are exceedingly glad to have Brother Harper with us again. Brothers Grinnage and Thompson, captain and manager of this year's football team, are whipping their men into shape for the heavy fall schedule. Brother Sampson, Class '16. won the first cap and gown offered by Brothers Garvin and Hunt for the brother attaining the highest scholastic average in the senior cl:.ss of the College of Liberal Arts. Beta intends to do her part this year towards maintaining a high A. Phi A. standard. Fraternally J. P. SAMPSON, Corresponding Secretary.
GAMMA
CIIAPTEi;.
The school year opened with the spirit, of enthusiasm running high in anticipation of the Annual Convention. All of the brothers are working hard in getting things .in shape for a royal entertainment of the Convention. Never before has the true Alpha Phi Alpha spirit been exhibited as it was in our first meeting of the year. There is no question but that this will be the best Convention that has been held yet. We miss many faces from among us this year that have served as an inspira-
8
T H E
S P H I N X
lion in the past years. Brothers L. L. McGhee, A. B., B. D., ami C. S. Johnson, A. 15., are pursuing courses in (lie University of Chicago. Brothers II. I). Shaw and .M. II. Vann are registered in tin- School oi Medicine, University of Michigan. Brother J. L. Nixon, A. B., our expresident, and Brother W. II. Harris have been added to the faculty of the Armstrong High School of Richmond, Va. We learn with much regret of the death of the wife of Brother IT. G. Wilson, A. H., which occurred during the pasi summer. Brother \V. X. Colson is registered in the Law School, Harvard University this year.
Tuskegee faculty is gradually becoming Alpha Phi Alpha, having added Brother C. W. Buckner this year. We wish our Brother X. D Overbade much success in his work in South Africa to which he went in August, Our graduates for last year are: College Adolphus Bayton. J. M. Colson. William II. Harris. Charles S. Johnson. R. X. Lawson, J. L. Nixon, and ('. C. Wilson; Theological- U. I.. McGhee, A. B. Fraternally.
"W. A. HALL.
EPSILOH I
CHAPTERâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;MICHIGAN XIVERSITY.
Epsilop Chapter House, University of Michigan. October 5, l!)l(i. To the Editor of the Shinx: The brothers of Gpsilon have recently begun another school year in their cozy little chapter bouse, and are looking for ward to one of the most prosperous years in the annals of the Chapter.
There are now fifteen brothers among us, including L. S. Evans and A. A. Taylor, presidents during 1915-1916; M. E. .Morion. A. J. Pope, P. P. Raiford, B. C. Styles, J. R. (Yossbind and A. L. Evans. New brothers are Vann and Shaw, formerly of Gamma, Temple of Beta, and Carr, of Pennsylvania. The brothers. i\c\v and old, are striving for the uplift of Alpha Phi Alpha, and. indeed, they have already begun to make history for the Fraternity. Some evenings ago, at a Republican .Mass Meeting, our very energetic and businesslike Brother Styles made a stern and scholarly plea for the election of Hughes and Fairbanks in November. lb' brought an enthusiastic and intelligent Anglo-Saxon audience to its feet. Brother Raiford has been active in organizing a local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Brother J. A. White, an alumnus of the Chapter, received a warm reception from the hoys preparatory to his departure to Indiana to begin the practice of hnv. Brothers Pope, Morton. Styles. Raiford and Taylor gave an impromptu party for some of the Michigan Freshmen who. at first glance, seem to be possible Alpha Phi Alpha material. The affair was a huge success.
The new president, Brother A. J. Pope, despite his 250 pounds of humanit y. has been v^n- energetic in inspiring life into the Fraternity Chapter. He is also proving himself to he an efficient administrator and executive. The Chapter was pleased to graduate four members in the 1916 class. Brothers L. B. Lapsley, D. J. Crimes. L. S. Evans ami A. A. Taylor. Brother Grimes expects soon to begin the practice of dentistry at Atlanta, while Brothers Evans ami Taylor are registered in the Graduate School of the University. While the Chapter regrets that some of these
T H E S P H I N X men have left her, and will miss them sorely, she, nevertheless, feels a peculiar pride in her new senior class of four members. These brothers bid fair to maintain the standards set by previous classes, and so it is with pleasure and confidence that we place the Chapter's destiny under their guidance. Wishing to commend the Editor for his excellent work of last year, especially the insertion of the Chapter directory, I am Fraternally, A. A. TAYLOR, Acting Secretary.
9
Williams, journeyed to Providence, R. I., near the close of the College year, and succeeded in capturing a debate from the Tewamnre Club, composed of students of Brown University. The debate was hotly contested and the appreciative audience was highly pleased with this new and instructive entertainment. The subject was, Resolved: "That Germany is Responsible for the Present European W a r . " Zeta defended the negative side.
At the Renaissance Club's Post Lenten Reception in May, music for which was furnished by Mr. James Reese Europe and his orchestra, Zeta and her guests occupied a triple box which was ZETA CHAPTER—YALE UNIVER- fittingly and elaborately decorated and which called forth much favorable criSITY. ticism from the large crowd present. Brother Caple is president of this club. New Haven, Conn. which is one of the most progressive as i > rot hers—G reetings •. well as one of the most intellectual orZeta welcomes the return of that pe- ganizations in the city. riod in which the spirit of Alpha Phi Speaking of graduation—Brother Alpha is rekindled through the channels Charles Tribett, after years of earnest. of the Sphinx, and extends to its sister hard work under conditions often disChapters its sincere and best wishes for couraging. to say the least, has successa bright and prosperous year. fully completed the Electrical EngineerThese are trying times with Zeta. ing course in the Sheffield Scientific Having lost several good and faithful School. He is now considering offers brothers through last June's gradua- from various plants in need of such sertion. we are having a difficult struggle vice as he is capable of giving. trying to keep active and yet maintain Brother A. C. MacNeal was graduated the integrity and standards of the Fra- with honors from the college and is now ternity. located with a leading banking house The closing college days of last term in Wall Street, New York. were quite eventful at Zeta and many The members of Zeta have been much things occurred which made us feel in- awake to the practically new movement deed proud of our Chapter. At the in this country aimed at the elevation May initiation Mr. Isaac H. Nutter, a of the Negro race. We refer to the sowell known attorney of Atlantic City, cial service work supported largely by N. J., was duly initiated an honorary philanthropists of the other race but dilimember of Zeta. In thus honoring Mr. gently participated in by leading memNutter we felt that we too were in turn bers of our race. It is this service which honored. Brother Asliby. 'Hi. intends to enter and A debating team composed of Zeta with a thorough knowledge of the social men, namely Brothers Caple, Taylor and sciences as a working basis, we expect
•0
T H E S P H I N X
much from him. mer president, is teaching in the OkmulThe summer vacation meant little to gec, Okla., Public Schools and doing Zeta in so far as the word "vacation" very efficient Christian work. Cooper goes, for no sooner had college closed is also teaching at Long Branch, N. J., than each man was to his task. Brother and participating in uplift work. Caple accepted a very attractive position Of the graduates from the College at the Remington Arms, Bridgeport, Department, receiving the degree of Conn. He has done for about three Bachelor of Arts, Brother Edwoods, months with maximum efficiency a work former Chapter editor of Sphinx, Latin which formerly three clerks found it im- Salutatorian of his class and an allpossible to perform satisfactorily. round athlete, is now teaching school Others who found indoor work less at- in Little Rock, Ark., accompanied by his tractive, fled to mountain shores in their lovely young wife. He is making rapid endeavor to make hay while the sun strides toward success. Brother Goss shone. Most are back ready for a hard lias left for Meharry to study medicine. Brother Burton is studying Theology year's work. We have had with us recently Broth- and at the same time an instructor of ers Bishop, A. J. Allen and Pope, all French at Lincoln University, and Brother Burton also has the honor of at one time active members of Zeta. being the captain of the Lincoln UniverFraternally, sity Football Team. JOHN FRANCIS-W [LLIAMS, Secretary. Of those who have not returned Brother J. E. Williams has entered Howard University; Brother J. W. BarNU CHAPTER—LINCOLN UNIVER- rett, Cornell University; Brother T. T. Tildon, Meharry Medical Department. SITY. Brother Hill, manager of the football team, is working very hard at that posiLincoln University, Pa., tion, and indications are that his success October 5, 1916. will overshadow that of all his predecesBrothers of A-Pbi-A—Greetings: sors. The brethren of \Tu have returned Brother Clark has been added to the after an arduous and happily spent sum- list of instructors and succeeds Brother mer to continue their work at Lincoln Muir as instructor in Argumentation. University. Our scholastic work is well Brothers Chamberlin and Barber are under way. and those who have returned showing up very well in football pracare bending every effort to make this tice and show every indication of "makyear mentally successful. ing ' ' the team. Although the ranks are somewhat deNu is striving hard to make this one pleted because of graduation and non- of her most successful pears. returning, Nu yet has a representative 1916. number of worthy A-Phi-A men. Of Department. Name. Group. the men who have graduated we are Seminary Cooper. J. C. 2 hearing great things, some selecting one College Edwoods, P. E. 1 vocation and still others different life College Goss, H. 3 work. Seminary Muir, J. W. 2 Of the graduates from the Seminary College Smith, S. G. 2 Department, Brother Shirley, our for- College Smith, W. E. 2
T H E S P H I N X Seminary College College
Shirley, S. C. 1 Parks, S. C. 2 Burton, H. B. 2 Grouping System. First Group 90-100 Second Group 90-95 Third Group 85-90 Fourth Group 80-85 Fifth Group is'failure. HAROLD BROWN.
0.1/IVRONâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;UNIVERSITY PITTSBURGH.
OF
Dear Brothers: Omicron Chapter, University of Pittsburgh, hereby greets you and ventures the hope that this will be the banner year in the history of Alpha Phi Alpha, and Omicron Chapter especially. The first meeting of the current school year was held September 30, 1916, with President Arthur Stevenson in the chair. After a few remarks by the president the officers elected at our last meeting were installed and other business transacted. The officers were installed by Brother Wilbur C. Douglas who administered the oath of office in a very solemn and impressive manner. The present staff of officers is as follows: President, Arthur V. Stevenson, Law '18; Vice President, James M. Burwell, Dentistry '17; Secretary, W. R. Brown, College, '19; Treasurer. Otto V. Green, College '19; Associate Editor, C. W. Florence, Education '18. Brother Stevenson has served before in the capacity of president and was returned to the chair because of his efficient service and peculiar fitness for the place. We predict for him a very successful administration. Brother Green has served the Chapter well as our former secretary,
11
Brothers Brown and Florence are the new additions to the present staff. After the installation of officers the meeting resolved itself into a symposium. Many helpful ideas were advanced and all expressed high hopes and aspirations for Old Pitt and Alpha Phi Alpha. Brother Wilbur C. Douglas attended summer school at Pitt this year. '' Doug'' says it was great with the thermometer at 98 in the shade and there wasn't any shade. He spent his vacation fishing, hunting and motoring near Hollidaysburg, Pa. Brother W. R. Brown, Jr., spent the summer on the lakes. Brothers Raynard Brown, Green and Barton spent the summer in Baltimore, St. Louis and Pittsburgh, respectively. Brother J. P. Dancy, College '16, spent the summer in Connecticut. Brother J. A. Jackson, Pharmacy '16, is operating an up-to-date drug store in our city in partnership with Dr. Mossett. Brother Wray Banks, Engineering '16, is now Special Employment Agent for the Westinghouse Electric Company of East Pittsburgh. Wedding bells are in the air and congratulations are in order! Brother James M. Burwell, Pitt's premier sprinter. lias recently announced his marriage to Miss Mary V. Turner, one of Pittsburgh's most popular and talented young ladies. Here's good luck to " J i m " and his bride! C. W. FLORENCE, Associate Editor.
PI CHAPTERâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY. May 1, 1916, Pi Chapter met in regular business session for the election of
12
THE
officers. The meeting, characteristic of Pi, was full of vim and good-natured rivalry. The final result of the election was as follows: President, Armen G. Evans; Vice President, Perry B. Jackson; Secretary, John. Ballard; Treasurer, Clarence E. Cheeks; Sergeant-atArms, Daniel D. Fowler. John Ballard, our wide-awake Secretary, graduated from the Law School of W. R. U. in June. He passed the State Bar Examination with success and expects to practice here in Cleveland. \nleiic Latterman, "the Wizard of Electricity," has returned to his native city and is pursuing once more studies al Ca.se School of Applied Sciences. Pi Chapter regrets very much that Quinn Montgomery, a delegate to last year's National Convention, will not be with us this year. Brother A. G. Evans having completed with credit the A. B. course, is now pursuing his studies in the School of Medicine of W. R. U. Pi is exceedingly lucky to have still with us that great "bundle of spirit," Brother C. E. Cheeks. Cheeks feels keenly the Alpha Phi Alpha spirit and the national organization is destined to hear more of him. Brother Perry Jackson was the only colored student to run in the Hudson Relay, an annual evenl at Western Reserve University. The Freshmen team, of which he was a member, won the race and was awarded pins. Brother Jackson was accorded a signal honor at W. R. II. in being awarded the Freshman " G y m " Prize given by the President of the University. Brother George P. Hinton. the hustling General Secretary, is certainly making things hum this year. He has
S P H I N X brought his office around to business-like standards and Alpha Phi Alpha should certainly be proud of him. During the Y. M. C. A. Convention in Cleveland this summer, Pi was very fortunate in being able to have as guests the following Y. M. C. A. delegates: W. D. Allen, Zeta; S. A. Marshall, Zeta; and H. L. Dickerson, Kappa, ex-National President. Pi Chapter expects a great year both for itself and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. We expect to initiate quite a \'i'\\- members with the coming of Spring. Pi sends greetings and wishes all Alpha Phi Alpha brothers the greatest of success during the coming year. Fraternally yours PERRY B. JACKSON.
in 10 CHAPTERâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA MEDICO-CHIRUROICAL COLLEGE.
Rho Chapter evening of May the occasion by and smoker for
closed its year on the thirteenth and marked an informal reception its new members.
In pausing to look upon our transactions for the passing year we have cause to be grateful. Our Chapter organization is stronger, our methods of conforming to prescribed procedure are more rigid; and, in a word, we have a much more efficient unit in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity than we had at the close of the last school year. Rho has been very fortunate is having among its number men who came from other Chapters as Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Nu, bringing with them many and
'THE
SPHINX
13
varied suggestions which have been of inestimable benefit to us.
Omieron, is in the city on business and visited us at our last meeting.
One of the last acts completed was the election of officers. Brother Wesley C. Redd, A. B. (Medi-Chi., Medicine L917), succeeds the present incumbent, Brother Robert N. Gardiner, A. B. (U. of Pa., Dentistry 1917), who acted as our president during the absence of Brother T. T. Nichols, A. B., M. D. I M< dieo-Chi. 1915). Brother J. T. Anderson, A. B. (Medico-Chi., Medicine 1917), was elected Vice President. The incoming Recording Secretary is Brother Aubrey Robinson (U. of P., Veterinary Medicine 1918) ; to Brother Walter P. Jerrick, A. B. (Medico-Chi., Medicine 1920), fall the duties of the Corresponding Secretary; and to Brother William A. Forsythe, Phar. D. (Medico-Chi., Medicine 1917) those of Treasurer. For Sergeant-at-Arms we selected a brother whose physical prowess won him a favorable showing in the trials for the U. of P. wrestling team, as well as the distinction of being the only man of color who has ever aspired to qualify for a place on that team. The same is I in >1 her Augustus R. Thomas (U. of P. Dentistry 1919).
At the recent Convention of the Association for the Study and Treatment of Tuberculosis, held in Washington, D. C . thriv were hut two race delegates present. Of that number Alpha Phi Alpha has the distinction of claiming one, Brother Charles A. Lewis, M. D.. of Rho, who also took the opportunity during his very limited sojourn to visit the seat of Beta Chapter and to exchange fraternal greetings with its President and some of its members. Needless to say, he was wry favorably impressed with all that he saw.
Brother William B. Carter (Temple University, Medicine 1916), becomes Sphinx Representative. The duties of the Alumni Representative fall upon Brother Ilinkson, who finishes his inteirneship at the Douglass Hospital (Philadelphia) in June. Brothers Granger and Bouden, A. B., are to graduate in Dentistry from the University of Pennsylvania this June, and Brother William B. Carter from Temple University (Philadelphia), and Biol her Fred. G v Slade, A. B., from the Medico-Chirurgical College, both in Medicine. Brother
Claggett,
an
alumnus
of
Brother T. T. Nichols, M. D., has been taking post-graduate work in .Medicine at Columbia University and recently passed through Philadelphia on his way to Kansas City, Mo., where he is to begin an interneship in the General Hospital there. The name of Brother <i. Arnold Gilbert, A. B., who was recently initiated, was accidently omitted from the list of those sent to the Sphinx for the last issue. Brother Gilbert is a. member of the class of 1918 in Medicine at the Medico-Chirurgical College. ERROR: Brother Augustus R. Thomas is in the Dental School of the University of Pennsylvania (191!)) and not in the College of Arts and Science as we previously stated. Respectfully submitted, DeHAVEN HINKSON.
SI(1 MA-BOSTON,
MASS.
Dear Brothersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Greetings: We welcome you again after a brief interval of four months, hoping that all
14
T H E
S P H'l N X
have come back ready for another year's work. The opening of the schools in and around Greater Boston, finds almost all our brothers back again from a successful and enjoyable summer. Our first meeting for this year will be on Saturday next. Very soon we are to initiate and install some prospective brothers. This will be done within a fortnight. Among our 1916 graduates were Brother Berry from the Theological Department of Boston University, and Brother Scott from the Medical School of Tuffts College. Brother Dart is among the honor students of the class of 1918 at the Law School of Boston University. Brother Eugene Davidson was elected president of the Boston New Public Opinion Club last May. Several others of our brothers were elected to minor offices. We are glad to note also that Brother Davidson has recovered from a serious injury, which he received last year on the Harvard wrestling team while engaged in some most spectacular and wonderful wrestling. Brother Bibb has entered the Law School of Columbia University. We are hoping and working for a most successful year. The brothers of the Sigma Chapter send greetings to all the brothers of the Fraternity. With a most hearty handshake, we are Tours fraternally, SIGMA CHAPTEE, J. S. MITCHELL, Corresponding Secretary.
2525 Georgia Avenue, Washington, D. C , October 14, 1916. To the Members of A. Phi A.: We wish to remind you of the approach of the time limit for remitting fees. Your fees demand immediate attention. Please see to it that you are prompt. Gamma is preparing for a large event. We expect the coming Convention to be the best of the nine conventions we have had. If our expectations are realized, they must be through your hearty cooperation. Pay your fees, and if you cannot be in Richmond Xmas, send a letter letting us know you have not forgotten the cause. We are especially interested in getting ni close touch with our alumni. We have a committee of Alumni members devising plans to that end. Come or send your ideas for improvement in any department of the Fraternity's organization. Fraternally yours, GENERAL PRESIDENT.
PERSONALS.
Brother H. H. Long, our General President, who received his Master's Degree last spring from Clarke University, is now a member of the faculty of Howard University. Brother L. L. McCTee, of Gamma, is now pursuing advanced courses in the University of Chicago.
THE
SPHINX
Brothers 0 . L. Nixon and W. H. Harris have been added to the faculty of the Armstrong High School of Richmond, Via.
Brothers L. S. Evans and A. A. Taylor are doing post graduate work in the University of Michigan.
Attorney Isaac H. Nutter, of Atlantic City, N. J., is now an honorary member
of Zeta. Brother F. C. Shirley, of Nu, is now teaching in Okmulgee, Okla., while Brother Clarke has been added to the faculty of his Alma Mater. Brother James M. Burwell, of Omicron, has recently announced his marriage with Miss Mary V. Turner of Pittsburgh, Pa.
Brother Dellaven Hinkson, of Rho, who has recently opened his medical offices in Coatesville, Pa., is meeting with unprecedented success.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ALPHA ALPHA FRATERNITY. (Continued.)
PHI
By Chas. H. Garvin, M. D., General President 1912 and 1913.
The designating by Greek letters of an organization that had previously been purely a literary and social society nat-
15
urally raised the question as to whether or not the organization was a Fraternity or a simple student organization. At this same meeting (October 23, 1906) a committee of five was appointed to consider this proposition and take definite action. Some of the members withdrew when the idea of forming a Fraternity was advanced, only seven members remaining. On Dec. 4, 1906, it was finally decided that the organization, which up to this time had been a mere literary society and social club, should continue with the idea of becoming a Fraternity. Thus, it was during October, 1906, that the youthful Fraternity launched forth, tinctured with an efficient spirit of earnestness. Just why some of the members of the club withdrew when the idea of forming a Negro Greek letter Fraternity was advanced is shrouded in mystery. Perhaps because they lacked the pioneering spirit that characterized the founders and feared that the venture would not materialize, or perhaps because they were opposed to fraternities in general and Negro fraternities in particular. We do not condemn these men because they did not see the great possibilities of a Negro Greek letter Fraternity. They have no doubt heard of our rapid rise and more than once regretted their move. How well the men who remained have wrought can only be estimated by those who have reaped the benefits of membership in Alpha Phi Alpha. The seven men who remained when the literary idea was abandoned have all lived to hear the "Well done thou good and faithful servant." These seven men, now the seven jewels of Alpha Phi Alpha, cannot have too much praise from our hands. The jewelsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Henry Arthur Callis, George B. Kelley, Charles H. Chapman, James II. Morton, Nathan-
16
THE
SPHINX
iel A. Murray, Robert H. Orgle and Vertner W. Tandyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;from a little suspected band, thru prudence, patience, toil and brotherly love spirit, have unfurled their influence and challenged the admiration of the world by shedding a wonderful influence upon Negro college men and their life. Unvarying fidelity, untiring energy and the very keenest interest characterized these men. The position of these men involved unusual responsibility and hours of hard labor, all of which were cheerfully accorded this embryo Fraternity by these loyal progenitors. The present sound condition of the Fraternity and the evidences of continued progress along all lines, are the result of the sound policies laid down by the faithful and untiring seven. Alpha Phi Alpha men can do no better than study the endeavors of these men as they relate to Alpha Phi Alpha in its infancy. We should see to it, all of us, that such unswerving fidelity does not go without its due reward and we can reward these early efforts in no better way than by lending our best efforts to Alpha Phi Alpha. On December 7, 1906, designs for pins were submitted by a committee and from these the design of our present pin was selected. Just a week later a revised constitution was adopted which remains as the framework of our present constitution. At the same meeting a form of initiation was adopted which has remained as the nucleus of the present form of initiation. On February 19, 1907, it was moved by Robert Orgle, then secretary of the Fraternity, that the organization correspond with the Secretary of the State of New York relative to securing a charter. This matter was taken up at once in order that the newly formed organization might take its place as a responsible legal body.
The first Initiatory Banquet was held Saturday, June 9, 1907. We are unable to learn at just what time the initiation ceremony was held. It appears that these men did not go thru a set form of initiation. The men initiated were Eugene K. Knickle Jones, Gordon Holmes Jones and Lemuel Eugene Graves. The closing of school interrupted the work of the new Fraternity, born but yesterday, yet every man determined to return in the Fall ready to see Alpha Phi Alpha grow and become an instrument of highest effectiveness On the re-opening of the next school year tho Chapter began anew preparations for securing a charter. Their efforts were rewarded, for as we shall see, before the year was ended Alpha Phi Alpha became a corporate body. Tbe early records show that from the beginning the prime movers of this organization were looking forward to extending the influence of the organization beyond the Cayuga. On April 9, 1907, the matter of forming a Chapter at Syracuse University was discussed. The work up to this time largely consisted in completing the ritual and constitution, so tin's gave the Chapter new interest and impetus. (To be continued.)
STEPHEN LANE FOLGER OBFICIAL
JEWELER
TO Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity 160 B R O A D W A Y , N E W
YORK
Club and College P i n s and Rings