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QUARTERLY CARL J. MURPHY, Editor in Chief ^3=e=l
VOLUME V
NUMBER 3
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"LIVE WIRE DELEGATES" <<100
OR BUST'
I 12TH CONVENTION IN CHICAGO December 27th, 1919
Offlolal
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Phi Alpha Fraternity, ember, February and W s x. Em
Inc.—Publish.^ in ,. p, a u I m „ I V M a.
GENERAL
OFFICERS
DANIEL D. FOWLER, iPresident, 2233 E. 90th Street, Cleveland, Ohio LUCIUS LEE McGHEE, Vice President, 75 M. D. Hall, Uni. of Chicago, Chicago, 111. NORMAN L. McGHEE, Secretary, Howard University, Washington, D. C. S. S. BOOKER, Treasurer, 1619 Druid Hill Avenue, Baltimore, Md. CARL J. MURPHY, Editor of Sphinx, 628 N. Eutaw Street, Baltimore, Md.
OFFICIAL
DIRECTORY
ALPHA CHAPTER, Cornell University, Ithica, N. Y., (Inactive) President, Aubrey E. Robinson, 217 West Ave., Ithica, N. Y. BETA CHAPTER, Howard University, Washington, D. C — Secretary A. R. Hughes, 2447 Georgia Avenue. GAMMA CHAPTER, Virginia Union University, Richmond, President, S. S. Campbell, Va. Union University. Secretary, A. D. Price, Virginia Union University.
Va.—
EPSILON CHAPTER, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, M i c h i g a n President, Max H. Vann, 608 Fuller street; Secretary, DeNorvall Unthank, 608 Fuller Street. THETA CHAPTER, Universities of Chicago, Northwestern, Illinois, Chicago, 111. President, Charles A. Greer, 5060 S. State Street; Secretary, R. R. Church, 3335 Calumet Avenue, Chicago. ZETA CHAPTER, Yale University, New Haven, C o n n e c t i c u t President, J. Francis Williams, 8 Garden street. KAPPA CHAPTER, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (Inactive) Vice President, N. L. Barnett; Secretary, Albert Hand, 157 E. Eleventh street. IOTA CHAPTER, Syracuse University, N. Y. (Inactive.)
BETA CHAPTER HOUSE 2447 G E O R G I A A V E N U E WASHINGTON D. C. P h o t o by Sphinx Staff.
THE SPHINX VOLUME V
OCTOBER 1919
NUMBER 3
EDITORIALS. ing to state that a number of men now bound to school teaching by training would instead be prosperous dispensers of tablets and good advice. Ten years hence our bright young men will be turning to business as the field in which one can find a decent living and have before him a promising career.
ON TO CHICAGO It is not as the "riot" city or us the metropolis of the West that Chicago opens its doors to the 12th convention next December, but as the seat of Theta Chapter. A communication from Vice President McGhee at Theta declares that nothing less than 100 delegates will satisfy the local brothers, who are now planning the rousing welcome that awaits Alpha Phi Alpha men. Efforts are being made thru the general officers to reach by post every man who has drunk of the mysterious cup. spoken the mystic word and received the last great impression. Yet, this is not enough. In addition all Chapter and personal correspondence directed to brothers should bear at the top this reminderâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;"On to Chicago.
BEND PHOTOS For several issues, the SPHINX has found it possible to use photos of individual members. Favorable comment of the brothers in many chapters justify the added expense of making cuts and inserting them in these columns. We hope in the same limited way to receive clear photographs of brothers and Chapter Houses from Chapters who desire to take this means of showing the progress made.
MEDICINE'S Tl'RN NOW Ten years ago, young colored men, who wanted a decent livelihood, were advised to prepare themselves for positions as school teachers. Recently, Brother Xuma P. G. Adams at Howard University, resigned from the Head of the Department of Chemistry because "teaching does not offer a career." It is significant that Brother Adams has announced that he will study medicine. Just now, with the small number of colored physicians and the large number of communities that are without the services of trained health experts, the practice of medicine appears to have supplanted school teaching in offering a "decent livelihood." Had this been forseen, it is not exaggerat-
RECOGNITION OF NU. Among the many welcome bits of news tucked away in the Chapter Letters of this issue of the SPHINX is the word that the faculty of Lincoln University has recognized Nu Chapter in an official way. The character and scholarship of Nu men during the several years of the existence of Alpha Phi Alpha there convinced the authorities that there was no longer a season for withholding sanction and copperation. Lincoln has always been regarded as a conservative university. The action of the faculty, therefore, is not only a tribute to Nu brothers, but it is more than this an indication that even conservative university authorities may be brought to realize the
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value and importance of the kind of fraternal organization Alpha Phi Alpha represents. Impressions, opinions, prejudices a r e ' a l tered slowly. Here is real encouragement that still other universities, especially in the South, will open their doors to college fraterntles. "BIG" AND "LITTLE." Without going into the question of how much Scotch blood there is in Brothers L. L. and N. L. McGhee, the fact remains that both are general officers of Alpha Phi Alpha. "L. I.,." affectionately called "Long Line" at the last convention, was elected vice president. "N. L." who acted as assistant general secretary of the Fraternity, was appointed General Secretary this year following the resignation of Brother Numa P. G. Adams. The two are not related, come from differenl chapters, and nothing gave the last convention BO much trouble as the names of these brothers. Finally statue decided it. Secretary McGhee is shorter and thinner than Vice President McGhee, and very naturally they became "little" and "big" respectively. Delegates to the 12th Annual Convention are notified in advance that they wll have f.he same difficulty again this year with "X. L." and "L. L,." MeGhee.
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"[.IVi: WERE" DELEGATES.
The SPHINX calls especial attention of its readers to the advice of President and Vice President to Chapters about to select delegates. Both general officers urge that only "live wire" brothers be elected. While it is fitting sometimes to honor for varied reasons Chapter members by sending them to the General Convention, Chapters are admonished to pick their strongest members and instruct them to stay until the sessions close. Social festivities and "seeing Chicago" will have their place in the eonventon program, but the main function of the gathering is to transact the busi-
ness oi the Fraternity. Alpha Phi Alpha has the right to demand that the strongest and wisest of her sons be sent to perform her tasks. SUBSCRIPTIONS .Nineteen nineteen subscriptions to the SPHINX are past due. Graduates who have not sent $1.00 to the Secretary to have their names entered for this year are advised to do so at once.
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE. General President Fowler Discusses Finances, â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘Live Wire Delegates. Chapter Houses and "Miliary Snap" Correspondence. BY D. D. FOWLER To the brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha who have returned to college and to those who have completed college and are engaged in the busy ranks of world activities, Greetings and This Message: You are called upon this year to start a new era of our fraternity life, an era that spells progress and activity along anavenue that is strewn with no obstacles in the way of inactive chapters, delinquent members, or petty dissensions. The vigor that has been added to our strength by the return of those brothers who were inspired by thrilling experiences on the battle plains of Europe, should have a telling effect. The great efforts that are being put forth by the brothers all over the country to have a representation of several hundred Alpha Phi Alpha men at the great convention to be held in Chicago this year are having a great influence in arousing the keenest Interest in fraternity work. Whether as an individual or a chapter you are on your honor now to show thai this year you are willing to work and work bard for Alpha Phi Alpha. As a chapter you have not only your own local pride to maintain but you have an incentive in the Garvin cup that will be bestowed upon the most deserving unit according to suggestions outlined in an earlier SPHINX. If
every C h a p t e r will m a k e a fight for this cup it will not only gro a long ways toward winning the coveted prise but it will put fraternity a c h i e v e m e n t s on an unparalleled basis. First of all, see to it t h a t every Alpha Phi Alpha man who has ever- been enrolled in your local c h a p t e r has paid his Grand Tax. Do this now. If any m e m b e r is aliasing: or has passed away, a few alumni m e m b e r s surely cannol miss a n y t h i n g by doubling up to furnish representation for the missing m e m b e r or to c o m m e m o r a t e the memory of the deceased brother. R e m e m b e r this is done with the idea of placing the F r a t e r nity on a financial footing. We want to go to Chicago with no less t h a n $2,000.00 In our treasury and if all t h e b r o t h e r s a r e loyal We shall have easily over $3,000.00. Let our countersign to our b r o t h e r s be, " H a v e You Faid the G r a n d T a x ? " This financial m a t t e r is emphasized so forcibly because of t h e fact t h a t in t h e past t h e organization has been pinched for funds because of the laxity of t h e m e m b e r s to pay up. It can only be unintentional neglect, for surely every Alpha Chi Alpha man considers it a privilege to send t h e organzation his a n n u a l fee, especially in view of the fact t h a t it is so small a sum. And f u r t h e r m o r e , if we expect to build up our organization a n d establish great prestige, we must get away from t h e idea oi concern aboul money m a t t e r s by always having a m p l e funds available for all reasonable d e m a n d s . A n o t h e r thing of great importance at present is t h a t you select live wire delegates to t h e convention, men who will attend and who will reflect credit upon you. ' l a v e them study up conventions of the past and come with a fore-knowledge of t h e general t r e n d of affairs. Try to s t a r t a r r a n g e m e n t s for the est a b l i s h m e n t of a c h a p t e r house if you do not have one. If possible get it before the convention opens. This will carry you a long ways toward the Garvin cup. Above all a n s w e r your correspondence to national officers and answer it promptly Do everything you a r e told to do with 'a military snap. Allow nothing to delay fraternity work,
I t h i n k I express t h e s e n t i m e n t s of the national officers in wishing you a prosperous, pleasant and successful fraternity, scholastic and business year.
WHAT THE GRADUATES SAY. One of t h e "Original Seven" Announces Ills Intention of Attending t h e 18t h Convention, O t h e r Letters to t h e General Secretary. BY NORMAN
McGHEE
Dear Brothers: The General Secretary welcomes the b r o t h e r s to a n o t h e r school year of opportunity to "carry on" t h e g r e a t work which was begun so well by t h e noble fathers of Alpha Fhi Alpha. These fathers of ours thought no sacrifice too g r e a t to m a k e in the devoted worship of w h a t seemed to many idealistic d r e a m s . T h e s e men fought well and have left to us an inheritance from which we cannot well reap the fruits without feeling that we too m u s t face t h e work of building upon these foundation ideals with the same spirit of devotion thai p e r m e a t e d t h e men who builded before us. This Office feels that every m a n in Alpha Fhi Alpha is a F C S H forward. It h a s been his pleasant duty to send letters to every b r o t h e r whose a d d r e s s could be obtail d. Many of these letters have met with p r o p m t and interesting replies and the General Secretary is eagerly awaiting a n s w e r s from the many other letters t h a t a r e now in the h a n d s of the b r o t h e r s he has written. Every b r o t h e r who still has one of these letters should send an answer at once. I feel t h a t they will be interesting to all of us and for t h a t reason I am taking the liberty of publishing in this issue of the S P H I N X a few of the a n s w e r s received.
"A SPAJRK W H I C H WlXlJu PERSISTS" Dear B r o t h e r McGhee: Your letter of the 20th was quite a pleasant surprise. Since the last general convention 1 a t t e n d e d tin Washington 1 !l 13 I believe) the word brother has come seldom to tongue or pen excepting only the
they builded better than they knew, that occasions when I correspond with two or stands forth a shining light to which all three old cronies of back in 1908. Here are proud to turn. Again this brother and there, now and then, I get a tantalizing quite casually and untentionally gave me taste of the good old Alpha Phi Alpha spirit. These together with the pictures the dagegr thrust. "Oh, you are from Alof the Ann Arbor, Columbus and Washing- pha. They were declared inactive last year." ton conventions which now face me, have But, just as in life, tin' mother may perish to suffice as fuel for the spark of frater- but never in vain while her children live. Willingly and gloriously she faces the end if nalisni which still persists within me. it must conic knowing thai there is no end Sometimes I look at my pin which still renin ins an integral part of my complete and that she still lives in her children. Yes; I am one o the older brothers in attire and wonder why; but that at once membership and as such I am pleased to recalls the memory of my infancy in Alpha Phi Alpha and the real sacrifice I made to see this new effort to bring all of the older brothers in personal contact with the purchase that same pin, set and fashioned younger. I do not know that I or any of after the pattern on the pins of the Foundus have 80 much to give to the younger ers. It recalls the solemn and awe inspirbrothers, but I feel sure we can receive ing moment of my initiation and that hisfrom them a much needed renewal of the toric phrase "once an Alpha Phi Alpha spirit of Alpha Phi Alpha. Our ideals are man. always an Alpha Phi Alpha man." And now comes your letter full of pro- permanently recorded in the preamble fo our Constitution and the only difference gressiveness, interest and true fraternalism. How glorious it is to look back at the among us is the varying degree of success with which we have sought these ideals. past with its insignificant, trembling, tottering beginning and then to gaze on the I have filled out the questionnaire with presentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;strong, powerful and progressive the exception of "classification" which I and then to lay back and dream the future am not sure I understand. Possibly you â&#x20AC;&#x201D;a national factor, a leading force, know- can fill that out for me. If possible, I wish ing no obstacle too great to overcome and you would inform me what dues I should accomplishing good beyond the fondest pay into the general organizntion or Chapdream of the Founders, Seven Jewels mul- ter in order to become an Alumni member tiplied seventy times seven in number, brilin good standing. As far as I know such liance and purity. Can you look back and dues are all that bar me from good standsee that group of seven serious boys gath- ing. ered secretly in a basement room grappling My intention is to attend the Convention with the gigantic problem of building a and I thank you for the information consuper-fraternity for our people, one that cerning the date. The carrying out of my would embrace all of the virtues and none intention will depend largely on my finanof the vices of the white organizations by cial status in December. I hope I may which they were surrounded and one which meet you in Chicago. would answer for all time the great need Fraternally yours of the leaders of our people, an ideal for which to struggle? And today those seven J. R. FUGETT, Alpha '08. are scattered here and there some eminentOrchard Place. Dover, Del. ly successful in their sphere, others successful and still others merely getting along Just the other day I met one of the Beta SENDS PRAYERS. brothers, Anderson, I think, and he menThe Convention will have my prayers anil tioned meeting one of the Seven, adding best wishes. in a surprised tone, "why, I never knew he was a Brother." Thus casually may the Fraternally personality of the Founders be pushed J. E. MOORLAND, Beta Chapter aside, but their ideal, the structure which 1816 12th St., N, W., Washington, D. C.
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H i g h I n t e r e s t in Ail Doings of o u r F r a t e r 1 nity I was indeed glad to receive your letter of S e p t e m b e r 20, 1919 and hasten to a n s w e r you and to a s s u r e you of my interest in all doings of our fraternity. I am m u c h interested in the Convention a t Chicago and 1 am hoping t h a t I may be able to get t h e r e At any rate I shall be with you in mind anil shall be wishing you all a successful i ting. Fraternally E U G E N E L. C. DAVIDSON, Sigma 14 Cedar Street, New York City,
e r a t u r e you get out. I would like to subscribe to t h e S P H I N X . I would a p p r e c i a t e h e a r i n g from you and shall try to get to the Chicago Convention. H A R O L D M. K I N G S L E Y , Zeta C h a p t e r . Talladega, Alabama.
" I m p r e s s e d With tht> Personnel of Hie Various B r o t h e r s I Have Met." 1 surely would like to a t t e n d t h e Chicago Convention ami meet you personally, but it is a bad time for me l<> get away and it does nut seem probable that I can in- with you. I hope to meet you some day a n d have a long chat. Fraternally OSCAR W. B A K E R , Epsilon C h a p t e r Bay City, Michigan.
N E V E R TO MISS A N O T H E R CONVENTION W i t h reference to t h e coming conveition: L a s t convention was t h e first one t h a t I attended, and it is therefore sufficient to say " I shall n o t m i s s a n o t h e r so long as I ain on litis side of t h e f e n c e ' and a m well." Fraternally yours ORMAND A F O R T E , Pi Chapter. Superior Building, Cleveland, Ohio.
Cannot attend Conventionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Will Send Communications. Your Interesting letter and blank reached me yesterday. 1 have filled out t h e blank and r e t u r n it herewith. I t h a n k you for cordial invitation to a t t e n d Chicago Convention. However. I will not be able to attend it, but will endeavor to send you a communication to be read a t the g a t h e r i n g of our b r o t h e r s in December. I endorse t h e plan you a r e following of m a k i n g a " W h o ' s W h o in Alpha P h A l p h a . " H o p i n g to meet you some day. I am " W h o ' s W h o in Alpha P h i A l p h a . " E. U. A. BROOKS, Alpha '06. 21 High St., Saratoga Springs, N. Y.
AVILL A T T E N D CONVENTION P r o u d of Enviable Record Alpha P h i A l o h a I s Making. I a m very proud of t h e enviable record t h a t Alpha P h i Alpha is m a k i n g for itself. 1 have the h o n o r of being a c h a r t e r m e m ber of Beta C h a p t e r and for t h r e e years was an active m e m b e r of t h a t C h a p t e r . 1 am a s h a m e d to say t h a t I have n o t been an active Alumni m e m b e r , b u t I have watched with m u c h interest t h e g r o w t h of t h e fraternity. Fraternally D A N I E L W. B O W L E S , Beta '07. 1311 M a r k e t St., St. Louis. Mo.
The General Secretary has sent letters to every c h a p t e r whose officers were known It is his earnest hope t h a t these letters will receive p r o m p t attention and action on the p a r t of every brother. The result of p r o m p t n e s s in these m a t t e r s will mean a s t r e n g t h e n i n g of t h e entire Alpha P h i Alpha unit. B r o t h e r s a n s w e r the challenge of t h e times with concentrated effort in t h e direction of i m p r o v e m e n t in our F r a t e r n i t y a s well a s in all other activities. Let t h e organization h a v e y o u r ideas concerning any development which may p r o m o t e the prestige of Alpha P h i Alpha. W r i t e t h e General
â&#x20AC;˘'Way Down Out of Touch. Still W o r k i n g . " I a m enclosing blank sent me recently duly filled out. Being away down h e r e I a m a bit out of touch but wish to keep in touch m o r e closely with t h e b r o t h e r s over t h e country. Kindly send m e w h a t e v e r lit-
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Secretary at all times. We must keep in touch with you in order that we may help each other. With the hope that every brother will exert his utmost in trying to attend the 1918 Convenion in Chicago, December 27th to 31st, inclusive, bringing with him a reservoir of progressive ideas, and see that this Convention will be truly the greatest in the life of our great Fraternity, I am. Most devotedly yours NORMAN I.. McGHF.E, General Secretary.
"ONE HUNDRED OR BUST." The Alee President Says That Nothing U ss Than F'.ill Representation at Next Convention will Satisfy Chicago. Arraiigcmrnls for Delegates and Probable lvxin-iises. BY L. L. McOHEE. This office expects that the 12th Annual Convention which convenes December 27th thru the 31st, at the seat of Theta Chapter will be the largest in the history of the Fraternity. We are working for nothing less than one hundred delegates and visiting Brothers. Alpha Phi Alpha, the first Negro Fraternity on earth, is calling her sons from every corner of the country and Theta Chapter, located in the heart of America, in a city which always rewards its visitors, plans to give Alpha Phi Alpha the best opportunty for greatest meeting of Negro college men ever known. The Chapter is preparing for the hospitable enteitainment of a memorable "RECON.STUl'CTION CONVENTION." To every Chapter bound by the ties of our Fraternity, the call comes for full representation. Distance must not lessen your number. Two good men can always do more than one; you must not be satisfied with less than your quota. The voice and vote of the farthest Chapter must be as strong as the resident Chapter. This is
the surest way to keep down "slates" and politics; and is the iconoclast of sectionalism. it is desired that each Chapter select its two delegates at the earliest possible date and forward the names of the same to this office. In estimating the cost of sending your delegates, count railroad fare, one dollar ($1.00) per day for lodging; about one dollar and twenty-five .cents ($1.25) for board and car fare per day, or each man; in addition to thfis there are the Convention expenses proper, such as annual banquet fee (about ;2.00) and about $1.00 for a convention picture. Regarding Fraternity dance, I shall ask Theta Chapter to notify each Chapter in ample time should it be a formal affair so that provisions for such may be made therefor before the delegates leave their homes. TO ALL ALPHA PHI ALPHA brothers everywhere! Chicago is a good place to spend jour Christmas holidays and. the Convention affords the occasion. The General Officers are especially requesting that you register at the Convention Hall at the first session on the first day and remain throughout the entire Convention if possible I r.-gret that the' program for the various sessions cannot be printed in this number of the SPHINX, for that In itself would constrain you to come. If you are coming let us know before hand, so that we can be sure that you are properly lodged and cared for. Make up your mind NOW and drop us a card to that effect. The temporary headquarters of the Convention for the present, and until further notice, will be at the Wabash Avenue Y. M. C. A., 3763 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, III., care F. T. Lane. All communications intended for Theta Chapter with reference to housing, lodging, information, etc., will be directed there. But mail intended for this office will be sent directly to me. L. L. McGHEE, 75 M. D. Hall, Chicago, 111.
GRADUATES NOT FORGOTTEN. Personal Letter Prom General Treasurer Sent Out to the Older Members of the Fraternity.—"Onward |o Chieago" Is the Roily Word. • BY S. S. BOOKER Dear Brothers: Delighted! delighted to send this word to you. I have been thinking of you, and I have wondered if you realize the very important place you hold in your respective communities, and the vital part you are to take in this period of reconstruction. It seems to me that it is opportune to liause, and think—THINK, and then put our action will be the true expression of our action will be teh true expression of all. I am taking the privilege of sending a personal letter to all brother alumni whose addresses are available, and for fear I may miss some, I am putting a copy of the letter in this issue of the SPHINX. THE LETTER. Dear Brother: You will be surprised to have a letter from my office, yet, I hope the surprise will he a pleasant one, for I simply want to have a short chat with you about Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. I am sure, the very name calls to mind many very pleasant moments. However, I have an idea that if you had some added information concerning our brotherhood, you would be very eager to revive that spark of lcve and begin anew your pledge of loyalty. You will be pleased to know that the affairs of the fraternity are in great shape, notwithstanding the fact that the war forced many hardships upon us. More than two hundred of our men were in the service and all of them served creditably. We held our annual meetings and we have paid all our bills to date in spite of the
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war. It has been a very tough proposition. In addition to this, we have added some new chapters and almost all of the inactive chapters will become active before the meeting of the 12th convention. The call of every Apha Phi Alpha man is to arms and onward to Chicago, the, seat of the 12th annual conventionWe are very anxious to have the largest and best report in the history of the Fraternity, and I am suYe you will be delighted to do your bit. How can it be done? WHY IT IS EASY! Send your grand tax and a contribution, if possible. to Brother Norman L. McOhee, Howard University, Washington, D. C. Box 115. for which he will forward you a receipt. We have had to do a lot of printing and readjusting of things that have called for money. We have spent the minimum and our files and records warrant the truth of my statement. Do your bit, do your duty, and Alpha Phi Alpha will triumph now and always. Thanking you in advance for your personal check which is another way of showing your loyalty, I am Fraternally yours, SIMEON SAUNDERS BOOKER, General Treasurer.
IN MEMORIAM "Hands thai the rod of empire might have swayed "Or marked to eestacy llÂť' living; lyre."
OUR I)l.l'\ltTi:i> SON. The deatll pf Bra. John Eph Williams. on May 16th, marks a sudden and tragic passing of one Of A. P. A. most illustrious and promising brother*. The shock of his untimely death was most distressing because of his fine personal attributes and attractive qualities, but even more because of his youth and future possibilities. Barely 22 years old, he had finished the Fourth District School in Milwaukee, Wendell Phillips High School in Chicago, and had entered Howard after spending three years at Lincoln. In two weeks he would have received his degree of Bachelor of Science from our College of Arts and Sciences, and completed his Freshman year in medicine, of which class he was president at the time of his death. A member of the varsity basketball team, and an ardent tennis enthusiast, he at all times gave the best that was in him for his Alma Mater. His unusual capacity for making friends was one of his distinct characteristics. Though he was, at all times, popular and
successful, his head was never turned by his achievements. Kph, as he was affectionately known by his friends and schoolmates, was the hope of his father and the pride of his sisters. As a member of Beta Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, he was the "pal" of every brother, and his life a practical crystallization of the ideals of his organization which loved him so dearly, and to which he gave a life of unselfish devotion. His memory will remain immortal, not tny more on account of his sterling character, than for his clean and exemplary life. His death leaves a pall of gloom over his schoolmates, friends, fraternity and family, all of whom mourn his loss with profound sorrow. IN BACKED MKMORY. How glorious is the life of well spent youth! Though it passes, yet its influence remains. It has pleased God to take from us this, our dear brother, he has been enrolled in the chapter eternal. He played only in the ascending beams of the eastern light; he drank only of the youthful fountain. Ha has been taken in the morning of his life. His abbreviated career but re-' minds us that a life need not be so long in order to be great. In thought, deed and character, he represented the loftiest ideals of American manhood. He fell asleep ere he reached the noontide of life; his coming in he did not know; his going out he could not control; but he leaves the indelible impress of a faithful son a devoted brother, a sincere friend. He gave the world a heart as pure as a child's, tender as a mother's, strong as a man's. As co-workers with him in our mutual developmentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;physical, moral, spiritual, we do hereby make known the irreparable loss we sustain, as we extend our sympathy to the memory of his loving and devoted family. It is the wish of his brothers that a copy of this memorial be presented to his bereaved family, that a copy be published in the SPHINX, and that a copy be recorded upon the minutes of his beloved Fraternity. Fraternally submitted, BETA CHAPTER, A. P. A.
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CHAPTER LETTERS. TO S P H I N X
CONTRIBUTORS:
L e t t e r s for t h e next issue of t h e Sphinx will he received up I" XDVCIHIK r 18th.
TO GRADUATES: If a letter from your C h a p t e r Is »ot p r i m ed In llils Issue, t a k e t h e m a t t e r up With 111 m mid lind out why.
BETA Howard
CHAPTER University.
Dear Brothers, G r e e t i n g s : — Beta C h a p t e r at Howard, hying survived the war without the loss of a brother, is eagerly looking forward to the greater H o w a r d and a g r e a t e r year. T h e abolishing of the secondary schools and the e x p a n sion of t h e collegiate d e p a r t m e n t s have done much to raise the s t a n d a r d of H o w a r d and will present a c o r r e s p o n d i n g a d v a n t a g e to Beta. Among t h e new officers of a d m i n istration at H o w a r d a r e B r o t h e r Enimett J. Scott, S e c r e t a r y - T r e a s u r e r , and Brother Dwight O. W. Holmes. Registrar. Brother C, B. Curley is instructor in the school of
commerce and finance. T h e outlook for a b a n n e r year is most encouraging. Many b r o t h e r s fore-d to leave school to participate in t h e great war a r e r e t u r n i n g with a wider vision of t r u e d e mocracy and conscious of t h e fact, t h a t however small a s h a r e they play in t h e American Democracy, they have merited as full a portion of r i g h t s and privileges a s any other class of people, and will never be content without t h e m . If every Negro could imbibe this kind of spirit and direct it in the p r o p e r channels, those t h i n g s most desired would come unto us. While not condoning or excusing the t a k ing of the law in one's hands, we, n e v e r t h e less. are of t h e opinion t h a t m a n ' s inherent and inalienable right is self-protection. Those of us who a r e leaders or desirous of being leaders must never by deeds of omission or commission permit any opportunity to pass that will f u r t h e r the cause of free-
11
dom. We h e r e at Beta in W a s h i n g t o n have t h e spirit and our m o t t o is "Carry On." Beta Home. We have not yet reached our goal but we are still driving on. We also wish to take this opportunity of expressing our w a r m e s t g r a t i t u d e to b r o t h e r s who have responded to our appeal. In this connection we wish to m a k e special mention of Zet i. thru the efforts of I'.ro. J o h n T. Williams. Our m o t to is "Not a Home for Beta, but a Home for every Alpha Phi Alpha man who comes to Washington." * On to Chicago Convention Let us help I'.ro. McGhee to m a k e this the largest . greatest and most helpful convention in the life of our organization. And so with this in view. Beta says to her sister C h a p t e r s — " M e e t us1 In Chicago". Beta is pleased to a n n o u n c e the m a r r i a g e of one of Its. m e m b e r s , Bro. Dr. H a r p e r to Miss Beatrice Cure, T h e sudden resignation of I'.ro. X u m a P. <!. Adams from his position as associate professor oi Chemistry at Howard University, was quite a surprise to all. However we a r e pleased to note t h a t he is going ' study medicine at the University of Chicago. Beta considers herself extremely f o r t u n a t e in having several B r o t h e r s from sister c n a p ters who have decided to pursue their studies at Howard. Among them may be noted B r o t h e r s R. Brown, of Omicron. C. Carroll of G a m m a , V. Mullen and G. Curtis of Tan. and ,1. Comegys of Xti. Wishing the g r e a t e s t of success for all sister cha liters. F r a t e r n a l l y yours. A L B E R T ROSS H U G H E S
Corresponding secretary •J4I7 Georgia
EP8ILON
Avenue.
CHAPTER
University of Michigan We begin this scholastic year with v*ry great prospects. We have just c o m p l e t e d our moving into new and more suitable quarters.
This year brings us many of our old members back from duties besides two brothers from Nu Chapter. Brother Byrd returns from camp. He brings us the news Of his marriage to Miss Bertha Sanders of Cassapolis, Michigan. Brother Arrington resumes his work in the University after eight months in France. Brother W. B. Butler, of Nu Chapter, enters the freshman medical class this your. Brother J. T. Lee also of Nu enters this medical school this year. Brother Price who has bten teaching in the Ypsllanti schools for the past two years is taking post-graduate work in the university. The university has an overflowing enrollment this year .The enrollment passed ten thousand two days before school started. The number of colored students has also increased this year. This makes our chance of new material more hopeful than it has been for some years passed. Our annual banquet for the year of nineteen which was held last tMay was a great success. This was greatly due to the assistance of Gamma-Lamda Chapter of Detroit. They aided us both financially and otherwise in forming a home fund. The purpose of this fund is to secure a chapter house in Ann Arbor by the combined efforts of both chapters. Over two hundred and fifty dollars was pledged, two hundred dollars of which was paid that night. This plan is in the hands of a committee composed of memers of the two chapters who are increasing this fund. We hope to make this truly a year of reconstruction in every way. We wl! work towar* that end whether we succeed or not Our active members are M. D. Arrington O. W. jBaker, H. W. Byrd, U. B. Butler, O. M. Creen. E. H. Butler, J. S. Price, J. T. Lee, M. G. McCall, H. D. Shaw, D. N. Unthank M. H. Vann.jF. W. Penn, L. C. Perry H. D. Shaw. Our officers for the ensuing semester are: M. H. Vann, president; M. G. McCall,'vice president and treasurer; D. N. Unthank, sec retary; J. T. Lee, correspondence secretary;
H. W. Byrd, houseman; M. D. Arrington, sergeant .at-arms. Very truly yours, DeNORVAL UNTHANK, Secretary. TllinW CIIAITRR I iiiviishv of Chicago, Northwestern ami Illinois, Brothers In A. P. A. (ircctings: As we enter into the new year of our fraternal life, we feel that it will mean a year of success, prosperity and advancement for Theta. With the inspiration of the presence of many old brothers who have returned to us, and the promising field of new candidates we see no reason why this year should not be the banner year. And foremost in our minds is the thought of having the next convention with us. Our executive committeee is already at work formulating plans that may add to its success.. We are hoping to have the following brothers affiliated with us: Bros. A. B. Nutt, L. Middleton and N. P. G. Adams. Theta has the following brothers on the Provident Hospital staff; Drs. H. P. Cooper, C. S. McBeth, C. S. Giles, J. B. Lapsley. Among the returned brothers are: J. H. Thompson, C. S. Thompson. S. H. Rosenburg. T. C. Brock, J. R. French, and A. C. Browne. Bro. R. W. Brooks, our worthy secretary has accepted the chair of English in LeMoyne Institute, Memphis, Tenn. We wish him much success. Bro. J. C. Grant is professor of English at Wiley University, Marshall, Texas. We likewise expect great things from brother Grant. Bro. Dr. J. B. Lapsley, has resigned his position as assistant city Patho-Bacteriologist, and has taken up active local practice. Bro. Lieut. M. H. Curtis has been In this city most of the summer having been recommissioned 1st Lieutenant. He has done creditable work in securing work for discharged soldiers and sailors,
12
We are proud to note that Bro. W. S. Grant, a senior medical student of North Western University has achieved the honor of becoming a member of the honor society (AOA) of that institution. Bro. Dr. Cleveland Hall our Exalted Honorary member, has been appointed a member of the committee to study the race conditions in the State of Illinois. We are pleased to announce that t w e brothers have crossed the stage of matrimony: Bros. J. C. Carroll and L. H. Hall. Wishing each chapter a year of activity, Fraternally yours, R. R. CHURCH, Corresponding Secretary, 3335 Calumet Ave., Chicago, 111. GAMMA CHAPTER. Virginia Union University Gamma is now on the way for another successful year. A number of the brothers who entered the great conflict in order that tin- world might be made safe for democracy. have returned to the fold. The chapter is expecting to have the strongest organization that she has had during the period of her existence. Brothers Brown, Franklin and Shepard, have joined hands with us again after an absence of one year. Only one member wits lost to the chapter by graduation, in I he person of Bro. B. L. Taylor, treasurer, while on the other hand four stray goats while grazing in the A. P. A. pasture found their way into our sacred confines. These were Brothers D. E. Beverly, L. F. Jefferles, B. N. Thurston and G. A. Carter. All have proven themselves to be real A. P. A. men. Gamma men are still foremost in all activities of the University. The chapter with last year's small membership donated $100 towards the University Endowment Fund. For this act she received much praise and i oinmendation from both president and student body. The annual outing was a great success. members were on hand to help make our yearly affair the grandest of them all. ThÂŤ
annual spring outtng- tyn the last reunion of each school year. This long e'stablished practice has become a fixed custom with all Cam ma men. Brothers J. Warwick Johnson and H. Sylvester Stanback, both,veterans of the past World's w^ir. have entered into the banking Held. They carry with them the best wishes of all A. 1*. A. men. Brother George W. C. Brown, a graduate member of Gamma and for many years a resident of our bachelor quarters has at hist decided to plunge into the matrimonial seas and it is with pleasure that the chapter announces his engagement to Miss Elaine Hucles, of this city. May good luck an 1 great success attend our loyal brother. Dan Cupid is apparently working overtime within Gamma's walls as there are one. or two other brothers who lie within close proxâ&#x20AC;˘mity of Dan's trusty arrows. A small informal reception was tendered several of our visiting brothers from Norfolk on the evening of September 27. 1919. Brother T. L.. Puryear has accepted a position as instructor in the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute, Petersburg, Va. Several A. P. A. men hold positions in this school of which Brother J. M. Gandy is President. Brother W. A. Hall has resumed his chair in science at the Armstrong High School of this city. This year's chapter is composed of the picked men of the University, as in Gamma's custom and with the staff of officers that we have elected for the ensuing year we are expecting to do wonderful work thereby proving that the A. P. A. fraternity is the real fraternity. Gamma extends all her sister chapters the best of wishes for an abounding year of success, and sincerely desires that all the chapters continue to develop manhood and to cultivate brotherhood among men. Hoping to meet every chapter at our next convention. We remain, Fraternally, T. P. Turner, Jr. Chapter Editor,
ItfC CHAPTER. University of J&tmnesatn, -My -dear brothers: I contemplated some statement in the June issue, of the Sphinx in regards to the recreation of Mu Chapter, but in my busy life I merely asked our chapter editor to do so. I have received a copy of the June Sphinx and I note that the reestablishment of Mu is entirely accredited to me. f must acknowledge that I gave liberally and gratiously my time and my efforts to the rehabilitation of Mu, but I want to advise that I cannot ever claim credit for the reestablishment of the same alone. I worked faithfully in the cause of our beloved fraternity, but I am satisfied that any brother who has at heart the interests of Alpha Phi Alpha would do just as much as I did to promote her wonderful ideals. Much' of the credit for this work falls upon Brother W. Eâ&#x20AC;&#x17E; Burton, and I am sure that but few have labored under more difficult circumstances. Brother Burton and myse'f| both representing foreign chapters realized the importance of placing again in our list of active chapters Mu. and adding to her list of brothers those who have carried on the chapter work so commendably. There were in all twelve brothers: in the "Twin" Cities and from my past experience with Alpha Phi Alpha men, only to mention her name would ignite the spark that merely lay dormant. I found the spirit just a little different in this section of the country. To my mind all men who are brothers in Alpha P h i ^ Ipha, representing the same cause, the same principles, the same ideals, the same fraternal love and union, regardless of circumstances would unite their every cause for the common good: of our fraternity. But for the first time in my fraternal associations I found factions springing up here and there, and brothers I confess to you that upon my initiation into Alpha Phi Alpha that I thought of her as a unit and there seemed nothing in all of her life, whatever the principles for which we had jointly fought, that would make us, in whatever we might say or do
any thing bu tbrothers.
That is my idea
of fraternalism ami I\ trust it becomes the motto of every other conscientious brother. Mu chapter might have sprung into activity over night with the splendid cooperation of all brothers here, but two out of twelve disregarding the discouragement of others put Mu again on the map and our splendid: brothers initiated ptl that time have carried on the work like veterans and ldunded the greatest Negro fraternity in the world. 1 wish to inform my brothers of the various chapters that in spite of all Mu is represented by a small group of brothers. every one of whom I can recommend as having in him the makfng of a successful man and whose success will prove a larger tribute to the name of Our good fraternity. It is almost time again for us to begin our activity as a chapter for another year. Every brother as well as the community looks forward with larger hopes for a splendid year. With the returning boys from "over there" our prospects for increased membership looks indeed promising. I look for a very large representation at our next convention and I want to present plans to our chapter as soon as we again become active toward financing as many of our brothers to the convention as passible. It will mean a great deal to our undergraduates to attend a convention and see just what kind of brothers they have. I want to take this opportunity to commend the work of our Vice President, Brother L.. L. McGee. The real stimulus to the creation of new chapters and the recreation of the old ones, in this fiscal year. emulates from his most splendid inspiration and encouragement. I trust our brothers, when assembled in convention, will always choose men who, like Brother McGee, will give the very best they have toward the future success and good fortune of our noble fraternity. Brother Mcgee has been long and incessantly active in the fraternity. To him Gamma chapter owes her organization and from that day on we have found him striking massive blows, in the
right places at the right time, hence keeping active and In the lead gooiT old Alpha Phi Alpha. With the aid of some of my brothers I hope to compile as accurate a history of our chapter as possible In the next year and present to *he Sphinx. I conclusion I want to commend and congratulate the officers, as a whole, of our C.eneral Organization, who have carried on the work so creditably and so successfully. With a continued quota of such splendid ieaders we can only hope for that larger future to which we look for our fraternity and our race. Fraternally yours. C. E. CHEEKS. V) W. Seventh St.. Saint Paul. Minn.
XT CHAPTER. Lincoln University. Pa. RrotheM in Alpha Phi Alpha: Xn Chapter indeed greets you on the recommencement of its collegiate and fratrrnal activities. Our renaissance from out the awful strife of battle is surely a hopeful one. For ati last the University has stirred itself Leviathanlike from the lethargic indifference bred of the unwieidly onus of war. The soldier has returned. "Home 1s the sailor, home from the sea." While we. who remained at home, have lifted up our ears from the dull earth and caught the last faint notes of the bugle call. Not retreat, but reveille. Now in the face of cosmic disorder, and tho few, Xn Chapter is undaunted. We are not unaware of the stupendous task which lies ahead. Already we have measured our strength if it is able to warp the woof of adverse circumstances. And we think yes. For while the guiding impulses. Brothers Sanders. Lee and Clreen, have lei't for other fields of activity, yet we have a corps of officers who will work tirelessly and withnul stint in fostering and upholding the ideals of Alpha Phi Alpha. Brother Joseph Newton Hill has been selected to guide Nu Chapter thru this momentour term. His rise to the Presidency
comes after zealous work In the capacity of Corresponding Secretary. The man a mettle lias been, proved. Brother Harrison Edwin Meekins ('20 > is Vice ("resident, Brother Frank Theodore Wilson ('21) Corresponding Secretary. Brother Miller William Boyd. I'l'l) Recording. Secretary. Brother Robert Lewis Eranklin. i'1'O) Treasurer'. Brother Harold: William Amos, C20) Sergeant at Arms. The following have been duly initiated into the mysteries of Alpha Phi Alpha since the last publication: Harold Taylor Derry ("20), Rapheal O'hara Lanier C22), John Edward Catting C22), James Hezekiah Law C t t ) , Marcus Fitzherbert Wheatland, Jr.. C22). All of these brothers have shown extraordinary (raits of genuine manhood. They are, indeed, the class of their respective classes. On the evening of June 13th. " u Chapter held its annual banquet. On that oei isiim we were favored by the presence of Brother General Secretary McGee. Withal, the evening was indeed one of mingled conviviality and edification. Brother Harry Washington Green impressed the ideals of Alpha Phi Alpha upon the neophytes with dynamic stress. At the same time he announced within the hearing of all his victory in securing faculty recognition for Nu. Then with equanimity Brother Green pointed out the responsibility which our success entailed. He voiced a plea for a more unbounded achievement. News notes from Nu: Brother W. K. Sanders is persuing his studies at Columhus University. Brothers Butler and Lee have entered the Medical College of the University of \iichigan. Brother Green will continue his studies at Yale University. Nu Chapter looks forward, in the near future to the return of Brother Benmett. Hutchins and Haskell. Brother Robert Lockett is studying medicine at Temple College. Fraternal! yours, TIMOTHY C. MEYERS, Chapter Editor.
15
XI CHAPTER. Wllbertorce, Ohio. September 29, 1919. Dear Brothers: It is with a great deal of pleasure that we extend to you at this time greetings. We are settling down to what is to be the greatest year in our history. The old members are returning each day still full with the grand old spirit of Alpha Phi Alpha. We are very proud to state to you, that the majority of our members who saw service on this side and across the seas have returned to complete their respective courses. There are quite a number of new college men entering the various departments. which we hope will be beneficial to' us. Brothers Foster, Marriot and Phillip Birch, were visitors at the chapter house on the twenty first of September, and gave addresses, which were very helpful, as they are men of experience, we feel it our duty to hed to some of the good words of advice from older brothers. Brother Foster is the Educational Secretary, at the Columbus Ohio "Y", Brother Marriot, Is pursing a course in the graduate school, at the Ohio State University, while Brother Birch goes to begin the study of medicine, at Columbia University. Brother Charles Birch, head of the department of English and Journalism, has returned, bringing with him his bride, who prior to their marriage was Miss Addie Lucile Jackson, of La Grange, Ga. Having spent his honeymoon in Bermuda, Brother Birch has returned ready for work. During the vacation, the angel of death, took from us two of our worthy brothers, in the person of Brothers George E. Spillman and Monroe Young, the former a student in the College of Liberal Arts, the latter a graduate in the class of 1917. The Lord .giveth.and the Lord taketh, blessed be the name of the Lore. Xi chapter is planning to have a memorial for them in the very near future. The slogan now is, On to Chicago, in December. Hoping to meet you there in the biggest and best convention yet, we remain
ever ready to do our duty for the uplift of the organization. Fraternally yours, CHARLES S. LONG, JR., Chapter Editor.
'
PI CHAPTER. Cleveland, Ohio. To the Editor of the Sphinx and Members of co-chapters, Greetings: This past year has found a regeneration of spirit at Pi Chapter. The return of our brothers from the army, supplemented by the arrival of brothers from other chapters with the announcement that they expect to become affiliated with us henceforth, toBether with the fact that the general public and especially the press have taken greater interest in us as a progressive body, all cooperate to enthuse the members and urge them on to greater achievements. The inaugural banquet a new era for Pi Chapter. This banquet was held at one of Cleveland's largest hotels and was a decided success. Perhaps it was the irony of fate that the chairman of the banquet committee was also the incoming president, Brother Attorney Selmo C. Glenn. The other officers are Brother Raymond S. Jackson, vice president; Brother Robert S. Martin, Secretary; Brother Armaen Evans, Treasurer, and Brother Daniel Fairfax, Sergeant at Arms. By an amendment of the constitution an office of financial secretary was created and Brother Perry B. Jackson was elected to fill it. (Brother Perry B. Jackson brought exceptional honor to the fraternity in his being elected to the Phi Beta Kappa at his graduation from Adelbert College of Western Reserve University, last June.) As toastmaster at the banquet National President Daniel D. Fowler fired the mettle of each speaker by assigning him a definite subject to speak upon extemporaneously. The plans for the fraternity house are rapidly maturing and every member is pushing for it with all his strength, financially and mentally. Plans were also discussed for the chapter to take a more active interest in the high school graduates
16
t h a t t h e y m i g h t be shown t h e a d v a n t a g e of
RHO CHAPTER. University of Pennsylvania.
continuing their schooling. We a r c more t h a n
pleased to note the.
progress the o t h e r c h a p t e r s a r e m a k i n g and We wish
to a n n o u n c e t h a t
the
Chapters
Iinnd Issue plan h a s our hearty support. PI C h a p t e r is also pleased
to note
the
progress that some of its members have made, Brother Daniel D. Fowler is now General Manager of The Dixllene (Hair Refining)
Company.
Brother
Charles
II.
Garvin has been appointed clinician in t h e Oenlto-Urlnary
Department
Hospital, of Cleveland.
of
Lakeside
Dr. Garvin is also
a director of t h e E m p i r e Savings and Loan Company, a new financial institution of this city.
B r o t h e r s Glenn ad Mundy a r e also on
t h e board of directors of this company. On S e p t e m b e r t h e eleventh. Pi held
its
first meeting of t h e c u r r e n t school year and received t h e r e p o r t of t h e rushing c o m m i t tee which r e p o r t showed t h a t the prospect for an increased m e m b e r s h i p Is favorable. Three new m e m b e r s were voted in a t the meeting and letters have been sent to them. Moreover t h e r e a r e four freshmen a t W e s tern Reserve University and two a t Case •his year who seem to offer excellent m a terial for candidates. Pi C h a p t e r has seen fit to elect t h e following b r o t h e r s to office: Selmo C. Glenn, President, 503 Superior Building; R a y m o n d J a c k s o n . Vice President, 7803 Dix Court; Robert S. .Martin, Secretary, 6208 Quincy Avenue; Armen G. Evans, T r e a s u r e r , 2180 E a s t 83 Street. We a r e trying to begin t h e new year right and a r e hoping to have our full quota of delegates plus s o m e a t t h e next general convention. We a r e striving to collect all of our grand tax and have it In t h e h a n d s of the General Secretary before the convention.
T h e r e is not a m a n in old R h o w h o did not this year, welcome t h e opening of college. Yes we a r e all m i g h t y glad to be back, for we face a year simply filled with certain development and expansion of this our beloved c h a p t e r of our m o t h e r Alpha Phi Alpha. 1 r e m e m b e r some years ago of h e a r i n g B r o t h e r Adams say t h a t it was alright to h a w the "good old Alpha Phi Alpha spirit." but he added, " W h a t we want is a c c o m plishment—advancement." And just t h e r e Brothers, is the keynote of why every R h o man c a m e hustling back to College, eager for work, T h e past year gave Rho, a new i m p e t u s — new life. We conferred t h e dignity of o u r royal line on some men who proved so worthy that old R h o has honored two with offices. Our meetings were well a t tended. Debates were spirited, even after t h e influenza and the S t u d e n t s Army T r a i n ing Corps had t a k e n from us several good men. we ended the y e a r with ft spirit of spied which astonished some of our older brothers. And every R h o man is back with his evident d e t e r m i n a t i o n — " w o r k " , which m e a n s " R h o C h a p t e r H o u s e , " yes t h a t dream which the older men can t r a c e retrospectively back to 1913, is a:as to become a reality, dawn has almost come, and in some near distant future edition of B r o t h e r Murphy's Sphinx, we shall send b r o a d c a s t our invitation to our sister c h a p t e r s , to visit R h o C h a p t e r House in our city of Brotherly
Love, Twas toward the finish of t h e last school year t h a t B r o t h e r Lawrence, B r o t h e r s Lewis, H a d e and o t h e r s pledged substantial s u m s which started our drive, and t w a s d u r i n g this s u m m e r t h a t t h e "fighting secr e t a r of our "fighting" House Committee, B r o t h e r DeHaven Hinkson, disturbed, and I must affix happily—disturbed happily therefore, the tranquility of our s u m m e r by asking a substantial contribution from each b r o t h e r for t h e house fund. Hence h e r e a t R h o , B r o t h e r Burd and B r o t h e r Morris
I hope to see you iii Chicago. RAYMOND 8. JACKSON. Vice P i e s . 7803 Dix Court.
17
Came a n d a few of t h e old Nu m e n w h o m a d e R h o C h a p t e r were to visit us now, they would find not only t h a t "good old Alpha P h i Alpha, spirit" e x u b e r a n t everyw h e r e , but besides. B r o t h e r N u m a P. G. A d a m s ' analysis of it after It had been passed thru the prison of R h o ' s personell. They would find its spectral elements h e r e at Rho to be " a c c o m p l i s h m e n t -advancem e n t . " We have a fighting president, and he is backed by a corps of officers who a r e n ' t afraid to strive, and to my mind, this .should be t h e b a n n e r year of R h o ' s existence.
practicioners in P h i l a d e l p h i a who is p r a c ticing " m o d e r n medicine." He belongs to t h e young, progressive school of physicians, and he p u t s the same energy inlo fraternal activities as he does in his professional. It is largely due to Brother Hinkson's efforts t h a t our fraternity house is now almost a reality. Brother Hinkson is s o m e w h a t of a financier also, and financially Rho should be a great success. B r o t h e r Lawrence our vice resident. Good old L a r r y â&#x20AC;&#x201D; b e t t e r than most of us at least, for he has at last proven his manly qualities. ( B r o t h e r Christmas has a d a u g h t e r . ) He is of t h e old school, getting his degree ill 1918 from Pennsylvania since when he has been conducting a lucrative dental practice. We of the old school at Pennsylvania, sorely miss B r o t h e r Christmas. "Activity" is his distinguishing characteristic. B r o t h e r Berry could not have t h e s u p p o r t of a better vice president to m a k e his regime a success. B r o t h e r C h r i s t m a s ' h o m e is at 3911 Olive
II is my pleasure Brothers, to tell you t h a t thi' report of B r o t h e r Hinkson, Secretary of the House Committee, which at this writing h a s not been laid before t h e fraternity, is most favorable. A considerable sum has been deposited in our local bank, and we shall soon open our C h a p t e r H o m e , a n d t h a t it all t h a t is needed to s t a r t R h o on a long tour, t h e u l t i m a t e aim of which shall be, to y e a r after year, have placed upon a pedestal in our reception hall, the Garvin trophy. At our last m e e t i n g of t h e past year we elected new officers all of whom we m u s t commend most highly. To B r o t h e r William Leroy Berry, of Newport, fell t h e h o n o r of being our President. Brother Berry is one of t h e older men w h o took his eollegiate training a t t h e University of Pennsylvania a n d who at present s a second year man in t h e historic Jefferson Medical College, of P h i l a d e l p h i a . B r o t h e r Berry is one of t h e strongest of our m e n and u n d e r his leadership I predict g r e a t and lasting a d v a n c e s in R h o . B r o t h e r Berry's P h i l a d e l p h i a residence is 4101 C h e s t n u t Street. Several very good b r o t h e r s , including outwell known r e p r e s e n t a t i v e from New York, B r o t h e r Eddie Lowry, a r e staying a t this address, so a visiting brother, before we get our home, might call a t t h i s house to get in touch with our men. Our t r e a s u r e r is B r o t h e r De Haven H i n k son. of 329 N o r t h 40th Street. Brother Hinkson h a s recently r e t u r n e d from service in t h e Medical Corp of t h e a r m y in F r a n c e , and is now one of the t h r i v i n g medical
Street. Two men upon w h o m look for great t h i n g s a r e B r o t h e r R a y m o n d P. Alexander and B r o t h e r Wilbur Archer. B r o t h e r Alexander. whose a d d r e s s is Houston Hall, U. of I'a. is our new c o r r e s p o n d i n g secretary. He is a, senior in t h e W h a r t o n Scholo of Commerce, and the spirit he e m u l a t e s would do justice to one of the old pillar stones of our fraternity. B r o t h e r Alexander is the model of efficiency and is ever willing to f u r t h e r our fraternal aims. In him B r o t h e r Berry will find a w o r t h y colleague. B r o t h e r Alexander will next year enter t h e study of Law a t t h e University of Chicago. R h o shall be glad to send to Theia a m a n â&#x20AC;˘ a s worthy as B r o t h e r Alexander. Hoboken. New Jersey, sheltered B r o t h e r Alexander al s u m m e r , and B r o t h e r J e r r l c k . Chief Resident at Douglass Hospital, h a s told me t h a t he has received some u r g e n t calls from Hoboken, reuesting his analgesic t r e a t m e n t for broken h e a r t s . K n o w i n g B r o t h e r Alexa n d e r as I do I hesitate a t placing responsibility for the mutilation of these ladies' h e a r t s upon him. 1 really s h o u l d n ' t do it but B r o t h e r " P e s t " ('.ranger, who lives at N e w a r k and w h o is t h e slickest detective
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To the f o r m e r g r o u p belong our B r o t h e r George King, a senior a t T e m p l e School of Medicine. Mrs. King is a g r a d u a t e in p h a r macy, and h a s a beautiful d r u g s t o r e in our eit. Xot every y o u n g g r a d u a t e of medicine can write a prescription and say "Send this to my d r u g s t o r e , " hot George can. H a d n ' t any idea al all things h a d r e a c h e d such a profound stage lot ween B r o t h e r K i n g and tin- former .Miss Gaskins. Now I understand why George would'nt let me h a v e a single dance with tin- yound lady a t a reception shortly prior to his m a r r i a g e , and it in- hadn't done this on the side without letting iiis fraternal b r o t h e r s know a b o u t i\. I shouldn't be writing him up in the Sphinx. Rho gives her blessing to B r o t h e r K i n g a n d to Mrs. King, and to both of t h e m we wish a long and successful a n d useful life. In the latter class falls B r o t h e r E d g a r C. Draper, tin- popular y o u n g physician of Cape May. Miss Pauline Gaskins w e a r s t h e doctor's pin. Yes. lucky girl, for B r o t h e r Draper is one >>( the most successful y o u n g n u n who has gone out from us. Brother Draper thoughtlessly failed to notify R h o ' s acting Sphinx representative a s to w h e n t h e ceremony would t a k e place, b u t h e h a s iias.HI to believe t h a t it shall be soon. W e welconio Miss (iaskins into t h e sisterhood of Alpha Phi Alpha, and to all those of us, w h o enter into this benign, tranquil state, we would a d m o n i s h to follow Brother C h r i s t m a s ' example, a n d "be fruitful a n d multiply."
in our folds insists t h a t R a y is t h e guilty party. Join with me b r o t h e r s in insisting that be more kindly, consider thai all imp o r t a n t o r g a n of some of our fairer sex, and you Theta b r o t h e r s beware of y o u r girls when he .joins you next year. Brothel- A r c h e r is a J u n i o r in the College of Arts a n d Science at Pennsylvania. Ilr is quirt but an effective worker. He is one of our recent men. tint h e shall prove a great source of help to our fratemityi l i r o t h e r Archer is our Recording Secretary, a historical fanatic Is h e ; wo expect some masterly minutes this year. .His a d d r e s s is m m South 13th Street, P h i l a d e l p h i a . Our c h a p l a i n , Sergeant at Arms and our p e r m a n e n t Representative to the Sphinx a r e still to ho elected at the flfsl meeting in October. At our spring initiation we conferred the "Inst g r e a t i m p r e s s i o n " on seven new brothers. They a r e B r o t h e r Leon V. Anderson. who leaves Pennsylvania to enter Cornell t h i s year, and B r o t h e r H a c x n e y , of Temple University and B r o t h e r s Terry. Archer, Oranger, C u m i n g s and Millen, of Pennsylvania. Our selections won- careful, a n d these men will all prove worths- of t h e i r nrw honor. Some of our r e c e n t g r a d s a r e doing very well. Professional of course, it is to be expected t h a t they do well, b u t t h a t isn't all. We can boast of a t least one recent very "live w i r e " in the form of little Miss Christmas. B r o t h e r C h r i s t m a s a n d Mrs. C h r i s t m a s have a beautiful baby girl. I refer my r e a d e r to t h e preceeding lines explaining the "distinguishing c h a r a c t e r i s tic" of B r o t h e r C h r i s t m a s our Vice P r e s i dent. Good old boy L a r r y , w e ' r e m i g h t y . mighty proud of you old fellow. I'm glad yon heat B r o t h e r E d d i e J o n e s to it, for In- always swore he'd have the first R h o C h a p t e r "live wire."
E a r l y in October R h o will h a v e its annual s m o k e r to Incoming s t u d e n t s . B r o t h er King tells me t h a t T e m p l e is r a m p a n t with new- men. B r o t h e r B e r r y h a s one new protege at Jefferson, while a t Pennsylvania. we have hut to t u r n h e r s or t h e r e , to find a f r e s h m a n willing, courteous, a n d ready with m a t c h e s lo light our cigars. Our s m o k e r should prove a g r e a t success, a n d we shall be able to get a good line on possible m a terial for our fall initiation.
Our boys a t R h o can't all boast of "live win s," b u t from t h e n u m b e r of pins fastende gently on the b r e a s t s of fair d a m s e l s one would think t h a t recently a few h a d t a k e n unto themselves a n o t h e r "for b e t t e r or for worse," or else, pledged themselves.
It is with pleasure t h a t w e a n n o u n c e t h e r e t u r n of B r o t h e r P r e s t o n C. J o h n s o n to school. H e is a g r a d u a t e of Pennsylvania. receiving his A. B. in 1917. He e n t e r s t h e study of L a w this year. H e is
ia
a strong Rho man, one of the strongest. I can not resist the temptation too, of mentioning here Brother Harry S. Blackiston, for I feel that his accomplishments, every fraternity man must know. I do not say few colored men have done as well as he; I say few white men have done as wall as he. In June he leaves us, having during seven years been a student at Pennsylvania—he is the dean of Colored University students. In June I said he leaves us, and when he does, to his name shall be affixed the degrees—A B., A. M., Ph. D. He takes his doctors degree in Philosophy at the age of 22, and has been a scholorshlp man thruout, and a winner of the University prizes in Latin and German. We are mighty proud of Brother Blackiston, and his accomplishments should be an inspiration to us all.
Pollard tactics in securing this issue of the Sphinx? At an rate, let this be a warning to any Beta chapter man who visits Wilmington, Brother Jamerson and Brother Milburne run that little city, so take no chances, leave your copies of the Sphinx at home. Rho extends again her hearty greetings to her winter chapters, and to all, sends the wish, that their year shall be as prosperous and successful as this one we look forward to bring our year par-excellent. M. RUSSELL NELSON, Acting Sphinx Representative.
I'M CHAPTER. University of Illinois. 602 E. Clark St. Champaign, ill., Sept. 30, 1919. I might mention also that I took up the Editor of the Sphinx: matter of having placed upon the monuI am glad to say that since you last heard ment to the recent war heroes among Pennsylvania's sons, the names too, of our col- from us there have been many significant changes at our chapter. In the first place ored students who served. The are all of the royal Line, and visiting brothers, in- we have secured a house which we can call specting our campus shall find on that great our temporary home, and we are progressstone edifice facing the Liberty, the names ing rapidly with a quota of fourteen men in of at least ten Alpha Phi Alpha, Rho'a and the house. In the second place I am glad Pennslvania's contribution to the world's to say that two of our old brothers in the persons of Brother William H. Sutton, and war. Brother William J. Powell, who have been Brothers, this is a long letter, but we in the army and consequently out of school need long letters to stimulate interest in for two years are back again to make our Sphinx. Tis true it is a sought after things lively at Tau. We started out the publication, because Brother "Juice" Jam- new school term by selecting the following erson, now of Wilmington, Delaware, had men to guide the destines of Tau this year: a bunch of his Wilmington Colleagues at- Brother Oscar Randall, President; Brother tack me one evening for the specific pur- Kichard A. Harewood, Vice President and Editor of the Sphinx; Brother Everett W. pose of securing my last Sphinx. Twas a dark corner on French Street, when at Campbell, Secretary; Brother Courtland least Six men pounced upon me and carried Booker, Treasurer. me into an ally. I fought as best I could, We started the new year with seven old but I heartbrokenly admit that they ripped men, which is a good nucleus to build up the lining of my coat, where I had care- from. In spite of our small number and fully secreted my Sphinx, and took it from the large number of freshman students me, for Brother Jamerson, I found out (senile twent-five) we have only selected the later, There are several graduate brothers following as candidates for initiation. They in Wilmington. Why on earth don't they • are; Arthur T. Wilson, of Chicago; Edward get together and form a graduate chapter T. Williamson, of Topeka, Kansas; Andrew so they would not have to use such FritzDavis, of St. Louis; Andrew Johnson, ef
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Jacksonville, F l a i d a ; T h e o d o r e Tives, of Chicago; Winston Leggon, of W a s h i n g t o n , D. C.; William W a l k e r , of Indianapolis, and Chas. F l e t c h e r , of Chicago. These men all seem promising and w i t h o u t doubt will keep up t h e s t a n d a r d of Alpha P h i Alpha in this section of t h e country. T h e old B r o t h e r s who a r e not back with us this year a r e : B r o t h e r Vance S. Mullon, w h o h a s affiliated himself with Beta C h a p t e r w h e r e he h a s gone to complete his study of medicine, r a m sure ttiat B e t a will find in his a typical Tau man. B r o t h e r Guy Curtis h a s also drifted eastward to c o m plete his study of medicine. B r o t h e r Leo B. Dickerson Is not r e t u r n i n g until second semester. 1 must also mention t h a t B r o t h er William .1. Powell who r e t u r n e d to school this s u m m e r is our new h o u s e m a n to succeed B r o t h e r Dickerson. B r o t h e r George A. Ferguson, our a l u m n u s Is now w o r k i n g with an a r c h i t e c t u r a l concern, In Marlon, Ind. B r o t h e r Lewis W. Giles is also w o r k ing a t an a r c h i t e c t u r a l concern, a t Washington, D. C. We a r e planning on m a k i n g the a n n u a l convention a t Chicago t h e grandest because of its proximity to us, a n d we a r e sure t h a t none of t h e B r o t h e r s will find enjoyment lacking d u r i n g their stay In Chicago. Well hoping to m e e t all of t h e B r o t h e r s in person Christmas, I beg to remain, Yours F r a t e r n a l l y , R I C H A R D A. H A R E W O O D , C h a p t e r Editor.
B R O T H E R DR. ROSCOF. G I L E S " O F T IN L I F E . " All Alpha Phi Alpha .Man. W h o H a s Made Good In Life. Born Albany, New York, 18IMI. T h e son of Counsellor and Mrs. F r a n c i s F . Giles. G r a d u a t e of Public Schood. No. 70, a n d t h e Boys' High School, Brooklyn, w h e r e he won t h e B. B. Christ Medal in Oratory, and a scolarship to Cornell University t h r o u g h competitive examination. G r a d u a t e d with Degree of Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from Cornell University in 1911. While in
the University, was ,i m e m b e r of the Cornell University Crew and maintained a very high s t a n d a r d of scolarship. E n t e r e d t h e Cornell University College of Medicine In New York City in 1911; m e t t r e m e n d o u s opposition t h e r e because of color. Graduated with h o n o r s in 1915, enjoying the distinction of being t h e first and only Negro to receive t h e Degree of Doctor of Medicine from Cornell University. While in t h e University, was asked to le,ave college each year by t h e secretary of t h e faculty, a n d in t h e last year received a t h r e a t e n i n g letter. Made a fight to e n t e r t h e hospitals in New York City, passed t h e competitive e x a m i n ation of both t h e Bellevue and H a r l e m Hospitals, but w a s denied e n t r a n c e on account of color. E n t e r e d Provident Hospital, Chicago, a s interne, spending eighteen m o n t h s there. Led a fight t h r o u g h t h e N. A. A. C. I'. and t h e Sons of N o r t h Carolina. of Brooklyn, to force New York Hospitals to a d m i t colored Internes, was responsible in a large m e a s u r e for Bellevue finally admitting colored men. Passed the examination of t h e Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium, m a k i n g first place over one h u n d r e d and fifty a p p l i c a n t s ; w a s denied the position by t h e Commissioner of H e a l t h , of Chicago, but was finally appointed by Mayor William H a l e T h o m p s o n . Was supervisor in the Health D e p a r t m e n t of t h e City of Chicago for eight m o n t h s . Was elected t h i r d president of t h e Alpha P h i Alpha F r a t e r n i t y a t t h e P h i l a d e l p h i a convention. At t h e present time is a trustee in t h e Bethel A. M. E. Church, Chicago, Attending Surgeon to P r o v i d e n t Hospital, and p r o m i n e n t in Masonic circles. W a s m a r r i e d in 1916 to Miss F r a n c e s Bland Reeder, of Keokuk, Iowa, a g r a d u a t e nurse of P r o v i d e n t Hospital, and is t h e father of three, boys.
S T E P H E N LANE F O L G E R <) FFIC'IAL J E W E L E R TO ALPHA P H I ALPHA FRATERNITY 106 B R O A D W A Y , N. Y. CLUB AND C O L L E G E P I N S AND R I N G S .
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Some of the Delegates to the 11th Annual Convention, which met In the Sterling: Branch Library'. East 30th Street, Cleveland, Ohio. Ex-President William Pollard sits in the centre of the first row, on Jiis right Brother President Daniel D. Fowler, and on the end next to him Brother Murphy, Editor of the SPHINX. In the certre of the second row is Brother Secretary Norman McGhee, and on his left Brother Vice President L. L. Mc-Ghee. Chapters should oi'der in advance photos of the 12th C o n vention. it -wi'i be a hummer.
OFFICIAL
DIRECTORY
MU CHAPTER, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn: President, V. James Henley, 178 E. 10th St., Minneapolis. Minn. Secretary, J. Everett Roberts, 2708 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis. NU CHAPTER, Lincoln University, Lincoln University, Pennsylvania: President, Joseph N. Hill, Lincoln University. Secretary, Frank Wilson, Lincoln University. OMICRON CHAPTER, University of Pittsburg and Carnegie School of Tech., Pittsburgh. Pa.—President. W. Roderick Brown, J r 1447 Sandusky St.. N. S. Pittsburgh; Secretary, Arthur E. Rickman, 7342 Monticello Street. XT CHAPTER. Wilberforce University, Wilberforce. Ohio President, R. L. Lynon, Wilherforce University. Secretary, Charles Logan, Wilberforce University. PI CTTAPTFR Western Reserve University an-i Cas*> School of Applied Science, Cleveland, Ohio—President, Selmo Glenn 503 Superior Building. Secretary, Robert S. Martin. 6208 Quincy str RHO CH A PTFR, University of Pern and M«>dico Chi. College Phila President. Leroy Berry, 4101 Chestnut, Philadelphia. Pa. Corresponding Secretary, R. Alexander, Houston Hall, U. of P. SIGMA CHAPTER. Harvard University and Boston Univ. Ronton Ma President. Marion A. Allen 24 Holvoke street. Boston, Mi Secretary, William L. rry, 421 Br. mbridge TAU CHAPTER, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois President, O. Randeii. 601 Fa«t Clark Secretary, Everett I ell, 602 Eas1 UPSILON CHAPTER, University of Kansi President, William Towers. hio Stre Secretary. James Scott. 836 Ohio Str BETA-LAMBD.
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GAMMA-LAMBDA I President, Dr. J. ! ary, Elmer J. CI
roit, Mi
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"ON TO CHICAGO" 12 TH ANNUAL CONVENTION CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
For Information— Address the General Secretary NORMAN L. McGHEE, Howard University, Washington, D. C.