The SPHINX | Spring February 1926 | Volume 12 | Number 1 192601201 by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

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Nineteenth Annual Convention, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Richmond, Virginia, December 27-31, 1926.

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Official

^Directory

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL* President, Raymond W. Cannon, 3400 Oakland Avenue, Minneapolis, Minn. First Vice-President, James W. McGregor, 1759 W . 35th Street, Los Angeles, Calif. second Vice-President, Peyton F . Anderson, 61 W. 130th Street, New York City. Third Vice-President, Charles VV. Greene, 315 Fraser Street, Atlanta, Ga. Fourth Vice-President, Harley S. Manuel, 1257 E.

H. B. Evans, 285 Beckwith

Street, ^^_

Atlanta,

urer, Percival R. Piper, 3807 Kirby Ave. W.. Detroit, Mich. a r C. Brown, 5300 Prairie ago, III. 58 Grand Boulevard, Chicago, III H. Hilburn, 1944 Druid Hill Ave., Baltimore

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Chapters. \ L P H A C H A P T E R , Cornell University, Ithaca. P I CI Science and N. Y. Western Reserve University, Cleveland, ( P r e s i d e n t , J o s e p h Houehina P . O. B o x 441 S e c r e t a r y , W . M. B a n k s , P . O . B o x 441, Ithaca, N . Y . R H O C H A P T E R , Temple University and BETA C H A P T E R , Howard University, Washington, da, Pa D. C. . W. F. J P r e s i d e n t , T h e o d o r o P e r c i v a l , 2447 G e o r g i a A v e Theodore h nue, N . W . Street. S e c r e t a r y , F r a n k T r i g g , 2447 G e o r g i a A v e a i e N. W . and Massa chusetts School o J A M M A C H A P T E R , Virginia Union University, Richmond, Va. Itreet. Wiley A. Hall, 732 North Fifth St eet. Secy., Chester L. Washington, Virginia Union PTT.R, University of Illinois, Champaign Illinois. D E L T A C H A P T E R , Montreal, Canada (Inactive). athaniel W. Hudson, 602 E. Clark E P S I L O N C H A P T E R , University of Michigan, Ann paign, 111. Arbor, Ivlichigan. Street President, Booker McGraw, 1103 East Huron Street. CHAPTER, University of Kansas Cor. Secretary, N. S. Minor, 1103 East Huron Lav ins. Street. Pre; Z E T A C H A P T E R , Yale University, New Haven, Street. Conn. Secretary, John Bell, 1101 Mississippi Si President, P H I C H A P T E R , Ohio University. Athens, 01 ' reet. E T A C H A P T E R , New York City College, Columbia and New York Universities, New York City. President, Marshall L. Shepard, 9 W . 99th Street. Secretary, Myles A. Paig . 13rtth Street. r H E T A C H A P T E R . University of Chicago. University of Illinois and Northwestern University, Chicago, 111. i eet.

. Herman

livers.iy of Pennsylvania, Plula at, W. Reid Wells. 329 N. 40th Street. n. 2! 31 Master Street. ;A A L P H A C H A P T E R . University of Cincin-

[ O T A C H A P T E R , Syracuse University, N. Y. President, X A P P A C H A P T E R . Ohio State University. Columbus. Ohio. , Pan! Fli '-1U C H A P T E R , University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Minn. President, Frank B. Ransom, 606 St. An) Street, St. Paul, Minn. Cor. Secretary, R. A. Johnson, 975 St. Anthony Street, St. Paul, Minn. N'U C H A P T E R , Lincoln University, Lincoln, Pa. it, Harry C Lincoln University, XI C H A P T E R , Wilberforce University, Wilberforce. 01 P r e s i d e n t C h a r l e s F a i r f a x , Wilberforce U t t i v . Cor. Sec , Kyht. T h o m a s , Wilbei-fordh V n i v , RON C H A P T E R Carneeie Institute of Technology and Universitv of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, •lent. R. W. Taylor, 2 7 C Wylie Ave. Secretary, T. I.. Jones, 87 Sylvania Ave.

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it, H T. ' West 9th Street. clary. F. T. I 6 West 9th Street. I \ B E T A C H A P T E R , Talladega College, Tallad| CO:

IA G A M M A C H A P T E R , Providence, R. I. i Littlefield Hall, '. I. Meeting Street, Pro, '. I. A L P H A D E L T A C H A P T E R . University of SouthIfornia, Los Angeles, Calif. 16 E. Pico Los Angeles, Calif. i \venue. '. Calif. •SILON C H A P T E R , University I -v, Calif. [ one St.. Oakland, ,- C. W. Williams, 2816 Dohr St., •keley, Calif.

R H IN X

Official Organ of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Published in February, April, June.October a n d December at 16 E S t r e e t , S. E., Washington, D . C . Subscription Price Une Dollar and Fifty Cents per Year Entered a s seeo.vl c l a s s m a t t e r December 21), 1921, a t the p o s t otfioa W a s h i n g t o n , D . C u n d e r the Act of M a r c h 3, 1819. A c c e p t a n c e for m a i l i n g at special r a t e of p o s t a g e p r o ided for in sesbion 1103, A.ot of O c t o b e r 3 , 1911, a u t h o r i z e d F e b r u a r y 23, 1923. STAFF OF EDITORS Editor-in-Chief "W ho Is Who?" "Editorials" "Frat Fun" "History" "Art" Assistant

OSCAR C. BROWN, 6300 P r a i r i e A v e . , C h i c a g o , 111GEORGE B. KEI.LV, U L h Streat, T r o y , N. V. V I C T O R R. D A L Y 715 F l o r i d a Ave., N . W . , W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . E L M E R J . C H E E K S , 10912 Quincy H e i g h t s , Cleveland, Ohio W . L. HANSBERRY, Howard University, Washington, D. C JAMES V. HERRING, H o w a r d U n i v e r s i t y , W a s h i n g t o n , D C

Editor and Advertising

VOLUME TWELVE

Manager,

SYDNEY P. BROWN', 4816 P r a i r i e A v e . , C h i c a g o

FEBRUARY 1Q26

NUMBER ONE

CONTENTS PAGE

"The W o r l d i- with U s , ' a c a r t o o n by C . L. M u r p h y EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION P r o g r a m of C o n v e n t i o n 3 T h e Public Session 4 " W o r l d S t a n d a r d s ' ' liy .Julian H . 4 Lewis, Ph. I) Bethel A. M. B. C h u r o h , P l a c e of P u b lic meeting ••• 7 Miss B e r n a d i n e B a k e r of D e t r o i t 8 T h e Open House N Smoker and Symposium 8 K a p p a A l p h a l'si's E n t e r t a i n m e n t 8 Mr, Frederick H. W i l l i a m s . C h a i r man. Kappa Entertainment Committee 8 T h e Musical Tea for V i s i t i n g Wiwes and Sweethearts 9 Alpha K a p p a Alpha E n t e r t a i n s Mrs. Beulah T y r r i l l W h i t b y , President Alpha K a p p a Alpha 9 T h e Detroit " Y " Picture 9 TheAnnual Banquet 9 The Annual Formal Prom 9 P i c t u r e of t n e P r o m 10 G a m m a - L a m b d a ' s Open R e c e p t i o n a n d Dance 1° U. G. M a s o n , Secret S e s s i o n S p e a k e r . .10 D e l t a S i g m a ' T h e t a ' s Gift of R o s e s 11 T e l e g r a m from Delta S i g m a T h e t a . . . . 11 T h e t a C h a p t e r I'icture H C h a m p i o n s of Alpha Phi A l p h a 12 N. A. M u r r a y 12 The Convention's Business 12 G a m m a C h a p t e r for Next C o n v e n t i o n . . .13 P r o m i n e n t I tosts: J u l i a n P . R o d g e r s : O- W . B a k e r 13 Cecil L. Rowlett 19

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G e n e r a l Officers for 1926 Raymond W . C a n n o n 14 .lames W . M c G r e g o r i", Pi yton F. A n d e r s o n is C h a r l e s W . Green 16 Harley S . Manuel n; Joseph II. I!. E v a n s 17 P e r c i v a l R. P i p e r 17 O s c a r C. Drown is R e t i r i n g General Officers N o r m a n L . McGhee 18 Homer Cooper ig Victor R Daly [g N a t i o n a l Alpha Phi A l p h a Hymn 20 The ('onvention Picture 22 Greetings From Our President 2~> G r e e t i n g s F r o m T h e Mid-Western VicePresident , 2."i Editorials The C o n v e n t i o n 26 A Super Fraternity.. 26 The Sphinx 26 Graduate Chapters Again 27 Features: A l p h a P h i Alpha, An O p p o r t u n i t y for S e r v i c e . By W . C . Burnett '. . ..21 Let them go down, By N. W. H u d s o n . .2*. W h y Greek Letter F r a t e r n i t i e s ? tly G Norman Adamson 29 Activities Of C h a p t e r s Alpha: Beta; G a m m a : T h e t a : I o t a : K a p p a : N u : X i : Pi: Alpha D e l t a : A l p h a Theta; Alpha-Kappa: Alpha-Omicron A l p h a - P i ; A l p h a R h o ; Beta L a m b d a ; G a m m a L a m b d a ; Eta L a m b d a : I o t a L a m b d a ; Omioron L a m b d a : Sigma: I ' p s i l o n : Alpha Beta F r a t Fun 41 Bits Of I n t e l l i g e n c e 4t Cupid's Corner 42

My SON YOU HAVE DOWE MUCH FOR ME " * THE PAST PEV*' Y E A R S I CONGRATULATE YOU. C O M E W T T H ME HOME AND L E T US CONVERSE OVCRTHE TR03LEM9 FOR THE

YEAR.

^OSPEj^

THE EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity CS3i^5) N O T H E R illustrious chapter was added to the annals of Alpha Phi Alpha by the year's work which culminated in the Eighteenth Annual Convention held in the City of Detroit during the last week in December, 1925. The business-like way in which the business was carried on bespeaks a new era in convention-craft for us. There was a dynamic force at work; in the interest of Alpha Phi Alpha. The performance of every detail moved with celerity and precision f:om the tune Brother Julian P. Rodgers, President of Gamma-Lambda, called the Convention to order for the Public Session to the end, when at the banquet, the Brothers stood in the solemn circle, with hands grasped, as they sang the parting words, "Blest Be the 'lies That Bind." The Official Minutes will give in detail the work of the Convention. However, it may not be amiss to present here in bold relief a summary of what has been well termed Alpha Phi Alpha's Best Convention. T h e Official P.ogram carried the following scheduled events :

PROGRAM OF T H E EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION, ALPHA PHI A L P H A F R A T E R N I T Y , INC.. D E T R O I T , M I C H I G A N , D E C E M B E R £7 T O 31, 1925. Convention Headquarters: Jewish Institute—East High Street, between Hastings and St. Antoine Streets. All scheduled meetings, unless otherwise designated, will be held at Convention Headquarters. Saturday, December 26th, 1925 Arrival of and registration of present General Officers. Sunday, December 27th, 1925 S:30A. M. Registration of Delegates and Visiting Brothers at Convention Headquarters. 10:30 A . M . Con Terence of General Officers. :;:()() P. M. Public Meeting, Bethel A. M. E. Church, Cor. of St. Antoine and Frederick Streets. Rev. Gomez, Pastor. J. P. Rodgers, Presiding. 1. "America." 2. Invocation. Rev. Milton Thompson, Gamma Lambda. 3. Welcome Address. Mayor Jno. W. Smith. 4. Selection. Miss Cole. 5. Remarks. Mr. Raymond W. Cannon, General President. (>. Selection. Mr. W. Walker. 7. Address. Dr. Julian H. Lewis, Xi-Lambda Chapter, Chicago. 8. Introduction of General Officers. 9. Uoxology. 8:00 to 10:00 P. M. Open House Receptions. Bro. Lloyd A. Loomis, 5339 Vinewood Avenue. Bro. Herbert Simms, 6G14 Firwood Avenue. Miss Bernadlne Baker, sister of Bro. Lowell W Raker, Jr., 6101 30th Street. Bro. Dr. John A. Moore. 1903 McDougall Street. Bro. Dr. Frank P. Raiford, 1710 McDougall Street. Monday, December 28th, 1925. 8 :30 A. M. Registration, 9 :30 A. M. First Session. I. Call to order, Julian P. Rodgers, LL.B.,

President Gamma Lambda. 2. Invocation, Rev. Henry S. Dunbar, Executive Secretary Y. M. C. A., Gamma Lambda. 3. Welcome Address— a. On behalf of the Community—James W . Ames, M.D., Gamma Lambda. b. On behalf of the State of Michigan— Booker T. McGraw, President Epsilon. c. On behalf of Gamma Lambda—C. Henri

Lewis. 4. Response, General Vice-President James A. Scott. 5. Introduction of General President, Raymond W. Cannon, by J. C. Dancy, Secretary Detroit Urban League and Secretary Dunbar Community Center. 6. Annual Address of General President, Raymond W. Cannon. 7. Appointment of: a. Officials of the Convention. b. Committee on Rules and Credentials. 8. Short recess. 9. Report of Committee on Rules and Credentials. 10. Roll Call and seating. 11. Communications. 12. Appointment of Special Committees. 13. Announcements—P. R. Piper. 14. Adjournment. 1 :00 P. M. Trip—Ford Factory and Belle Isle. (1:()() to 9 :00 P. M. Annual Smoker and Symposium, Convention Headquarters. Bro. Cecil L. Rowlette, LL.B., Director. Initiation of Honorary Candidate and setting up of Undergraduate Chapter. 10:00 P . M . to 1:00 A . M . Reception by Kappa Alpha Psi. (Place to be announced.) Tuesday, December 29th, 1925. M. Call to order. Invocation. Roll call. Reading of minutes. Reading of communications. Reading of Standing Committees. Report of Director of "Go-to-High School, Go-to-College" campaign. 12 :00 to 12:20. Recess. 8. Meeting of Committees. 9. Report of Auditing Committee. 10. Communications. 11. Introduction of visiting Honorary Brothers present. 12. Founders Address, Nathaniel A. Murray. The wives and sisters of the brothers of the Gamma Lambda Chapter will entertain the wives and sweethearts of the visiting brothers at the Wayne Medical Hall, 68 E. High Street, 2 to 6 P. M. "(Invitations will be issued at Convention Headquarters.) 8 :30 P. M. Basketball Game. Doctors vs. Lawyers. U. of M. vs. Center Five. Dancing until 1 :00 A. M. Light Guard Armory, Congress and Randolph Streets.

10 :00 A. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Wednesday, December 30th, 1925. 10:00 A. M. 1. Call to order. 2. Roll call.

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y ,

1926

3. 4. 5. 6.

Reading of minutes. Communications. Reports of General Officers. Early History of Alpha Phi Alpha, by N. A. Murray. 7. Recess. 8. Annual Fraternal Address, Dr. U. G. Mason. 9. Reports of Committees. 10. Adjournmentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;3:00 P. M. 5:00 to 9:00 P. M. Reception by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Belle Isle Casino. Each brother and his company are invited. 12:00 to 4:00 A . M . The Annual Prom, formal, given by Gamma Lambda Chapter in honor of the Delegates and Visiting Brothers to the Eighteenth Convention, Graystone Ballroom, 4245 Woodward Avenue. Invitations will be issued by the clerk at the registration desk. There will be an invitation for each financial brother and his guest (one lady).

THE PUBLIC

SESSION.

H E P U B L I C S E S S I O N was held Sunday afternoon, the twenty-seventh, in Bethel A. M, E. Church, Frederick and St. Antoine Streets. Mayor John W . Smith of Detroit could not be present to extend welcome to the city. Official welcome was extended, however, by his secretary. One Miss Cole, of Detroit, sang two selections, that were very beautiful and proved that she, though yet in her "teens,'' is really an artist for whom we wish unbounded success in the future. Our General President, Brother Cannon, as usual, gave a very interesting talk on the purpose and work of Alpha Phi Alpha. Brother Julian II. Lewis, the brilliant young Doctor of Philosophy and Assistant Professor of Pathology in the University of Chicago, was the Public Session's principal speaker. H e delivered a masterpiece nu the subject, "World Standards." We are fortunate in being able to reproduce it in this issue of

THK

SPHINX.

J U L I A N H.

Xi-Lcmbda.

LEWIS,

Convention Speaker.

Public

Session.

Thursday, December 31st, 1925. M. Call to order. Invocation. Roll call. Reading of minutes. Communications. Reports of Committees. Nomination and Election of Officers. Selection of Meeting Place of Nineteenth Convention. !). Minutes of Final Session. 00 P. M. Annual Fraternity Banquet, Y. M. C. A. Toastmaster, J. C. Dancey. Short peppy after-dinner talks. Award of cups. Friday, January 1st, 1920. 2 :00 to 6 .00 P. M. Reception and dance will be given by Gamma Lambda Chapter, informal, in honor of the delegates, visitors, the local fraternities and sororities and Detroit friends. Jewish Institute, High Street. 00 A. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Brother Lewis entered the University of Illinois at the age of sixteen. He received the degrees of A.B. and A.M. from that institution in 1911 and 1912, respectively. He received the degree of Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1915. Brother Lewis was awarded a fellowship from the University of Chicago 1913-14-15; was awarded the Howard Ricketts' Research Prize of $250 for the most thorough and original reseaich work by any candidate for the degree of Ph.D. His M.D. degree was received in 1917 from Rush Medical College. Since 1917, he has been Assistant Professor of Pathology in the University of Chicago. He is a Director of the Douglass National Bank of Chicago and of the Victory Life Insurance Company and Medical Director of the latter institution. Brother Lewis' address follows: .1//-. Chairman, Brothers in Alpha Phi Ladies and Gentlemen:

Alpha,

H E R E is convening in your city this week a fraternity whose members are united because at some period in their lives they have been a member of some institution of higher learning". We beIn \ r that, because of this experience, we have taken on our shoulders a most high obligation, the obligation which is always that of the educated. We have, therefore, assembled here to give an account of ourselves, to counsel with each other as to how we may best carry out our obligations, and to plan to urge others to do what we have done believing that it is good, not only for themselves, but to others that make up the community in which they live. We believe. further, that we owe it to you, the public, to give an account of our activities because the principal duty of the educated is to the public. W e come to you to solicit your advice, your criticisms, your encouragement in the things we undertake. I had first in my mind an intention of speaking on some altruistic phase of education, modelled somewhat after the addresses we as students are accustomed to hear on commencement days. I had planned to forget that we are colored men for once and to assume that we a-e the same as any other citizen of this country and to discuss education from a viewpoint that would be of interest to any group of citizens. But 1 feel too strongly the urge of that great force of race consciousness that is growing to such monstrous proportions among us. This force urges me to cry out at all times, "Yes, we are Negroes and we are proud of it. We are something to be reckoned with. Xot much longer will we be a suppressed people. Look at the fetters that have already burst from

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y , 1926 our muscles and see those that are strained and weakened and ready to loosen the strength that has been be und for these many years. Watch this giant when he becomes free" Then I grow meek and humble when I realize the errors and pitfalls that we might fall into. A picture of none of the glories of the full and complete expression of our racial determination or the culmination of our efforts to bring out the best of us can obliterate the despair that will be ours in case of failure. Our development is not a blind self evolving thing. It must be done under careful guidar.c\ studied maneuvering and experienced generalship. Because we must look out not only for the natural pitfalls of development, but we must circumvent studied opposition and carefully planned traps and obstacles. 1 can offer no better instrument for such problems as these than education. This is true not only because us role in other instances of racial development, but because of the very nature and meaning of educa.ion. 1 can reier you to some very concrete exampic.) ot th.s. i^et us refer you to the Japanese as an illustration of what education may do for a race. There is no mo.e marveious phenomenon of this and the past century than the development of these people. liven within the memory of people now living Japanese were conside.ed as rice-eating heathens whose duty was to supply the world with silk. And now what nation does not trenii.le in her boots on contemplation of this race as an, enemy? It was education forcibly thrust down their throats and as yet not completely assimilated, that did the trick. Again, the recent political upheavals in previous monarchies were not so much due to the cruelties of rulers, though they were many, but they resulted from the acquired ability of the citizens of these individual countries to sit down and think, and contemplate and reason out for themselves that it was all wrong; to discuss and imagine with each other how it could be better. These acquired abilities cam.; from education. If there is any one force that I would equip a race with it is education. Some say wealth is ail powerful, but a nation, as an individual, with wealth and no education, is a fool. Some name numbers as the necessary force, but look at the poor, pitiful Africans that are counted by millions but whose home is the loot of the whole world. If you have education you will have wealth, and with education, wealth and numbers, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;well, the usual thing to say is,â&#x20AC;&#x201D;you can conquer the world. But what is t h e e in the world worth conquering to a super race? But I do say you will rise to heights yet beyond the knowledge of man. 1 here are no people that I know of that have the fundamental background of a powerful race than the Negro. He is kind, he is sympathetic, he is romantic, he is artistic, he is philosophical, he is religious. How finely are all these characteristics expressed in our spi ituals. How they disclose a latent but innate ability to philosophize, to contemplate, to introspect even under the greatest oppression that man can have. If I told you of some strange race that was at the same time kind, sympathetic, romantic, artistic, philosophical, religious, educated and wealthy, you would think it some wonder race that had never existed. Well, it has never existed yet, but it can be your race. 1 know of a race that is also educated and wealthy, t u t it is not kind, it is not religious, it is arrogant, conceited, b.utal, but it is powerful. Whatever we ordinarily believe to be the duties of the educated, both to himself and to his community, these duties for the Negro arc complicated in that his race is involved. Ordinarily an educated man owes certain things to himself and he owes certain things to his country as a citizen, but the Negro owes a third duty to his race. And it is in regard to the fulfillment of this third duty that I want to speak. Any person who gets an education, does so obviously, fo: some definite reason. Sometimes it is done

to fulfill the hopes of intelligent parents. Sometimes, because of a false desire for a life of ease and wealth. Most of the time it is because there is some individual that we look upon as an ideal and whose life we want to imitate. H e becomes the pattern after whom we shape our lives. He is the standard that we measure and gauge our accomplishments. This is a laudable reason, provided, however, that the standard we set up is a high one. Yet this is not always true. 1 remember that when a child, at a very impressionable age, a man came to our church and brought with him a boy IT or 18 years old who could use a typewriter. H e charged us 10 cents admission to see this wonderful person and for another 10 cents this young man would typewrite your name on a piece of paper. All of us thought it a wonderful performance and surely, quite a few of us children had an ambition to make his attainments our life ambition. He served as a standard for our future life, and possibly many of these youthful aspirants have been satisfied to become stenographers. The standard that this man gave was relatively high because we had never seen anything like it, but it was absolutely low because, when compared with the attainments of the world at large, it was negligible. There is another sort of standard that has been set up before us for a long while. We know of many individuals who have become famous because they were the first Negroes to do something, not to do something unusual of itself, but to be the first Negro to do something that other people had been doing for ages. There have been the first Negro judge, the first Negro alderman, the first Negro doctor, and the first Negro to do this and do that. Many of these peoples have been fine upright characters and we are proud of them and they will always be our racial heroes. But oftentimes their accomplishments ceased with the attainment of this honor of being the first and when the same attainment was reached by many others and it became rather common, the glamour of their glory wore off and we have had to think pretty hard, sometimes, to recall just why some of these individuals are famous. To set such a man up as a model for our youths to strive after is creating a false standard. It has two pernicious effects. In the first place, it arouses an ambition to be the first Negro to do something else. That very hope will be the maui aspiration. It does not matter what it is, but anything will do about which can be saidâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;"he is the first Negro to do it." I have known individuals who recognized an opportunity to become famous in this way and who have worked hard and with much rivalry and competition in order to be the first one to do something, apparently without a thought of the worth-whileness of the thing he is actually striving to accomplish, the medium through which he is to be the first. The second false premise is that these people became famous because they were the first, not because of the quality of what they did. Nevertheless, their accomplishments are the models after which Negro youths build their lives. For instance, a man may be the first Negro alderman in a community and he becomes a hero to Negro youths who aspire to become the same kind of alderman that he was, although as a matter of fact, he was a rather mediocre alderman. Thank God, we have done so many things now that there is little room for any more of these first-to-do Negroes. I think I see a finger of propaganda in this whole proposition. For instance, we often hear about the great and wonderful progress that we have made since our freedom. It is raised up before everybody to admire and wonder at. The President, in his annual message to Congress a few days ago. referred to it as marvelous. I, too, think it is a grand and glorious thing and we are righteously proud of it. But the strong and unsolicited pushing that tin's fact has been given by other people than our own makes

T h e S p l i i n x for F e b r u a r y ,

1926

me suspicious that it is intended to lull into a contented narcosis With the belie! thai here alone is

enough to prove our greatness.

Thereby, a strong

stimulus to further and greater activity is effectively removed. And again I have often wondered at the fact that our so-called great men have ncarK always been elevated to greatness by the other race. It often happens that a man will live side by side with -is, perhaps with some talent that we admired, but wit ' nothing that we suspected would turn the world 'ver. But, lo and behold, we wake up some morning and find that this man is famous. We find we have been associating all these years with the world's greatest. The newspapers and periodicals are filled with news about this great artist, this great singer, litis great actor, this great author or this great financier. It .gives us a rather peculiar feeling. We wonder if, after all, we have been that dumb or that unappreciative of the best. '1 hen again I wonder if it all isn't for the purpose of setting Up before us a false standard, if it isn't a gesture suggesting that these are the standards toward which we should strive. Most of our men are satisfied with being a big Negro rather than big men and it seems that we meet with every encouragement to aspire to be a big Negro. It is obvious thai a Negro holcLng a $10,000 job will be looked upon as wonderful, lie will be received by J. P . Mo gan and ..ther distinguished financiers, by political leaders and even by the President of the United Slates, while a white man holding a similar position would not be even considered, there is an inclination to -ale the Negro just as one rates a child or a dumb annual. People will vociferously applaud a child's performance whereas the same presentation by a grown person would be hissed off the stage. An au .icii.-c regards it a marvel us performance to have a dog rap on a door or turn the knob in response to somebody else's rapping, while this performance e v e n ln a would stupid i e-year-old child. In other words, each group is rated by a standard. One by a Neg o standard. . r.da:d and a third by a dumb animal o n e |„ standard. '1 he public says in substance, ' t h a t was oretty •"• '" t l u -' a s '* l a " d s •x m( ,',i, ormance by a child, or thinks turning a door knob is pretty good for a dog. My pica ti o accept nothing but world's best as our standard. Let us look beyond race for our ideals, iei us take [or our goal thai which transcends any narrow limitation ol country or nation. I do not mean by this that we shall discard our Negro standards because, is not Dubois a world's standard as a Sociologist, is not Booker T. Washington a world's standard as an educator, is not just a worldjs standard as . is nol Roland Hayes a world's standard as a singer, and certainly fanner is a world's Standard as an a r t i s t People of all nations overlook race to sec in these men a consummation of what is best in their fields, so let us in still other lines look beyond race and 9elecl the world's best as our standard. Let us hunger after the best, let us desire for • he highest. Let us have that unsatiated and constant desire that is painful. It is painful because it is healthful. Our civilization is one of constant desires. • is the stimulus to life's .activities. We are hungry and we eat to get rid of the desire for food. We arc thi-sty, so we drink to get rid of the desire tn quench our thirst We are cold, so we seek the radiator, fur coats and' Florida to gel rid of our desire to be warmer. We are overheated with summer's sweltering rays and we seek the mountains, the seashores and the ice cream parlors to be cooler. Finally, we pray because we have innurrerahle desires and we believe thai then is some power which sometimes, somehow, somewhere will answer our prayers and enable us to get rid of these myriad wants ftihich from the unasked cradle t> the upv.clcome grave push and p.'od to goad us on.

Let us take another illustration. If a man has aptis the pain is at first intense, excruciating, almost unbearable. Within 12 to r.l hours, a! the outside, unless an operation intervenes, the pain passes away and the patient feels quite as well as ever. But he is in danger. His body absorbs poisonous material and be becomes toxic, lethargic and finally dies. Let us i rid of this pain of desire and dissatisfaction with none but the best or else we also will tolerate Eo get, become lethargic, apathetic, indifferent, and lake the position of Bclzebub in Milin hell than serve in heaven." Alexander, with his ton's "Paradise Lost," when he said. "Better to rule apt and familiar couplet, expresses the idea adeVicc is a monster of so frightful nirin, That to be hated needs but to be seen, Yet so int. familiar with her face. We first endure, then pity, then embrace. Colored men and women should take the highest standard as their ideal then put forth their every effort to approach that st; ndard. Here, then is the ideal. What about the method? The oid hymn sang, "Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds ol ease?" No, it requires sustained application, and hard work. Any one who gets an education because be wants to accomplish a high amoon finds himself mistaken. Nothing worth while is ever accomplished easily. Examine tie l i a s of our truly great men. You will find they worked just a little harder, read just a little more and thought just a little longer than the average man. And if we but knew the untold misery and hunger of their inner souls, their failures, their impatience with the minutiae of great accomplishments, their disappointments with the limitations of their ability. I have always found that I can gel more inspiration fnan stud,in", the details of a great man's personal life than from studying the p-oducts of his life. Another factor which the educated man owes to himself is the choice of his associates. Here too be must have a standard He must seek to improve himself by contact, to keep alive the fires of ambition by observing the blaze of ambition in others. It was Lemarck who said an organ mc esses with use and decreases with disii e. I- will he r c a l e l that Robinson Crusoe lost his language when cast on an island with no one to talk to. AIIV.HL goes back in language when he has no one t.. converse with of a cultured type Go where people dress slovenly and eho tly you wiil be dressing the same wa Be plac d among artistic people .and you will grow to appreciate art even if you do not produce it. create it This is why I have never compromised b) sa in", that we do not want social equality, because I want the opportunity of associating with people from whim I can learn something whether they be black or white. Thank ('.: d. that I can find pl( -i enough that I shall neve' fear cultural n i But manj ..." our youths lac!; the discretion that betirirs later upon education and they are thrown int.. an atmosphere of jazz and the blues which is all too corrim n i m >rig us St "ike up a tune of an opera while tin Italian or ('einrui painter or mecha working in your house and he will go int.. ecstacies. Why? In Italy o" Germany, he has been raised on the musical pabulum of Straciari, Caruso, FJayden Handel, Beethoven and Wagner. It has been his standard. Frbrh now on. let us be satisfied with nothing short oi the world's standard. It will-'give greater satisfaction and will do more quickly !.. usher us into the fraternity of world's citizens'than any course which we may pursue. For after all, we tire rated by the group to which we belong. Rules, conventions and regulations are made to apply to the class in which one is usually found. When the exceptions are hey can only expect scant attention. Inthe exceptions, however,- to a formidable

Trie S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y , 1926 minority and wc will be thought of in a different light. The men who have had exceptional advantage in education should chart the course and lead the way. They are the atlases upon whose shoulders rests the

fabric of civilization. They are the while shaft which points to a rainbow of poetry, music and art which throws a beautiful and irresistible charm over human life.

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y ,

1926 sandwiches to her many visitors. Mrs. Goggins, another young matron, was especially pleasing and agreeable. Lovely Miss Bernardine Baker was another of the hostesses. She was assisted in receiving by the pretty Mrs. Paul Alexander, of Detroit, the altogether charming and popular Chicago debutante, Miss Hortense Hall and a score of other pretty girls. A splendid beginning for a week-of continued joy! SMOKER AND

SYMPOSIUM

The Annual Smoker and Symposium was held at Convention Headquarters and proved to be a very joyful occasion. Brother Cecil 1,. Rnwlctte presided and gave us a varied program of good and bad extemporaneous speeches and songs that proved interesting every minute of the time that we remained in the dense smoke, from cheap cigars and cigarettes, that filled the room. The affair was held on Monday evening, the twentyeighth, and served its usual good purpose of bringing the Brothers together for a regular good time free from the burden of formality. We were shortly after nine rushing to and fro to get back to the cordial reception which had been planned to begin at ten o'clock with the Detroit Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi acting as hosts. KAPPA A L P H A PSI

Miss

BERNARDINE

BAKER.

Miss Baker, who is widely known throughout the Middle West for her beauty and charming manners, was one of the reasons for the success of the "Social Side" of the Convention. She was hostess on Sunday evening, the 27th, for one of the delightful "At Homes" to the visiting delegates and is the sister of our own brother, Lowell Baker, of Gamma-

A dance of unusual brilliance and cheer was one given by the Detroit Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, on Monday, the 28th. in honor of the visiting delegates of Alpha Phi Alpha. This affair was more than a dance; it was rather a splendid testimony of the good will existent between our college fraternities. How we did dance and bow we did enjoy eve "y step of it ! There were friends and schoolmates in the merry group from all the ends of the earth, it seemed, and the jovial spirit that prevailed throughout the evening was reminiscent of "Dear Old School I >ays." This cordial association of men of high caliber means much to the success of our several programs. and it is to be hoped that the same "good will" will grow stronger with the coming years.

Lambda. THE "OPEN

HOUSE"

T h e "calendar of good times" began with tin- At Homes held Sunday evening, December 27th. The fact that these were entirely lacking in formality, made them the more enjoyable. The brothers and their company were instructed to "call whether you have met the host or not; introduce yourself, stay as lung as you choose and leave when you please." So genuine was the hospitality at all of these well appointed homes, so "stimulating" the refreshments served, that one found difficulty in not choosing to Stay wherever he happened to enter first. And only the knowledge that the same warm welcome awaited you at each of the At Homes made you leave one for another. We went first to Mrs. John A. Moore's, thence to Mis. Frank P. Pay ford's, next to Mrs. Chester C. Ames, who was assisted in receiving by Mrs. Johnson, and found all of these ladies the very "essence of cordiality." Mrs. Henri Lewis and Mrs. Herbert Sims upheld their reputation as charming hostesses, while pretty Mrs. Lloyd A. T.oomts made a delightful picture as she poured coffee and served

MR. F R E D E R I C K H. W I L L I A M S C h a i r m a n of K a p p a ' s E n t e r t a i n m e n t C o m m i t t e e

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y , 1 9 2 6 MUSICAL

TEA

The wives and friends of Gamma-Lambda are to be congratulated on the pleasing and beautiful manner in which they "put over" the Musical Tea <>n Tuesday, the 2tith, in compliment to tin visiting wives and sweethearts of Alpha l'hi Alpha. The tea was held at the spacious and inviting parlors of the local Medical Association. Evidences of the patience and care with which the evening was planned were apparent on ever_\- hand. The cordial greeting extended by the beautifully gowned ladies of the receiving line, the d e l i c t u s repast so gracefully served and the "well balanced" program of classical, sentimental and comedy jazz numbers combined to make a thoroughlyenjoyable affiair. It is interesting to note that the number of wives, sisters, and "wives to he" who attended the convention is increasing so steadily from year to year, that such a party, exclusively fur the fairer sex, is by no means out of order. Detroiters art- to lie commended in that they foresaw the necessity for this arrangement and thus set a worthwhile and delightful precedent.

ST. ANTOINK STRESS BRANCH Y. M. C. A.. (;::.'> l-'.t. :ABETB

STREET, DETROIT,

MICHIGAN.

The "Y" was opened on March 29, 1985. and has been nvJcing great strides under the direction of its Executive Secretary, Bro. H. S. Dunbar, to parallel the "Y's" in other cities. It was built at an expesne . l; ,, [ames M. Gregory is Chairman 0 f c-, of the Executive Council. Our "Y" is the largest and best in the country, having rooming accommodations for Hit men and ade,-„•:. , for 2,000 members. To date there is nihe- bin of Hill boys and '.!>(> men. There is a Century Club of business men of 100 members. Our is $100,000.00 tier year.

ANNUAL FORMAL

MRS. BEULAH T Y R R I L L W H I T B Y P r e s i d e n t , Alpha K a p p a A l p h a ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was hostess at a matinee Uansant on Wednesday, the 30th, in compliment to the delegates of Alpha Phi Alpha. This pretty party was held at Belle Isle Casino, a pleasure resort on the verj edge of Detroit, from which one experiences the thrill .if "looking abroad" at the Canadian shore. Everj possible effort was exerted ami with great success, to give the visitors a jolly time. Belle Isle Pavillion. already a pretty place, bore marks of the "woman's touch": the lights of the pavalion were converted into marvelous tulips in the soft colors of Alpha K a p a Alpha. This simple and artistic hit of decoration, coupled will) the lively music did much to make tile dance a real pleasure. This enjoyable occasion recalled fond memories of similar delightful entertainments given by Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapters in St. Louis, Columbus, New York City, all of which are remembered as this will surelv be. with pleasure and appreciation by Alpha Phi Alpha.

PROM.

The climax of beamy and splendor was the Annual Formal Prom he'd at the Million-dollar Graystone ballroom on Wednesday, the 30th. This brilliant and unique affair was held at midnight and lasted until the wee hours of the morning. I heard one visitor describe it as a "Dream Party." and so it was—soft music by the famous Earl Walton Orchestra; soft lights, beautiful girls and "Princes Charming" all made this dance seem a phantasy found only in "Dreamland." The whole effect was one of "mellowness" so that as if by compulsion the dancers assumed whispering tones for conversation as they "tripped the light fan tastic." At the appointed hour every corner of the beautiful ballroom echoed with the fervent tones of the Hymn of A. Phi A. And as the last note sounded the momentary and impressive silence that prevailed was broken by yells and college songs on every hand. Many proclaimed it the prettiest "formal" in the history of Alpha Phi Alpha. We shall not attempt comparisons here ; suffice to say that from beginning to end it was just one jolly, happy, "long-to-be-remembered" merry whirl.

THE ANNUAL

BANQUET.

It was half after nine o'clock on the last night of December as 1 sat in the beautiful lobby of the- new "Y." The strain of the live days of the Convention had been very heavy. I was beginning to tire as I relaxed there for a moment; but in a moment the brothers began to assemble for the banquet, and the joy of being with them again gave me new life. The work of the Convention had ended and we were glad

tD go down stairs to the cafeteria for the banquet feast. Brother John C. Dancy, the toastmaster, took charge at about ten and called on various brothers lor remarks. A representative number spoke, from Brother Henry A. Callis, one of the lounde s, to Brother Robert "Baby-boy' Black, the baby of AlphaTau, the baby chapter of the fraternity. The menu was complete all the way from the half chicken that was served to each brother to the demi-tasse to those who cared. At a few minutes before midnight we stood. Each grasped the hands of the two brothers beside him. This formed the sac ed circle oi Alpha Phi Alpha'-. Convention 'Good-bye." 'God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again," and the chapter closed. It was a New Year, with a new soul in the framework of Alpha Phi Alpha. We parted rejoicing. GAMMA-LAMBDA OPEN RECEPTION AND DANCE A fitting close to the "Calendar of good times" was tin informal reception and dance by Gamma-Lambda to all of the visitors and local friends on New Year's Day. Thus this chapter went a step further in holiday entertainment by including in their program an "open dance," which enabled them to pay. in a measure. their debt of gratitude to all of the Detroiters who contributed to the success of the Convention. ULYSSES G. M A S O N .

Convention

Speaker,

Omicron-Lambda.

Secret

Session.

Some time ago a special reporter of the Chicago Defender toured the South and interviewed most of the outstanding Race men in that section. Of Brother Mason, she said that he was the busiest man in the South. Quite a compliment to him and to u s ; but a

much larger compliment to us is his being sufficiently interested in Alpha Phi Alpha to leave his busy life and to give to us words of wisdom from his wealth of experience. T h e increasing interest of Brothers of Dr. Mason's caliber assures us that we are right and insures the success of our program. We regret that important business made it necessary for Brother Mason to leave before the time for his appearance in the capacity above indicated.

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y , D E L T A SIGMA T H E T A ' S GIFT O F ROSES The Detroit Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, sent a novel and beautiful expression of good will and good wishes. A wonderful basket laden with nature's fairest flowerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;roses. Could anything be more feminine and more sincere? This gift of roses was well received and highly appreciated, and marked one of the

1926

high spots in the Convention. An effort was made to get a picture of this beautiful gift, but without success. The telegram from Delta's Convention, received by us at the Annual Banquet is reproduced below as an acknowledgment of our deep appreciation, love and gratitude for the kindness of this sorority.

ilboltfca^ Greeting WESTERN UNION *$& F&i -7Z& *5& tt& tt& v?fi& r5& i7Zj& ^TTfc ^TZJP. ITZJK 97:* vrr^? ] A403Z FS 15 DESMOINES IOWA 542P DEC 31 1926 ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY 403 CARE COLORED Y M C A DETROIT MICH HERE IS HOPING YOU ARE HAVING SUGGESSFUL CONVENTION ACCEPT OUR BEST WISHES HAPPY NEW YEAR DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY 721P

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y .

T H E T A CHAPTER. C H A M P I O N OF A L P H A

1926

P H I ALPHA. boy, he was late any way. Oh, yes, he had to pay the dollar fine, too, for there was no acceptable excuse Theta, the undergraduate chapter located in Chito get around it. ( W e think Brother Merrill Curtis cago, was awarded the Balfour cup for permanent is familiar with this case.) possession for having the most efficient chapter in the payment of grand tax for 1926. It was also awarded It was an inspiration to be present at the afternoon the L,. L. McGee cup for having been the most efsession of the second day. When the gavel fell only ficient chapter in all departments during the same one man was absent; and he came in a few minutes year. T h e McGee cup is retained permanently when later, paid his dollar and gave a good excuse for hava chapter wins it three consecutive years. It will be ing been late. No, the dollar was not refunded. The remembered that this chapter owns the Garvin cup, - rule said if you were late you paid He was late. which was also awarded for efficiency some years ago. (Brother Bindley Cyrus can prove this.) The sessions we*e scheduled to end' at 5 o'clock in the afterThe house program of this chapter may well serve noon and on one or two occasions only did we stay as a model for many other chapters. To the brothers longer than that. There were no <) and 10 o'clock of Theta it was a business proposition and they apnight sessions with which we had been burdened in plied business principles and worked it out. Other past years. On one afternoon we had finished the problems are faced and worked out in a similar way. business at 3 :"(> and the session adjourned at about 4. ' They have made theirs a laboratory in which they With all of this more constructive work was done are making qualitative and quantitative analyses of than at most of our conventions. The committees apthe problems of home ownership, home finance and pointed represented the best brains at the Convention , operation. They know now that when a debt is creand were not political sehelrtes and awards as had ated some plans must be created to pay it, refund it been the case in some conventions. These committees or handle it in sonic other businesslike way at maworked and came back to the body with something turity. They have likewise learned the value of cotangible to offer. A thousand dollars was provided operation and team work and that there must be refor scholarships and a similar sum for a student loan spect and sympathy for the feeling and rights of fund A certified public'accountant came in and cerothers. They are learning to play the game of life. tified that the finances of the fraternity bad been fully And they are playing it according to the rules. and properly handled. Improvements in the handling • We are exceedingly proud of Theta and the splenoi our finances were instituted. did men. individually, who compose that chapter. May they continue to progress without limit with the satisThe matter of increasing delinquency seems to have faction of knowing that they have the everlasting apbeen properly and effectively handled. The hurden of. . preciation and love of the rest of us. v o king out this difficulty has been placed upon the chapters where it ought to be. In the future T H E SPHINX will be sent only to those whom the General Secretary certifies as eligible. In fact, the whole structure of the fraternity was strengthened, with a definite allocation of responsibilities, duties and rewards. The presence of two of the founders of Alpha Phi -Alpha. Brother Henry A. Callis of Chicago, and Brother Nathaniel A. Murray of Washington, was a source of much delight and inspiration The advice given by these "Jewels" always bellied the case at hand. Brother Murray gave a vivid portrayal of the history of the fratcniiiy. which was supplemented by remarks of 1! o.her Caflis. This historical sketch will be reproduced in the minutes of the Detroit I vention and will become a valuable part of the important litera'ure on thc.'o-igiii and development of the first Greek letter collegiate fraternity among Negroes in the United States. Brother M u r a y was compelled to leave the Convention before it was over because of the serious illness of his father His very touching words of "Good-bye," upon leaving the Convention, will long be remembered by every sou: that sat under the tense silence of the body as Brother Murray whispered lbs parting wo ds of appreciation, love and Codspeed. A short jrnpressive response was made (•> Brother Murray's " 'nod-bye." the Convention' stood and sang "Cod Be \V:':[, y o l I "fill WeMeet Again," N. A. MruKAv. Mii-ljiiiilula. and Brother Elmer Cheeks, after extending the fraOne of t/ie founders of . ///>/;« 1'lii AlphaHonored ternity grip to Brother Murray on behalf of the Con(/next of Eighteenth Annual Convention. vention, accompanied him to the t a i n to hasten to bis father's bedside where' the last of t;;e sandr of life T H E CONVENTION'S" BUSINESS. slowly run. A*.feV day's after Brother Murrav arrived houie In. iBiher passed on to the Great Eternal. 1IK business of tin- C6avention were With Brother Murray we stand in the shadow of encfTcIing gloom; yet our souls are filled with irreconducted with a degree of intelligence and dispressible pride for Father Murray's contribution of patch unknown in previous conventions. The one of the boys whose accuracy of vision, breadth of sessions were scheduled to begin at 10:00 A. M., and intellect and steadfastness of character and purpose began they did. A rule was adopted requiring all who brought into I eiit" . the religfon embedded in the funcame late to pay one dollar; and the rule worked. damentals of Alpha' Phi Alpha. Nearly everybody came on time- but the few who There were other high points in the Convention didn't, p a d and d'd better the next time. (Ask that d ew us nearer and made us realize more fully Brother Hilhunt if this is true.) An example of the that there is a true tie that binds us together. We way the Brothers felt about the law may IK? seen in were glad to have Borthcr Abram L. Simpson, who the case of a Brother who thought that he was going wmte the Alpha Hymn, to be with us. A climax of to be late and hired a taxi to rush him to the meeting place on time. The cab cost him $1.60; and, poor

one of the day'-- sessions came when Brother Simpson' was called to the rostrum to lead the song which he had composed for the fraternity. The Eighteenth Annual Convention was a convention at which men fought measures and not men. The

GAMMA CHAPTER FOR N E X T CONVENTION "Carry Me Back to Old Virginia" was the -wan son; oi the Gamma delegates and sympathizers who came to the Convention with blood in their eyes, determined that the biggest convention of Alpha Phi Alpha had been planned for Richmond for 1928. If Richmond is all that they pictured it to be, you can't blame the Convention from being unanimous in se-

RoDGERS, ,

of the Convention was of unusual excellence ;\nt\ conducted on a very high plane; Fraternal spirit ran high and a feeling of oneness and solidarity and love seemed to permeate every Brother present. May \\i do as well in Richmond.

I cting

that city

for our

Annual

Con-

An indication of the spirit with which the Convent on will be received next December, is s e n in the fact that Gamma has already begun to plan and entertain for it. The Chapter held an "Ann itincement Prom" in January, at which she "told the world" of the COM ing of Alpha Phi Alpha to the lulls of Virginia. "Looks as though there will be big doings down thi Lei s go- - E V E R Y B O D Y . "

O. W. bd i

Nineteenth

IVlll!.

BAKER,

Epsilon,

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y ,

1926

GENERAL

OFFICERS

The election pi officers took place on the thirty-first at the last business session of the convention, which resulted in the re-election of Brother Raymond W. Cannon, Minneapolis, President; Brother James M. McGregor, Los Angeles. First Vice-President; Brother Peyton [â&#x20AC;˘'. Anderson, New York City, Second Vice-President ; Brother Charles W. Green", Atlanta

tor

THK SPHINX.

B. A.

Phm.,

University

Minnesota; student in Law School, St. Thomas College; member of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity; the National Medical Association; the National Association of Retail Druggists; the Minnesota State Pharmaceutical Association; the Alumni Association of

1926

(wlin was Fourth Vice-President) Third ViccIVcsident ; Brother Oscar C. Brown, Chicago, Editorin-Chief of T H E S P H I N X . And the following Brothers were elected anew to fill the offices indicated: Joseph H. I!. Evans, Atlanta. Secretary; Percival R. Piper, Detroit. Treasurer; llarley S. Manuel, Columbus, Fourth Vice-President.

RAYMOND WINFSKD C A N N O N .

Brother Raymond \Y. Cannon's work as President for the past two years was of such a commendable nature that he was returned to that office by unanimous vote of ihe Convention. Brother Cannon is a veteran in the service of Alpha Phi Alpha. He is a charter member of Mu Chapter; was General Vice-President in 1913, 1814 and 1983, and to him goes the distinction of being the first edi-

FOR

President.

the University of Minnesota; the North Side Commercial Club; the Frederick Douglass Club of Minneapolis, and is prominently identified with the N. A. A. C. P., and with other civic and social organizations in Minneapolis. He assisted in establishing Alpha Nu Chapter at Drake University and Iowa State College, and had supervision over the establishment of Alpha Xi Chapter at Marquette University. Brother Cannon is a partner of Cannon Brothers Pharmacy. Brother Cannon has done good work for the fraternity and we may confidently expect great things for him in the future.

Trie Sphinx for February, 1926

chapter he was Critic-Historian. 1921-22 and 1P:22-:>:i and President during 102:! and 1924. At St. Louis, Brother McGregor was elected Third Vice-President in charge of the Western District of the fraternity, over which he now has charge. A t the Columbus Convention, last year, he was elected Second Vice-President and in New York City, the Seventeenth Annual Convention, elected him First Vice-President by unanimous vote. Brother Mc iregor is an Alpha Phi Alpha man par excellence; a dynamic force fighting for worthy attainments in the progress of his race and of mankind. His interest and enthusiasm are worthy of emulation. H e will continue his good work, that is a certainty.

JAMES \V. MCGREGOK, First

Vice-President.

The high esteem which the fraternity holds for Brother james W . McGregor is evidenced by the Conventiim s unanim iU3 selection (if him as First VicePresident though at the time Brother McGregor was in California. It was unavoidable that Brother McGregor was not at the Convention: however, he kept the Convention in constant touch with him and all were glad to know that he was still available to be guardian of our cherished possessions in the f Brother McGregor took his college work in the l'n., tj ot bomhern California, Los Angeles, which institution has an enrollment of about seven thousand students. He is now pursuing a course in tb.e Lav. School there, leading to the decree of T L.B. Among this host of students, Brother McGregor is an outstanding figure. â&#x20AC;˘ in the University High School in 1919, he was Editor-in-Chief of the Codex the annual publication of the High School, and was captain of the djtating teem During his first year in the university he was elect.d unanimously to the Aris Literal desl literary foundation on the campus (with a restricted membership of thirty-six), having been established in L882. In this society he has held office twice In February, 1921, Brother McGregor won second prize in the Annual AntiTobacco Orato ical Contest, in which there were ten contestants In February, L922, he won first prize. valued at $11(1. in the Annual Anti-Tobacco Oratorical Coti.est, in which there were twelve contestants, In December, 1922, Brother McGregor was selected [ourth among the first eight contestants chosen from among thirty-one competitors in the preliminaries to compete in the finals for the Bowen Silver Cup Contest, the highest award for forensic activities in the university. H e tied for first place in the finals and thereby won one of the six silver cups presented by the Bowen Debating Prize Foundation. In 192122. he served as Recording Secretary of the Cosmopolitan Club of the university, with a membership of over fifty students, representing fifteen nationalities; and in 1922-23 he served as Corresponding Secretary of that organization. Brother McGregor is a charter member of Alpha Delta Chapter established in May, 1921. Of that

PEYTON F . ANDERSON, .VIY.>Âť</

Vice-President.

History repeated itself when by uanimous vote of the Eighteenth Convention Brother Peyton F. Anderson was re-elected as Second Vice-President. No general officer's report at the Convention showed more ea nesl and efficient work than that of Brother Anderson whose jurisdiction is in the East. He had worked. His work had borne good fruit. Brother Anderson was born in Virginia in 1890; pursued.his preliminary education in the public and high schools of Shelton, Conn.; graduated from NewYork Medical College and Flower Hospital in 1(113; post-graduate work at the University of Vienna, Austria, 1913-1914; licensed to practice in New York and Connecticut; made active-honorary member. Alpha Phi Alpha at Zeta, 1918; married and has two line girls, Thelma and Charlotte, who are now attending school in New York City. Brother Anderson is also a member of the Odd Fellows, Masons, K. of P., C. O. S. Committee. Harlem Tuberculosis Committee, President of the Harlem Institute of Tuberu i o is. Health Speaker for New York Tuberculosis Association, In;. H e manifests a deep interest in Alpha Phi Alpha and as President of Eta Chapter carried it through one of its most successful years.

CHARLES W . GKKK.XK. Third

Vice-President.

-Way down South" is the new area of expansion of Alpha Phi Alpha. There, more than in any other section, Alpha Phi Alpha needs true blood to carry on its ambitious program. Again, by unanimous vote, Brother Green was chosen and this time was advanced from Fourth Vice-President to Third Vice-President

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y ,

1926

"Brother Green is always ready to work for Alpha Phi Alpha,' s ; 'l one of the Brothers in Atlanta during the last "Go-to-High School, Go-to-CoIlege" Campaign. Thai is a fact and that Brother would have been correct if he had said "Brother Greene is always working for Alpha Phi Alpha." The Southern Jurisdiction over which Brother Greene has charge, is one of the strongholds of Alpha Phi Alpha and with B oth r Greene looking after it. this section is destined lo become mo e powerful There was a time when the South as a field for fraternity membership, was looked upon with skepticism; hut that old idea has gone forever and the entire fraternity recognizes the South as a potent factor in its operations. An evidence of this is found in the fact that the Seventeenth Annual (.'(invention awarded one of the southernmost Eta Lambda, of which Brother Greene is President, the distinction of the L. I. McGee Cup for being the 'Most Efficeim Chapter in Alpha Phi Alpha during 1925."

ship Campaign of the Untie- Street Y. M. C. A ; Vice-Presidsnt of the Unique Loan Company and generally an ac ive participant in all movements for racial and civic progress.

HARI.KY S. MANUEL.

Fourth Vice-President

Harley Sherman Manuel was born in I.atty, Ohio. Match I.",. 1903. H e received his e a l v edu~atton there, graduating from the high school as Valedictci Ian and the li st Negro graduate. He entered Ohio State University in the fall of 19..0 in the ArtsMid cine course and is now a Junior in the College of Medicine. It is felt that he has been responsible more than any other individual fo* recognition of the rights of the Negro students on the campus at Ohio Slate University, being always ale t for evidences of discrimination and always figh in", to build the Negro student body beyond reproach. CHAKi.es W. GREENS, Third

Vice-President.

Brother Greene is a Bachelor of Arts from M.irehouse College. While a student there he was ever in tudenl activities, being in the chorus, the manager of baseball and a star backfield man on the football team. He is now an alumni representative on the athletic council of his Alma Mater. I u ng the War period he served as secretary of War Saving Stamp Campaign for the State the only such office in the United Slates permitted by the Treasury Department and directed by s. Through his office, more than three million dollars were raised for war purposes. He is Treasurer of Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta; Suncrintendent of the Audit Division of tin- very efficient Sunday Sch JO! of that church; Field Superintendent and Statistician of the Atlanta District of the Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Company; Assistant Secretary of the National Insurance Association; Assistant Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Urban League; was Active Secretary m charge of the 1924 Colored Division of the Atlanta Community Chest Campaign; Chairman of the Member-

Hei is President of the Unive-sity Sunday School Class, chairman of the Inter-Racial Council of Ohio State University, having a membership of L'.IO and rep esenting 11 different nations He is also a member of the University Gospel team; was chosen futile university to head a group to raise more money for building Ohio's $1,300,000 Stadium, represented the University at the .i st National Inter-Racial Convention at Cincinnati. Ohio. He is a Mason, physical examine- at the Spring St. Y. M. C. A., was initiated in Kappa Chapter of the fraternity in 1921, served as treasurer for three years and president one year. Served on the conven1 iiHI committee rod played a large part in the success of the Sixteenth Convention.

JOSEPH II. B. EVANS, General

Secretary.

The Eighteenth Annual Convention of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity elected as its General Secretary Brother Joseph h . B. Evans, of Eta Lambda Chapter, Atlanta, Ga.

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y , 1 9 2 6

Percival R. Piper, recently elected General Treasurer ut' the Alpha I'hi Alpha Fraternity, was burn in Washington, D. C. His elementary and high school training was obtained in the city of Washington, graduating from the Armstrong Manual Training School in 1013. He then entered Howard University in the Arts and Science Department pursuing a course in Electrical Engineering. He was graduated in June, Brother Evans was born in Washington, D. C , November 20, 1891. H e received his early training in the public schools of that city, having graduated from the Armstrong High School in 1908; and, in addition, specializing one year in the Davis Business College. In 1909, Brother Evans entered his college career at the University of Michigan, taking his majors in Commerce and Business Administration. While in college, he was the recipient of signal honors. He was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa and to the University Commerce Club. He came to Alpha Phi Alpha through EpsilonI,amhda Chapter. After graduating from Michigan, Brother Evans began work in the Governmenl Department in Washington. It was here that he developed an aptitude for business system building, which resulted in his establishing one "f the largest visible filing system in operation, the system now used by the Poro College in St. Louis. Brother Evans taught in the high schools ot Washington and St. Louis. He resigned as head of the Commercial Department of the St. Louis High School to make his advent into large business circles. At the present time Brother Evans is one of the officials of the Standard Life Insurance Company of Atlanta. The excellent work of Brother Evans at the St. Louis and Detroit Conventions convinces us that he is one of the strongest men in our midst. We arc fortunate in being able to place the most responsible office in the fraternity in his hands. We have no doubt about it, he'll do the job to perfection.

BROTHER

PEKCIVAI. R. PII'KU,

Chapter.

Our New General

Gamma-Lambda

Treasurer.

It takes a good man to follow in the footsteps of our retiring General Treasurer, Brother Cooper. And beyond a doubt a good man was selected to follow him.

1917, with the degree B. S. in E. K.. being the first graduate to receive such degree from I Inward. During his sophomore and junior years he played on the varsity basketball team. He was initiated into Beta Chapter mi April IS, 1918. He taught carpentry in the Academy during his junior and senior years at H. U. When the call to arms was sounded he enlisted in the n t h Provisional Training Regiment at Des Moines, Iowa, and after spending four months there was commissioned first lieutenant of infantry and assigned to duty at Camp Dix, N. J., in the Light Field Artillery. He served as company Commander in the artillery, depot brigade and commanding officer of the S. A. T. C. and R. O. T . C. at Wilberforce University until September, 1919. During his stay -.1 one year at Wilberforce he became affiliated with \ i Chapter. He also taught Algebra in the Academe Upon being discharged from the Army he secured employment with the Westinghouse Electric and Man ufacturing Co., Chicago Service Department, where he remained for two years in the switchboard division as a draftsman and switchboard estimator. He became affiliated with the renowned Theta Chapter during his stay in Chicago. He built one of the first radio phone stations in Chicago and broadcasted Victrola music to the amateurs during December, 1980, and the spring of 1981, under license 0-AGP. The radio set was installed in the Wabash "Y." Brother Piper came to Detroit in September. 1921, and started in as draftsman with the Detroit Service Department of the Westinghouse Co., later handling the estimating and at present in charge of the switchboard orders from the time they are received until the job is maun fact tired and shipped H e was transferred to Gamma-Lambda Chapter in 1921, where he has been actively engaged in carrying forth the ideals of Gamma-Lambda. H e is now a senior in the Detroit College of I aw He is an active member of the " V " and captain of one oi tin- basketball teams.

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y , 1 9 2 6 After seven years of uninterrupted service, Brother Norman L. McGhee retires as General Secretary of Alpha Phi Alpha. During his tenure of office the fraternity expanded nearly four-fold. If you want to know the man who has given more valuable time and work to the fraternity than any other person, we say, without the possibility of contradiction, that that man is Brother McGhee. The least thai we can give to him is unalloyed gratitude.

HOMES

COOPER,

Retiring Genert ! ( (SCAB C.

Editor-in-Chief,

BROWN,

Tur. S P H I N X ,

Brother Brown was elected by unanimous vote of the St. Louis Convention and lias been unopposed at rvcry subsequent elec ion. 1L is known to US as one who always tries to do a day's work an 1 accomplish something every twenty-four hours. He is a Bachelor or Arts, a Bachelor of Scieni in C >mme-ce, and a Bacheloi of Laws Erom Howard University, graduating in each case with honors, H e is a member of the Indiana, Georgia and Illinois Bars; a Major of Infantry in the U. S. . ' pres nt employed by the Douglass National Bank- of Chicago.

Treasurer.

Brother Cooper has I Treasurer of the fraternity Cor five yea s simply doing his duty without ! the thought of honor or I We always had to "manufacture" information about him, for he would never give us any him;elf. His success is worthy of emulation and we hope that now he has retired he will favor iu with a sketch of his life so that in some subsequent i; x we can give the fraternity the benefit of kn wing his commendable achievemen! "up E om slavery." Broth trul. con erved and stabilized our finances, H : was hi fact the "Andrew Mellon" of Alpha Phi Alpha.

VICTOR \i. DALY, Editorial NORMAN

LKKOY

MCGHEE,

Retiring General

Secretary.

Editor.

( Mu-Lambda ( hapter) In some departments of T H E S P H I N X there is doubt as to whether or not any progress was made during the pas; year. Nevertheless, w a -e unanimous in

The Sphinx for February, 1926 saying that there was commendable advancement made in the Editorial Department. Most of the work in that department was done by Brother Victor R. Daly of Mu-l,ambda Chapter. His office is a voluntary one, without the pomp and ceremony connected with the general offices; yet he serves as earnestly as any person in the fraternity. Brother Daly is undoubtedly one of the keenest men in Alpha Phi Alpha. He trod the hallowed grounds of Cornell and came to us in 1IM4 through Alpha Chapter. At the mother chapter he served Alpha Phi Alpha as secretary and president, and was a delegate to the Eighth Convention at Richmond. During his career at Cornell, Brother Daly was prominent in athletics and was a member of the cross-country and track teams. Before going to Cornell, Brother Daly held the distinction of being the first of his race to hold the captaincy of a major sport team in any of the New York high schools. Besides track catain, Brother Daly held the interscholastic one-mile record for a number of years, and was once the winner of the N. Y. City interscholastic cross-countrv championship. When Brother Daly entered Cornell he was the possessor of no less than three scholarships. During the war Brother Daly was the adjutant of the famous "First" Battalion of the 367th infantry,

CECIL L.

"The Buffalo Regiment" He was twice recommended for promotion. Since his return from France, Brother Daly has been interested in a business career, although he has always shown an interest in journalism. In 1919 he was one of the founders and the first business manager Of the Messenger Magazine. Later he became afhhated with the Urban League as industrial secretary .,t tlie New York branch. About three years ago lie entered the field of real estate and insurance in Washington and from a small beginning has developed a thriving and prosperous business, with as fine a set of offices as can be found in the city. Brother Daly has always been an Alpha Phi Alpha man of the first rank, and an untiring worker for his fraternity. When Eta Chapter, long d irmant, was revived, Brother Daly was the first secretary and an ardent worker. He is now actively engaged in behalf oi Mu Lambda, of which he is a charter member and was the first secretary. If we sought to find a man who had the complete embodiment of those fundamentals of character, culture. industry and intelligence possessed by an ideal Alpha man. we could with assurance point to Victor R. Daly,

ROWLETT,

Gamma-Lambda.

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TO-DAY ESTERDAY

MEMBERS OP THE EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OP THE ALPHA N I T Y < WITH GAMMA-LAMBDA CHAPTER. DETROIT, DECEMBER 2 7 - 3 1 , 1925

MEMBERS OF THE SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE A L P H R N I T Y '

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T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y . GREETINGS FROM OUR PRESIDENT DEAR BROTHERS OP A L P H A P H I A L P H A ,

Greetings:

N MY greetings to you I would prefer to dwell upon sonic other phase of fraternal endeavor. But I feel that for its spirit, action and serious mindeduess and the manner in which matters of moment to the fraternity were handled, the last convention cannot be emphasized too strongly to the members throughout the whole organization. Each year we return from our annual convention happy in the thought that it has been the greatest convention in the history of the Fraternity. As the existence of Alpha Phi Alpha has been one of continuous progress, then we can say truly that each convention has been the greatest. Then, for this year, the Eighteenth Convention is the greatest. What makes a convention great? Some of our conventions have been called great because of the sacrifices made on the parts of those who attended. This is true especially of the early conventions. Some have been called great because of special features in program, such as pilgrimages, or the presence of distinguished visitors. Some were called great because of social pleasures attendant, while others were called great because of record-breaking attendance. But the Eighteenth Convention derived its claim to greatness from the serious manner in which it got down to business and the issues for which it assembled immediately upon opening. Every delegate and visiting Brother as well had but one question in mind, "What is good for Alpha Phi Alpha? Problems of vital importance to the Fraternity, matters which would affect Alpha Phi Alpha for generations to come, were presented and carefully considered from every angle. Every delegate was firmly determined to strengthen the organization and remedy the ills from which Alpha Phi Alpha has suffered too long. And this they did in great measure. They acted in the present with thoughts for the future. The committees are1 to be praised for the manner in which they performed their duties which were exceptionally heavy. We believe that, after several years of laborious effort,, Alpha Phi Alpha is now back on its original track. And we must K E E P I T SO!â&#x20AC;&#x201D;always, as Alpha Phi Alpha. T o strengthen this course the convention was very fortunate in having present two of our Jewels, Brothers Nathaniel A. Murray and H. A. Callis, respectively. Brother Murray, assisted by Bother Callis, enabled Alpha Phi Alplia for the first time to know its own history. Brother Callis' advice was invaluable to the convention. The best interpretation of Alpha Phi Alpha men ever given to the public was given by Brother Julian H. Lewis, who delivered the public address. This forceful dynamic interpretation which the white press found convenient to request and quote makes very clear the position of Negroes of college grade.

1926

That "Old Alpha Spirit" we have heard so much about was at its height. Everyone, from Founder to neophyte, was interested from start to finish. Members, undergraduates and graduates, honorary and active honorary, were determined to better the Fraternity. T h e whole atmosphere was charged with the sole idea that it was time for Alpha Phi Alpha to get down to bed rock. Perhaps the song and speech of our greatest convention have been somewhat forgotten with the press of every-day matters. But its deeds shall stand forth forever. I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation lor the honor which you have again accorded me in re-election to the presidency of our great Fraternity. In the operation of this office, I shall continue to use the same diligence and care for the constructive development of Alpha Phi Alpha, for upholding all of our laws, the preservation of our policy, the complete execution of our program including the "Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College" campaign, and the protection of our Fraternity and its members. May 1926 give generously only of its best to Alpha Phi Alpha, and to its splendid Brothers, the greatest of success, prosperity, happiness, and greater strength for the greatest possible "Go-to-High-School, Go-to-

College" campaign. Sincerely and fraternally, RAYMOND W . C A N N O N ,

General President. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

GREETINGS FROM T H E MID-WESTERN VICE-PRESIDENT BROTHERS IN A L P H A P H I A L P H A ,

Greetings:

My election as Mid-Western Vice-President is interpreted as an expression of confidence in the ability of the undergraduate constituency of our beloved fraternity. I realize that we must unite as one consolidated mechanism for the uplift and progress of the standards of Alpha Phi Alpha. A great task must be accomplished before we invade the metropolis' of Virginia in our Nineteenth Annual Convention. This can be done only by the cooperation of every brother in the fraternity. The general officers arc not the incumbents. It is earnestly hoped that each chapter will bear this in mind and take full advantage of us who are anxious to assist you in every particular. The motto of this office shall be, "Service Above Self." Thanking you for your expression of confidence and urging your hearty cooperation in the task before us, I remain, Sincerely yours, HARLEY S. MANUEL.

26 «X)LDS

The Sph inx for F e b r uary,

ixssoorssscsacsisssL

1926 aSX53CS3[}LaEI555)J

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<3EDIT0RIALS> Victor It. Daly, Editorial

Editor—Mu

Lambda

nvv»* » * k X \ ^ ^ ' k V \ % v v < THE CONVENTION. EVANS NOW PINCH-HITTING FOR McGHEE

HE JHth Convention now takes its rightful place

in the annals and history of our great Fraternity. Alpha Phi Alpha will always be grateful to Gamma-Lambda Chapter, and to the citizens of Detroit for their genial hospitality and manifested friendliness that made the recent Convention the triumphant success that it was. Aside from the social activities of the meeting which are always delightful and enjoyable, the achievements of the Convention in building for the lasting program of the Fraternity, were noteworthy. In keeping with our educational campaign as evidenced in the annual "Go-to-High-School, Go-toCollege" campaign, the IHth Convention took a very definite step forward, when it appropriated $1,000 for a scholarship fund. Wisely, the Convention decided that it is one thing to get a deserving boy in school, and quite another tiling to keep him there. Decided progress was also registered in the determination ot the IHth Convention to eliminate waste, extravagance and inefficiency in the internal atfairs ot the Fraternity and to lend itself to the healthy development and sound growth of the organization. Still another sign of progress was the Comparative!) few major changes in our governing covenants and laws. We are not hide-hound re-actionists or-dyed-in-the-wool conservatives. But these columns have continually decried the tendency for each Convention to sweep away, annually, everything that has been accomplished by previous Conventions and, starting with a clean slate, re-build the Fraternity anew every year. We, seemingly, have not been able to repress that irresistible desire to legislate. The only thing we liked to do better than pass laws, was to pass more laws. Thank goodness that the 18th Convention seemed to have overcome our legislative complex ! What we really need are fewer laws and rules. Our new (."(institution is ample for a long time to COtne. The American people nave amended their constitution only eighteen times in one hundred and thirtyfive years - a n d even they are sorry that they ever

added the 18th Amendment

Brother Bentley Cyrus, member of Chicago University's debating team, got in plenty of good practice at Detroit.

The burial service advocates were on the job again. Alpha Phi Alpha is a living organization, not a dying one, Brother. W h o said the IHth Convention had anything to do

with the isth Amendment? Grant hung around Richmond in 'W in '26.

T IHB

Taken as a whole, the Detroit Convention was another milestone in the progress and forward march of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Brother Cole Stryke was Richmond's speaker in landing the next convention.

structure that could lay down iron-clad rules and regulation to govern rushing, pledging, honorary members, educational qualifications and sundry other hoius of contention that are common to all of us, would be a blessing to our fraternities and sororities. On the other hand, we fear that at the present time the benefits derived from such a pan-Hellenic affair WOUld he far outweighed by the dangers of discord that such an organization would arouse and kindle. As matters now stand, there has been some petty bickering and fussing evidl need here and there, between our competing organizations. But these conUitions arc natural and to he expected. When the differences are settled and adjusted, the two organizations move forward once more w.th only a mild spirit ot rivalry between them. Such conditions are purely local. What we must guard against, however, is a deep-seated, nation-wide, permanenl policy of distrust and hatred arising between any two of our large national organizations. The day that such a condition arises, all of us will be doomed to failure. The Pan-Hellenic Council would soon become a seething pot of politics. Loyally to their individual organizations would rob the delegates of their efficiency. Mole-hills will become m u m tains. Hitter strife and friction will take the place of friendly rivalry and wholesome competition. All the good that has been accomplished will be swept away on a wave of jealousy and hatred. Suppose we at least wait a while. The idea is meritorious, hut human nature is weak. W h y pool our weaknesses?

loudest

SUPER-FRATERNITY.

H E R E is much merit in the plan of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in extending an invitation to each of our Sororities and Fraternities to hold their Conventions for l!>^7 in the same city, with a view to the organization of one super-fraternity—a League of Nations, as it were Undoubtedly, a super-

Watch us

H E R E has been some criticism of T H E S P H I N X . Good! Mu Lambda Chapter has been loudest in its wail. Fine! Somebody has been reading SPHINX.

Listen, Brothers! The columns of T i n : S P I I I N X are open to every one of you. If you have got anything that's worthwhile, and we'll let you he the judge, send it lo the Editor and he'll 'he glad to publish it. We want diversity. Lots of you have talent. We are just crying for material. Our letters

requesting contributions have remained unanswered. W e don't mind your criticisms. We know that T H E SPHINX is not what it should be. lint we blame you, individually and collectively. What are von doing, Brother, to help make your organ the publication that it should be? The acquisition of our Brother James V. Herring to the Staff, as Art Editor, is a constructive move Let's put our shoulders to the wheel. Back up the Editor!

TITS

SPHINX

for

1988

must

the

best

of its kind—barring none! Onee more Cannon will roar in the Capital of the

Confederacy.

The Sphinx for February, 1926 "We Moderns" need an occasional note of warning and restraint from our Brothers like Nat Murray, Callis and Kelly. T H E SIMII.NX was lucky to land the Herring.

GRADUATE

CHAPTERS—AGAIN

H I S subject has ceased to be a bobbj with us. It has now become a mania. As predicted in these columns time and again, the so-called expansion ot" Alpha Phi Alpha among universities and colleges has practically ceased. There are only few such institutions remaining than can meet our requirements. This fact need cause no worry. Our aim is not to invade every little two-by-l'o'.ir college' with a

Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Good men, in good

schools will always find a welcome. Hut good men in go, d schools are getting harder to find. From now on, the so-called expansion of our Fraternity, if it must expand, will be solely through the medium of the graduate (.hauler—and therein, my Brother, lies the danger. At Detroit, we expanded by the election of ei In new graduate chapters and one undergraduate chapter. The actual formation of a graduate chapter constitutes no maiace in itself. The danger lies in the fact that under our present scheme, these graduate chapters can go forth and initiate chapters at will. We contend with all the strength that is ours that the right of graduate chapters to initiate should be revoked. It is the one outstanding weakness of our organization. We may as well face the facts now, ami take a firm and solid stand. It is the canker in our side—'.he th ni in our flesh—and the sooner we rid ourselves of it, the better. This is a college fraternity, not a lodge. Our graduate chapters should he nothing more than alumni

associations composed of Alpha Phi Alpha men who have come up through the undergraduate chapters. Who ever heard of the Yale Alumni Club of Chicago, electing a few prominent local citizens to membership, just because they are minded to. What would they know about Yale, and its traditions: How could the) ever get the spirit of the whole thing? That we are not alone in this internal fight against the menace of the graduate chapters is evidenced by a splendid article appearing in the December issue of the Kappa Alpha Psi Journal, by our friend, Mr. Victor Cools. I be writer after decrying the tendency of their own Alumni Chapters to take in a host of outsiders in an attempt to make Alpha Psi men of them, summarizes as follows: " T o establish a chapter around three or four men, and then take in as members a host of other men, who have been removed from college activities for two or more decades, was to invite internal degeneration. and prostitution of the ideals of college fraternities. The fact is patent. < )lder men are not adaptable. They cannot be expected to become fraternity men when they know nothing of the ideals, spirit and tradition of college fraternities. They cannot be taught because men of the type who are taken into the Alumni Chapters, generally, consider themselves omniscient beings. Sooner or later they become dead weights." We endorse Mr. Cools' article and congratulate him on the thoroughness with which he has handled the subject. We further commend him for the courage of his convictions. ("dancing through an old issue of T H E S P H I N X published 'way back in 1911, when men wore waistlines and women had ears, we note "Raymond W. Cannon, Editor." Percy Piper, in a new role. Well, well, well! As Marcus Garvey used to say, "Chancellor of the Exchequer."

A L P H A PHI ALPHA, AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SERVICE W

Ci KMOXS BURNETT, '28.

Alpha

Sigma

MAY he said without the slightest tinge of vanity that within the brief s an of about twenty years, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has spread thi ugh et the length and breadth of America. Each year the names of Alpha men are being written upon the ccroll of fame, u d to b • defaced by the ruthless hand of tinn- nor to be overlooked by posterity. Each year Alpha men are making re© rds th I shall stand uneclipsed through t h ; c< ming eons and shall evoke ! ' fence of future ' eu Tali ns. It ha I iiu from one chapter to ever fifty chapters and i created from seven members to three thousand and more. But h t us no become drunk upon our own greatness: 'et us not rest upon our p e t accomplishments, and let us not become satisfied, for complacency is the beginning of deterioration, There is j a r ' as ui-co that can be rendered to civilization by us today as there was the day of our birth; hence the opportunity for service in the Alpha Phi A'pha !'•;.tern'ty is just as great now as it was the day of our birth. Our chapters hive increased, our membership has grown and our annual "Go-to-HighSchool, Go-to-College" campaign has extended, hut th? ever growing needs of humanity have become more imperative in proportion as we have increa id The purpose of this article is not to flay the fraternity for any undue evils, for happily none exist:, nor is it the purpose of this article to attempt to fathom the impenetrable darkness of the future M search of some deplorable shortcoming to attribute to the name of

ChaMcr. bat the purpose is merely to serve as a reminder of our incumbent duty to mankind, lest we

. . .

The creative purpose of every individual in this world is to aid and serve his fellowman. If. upon lie death of an individual, it be found that he has •d no worthwhile service to mankind, even he be materially rich, his life has been a failure. There hail from antiquity many notable iles, but the cues that appeal to the innermost nature of man most are the ones through which pe meate the elements of love and service. Some typical examples of stories that are dear to our are, "The Good Samaritan," "The Story of

Queen Esth r," and "I'avid and Jonathan."

Such

martyrs as Socrates, Bruno, Latimer and last but net least, Crispus Attacks wh ise patriotic blood was lb, first to water the tree of American liberty are signal examples of service. On the other hand we read of such men as Napoleon Bonaparte upon whom the only favorable comment that can be sagaciously made is that he was a general who was skilled in the art of warfare and was insensible to all of its hazards. II; d it u i ' been for the fact that he drenched the fields of Europe with the best and bravest blood that ever lived—a universal tragedy—his entire career would have been a comedy. As it is the duty of an individual to serve humanity to the best of bis ability, so is it true with a group of individuals banded together under one common cause.

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y ,

1926 L E T T H E M GO

This is the age of "jazz" and "shadow-worshippers." H is possible that one may become so enraptured at the symmetry of the shadow that he loses sight entirely of the hidden beauty of the substance. The fraternities ol America have cast a huge shadow of "frat" dances, smokers, etc.. over the different colleges. The fraternity dances and

smokers are necessary

for the longevity of any

chapter when they are considered merely as the shadow, fur the real substance or the real essence of any chapter is its insatiable desire to better conditions of its fellowmcn and hence to serve humanity, whether this desire be exercised in waging a rigorous "Go-to-High School, Go-to-College" campaign or whether it he giving financial aid to those who really need it. The substance and the shadow are altogether necessary, but let not the shadow be substituted for the substance. As the question was once asked Christ, "What can I do to inherit eternal life?" a similar question can be rightly asked. "What can I do to better the conditions of my fcllowman"? The answer to this question is far beyond my power and I will not attempt to answer it in toto, but will merely attempt to offer a leu suggestions that I think will aid one in the realization of the great ideal, service. The colleges of America contain many promising v. fin; people who have exhibited wonderful potentialities in the realm of learning, but who on the account of insufficient finance can never be able to do justice to these potentialities. Enough money is wasted annually by the fraternities to help the unfortunate students over this pecuniary hindrance and such money expended in this way would go for a rrvch nobler purpose than some of the purposes for which it is spent. A splendid opportunity for someone or some "ones" to do service for mankind.

Although the "Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College" campaign of 1025 was broader in scope and farther ri'I'iiiii'r in consequence than anv of the preceding and similar campaigns: although Texas for the first time in her history heard the voice of the campaign through the medium of public speeches and a radio message; although many other towns and cities for the first time heard the voice of the campaign, there are still thousands of young people in the "highways and hedares" who have not heard this encouraging voice. We have learned from experience that besides having wood, shavings, kindling, oil, etc.. to begin a Ire. a light or spark must be brought to it before it will begin to burn. There are many promising young men whose intellectual fires arc latent in innate ability and in an insatiable desire for learning, but who await the snark of encouragement from the briehl torch of Alnha's 'Go-tO-High-School. Go-toCollege" campaign that they may burn and give light to their fellowmcn who are groping in the darkness of ignorance. In view of the above scattering facts, I conclude that it behooves every son of Alpha to strive todaj to render unstinted service to mankind, for the opportunities are abundant in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. W e may boast of our past endeavors and feel secure of our attainments of tomorrow. We may discuss our services of yesterday and plan diligently to serve in the future, but the inevitable question that must ultimately confront us is, " W H A T ARE W E (iOING T O DO FOR M A N K I N D TODAY"? "We shall do so much in the years to come, But what have we done today? W e shall give our1 gold in a princely sum, But what did we give today? We shall lift the heart and dry the tear, We shall plant a hope in the place of fear, We shall speak the words of love and cheer, But what did we speak today"? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;WATERMAN.

DOWN

HUDSON.

United we stand, divided we fall. Linking together as a solid unit we find that no chain is stronger than its weakest link and no bridge any stronger than its weakest arch. If the line of battle is left weakened at any point or left open for invasion an army of regular soldiers may be set to flight or become havoc stricken, defeated and dethroned. And so it is with moral and social groups. If open ngs are made for invasions, lines weakened, and no reinforcement, a group of fraternal soldiers are subject to havoc, flight and degradation. The loss of regulars is the loss of the nuccli of the army. The loss of the nuceli of the army means the loss of a country. It is needless to say that the rule applies to similar constructed institutions because each institution's component part is so constructed in demand the support and the aid of the other. If this support and aid is not secured, a gradual wearing and clipping will cause a turbulent tumble throughout the entire entity. When disregard is paid to the individual parts of a structure, latent defects may cause a masterful structure to crumble. And so it is with organized life. When disregard is paid to affected parts of a social compact a social abscess is likely to originate and thereby cause a social structure to crumble. O The true in heart would not stand by and see this happen nor see a regular part of its social structure go unrepaired. Their love for a perfect structure would not allow them to do so. Their desire for IS and social uplift would dare them to see it go down. They would frown with discontentment to see anyone standing silently by and listening to the cry. "Come over into Macedonia and help us." No shepherd would see his sheep go down into a hopeless pit without first making an effort to save it, nor would he stand by and listen to the pitiful cry of his shepherd dog in yonder field, wrestling to save a helpless lamb. Not a shepherd, not a leader, nor a regular would say. "let it go down." If we expect to have a chapter sovereignty and a fraternal union with the laws of the fraternity supreme we must protect and show a deep interest in the welfare of every chapter. WHY

GREEK LETTER By

DR. G.

NORMAN

FRATERNITIES? AHAMSON,

President Omicron Lambda Chapter. Alpha I'hi Alpha Fraternity.

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y , 1926

O C I O L O G I S T S tell us and our every-day observations substantiates the opinion that Negro social life is centered around two main pivots, e. g., the c.mrch and lodge room. Whether it be true that the Race man is naturally more religious than other foik or whether the two hundred and fifty years of adverse training developed a greater need for secrecy and co-operative protection are questions that need not be answered here. How-be-it no business or professional man, depending upon the public for suj port, dares ignore these back-bones of society, unless it be to his detriment. Although it sometimes makes fervent church-goers out of lukewarm Christiana and enthusiastic iodge members out of persons desiring solitude more—the end result justifies the means. For here it is a matter of meat and bread for the man in public life and one of protection during sickness and distress with death benefits for all where the lodge is concerned. But what is reason for having a Greek-letter Fraternity? None of the monetary incentives for joining are offered and even the association is with a highly exclusive membership of similarity trained college men. T i s little wonder that many people arc prejudiced towards such an organization.

Those, then, that carry on Greek-letter Fraternity work among Negroes receive a heritage of odium and in sunderstanding left by similarly named organizations of certain heavily endowed white institutions. Such groups have only accepted applicants of wealth and leisure and of some other race than the Negro. It follows that the definition found its way int" our unabridged dictionary that a Fraternity was in substance—an organization of the wealthy, leisurely class of college students who spend large sums of money on social affairs and in spreading harmful propaganda among the student body. This may be true in as much as it refers to some Fraternities, but with Negro organizations it has always been different. Less than a score of years ago a group of university Race students saw that the Fraternities were being used for the wrong purpose and that such an organization could be made an instrument for great good among Negroes, so our fi~st Fraternity had its birth. In time they sought recognition by the Negro colleges of the South but were refused. Later the Fraternity policies and ideas were presented in such a way that the Southern Negro colleges began to welcome them into their midst. T o the Negro Fraternity man the organization is not one for men of leisure, but for men who have a vision, not a clannish club for social affairs pure and simple but rather a cooperative effort to further some worthy cause like the Go-to-HighSchool, Go-tA-Collcge'' movement, to interest the young people in reading Negro literature and history, or to influence young folk for good in a "Guide Right" campaign. Such a Fraternity stands for more

than an organization for using signs, grips and passwords—it becomes one's religion. The initiate enlists at once as a pilgrim of the faithful, in some worthy movement. But what about the student after he has left his idealistic college environment? Can the Greek-letter Fraternity function out in the practical world, being of benefit not only for college but for life? Most surely. When college days are over, those days filled with fond memories—there is left one active medium for carrying on the good policy of being forever a "student '—in the Graduate Fraternity. Here a more conscientious effort is made to "carry on," here the man approaching middle life has ceased to fret because his "wagon" did not reach his favorite "star," so he devotes his more mature judgment towards helping some younger person to reach his. And this is where real happiness lies. Active campaigns for higher education are set forth, inter-high school oratorical contests are staged and scholarship prizes given to deserving students. The president of the University of Pennsylvania said the other day that: "I do no) know of any period in the history of the country when so mu:h stress was laid on higher education and on the value of men who receive its benefits." And inasmuch as our particular group is concerned, it is quite evident that our college Fraternities have had no little part in bringing this about. The College Fraternity represents among the Negroes of the world the very quintessence of brotherhood. He receives here a spirit and contact that are obtained in no other kind of organization, unless it be in a Sorority. And when he wears a Fraternity pin over his heart he speaks to the "intelligcntia" or all races without opening his mouth—"Here conies one who has not merely tasted of learning but has drunk deep of the great spring of knowledge," and he will be respected as such. I've an emblem I love—my little pin .And when I'm weary o' striving for the end, I then gaze upon the sign Which inspires this heart o' mine And I've courage to plod on—another mile. Re-read the list of contemporary Negro men who have made a name for themselves and you wdll be calling the roll in part of Race Fraternity members, with few exceptions. The Greek-letter Fraternity has a right to exist and to be encouraged because of its past achievements and the future it holds for the youth of the world. It shall continue to exist because there are those who would lose their right arm, if need be. to support it and give daily of their lives to uphold its ideals—although no sick benefits are paid or death premiums offered.

The Sphinx

for F e b r x i a r y , 1 9 2 6

Bcttvuttes of Chapters ALPHA

CHAPTER,

Ithaca, N. Y. BROTHERS I N A L P H A P H I A L P H A ,

Greetings:

The adage that work comes before play at this very doleful time seems reversed. That is to say, the Xmas holidays which some three weeks ago passed into oblivion of time leaving us work yet to be done—the

finals. Alpha's delegate returned from the Convention with a very interesting and Favorable report of the si mildness hoth of the Convention and social gatherings in the vicinity. And we are glad to hear of the wonderful Alpha Phi Alpha spirit of brotherhood that our

delegate found to be so prevalently conspicuous. As a result of '>ur annual election, Brother Joseph Honchms was unanimously re-elected to the office of President, Brother (). ['.. C'assell to the office of VicePresident-Treasurer, Brother W. McBanks to Secretaryship, and Brother G. Hill to that of Associate

Editor. Members of Alpha chapter are now looking through that eternally gloomy mist of examinations further o n t o brightness of a successful term. Wishing that a similar success will be shared by all our sister chapters, I remain,

Fraternally yours, Geo. VV. HII.I..

Associate Editor SPHINX,

boys starting on a new quarter's work. i h - in v, officers elected to control the destinies of Beti t ii ' ' T for the ensuing year a r e : President, Brother Theodore Percival; Vice-President, Brother Frank T r i g g ; Recording Secretary, Brother Cline P r i c e ; Financial Secretary, Brother Wallace Andrews; Treasurer, Brother Eugene Rummons; Corresponding Secretary, Brother Lee T e r r y ; Steward, Brother Robert Jason; Assistant Steward, Brother Theodore W h i t e ; Historian, Brother Lester Braden; House Manager, Brother Threet Weiss; Chaplain, Brother Dickie McLean; Basketball Manager, Brother I,. T. Burbridge; Chapter Editor, Brother Alton C, iterry. Basketball is now the center of attraction in Washington. On the varsity squad "ole" Beta is represented by Brothers Lawlon (captain), Washington, Wright, Meroney. The Blue and White machine is having a successful season, although they have lost a few games by close scores. The tight ! in Washington are getting cold—too cold for the hoys to "punch the clock"—and an idea dawned upon the good Brother W e i s s : he suggested a radio as a good form of indoor sport to enjoy during the eoM winter evenings, and through his initiative, coupled wiili the greenbacks of gome of the good brother*, a live-tube set was installed -and now even on pleasant evenings the so-called "tied-up brothers" punch time in the Chapter House listening to Roxys' music. Sett's tire at a premium, especially when a good program is on Fraternally, ALTON C. BERRY,

BETA Howard

Chapter

CHAPTER,

University,

Washington,

GAMMA BROTHERS IN A L P H A P H I A L P H A ,

Editor.

D . C. CHAPTER,

Greetings:

Whiz, bang! ! Everyone is hustling and bustling getting ready to deparl to all pans of the country fur the X n n s holidays—north, south, east, and west. Old Beta is to be represented in Detroit in the person of Brothers I lance, senior delegate, and Brother I.eonidas Burbridge, junior delegate. W e are sorry that the Convent.on is not nearer, as all the hoys know that a "gala" time will he had in the automobile city. The Xmas holidays in Washington were "just too bad," as the saying goes. All the Washington hoys arrived in the Capital City to spend the holidays, and they, combined with the Beta hoys, made things lively. Two dances were given at the Chapter House, and

talk about fun—well, just ask anyone about them. 'I'he house was decorated most artistically by Brothers Weiss and Braden, and with Brother Pendleton and his wonderful voice furnishing the music, the soft lights and pretty girls—what more could a man want? Many other dances and parties were given in the city in which the Brothers took part. Beta Chapter entertained the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which held their convention in the Capital City, in the form of a pilgrimage to Ml. Vernon, The pilgrimage was made in busses, an enjoyable time being had by all to this historical site. And now the holidays are over. Everyone is back to the old grind—the Medical students and Dental students cramming for the mid-years and the "Hill"

Virginia Union University, Richmond, V a . BROTHERS I \ A L P H A P H I A L P H A ,

Greetings:

Gamma Chapter, together with the citizens of Richmond. congratulates the General Convention on its choice of meeting place for the annual convention of 1929. The chapter promises, first, pleasant weather, so that if any Brother forgets his topcoat, he need n i t w o r r y ; secondly, we promise that the community will display all the hospitality that is characteristic of the South; thirdly, we promise the Brothers that they will be supplied with a sea of pretty ladies, and young, too. from which to choose a fair escort; but if you are married, we assure your wives that we will return you unbanned. Here the writer pauses to say a word about one of the "pace setters" of social affairs in the city, which was sponsored by our chapter. The writer was ban led a tip that the affair was to be a brilliant o n e ; he therefore provided himself with materials for notetaking, a fair damsel, and high expectations. Upon entering, the writer was amazed at the decorations— they were the "hottest" of the season and Brother F. W. Pierce needs to he complimented on his most artistic work. The writer was so well pleased with the affair that he failed to take full notes. However, on looking- at the notebook, he finds four phrases inscribed thereon: I. Artistic decorations—

T h e S p h i n x for "hot." 2. Beautiful ladies, handsomely gowned. 3. Happy couples tripping the light fantastic. 4. Confectionery. Many of the younger set will long remember this date, the 15th of January, as the crowning feature of the season. Gamma wishes here to introduce her newly elected officers. Brother Wiley A. Hall, who is professor of Physics at the Armstrong High School of our city and head of the Science Department of the same school, was chosen President. Brother Hall is one of the most active members of the chapter and assures us another prosperous year. Brother F. W. Pierce, to whom we are indebted for our extensive social program of the past year, was chosen Vice-President for the ensuing year. Brother T. H. Wingfield, a recent addition to Alpha Phi Alpha, and Gamma Chapter, was chosen to hold the money. And to Brother Bishop Merritt, one of Union's stellar players on the varsity football team, was given the position of Financial Secretary. We feel that Brother Merritt is equal to his task. Brother Chester L. Washington, who is well-known in newspaper circles, an instructor in the Business Departments of Union and Armstrong High School, and a member of the University track team, becomes our Corresponding Secretary and also our Chapter Editor. We feel that we have excellent officers who are fully capable of handling affairs entrusted them Brothers Joseph A. Brown and C. G. Willi ams are still holding their own on the Panther quintet. Yours fraternally, GAMMA CHAPTER. H E N R Y E L L I S BOOKER,

Chapter

THETA

Editor.

CHAPTER,

Chicago, 111. BROTHERS IN A L P H A P H I A L P H A ,

Greetings:

The natives of Detroit were startled during the Christmas holidays when a phalanx of young men burst through the city streets bearing the insignia of Alpha Phi Alpha. Now Alpha Phi Alpha may have been Greek to the yokels but the numerous protruding bumps of intellect must have been as obvious as the stripes on a •zebra. A few hours later the city learned that it was host to the Alpha Phi Alpha Convention with delegates represented from nearly every culture factory in the country and that the meetings would be a teature of the motor city's holiday week. The greatest Convention ever held—this is the -uml) of comfort dished out to Thcta's "stay-atles" by the returning delegates. While some brothers may hint that this expression is not exactly iiew, yet the eloquent reports by Brothers Cyrus and Jones have clothed this blushing assertion with at least a fig leaf of authenticity. In response to the many letters, telegrams and insistent inquiries about the personnel of Theta's administration for 1986, your correspondent takes pleasure in drawing aside the curtain and revealing to the waiting chapters the officers for the ensuing year as [ollows: Bindley Cyrus, President; L. P. Chappelle, Vice-President; S. B. Milton, Secretary; S. T. Bohee, corresponding Secretary; C. L. Franklin, Treasurer; Jordon. Steward; J. I. Jones, House Manager; ierman Brown, Sergeant-at-Arms; W . B. Gordon, Histonan; Executive Board, R. F . Edwards, Chauney Jones.

F e b r u a ry, 1926

Brother Cyrus, the dynamic Brother who brought signal honors to the chapter by his achievements at Chicago University, was unanimously chosen president, thus rewarding his diligence and enthusiasm during the past year. Theta feels gratified at the progress made in the chapter in 1925, but with the irrepressible Cyrus at the helm, even greater success may be hoped for. The rest of the officers are all Brothers who have borne the brunt of Theta's activities and are well fitted therefore to assume the responsibilities placed upon them. It is proper to record here the retirement of Brothers Dr. Cooper, Dr. Greer and Dr. Glover who are transferring to Xi-Lambda. During the painful period of adjustment from the time that Xi-Lambda was formed and Theta was left to rebuild its membership; up to the present time, these three Brothers have remained members of Theta Chapter in order to lend Theta their guidance and counsel. It was through their efforts as members of the Board that Theta's finances were restored to a balanced basis. Now that the chapter is free from debt (excluding a first mortgage) and the chapter, house is once more operating efficiently, our counselors have applied for transfer to the graduate chapter. Theta witnesses their departure with regret and is grateful to them for their past services so unselfishly rendered. At the last meeting of Theta the yearly reports of Secretary Cyrus, Treasurer Franklin and Secretaryrreasurer of the Board, Dr. Greer, were read. All of these reports were presented in splendid form as to accuracy and detail, and the chapter was highly pleased with the work of these Brothers. The rushing committee also tendered a report of activities. Several desirable pledges have been rounded up by the committee and the chapter has voted to receive them into a Sphinx Club. To Brother William Gordon credit must be given for devising an elaborate series of tasks for the pledges to perform during their period of probation. Chief among these tasks will be : (a) (b) (c) •Alpha (d)

Learning Greek alphabet. Learning names of chapters and locations Learning about Founders. Also all notable Phi Alpha men. Learn Alpha Phi Alpha Hymn.

This program, it is suspected, will keep the yearlings busy until the Easter recess when on a certain night the great spirit of Alpha Phi Alpha will speak to them and will reveal many things of which they now know nothing. It is well worthy of note that one candidate Mr Alexander Whitfield, of the University of Chicago' is also a candidate for a Phi Beta Kappa Key which seems to indicate that his marks are slightly above passing at least. Theta is naturally very pleased over her success at the recent convention. If there had been more cups to award Theta would have needed more delegates to bring them home. As it was Brothers Cvrus and Joins were loaded down. The winning of these cups only spurs Theta to greater activity and greater achievement for the coming year. The membership is larger; the men are enthusiastic, and a spirit of "We Will" pervades the house. Our message to other chapters is "Forward" to a greater and better year in 1926. Fraternally, SUMNER T.

C orresponding

BOHEE,

Secretary.

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y , 1926 need of speed and obedience in executing the requi of brothers. Failure means an "induction" meeting bj the sophs which really is an introduction to "ye old family paddle." On the 30th of January we indulged in our afterexam. bouse party as a posUuSe to the Annual Senior Ball of the university. hollowing precedent it was on,- of our celebrated Central New York affairs, unexcelled tor selection of the quintessence of sectional beauties. Among the out-of-town pledgees and Ilrothcrs were: Pledgees Sample and Sprague, of Hamilton College a i d Vaughn", of Colgate. Brother Merton Anderson of Colgate was also over. 'Twas a sight to see the pledgees do their "stuff" that evening, By unanimous vote the brothers have agreed to never again make them sing. There wire too many over-tones. Several of the brothers are contributors to the newlocal Negro paper. Brothers Morris and Douglass ho!d the spotlight with their masterful presentations of current problems.

The biggest surprise of the year for lota was the BROTHER C. L. F R A N K L I N

The above is the likeness of Brother C. L. Franklin of Theta Chapter, Chicago. Brother Franklin i Alpha Phi Alpha's great suns of distinction. i graduate of Virginia Union University with the degree of A, B,, 1934, and since thai time lias rtudenl in the graduate school of the University of Chicago. Brother Franklin is the Baptisi denominations famous son who has for His motto: "Work well while it is yet day." He was the assistant to the late Rev. S. E. I. Watson, pastor of the Greater Pilgrim Baptist ( hurch of Chicago, until the later's death luly 1(1, 1923. After his death Brother Franklin stayed with the Pilgrim Church through its days of wilderness wonderings. The Rev. J. C. Austin of Pittsburgh, Pa., lias been called to the Pilgrim Church with her membership of 7,500, and be has already recognized the worth of Brother Franklin and announced to the public in local newspapers and Ercoi the platform that he was going to keep the young man to assist him in the work of this, one of the race's greatest churches. Brother Franklin is very humble and ease to approach, loved by all who come in touch with him. l i e is widely known in Chicago u. a man single and not engaged. fie says when asked about married life that: " H e considers it worthy and honorable, hut should be done when the time comes, and premature marriages are society's greatest drawbacks." IOTA

CHAPTER,

Syracuse, N . Y. BROTHERS IN A L P H A P H I A L P H A ,

Greetings:

lota extends to all Brothers greeting for the new year. As is her custom in this section .if New York, Iota is planning a bigger and better local program for the coming year. Brother Cecil G. Cooke, our new President, is nationally known in athletic ci cles since bis Conquest of the national A. A. U, quarter-mile crown. With him on her relay team Syracuse hopes to he the strongest contender for the intercollegiate medley relay championship. The other officers on our roster are Brothers Roys\ iden -Secretary; Bryant, treasurer; ter> [ohnson, Sergeaut-at-Arms. With exams, over bete all are relaxing for the moment preparatory for the second semester's grind. Prospective members at the local chapter house are beginning to (eel both physically and spiritually the

ry of the marriage of Brother L. Hamilton Maloney, who is a senior in the College of Liberal A 1-. The young lady to whom he surrendered his heart is locally one of the leaders in her set. H o w

Brother Maloney managed to keep the secret a year is a problem for Sherlock Holmes. We found it (Hit only by the arrival of a third member to his family circle. Our felicitation- are extended to you, Brother Maloney. Fraternally yours, ARTSI S I.. ROYSJSR,

; 'iee-President-Secretary.

KAPPA Ohio

State

CHAPTER,

University,

BROTHERS IN A L P H A

Columbus,

P H I ALPHA,

Ohio

Greetings:

Kappa Chapter deeply sor ows over the recent death of our d . Clinton Mo irman. in Shanghai. China. Although he was a member of A. A. Chapter, he livid in ComrhbtlS and was a member of the Sphinx t, lub here. We are very p oud of the fact that our former chapter President and Junior Delegate to the Convention returned to us as Third Vice-President of the National body. Congratulations, Brother Manuel. Our election ui officers went off in A-l style. Brother Ralph Finley, whose greal oratorical ability is known to every Brother who attended the Cdnven tion at Detroit, was unanimously elected President.

Brother Edward Murrell is our new Vice-President Brother William Pyant, Secretary; Brother Fred Bellamy. Treasurer; Brother Paul Floyd, Correspond ink.

Secretary;

Brother

Cuy Taylor.

Sergeant-at-

Aiuis; Brother Kenneth Williams, chairman of the Co-to-High Go-to-College Committee, and lb-other Spaulding Dickerson, Chapter Editor of Tin: S n u x x . We have organized a basketball team (his year i" inter intra-mural games on the Ohio State University campus, anil games with Columbus teams. The team also contemplates on making a trip during the spring tion. Brother Stout is manager and Brother Bellamy is captain. The team won their first intra-rmiral game. On the team are Brothers Murrell. Stout, Bellamy ami Pledges Tayor, Daly, Ware, Goode, Brown, (. lark and Williams. Our defeating team will compete with (he debating

team of the local chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi at the Y M. C. A., February m. in a debate on the subject, Resolved, That the Prohibition Amendment to the Constitution should be repealed"

Our team has the

affirmative side, Brother Price has a unique position, that is, teaching a girls' swimming class.

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y , 1 9 2 6 Brother Giles is doing well in the Model Pharmacy in Cincinnati. Brother Wesley is practicing Veterinary Medicine in Oklahoma. Brother Slade has been blessed with a fine boy. The Pledge Club is going to stage their Annual Prom., February 19, and mean to make it a grand success. Brother Murrell, known as "smooth," has sprung a new one on us. H e is now calling on the same talented young lady as Brother Giles did last year. The debating team is headed by Brother Finley, and also consists of Brother Warfield and Brother Pyant. Fraternally yours, SPAULDING

DICKERSON.

CHAPTER,

Chaplain, Felix Byran; Sergeant-at-Arms, Albert Anderson. With such a corps of officers we feel that this year will he one of great progress. The basketball team under the captaincy of Brother Marcus Carpenter, is daily practicing for the coming inter-fraternal and other games. The members of the squad are working hard and are sure to put a good representation on the court. Mid-year exams are almost upon us, and some of the Brothers have already started to burn the midnight oil in order to hold Nu up when exams come around. Cupid, although being absent from Nu for a long time, has put in his appearance again, as Cupid's Corner will verify. Wishing a prosperous new year to all Brothers and chapters, I remain, Fraternally yours, JAMES O. HOPSON,

Lincoln University, Lincoln, Pa. BROTHERS I N A L P H A P H I A L P H A ,

Editor

to T H E S P H I N X .

Greetings:

Nineteen twenty-six, another new year, is upon us, and with it comes the making of many new resolutions. We are not making any such resolutions, for fear we will not live up to them. W e do hope, on the other hand, to work harder this year than the past, and to accomplish greater things for ourselves and Alpha Phi Alpha. The past Thanksgiving holidays in Philadelphia are still lingering in the minds of many, not only on account of the Lincoln-Howard game itself, but also on account of the many social festivities, among which was the delightful prom given by Nu in honor of the visiting Brothers. Philadelphia, which is the seat of both Psi and Rho chapters, was filled with Brothers Thanksgiving, and Nu could not pass up the opportunity to show that she possessed that old Alpha spirit. The prom was held at St. Peter's Claver, which was artistically decorated in festive array for the occasion. Madame Keene and her orchestra supplied the strains of music in older for the beautifully gowned ladies and their well dressed men escorts to dance their favorite steps. As the couples glided on the floor, the time passed by all too swiftly, and soon the orchestra was playing "Home, Sweet Home." Every one left, tired but happy, and with that trite hut expressive â&#x20AC;˘expression on their lips, "What a lovely tjme I had." Brothers were present from Alpha. Beta, Sigma, Psi, Rho, Eta, Alpha Gamma, Dmicron, Nu Lambda, Xi Lambda, Alpha Eta, and many other ; chapters. Brothers Richard Johns, Richard Carrol, and Leon Mur ay were the committee that put the prom:over, and much credit is due them for the splendid manner in which they obtained results. In connection with the Thanksgiving festivities, I also recall the success of the Lincoln University, Glee Cltlb, and the University Quintette, both of which appeared in concert the night before Thanksgiving. Brother James Dorsey, who also has charge of the University Choir, was director and leader o f ' b o t h Glee Club and Quintette. T h e success of the concert was due mainly to Brother Dorsey's untiring efforts. The first meeting of the new year brought us a report of tiie Convention. Our delegate, Brother Fred Johnson brought hack a splendid report not only of the business that was transacted, hut also of the splendid hospitality exhibited by Camma Lambda as host to tlie Convention. W e were sorry we did not again win the Balfour Cup, hut we will only work harder during this year to brin.n the cup back again. After hearing the report, the election of officers took place. T h e following Brothers were elected to guide the destinies of this chapter for 1986: President, H a r r y Cummings; Vice-President, Richard Hill ; Corresponding Secretary, Donald Marshall; Keen ding Sec clary, Clarence Richmond; Treasurer, Wm. Sinkler; Editor to S P H I N X . James Hopson;

XI CHAPTER, Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio BROTHERS IN A L P H A P H I A L P H A ,

Greetings:

Brothers John Ballou and Eustace Cann, delegates to the National Convention, brought Xi Chapter an impressive report of the sessions of that meeting. It was an inspiration to hear the proceedings that transpired and every Brother was made to feel more deeply the great responsibility that rests upon every Alpha man. T h e following quotation was brought to the writer's mind: "The strength of the wolf is the pack, and the strength of the pack is the wolf." Obviously, the strength of Alpha Phi Alpha is the support of her loyal sons and by supporting her -we strengthen ourselves. The following officers have been elected and installed: Brother Charles Fairfax, President; Brother Eustance Cann, Vice-President; Brother John Ballou, Secretary ; Brother Wade Ellis, Assistant Secretary; Brother Wm. Cummings, Financial Secretary; Brother Robert Thomas, Corresponding Secretary; Brother Guy Ginn, Alumni Secretary; Brother Richard Jordan, Historian; Brother Theodore Thompson, Editor to T H E S P H I N X ; Brother King Callen, Sergeant-at-Arms. B Other Milton Wright, Editor-in-Chief of the 1026 Forccan, and assistant instructor in History, is culminating an enviable college record in this his senior year. H e has been eminent in numerous activities and at the same time he has maintained a high degree of scholarship. The golden voices of Brothers John Ballou and Homer Williams have won undisputed places for them on the famous Wilberforce Quartet. Brother King Callen went home for the holidays and returned a week late. W e wonder what detained him. Brother Wade Ellis, " A " student, is the recipient of two scholarships. Brother Harry Evans is making a creditable showing on the varsity basketball team. H e has speed and accuracy, plus excellent possibilities. Fraternally, XI

CHAPTER.

CHAPTER,

Cleveland,

Ohio

BROTHERS I N A L P H A P H I A L P H A ,

Greetings:

Pi Chapter has begun the new year, inspired, enthralled, permeated and pregnant with the super Alpha Phi Alpha spirit, which was so manifested at our

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y , 1 9 2 6

Eighteenth Annual Convention, and conveyed to us through the minutes and detailed reports of our delegates, Brothers Murrell and Atkins. We had at our last meeting the largest membership we have ever had at any previous meeting. W e began work by electing the following officers for the current year: Brother Norman L. McGee, former N a tional Secretary, President; Brother Welcome T . Blue, Vice-President; Brother Geo. Coran, Corresponding Secretary; Brother W. T. French, Recording Secretary; Brother J. E. Murrell, Treasurer; Brother Hugh H. Wimbish, Editor to S P H I N X ; Brother Russel E. Brown, Chaplain; Brother Armen Evans, Sergeant-at-Arms; Brother Elmer Cheek, Historian. We were very pleased to have with us, and to enlist his aid in keeping Alpha Phi Alpha "First of all" in Cleveland, Brother Russel E. Brown, pastor of Mt. Zion Congregational Church, formerly of the First Congregational Church of Atlanta, Ga., and a member of Eta-Lambda Chapter; he has always proved himself an Alpha man of the highest caliber, and as such we; were pleased to have the honor of electing him Chaplain of Pi. It is often said, "When it rains it pours." T o Pi it has been a cloudburst of good fortune. Dr. Chas. H . Garvin has been appointed as Assistant Visiting Surgeon in Genito-Urinary Department of Western Reserve University. H e received the appointment through the board of trustees of the University and his name will be listed in the catalog of Western Reserve. H e was formerly Assistant Visiting Surpeon for five years in the same field for the University, but was only appointed by the Chief Surgeon. H e is the first Negro to hold such a position on the Medical Staff of Western Reserve. Brother Garvin is the highest type of Alpha Phi Alpha, and we feel sure the position is in competent hands. Brother Garvin is a product of Howard. Brother Norman L. McGee has become a partner in the law firm of McGee & Chauncy and has severed his connection with the Cleveland Call as Managing Editor. H e found the move necessary in view of the large practice he is rapidly building in Cleveland due to his somewhat uncanny efficiency in the field of law. Pi Chapter extends hearty congratulation to Brother Murrell and his wife in the birth of their little daughter, Marilyn Enid. Both wife and daughter are doing fine. Brothers Cheeks and Wimbish were stars in the "Lullabye," given by the "Ginpin Players" of Cleveland. Brothers Cheeks, as a lover, made Rudolph Valentino look like a piker. Brothers, it was too bad. Pi Chapter pledges 100 per cent efficiency and aid to general organization and officers. Fraternally yours,

times put forth her best effort and Sigma will always be found upholding those lofty principles upon which Alpha was founded. W e have begun a very successful year of basketball. W e have had two games this season, winning both. W e have with us this year Brother Clarkson, of Beta, playing his great game, as usual. Brother Wheelock was elected captain of the team, whom we consider as one of the best players on the team, together with his ability as a leader. Brother ualloway was elected coach of the team and a Brother who is an exponent of the game in its finest sense. Brother Shag Taylor is manager, a Brother untiring in his etfo.ts to do all in his power to keep the team equipped and inspired by his magnetic personality. Brother "Bal" Taylor, from Nu Chapter, is with the team doing his bit as a player who possesses unusual ability. The old war horses are back in harnessâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Brothers Randy Taylor, Coffer, Bland, Gray, Robinson. In Brother Hope we have a star of the first degree; he is a former player of Morehouse College championship team. At our last meeting the following officers were elected: President, Brother J. C. Evans, who at present is taking his Master degree at Technology; Vice-President, E. A. Gordon; Secretary,'J. E. Lane; Treasurer, Dr. S. F. Taylor; Chairman of the House Committee, Dr. A. B. Lattimore. In these nobk- Brothers Sigma places the destiny of the chapter f,or 1ÂťS6. W e found each well qualified for his office. To the office-holders of 19aS we extol them in recognition of their untiring efforts in filling their rerespective offices. Just a word of praise to our ex-President, Brother S. B. Hutchins. In him we found every quality Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity requires in a good Brother; he was never unwilling to do for the good of the chapter and Alpha Phi Alpha. Sigma sends greetings to all of her sister chapters, wishing them a year of good results, since nothing counts but those things which gives good results. Let li)26 be our banner year. Fraternally yours, C. R. RomNSON, Editor to T H E S P H I N X .

H U G H H. WIMBISH, Editor to T H E S P H I N X .

SIGMA C H A P T E R , Boston, Mass. Sigma wishes Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and each Brother a prosperous and happy new year, and may 192G give us a new effort to work for the interest of Alpha and all of its undertaking for the uplift of our race with special encouragement toward the youth of the present and the men and women of tomorrow, those to whom we must look for the future development of this great race. I hope we as Alpha men won't look upon the task which is before us lightly. At present Sigma has begun to prepare for one of her most successful Go-to High School, Go-to-College Campaigns. Sigma realizes the value of being prepared and able to present the public something worth while and constructive. In this day of rapid growth of other fraternities it means that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity must at all

Doctor Jas. H . Rachels is one of Danville's most prominent physicians and surgeons. Brother Rachels is a graduate of Meharry Medical College, post graduate of surgery, Howard University, a student of iviavo Brothe s' Clinic and a graduate in the course ot Surgical l e c h n i c a n d Electro-Phvsio-Therapeutics.

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y , He has demonstrated to Tan that he is a real Alpha Phi Alpha man. Nothing that we could say in regard to his spint and loyalty would praise him too highly. His works bespeak for him. May he long endure. ALPHA PHI ALPHA DEFEATS TAU

ALPHA

OMEGA

Tau Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity raised the lid off the intra-mural baskethall tournament at the University of Illinois, January 6th, by defeating Alpha Tau Omega in a hard-fought contest. 18 to 14. The game was clean and enthusiastic throughout. The nuceli of our team is built around new material. Mosely is the only member left of the championship team of 1(122. The present members are Mosley at center, Caldwell at right forward, McCullough at left forward, King at left guard and Jefferson at right guard. The substitutes are Blackwell, Moss, Robinson, McKnight, and Hudson. UPSILON CHAPTER. University of K a n s a s , Lawrence, K a n s . BROTHERS IN A L P H A

P H I ALPHA,

Greetings:

Upsilon regrets very much that she was unable to send a delegate to the Convention in Detroit. T h e ( hapter here is unusually small this year, consisting of i nly eight resident members. W e felt that the responsibility of keeping up payments on our Chapter House, along with other financial demands, was too great to permit our sending a delegate to Detroit. The prospects are that next year our Chapter will be much larger. We succeeded iliis fall in pledging a group of twenty-one very promising young men. They have formed an active Sphinx Club and have already given one party in honor of the actives. \ \ e expect to initiate quite a number of these pledges between now and next summer. The members of U p s il< .n 's Sphinx Club are as follows: Columbus House, James Scott, Streling Owens, Virgil Harris, Elijah Washington, James Knighton. Paul Anderson, James Thomas. Joseph Mosely. Sercy Bailey, Araczar Winrow, Edward Tompkins, Harold Coleman, Roy English, Isaac Brister, Edward Young. Charles Sheperd, William Pcni.ell, Thomas McCalep, and Leon Burke. On the evening of December nineteenth, Upsilon held her Annual Founders' I'ay Banquet, celebrating the eighth birthday of the Chapter. After the dinner dishes had been cleared away and we sat talking over our cigars, candles were lighted on the large, beautifully decorated Christmas tree that had been prepared for the occasion. T h e President distributed the gifts that had been placed on the tree for each brother and pledge, reading the litue humorous verses which accompanied each gift. Then, after a few remarks by the President, Brother Hayden, one of the early members of the Chapter who is with us again, told in a very dramatic fashion of t h e s t r u g gles that were necessary to raise Upsilon to t h e high position she n o w holds in the respect of the town and university. H e ended with a plea that we now be true to the ideals upon which o u r organization w a s founded in order that we might continue to remain in that position. T h e r e were a number of songs sung during the evening, and every brother and pledge was given an opportunity to express himself in regards to his duty in relation to the Fraternity. T h e Banquet ended with our standing and. a r m s around one a n o t h e r s shoulders, singing the national a n t h e m of Alpha Phi Alpha. W e wish to express o u r s y m p a t h y with those sister chapters that a r e located at mixed state universities for we know that they are struggling against many of t h e same cases of discrimination

1926

that we a r e facing. Here at the University of Kansas we have to contend with segregation in university concerts, and basketball games, and recently we have been barred entirely from the swimming pool. W e are waging a fight against certain of these discriminations, and are encouraged by favorable response on a large part of t h e student body. T h e r e is no telling yet what the outcome will be. At t h e first meeting after the C h r i s t m a s holidays. Upsilon elected officers for the new year. O u r present body of officers is as follows: President. Doxey A. W i l k e r s o n ; Vice-President, Beliron O r m e ; Secretary, J o h n Bell; T r e a s u r e r . T h o m a s P o s t e n ; Steward, George McCalep. W e regret very much to lose this semester o u r brother and newly elected officer J o h n Bell. H e has pursued for three years and a half a combined degree in t h e L a w School and the College. B r o t h e r Bell plans to leave soon for O m a h a . Nebraska, where he will enter the Creighton School of Law. L o s i n g B r o t h e r Bell, we a r e happy t o have back with us this semester Brother Samuel H a r r i s w h o was forced to remain out of school last semester because of illness. Brother Harris is enrolled in a premedk course at the University. Brother Wilkerson who was elected recently to serve his third term as President of Upsilon Chapter has just completed his undergraduate work in English. He has now become a candidate for the degree of Master of Arts in Education. Upsilon heartily extends her congratulations to the new officers of the Fraternity, and pledges her support to all their undertakings. Fraternally yours, UPSILON*

ALPHA

BETA

CHAPTER.

CHAPTER,

Talladega College, Talladega, Ala. BROTHERS IN A L P H A P H I A L P H A ,

Greetings:

We are now in another fraternal year. As we take our last look thru the 'door that is just closing we see the greatest year in the history of Alpha Beta. 'I he inspiration received by the return of our delegate horn the Seventeenth Annual Convention has lasted with us throughout the fraternal year with its original intensit- . During the past year, we gave the biggest social event in our history and launched with complete success a State-wide Go-to-High-School, Go-to College movement. The effectiveness of this campaign has been clearly evidenced through letters received from educators residing at the many cities touched. The spring initiation, which gave to our group the select few of our student group is also a marked event of the year. The final big feature of the fraternal year was the organization of a Sphinx Club composed of some of the best men of Talledega College. On November 28, four members of the College faculty became united in the bonds of Alpha. Brothers Arnold E. Gregory, Professor of Theology; Hugh I. Nanton, Instructor in Mathematics; Joseph Fletcher, Director of Manual Arts and Superintendent of Construction; and Augustus S. Frazier, Instructor in Printing were initiated by the Omicron Lambda Chapter in Birmingham. Fourteen of our members were present at the initiation. On January 2 of this year, Brother Dr. E. H. Jones entertained the brothers of Alpha Beta with a "possum dinner and wine spiked with punch." A pleasant afternoon was passed by all of the brothers who attended this affair. The fraternal year closed on Friday night, January 8, 192(1, when the officers were elected for the fol-

The Spli.nx for F e b r u a r y , 1926

lowing year. With a few nomination speeches and a bit of balloting the meeting closed with the following officers: President, Arthur 1). Shores; VicePresident, Albert B. White; Secretary, Emmanuel P. Jones; Corresponding Secretary, Clarence L. Sharpe; Treasurer, Aaron Brown, Chaplain, Cohen T. Simpson; Sergeant-at-Arms, Forrest L. Kirkpatrick; and Historian, Noah E. Wills. T h e election was carried off in a smooth fashion giving satisfaction to all. Our delegate to the Detroit Convention presented his report to the Chapter on Sunday, January 10. This meeting was preceded by a "revival meeting" which served to place us in a "warmed up" condition to receive the coming report. Indeed we left the meeting with the inspiration and determination necessary to make this the biggest year in our history. Alpha Beta wishes to get into direct communication with all of its graduate brothers who are scattered throughout the country. If you see any, direct them this way. Have them drop a friendly word to our corresponding secretary, Brother C. L. Sharpe, Talladega College, Talladega, Alabama. We are now looking forward to and planning for future events. Our big goal is a successful Go-toHigh-Schobl, Go-to-Collcge Campaign. Our minor goal, which perhaps claims our attention at present, is our annual social event which is near at hand. We wish much success to the sister chapters in their efforts to make this their banner year. Yours fraternally, A L P H A BETA, N.

E. W I L L S ,

Editor. ALPHA DELTA CHAPTER, University of Southern California, L o s Angeles, Calif. BROTHERS IN A L P H A P H I A L P H A ,

Greetings:

Alpha Delta Chapter sends Greetings. W e wish for each brother of Alpha Phi Alpha a most successful year. Alpha Delta begins.this year with a keen spirit of optimism. With renewed vigor and added interest, the brothers in the Ear West promise big things for the Fraternity. We regret very much that we were unable to he present at the Detroit Convention, hut we are jubilant over its great success. The following brothers were elected to lead Alpha Delta through 1886: Brother Malcolm H . Patton, president; Brother Dr. Thomas A. Greene, vicepresident ; Brother Arthur E . Prince, secretary; Brother William Prince, treasurer; Brother Mack Thornton, Sergeant-at-Arms. With such a corps of executive officers, Alpha Delta is confident that the work of the Chapter will far surpass that of previous years. We extend our hearty congratulations to the newly elected national officers of the fraternity and stand ready to back them in any step they make for progress. Fraternally, ARTHUR E. PRINCE,

Chapter

Editor.

ALPHA THETA CHAPTER, Iowa City, Iowa BROTHERS I N A L P H A P H I A L P H A ,

Greetings:

Alpha Theta is back to normal after a very enjoyahle holiday vacation. Two of the members of Alpha Theta Chapter extended their vacation, a day longer than the granted holidays. Brother Greene found so much attraction in Chicago in the person of a charming young lady that the Dental Class

missed him when the roll was called Tuesday. While in St. Louis Brother Robinson took too long to bid farewell to his many feminine friends and missed the tram either by accident or on purpose. We were represented at the Convention by Brother O. T. Roberts, varsity track man for two years. Brother Roberts now has all the brothers regretting very much that they didn't attend the Convention, which: was the best convention by far held by Alpha Phi Alpha. The election of officers placed quite a few new faces at Alpha Theta's helm. Brother Henry H a r d ing. President; Brother Russel Ragland, Vice-President; Brother Ernest Greene, Secretary; Brother Ralph Moody, Treasurer; Brother Arthel Roberts, Sergeant-at-Arms; Brother J. W . Clark, Steward; and Brother Kermitt Wheeler, Chapter Editor. One peculiar thing about Alpha Theta is that it is located in the State of Iowa and only one Iowan on tlte roster, namely, Brother J. W . Clark of Des Moines. The other brothers are from various states, north, south, east and west. On the track team Alpha Phi Alpha is represented by Brother O. T. Roberts, who specializes in the 100, Z20, and 440-yd. dashes, and the broad jump. Brother Roberts was high point man of the track team last year, and this is his last year of varsity competition During his time at Iowa, Brother Roberts lias established a record as a good student, model Alpha man, member of the llawkeye d r i b , besides winning his numeral and two letters on the track team. H e now is striving to win his third and final letter. Brother Ralph Moody, a cousin of Brother Roberts, is also out for track. Although this is his first year of competition, Brother Moody is pressing varsity candidates for the 440 and 880-yd clashes. All Alpha Mieta. wishes and lends Brothers Roberts and Moody their most hearty support to make the varsity team. Pin trouble is in evidence at Alpha Theta and quite a few of the brothers intend to follow retiring President Dejoie's action and hang their pins. So far we know there's trouble, but we can't find the brothers involved with the exception of Brothers Dejoie, McDaniels and W. Wilson. Brothers Clark and Harper went to Des Moines during the Delta Sigma Theta Convention, and from reliable sources from Des Moines, it is said the two brothers swept the charming Delta Sig's off their feet. W e feel that this is true because both brothers returned to school with camels, burnouses and sand. Although it is cold, plenty of ice and snow out here m Iowa, our sheiks, namely Brothers Greene, W . Wilson, Clark and Harper, still cling to their camels and sand to keep from slipping. Alpha Theta is represented in athletics on the campus by a fast basketball team which to date has swept all opponents off their feet. Several white fraternities are among Alpha Theta's victims. T h e team is composed of Brothers Scott Harper, captain and forward; W. Wilson, center; Bvron McDaniels and kermitt Wheeler, guards. Pledges James Taylor, forward, and Crispus McCoy, center, have shown ability enough to hold their respective positions. Brother Raleigh Wilson, former Chapter Editor, is working on Ins M. A. degree which he and all Alpha 1 beta hopes he shall receive in June. Brothers Dejoie, Clark and Wheeler still have their nightly arguments whether the prettiest of the fairer sex are from Louisiana, Iowa, or Missouri. Brothers Dejoie and Wheeler are usuallv against Brother Clark. Alpha Theta wishes all chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Fraternally yours, Ki.uviiTT WHEELER,

('hapter

Editor.

The Sph ALPHA-KAPPA

CHAPTER,

Springfield, Ohio BROTHERS I N A L P H A P H I A L P H A .

Greetings:

No doubt most of us have returned to our cloistered college halls after an instructive and constructive sojourn in Detroit. W e return to our respective chapters determined to make 192(5 the biggest of all years for Alpha Phi Alpha. Men, this is a Herculean task, but if Alpha Kappa lias anything to say about it, 1920 shall be our banner year. Alpha Kappa has outlined a constructive program for the coming year. As far as new men are concerned we are determined not only to be critical, but constructive. New men should be the nucleus for the fostering of the noble and most sacred ideals of Alpha Phi Alpha. W c shall aim to do everything within our power to cooperate with our sister chapters here in New England to aid them in their great work. W c feel that by cooperating with these chapters where problems and conditions are similar to ours we can do much for the aggrandizement of our great fraternity. It is with regret that we announce the withdrawal of Brother Chas. S. Stone to Epsilon Lambda Chapter. Brother Stone was one of the charter members of Alpha Kappa and it was largely his hand which guided and directed her in her infancy. Epsilon Lambda in the acquisition of Brother Stone has a noble Alpha Phi Alpha brother. We are glad to report the election of the following officers for 1920 who will carry with full steam ahead the work of the chapter. President, N. P . Dotson, J r . ; Vice-President, J. H . Gilliam; Secretary, G. A. Bolivar Parris ; Treasurer, Dr. C. Otis Byrd; Sphinx Editor, H. F. Price; Historian, R. T . Custis. Fraternally yours, ALPHA

ALPHA OMICRCN

KAPPA.

CHAPTER,

J o h n s o n C. Smith University, Charlotte. N . C. BROTHERS I N A L P H A P H I A L P H A .

Greetings:

With the coming of the New Year, Alpha Omicron enters into a spirit of increased activity and usefulness. We have just received a most favorable report from Brother A. R. Lord, our delegate to the Convention. It has been an inspiration to us to hear of the progress of our sister chapters, and to learn of the constructive 'things which Alpha Phi Alpha is doing. We are trusting that this year will be the best in our history. Many changes have taken place since our last letter to T H E SIMIIXX. On November 24, 1925, seven new brothers were led from outer darkness into light through the mystic portals of Alpha Phi Alpha. The Neophytes arc : Brothers G. R. Dockery, T. E. (Milliard. E. L. James, W . W . Jones, W. J. Hardy, T. L Plair, and Leroy Young. All of these brothers are prominent in various phases of college life and activity. W e feel that they are a group of young men of whom Alpha Phi Alpha may justly be proud. All are from the Sophomore class except Brother Hardy, who is a Junior. The administrations of our chapter now passes into the hands of a new and thoroughly reliable corps of officers, which, we feel, would be a credit to any organization. Our new President is Brother W . J. Knox, who is one of the youngest members of our faculty. Brother Knox is an Alpha man of the finest sort, and it is with pride that we entrust the leadership of our chapter for the coming year into his keeping. Brother A. R. Lord, of the Junior Class, who was our delegate to the Convention, is Vice-President.

for F e b r u a r y . 1926

Brother Lord is manager of the football team of the University, and has shown marked ability as a leader in this and other positions. Our Secretary is Brother T. E. Gilliard, a brilliant young Sophomore, who has won much recognition through his scholastic ability. Brother T. L. Plair, whose ability at bookkeeping cannot easily be excelled, is our Financial Secretary. Brother F . B. Syphax, who has been our Treasurer since the founding of the chapter, has been re-elected to that position. Our Sergeant-at-Arms is Brother W. J. Hardy, of the Junior Class. Brother Hardy has won recognition as a football player, and held third base last year on the University nine. H e has also shown ability in many other lines of activity. This writer now passes his pen on to Brother C. L. Murphy, our incoming Editor to the Sphinx, with no small degree of pride in having so competent a successor. Brother Murphy is a writer, artist and cartoonist of unusual ability. ()ur number of chapter musicians has been increased by the entrance of Brothers Leroy Young and W . W . Jones. Brother young is a promising baritone soloist, and Brother Jones, who is also our new Chaplain, is a violinist of no mean ability. Two of our new members, Brothers G. R. Dockery and E. L. James, have gained distinction upon the football field. Both held positions this year on the varsity eleven. Brother Dockery was recently presented with a gold football by the Sphinx Club, as a token of their appreciation of his efforts. Brother James is President of the Mat toon Literary Society, one of the two college lyceums. Brother I). P . Allen, of the Senior Class, was recently elected President of the College Philosophical Society. On December 1(1, the chapter was delightfully entertained at the home of Brother C. R. Blake, in East First Street. T h e hospitality of our host, the fraternal spirit which prevailed, and the delectable repast which was served, made the occasion one of unalloyed pleasure. With heartiest wishes to all the chapters, and trusting that the coming year may hold great things in store for Alpha Phi Alpha, I am Fraternally yours, GEORGE L. A L L E N .

Chapter ALPHA-PI

Editor.

CHAPTER,

Atlanta University, Atlanta, Ga. Jan. 15, 1988. BROTH Ess IN A L P H A P H I A L P H A .

Greetings:

Alpha Pi is still thinking and doing big things for Alpha Phi Alpha. In short, it still has that dear ole Alpha Phi Alpha spirit. It is generally conceded that extra-curricular activities are important elements in our education; hence Alpha Pi is representing Alpha Phi Alpha in this phase as well as in the classroom. Alpha Phi Alpha was well represented on the strong "Crimson Hurricane" this year by Brothers Lamar, captain and tackle on Brother Sam Taylor's AllSouthern halfback and one of the best punters in the game; Colluin, who showed great stuff at quarterback and end; Yates, captai n of the 1926 machine and one of the best line plungers in these p a r t s ; and Montgomery, All-Southern guard, who has played four years on the "Crimson Hurricane" without being out of the game one minute. Brother King was a substitute guard and bids fair to fill the position left by Brother Montgomery when he graduates in June. Pledge Brothers Stanley, who showed great form at fullback, and Robinson, who has the ability to become one of the greatest centers in football, rcpre-

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y , 1926

sented the Sphinx Chili on the varsity. However, they were numerous on the squad. At the annual banquet of the football team, Brother Yates was elected captain of the lii^ii "Crimson Hurricane," Brother Oakes was elected manager, and the writer was elected as his assistant. I might say here that Brother Chemiault has managed the "Hurricane" for three years and holds the honor of being the most capable manager that the team has ever had. Now that football is over Brother Chcnnault is kept busy as president of the Senior class and the Student Council. Brothers Oakes, Steele and Williams are helping Brother Chemiault to represent the students and Alpha Phi Alpha on this council. Brother Brown is busy managing the basketball team. Brother Montgomery, as captain and pitching ace of the baseball team, is making plans for the most successful season that that team has ever known. Brother Williams, along with his duties on the Student Council, is kept busy as president of the V. M. C. A. And speaking of being busy, we are all busy getting ready to hold high the name of Alpha Phi Alpha in the final "exams" which start at the beginning of next week. The last meeting of Alpha Pi was devoted to the hearing of Brother Schell's report of the Convention and the election of officers. The following officers were elected: Brother G. E DeLorme, President; Brother R. J. Yates, Vice-President ; Brother J. Oakes, Secretary; Brother C. P. Collum, Treasurer; Brother F. N. Weathers, Corresponding Secretary; Brother W . M. Tyler, Historian; Brother F. Tolnier, Chaplain, and Brother T. J. Lomas, Sergeant-at-Arms. Alpha Pi is planning to put over one of the greatest "Go-to-High-School Go-to-College" campaigns that any chapter has ever put over. Alpha Pi wishes all of the chapters a most prosperous new year in both student and fraternal life. Fraternally yours, FREDERICK N.

WEATHERS,

Chapter

To thee, O Theta! thou paragon of all the chapters ! Our hats are doffed in fraternal reverence and sincerest honor and admiration for those achievements that so nearly approach the acme of fraternal efficiency and excellence. However, "Forewarned is forearmed": you will be asked for one of those cups in aristocratic Richmond, when the Nineteenth Assemblage of our glorious institution takes place in the Old Dominion. It is reported that Brother h'red S. A. Johnson was very much in evidence in Detroit. Nu, take notice. ^Finally, Brothers, let us all put our shoulders to the Wheel and assisl Brother Brown in making T H E SPHINX of rurteetl twenty-six the greatest ever. Fraternally, OLIVES JACKSON.

liditor.

ALPHA RHO CHAPTER, M o r e h o u . e College, Atlanta, Ga. Jan. til, t;>:.!.-,. BROTHKHS IN Au>n \ I'm A L P H A ,

cyclone', upon the forces of Ignorance, annihilating every impediment and demolishing the ill-constructed huts of prejudice and superficiality. Alpha Rho collaborates in this phase of our program with Eta Lambda and the twin sister, Alpha Pi. Brother Carwin, who is arranging a hitherto untried system of bookkeeping for our secretary and treasurer, has apparently decided, as a fitting finale in his college career, to earn nothing but Alpha marks in his class work. H e is evidently a student of Greek, for he realizes that " A " and Alpha are synonymous. With him are Brothers King, Reynolds, Roberts and Carten. Brother Sykes (dribbl ing, passing and shootnig), is endeared more and more to Alpha Rho when we realize that ere long he will step forth from these portals, nevermore to battle for the Maroon and W hite; but we sober up and face life as men should, remembering that there remains his stellar work on the baseball diamond to be equaled or even surpassed if possible. Brothers Bland, Carrol, Hendricks, Roberts and Jackson, along with pledgees Anderson, Brown, N. Jackson and Terrell, are bending their efforts to the utmost toward retaining the prestige and finesse of Morehouse College's Orchestra and Glee Club. May these efforts be not in vain.

Greetings:

Know ye that the good ship "Alpha Rho," of the Alpha Phi Alpha line, has undergone a thorough drydocking, has weighed anchor, and is off on as noble a voyage as has ever be^'ii sailed upon the sea of college life. She's prepared to weather the gale, mates; and you may lay to that. Brother W. Herbert King, Jr., is at the helm; and a corking good skipper is he. middies. Brother Herbert C. Roberts is his first m a t e but enough of this sea chatter. The other officers a r e : Brothers T. Price Dooley, Secretary; J. Wesley Carten, Treasurer; Jesse L. Terry, Chaplain; C. Wallace Hawkins, Historian; Andie Valentine Kirkland, Sergeant-at-Arms, and O. Everrett Jackson Corresponding Secretary. Our Eighteenth Annual Convention proved to be an awakening of the soul of Alpha Phi Alpha. So thorough and intensive was the work of the recent General Convention that Brothers at the seat of this chapter are still in the grip of its issues and the results thereof. The work of the Eighteenth General Convention is tangible, essential and lasting. Alpha Rho is ils" delighted to scan the roster of General Officers, pausing, of course at the names of Charles W. Greene and Joseph II. B, Evans, who are in our midst—that is, in Eta Lambda. Our thoughts are constantly directed toward the day of days, when tin- great hosts of Alpha Phi Alpha will, at a single command, sweep down, like a mighty

BETA LAMBDA

CHAPTER,

K a n s a s City, M o . Beta Lambda Chapter, situated in Kansas City— the Heart of America—extends Greetings to the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha. While we have not taken up our proportion of space in T H F . S P H I N X we still have the spirit and love for our dear Fraternity. Every Alpha Phi Alpha man here is giving good account of himself in his chosen line of work. T o o often they are too busily engaged in their work and in doing things for the uplift of the community to give sufficient time to the activities of their Chapter. For example, the recent Community Fund Drive, which took place in Kansas City was one of the most successful conducted here. It was headed by the Reverend Brother Arthur E. Rankin, Pa-' the St. Paul Presbyterian Church. H e was assisted by eight other brothers. The team led by Brother J. Oliver Morrison received the largest amount of subscriptions. Brother T. Arnold Hill, Industrial Secretary of the National Urban League, has been in Kansas City wi e< t ^ e e k S ' H t ' V ' s l U '' 1 w i l h l , s a t ( , u r '""'tings. While here he was interested in helping to make openings lor colored people in industrial establishments. Since the last issue of T H E S P H I N X Brother Edwin H. Lee has become a Benedict. Also Brother r . T. Lane has taken unto himself a bride, Brother I.. 11. Norwood, Formerly of Beta, is the lather of two charming children, Betty Lee and L. H . Junior. Brother ( h a s . Thompson, I'll.I)., formerly of I beta, is now teaching at Summer High School and

T h e Sphinx for February, 1926

is affiliating with Beta Lambda. James B. Goggins, President; Lloyd Loomis, Vicehave several Brothers in our midst who have President; Grover I). Lang, Recording Secretary; not received letters from their Chapters and who are Clement C. Johnson. Corresponding Secretary; and not affiliating with Alpha Phi Alpha. These we hope D. J. Grimes, Sphinx Editor. In the selection of we will have definitely in our ranks soon. our worthy president, the chapter has made a rare choice, for Brother Goggins has had a very varied .and wide executive experience in other fraternal The President of our Chapter, Brother F. T. Lane, circles, l i e lias been a very loyal Alpha man since Executive Secretary of the local Urban League, is coming into the fold. In Brothers Loomis and other called upon to give much time to the work <if the executives, we have wonderful talent, and we rather Executive Committee of the Missouri Conference for congratulate ourselves on having these men to guide Social Welfare; also the Committee of one hundred oil] destinies. appointed by the Mayor of Kansas City to make recommendations for a 26 million dollar Bond Issue. Brother John C. Dancy is attending the meeting of Urban League Workers in Xew York. He is "riding that bull" from Detroit to bis home in Washington, the,ice to Xew York, and back to us. We hope that at the end of this year, any brftther visiting us will be entertained at the Chapter Home, as this is our program for the year. We were favored with visits from Brothers Overton of Chicago; Fletcher Henderson of New York: and Paul Robeson of New York. We extend to all a hearty Cod-speed in the comini: year. D.

J. GRIM i s .

Editor. ETA LAMBDA CHAPTER, Atlanta, Ga. BROTHERS I\- A L P H A

P H I ALPHA,

Greetings:

'I he Eta Lambda Chapter delegation to tin; Gen eral Convention at Detroit, including Charles W. Greene, 'I bird Vice-President; Jos. H . B. Evans, General Secretary; A. M. Carter and the subscriber have returned and reported to the chapter the work of the Convention and the genuine hospitality received at the bands of Gamma Lambda Chapter. Officers for the year were elected at the last regular meeting id' the chapter at the In me of Brother A. M. Carter. T h e following officers were elected: Dr. C. Way-111011(1 Reeves, President; Thomas J. Henry, Vice-President; Charles E. Arnold, Secretary; A. M. Carter, Assistant Secretary: Lorimcr 1 >. Milton. Treasurer; Dr. M. S. Pavagc, Chaplain. Tin e Dr. Edward S. Baker is the Senior Delegate of brothers are eminently fitted for their respective tasks. Beta Lambda Chapter to the Detroit O nvention. Or. The holiday season again found Atlanta as usual Baker has a very successful practice, has held the the center for Alpha Phi Alpha in the Southland. p sition of Pathologist at the City. Hospital for four We were pleased to have with us Brothers F, I). years and is now the Deputy Coroner of Jackson White and Pritchard Klngh, professors at Livingston County, being the hrst colored man appointed to such at Salisbury, N. C , originally from Alpha a •' • '• : |ta1 [iss e-ri. Eta Chapter of Harvard. Brother Bland, professor After receiving the Bachelor of Arts, degree from at Johnson C. Smith, Charlotte. X. C , also formerly the University of Kansas, he finished Medicine at of Alpha Eta was in the city for the holiday festiviHoward University in the class "of 1919. ties. Brother t a r t e r Wright of Pittsburgh, who is Brother B tl d into Alpha Phi Alpha now teaeh'ng in West Virginia paid his respects to by Beta Lambda it' 1933 and has held two offices in te city and its maidens fair. Brother White He 'lands high in fraternal circles, beand Wright are well known in this section having longing to several outstanding lodges. He is a fi rmerly been connected with Morris Brown UniThirty-three Detrree Mason and is at pr sent Depurj versity. of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freema i riry, for the Southern Jurisdiction, U. S. A. B other David D. Jones and family spent the holi. Mr. Jones' native home in Greensboro, X. C. They have returned to the city and are again at their GAMMA L A M B D A CHAPTER, home on Xew Castle Street. Detroit, Mich. -. - '. Brother A. B. McCoy who lias been in Iowa for some time in connection with some special work BROTHERS IN ALPHA P H I A L P H A . Greeting*:. • for the Presbyterian Church returned to the city durThe Paninia Lambda Chapter is pleasantly recoving the holidays and remained For several weeks prior ering from the "dementia conventionis." and the to going to Boston on a similar mission. prognosis has been pronounced favorable. Because of Brother !'•. T, Harvey, Director of Athletics at the great Alpha Phi Alpha stamina, we are sure no Morebou-e College and head of the Science Departre'ansc will occur. The-chapter has been wonderfully inspired by the ment leaves in the next few days for the least with his crack basketball team. The subscriber trusts that great lessons taught at this convention, and we feel he will meet his Waterloo at fair Harvard. that we are better enabled to carry on in Alpha Phi Brother Charles Winter Wood, Financial Alpha for having been hi nored with your presence. for Tuskegee Institute was in the city for a few days V the ! the year, the following recently closing up mattters ill connection with tin brothers were elected for the ensuing year: Brothers

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y ,

1926

seven million dollar endowment fund for Hampton >n and Tuskcgee. which has been successfully raised. (1. Mr. Wood pointed out that although this fund will ill endow the present budget operations of the two to schools that this was just the beginning of their ir large program of expansion. A large number of out of town brothers from m Tuskegee, Birmingham. Montgomery, and points in in Georgia were in the city during December attending ig r the recital of Roland Hayes, the noted tenor. We e understand that the inter-racial committee of which :h Brother David D. Jones is Secretary was largely ly responsible for Mr. Hayes' unique appearance in in this city. Mr. Hayes was the guest of Brother Dr. r. Charles H. Johnson while in the city. F.ta Lambda Chapter is preparing this year in connection with its Go-to-High-School. Go-to-ColIegc =<j campaign a booklet on "Go to Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Why and H o w ? " similar to the recent booklet on "Why Go to to College." The booklet may be used by other chap'" ters and further announcement in this regard will be ,e made later. Fraternally yours, ETA

LAMBDA,

By J. GARLAND Woon.

IOTA-LAMBDA CHAPTER, Indianapolis. Ind. BROTHERS IN ALPHA P H I

ALPHA.

Greetings:

et Iota-Lambda Chapter is hard at work. We regret to mention the fact that we were not represented at lt the last Convention. Our President and delegate, e Brother Dr. C. B. Toles, M. D., took seriously illlj the week preceding the Convention and was unable to come, We have the "Alpha Spirit" and promise to be )e present in large numbers at the next convention. n. Our last meeting was held at the home of Brother ;r C. Burbridge, and we laid plans to have a real Alpha la year. Fraternally yours,

IOTA-LAMBDA

CHAPTER.

D. C , was awarded the degree of Doctor of Ptmosophy (Ph.D.) in History at the Harvard University Commencement in June. Dr. Wesley holds the degree of Master of Arts from Yale University with special interests in History and Education, and the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Fisk University. H e won appointments to university scholarships at Yale for two years and an Austin Teachers' Scholarship at Harvard. He has pursued courses of studv in History and French Literature at the Guilde" Internaticiule in Paris, France, and has traveled abroad. Dr. Wesley has also served as pastor of Ebenezer and Campbell A. M. E. Churches in Washington, D. G , and as secretary for Overseas' Work with the International Committee of the Y. M. C. A. He was born at Louisville, Ky., December 2, 18'91 and was educated in the public schools of that city. His later academic training follows: Fisk University. 1907-1911. During this period he traveled with the Fisk Singers: Yale University, 1911-1913; Guilde Internationale, Paris, France, 1914; Howard University Law School, 1915-1916; Harvard University Craduate School, 1920-1921: University of Pennsylvania, 1921. Professor Wesley has filled every grade in the staff of instruction at Howard University. He was Instructor in the Teaching of History and Modern Languages, 1913-1917; Assistant Professor of History, 1917-1910; Associate Professor of History, 1919-1920; Professor of History and Head of the Department since 1921. Dr. Wesley has lectured frequently to teachers institutes, and his researches have found place in several scholarly publications. His thesis, "A History of Negro Labor in the United States, 1850-1923; A Study in Economic History," will be published at an early date. Brother Wesley was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha at Zeta Giapter, Yale University. He later became a Charter member of Mu Lambda, when that graduate chapter was formed in the fall of 1923. at Washington, D. C. Because of his undying devotion and loyalty to his Fraternity, and his untiring efforts in behalf of Alpha Phi Alpha, Mu Lambda Chapter has just chosen Brother Wesley as its President for 192f>. Brother Wesley is also Chairman of the joint committee of Beta-Mil Lambda, that has in charge the financing of the Chapter House to be erected in Washington. OMICRON LAMBDA CHAPTER, Birmingham, Ala.

BROTHER CHARLES H.

President, Mu

WESLEY. P H . D .

Lambda.

Brother Charles H. Wesley. Head of the Department of History at Howard University, Washington,

Omicron Lambda Chapter congratulates Brother Brown as spokesman for the Alpha Phi Alpha. Greetings for the New Year we extend to our fellow chapters in Alpha Phi Alpha. Since our last letter to T H E S P H I N X , we have started our year's work with an initiation that was very creditable. We had as our guests the members of Alpha Beta Chapter of Talladega College. The following brothers were among the number, namely: Brothers Kirkpatrick. Phillips, Shores, Wells. Simpson, White. Lewis, Jones, Jacobs, Sharp and Elisha Jones. Among the Neophytes were four members of the faculty of Talladega College: Professors Gregory, Frazier, Nanton and Fletcher. The other Neophvtes were Professor Elis and Dr. Burwell of Selma; Dr. Word of Miles Memorial College; S. M. Jenkins and W. E. Shortridge. Omicron Lambda starts out with an excellent program. One of the items is an Oratorical Contest by the students of various Secondary Schools in this district. At our last meeting our representative to the General Convention. Brother Mason, gave us an excellent report of the doings of the Convention, touching here and there the high lights.

Trie S p h i n x t o r F e b r u a r y , 1926 At the same meeting', we had as our guest Brother J- S. Jones of Gamma Chapter. Richmond, Va., who gave us a very inspiring- and uplifting talk. In the special numbers of Birmingham Reporter and Birmingham Truth, our President, Brother Adamson had an excellent article mi: "Why Greek Letter Fraternities?" It was full of wholesome ideas. A young lady, named Evelyn Doris Dowdell, has recently appeared at the home of Brother Dowdell. one expects to remain with them indefinitely.

Our Slogan for this year is a larger Sphere of Service and especially for our young people. Our Committee on Go-to-High School and College movement under the leadership of Brother Reeves, who has been re-appointed Chairman is busy furthering their plans for an intensive campaign in the spring.

Fraternally yours, G.

Editor to The

LEWIS,

Sphinx.

FRAT FUN We wonder if the good brother from Oberlin has '•irned the name of the limousine that the lady took him home in.

Vanderpool—"1 want a couple of pillow cases." Clerk—"What size?" Vanderpool—"I don't know, but I wear a size 7 hat."

We didn't know that they raised bears on Dayton farms. At any rate the popular Theta Lambda larmer had a new bear-skin coat.

What would you think of a girl whose initials were M. E. W. who joined the K. A. T. sorority when she went to college? It's true.

The big advantage of a midnight prom is that you 8«t breakfast that morning.

The only fault with the only girl is that one is rarely the only man.

" I he million dollar ball room was beautiful." was the punch?????

How

Richmond can profit by Detroit's experience. Get

BITS OF

INTELLIGENCE

a Sergeant-at-Arms that begins his duties by keeping quiet himself, but also get one that can collect "W! late delegate's dollar.

Wiltshire (England) school children ride to school on bicycles provided free by the city,

u c want to know whether the delegates charged 'heir fines (for being late) to their expense accounts.

The American aviators who fought on the Moroccan front had black bulTalos painted on their p l a n . .

Wait for me," said the popular Cleveland dentist. until I get dressed." He hooked his cane on his

The highest character is compounded of firmness and flexibility; a mental willingness and a moral reluctance to compromise, each complementing and correcting the other.

m and was ready.

Many of us leave footprints in the sands of time, °«t few of us leave small ones. Many a true word has been spoken between false teeth.

Eloquence is the tranference of thought and emotion from one heart to another, no matter how it is done. —Go a;ill. The secret of influence is will, whether good or bad.—Robertson,

Love at first sight is a great time saver. t h e height of painlessness is a splinter in a wooden

The great secret of success in life is lor a man to be ready when his opportunity conies. Disraeli.

Some vegetables surelv are large." "How so?" ve seen three or four policemen asleep on a

Our moods are lenses coloring the world with as many different hues.—Emerson.

leg

angle beet."

The wild beast

lnaii. —Bttlwer,

Grandmother—"Johnny, I wouldn't slide down those

stairs!"

"ittle Boy—"Wouldn't?

No, you couldn't."

Lifs's Thrilling

feels man's kindness more than

They also serve who only stand and

wait.—Milton.

In Tokio, Japan, there are .•>.;::.! restaurants and eating places where one may obtain foreign food.

Moment

When ymi have been introduced to a most beautiful S'rl to whom yoo long bad sought an introduction, and then she murmurs, "I'm glad 1 seen youse."

Head of the House (angrily:

"Who told you to

P«t that paper on the wall?" Decorator: "Your wife, sir." Head of the House: "Pretty, isn't it?"

Only 12 per rent of the cheese used in England is imported from foreign countries. The United States leads the world in the use of wood. Never does a man know the force that is in him till some mighty affection or grief has humanized the

soul.—Robertson. „*|ools ask questions no wise man can ^ure, that's why we all think."

answer." Even speed when we are anxious seems like delay —Syrus.

. •'•''•"k thinks he's a great detective."

}\"\\

come?"

Oh, he ran down the heels on his shoes.

Some falls are means the happier to

peore.

rist.—Shakes-

T h e S p l u n x for F e h r u a r y ,

1926

CUPID'S CORNER "What therefore God

hath joined together.

Whileman-Thompson.

letnot man put asunder." Matt. L9:«

We have noticed thai Miss Prances Whiteman, one of Washington's "most beloved little ladies," is the proud wearer of Brother Ted Thompson's fraten pin. Brother Ted Thompson is a member of Xi Chapter at Wilberforce, and we are wondering how long he will be able to remain away from his heart" in Washington. More power to yon, "Ted." We hope that you will have as much success in your love affairs as you have had in the field of tennis.

Oklahoma's select, were quietly married while the Other students were being registered for School. Brother Maupin is one of Xi's most active members. IBs bride is an accomplished musician and singer, as well as a member oi . pter, Alpha Kappa iia Sorority. The two were ni the pres class, and were destined to receive degrees in June. Although they were seemingly "lost en route to school," we wish for them all the happinat the "Sea of matrimony" can affo d,

Windham-Davis.

Tyler-Henderson.

Brother Llewellyn "Duck" Davis was stung by the "love bug" on the return to school oi Miss Aldina Windham. The sting oi was so intense that it not only carried Brother Davis off his feet but took the seven jewels also. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, How about it, "Duck"?

hath charms." Anyway, Brother Horace Henderson, musician of the first magnitude, and Miss Evel n I\ I. r i ,| pinS, ,\ii s s Tyler is a Senior college student and member of the local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Xi Chapter exIs to them its heartiest congratulations and best wishes.

Jackson-Fletcher. Brother Graham Fletcher really has to be congratulated on !; . : une he took upon him a bride in a of Miss Una Jackson, of Washington. D C. Miss Jackson is one of Washington's fairest. The boys of Beta wish Brother Fletcher all the success in the world. Simmcns-Gardner. Brother Julius Gardner also leaped upon the matrimony during the Xmas holid ;s Louise Simmons, of Washington, I). C , was the lucky young lady to be linked to Brother Gardner. Mrs. Gardner is one ol ' nown school teachers of Wash ton. We wish you both all the success In the world. Marshall-Williams. Brother Homer "Tech" Williams has at lust given over his pin to Miss Julia F. Marshall, the young lady whom he has talked about for the past two years and a half, and whose attentions he has monopolized for the past fifteen months. Brotl ms is the basso profundo of the Wilberforce University Quartette and a Senior in the College of Liberal Arts, while Miss Marshall is also a Senior in the College oi tl Arts and a member of Zeta Chapter, Alpha Kappa Sorority, Success to you, old man; may your deep has sink into the heart of the lady you have chosen, and may she live up to that which you and others think about her. The announcement is by no means a surprise to the many friends of this couple, but rather that which "necessarily follows" after a lengthy association, Xi ;iter lifts its hats to the oldest active undergraduate member.

Whiteman-Thompson. Brother "Ted" Thompson, national tennis champion, is also a winner in love. Brother Thompson is a neophyte, who received his pin in November. When •oil home Xmas he left his pin with Miss F in D C Miss Whiteman is •< lovely young debutante whose popularity is unsur•d. Xi Chaptl them smooth Bailing on the sea of matrimony. Wallace-McDaniels. During the past summer we learn that Brother •n McDanieis, of Alpha Theta Chapter, has ur rendered his pin to the cha ming Miss Evelyn Walof Sapulpa. i IkJa Mi s Wallace i t at pi an instructor ,,, thi high sch 10I of S ipulpa, Bi being an instructor Miss Wallace is Fader oi the younger social set oi Sapulpa and a finished musician. Brother McDanieis is a Senior in the College oi Pharmacy at tin I niversitj ol Iowa We feel thai the couple is an ideal match, and all Alpha Theta wishes them sincere For a bright ftitti e. McCard-Cummings. When Brother Harry Cummings came hack to school after the holidays, he won a broadei smile than usuad. We all wondered why but could noi find the reason until one Brother noticed thai instead oi Brother Cum: ing his Alpha pin, a Delta pm illy ove rhis heart On furthei in vesication we Found thai the girl in the case was Miss "Cluta" McCard, of Baltimore. Miss McCard, who made her debut in Baltimore society during the holidays. is a Sophomore at Smith College and a charmtnd popular leader both at home and on the colcampus,

Taylor-Maupin. There is always something strange happening under the midnight sun. Only recently has the most important of the operations of "Sol," on the fourteenth of September last, been brought ot light. Brother Miller Maupin and Miss M. Tacoma Taylor, one of Tulsa.

Chisholm-Downing. One of the : ial events of the Eas1 and one widespread interest, was the i ot Miss Chisholm, of Charlotte, N C to Brother Lewis K Downing, of Washington, I) i

T h e S p h i n x for F e b r u a r y , 1926 Brother Downing, who will be remembered as a former captain of Howard University Eootball team (1919-19C0), is one of the well-known Downings from Virginia. He is at present a member of the faculty at his Alma Mater. Mrs. Downing is a much beloved little lady and holds the highest admiration of her many friends. A splendid couple with every reason io- a happy future I Best wishes—many of them. V/;i-on-Law. i r James H Law, known more familiarly as 'Coach" Law was married "secretly" to the pretty

and pleasing Miss Elizabeth Wilson, librarian at Morgan College, last April. At length they have decided to let us share the happy secret, and we rejoice with them as they "start life anew." Brother Law is a graduate of Lincoln University, former captain and coach of the football team. At the time of his marriage he was the popular and successful coach of the Morgan College football and basketball teams. Mrs. Law is the daughter of Captain Edward Wilson, of Cambridge, Md., prominent Eastern Shore resident and trustee of Morgan. Alpha Phi Alpha extends greetings to the newly-weds.

T H E CAPSTONE O F NEGRO EDUCATION HOWARD UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON, D. C. Founded by General O. O. Howard J. S T A N L E Y D U R K E E , A.M., Ph.D., D.D., E M M E T T J. S C O T T , A.M., LL.D., President Secretary-Treasurer

» jj »

To provide the Twelve Million Colored people of the United States w i t h college-trained and Professional leaders t h r o u g h its courses in A r t s , Sciences, Sociology, Education; its Schools of Commerce and Finance, Public Health and Hygiene, Music, Architecture. Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Religion and Law.

c j i - ^ v ^ ^ ; ^, •*r-J&i&-^^-~r^i

5fKXr^*8>~X39

STUDENTS F1AY EATER FOR COLLEGIATE WORK AT THE BEGINNING OF ANY QUARTER REGISTRATION

Autumn Quarter Winter Q u a r t e r

S e p t e m b e r 29, 30, 1925 J a n u a r y 2, 1926

Spring Quarter Summer Quarter

M a r c h 20, 1926 . J u n e 21 1926

For Catalog and Information Write

F. D. W I L K I N S O N , Registrar, Howard University, Washington, D. C.

THE ALPHA PHI ALPHA BADGE MANUFACTURED BY

L. G. BALFOUR COMPANY Attleb oro

Massachusetts is an example of Craftsmanship worthy of pride. I t is made of the finest materials, carefully fashioned by skilled artisans, and jeweled badges are set with stones selected and matched by e x p e r t s .

The Balfour Blue Book Complete catalog of jewelry and novelties will be sent if desired, as well as special information on

Favors

Programs

Gifts

Embossed Stationery Plaques

Banners

L e t the Balfour Service Department take care of your requirement. SOLE OFFICIAL JEWELER TO ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY

BRANCH

New York Los Angeles Philadelphia

OFFICERS

Chicago Dallas Pittsburgh Denver Washington Kansas City Richmond

San Francisco Seattle Minneapolis

Illustrated Price List will be Mailed on Request

Chapt ers A L P H A Z E T A C H A P T E R , West Virginia Collegiate Institute, W . V a . President, Alonzo Shaw Harden, W. Va. Institute. Secretary, Langley A. Spurlock, W. Va., Collegiate Institute. A L P H A E T A C H A P T E R , Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. President, S. R. Redmond, 30 Hastings Hall. Secretary, A.LPHA T H E T A C H A P T E R , State University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. President, Henry Harding, Box 201. Secretary, Ernest Greene, 230 So. Capitol Street. VLPHA I O T A C H A P T E R , University of Colorado, and Denver University, Denver, Colorado. President, John Waller, 2401 Emerson Stn Secretary, G. Leonard White, 2-101 Emerson Street. A L P H A K A P P A C H A P T E R , Springfield, Mass. President, N. P. Dotson, Jr., 134 Quincy Street. Secretary, B. A. Boliver Parrie, Box 144, Amherst, Mass. VLPHA M U C H A P T E R , Northwestern University, ;ston, 111. .nee Wilson,, 1216 Darrow Ave., Evanston, [11. non S. Gordon iington 111. A N U C H A P T E R , Drake University, Dcs \rnes. President, Benjamin H. Crutcher, 200J-i Main St., Ames, Iowa. Seer;. rry J. Romm, 200J/2 Main Street, Ames, Iowa. \ X I C H A P T E R , Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis. F. Q. Washington, 503 Galena Street. •ary, G. D. Daniel, 01 19th Street. ALPHA OMICRON C H A P T E R , Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, N. C. . \V. J. Knox. T. E. Gilliard. A L P H A P I C H A P T E R , Atlanta University, Atlanta, Ga. Delorme. Secretary, J. E. Oakes. A L P H A R H O C H A P T E R , Morehouse College, Atlanta, Ga. President, W . H. King, Jr. Cor. Secy., O. E. Jackson. A L P H A S I G M A C H A P T E R . Wiley University, Marshall, Texas. President, John G. Shackelford. Secretary, W . C. Burnett. ALPHA-TAU CHAPTER, A k r o n University, Akron, Ohio. President, C. R. Lewis. 361 Euclid Ave.. Akron. Secretary, Robert Black. St., Akron. A L P H A L A M B D A C H A P T E R , Louisville, Ky. President, John O. Blanton, 631 South 8th St. Secretary, A. L. Simpson, 1417 W. Chestnut St. B E T A L A M B D A C H A P T E R , Kansas City, Mo. President, F . T . Lane, Lincoln Building, 18th and Vine Streets. Secretary I F Bradley 400 Haskell Ave., Kansas City, Kans. G A M M A L A M B D A C H A P T E R , Detroit, Mich. President, James B. Goggins, 011 Gratiot Avenue. Cor. Secy., Clement C. Johnson, 3750 21th Street.

D E L T A L A M B D A C H A P T E R , Baltimore, Md. President, Perry D. G. Pennington, 1518 McCulloh Street. Cor. Secretary, Gobert E. Macbeth. 2101 Druid Hill Avenue. E P S I L O N L A M B D A C H A P T E R , St. Louis President, George W. Buckner, 2331 Market Street Secretary, Gordon H. Simpson, 615 N. Jefferson Ave. Z E T A L A M B D A C H A P T E R , Norfolk, Va. President, T. P. Tui Church St., at Bri Secretary. Win. T Church St., at Brambell T H E T A L A M B D A C H A P T E R . Dayton, Ohio. President, W. O. Stokes, 449 W. 5th St. Secretary, J. M. Pierce, 210 Norwood Ave. E T A L A M B D A C H A P T E R , Atlanta, Ga. . nue. I O T A L A M B D A C H A P T E R , Indiana, Purdue and DePauw Universities, and Butler College, Indianapolis, Ind. President, Morris R. Taylor, 450 N. Senate Avenue Secretary, Oley A. Johnson, 426 Blad. K A P P A L A M B D A C H A P T E R , Greensboro, N. C. Pre ; Merry, State Normal . Winston-Salem, N, C. , F. T. Bluford, A. & T o, N. C. ook Street. Danville, Va. University. •'. C.

NU L A M B D A C H A P T E R , Petersburg, Va. President, F. I & 1. I., Petersburg, \ ' a .

XI L A M B D A C H A P T E R Chicago. 111. Frank \ Secretary. William H. Benson, Suite No. 1, 3507 Grand Boulevard. JMICRON Ala.

LAMBDA

CHAPTER,

Birmingham,

Tuxedo Junction, Ensley. . Secretary, G. W. Reeves, Miles Memorial College RHO LAMBDA CHAPTER, Buffalo-Rochester, N. Y. President, M. A. Allen, 260 Williams St., Buffalo, N. V. Secretary, Father O. II. I 60 Williams A-LAMBDA C H A P T E R . New Orleans, La President, J. O. Bichards. Secretary, W. H. Mitchell, Jr.

Life Insurance—What and Where} M j p I F E INSURANCE is an agreement between men by which they so distribute the misfor5*^7 tunes of life and the calamity of early death JMSI ^ a * *^ e ^ u ^ f ° r c e °^ misfortune and some of >f 5P\ *^ e w o r s * consequences of premature death — ^ S are minimized for the individual because they are shared by all; but in such small proportions that the burden and loss and suffering are scarcely felt by any." '£+

THE STANDARD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY has for fourteen years successfully rendered service to the insuring public. It has passed through booms, panics, epidemics and wars unharmed, and today, as a result of more than a decade of experience in writing Negro risks, offers financial strength, reputation, magnitude, trained and experienced Negro leadership; and life insurance service unexcelled. THOSE considering taking out life insurance protection or entering upon an insurance career are invited to apply to—

g>iatttoJb ICtfe JttBuratu? (Eompatiij GENERAL OFFICE ATLANTA, GEORGIA