THE
II
Official Alpha Phi Alpha Directory Officers President, DR. B. ANDREW ROSE, 403 S. Bunk St., Dayton, Ohio. First Vice-President, CHARLES W. GREENE, 804 Griffin S t , N. W., Atlanta, Ga. Second Vice-President, WILLIAM S. RANDOLPH, 2168 E. 90th S t , Cleveland, Ohio.
Third
Vice-President, WILLIAM WARRICK CARDOZO, Box 30S4, Ohio State University Station, Columbus, Ohio. Secretary, JOS. H. B. EVANS, 101 S S t , N. W, Washington, D. C. Treasurer, PERCIVAL R. PIPER, 18032 Wexford Ave, Detroit, Mich. SPHINX Editor, P. BERNARD YOUNG, Jr., 719 East Olney Road, Norfolk, Va.
Director of Education, RAYMOND W. CANNON, 3400 Oakland Ave, Minneapolis, Minn. Members Executive Council, PERRY B. JACKSON, 404 Superior Building Cleveland, Ohio; Robert P. Daniel, Union University, Richmond, Va.: and Myles A. Paige, 2296 Seventh Ave, New York, N. Y.
CHAPTERS (In cases where the Secretary or Corresponding Secretary's address Is the same as the President's, the former address Is not printed.) ALPHA, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y.; Sec'y, W. L. Thomas, 604 S. Plain St. BETA, Washington, D. C ; Ivan Earle Taylor, 1917 Third St., N. W.; Oor. Sec'y, Charles W. Anderson. GAMMA, Virginia Union University, Richmond, Va.; Pres, Walker H. Quarles; Cor. Sec'y, Richard H. Cook. DELTA, Montreal, Canada, Inactive. EPSILON, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.; Pres, Homer C. Stevens, 1103 E. Huron St.; Sec'y, Walter D. Hlnes. ZETA Yale University, New Haven, Conn.; Pres, Dr. R. 8. Fleming, 216 Dwlght St.; Sec'y, 100 Dlpwell Ave. ETA, New York City College, Columbia, and New York Universities, New York City; Pres, Roland Johnson, 523 MaOon S t , Brooklyn, N. Y.; Sec'y, Jesse Caamlnskl, 32 W. 131 St. THETA, Chicago, 111:; Pres.; E. A. Green, 4104 Vlncennes Ave.; Sec'y, J. M. Reynolds. IOTA
Syracuse University, N. Y.; Pres, Hugh I. F. Nauton, 809 E. Fayette St.; Sec'y, Wm. P. Cunningham,
KAPPA. Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; Pres., John H. Walker, 1252 East Long St.; Cor. Sec'y, Llewllyn Coles, 1358 Mt. Vernon Ave. MU, St. Paul, Minn.; Pres, John R. Lawrence, 556 St. Anthony Ave.; Sec'y, S. S. Jackson, 718 St. Anthony Ave. NU, Lincoln University, Pa.; Pres. Frank A. DeCosta; Cor. Sec'y, A. Frederick Williams. XI,
Wilberforce University, Wllberforce, Ohio; Pres, Raymond Dlckerson; Cor. Sec'y, Leon J. H. Thompson.
OMICRON, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Pres, Walter R. Talbot, 5635 Mignonette St.; Sec'y, Forrest L. Parr, 1138 Mason St.
UPSILON, Lawrence, Kan.; Pres, Herman T. Jones, 1101 Mississippi St.; Sec'y, Silas C. Vaughn.
ALPHA RHO, Morehouse College, Atlanta, Ga.; Pres, George W. Cabiniss, 3TA Morris B. Coppage.
PHI, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio; Pres, S. Lloyd, Corbln, 72 Grosvenor S t , Sec'y, Alvln P. Hall.
ALPHA SIGMA, Wiley University, Marshall. Texas; Pres, J. L. Sweatt; Sec', Kelso B. Morris.
CHI, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tenn.; Pres, J. Luclan Carwin, 15 N. Hill St.; Sec'y, J. Elbert Pettress.
ALPHA TAU. Akron, Ohio; Pres, Arteo Fleming, 53 Central Bldg,; Sec'y.. Otis E. Finley, 193 Perkins St. ALPHA UPSILON, City College of Detroit, Detroit, Mich.; Pres, Robert J. Evans, 5670 Hartford Ave, Sec'y, Thomas Whlbby, 6336 Begole St.
PSI, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.; Pres., J. Gordon Baugh, 6 N. 42nd St. ALPHA ALPHA, Cincinnati, Ohio; Pres, R. P. McClain; Sec'y, W. C. Weatherly. ALPHA BETA, Talladega College, Talladega, Ala.; Pres, W. W. E. Blanchet; Sec'y, Nathan E. Langford. ALPHA GAMMA, Providence, R. I.; Pres, Joseph G. LeCount, 19 College St.; Sec'y, Aubrey Drake. ALPHA DELTA, Los Angeles, Cal.; Pres.; James Robinson, 1030 E. Jefferson St.; Sec'y, Hugh Beaty, 1523 E. 45th St. ALPHA ZETA, West Virginia State College. Institute, W. Va.; Pres, Gohen Jeffers; Sec'y, Harry E. Dennis. ALPHA ETA Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass, Pres, Charles K. Goines, 7 Claremont Park, Boston, Mass. ALPHA THETA, University of Iowa, Iowa City, la.; Pres, Bennle E. Taylor, 230 S. Capitol St.; Sec'y, Kenneth R. O'Neal. ALPHA IOTA, Denver, Col.; Pres. Dr. J. P. Oliver, 2734 Williams St.; Sec'y, O. L. Lawson, 2601 Welton St. ALPHA EPSILON, Oakland, Cal.: Pres, James Jackson, 1255-50th Ave.; Sec'y, 1128-8th St. ALPHA KAPPA, Springfield, Mass. (Amherst College, Dartmouth C o l l e g e , Springfield College, Wesleyan College, and William^ College); Pres, Eric W. Epps; Sec'y., Hughes A. Robinson, Box 10, Springfield College. ALPHA MU, Northwestern University, Evanston, 111.; Pres, Clarence T. Mason, 1317 Emerson St.; Sec'y, Wm. C. Pyant, 1014 Emerson St.
PI, Cleveland, Ohio; Western Reserve University, Case School of Applied Science, John Caroll University, Cleveland College, Oberlln College; Pres, Roosevelt S. Dickey, 9816 Cedar Ave.; Sec'y, Creed F. Ward, 4113 Cedar Ave.
ALPHA NU, Drake University, Des Moines, l a , and Iowa State College, Ames, l a , Pres, Carlye C. Clarke, 1207 Center S t , Des Moines, la.
RHO, Philadelphia, Pa.; Pres, George Lyle, 415 N. 53rd St.; Cor. Sec'y, Klrksey L. Curd, 648 N. 13th St.
ALPHA XI, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis.; 8ec'y, G. D. Daniel, 61 19th St.
SIGMA, Boston, Mass.; Pres, John E. Mcseley; Sec'y, David E. Lane, 43 Humboldt Ave, Roxbury, Mass.
ALPHA OMICRON, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, N. C; Pres, J. o . Ellis; Cor. Sec'y, J. R. Henry.
TAU, University of Illinois, Champaign, 111.; Pres, Edward B. Toles, 602 E. Clark St.; Sec'y, John T. Caldwell.
ALPHA PI, Atlanta University, Atlanta, Ga.; Pres.; J. G. Lemon; Sec'y, R. E. Thomas
ALPHA PHI, Clark University, Atlanta, Ga.; Pres, D. S. Dykes; Sec'y, B. T. Scruggs. ALPHA CHI, Fisk University, Nashville. Tenn.; Pres, N. M. Martin; Sec'y.. W. D. Hawkins, Jr. BETA ALPHA, Morgan College. Baltimore, Pres, oily Daley; Sec'y, Waters Turpin. BETA BETA, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb.; Pres, Lewis O. Swlngler, 1226 F St.; Cor. Sec'y, Robert h. Falrchlld, 1925 U St. BETA GAMMA, Va. State College, Petersburg, Va.; Pres, H. C. Jackson, See'yT. Colson Woody. BETA DELTA, S C. State College.Orangeburg, S. C„; Pres, Clifford S. Thompson; Cor. Sec'y, Jacob R. Henderson BETA EPSILON, A. and T. College, Greensboro, N. C; Pres. E. L. Peterson; Sec'y•• F. T. Wood. EETA ZETA, Samuel Houston College. Austin, Texas.; Pres. Ollle M. Rom1'" son; Sec'y, Thomas Tolbert. ALPHA LAMBDA, Louisville, Ky.; Pres, Etf. J. A. C. Lattlmore, 1502 W. Walnut St.; Sec'y, Lee L. Brown, 1012 WChestnut St. BETA LAMBDA, Kansas City, Mo.; Pre*? James A. Jeffress, 2206 Brooklyn Ave.; Cor. Sec'y, M. E. Carroll, 1213 Garfield Ave. GAMMA LAMBDA, Detroit, Mich.; Pres, °Henri Lewis, 6190 Iroquois Ave.; Sec'?A. B. Chennault, 606 Vernor Highway, E. DELTA LAMBDA. Baltimore, Md, Pres, R 0 * S. Bond, 1517 Druid Hill Ave.; Cor. Sec'y, William I. Gibson, 260 Robert St. EPSILON LAMBDA, St. Louis, Mo.; Pres. 8E. Garner, 11 N. Jefferson Ave.; 00*' Sec'y, Dr. Blair W. Carter, 100-A »• Jefferson Ave. ZETA LAMBDA, Norfolk, Va.; Pres, J- W ' Pierce, P. O. Box 724, Suffolk, Va.: Sec'y, A. D. Manning, 555-25th S*-' Newport News, Va. THETA LAMBDA, Dayton, Ohio; Pre8-'n Lloyd Cox; Sec'y, J. E. Bush, 6* St. "Y". (Continued on Inside Back Cover)
m\\t ^taff Vol. 16
December, 1930
Number 5
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF P.
BERNARD YOUNG, JR.
719 East Olney Road, Norfolk,
EDITORIAL
Ya.
BOARD
In This Issue Advertisements
2
Interest, A Suggestion For Our Fraternity
4
Alpha Scholarships Awarded
5
Messages Of General Officers
6
The Case of Tackle Bell
7
IVAN EARLE TAYLOR
Howard University Washington, D. C. CARL J.
MURPHY
Baltimore,
Md.
G. A. STEWART
Columbus, Ohio CHESTER L. WASHINGTON
Pittsburgh, WILLIAM
Pa.
I.
GIBSON
Significant Alpha News
Wilberforce University Wilberforce, Ohio
I
8
Omega Chapter ADVERTISING
MANAGER
HOWARD H.
9
Chi Chapter's House__:
10
MURPHY
628 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore,
Md.
Cupid's Corner ART
EDITORS
ALLAN R. FREELON
Philadelphia, JAMES D.
Jefferson
FRAT
PARKS
City,
FUN
DR. 0.
Pa. Mo.
EDITOR
WILSON
Norristown,
HISTORY
WINTERS
Pa.
j.__10
Greetings, A Poem
10
Fraternity Fun
n
This, That, And the Other
12
When An Editor Talks To Himself
12
The Sphinx Speaks, Chapter News
18
EDITOR
GEORGE A. SINGLETON
Allen University Columbia, S. C.
WHO'S
WHO
GEORGE B.
EDITOR KELLEY
Troy, N. Y.
LITERARY
EDITOR
RAYFORD W.
LOGAN
Harvard University Cambridge, Mass.
EDITOR
EMERITUS
OSCAR C. BROWN
Chicago, III.
Official Organ of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Published in February, April, June, October, and December at 719 East Olney Road, Norfolk, Va. Subscription Price
One dollar and fifty cents per year
Entered as second class matter, March 3, 1930, at the Post Office In Norfolk, Va., under the Act of March 3, 1879, and accepted for mailing at the second class rates of postage.
THE SPHINX
Page 2
The South'* Best Weekly
Norfolk 3)mmmi attfKguftfe (T^^r^CTVY^) THE GUIDE Is the first choice of 20,000 Negro homes, because— It Is FIRST In news. It affords Its readers a complete news service—National, State and Local. It completely chronicles School and College Sports. It has informing. Interpretative, thoughtprovoking editorials. It carries a weekly survey of Race Relations and current trends. Its Feature Page Is thrilling, entertaining, Instructive and Inspiring. Its Department for Boys and Girls Is always of interest to them. It Is SOUND In principle and SANE in policy. It Is reliable—"People take it seriously."
<UW<^2(LJW<±J) THE PRESS THAT TURNS THEM OUT Weighs forty tons, prints and folds 16 to 20 page Journal and Guides at the rate of 24.000 per hour and up to 32 pages at the rate of 12,000 per hour
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ATTLEBORO Manufacturers
of
Medals Fraternity Jewelry Badges Cups Memorial Tablets Rings Trophies Emblem Insignia Favors Medallions Athletic Figures Programs Plaques Door Plates Stationery SOLE OFFICIAL JEWELERS TO ALPHA PHI ALPHA
THE SHINX
Page 3
E d it o ri ally p e a k i n g— In all this he sought to make The Sphinx an inthis issue of The Sphinx the present g tegrating influence, a herald of achievement, and a ™ Editor-in-Chief completes his first year's edifactor in moulding intelligent opinion. Whether he torial direction of the official organ of the fraterhas maintined the tradition of excellence set up for nity. When he assumed office it was stated in these The Sphinx is a matter that only the members of the columns that his aspirations were more vigorous, fraternity can decide. Things have been done difPerhaps, than definite; that each then embryonic ferently, but in a conscientious effort to achieve plan derived from his firm belief that Alpha Phi greater respect and admiration for Alpha Phi Alpha Alpha desired leadership at least in the field of frathrough the means of a finer official organ. Scores ternal publications; that he Would select associates of complimentary letters have come to him, and only 'recommended by experience, training, or demonone adverse criticism. That the Editor regards as a strated aptitude to assist him; and that with their vote of confidence in his efforts, and for that he is [Cooperation and that of the membership generally thankful and by that he is encouraged to greater he was willing to predict a roseate prospect for The efforts. Sphinx. He further declared that he, or any other EdiTT'XPECTED cooperation, the anticipated receipt of tor, had a tremendous responsibility, inasmuch as • ^ which caused the Editor to predict a roseate jThe Sphinx had tremendous possibilities as an future for our official organ, has not been quite integrating influence, as a herald of Alpha achievewhat it should have been. Some chapters have ments, and as a factor in moulding intelligent opinnever sent in a report, some members of the staff, ion on questions relating to the general welfare of even, have not sent in a contribution, a note on some Alpha Phi Alpha. achievement of a brother, of a marriage, death, He promised nothing, pledged nothing, but to honor, event, or incident of interest to the brothermaintain that tradition of excellence created by hood, and a few have never even answered requests former Editors and to make the improvements that for articles. Some brothers strategically located or are expected with the developing years. employed, others peculiarly prepared to prepare suitable copy for The Sphinx, and many chapter The Editor hinted that brothers might find things officers have been disappointly lacking in any demdone differently in this Sphinx than in others in onstrations of that spirit which would make Alpha ;the past, but asked that they please regard them as first of all. Those who have assisted in the indicated the strivings of one doing his earnest best in "that ways are known by their contributions published in heaven of freedom where tireless strivings stretches our official organ. Others unnamed have helped. •ts arms towards perfection, where the clear stream To them the Editor is most deeply grateful. °f reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert s and of dead habit." His gratitude and his sincere n r H E decision of the last General Convention to *nd deep appreciation for the honor that came in his hold the Conventions every two years makes flection, the Editor gave assurance would be indiit imperative that The Sphinx be further decated in his conscientious effort. veloped and appreciated. It is the only single thing of a tangible nature which in the interim between A FTER a year the Editor's aspirations as they Conventions unites the nationwide membership of refer to this magazine are now definite: the brothers and gives them a feeling of all-enveloping presentations of well-written, unbiased, fundamenoneness. Chapter meetings nor regional conventally constructive discussions of fraternity probtions have yet demonstrated the unifying effect, lems ; publication of occasional articles of general infrom an inclusive viewpoint, of a General Conventerest by members of the fraternity; the seeking out tion. This is not a criticism but a statement of fact, °f and focusing attention upon noteworthy achieveand it is because of that fact that it is imperative ments by Alpha men; the relating of fraternity acthat even greater cooperation be accorded The tivities, chapter events, and individual or personal Sphinx, so that it might be of greater value and mtelligence; the improvement of regular departments of the magazine; the regular publishing of interest and hence a greater unifying—integrating Messages from General Officers; and the stimula—force for the good of Alpha Phi Alpha. tion of interest on the part of the brothers in the Great Britain does not spend millions on its king programs of the General Organization and of their annually because Great Britain has always had a e hapters. J, Continued on Page 14 "VA7"ITH
THE SPHINX
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Interest--A Suggestion For Our Jraternity By W. WARWICK CARDOZO Third Vice-President T i i T E shall not soon forget the trying W conditions that prevailed thruout the whole country during the past eighteen months as a result of the financial depression which spread over all of us and even now is not entirely abolished. I am certain that Mr. Hoover—if he forgets all his other trials of office— will never forget that wail and cry that came upon him from almost every city, village, and hamlet, from every society and whatnot during these past trying months. No matter from where the cry came it was always in substance, the same—do something! He has tried as best he could, with what he had, to answer that plea but a discussion of his successes or failures is not the point of this paper. We in Alpha Phi Alpha have heard that we too must do something about our fraternity. Of all things I can remember in the talks I have had with the chapters, groups of brothers, or individual brothers there was always the same trend of thought sometimes openly expressed and at other times one was aware that the opinion existed, though not given vent to, that— some t h i n g ought to be done. It is to be hoped that our fraternity is not exactly in a sad state of affairs but who can deny, even optimisically speaking, that it does not need attention ? Though each of us were determined not to admit to outsiders our weakened condition purely through a sense of loyalty and pride—which is as it should be—all of us cannot help but see that we have a matter for our attention. The previous articles appearing here suggesting ways to correct some of these shortcomings are evidences enough that they have become of vital importance. However, the writer is not a3 pessimistic as the above state m e n t s sound, but rather hopes to show way whereby the interest of every member of the fraternity may be aroused .
T
HE articles appearing here previously by other Brothers are to be commended and I see no reason why, if the chapters would but seriously consider the principles contained therein, the majority of the chapter difficulties should not decrease and eventually disappear. Generally speaking, however, that is not the case, but the failure should not be attributed to the articles. Those Brothers that might glean much information and have a revival of fraternity spirit are not financial with the fraternity; hence do not get The Sphinx
Our Third Vice-President makes some stimulating suggestions in the accompanying articles. No going concern goes unless its executives are constantly on the lookout for ways and means of stimulating interest and increasing its efficiency. Brother Cardozo has found through contacts furnished in his close touch with western chapters that certain phases of our body fraternal are in need of energizing attention. Brothers generally may not agree with his ideas on the way this enlarged intereti may be obtained, but none can fail to be set thinking by his article. Eternal efforts to improve and enhance the value of Alpha Phi Alpha are tin price to be paid for continued leadership.
to read. Principles to most people anyway are too vague, too intangible, and it is hard to see where they are applicable to individual problems especially if the interest is lacking. One must present some material thing which will show results quickly and without much scrutiny. There are many Brothers who must see what a plan will mean to them personally before they are willing to accept it. I have heard a Bi'other express himself as being opposed to the idea of trying to obtain money to give a scholarship on the ground that they did not need to help other people but could get along a lot better if the dance he proposed were given. I have seen other Brothers remain away from chapter activities because the chapter did not favor the social side of things along with the more serious side. It seems then that we must seriously consider some plan whereby these two sides can be co-ordinated and the interest of all aroused to produce a more harmonious whole. ROTHER JAMES O. HOPSON in his article"The Worth of Fraternities," which appeared in the last issue of The Sphinx, gave as one of the values of these organizations the development of rivalry and competition between fraternities and within the groups themselves, and he showed wherein this sort of thing was of importance to everyone. It is quite evident to all of us that that possibility of rivalry and competition has not been developed to any extent in our own fraternity. Of course, we have the Balfour and the McGhee Cups which are awarded at the Convention
r to the chapters which merit them. But consider how disinterestedly the chap- c ters compete for them. As a matter ^ of fact they do not compete at all. ^ One chapter may have some active group which is interested in getting the cup and through their efforts may have jj a large majority of the members paid- . up when convention time rolls aroundTheir delegate may go to the Conven- ^ tion with the idea of getting the cup and usually does without the least dif-r ficulty. And he returns home with two pretty empty silver cups and how many , in the fraternity as a whole know, ot ~ care, about it one way or the other • ^ I am certain that few brothers remeinber who won the cups last year. Moreover most of the chapters feel thatthey are pretty poor stimulus to get some disinterested Brother to pay his grand-tax. We should have some prize large enough to arouse the interest of every chapter to compete for it and . make every Brother strive to help h19 sj chapter get that prize. j,
HE past Convention at Atlanta ha s unintentionally provided a means a s a basis for the development of that soi't * of competition. I refer to the new rul- n ing that instead of holding our Conven- h tion yearly it will be now held every other year and during the alternative ^ years there shall be a regional confer- ^ ence of the chapters. My suggestion lS ^ this, that in order to arouse the interest of every chapter in its regional con- j. ference that the General Organization ^ after a vote of the chapters on the ide"' (( promise to donate a sum say $100 t" ^ $150 to the chapter in each region whic» shall be hosts to the regional conference of the respective jurisdictions. .
T
The decision as to which chapter sha" ^ be host s h a l l be m a d e by * rn committee whose findings shall b e ai based up on the following rules: (1) The chapter must have paid in the laxt' s( est number of grand-taxes in propof tion to its membership with other chap' ^ ters; (2) The extent of the particip*' § tion of the chapter in the program ° ta the fraternity and its adherence to the ^ rules of the constitution shall be factor 5 ^ for consideration; (3) The appearance ^ of chapter letters in The Sphinx f° f u, each issue and the quality of those let' ^ ters, and any other rules of the con' ^ test as may be developed, the comP e ' ^ tition between the chapters occurring p, over a set space of time, say fr011 fJan. 1st to Aug. 31st. The chapter* Q( (Continued on Page 13)
THE SPHINX
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Alpha Scholarships Awarded . H p H E Scholarship Commission of the A Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity recently submitted the names of ten successful candidates for scholarships to jthe Executive Council. , In making its selections the Scholarship Commission took into consideration , the geographical location of schools and , individuals, character, need for assistance, standing of schools and colleges attended by the applicants, and whether i applicants were in courses or intended „ to enter courses leading to a degree. v The Commission was careful and painsj, taking in its deliberations. It gave .<, careful consideration to all written evidence submitted along with applications, studied official transcripts of records .. submitted, gave due reference to weight t of references, and the Commission itj g self made perhaps around 200 references as to individual applicants. The Comi mission endeavored to be strictly imj Partial, basing its decision upon the merj 9 >ts of the applicants. No preference has shown any particualr schools or institutions; and while no preference has is been shown towards any applicants who js are members of this fraternity, none rt Were excluded because they are not 1- "Members. •V 'IT'HERE were 134 applicants including „, -*- both those already enrolled in col>ege and those recently graduated from j S high school (June). College presidents ^ Were notified by Brother Emory B. Smith. Notices were sent from the office of Brother Raymond W. Cannon, chairman of the Commission, to chap>0 ters and state directors, who caused ,}, them to be carried in the leading weekly , e Papers throughout the country. Sixty-four applications were received . 'ast year. Perhaps this is due in some ' Pleasure to the fact that the Negro Press of the country carried our notices and co-operated in many ways. Following will be found the list of the ten ' successful candidates: ESTELLE CHOTELLA HILL, Atlanr ,. *a University, Atlanta, Ga,, age 20, 74 ith Street, Charleston, S. C, saluAvery Normal Institute, ie tatorian, ,g Charleston, S. C, 1925; pursuing A. B. , e degree at Atlanta University; was three )f years on dean's list; highest average in ^ University during sophomore year; secr e t a r y and president of A. U.'s Y. W. 3. "• A.; two-year member of Interfraterng'ty Council; one year member Student „) Council; vice-president of Delta Sigma .5 ^heta. From references submitted and °ther facts too numerous to mention,
The following letter has been received by the General Secretary in connection with the award of one of the scholarships to a student at Oberlin College: Mr. Joseph H. B. Evans, (lateral Secretary, Alpka Phi Alpha Fraternity, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Evans: I enclose a receipt for $100 covering the check for Mr. Joseph S. Himes' scholarship. I wish to express my own personal gratification over the award and the deep appreciation of everyone who knows Mr. Himes. I can assure you that you have conferred this scholarship upon 11 most worthy applictnt. We have been impressed and humbled by the remarkable demonstration which this blind, colored boy has given us of ability to rise under difficulties. He was last year selected to Phi Beta Kappa as a Junior and is sustaining in every way the standard of good scholarship which he has svt for himself and which Oberlin College encourages. DONALD .1/. LANE Dean, Oberlin College
Miss Hill received sufficient number of votes to be declared winner of one of the scholarships, The Fraternity should feel proud to come to the aid of such a deserving student who is making such a brilliant record. Though the award is small in amount, it may aid in a measure to enable this applicant to reach that point where she may render a great service. RUPERT A. LLOYD, post graduate student Harvard Univ., (27 W. County St., Phoebus, V a . ) ; graduated from Williams College, 1930; valedictorian of class and intends pursuing course at Harvard which will lead to his master of arts degree. At Williams he was a scholarship student for four years; elected to Phi Beta Kappa in junior year; received several prizes during college course for high scholarship; graduated with "magna cum laude." Owing to lack of funds was forced to work for board by waiting on table. From H. L. Agard, dean, Williams College, Williamston, Mass.: "Rupert A. Iloyd was valedictorian of the class of 1930. Nothing more need to be said
regarding the quality of his scholarship. He made an excellent record in classical studies, he is an earnest student, and of the highest character. I think there can be no question as to his financial need since in each year during his college course, he was awarded a scholarship by our Scholarship Commission." Principal Walter L. Smith, Dunbar High School, Washington, D. C , recommends and stresses very highly his need of financial assistance. He states, in part, "Personal illness of the applicant during his senior year at college also made quite a drain on his financial resources. In seriousness of purpose and excellence of character, he is a type that would use well any opportunity offered him." Brother Emory B. Smith, member of our Scholarship Commission, explains, "An award to such a candidate has a two-fold aspect, it encourages college work beyond the first degree, and places one of our scholarships at Harvard for the first time." RUTH LANKFORD REDD, Lincoln University, Mo., (Hannibal, Mo.) Finished Lincoln High School, Kansas City, Mo., and was recommended for a scholarship at Fisk University in Music but could not take advantage of it because, as she states, "being a very expensive school, and I want to teach, did not rrefer music alone." President, Ivy Leaf Club (pledges of Alpha Kappa Alpha): member Chorus and Glee Club; organist of the Y. M. C. A. Recommended as an outstanding lady who is making a heroic struggle to receive an education; daughter of Rev. E. S. Redd, Hannibal, Mo.; finished high school with honors; at present sophomore year at Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Mo.; finest recommendations as to character, need, music and dramatic talent. Evidence of her record submitted bears out these statements. Lincoln University is an institution where a scholarship would be of great service, not only to the recipient but to the fraternity as well. Further, it would aid Epsilon Lambda Chapter which has by itself accorded nine scholarships to as many individuals. THEBAUD J E F F E R S , J o h n s o n C. Smith University, Charlotte, N. C. Very hirhly recommended by Dean T. E. McKinney, who states, "We feel that he deserves any recognition that you may see fit to give him." . . . . To tell you that he assisted in one of the administrative offices will give you an idea (Continued on Page 16.)
Page 6
THE SPHINX
Messages From Our General Officers A Yuletide Salutation
From The Secretary
By DR. B. ANDREW ROSE, General President HERE is an intriguing idea accepted by well-known thinkers that life in this world is a game,—an art,—a divine drama. Our experience of the present world can fall, no doubt, into one or other, or all df these categories, according to the point of view of the thinker and the richness of his experience.
By J O S E P H H. B. EVANS General Secretary T the time this issue of T H E SPHINX reaches you the fiscal year for the fraternity will be drawing to a close. What is the record of your chapter in fulfilling its financial obligations to the General Organization? I wish it were possible to list an honor roll of chapters who have shown in no uncertain way that system and persistency will win out, for these chapters have kept up their regular enrollment and have in addition reclaimed to activity many Brothers. But there are some chapters who have fallen by the wayside if we are to judge from the reports that have failed to come to our office. It is to this last group that I am making this last minute appeal to get in line and make an immediate report that will put your chapter on the active roll.
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Scholars everywhere are studying diligently the problems of our muddled world. The war to make the world safe seemingly was a failure and now the question as to how to secure peace is before us. India makes demands of England which demands England is reluctant to concede; Germany groans under her war debt and threatens default; France seeks peace but prepares for war; Mussolini will not down; South American governments crumble and are re-made; Russia marches confidently onward in its awesome experiment. Wealthy America, regarded with envy by many nations, is still the hope of the world; in spite of the fact that she also suffers an economic depression in the midst of plenty. So is the world, and such are the times as we approach the birthday of the Prince of Peace. For many years it has been the custom of Alpha Phi Alpha to meet in General Convention at this season of good-will. During this time old friendships were enjoyed, old acquaintances renewed, new Brothers welcomed, the spirit of the Brotherhood refreshed, and a program for the continued development of Alpha Phi Alpha accomplished. We cannot do this this year and in view of the fact let us exchange salutations and greetings with our Brothers everywhere. Especially, too, since the general economic depression necessitates and calls for a spirit of magnificent generosity. The Executive Council will hold its business session in the month of December. Any chapter or individual may present any matter to the Council through the office of the General President We take this opportunity of expressing our appreciation af the part you have taken in our success this year and may we add the hope that you share abundantly in the joys of the Yuletide Season.
A letter going out from this olffice recently made mention that the last day for payment without penalty would be December 1st. This was an error, for the last day was officially set at November 15th. But we stood by our error if you got these grand taxes in by that time. But remember, December was the dead-line and if your letter was not posted on or before that date, add 45c penalty for each grand tax that has to be reported. I have just had a letter from one of our chapters complaining that pass cards were not sent to them when their fee was paid for this year. The whole trouble was in their failure to add the penalty required by the Constitution and this office must be fair to all in holding up cards on which there is any balance due. In order to assist each chapter in the matter of reinstatements, we have sent out lists showing our record af the last payment of grand tax for all unfinancial Brothers. These lists will also show very clearly what a large field we have to work on for the balance of this year and the year to come. What are you doing to find the present addresses of these men? If you will get them to this office we will see that a special letter goes to each one. In addition your chapter should send a letter and thus we can let them see that they are missed from the fold. Work on this. The reports of active chapters show that in their regular programs, in their educational endeavors, and in the promotion of fraternal brotherhood, they have made significant achievements. What will yours show?
From 2nd Vice-President
By WILLIAM S. RANDOLPH, Second Vice President HE approach of the Christmas season this year presents a new situation to Alpha men—a Christmas without a General Convention. It is important, this olffice believes, to impress the Brothers everywhere that some feature should be employed to serve in the place of 8 national meeting in maintaining and augmenting the spirit of the fraternity in every nook where Brothers are grouped. That was the purpose of establishing regular conferences, primarily, i. e.— carrying over the old Alpha spirit from one biennial conclave to the next. Up in New England the Brothers have already "got together." We are waiting now to hear in a formal way about the : first regional in the history of the East, i and perhaps in that of the organization. : The other sections—central and southern ( —of the East have yet two seasonal opportunities, Christmas and Easter.
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Remember the prime purpose of the meetings is to fraternize, and next—to discuss and record the trends and needs o)f our beloved organization and to tabulate whatever worthy suggestions that may develop for presentation to the next General Convention. You are perhaps familiar with the fact that your Eastern Vice President has moved to without the arbitrary boundaries of the Eastern Jurisdiction in the pursuit of his studies. This means that an active agent must be put on the field to supplement the remote efforts of this office. In short while you will hear of this appointment through the office of the General President, I need not request of you for the appointee the same generous cooperation which you have lent, and I trust will contrive to lend me w '1 in the cause of our fraternity. May I take this opportunity to express to all the chapters and their members my best wishes and seasonal greetings. P. S. Will each chapter please communicate with this office if there has been a change of officers and corresp o n d i n g changes of addresses for communication.
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From 3rd Vice-President By
WM. W A R W I C K CARDOZO, Third I'ice President FT*ER deciding by m a j o r i t y vote on Nov. 8 to be host t o t h e regional conference, K a p p a C h a p t e r , Columbus, Ohio, by a m a j o r i t y vote rescinded its Continued on, Page 14)
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THE SPHINX
Page 7
The Case of Tackle Bell By TOM YOUNG Kappa
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O one who read the story or saw the picture, "The Case of Sergeant Grischa," can forget those ringing words, "They're sending an innocent man to death!" A close proximation to that set-up—of course, without the death angle—is the strange case of William Bell of Ohio State University. The are not sending Bill to death, but they are persecuting an innocent man. By now most everyone is 'familiar with the chief incident of the start of all the trouble. Brother Bell made good on a team which last carried the name of a Negro in its line-up back in 1898. He became one af the outstanding tackles of the Middle West. Last year he was first string substitute and won his varsity insignia. This year he became a regular before the first game Was played, and up until the Navy game in Baltimore on Novemlber 9, he started and played all but a few minutes in each of Ohio State's contests. Around the campus, Bell became a sort or heroic figure. There was no one of the 10,000 students who didn't know him, and all across the oval they were calling "Hi, Bill." When he was relieved by a substitute late in the last period of the Michigan game, the entire s t a d i u m , 70,000 fans, gave him the biggest sendoff of the day. Local newspapers remarked about it—they said it was the niost spontaneous and enthusiastic reception accoi'ded a Buckeye gridder in a long time. When several hundred students gathered on the Oval to give the boys a final cheer before departing to play Northwestern, they called for Bell and when he mounted the cheer leader's stand they roared lusty hurrahs.
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HEN came the Navy game in Baltimore. It wasn't a question of whether or not Bell would play there. The conclusion was foregone that if there Was a game, Bell would not play. That is, naturally, among Aframericans who knew just how Baltimore, in the Maryland Free State, felt about its Negro athletes. But the rest of the populace Was unaware that there would be any °bjections. In an interview with Coach Sam Willaman, I told him that many People knew Bell would not play, and a sked if he would make a statement to assure Bell's friends that his Alma Mater Was not deserting him to appease the Petty desires of the United States Naval Academy. Almost indignantly, Willaman p r o tested that there had been no objections from the Navy. He said he was not r eady to announce his line-up and that he
would not name his starting players until a half-hour before the game. I did not like his chiding with me so we got down to business. Willaman said a lot of things in the next twenty minutes, but he would say nothing for publication, only that he felt himself competent to deal with any problems that might arise. So Sam Willaman chose to stand on his record and be judged accordingly. He would offer no excuses of explanations. Unfortunately his record was not well known enough when the crash came to temper the feelings of bravado race defenders. A group of Bell's interested friends from Akron wired him: "Your benefactor advises and instructs you not to report for practice or to play football with Ohio State University." Later in the week a delegation came to Columbus and severely chastised Bill because he refused to quit. More sober-minded Columbus people influenced them not to call upon Sam Willaman. Maybe they don't know it, but had they taken up their troubles with Willaman they would have gotten a sailor's cussing out.
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O appreciate Willaman's attitude one must go behind the scenes a bit. As a high school coach, Willaman's team gained national prominence. On that eleven were colored lads who helped materially to gain that prominence. Out at Ames College, now Iowa State, Willaman had on his team the immortal Jack Trice, whom Sam describes as one of the greatest Ifootball players who ever donned a headgear. Trice was a tackle. At Minnesota, October 6, 1922, Jack Trice went on the field of play against eleven men. That night before he had scribbled on a piece of paper, "The honor of my race is at stake." In the first quarter the Gophers broke his collarbone, but he would not leave the affray.
They hammered away at him, two and three at a time. Finally in the third period, five of them got him. Jack had paid his last full measure of service. He died on the field of battle, and Sam Willaman was holding his hand when that famous smile vanished for the last time. That was a hard blow for Willaman. Traveling around in the outposts of civilization, Willaman had developed a comradeship with Trice. Often hotels would refuse to take him. Willaman would go and stay with him in some c o l o r e d friend's home. Finally it was necessary to have the team sleep in a Pullman in
the railroad yards in order that all his players might enjoy equality. Those were hardships which Willaman gladly shared with Jack Trice. And when Sam Willaman saw that ideal specimen of manhood pay the supreme sacrifice of loyalty on the gridiron he resolved he never would play another Negro on a team of his. The odds were too great. A white school mate of Trice's at Ames wrote in the school publication: "And still we haven't hit the secret of Jack's message to us. The word 'loyalty' is often used and seldom understood. Jack's loyalty to his school, to his race, to his own ideas of honor exacted from him the last ounce of service. Long before he was taken out of the game he had satisfied the crowd, his opponents, and his teammates as to his gameness. His pride was satisfied, but his conception of service wasn't. He could have withdrawn honorably at any time after his first injury. But he stayed in the game. "Cynicism catches fire and disappears before the flame of Jack's s a c r i f i c e . Trice's teammates knew him best and they say he still lives." HEN Willaman took over the reins at Ohio State, Bell was a sophomore aspirant for a position on the team. Sam liked Bell. Cautiously he coaxed him along. I wonder how much he thought of the tragic fate of Jack Trice before sending Bill Bell out into the thick of a gridiron fight. But Bell proved his worth, and this fall he clinched a berth on the varsity. All of the abuses and inconveniences to which Trice was subjected on the Ames team came back to Willaman's mind as he contemplated taking Bell to Baltimore with the team, even if he wasn't going to play. He knew that his entire squad could not be together there, because no hotel in Baltimore would have taken Bell in. It would have meant sending Bell alone to some uncertain quarters, and subjecting him to countless embarrassing questions. Would Sam Willaman let Bell be a martyr—the goat in an unfortunate circumstance? No, he would not. He let Bell go to Pittsburgh and see the PittCarnegie Tech game. That was Willaman's disposition of the anticipated eventuality. But the wailing voices of protesting patriots raised a stink around the sanc(Contlnued on Page 13.) The flounder starts out in life by having eyes properly placed one on each side; from lying on the bottom on one side, the eye on that side gradually moves
to the other side, which then has two.
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THE SPHINX
Signi
Alpha News
Achievements make news. The following achievements of members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity have made the following news: SAMUEL BROWN, of Alpha Delta Chapter, Los Angeles, Cal., heads a R. K. 0. Movie Chorus, receiving the position subsequent to his graduation from the University of Southern California Music School with signal honors and membership in the most exclusive honorary musical fraternity, at a salary running well up into three figures a week. ELLIS O. KNOX, originally of Alpha Epsilon Chapter, now of Alpha Delta Chapter, Los Angeles, Cal., will receive his Doctor of Philosophy degree in June from the University of Southern California. HERSHELL LEE, of Beta Beta, is the second Negro dispenser in the medical department of the University of Nebraska. MILTON S. J. WRIGHT, formerly of Alpha Zeta Chapter, is now studying at the University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
H. L. TRIGG, whose picture appears herewith, is president of Phi Lambda Chapter, Raleigh, N. C, and is the Supervisor of Negro Secondary Schools in North Carolina. Brother Trigg by the virtue of his work and researches is recognized as the leader of Negro secondary education in the state.
THOMAS TOLBERT, of Beta Zeta, Samuel Houston College, Austin, Texas, has been elected vice-president of the Pan-Hellenic Congress a t his college and also a special student representative of the Texas Commission on Interracial Cooperation. JULIUS C. BROWN, of Alpha Chi, Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn., is president of his chapter, president of the senior class, and an outstanding member of Fisk's debating team. R. K. DAVENPORT, also of Alpha Chi, is editor-in-chief of the Fisk Herald, monthly student publication, and is ably assisted by W I L L I A M HREEVES, who is secretary of the chapter, vice-president of the senior class, and author-poet extraordinary, as associate editor.
SILAS E GARNER, a member of Epsilon Lambda, St. Louis, Mo., was on September 17 appointed as special assistant to the Attorney General of Missouri. It is customary for the special assistant to brief and argue the State's side of all criminal cases coming up to Supreme Court by appeal or writ of error. Brother Garner is the first Negro in the history of Missouri who has appeared before the Supreme Court on behalf of the State. JONATHAN W. GILES, of A l p h a Zeta Chapter, West Virginia State College, Institute, W. Va., during his school career, has starred in football, track and basketball, been the leading student in the department of business, president of the Varsity "W" Club and a member of the Alpha Delta Sigma Honorary Scholastic Society. â&#x20AC;˘ HARRY E DENNIS, of Alpha Zeta, West Virginia State College, Institute, W. Va., is the leading student in the department of science, was president of the freshman and sophomore classes, is a member and was one of the founders of Alpha Delta Sigma Honorary Scholastic Society, and is a candidate for Beta Kappa Chi. CURTIS A. CROCKER, G a m m a ' s gifted poet, is a varsity debater and president of the junior class at Virginia Union University.
DR. CHARLES S. J O H N S O N , of Nashville, Tenn., has ju^t recently returned from Liberia, Africa, accompanied by Brother John Matheus, of West Virginia State College. Dr. Johnson was one of three members of an international commission which investigated alleged slavery conditions in the Negro republic. Dr. Johnson was formerly editor of Opportunity Magazine. He is at present professor and head of the department of sociology at Fisk University. His latest published work is "The Negro in | American Civilization." (Continued on Page 15)
THE SPHINX
Page 9
Omega Chapter I Liked That Guy
Resolutions
OR the second time in my recollection I experienced the uncomfortable contemplation of something breaking up "that old gang of mine." And it was not ' Wedding bells. . . Roland J o h n s o n had transferred to Omega Chapter. Brother Roland Leigh Johnson will be missed most by Eta Chapter of which he was president. And maybe this piece ought to be written by some Brother of Eta. But among those who got to know him well he left an impression of sincerity and enthusiasm, gentleness, refinement, idealism, and, above all, ambition. I wish I knew a hundred guys like Roland. We were classmates together at New York University. Two years before that ho had completed his preparators work at St. Paul School, Lawrenceville, Va., and had spent a year in evening school at City College. Outstanding among his qualities was a gift of speech. His oratory had won him first prize in an intercollegiate contest as a student at St. Paul. At. N. Y. U. we both made the Commerce College freshmian debating team. That spring, 1927, he entered the eliminations for N. Y. U.'s representative in the national intercollegiate oratorical contest. Roland Won it. There never was any doubt in My mind. No one was near him, so the judges decided it was "no contest," and called for another try-out in which they recalled their previous representative to stem the "rising tide of color." Roland only smiled. It wasn't a cynical smile. He thought it Was funny. And he plugged along with his studies. Then last spring he was to graduate. Illness forced his withdrawal from school two weeks before commencement. Nevertheless, he was given his degree, and he Went up-state in New York to recuperate. It's hard to believe. No fellow ever Kved any straighter than Roland. I've known him since we were kids, and I do lot know of one bad habit he might be accused of. Why, when we were in the Sphinx Club—Gregory Hawkins, Bob Anthony, Phil Edwards, Gene Holmes, Roland and I were in Eta's first pledge club—someone accidently spilled ardent s Pirits in the punch at our party and when Roland was offered a glass he declined, alleging boastfully that he had already been to the bowl several times. He was bone dry.
Newport News, Virginia. August 18, 1930. Whereas, the Great Ruler of the Universe has in His infinite wisdom removed from among us one of our worthy Brothers, and esteemed fellow-laborers, Doctor James M. Hayes; and, Whereas, the long and intimate relationship held with him in the faithful discharge of his duties in our fraternity makes it eminently befitting that we record our appreciation of him: Therefore, Resolved, That the wisdom and ability which he has exercised in the aid of our fraternity by service, contributions, and counsel will be held in grateful remembrance. Resolved, That the sudden removal of such a life from among our midst leaves a vacancy and a shadow that will be deeply realized by all the members and friends of our fraternity, and will prove a serious loss to this organization in particular and the community in general.
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ROLAND LEIGH JOHNSON Last Christmas he was delegate to the Convention in Atlanta, and, among other misdemeanors, nominated the p r e s e n t Editor of The Sphinx (Who th'run that brick?). Roland Johnson was one of the few really clean-cut fellows I know. Perhaps I have spoiled the effect by letting myself get into this article too Cften. I'm sorry. Maybe there is no excuse for it either, but. . . . . . . . But I liked that guy. —TOM YOUNG, Kappa
Harold Morrison
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HERE are times in the lives of all of us when we are moved to sadness, and it is a great sadness that strikes us when death comes to a school chum. Picked by the Grim Reaper while only a young man, a senior in college, Brother Harold Cain Morrison passed in November 20, 1930, from Omicron Chapter into Omega Chapter just as he had lived— smiling and never complaining. The demise of this one Brother is a deeper gash into the ranks of Omicron than were the June graduations which took eight men out of school, for this one Brother was an active, heart-and-soul Alpha man. Brother Harold Morrison was a native
Resolved, That with deep sympathy with bereaved relatives of our deceased brother, we express our hope that even so great a loss to us all may be overruled for good by Him who doeth all things well. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the records of our local chapter, a copy printed in The Sphinx, the official organ of our fraternity, and a copy forwarded to the bereaved family. Done by order of Zeta Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. J. W. Pierce, chapter, president; R. H. Pree, C. H. Williams, and T. R. Thompson, committee. Pittsburgher, being born there April 6, 1906. He completed his e l e m e n t a r y schooling at the Minerville School and entered Schenley High at the age of fourteen. In the fall of 1925, he matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh. Upon the advice df his physician, Brother Morrison was removed from the school for one year due to ill health. Brother Morrison resumed his studies, continuing his pre-medical course until May, 1930, the last semester of the senior year, when he became ill again and dropped out of school to fight a lesion in the left lung. He progressed fairly well and was to (Continued on Page 15.)
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THE SPHINX
Approaching Last Days Of Chi Chapter House Inspire Fine Tribute By A CHI CHAPTER MAN OMEWHERE in the vicinity of these. printed words, the Editor has placed a photograph of the old Chi Chapter House. Just an ordinary, rambling white house, it appears at the casual glance. But the casual glance couldn't include the things that inspire these words. I've lived in the house for several years. My cot stands beneath the faded banner of Alpha Phi Alpha that Bill Pittman brought down from California to decorate the blue walls of " B l u e Heaven." Even now that cot creaks beneath the weight of three sons of General Howard in the third stage of a Negro wolfing bee. Just across the room, and it is a large room, Blue Heaven,—"Cos" and "Bobo" sprawl over a mess of hacteriology. And above their heads is the folded attic ladder that crashed last fall to very nearly decapitate "Jersey" Bill Harris. Downstairs one flight the "Fraternal Gentlemen" hold sway. Unlike the third floor, the second is divided into rooms, each housing four men. Downst a i r s from here are the reception rooms with a blasting radio and a blasted piano. It's on these floors that the lads "come 'round" Prexy Joe Carwin a couple of times a month. It is right here that the old moon shines and the dance goes on. Out of here good Alpha teams go forth into the snow to mess with those who would mess with the Black and Gold. And it is often here that ancient Alpha men meet again the severity of the Sphinx then course out to find a "stolen" Alpha pin. Nothing much unusual about the old Chi place, you'd think. Another frat house, another bunch of chaps at another school for another year. Maybe so. But it seems to me that Chi can't be just the same. Why, Alpha men came down to Meharry's ancient walls, stick around awhile, then get financial! Alpha men from Eta bend elbows with the boys from Rho, and in a week or so Beta and Phi Chapters are sisters down under the skin. These are th« things that make Chi strange. Alpha is as Alpha should be. I suppose, though, that the last of any days are the best. And Chi today sees her last just over the hill. For across the town in the shadow of Jubille Hall at Fisk a new Meharry gathers itself together with the clamor of nail and saw. The fall of the New Year
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CUPID'S BROTHER BELL, a graduate of Northwestern University, now dean of tho College of Liberal Arts, South Carolina State College, Orangeburg, S. C , has married Miss Thelma 0. Simon, a graduate of Cbicago University, who is now an instructor in the department of music at the same college where her husband is dean. BROTHER G. W. GORE, JR., dean of Tennessee A. and I. College, Nashville, Tenn., became the father of an eightpound baby girl on August 4, and promptly named it Pearl Mayo after her mother. BROTHER S. A. YOUNG, of Alpha Upsilon Chapter, Detroit, Mich., and Mrs. Young are the parents of a "Delta-Alpha" son, who is said to know the Alpha chapters verbatum already! BROTHER GEORGE F. PERRY, of Upsilon Chapter, University of Kansas, I awrence, Kan., recently married Miss Ester Clark. He is now teaching in the South. BROTHER L. P. WOODSON has recently beome a bendict. The name of
CORNER his wife and other details were not furnished by The Sphinx's informer. A most attractive event of the summer was the marriage of Miss Audry Berry to Brother Dr. Berkley Butler. The colorful affair startled the bride's home town, Newport, Rhode Island, the summer playground of idle rich. The bride is the sister of Brother Dr. Roy Berry and Brother Butler is one of Baltimore's most promising practicians. A host of Baltimoreans motored to Rhode Island to witness the nuptials. Delta Lambda wishes them all the happiness possible. BROTHER C. C. JACKSON, JR., was quietly married to Miss Lucille DeBose of Baltimore. The couple pleasantly surprised their many friends who only learned of the affair after they returned from their honeymoon in July. Brother Jackson is the city field leader for athletics and playground work with the Playground Athletic League of Baltimore. Mrs. Jackson was popular in Baltimore social circles. Delta Lambda wishes the pair God-speed.
GREETINGS Once more the earth is decked in bridal wear. She is resplendent 'neath the winter skies, There is no sadness as the old year dies, And heart meets heart in mutual love and cheer, While friend to friend his gifts and hearts gifts bear; And from the heavens each snowy sprite that flies With other mates in maddened frolic vies, landing its beauty to the earth and air. What if without the wind blows bitter cold? The hearth-fire throws its sh:idow on the walls, And to our loved ones tales of love are told And friends are ever welcome in our halls. What if it is the ebb-tide of the year? The home-like joys of Christmas time are here. —IVAN EARLE TAYLOR
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THE SPHINX
Fraternity Fun By 0. WILSON WINTERS Fraternity Fun Editor All the best newspapers and magazines of the country are taking cognizance of the growth of the Physical Culture movement that is evidenced in this fair land of ours. They are either running syndicated columns of articles incidental to health or featuring a question box for the benefit of their readers. The purpose of this magazine and the dignity it must maintain precludes the '^corporation of such an idea herein tut on this page with its independent editorial staff reporters, printers, and other devils, our latitude is such that w<1 can produce any decent and helpful feature with impunity.—At least for one issue. , Ergo, culled from leading periodicals * the following physical or ethical culture advice. Hints For Reducing J* Sass a truck driver. *• Flirt with a Chicago gangster's wife. *• Make faces at an English bulldog. 4 - Smuggle into a K K K Konklave and reveal your identity. Try to amuse a Georgia mob with a dissertation on "Social Equality." High Cost of Living *ree Love is eventually the most exPensive kind. Famous last words—Every t h i n g i s * I right, sugar, my husband is out of tn « city. De a r Ex-Senator Heflin, You are cordially invited to attend a reception in honor of Hon. Oscar De nest, celebrating his re-election to Congress. The affair will be held at the ^nitfhts of Columbus Hall. Mr. Isador We i n b a u m will be the Master of Ceremonies. Music will be furnished by Uu ke Ellington's Orchestra. Yours truly, A MARTYR.
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Free wheeling (apologies to Studee * ' : An Irish cop pushing a baby °n for a Swedish nurse maid.
nail' 0 " 1 t 0 r n p a g e s o f F a n k a n d W u g " Ki.. S U n a o r i d g e d Dictionary. it SS "~~ noun - This word is a noun but j .' generally used as a conjunction. s never declined and is more comn t h - t h a n p r o p e r - r t i s ver-y s i n i ? u l a r at j it is generally used in the plural. agree s with "me." t n°un. Love is misery—sweeten . w ' t h imagination, salted with tears,
spiced with doubt, flavored with novelty, and swallowed with your eyes shut. Overheard in the Dining Room Diner: Waiter! This chicken has no wish-bone. Waiter: He was a happy, contented chicken, sir, and had nothing to wish for. Guest: Say, George! You've got your thumb in that soup. George: Thank ye, suh, but it ain't hot. Overheard in the Drawing Room Wife: "Do you know that you haven't kissed me for six weeks?" Prof, (who is absent minded): "Good heavens, who have I been kissing t h e n ? " The flapper evaded his persistent proposals of marriage with soft words intended to allay the hurt of her definite and inevitable refusal. Exasperated, he turned upon her. "In plain English, will you marry me or n o ? " Flapper: "Hell, no!"
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Overheard in the Court Room First lawyer—You're the biggest boob in this court. Second lawyer—You're a liar; everybody knows you're the biggest boob. Judge (rapping vigorously)—Order gentlemen, you forget that I'm here. The judge had just charged the jury, "Is there any question any juryman would like to ask before considering the evidence?" "There's a couple of us jurymen, your honor,' began one of the jurors, who would like to know if the defendant boiled the malt one or two hours and how does he keep the yeast o u t ? " He
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Christmas Tragedy THEY had worked hard all evening putting up the Christmas tree. There it stood like a proud sentinel of the forest that it was. On its long graceful boughs hung the tinsel and stars and other things bespeaking Yuletide splendor. Bright colored lights flashed and winked from tiny recesses among the branches. At last all was in order and it was bedtime, the family was preparing to retire and dream about the coming of jolly old Saint Nicholas. On one of the branches, little sister hung her wee little stocking, then junior pinned his stocking high among the gaudy and sparkling draperies of the tree. Mother removed her stocking and hung it up. Father removed his socks and
hung them on the tree. Forthwith the Board of Health threw the tree out. Social Geometry Some people move in circles and others are continually trying to sq u a r c themselves. On the other hand, many a man who acts on the square during the day is a rounder at night. Happiness is like a kiss. The only way to.get any good out of it is to give it to somebody else. Overlooked by the Proof-Reader Wanted—To sell or trade brick residence 2214 Fairview Road. Reason— need more rooms; had one child when moved in; now got four; good place. Wanted—Young lady, 18 years as beginner in respectibale office or otherwise.—Ad in Havana American. Norristown Register, Nov. 13, 1930—• Through an error in Tuesday's issue The Register published the information that Albert Eckert was soloist at the Kiwanis Club's Armistice Day program. Mrs. Eckert, however, was the singer and gave an execllent rendition of "There is no death." Mr. Eckert objects to being termed a soprano. Mrs. Eckert seconds her husband's motion. Wanted—1930 Ford Coupe by a young business woman with a rumble seat, good tires and in good running condition— Address Box X 1342. Overheard At The Stadium He—"Have you ever been abroad ?" She—"Oh, sir, you are out in college society now and should not refer to a lady by such slang." "Oh boy, was I mad! Get a whiff of this! I runs up to the door all dressed up in my tux. Mother had gone to the reception a few hours earlier and I promised her I would run over as soon as I made some calls. When I got to the door of Mrs. Whipple's house I rang the bell and an officious looking butler with an English Chamberlain's air eyed me suspiciously. I said, 'Is Mrs. Hanover here?' Raleigh, the butler, haughtily asked: 'Sir, does she expect you?' Boy, I got furious and really exploded. 'Does she expect me?' says I. 'Why my dear fellow she expected me almost a year before I was born; she is my mother.' " "Say, Mable, ain't that Eloise Gray airing us in the mink coat? Why the nerve of her! I remember her when Continued on Page 15
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THIS AND THAT And THE OTHER
THE SPHINX There is talk hereabouts of organizing an all-fraternity unfinancial chapter, with the honor of naming it going to the fraternity having the lar g e s t membership. Around Beta, we would call it Ki Sigma, or Delta Alpha Nu.
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By IVAN EARLE TAYLOR Member Editorial Board
ETA may well claim to be the clearing house of Alpha Phi A l p h a . There are few Brothers who weren't S THE Christmas season approaches, with it comes memories of either initiated there, or went to WashConvention time. Old heads will soon ington in one capacity or another; if be lamenting the fact that there is to no more than as visitors they come to be no Convention this year. What a Beta; some go away to achieve great kick they get out of Conventions!! In things, but they all come back to "dear fact, we all do. Meeting old friends, old Beta!" At their first meeting of the and new ones too . . . Pretty gels. . . . school year there were present among other Alpha celebrities, Jewels Murray spiritus frumenti The dances that and Clallis, and Brother Auzenne of Rho. go on hourly, taking the delegates from On occasion in recent years they have business sessions. Yes, conventions are had visits from Bothers "Joe" Evans, expensive, but they are worth it. What Percy Piper, P. B. Young, W. Randolph will Jerrick do without a convention and others high in Alpha councils. to go to this year? He bought a history What a smoker Beta had a few weeks last convention for "my unborn son" . . . ago!! It was given in honor of the has it been delivered yet, doc? We mean Frosh of Howard U., graduate and underthe book. graduate Brothers were present. . . . AST year's Convention-goers c a n plenty food, cigars, good music. . . . never iforget Brother Belboder. He only the wimmin were missing. . . . of the faultless dress. Remember how Brother T. J. Anderson gave this toast, poor Brother Secretary Evans could nev- I suggest it be made Alpha's official er get his name right and father would toast; here it is. shout, "Wrong again, my name is J. N. Samuels-Belboder, with a hyphen!" . . . Here's to old Alpha, long may she reign, and how his black spats were out of place May her prestige never waver, her power never wane, in the Tuskegee mud! And what hapMay the Lord make her gentle and grapened to Brothers Jerrick and Winters cious and gay, at Tuskegee? They were missed there, and bobbed up in Atlanta a day later; Always able and willing her just debts to pay. that is one of the unsolved mysteries And when on her last account she shall of the Convention. look, ^ A ^ H A T has happened to many of The angel will say as he closes the book, ™ v the old war-horses who were con- "The Lord has gone Alpha for the status vention devotees way back? Their picit gave— tures are in early Convention groups in Here's to old Alpha, long may she the History! Note Brother Cannon's wave." luNurious hair in those early issues, and the "sweet innocence" on parson Emory Smith's face. How they have changed!!. . . . Mrs. Rose is a most charming "first lady" who comes from a real Alpha family. . . . Brother Father Belboder is a real modem F r a Lippo Lippi (look that up in Browning) . . . ND so this completes the cycle . . .a Brother Cardozo, what of the "sweet cycle of our official organ, The young thing" that made the trip with This is the fifth issue I've you to Tuskegee? Do you still have Sphinx. your frat pin?. . . . Speaking of pins, edited, the final one for 1930—and like like the 13th and 14th amendments, the the first I am writing this postscript o n e in o u r institution in re the drivel in the wee hours of the morning. frat pin seems made to be broken. . . . Funny, but the last shall be like the first, Alpha pins are still adorning delicate or words to that effect. No amount of specbosoms. . . .But by gad, the constitu- ial training in the realm of journalism, tion ought to be enforced!! Beta's nor previous experience in the publishing "prexy" was constrained to redeem his field availed to shorten that "long day" when I began final work on the first . . . the boys asked for it. . . . Sphinx I ever supervised at 8 one mornInter-Fraternity football ought to be ing and finished at 3 the next yawning. interesting. Some one ought to promote On this one I merely began late. it. The others were not so bad . . . old
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WHEN AN EDITOR Talks TO HIMSELF
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man Experience is still the world's best, if hardest and slowest, teacher. . . . It seems like yesterday that I was in Atlanta and left with high hopes, lofty ambitions, some misgivings, and The Sphinx editorship. . . . Atlanta, where I rode in on a Pullman and thought I'd have to ride out in an ox-cart. After hours and hours I rode out on a Pullman, but in "Berth 13." And if you don't know what "Berth 13" is, try to secure sleeping accommodations from Atlanta and other points far South! And good old Roland Johnson, Eta Chapter live-wire, who made the first speech nominating me ifor this office, is in that Chapter which will answer no roll-call until Gabriel's trumpet blows. I could pay lots of compliments to one of the finest men I ever knew but one who knew him even better than I has written Roland's eulogy on another page in this issue. Roland Johnson was a swell guy . . . . I know no higher compliment in simpler language. There must be something in Alpha Phi Alpha that gets inside of you and does things to you. Thousands of letters written and answered, mailing problems to solve, special articles to get, chapter news to speed up, copy to edit, heads to write, editorials to pound out, cover designs to choose, the layout of the magazine to puzzle through, money to keep straight, a yearly report to prepare, a budget to draw up—a multiplicity of countless details. And I've done it all as willingly as I do my salaried job. Which is not bragging, but a statement of fact that I myself wonder at. I have and would refuse doing lots of easier things which pay good m o n e y Strange world this. Loyalty to an ideal, to an institution, to a fraternity; love for a woman; curiosity for facts to be fashioned into knowledge and wisdom: aching longings if or beauty, happiness, and contentment—these things do things to you which you cannot account for. Lik* faith, they have no finite explanation; like science, they have no why; like God, they have no proof, but we possess faith, accept science, and know God just the same. For different people they are different things, but to all people they do the same things, for all people they have the same value or effect. They are the things that make life hard. . . but frequently wort h w h i 1 eMaybe they explain in a sort of incongruous way why I won't make that NeW Year's resolution I started to or do the thing I wanted to. . . and why I'll spend more long "after office hours" if necessary in giving Alpha Phi Alpha and The Sphinx the best that is in me.
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court and have a tournament among the means to those chapters which can not Brothers; a bridge tournament; a whist consider a regional conference or contournament, and having found a champ- vention because of the expense and the (Continued from Page 4.) ion in any one of these contests com- great distance from a common center, awarded this sum would use it to en- pote him against other fraternities or to attract delegates and friends. And tertain the conference for that year. against champions found in the Sphinx by having this contact with those we Nor need the interest in the General Clubs. do not normally come in contact with Convention be lost sight of, for the as a group everyone is able to appreciWhen a scholastic program is attractive same contest can be conducted during ate to the fullest extent those qualities the year the Convention meets. But to Brothers offer prizes in certain sub- of which we had no knowledge. There jects, or for high standing during the since the duration of the Convention will is greater harmony and true brotherly be longer and the delegates in larger year, and perhaps for participation in love is actually, not theoretically, the extra-curricular activities of the number, as well as guests the prize brought about. to be awarded should be twice that sum school. For the older members the prodonated to a single chapter for the gram need not be one to arouse competition between each other unless it entertaining of the conferences. be about something which appeals closeANTICIPATE the question in the ly to them, although bridge tournaments (Continued from Page 7.) minds of my readers. Where is this are worthy of consideration. The real money coming from to pay the chapters point behind all these programs should turn of Ohio's strategy corps that made that the General Organization will use? be that only those who are financial the entire coaching staff uncomfortable. A few figures will show its source but can benefit from them. Naturally the Sam Willaman had been made the butt take out your pencil and figure along Increase in income to the fraternity of a lot of undeserved abuse for doing With me. To refer to the Western Juris which would result from bringing these diction first. There are, at present, thir- men back to the "fold" would mean a what he thought was protecting Bill Bell. ty-one chapters in this district, or a large increase in the chapter income. Was this to be his reward? little over one-third of the total chapter Special attention should be paid to see Along came the Pittsburgh game in enrollment of the fraternity. Suppose that the chapter dues are not too high Columbus, and when the team took the then that each chaper in this district to act as a retarding factor. field a player who had been substituting for the year 1931 were able to get just Some of us may object to the devel- for Bell all season started, and Bell sat five (5) of its unfinancial Brothers to opment of this idea of competition on the bench the whole first quarter. An ray only their grand-tax for one year among the Brothers on the ground that injury to the sub tackle finally necessior four dollars, fifty cents ($4.50). For these Brothers if they have the ideals tated Bell's entry. All week in preparathis region that would mean an increase of true Alpha men, should not need this tion for the game with Illinois, Bell was in membership of 155 financial Brothers sort of stimulant to do that which they a substitute at practice and the one-time and to the General Organization there are morally obligated to do. Theoreti- sub was a regular. would be an added income over that of cally this standpoint is right, but I NTERESTED observers are trying to 19:i0 of $<i!)7..r.(>. suggest that we look at our "paper explain this sudden shift. Maybe Now let us suppose that the same membership" and compare it with our after all Willaman IS running the team. thiny; occurred in all of the 85 chapters actual membership, using grand-taxes Maybe Willaman can get along without of the fraternity. There would be an paid as the basis, and it is evident Hell and still win games. Maybe Willaincrease in membership of 425 finan- that moral obligation is forgotten. It man realizes that the coach who plays a cial Brothers and there would be an does not take one long to learn that Negro gets more kicks between the upadded income of $1912.50 over that of that sort of obligation and payment of rights thin pats on the back for doing 1930! Just think, that sum can be ob- dollars and cents do not mix unless so. After all the coach is boss, and if tained if each chapter gets but five of they have a very subtle something to he wants to keep Bell on the bench from its delinquent Brothers to pay up. Of bring them together. It is our problem now on, he has the power to do it. Maybe this sum not more than $450 in one to find that subtle something. it isn't worth the trouble to give a colyear need be paid out by the General N CONCLUSION, therefore, I shall ored player a chance and then get hit on Organization to the chapters which mergive what I think should be the par- all sides when an unfortunate emergency it it by the rules of the contest. May amount results to the fraternity as a arises. I remind you that I have not calculated whole ilf the idea behind all this "takes." Next year Bell is a senior. Russell the income resulting if each chapter Primarily, there should be a marked inEmbry, who had to withdraw from school •nitiated just two men in one year. crease in the total financial enrollment after the second game because of schoOWEVER, the desire of a chapter of the fraternity as compared with for- lastic difficulties, will be back. A promto compete with others in order mer years. Secondly, when a group as ising freshman, Buddy Coles of Steubento brin.j; a regional convention 'or Gen- large as ours is has one common thought ville, Ohio, will be a sophomore. All i a l Convention to its site is not enough •i would be the case during the com- three of these are certain regulars if they °f a program to get the interest of some petitive period there is created a great- get a break, the latter two being ball 'ielinqueiit Brothers to the extent that er unity and attention of everyone is carriers extraordinary. Will they carry tn the Scarlet and Gray banner next sea<\v will become financial. Something fixed upon one thing, but the program of e| se must be included in that program the fraternity is not lost sight of by son? an d it is the problem of each individual any means, because it is fully realized Remember the case of Dave Myers at chapter to work that phase of its prO- that that program is one of the big New York University last year when £'"am out. But this idea of competition factors in a bigger result. Thirdly, the Georgia refused to play against him. And sh chapter or chapters which win the con- remember all the protesting and petiould not be lost sight of. A suggestion is offered. When a pM- test have a right to feel proud and the tions. Well, this year Chick Meehan got &i'am of less serious activities is found attention of all is upon it or them along nicely without the services of two 1 attract Brothers, contests between for a while at least. Is there any time eolrred boys who were members of the squad last year, and are in school again he financial Brothers can be brought other than the Conventions when this (Continued on Page 16.) a was the case? Fourthly, it offers a w u t by installing a pee-wee tennis
Interest—A Suggestion
The Case of Tackle Bell
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Messages From Genera/ Officers (Continued from Page 6.) action at its meeting on Nov. 16, by the very simple but effective method of refusing to appropriate funds for entertaining the conference. The reasons for this change in plans as given by Kappa Chapter are quoted from the letter received from them, as follows: "With such a limited time in which to prepare for the conference, the unwillingness df a majority of the members to take part, and the graduate chapter re fusing to consider the matter, we feel that it would be a gross injustice to Kappa Chapter and the organization at large to attempt a regional conference under such adverse conditions." For your information, Kappa Chapter in a report from its treasurer reveals it now has over $90 on hand with not onehalf of its membership paid up for the year. Moreover, the graduate chapter here has not officially refused any assistance, but had planned to consider the matter definitely at its next meeting. The report of the conference committee stated that it needed only to rent a hall for sessions and required but seventy dollars to completely carry out full plans as mentioned in the letter to you of Nov11. I regret that this letter necessitated a radical change in any plans that the chapters made with regard to the regional conference as planned here, and hope that the interest ot'. the active group will not be diminished but will be maintained until more definite arrangements are announced. The plans of the conference committee of Kappa Chapter were splendid, but despite its efforts to have them adopted, Kappa Chapter reversed its first decision. This is indeed to be regretted.
Information Wanted By RAYMOND W. CANNON, Director of Education N accordance with the duties of this office it becomes necessary at this time to inquire into any conditions prevalent at institutions of learning in your immediate vicinity which constitute racial barriers. Now that the school year is well under way it ought to be possible for you to supply this information forthwith. Frequently our student members make inquiry here as to conditions obtaining at various institutions. If it is possible to inform them they may be aided in the selection of schools and courses. Tn some instances, due to the fact that chapters reported on the matter promptly, we have been able to have some dis-
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criminatory practices stopped. In others, while we have not been able to stop discrimination, we believe our attitude of vigorous protest has probably prevented its increase. We desire to know if any racial discrimination is practiced in your college or university and, if so, the principal forms and their effect. For example, we want to know if Negro students are denied admission or if there is any restriction on their numbers; if they are barred from athletic, scholastic or extracurricular activities; if they are denied admission to certain courses; if they are denied admission to branches of the R. 0. T. C. other than infantry; if they are forbidden the use of the swimming pools, gymnasiums, etc. You are urged to write freely and in detail on this matter. Your name will not be divulged and you will therefore experience no embarrassment or inconvenience. But your information may be of great value to the progress af race students. E hold to the theory set forth at the inception of this fraternity that it is the duty of every able Alpha Phi Alpha man to come to the aid of those of his Brothers who are in need. Throughout this country we have members of our fraternity who are heads of banks, insurance companies, various business enterprises, small industrial plants, social agencies, clinics, hospitals, etc. Many of these men are able to offer employment to some of our undergraduates as well as recent graduates who are qualified. In our chapter meetings we are impressed constantly with the value of honest cooperation. Here is an opportunity to put it into practice. There are times when a little work, however small in amount, may mean everything to the sueoess of some of our undergraduate members in their college careers. Likewise, a little assistance for sorroe af our recent graduates may mean greater suceess for them as they start out in life. Again, most of our graduates of professional schools must obtain practical experience before they are competent and qualified to pnetice their professions. Usually they have a difficult time securing it because of racial barriers. We feel that it is time for more of our members who are able to do so to come forward and do for our own. In other words, if we are going to get somewhere as a race we must not only advance ourselves individually but we must help those about us in the struggle. We want to give those members of Alpha Phi Alpha who are in the advantageous positions the opportunity to offer
employment to those of our membership who desire it. Kindly inform us promptly of the presence of such members in your vicinity so that we may take up this matter in a personal way with each whom you indicate. E extend greetings to the chapters as they resume activities with the opening of the school year. We hope and trust each Brother is refreshed by his vacation. Incidentally, we say that this office enjoyed no vacation, our work being for the full year, and we were busy all of the summer disposing of numerous routine matters. The Scholarship Commission also worked diligently during the summer. So now we are ready to start even with the chapters in the work yet to be done. And in order to start promptly, each chapter is requested to (1) notify this office immediately of any changes respecting the officer who receives and replies to official correspondence, and (2) to send to this office, as per previous request, names and addresses of members of the fraternity in your vicinity who are in position to give employment to others. FEW chapters appear not to have received forms upon which to report their educational programs. Some chapters have failed to advise this office as to changes in officers with the opening of the school year and as a result some communications have been returned. If you have already received a blank please return the one not used along with your report. Your promptness in this will be greatly appreciated.
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Editorially Speaking (Continued from Page 3.) king, but because he is a symbol of Great Britten's unity. Whatever the status of British holdings every Britisher claims allegiance to the king. He is the one thing every Britisher has in Common and holds in reverence. In some such wav the Sphinx might serve the fraternity. That it may is the fervent hope ol the Editor. That it must is beyond dispute. A fellow with a terrible thirst might apply to the drought relief committee M
some assistance. The meek may inherit the earth; but they will never get anything out of the stock market. There are enough wheels turning. The trouble is they aren't producing anything but mileage.
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Signicant Alpha News (Continued from Page 8.)
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pha Omicron, Smith University, were honored by being chosen on the first team of the All C. I. A. A. football team as end and guard, respectively. FATHER BROWN, a member of Rho Lambda, Buffalo, N. Y., was selected by Livingstone College for an honorary degree. A l l ' R E D H. WILSON, of A l p h a Theta Chapter, University of Iowa, Iowa City, la., a native of St. Louis, Mo., who receives his B. S. degree in chemistry in January, has received an offer of a position from the Aanaconda Mining Company in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Brother Wilson, a proficient athlete received the Hi-Y football shield while in high school, was a member of the Iowa freshman team, a member of the Dolphin Swimming Club of Iowa, and All-University welterweight champion in 1927-28. Brother Wilson is also active in social affairs, having been president of the Student Forum and treasurer and financial manager for the AllUniversity Christmas Ball in 1929, being the first to hold that office. This brother has held many important chapter offices. At present he is A l p h a Theta's social director.
RANDALL L. TYUS is for the second year president of the Student Y. M. C. A. at Fisk University. He is a member of Alpha Chi Chapter. R. HAROLD WADLOW, another of Alpha Chi's active members, is president of the Men's Senate at Fisk University, on which he has the assistance of SIDNEY HARRIS, ALFRED GEENWOOD, RICHARD EWING, GARRICK WILLIAMS. and WILLLIAM SAPP, the latter a pledge. DR. S. S. MORRIS, of Tau Lambda, Nashville, Tenn., while on tour of Europe last summer, had an audience with the Pope at Rome, represented the Allen Christian Endeavor League, of which he is secretary, at the World's Christian Endeavor Loague Convention in Berlin, Germany, and addressed audiences M Berlin through interpreters. J. R. ANDERSON, efficient secretary of Tau Lambda, has opened a first-class Photographic studio in Nashville, Tenn. WALKER QUARLES, a luminary at Gamma Chapter, is president of the Student Government Association of Virginia Union University, Richmond, Va. JOHN R. PICOTT, is president of Kappa Gamma Chi Forensic Society, Continued from Page 9. vice-pres., of the Y. M. C. A., and a wellbe discharged from the hospital in Auknown campus writer at Virginia Union gust, only to suffer a series of setbacks Un versity. from which he never recovered. To CHARLES B. WEST, associate edi- Brother Morrison, from that time on, tor of The Sphinx for Gamma Chapter, it was only a matter of smiling, out of has been elected president of the senior consideration for his mother until the class at Union University. end, which came at 5:06 a. m., November JOHN TILLY, of Phi Lambda, Ra- 20, 1930. Interment was at High view •eigh, N. C, who attended Chicago Uni- cemetery, November 24, 1930. The pallversity last summer, has been granted bearers were James Lewis, Howard Mca scholarship by the North Carolina Kinney, Forrest Parr, William Leftridge, State Board of Education and is now Garrett Fish, and Walter Talbot. The rack at Chicago doing graduate work in last four named are Brothers in Alpha religious education. Brother Tilly is Phi Alpha. dean of the theological department at Brother Morrison was an active memShaw University, on leave-of-absence. ber df the church of the Holy Cross, K. WATERS Tl'RPIN, of Beta Alpha, where, at various times, he sang in the is president of the senior class and of choir, served on the altar, and held the the Student Council at Morgan College. position of superintendent of the Sunday THOMAS "EDDIE" TOLAN, holder school. Socially, Brother Morrison was of the world's official record for the 100 very well known to young and old. He yard dash, 9.5 seconds, is coaching the wis secretary of the Student Prince Club basketball team of Epsiloh Chapter a t when it was at its greatest glory. He we University of Michigan. was active in Pitt Lyceum. In the Sphinx CLYDE F. WASHINGTON, of Upsi- Club, he served as secretary and it was Io n Chapter, University of Kansas, Law- on June 18, 1928, that he was initiated re nce, Kan., A.B., '30, is the first Ne- into Alpha Phi Alpha. As associate ediBrother Morrison 6X0 to lie in the medical school of that tor to the Sphinx lived to make but two write-ups. institution in six years. H. S. WILLIAMS has recently returnOmicron chapter, ever mindful of 1 '""in Germany where he studied at Brother Morrison's regular attendance at the University of Berlin. Brother Will- all meetings and active participation in ' a m s i* a member of Epsilon Lambda, crapter affairs of his dependable coop8 *- Louis, Mo. eration, or his readiness to perform the JOHN WILLIAMS, of Gamma, Union duties of others when they wavered on University, and FRANK BOGLE, of Al- the job, and of his congenial personality
Harold Morrison
coupled with the true Alpha spirit, shall each year award an educational prize in memory of Brother Morrison and this prize is to be known as the Harold C. Morrison Memorial Award. Om i c r o n shall never forget the Brother who never forgot Omicron.
F R A T FUN (Continued from Page 11.) she was only a worried look on her Mother's face." Some newswriters have been punning on the football huddle. One columnist said he wondered what was said by the boys when they were huddled. So my guess is as good as anybody's because they had not invented the huddle when I played football at Storer College in 19—?. Well, the Fullback says to the Quarterback "Bo, if I were you, I wouldn't fall so hard for Mame, she's been running with every guy in Cleveland." Quarterback replies, "Oh hell, Cleveland ain't so big.' Unofficial but ubiquitous frats to be found at every college. Eta Peesa Pi Passa Bad Chek Roona Nu Pents Busta Lotta Suds Tryan Bega Meel Beta Gimma More Tampa Nu Broad Kribba Exa Xam Telia Nu Li Drinka Lick El Ranting of a Cub Reporter The big day arrived. It was the Annual Football Classic between LaSalle Extension Course College and The International Correspondence Schools. All the Old Grads and rooters for each school were in a fervor of excitement, the very air was murky with the tenseness of the struggle as both t e a m s fought nip and tuck (the Old Grads frequently tuck a nip out of the college flasks). The game see-sawed as the tide of battle veered first one way and then another.
Postmaster Brown had ordered every man at his post and had called out substitutes to help with the heavy mail. Mail trucks darted here and there— mostly there—in and out of the swollen Thanksgiving traffic. Harold Jones of I. C. S. was caught off side at the Philadelphia post office and was penalized two years at Atlanta Prison. Merle Haggerty attempted a special delivery forward pass which was grounded at Lansing, Michigan. Charles Cooper will dig it up after the game because it felt like it contained money. There were line bucks thru the R e g i s t e r e d Mail department, off tackle plays thru
the Parcel Post, forward passes by the
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Page 16 Air Mail, end runs by the Rural Free Delivery, and many were the substitutions and time outs. After several weeks of correspondence LaSalle attempted a "feel goal." Buckner, the drawback who was playing quarterback dropped back eight yards behind the Boston Post Office's superintendent's back and felt a suspiciously fat letter. Egan of I. C. S. rushed in from Richmond ripped open the line on the envelope and extracted five dollars and ran for a touchdown. He failed to kick the goal as he was ruled out of the game for "holding." Coach Brown sent him to the showers at Leavenworth. Thus the game ended 6—0 in favor of I. C. S. An unpleasant aftermath of the game was a protest to President Hoover by LaSalle claiming that I. C. S. had played a complete team of tramp athletes. Remember, fellows, at this writing we are celebrating Christmas. I am quoting a poem by Carolyn Wells (with apologies to Kipling). I always read it this time every year. A CHRISTMAS VAMPIRE By Carolyn Wells A fool there was, and he made a gift, (Even as you or I.) He bought it with taste and care and thrift (For a lady his friends thought rather swift) And when he gave it, the lady sniffed, (Even as you or I.) Oh, the judgment and taste and time we waste On the gifts at Christmastide, Which we give to the lady who isn't pleased (And now we know she could never be pleased And never be satisfied.) A fool there was, and he gave his cheque (Even as you or I.) For a necklace of pearls without a fleck, (And it didn't the least suit the lady's neck) And she never thanked him a single speck! (Even as you or I.) Oh, the chink we lose and the think lose, On the things we buy with pride. To give to the lady who never is pleased, (And now we know she can never be pleased And never be satisfied.) The fool was fleeced to his last red cent (Even as you or I.) She threw him aside, when his gold was spent,
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nobody cared where the lady went,) And the fool gave away to loud lament. (Even as you or I.) And it wasn't the loss, and it wasn't the dross The reason that same fool cried; It was coming to know that she never was pleased, (Seeing a t last she could never be pleased And never be satisfied.) Cheerio! I'll be seein' yer.
Approaching Last
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(Continued from Page 10.) sees the Chi house pass into the pages of back numbers of The Sphinx. The old house braces itself for the last winter. Even tonight she meets the wind with a faint shudder. Looking ahead, I guess, to nights with no chappies within her vitals to lend her life—no cuss words and no blazing electric lights! Anyhow, it shall be said her last days were her best. I'm a happy guy that I'm here. Tomorrow ought to be a swell day, and tonight in the Chi house Alpha is as Alpha should be.
Case of Tackle Bell (Continued from Page 13.) this season. The coach selects his players, and no amount of protesting can influence him. Bell, an innocent man, is being persecuted by his would-be champions. The future of Negro athletes on Ohio State football teams is being given a serious lacing. Negro athletes in general, all innocent men, are being persecuted. But as in "The Case of Sergeant Grisha," Power and Authority are in the saddle. They can't be unhorsed by well-meaning pleas ifor justice. I hate to think so but I believe we have killed the goose that lays the golden egg.
Alpha Scholarships Awarded (Continued from Page 6.) of the confidence that the administration has in him." Age 22, Durham, N. C, senior pursuing A.B. degree (English); member Pan-Hellenic Council; editor-in-cheif, University Student; for 3 years member staff, publishing University year book; president class '29 and '30; secretary '28, '29; assistant to registrar of University, 1928-1929-1930: member University Board of Athletic Control '29, '30, member Rho Chapter, Omega Psi Phi; member Y. M. G, A. Cabinet, '28, '29;
excellent student; working way through school; father dead. The Commission perceived that this applicant was no doubt the leading and outstanding student of' the institution. Close study of all his qualifications submitted caused him to receive a majority vote. Dean McKinney recommended several applicants but this applicant was recommended by the dean in the strongest terms of any. North Carolina spends more money for Negro education than any other southern state and we feel that Alpha Phi Alpha is properly bestowing this award and in such a location as will be a stimulus to the ambition of Negro students throughout the whole state. JOSEPH S. HIMES, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio (2186 E. 86th St., Cleveland Ohio). This is one of the most deserving cases that could come to the attention of such a body. From Dean of Men E. F. Bosworth, Oberlin College, we quote: "Mr. Himes is a colored boy. He is practically blind. In his studying, all his assignments have to be read aloud to him. In spite of this handicap, he is one of the best student in Oberlin College. His grades have been such that he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa at the end of his Junior year. There is no money in his family background. His character is above reproach. I consider him . . . one of the most promising boys I have known during the three I have been Dean of College Men in Oberlin College." From J. E. Wirkler, secretary of Oberlin College: "In 1928 on the Freshman Honor list; in 1929 on the Sophomore Honor list; in 1930 on the Junior Honor list." "You may be absolutely sure that Mr. Himes has the hearty recommendation of Oberlin 'College. He is a young man of unusual ability and promise. Because of the physical handicap of MrHimes—almost total blindness—I have served as his adviser and have assisted in his financial matters during the past three years. I am, therefore, probably better qualified to write in his behalf than any other member of the Oberlin faculty. I am most happy to endorse Mr. Himes as to character, as to scholarship, and most of all as to absolute need. I believe your foundation w»' be missing an opportunity if it does not consider favorably the application of Mr. Himes for a scholarship. I a1" sure he will bring honor to your foundation." From Brother Roosevelt Dickey, president, Pi Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha: " J t is almost certain that Brother Him eS will not be able to continue his stud"'" at Oberlin next year unless he receive3 help from some source." We cannot go further into qualified'
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tions here other than to state that Himes 17 years; ranked first in scholarship. brothers and one sister; father is a is perhaps the most deserving of any ap- Recommended by H. O. Cook, Principal laborer. His family has limited means. plicant so far. The Commission is not Lincoln High School, James A. Jeffries, Qualifications and recommendations in influenced because of the fact t h a t president Beta Lambda Chapter of our the estimation of the Commission enHimes is a member of this fraternity. fraternity, Kansas City, Mo., and M. E. titled applicant to a scholarship. Such It has decided in his favor solely upon Carroll, state director of Kansas, in- an award will be of inestimable value the merits of the applicant. structor in Lincoln High School. He to the fraternity in Tennessee. It is goLURRAH COFFIELD, graduate Cris- is fatherless and one of three children. ing to aid that particular college as well as the applicant. pus Attucks High School, Indianapolis, His mother works. HAROLD JACKSON, Lansing, MichFrom Principal Cook: "Mr. Goss is an Indiana, 16 years old; honor student; mother and father both hard working honor gradute of our high school, a stu- gan. Graduated with highest honor in people; in need to pursue her education; dent of excellent character and ability. his class in high school of 100 students; intends to enter Butler University, In- In addition, he is more than worthy in came within one tenth of one percent that his mother, a widow, has two oth- of equalling the highest mark ever obdianapolis, Indiana. er children in school, one at college, for tained in the school; one of a family of From Rev. Thomas W. Grafton, chapwhom she has worked very zealously six children; must gain education enlain Butler University: "I am writing and unselfishly. I feel that he will be tirely through his own efforts; is modin the interest of Miss Coffield, who a credit to our fraternity." H. 0. Cook est, hard working; has striking peris anxious to enter Butler University is a member of our fraternity and was sonality; has a splendid reputation as next fall. To do so she will need the a public speaker, having appeared in formerly of Washington, D. C. help of a scholarship and I understand such cities as Lansing, Saginaw and A scholarship to this applicant is the fraternity with which you are aselsewhere in the interest of the N. A. A.placed and will benefit the fraternity sociated has one at its disposal." (LetO. P.; two years on high school footter was written to Prof. H. T. Riley both throughout the states of Kansas, ball squad. A young man of his atMissouri and Iowa. Iowa in recent years »f the Crispus Attucks High School.) tainments gives promise of becoming a Be states further, ". . . . and among has become a favorite institution with great aid to our race and this fact all the colored hi^h school graduates our students who pursue higher edu- should be considered in the making of •n America she has won the highest cation. It is selected by them on account an award, i. e., the value of such a of its fairness and its proximity to person, should he develop along the lines honors." It of his natural inclination, to the NeChaplain Grafton further states, "I sections from which they come. draws heavily from these three states. groes in this country. feel that she will be a credit to the University and if you can aid her in The Negroes of Iowa are not as proThus has the Scholarship Commission a ny way in securing a scholarship, I gressive as they should be in educa- endeavored to give you a few facts pertion. They need an awake n i n g. A will esteem it a personal favor." taining to the several candidates. Their In this connection it will be noted scholarship there certainly is a stimu- records, etc., are on file with the Comlus and we feel the fraternity well dithat the Chaplain feels Miss Coffield mission. will be a credit to Butler University. rects an award to a student of this inAs stated before, there were 134 apstitution. Butler University, as you know, limits plicants. Some of these were quite outJULIA E. HATCHER, graduate high the number of Negroes entering the standing in their achievements. Of freshman class. A very fine record school, Fort Valley High and Indus- course, the fraternity could not award trial School (415 S. Mason St., Fort this applicant has shown by the official each one of the applicants. The ComValley, Georgia). transcript of her credits. mission regretted very much that there Miss Hatcher is 18 years old and finwere some to whom it could not award Fine recommendations are also subished high school a t 17 years of age. scholarships. Several applicants, some mitted with her application from her Her father was killed last June in an of whom would no doubt have been dePrincipal and teachers along with sevautomobile accident. Her mother has clared winners of scholarship awards, er al others. She was identified with been blind for sixteen years and is un- were disqualified in view of certain rules the Girl Reserve of the Y. W. C. A., able to do any work. The applicant ar >d last summer was sent to represent wishes to continue her studies, but un- which the last convention sanctioned the Girl Reserve at Camp Grey, Sauga- less financial aid is accorded her in when it adopted the report of the Scholtuck, Michigan which she did with credit. some way she will be unable to do so. arship Commission with its recommenA scholarship will be of i m m e n s e Recommendations from school author- dations of 1929. The Commission labored under some difficulties. The ComVf due and benefit both to the recipient ities are of the finest. mision worked faithfully since the midan d to the fraternity. Further, it will Several applicants who are h i g h dle of last July. ai « the fraternity's program in this school graduates come from this secs The Scholarship Commission was comtate where our people have not pro- tion, but this one seems the most worthy gressed as they have in many other of the attention of the Fraternity. The posed of Brothers Arthur J. Clement. Jr., Silas E. Garner, Hurlburt T. Riley, states, it W in a i s o a id the fraternity Commission therefore accorded this ap1 Emory B. Smith and Raymond W. Canthis state where its influence is so plicant one of the scholarships. non, Chairman. Si'eatly needed; it will aid the graduate ISAAC M. HUTCHINSON, graduate apter there in its endeavors. Avery Normal Institute, Charleston ,S. Down in the heart of every man Miss Coffield being the outstanding C. Intends to enter Knoxville College, Lives a queer little thing that's hard to "***0 high school graduate for 1930, Tennessee. understand. . fitting to award her one of the His age is 17 years. He lives at 121 When you are good it's always at rest. jnolarshipg. She received the high- Bull St., Charleston, S. C. ValedictorBut when you're bad, then is the test. s p . number of votes of any of the apian of his class; editor of the institute •cants, including those in and those publication, "The Avery News"; winner It is seldom found in a loving heart about to enter college. of Latin prize for highest average in To rise and have an angry start, Latin in high school department for But instead good deeds with their conB RNARD G0SS Hi )f > graduate Lincoln stant haste. two years, '2S and '30; first prize for ex8 School, Kansas City, Mo. Intends to Would keep the conscience in its place. enter University of Iowa. His age, cellence for manual training '28; three
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The Sphinx Speaks Tau Lambda Welcomes Several New Brothers The Brothers of T a u Lambda, Nashville, Tennessee, returned from their vacation imbued with the good old Alpha spirit. Brother President Calvin McKissack started the ball a-rolling with a reception at his palatial home on Edge Hill Avenue, which included in addition to the members of the chapter, members of Chi Chapter, Alpha Chi Chapter, and Brothers from distant chapters who had just come to Nashville as college instructors. Wives and sweethearts were included, which made the affair a most brilliant success. In fact, a roster of those present would read like a social register of the "Athens of the South." In its November meeting the chapter made plans for participation in the regional meeting of the fraternity and for winding up its fiscal year of 1930. On Friday afternoon, November 17, the chapter, together with wives, sweethearts and invited Alpha guests, spent a pleasant afternoon with Brother J. R. Anderson at his residence on 18th Avenue. Although the inclemency of the weather greatly reduced the attendance, it did not dampen the ardor and enthusiasm of those present. It might be well to give a resume of the activities of the various members since our last news letter. Brother S. S. Morris, the reputed secretary of the Allen Christian Endeavor League of the A. M. E. Church, spent several weeks in Europe. Among the high points of his trip he lists the following: Seeing Paul Robeson play Othello in London to a packed house; meeting the Gold Star Mothers of our group in P a r i s ; having an audience with the Pope at Rome and seeing the Forum, the Parthenon, the Vatican, the Catacombs; witnessing the Passion Play at Oberammergau on a day when 5,200 persons were present; representing the Allen Christian Endeavor League at the World's Christian Endeavor Convention in Berlin, Germany, and addressing audiences in Berlin through interpreters. During August, Brother J. R. Anderson, our efficient secretary, opened a first class photographic studio in the new Masonic Temple. Brother Anderson has quite a reputation in the local photographic world. He is a technician of the first rank. His many friends were very pleased to have him give full time to studio work, which he was unable to do when identified with G. C. Drury Company. On August 4, Brother G. W. Gore, Jr., became the father on an eight-pound baby girl, who was promptly named Pearl Mayo, after her mother. Brother W. W. Lawson most ably conducted the Smith-Lever Conference at Tennessee A. & I. State College, August 4-30, inclusive. He accompanied President W. J. Hale to the annual meeting of Land-Grant Colleges in Washington, November 17-19, as a representative of Tennessee A. and I. State College agricultural work. Tau Lambda is glad to welcome into its midst as newcomers into Nashville academic circles the following distinguished Brothers: T. R. Davis, former president of Sam Huston College, as director of rural studies at Tennessee State College; E. H. Goins, as
professor of English at Tennessee State College; Floyd Cofer, as dean of men at Fisk University; Warner Lawson, as instructor in music at Fisk University; Floyd Alexander, as professor of biology at Fisk University; E. A. Lanier, as professor of English at Fisk University. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;GEORGE W. GORE, JR.
Alpha Lambda Relates Some Interesting History Alpha Lambda Chapter, Louisville, Ky., the first graduate chapter, was organized as Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and the shingles of the charter members show that they were initiated April 7th, 1911. The shingles were signed by Brothers F. H. Miller, president, and Chas. H. Garvin, secreJary. Brother Richard Hill, Jr., then a student at the University of Michigan, and a member of Epsilon Chapter, represented the General President at the initiation of the eleven Brothers whose names are to be found in the "History of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity," by Brother Charles Wesley. Our first contact with the General Organization was at the General Convention which met at the seat of Epsilon Chapter, Ann Arbor, Mich., Dec. 27th, 1911. The delegates from Alpha Lambda Chapter (then designated Lambda Chapter) were given the privilege of the floor of the Convention, but had no vote in the Convention. Be:a Chapter was the first to send greetings to the newly formed graduate chapter, and it is strange that when the Convention met several years after at the seat of Beta Chapter that our delegate. Brother William Peyton, met with strenuous opposition when he contended for full and unqualified privileges in the Convention for the graduate chapters. Alpha Lambda Chapter continued its fight until at last all chapters were given equal privileges in the General Organization. In his history, Brother Wesley has this to say: "With the e s t a b l i s h m e n t of this (Lambda) chapter the graduate connections in organized units with the fraternity were begun. "This beginning was not accomplished without opposition. It was urged that the Fraternity was for the undergraduates and that the graduates should be contented with four years of activity and control. It was only after years of experience that the General Organization began to encourage the separate organization of the alumni into chapters. They were encouraged at first to join the undergraduate chapters and assist in the development of these units of the Fraternity." In spite of the attitude of the General Convention towards the graduate c h a p t e r , Lambda Chapter continued to send delegates to the General Convention. At the third (lav's session of the Fifth Convention a recommendation was presented to the General Organization by Lambda Chapter that the first graduate chapter be known as "Alpha Lambda Chapter, and that all other graduate chapters be named in alphabetical order: Beta Lambda, Gamma Lambda, etc." By motion, this recommendation was adopted. In a measure, Alpha Lambda feels responsible for the Alpha Hymn, for Brother A. L.
Simpson, one of the co-authors of the hymn, received his early training and inspiration from three Brothers of the Alpha Lambda Chapter. There may have been short periods of inactivity on the part of the chapter, but we are proud to say that in all things that mean progress for the great Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Lambda Chapter is ready to do its all. We are in intimate touch with the General Organization and, are striving to make it the great organization it must be. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;WILSON BALLARD.
Members Of Phi Lambda Plan Active Program The Phi Lambda Chapter of Raleigh, N. C , sends greetings to members of Alpha Phi Alpha. In the plans outlined by various chapters for a new season we extend our sincerest wishes for success. The Brothers of Phi Lambda met in their first business session on November 16, with a record attendance. Due to the fact that most of the members are in school work, there were no regular meetings held during the summer months, but definite plans were made for an active program for Phi Lambda during the winter months of 1930-31. Brother John Tilly, who was in attendance at Chicago University during the summer, was granted a scholarship by the State Board of Education and has returned to Chicago University to resume his graduate work in religious education. Brother Tilly is dean of the theological department at Shaw University and is now on leave of absence. Brother Dean, who was formerly the head of the department of vocational agriculture at the Berry O'Kelly Training School of Method, N. C., and who recently received his M. S. degree in vocational agriculture from Iowa State University, is now head of the department of vocational agriculture at the A. and T. College in Greensboro, N. C. Brother Dean during the summer was united in holy matrimony to the charming Miss Hollywood from South Carolina. Brother Cardew Perrin, head of the department of chemistry at Shaw University, became during the summer the proud parent of a beautiful baby girl. Brother Smith was also honored with a vis't from the stork during the summer months. Phi Lambda is proud to say that there were few changes in the membership over the summer. In spite of the fact that many of our members live at great distances from the city, most of them are in regular attendance at meetings and are participants in all chapter activities. The chapter planned to initiate two Brothers on Saturday, December 6. Other chapters will hear more of them later.
Gamma Continues To Uphold Traditions At Union We at Gamma pause in the midst of a he'tic autumnal season to send greetings W all Brothers in Alpha and to present this partial resume of our activities in upholding the traditions of our predecessors. Brother John Williams is captain of this year's varsity football team. Brother Her-
THE SPHINX man Washington, AII-C. I. A. A. star, and a veteran of three years, played his last game in the Turkey Hay classic at Hampton. May we here pay tribute to Brother Washington, who is playing also varsity basketball and track. He is also a scholar. Supporting these two stellar members of the team, Pledge Lloyd Williams, brother of the inimitable "Gut" Williams, and Captain John, seems well on the way to duplicate the feats of his dandy brothers. And also "Dick" Armstead, playing his first year as member "f the regular team, has been one of the most outstanding backs seen on Hovey Field this year. Passing from football to the scholastic activities, we find Brother Walker Quarles at 'he helm of the Student Government Association, the most coveted position on the hill. Brother Curtis A. Crocker, Union's gifted Poet and varsity debater, is president of the junior class. Brother John R. Picott, one of the most active men on the campus in the interest of his alma mater, is president of Kappa Gamma Chi Forensic Society, vice-president °f the Y. M. C. A., well known sports writer, and is recording secretary of Gamma. He •s making a name that should live at Union. Brothers "Bennie" Booth and Reginald Mitchell, two of the most prominent graduates of last year, now studying at Howard, were the guests of the Brothers at "Rest Haven" on November 8. They watched the ' Dion-State game. We are searching for some missing documents of the chapter's history and will be obliged to any old members who can send us s »me information regarding the recovery of s uch records. By the way, your scribe was recently honored by being elected president of the senior class. We of Gamma are ever mindful of the Precepts set before us and we are ever zealous to maintain those traditions. This fall the Brothers have caught a new spirit, °ut of which we hope to put over the bigRest program in the chapter's history. —CHARLES B. W E S T :
Alpha Chi Marches Onward And Upward The late fall season found Alpha Chi Chapter, Nashville, Tenn., moving along 'moothly. As Alpha Chi approaches her 'hird birthday, we reflect with pride on her "uccess during these three brief years of her Wstence. Again and again Alpha Chi has "een an exemplification and personification of •hat significant old Greek word "Excelsior" onward and upward. We are glad to welcome five new Brothers ""' the faculty of Fisk University, the seat of A, Pha Chi Chapter. Brother Lloyd M. Cofer, *ho comes to us from Eta Chapter, is the as sistant to the dean and director of person"'l- Brother W a r n e r Lawson, an alumnus ''' fisk, returns in the capacity of instructor ?* piano in the School of Music. Brother |h '">d E. Alexander of Epsilon Chapter is *>» new instructor in the biology department. "rothf ier James K. Hilyard of Phi Lambda ('I, apter was added to the chemistry dcpar:e "t this year and is an assistant research professor in chemistry as well as instructor ' chemistry, Brother E. A.Lanier, instruct.)! ' English composition, is also among the :' e w faces seen on the faculty. ^ O n November 7 Alpha Chi Chapter and er guests, who were for the most part fresh' n a nd new students, were entertained at ,i /noker given by the faculty Brothers, of nich there are sixteen. The smoker was l^Ven in the cozv parlors of the Waterman n u ° s e . Brother Charlei S. Johnson, who hai
recently returned from Liberia, gave a very interesting talk on the possibilities for Negroes in the free Negro republic of Africa. An enjoyable evening was spent by all and the smoker was unanimously proclaimed a success. Although the members of Alpha Chi are all Brothers within a common bond, the diversity of interests in evinced clearly when we note the many fields in which members of Alpha Chi Chapter are playing prominent roles. Brother Julius C. Brown, president of the chapter and president of the senior class, is the keystone of the debating team. Brother Brown was admitted to the Delta Sigma Chi debating fraternity last year and we are sure that he will duplicate his triumphs of last year in the coming encounters. Brother R. K. Davenport is doing notable work as editor-in-chief of the Fisk Herald, Fisk's monthly student organ. We note that Brother William H. Reeves, secretary of the chapter, vice-president of the senior class, and author and poet-extraordinary, has made some commendable contributions to several periodicals of note. Brother Reeves is also an associate editor of the Fisk Herald. On the gridiron we have Brothers Leslie Wingo and Rufus Lewis winning laurels for Alpha Chi and the alma mater. Brother M. B. S. Slaughter, former star guard, who has substituted physics, comparative anatomy and heredity textbooks for the pigskin, is very much missed from the team. Throughout the three years of the existence of this chapter, we have never been without songbirds and this year we are proud to see Brothers Frank Render and H. White McCook on the octette. Brothers John Morris, H. White McCook, Frank Render and Randall L. Tyus, old aces in the Fisk Glee Club, were quite surprised to observe the addition of two new Brothers. Brother R. Harold Wardlow is reenforcing the bass section, while Brother M. Buckingham Slaughter is the new addition to the tenor section. Brother Randall L. Tyus is making good again this year as president of the Student Y. M. C. A. here on the campus. Among the student officers we find several Alpha Phi Alpha men democratically serving the Student body. Brother R. Harold W a r d low is president of the Men's Senate ami is ablv sunportcd by Brothers Sidney Harris, Alfred Greenwood, Richard Ewing and Garrick Wilfianis. William Sanp, a promising member of the Sphinx Club, is ,-ils.o a member of the Men's Senate. On the Student Council are Brothers R. H. Wardlow and J. C. Brown. In the social world Aloha Chi has a veritable host of Brothers clamoring for recognition. It would not be fitting to close without mentioning our Sphinx Club, which contains men of a calibre which would do credit to any chapter.^ The Sphinx Club, with H. D. Lawless as its president, numbers ten men. Two men whom we believe to be worthy of the emblem thev bear were taken into the Sphinx Club this fall. Thev are Albert Richardson and Charles E. Kirksey. Robert Hunter was reinstated into the SphimTClub after a year's absence from Fisk. Alpha Chi sends greetings to all her sister chapters and also to the manv brothers who first saw the light of the great brotherhood of Alpha Phi Alpha here at this chanter. —R. HAROLD WARDLOW.
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Beta Delta Chapter Proud of Faculty Brothers Although it is the month of December, the Brothers in Beta Delta send greetings to you from the land of beautiful "sunshine." Again we find ourselves back into the scholastic walls where we stand "first of all." Our first meeting was held October 1, when Brothers Young, Thompson, Ellerbe, Colty, King, Frasier, McFarland, Trawick, Henderson, Anderson and Hicks answered to the roll call. Brother Anderson, a charter member of Beta Delta, after a year's absence, has returned to us with the same spirit of eagerness and enthusiasm with which he left. He is back to pursue his course in agriculture. We are very proud to welcome Brother Bell of Northwestern University into our band of brotherhood. He has come as dean of the college of liberal arts. It would be proper at this time to also add that Brother Bell is in wedlock with a member of our faculty, Miss Thelma O. Simon of Chicago University, who is an instructor in the department of music. Beta Delta extends them their heartiest congratulations. Brother Brooks, an intense lover of Alpha Phi Alpha, has come to us from Western Reserve University to head the department of English. Brother Brooks, as line coach of the "Mighty Bulldogs," is superb. He has developed one of the strongest lines in southern colleges. He is also, as debating coach, anticipating a very strong and conquering team. Brother Cotton, who needs no introduction, is back with us as backfield coach of the football team and did splendid work. We also have Brothers Turner, Harris and Johnson in our midst as instructors at Claflin College. All of these Brothers have exemplified their interest in us by cooperating with us in every move we have made. Other faculty Brothers who are back with us are Montague, Freeman, and Buchanan. Chicken—and how!—headed the menu of our informal get-together, in other words, an old-time reunion and acquaintance-making stag, just at the right time and place, when all were jolly and sang with a multiplicity of volume, "Give Me T h a t Old Alpha Spirit." The members of the Sphinx Club are working hard to see the light of Alpha Phi Alpha. Pledges Webber, Franks, Joe Green, and Arthur Green, did some hard playing on the gridiron, while English, Plair, Jimmy Green, and Williams are developing their potential Alpha qualities rapidly. Let me express the desire of Beta Delta to be out on the "Golden Coast" of California with our good Brother "Sparky" Williams, who is planning to enter the Law School at the University of California the second semester. Good luck to you, "Sparky." —L. B. FRASIER.
Alpha Kappa Revising Its Constitution, By-laws It may be of interest to our graduate members to know that the Alpha Kappa Chapter (located at Springfield, Massachusetts) is seeking to revise its constitution and by-laws in such a way as to make it possible for the chapter to keep up with the changing trend in our social and college life. Our experience within the last few years has taught us that we must have as the basis of our organization a constitution that will enable the chapter to extend its influence over a wider area and bring into direct control the supervision of young men in other New England
colleges, students with high purposes in life,
Page 20 who are not affiliated with any other fraternity. Although the social life in New England is not on par with that in other parts of the country, we feel that much can be done to extend the spirit of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity into unexplored regions. We are glad to welcome Brother John H. Burr, Jr., a charter member, who returns to Springfield College for his master's degree. Brother Burr is director of physical education at Howard University, where he has been located since nineteen hundred and twenty-one. He has been granted a leave of absence for one year, and he, by reason of his long period of experience, is in position to render a very valuable service to his original chapter. Many suggestions from him have already been put into operation for experiment and it is safe to say that not one will be a failure. T h e members of the Alpha Kappa Chapter are also proud to have associated with them Brother Inman A. Breaux, a graduate of Union University, Richmond, Va., and a member of the Gamma Chapter. Brother Breaux also comes to us with many helpful criticisms and suggestions which will aid greatly in the reconstruction of our constitution. He has already become active in student affairs and we can depend upon his moral support in whatever project the chapter may undertake. Taking all things into consideration, it is safe to predict a very prosperous school year for the members. Brothers Knox, Long, and Johnson of Bates are doing excellent work; and Brothers Dawson, Fisher, Miller, and Wheeler are making very good in their work at Springfield. President Epps is very busy as usual, and he urges upon every member a sense of responsibility for whatever he is in school for. — H U G H E S A. ROBINSON.
Beta Zeta Members Win High Honors With the close of summer, Beta Zeta (Samuel Huston College) embarks upon another scholastic journey, one which we hope will be productive of all that can be obtained in the way of intellectuality and one that will push the standard of Alpha Phi Alpha ever higher . In the field of athletics we are represented by Brothers Robinson, Johnson, Hardeman, and Warren, who are members of the varsity football team. Brother Hardeman intercepted a pass and ran thirty-five yards for the winning touchdown of the Texas College vs. Samuel Huston College game, played Armistice Day. Beta Zeta tops the list in scholastic standing among the fraternal bodies on the campus. This chapter, whose prestige upon the campus has been so widely known, bids for all scholastic honors with energetic Brothers concentrating in science and in social work. In the science department Brothers Robinson. Frazier. Thornton, and Hardeman are ni>t«'andii£. They are assistant instructors: Rrnther Hardeman in zoolor-v and Brothers Robinson, Frazier, and Thorftton in chemistry. B-nther Thomas Tolbert was elected vicenresidcnt 0 f the Pan-Hellenic Congress of Samuel Huston College and also special student renresentative of the Texas Commission on Interracial Cooneration Brother Milton S. J. Wright is continuing his sfndv at the University of He'delberg, Heirlelhere, Germany. We all wish him the best of luck and fortune while abroad Our forces have been strengthened by the coming of Brother J. J. Seahrooks, Jr. He hails from Georgia and h,olds the position
THE SPHINX here as professor of political science. We have one young aspirant for initiation who is hoping to cross the burning sands and see the light. T h e one aspiring is Richard C. Walker. He is among t h e . leaders in school and is of the Alpha type. With the whirl of activity started and a successful year in sight, Beta Zeta will continue to hold the banner high for Alpha Phi Alpha. Best wishes to all the chapters for constructive winter and spring seasons. —THEODORE E. DURIBER.
We Want To Visit Alpha Theta Some Day T h e wheels of the great intellect-producing mechanism that is the University of Iowa continue to roll. September 22nd marked the beginning of another yearly calendar of academic activity. People were here and people were there; they shoved and pushed; squirmed and scrambled through the immense crowd; laughed, ran, pulled at their neighbors, gave them a hearty slap on the back and they laughed, gave a hearty handclasp, and they laughed again. Friends met and were glad; rivals met and the spirit of achievement was topmost; enemies met and were no longer enemies. We were back to the old "U" and within her confiines there was much ado. T h e excitement of returning waned, the suspense of registration wore off with its completion, and Alpha Theta, confident with the enviable record of not having fallen below the fourth position in three years in scholastic rating and two semesters out of that time commanding position number one, plunged into the more serious business of enjoying a scholastic and fraternity program crammed to its utmost with interest. Following, Brothers, are a few of the very good reasons why every Alpha man on the University of Iowa campus finds attendance upon that little matter of getting an education a genuine pleasure. Brother Richard Joseph Smith, Kansas City, Mo., superior engineer of fraternity activities. "got in there and fought" with his two assistants of the rushing committee, and after countless interviews, gruelling questionnaires, and most effective cross-examinations, emerged from the bedlam of school opening with ten choice candidates for pledgeship, freshmen for the most part, who represent the cream of T . H. S., B. W. H. S., L. H. S., C. H. S., or what have you. There, if you please, was a piece of work to be proud of. Let us assure you, Brothers, that Brother Smith, Brother "Mac" Wilson, and Brother Seabron have presented for our approval none but 100% Alpha material. Brother Seabron, freshman advisor, took the "material" so adequately provided by the rushing committee, viewed it, reviewed it, revised, and advised it, and the result was a Sphinx organization such that Brother Seabron challenges any organization of freshmen to surpass. Saturday evening, September 27, any casual observer would have noticed the absence of bright lights in and about the chapter house. One saw pleasing color combinations of light, blended to the point of excellence and conveniently soft; one heard Atwater Kent all-electric and rhythmic, crooning exhilarating love melodies; one could discern in the dimness graceful dancing couples, all in positive, comparative, or superlative states of ecstasies; one could detect a low murmur of happy voices, the occasional ripple of pleasing feminine laughter and one, if that one happened to be an Alpha, was very happy and very grateful. T h a t evening sixteen Brothers and ten
pledge candidates were at home to the new students. The house had responded nicely to the magic touch of a most efficient steward, Brother R. L. Barrett. Details and arrangements had become adjusted to the nicety of fineness under supervision of Brother "Bill" Seabron, social chairman; and twenty-six hosts, each schooled in a manner of entertaining basically Alpha, saw that each guest was happy. A smoker a few days before had already served to put everyone in excellent spirits. There is little wonder that this affair went down as the season's best. There was indeed much cause for happiness and gratitude. Alpha Theta is proud to have within her group this year three Brothers from other chapters. They are Brothers Dickens, who hails from Phi Lambda, and is registered in the college of education, and who took the degree of M. A. at this university in 1924, and is now in quest of the Ph. D. degree", C. T . Simpson, from Alpha Beta, is registered in chemistry and has achieved distinction in that field, and will, next June, receive the degree of M. S. in chemistry; T. P. Dooley, a product of Alpha Rho, at present registered in the department of zoology, has attained an enviable record and will receive the master of science degree in his department this year. Alpha Theta wishes to take this opportunity to commend the chapters from which these brothers hail, on the superior quality of the men who represent them. Everyone knows about homecomings. You have them, so do we. They are mildly interesting, phenomenally exciting, soothingly pleasant, etc. (or words to that effect), but few are as delightful as one that has figured most prominently in the social calendar of Alpha Theta in the not far distant past. No doubt about it, Friday morning, November 14, was not like other Friday mornings. There was a certain tense expectancy about the Brothers as they piled out for the "old 8 o'clock." There were more clean shaves, crinkly immaculate linen, suit' creased to a fine sharpness. It was homecoming and not one Brother had forgotten that the "one" or the "ones" had been presented with "you are invited" or that the gratifying response had come, "with pleasure." And indeed with pleasure it was that we saw train after train, car after car, bus after bus come and go, each leaving its goodly number, home-comers and visitors, to join in the festivities. And was there an occasion! The house was "warmed" Friday evening. Visiting Brothers were presented and made most com* fortable, refreshments were served and jollity reigned unbridled. Brother Alfred "Al" Wilson had overlooked no detail in engineering his social committee in perfecting arrangements. Brother Wilson had said that the warmer would leave spirits high for the affairs of the next night, and his committee had agreed to the man. There were no questions asked, but plenty of compliments were distributed when the episode was closed' T h e house was "open" Saturday. Refreshments were plentiful and not a moment passed which was not enjoyed by everyoneAnd so we came to the "affair" of the occasion, Saturday evening, November 15, at 9 o'clock. Brother Dudley Black, member of the social committee in charge of decorating* proved himself undoubtedly a past master in this important art. Lights and drapes. floor wax, trinkets, and insignia conspired to exert the correct influence and the K. of ?• hall room was indeed transformed into * rendezvous fit for his majesty. There -»e met and there we sojourned until half pas' the hour of midnight. We danced to tb«
THE SPHINX strains of "Art" Jaxon's novelty b a n d ; we drank such drinks as might conceivably have been prepared for the gods; we got our mouths, our ears, and our eyes filled with confetti; we were presented with most attractive favors. In short, we were showered with entertainment, and Alpha Theta had afforded it—"nuff sed." No, Sunday morning was not "the morning after the night before." Indeed, it was not Sunday morning at all, but rather a continuation of a most eventful Saturday. Quests were still among us in numbers. "Old Man Sunshine" favored us with his benevolent presence and balmy was the breeze which greeted us from the southward this pleasant Sunday morning. Smooth indeed was the course of continuing to eat, drink and be merry. And so we did, far into the night until every guest had departed with enthusiastic expressions of satisfaction. Immensely regrettable was the inevitable truth, 'homecoming with all its joys had passed. Just as good fortune has been in attendance upon Alpha Theta's social and scholastic activities, so has she smiled upon her Political maneuvers. We are happy to announce that as a result of this November's election we are assured that the chapter will enjoy a period of prosperity during the year '931 under excellent administration. Brother Roscoe L. Barrett, junior in the University, and for the past two years steward of the chapter, was elected to fill the Positions of president and steward. Past experience has taught us to hold Brother Barrett's integrity and executive ability in the very highest esteem. It is indeed gratifying 'o lie assured that the chapter will operate during the year 1931 under most capable leadership. . Brother Millard R. "Buddy" Dean, junior '•1 the University Dental College, was duly elected and assigned to the position of vicePresident. Brother Dean is loyal and competent, which truth is further exemplified by 'he fact that the chapter had sufficient confidence in his capabilities to elect him to the offices of both vice-president and treasurer. Brother Dudley Black, sophomore, will serve the chapter as secretary in 1931 and Brother Forrest Young or the same rank in 'he College of Engineering, will serve as his Hsistant. Brother Richard J. Smith, graduate student in the College of Pharmacy, commands the rank of auditor of chapter finances. Brother McGilvry Wilson, sophomore in the College of Commerce, holds 'he position of sergeant-at-arms. " W e " are nattered to have been elected to the office or chapter editor. " W e " answer to the name "ennie E. Taylor, and " a r e " at present a senior in the Liberal Arts College. All in all, Alpha Theta is enjoying a successful year. We are stable scholastically, •ocially content and mechanically excellent. *»e hope that our Brothers in the bond are enjoying similar successes. We join you in "»Ping for Alpha Phi Alpha all the "Glory, '"nor, and Renown" possible during the ng Vear. —BENNIE E. TAYLOR.
Alpha Zeta Initiates Thirteen Lucky Men As we assemble again after varied expe'ences and after our ranks have been del e t e d by graduation and lack of the necessary collateral with which to return to school, v 'pha Zeta extends greetings to the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha. November 17th was a foggy and rainy vemng, as weather sometimes is, but "rough all of this, thirteen men were able 0 see the light of Alpha, after successfully or npleting their journey across the burning
sands. They were John Barnes, Louis Batson, Lloyd Brown, Durall Booker, Walter Coleman, William Jones, Fred Hipp, Erskine Taylor, Martin Luther Arrington, Roscoe Carter, Emmett Burke, Claude Amis, and Jasper Jeffries. Two days later a smoker was given welcoming into the Sphinx Club those aspirants who had successfully met the approval of the school and chapter. Those aspirants were twenty strong. Brother Giles was forced out of football by injuries received to his shoulders during the Bluefield game, but the good work was kept up by Brothers Barnes and Carter and Pledges Hunter, Lowe, Coles, Jackson, and Ross. Brother Giles, during his school career, has played football and basketball on the varsity for four years, has been a member of the track team two years, the leading student in the business department, president of the Varsity " W " Association and a member of Alpha Delta Sigma Honorary Scholastic Society. Brother Dennis is the leading student in the Science Department, was president of his class during his freshman and sophomore years, a member, one of the founders, and first president of Alpha Delta Sigma Honorary Scholastic Society, a candidate for Beta Kappa Chi, as well as corresponding secretary for this chapter. Space will not permit me to go on and list the various notables in our midst, but in succeeding articles 1 will bring before you the most prominent men on this campus. As we prepare ourselves for the ensuing year, Alpha Zeta pledges herself anew to more zealous endeavor for the glory and honor of Alpha Phi Alpha. — J O N A T H A N W. GILES.
Alpha Kappa Lambda Augmented By New Members November the 7th was a great day in Lynchburg, Va., not only because of the Seminary-Morgan game, but because it was the first time during the fall season that the Brothers of Alpha Kappa Lambda Chapter got together officially to greet each other and to relate pleasant memories of the past summer. Brother Ben Scott's home was the scene of a lively meeting, where much was accomplished. T h e chapter was strengthened for the coming year by the transfer of Brother J. L. Mitchell of Nu Chapter to the folds of Alpha Kappa Lambda. Plans were inaugurated for a monster concert to be staged by the chapter during the winter season. T h e Brothers of the chapter during their travels have been received whole-heartedly by members of other chapters. Brother President Elwood Downing's stay in Greensboro was made all the more pleasant by the warm hospitality extended him by Brother David Jones, president of Bennett College. Brothers James Hopson and Alphonso Smith were showered with courtesies by Brothers of Johnson C. Smith on a recent visit there. This helps to show that the old Alpha spirit is still supreme. Several Brothers from Beta and Mu Lambda sojourned in our section recently during the time of the Seminary-Howard game. Among them were Brother Emory Baxter Smith, field alumni secretary of Howard University; Brother Walker, manager of the team, and Brother Smith, who played a bang-up game at quarterback. Alpha Kappa Lambda is always glad to welcome visiting Brothers. On Thanksgiving many of the Brothers saw some of the big games, and incidentally reigned at the numerous social activities, but
Page 21 more of this next time. Good luck to all chapters. —JAMES O. HOPSON.
Beta Beta Concentrates On Activities Of Year Beta Beta Chapter, at the University of Nebraska, has been meeting regularly during this school year. There are twelve Brothers here this year. This gives Beta Beta quite a representative number. T h u s far the plans are being centered upon future activities— such events as the inter-fraternity formal dance on December 5. Alpha, as a matter of fact, all the "Greeks" turned their attention towards making this event the event of the season. Brothers, the spirit prevailed as snow on a January morning in Canada. Beta Beta goes a step farther in planning activities for the ensuing year. Such activities consist of the educational program, annual party dance to be given in the early spring, and many other literary and social activities. Beta Beta will lose as a result of graduation many of its chartered members. Some who have held office will no longer hold office. Some who are carrying on certain activities as this will no longer perform. New men will be introduced to the administrative activities of Beta Beta. In spite of the losses we are about to experience, the Brothers of Beta Beta have won distinction for this chapter in participation in activities of the University. For the present let our minds reflect upon events which have happened since the establishment of this chapter in 1927. The chapter was organized on May 7, 1927. The organization of this chapter was dependent upon the ingenuity of Brother William H. Miles, who is now professor of economics and business administration at Langston University. Brother Miles hailed from Kansas City, Missouri. He took an active part in fraternal affairs as well as University affairs. During his senior year he was sent to Detroit, Michigan, to attend the International Student Movement. Brother Lloyd H. Williams, a graduate pharmacist, is practicing in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During his senior year Brother Williams was chief dispenser for the medical department of the University. Brother Lewis Swingler, our president, is now chairman of the Interracial Commission of the University Y. M. C. A. Brother Arnold Walker is now chairman of the discussion groups of the University Y. M. C. A. Brother Claude Gordon is president of the Cosmopolitan Club of the University. Brother Hershell Lee will also graduate this year and now is chief dispenser. This is the second time within two years that the medical department has used Negro dispensers. This, to me, is a representative group of Beta Beta men to be participating in the activities of the campus. I have had considerable experience in keeping Alpha informed of the various activities of this chapter. Just what my experience will be in the graduate chapter wherever I go remains to be learned. I can assure any of the graduate chapters that if I cast my lot with them I shall do all that is within my power to keep the spirit of Alpha burning. I am sure the next individual will keep Alpha informed of the activities, of Beta Beta. Brothers, in closing, I want you to know I shall remain the servant of all, as Alpha transcends all. —ROBERT L. FAIRCHILD.
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Graduate Members Of Alpha Delta Active T h e graduate members of Alpha Delta Chapter, Los Angeles, Cal., are doing great things here in both the medical and legal field. Dr. Leonard Stovall has been appointed to the staff of the Los Angeles General Hospital. He is the only colored physician to enjoy such a distinction. He has won a great deal of praise for his efforts in combating tuberculosis. Brother Bert McDonald was recently appointed deputy city prosecutor and head of the claim department, having seven white lawyers and nine stenographers under his direct control. Daily newspapers carry constant accounts of his efforts and results, unusually complimentary publicity for a Negro to receive is given him. T h e undergraduates are still fighting hard. Hugh Beatty is aspiring hard to make a troupe of singers on the R. K. O. Movie Chorus. Samuel Brown, another graduate Brother, happens to head this group. Brother Brown, by the way, graduated from U. S. C. Music School with signal honors, making the most exclusive honorary musical fraternity and received a movie contract immediately upon graduation running well up into three figures per week. James Robinson and Calvin Edwards, graduates of the U. S. C. College of Pharmacy, have both passed the California Board at first trial. Robinson wasn't satisfied evidently with his California status, for he traveled away down to Arizona to get that State's reciprocity advantages. Both are employed in the city. George Coker received his B. S. in M. B. A. at U. S. C. and is now busy working away for his master's degree. Brother Ellis O. Knox, originally of Alpha Epsilon Chapter, will receive his Ph. D. from U. S. C. in June. It is problematical that he will travel East in search of fame and fortune. Alpha Delta, in spite of her intellectual prowess, has some time for the social side of life. This fact is well exemplified in the receTit fall promenade at the great Appomaddox Country Club in honor of the visitors to the U. S. C.-California football game. Alpha shone that night with all the brilliance of some radiant queen. Dummies of the lowliest sort welcomed guests at the door and guided the way to the check room. From there the guests were shown the mysteries of the dance floor by the sparkling music of two fine orchestras. A huge and gayly decorated Sphinx sat where all could pay homage to his Highness. Not until three o'clock in the morning were the guests allowed to go home. And by that time everyone was proud of Alpha, and proclaimed Alpha as the everything that was or ever shall be. And it came to pass that Alpha was. Sidney Williams is here visiting from Fisk University and is preparing to enter U. C. at Berkeley, where another staunch Alpha from Los Angeles is at present, Ishmael P. Florry, historian and philosopher of no little note. Some say Brother Florry is in Oakland for several reasons and I don't blame him if he is. Brother Robinson, however, wishes Florry was here for a brief session with Madame Queen and Papa King. Brother Green and another Brother are planning on opening a matrimonial bureau here soon if this darn depression doesn't lift off the land. Brother Green, always safeguarding self, plans to give the first likely and well supplied feminine applicant a break himself. Basketball will soon be here again and .id Alpha shall be well prepared to suouuc all. Initiation ruined Bill Brown's chances
THE SPHINX to make the squad, but Sammy McPherson, Lawrence Johnson, and several others, all newly initiated, will be there with gymn togs wholly on. We Brothers out West would like to inquire as to the happiness and well being of those dear Brothers who have visited here and have departed for the cold and windy climate of the East. Brother Errol "Tacky" Jones, the elongated scribe of northern California, said to be residing somewhere in the East, has our sympathy, because an unfleshy body cannot possess too much heat. Write the correspondent, Brother Jones. Then, too, somewhere is Brother Doctor Hugh Bell and wife. How are you, D o c ? Freddy Wells, how are you? Leon Minton, or commonly known as ''Red," of New Haven, what are you doing with yourself? Ho—Ho—Ho, we have been meeting at the Angelous Funeral Home lately. You see, Jimmy Robinson, the prexy, lives there. No, no, the girls don't think him so "dead"—but much the contrary. Ask Emma! —WALTER L. GORDON, JR.
Alpha Omicron Tells What It Is Doing In view of the fact that no message from Alpha Omicron has appeared in the last two issues of The Sphinx, you are doubtless inquiring about what we are doing. I suppose you will agree with me that the major interest during the fall quarter of the college term was football. As to be expected, members of Alpha Omicron, in large numbers and enthusiastically, engaged in this sport. Our president, J. O. Ellis, has played in every game and with one exception he has been a sixty-minutes man. Frank Bogle, powerful guard, has been active in every contest. Blue, Coleman, Walker, and Henry have all had successful seasons and have made enviable records. During the fall we have had many visitors. Especially were we glad to have as our guests Brothers T . E. Gillard, Charleston, N. C ; J. F. Newell, Winston-Salem, N. C ; V. H. Chavis, Greensboro, N. C.; A J. Clement, Charleston, S. C , and J. CJrahain. These Brothers are members of Alpha Omicron. We were also glad to welcome among us Brothers from Beta and Nu. Preliminaries to our fall initiation have begun. Nine energetic pledges have started their journey across the burning sand. They are: C. J. Few, W. S. Baker, W. A. Samuels, J. L. Hollewell, L. F. Johnankins, and A. D. Belton; also H. James, L. Johnson, and R. Langford of Livingston College. These men, we believe, approach the Alpha standard sufficiently to lie initiated into the bond. As a whole Alpha Omicron has no cause to complain of her present state of affairs. However, there remains room for improvement and we are working to do greater tilings in the future. In closing, may we express our wish for a merrv Christmas to all. —S. II. TRAVIS.
Constructive Endeavor Planned At Nu Lambda Nu Lambda has started the year at Virginia State College by trying to conform to the new General Organization Constitution. At the November meeting the following officers were elected : President, J. Lockett; vice-president, II. Johnston; secretary, D. Wilkerson, and associate editor to Sphinx, R. T. Ctistis. All standing committees of the chapter are working out their plans for the coming year. We hope to institute such new features as
better co-operation with our undergraduate chapter, revising of the chapter constitution to conform with that of the General Organization, sending of a delegate to the regional meeting (if such a plan is executed), giving of financial aid to a worthy student or students, and a general strengthening of the chapter from within. It may be that some new members will be added to the chapter roll in the near future. An effort is being made to whip in line all Brothers in the vicinity to affiliate with the chapter. A committee has been appointed to make a study of the type of educational contribution which can be made by Nu Lambda to the general program of educational and vocational guidance instituted at the last General Convention. At this writing the chapter seems to be functioning toward a bigger and better Alpha Phi Alpha year. We extend to all chapters and the General Organization our hearty wishes for a joyful Yuletide and New Year. —ROBERT T . CUSTIS.
Delta Lambda Adds Three — To Her Roster This Year Delta Lambda, in Baltimore, started the season a little late, but in true Alpha spirit. The Brothers have responded to the presi- ' dent's call and have lost no time in beginning. The chapter is growing and an effort is being made to re-enlist the interest of all those brothers who have wandered from the fold. It is ofetn said that we must first lose if we expect to gain, but with it all Delta Lambda regrets the loss of Brother "Bill Gibson. Let us pause to tell Chi Lambda that Brother "Bill" is as fine a fellow as Al" phadom affords. T r u e to form with the loss came the gain and so we added to our roster the names of Brothers James Murphy, Harry Cummings, and Gerald Allen. W o w ! what a gain ! Delta Lambda is thinking seriously of in* viting the district convention to Baltimore. All in favor, give the usual sign. Well, welli we thank you. In closing, may I call your attention to Cupid's Corner, to which the chapter has so liberally contributed. —C. C. JACKSON, JR.
Four Post Graduate Degrees Earned In Rho Lambda Rbo Lambda, Buffalo, N. Y., after months spent in the nipes of obscurity, is happy W contact with the national channel of Alpha. Our self-imposed obscurity has not been due to local and individual inactivity, however, for during the last six months we h-aV* had four members of our chapter earn post' graduate degrees. Brother Wm. Evans, executive secretary of ' the Buffalo branch of the Urban League, wa' awarded a Master of Arts degree for worij done in sociology; the degre was awarded by the University of Buffalo. Brother J. Herman Daves was awarded his master's along with Brother Evans. H e was probably the best liked man in BuffaloWe hope that he still carries his prestige to Knoxville College, where he holds the dial' in sociology. The Rev. Brother Rose of Rochester h r endeared himself to the populace of Wester" ' New York by unceasingly setting an educf j, tional standard for our ministers. He w:l" recently awarded by the University of R°' b Chester a Doctorate in Divinity for excellent .
in his work leading to that degree. Father Brown, perhaps the best knovvi'
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THE SPHINX
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man in Alpha circles, was honored by LivBrothers John Davis and Daniel W. to them that high spirit existing among ingstone College with an honorary degree. Bowles have recently become partners in a Alpha Rho Brothers. Others for whom we should give account law firm. As football sought supremacy among the are: Brother Harold Robinson, the likable Brother E. B. Perry has finished his in- colleges, the banner of Alpha Phi Alpha, pharmacist and basketball star. We are ternship at City Hospital No. 2 and is now through Alpha Rho, was held high by Brothhearing things about Brother Bob and wedpracticing medicine in Kansas City, Mo. ers Captain James R. Edmonds (Spirit), ding bells; more power to you, dear Brother. Frederick D. Maise (Rip), James F. Davis Brothers H. Harding, M. B. Gray, and W. Then there is Brother William Jackson, the (Mule), and Pledge Marion Edmonds G. Mosby were hosts to Epsilon Lambda in protege of Brother Evans in social work. (Babe). Not only did these Brothers repreNovember. Judging by the menu, the deBrother Bill is still in school, too. Brother sent Alpha Phi Alpha on the football team, pression has not harmed these worthy BrothCoston is in the University of Buffalo Law but in many other various clubs and educaers. May their time to entertain soon return, School. tional activities on the campus. if it means that we are to have more of the Brothers Robinson and Gandy are making same brand of roast duck! Brothers George Cabaniss, William Edrapid strides in the business life of Buffalo. gar Harrison, Theodore M. Alexander, and Brothers M. B. Gray, B. W. Carter, and They operate one of the most complete inR. Carlton Hackney are being stationed at T. G. Benjamin are on a committee to arsurance services of Western New York. their usual places in the debating line up. range for the next Alpha dance, which, in These ambitious brothers are specializing in Brother Harrison, with the aid of Pledge accord with previous Alpha dances, must be real estate at the University of Buffalo. Hugh M. Gloster, performed some beneficial the dance of the season. Here's reminding the brothers everywhere duties as sports writer, and has presented —HENRY S. WILLIAMS. that Brothers Lungsford and Levy are laying many interesting articles to home magazines low in Rochester and getting rich. They're and neighboring newspapers. among the financial backbone of Rho Lambda. Brothers Edwin Thomas, the leader of the first violin section; William H. Moses, Brother Dr. John L. Waters met many Brothers in Washington Thanksgiving. We Once again Nu Chapter deemed it wise to James A. Colston, and Pledge Melvin Houston are outstanding men in the College Symoften wonder if he is practicing medicine or increase her membership. During the night phony Orchestra. Brother Thomas is also studying social service through constant conof October 18, fourteen worthy pledges were considered as an outstanding concert violin tact with its agency (for local men only). led across those burning sands. They are soloist, for he has won the hearts of many Brother Bland Holland writes that he is now Brothers R. C. Bennett, A. C. Burwell, admirers with his harmonious and sweet doing well at Meharry. More power to G. G. Dickerson. M. C. Felton, F. J. Grigsby, "fiddle" tones. Brother Holland. W. E. Kidd, G. H. Luscomb, A. J. Martin, We shall tell you about Dr. Allen and the S. J. Maupin, O. W. S. Riley, J. H. Z. Smith, Brothers James H. Murray and Geo. E. others next time. R. A. Swann, H. E. T a n n , and F. L. TemMarshall are highly displaying their ability —C. F. GANDY, JR. pleton. as dramatic stars. Brother Murray, the one who made a reputable name last year in It is thought by all in Nu that this group of "The Wild Duck," a play by Ibsen, is subneophytes will worthily fill the gap which the stantiating that reputation by a leading part larger part of that memorable twenty-one in "No 'Count Boy." will make upon graduating from Lincoln in June, 1931. Brother A. Russell Brooks, our former Epsilon Lambda, St. Louis, Mo., has comeditor of the college paper, is highly recogmenced a very promising year under the There appeared on November 5 the first nized as_ a student and a man of affairs. leadership of Brother S. E. Garner. Brothers sign that undergraduate davs for us are rapAlong with Brooks are Brothers James T a p Anderson, McLemore, and Saundle enteridly drawing to a close. The annual election tained at the first meeting of the year. In of chapter officers for the ensuing year was ley W a r d l a w and Morris Brown Coppage, two Brothers with an equal political pull. the absence of Brother President Garner, held then. The newlv elected Brothers will, Brothers Marshall and Alexander are conBrother Henry Harding presided. Brother without doubt, uphold the standards and centrating very seriously upon future life. L. P. Woodson, who has recently become a glory of Nu, but it is also expected that they Benedict, was heartily congratulated. Brother continue to increase her enviable prestige. They're seniors this year and—look out, matrimony might enter this happy bunch of Frank Wilson passed out blank checks to the Next year's officers are Brothers: Alphas. Brothers who were behind in their dues. E. M. Smith, president; F. L. Templeton, Brothers J. L. Procope and F. D. Gardner, Late into the evenings, as the sun hides vice-president; L. D. Howard, recording secwho have recently moved to Chicago, were itself under the clouds and the artificial retary: C. E. Shelton, corresponding secreRreatly missed. Brothers F. L. Merry and lights beam with radiant brilliancy, Roscne tary; H. A. Seaborne, treasurer; M. C. FelJ- Carpenter of Indianapolis were present P. Smith, R. Carlton Hackney, Frank O. ton, assistant treasurer; E. L. Mais, associate and expressed a desire to become members editor; W . E. Kidd, chaplain; O. W. S. Riley, Johnson, George A. Key, and James A. Colof Epsilon Lambda. ston fight gently and enthusiastically for sergeant-at-arms, and A. J. Martin, parliasupremacy in the chemistry, physics and biBrother Garner is a very busy man these mentarian. ology laboratories. days. His position as assistant State's attorAt this juncture I bid farewell to all chapney calls him to the State capital very often. Before we close the fact must be again ter editors and introduce to all chanters my For the second time he was chairman of the most worthy successor, Brother Edward L. mentioned that "Apes" held everything down Colored Division of the Community Chest in the football world. Brother C. P. JohnMais. Fund. His donation of $150 was the largest son, our last year's manager, eagerly saw that —THEODORE F. WALKER. Riven by a Negro in the drive. Epsilon Pledge Andrew Lewis, present manager, kept Lambda supported him and pledged $30 to up the good qualities of his many Alpha pre'he drive. decessors. Brother Coach Vaughn is proAmong the recent visitors to our city were ducing a winning team and you should see Brothers C. H. Tobias, International Y. M. those backfield "Apes" run with that ball. J- A. Secretary; J. A. Jeffress, president of We think that these Brothers, Maise, Since our last communication to The °eta Lambda, and J. Harold Brown of InJones, Edmonds and Davis, are worthy of a Snhinx, Alnha Rho Chapter of Alnha Phi dianapolis. Alpha, Morehouse College, Atlanta, Ga,. has big hand. It is a love for their college and , T n e Lincoln University-Fisk football game, for Alpha Phi Alpha that has made them been exceedingly active. _he classic of this section, was handled in a fight their tongues out and it should not be T h e main event toward which our mind «•">' fine manner by four Brothers. Brother kept a secret, but should be made known to is directed is the fall initiation. As we see J- A. Jeffress, referee; Brother Otis Finley, now, the nrosnects for initiation are well fit- the world. '"ipire; Brother F. Luther Merry, head linesAlpha Rho is glad to announce that it has ting. A few davs after our mid-semester exman, and Brother H. S. Williams, field judge. eleven brothers on the faculty. aminations, November 19th and 20th, Alnha Brothers W. G. Mosby and H. P. Saundle As_we prepare for the winter and spring Rho Brothers started its greatest prenaration aid post-graduate work at the University of activities Alpha Rho pledges herself to up•n_ the development of a high and lasting ucago last summer. hold and honor the banner of Alpha Phi spirit in some pledges having exceedingly Brother II. S. Williams has recently reAlpha. good Alpha qualities /"•ned from Germany. While abroad he —JAMES A. COLSTON. We welcome the following Brothers who "died at the University of Berlin. He refor various reasons did not return last year, gwts that the best dinner which he ate in er|| back to Alpha Rho, and to Morehouse: n was the one which he ate as the Tames F. Davis. Saunders House, and Fred |«est of Brother J. A. Gregg. He also heard GreEK s L. Johnson. W e also welcome Brothers OOr? ' address, which held the 13,Frederick D. Maise and R. Edwin Thomas, Zeta Lambda of Newport News promised b delegates t 0 t h e International Christian Brothers who have transferred to our chapvou a vear ago that you would hear from "deavor Conference spellbound. ter. With the heartiest sincerity we present her during the year 1930-1931. Zeta Lambda
Fourteen Are Initiated At Lincoln's Mu Chapter
Epsilon Lambda's Prexy Gets High Honor
Alnha Rho Has Cause To Be Proud - And How!
Zeta Lambda Loses Valued Member In Dr. J. H. Hayes
Page 24 surprised herself by not fully living up to her promises. In our last meeting, held at the home of Brother William A. Miller, 1603 Marshall Avenue, Newport News, the Brothers pledged themselves to a banner year for Alpha Phi Alpha through the Zeta Lambda. Those present at that meeting, besides the host, were Brothers L. A. Fowlkes, A. D. Manning, J. W . Pierce, R. N. Pree, T . R. Thompson, J. J. Ballou, and Dr. J. H. Hayes, now deceased. T h e chapter regrets the loss of such a faithful and strong member as Dr. Hayes. We all remember how strong an advocate he was for the chapter's putting over a fine program. T h e resolutions drawn up by a committee are printed elsewhere in this issue. —J. J. BALLOU.
Members of Alpha Upsilon Active In Many Fields T h e members of Alpha Upsilon, Detroit City College, Detroit, Mich., welcomed the Thanksgiving with joyous hearts and offered many thanks to the great Force which has enabled us to function as a cog in this our great city, Dynamic Detroit. This first quarter of the scholastic year found a representative number of Alpha Upsilon's roster doing commendable work in institutions scattered throughout the city. Brothers Mclver, Laurey, and Mollis are deeply behind the walls of D. I. T.'s medical laboratories. Brother Griffiths is now pursuing literary work in the graduate school. Brother Wallace is in City College undergraduate school. Brother Thompson, in absence of school, is handling investment problems and what have you. Although new among the Detroit barrister's group, Brother "Bob" Evans is making steady progress in the field of civil law. Father Time does not interfere with Brother Solomon's athletic aspirations; the "Y" team is his goal just now. Oh, yeah! Social work is Brother Calligan's aim. Every member is putting forth all efforts to become financial, and progress is evident. Reinstatement is being sought by two old-line Brothers. Our Sphinx Club, which is in its second year of existence, is a group of fine promise. Listed among them are two of City College's best athletes and students, namely, Dues and Bradfield. This group is acquitting itself creditably as a true representation of Negro student activity. A trip over the burning sands that lead to Alpha's shining altar is just over the horizon for them. Also Alpha Upsilon takes this opportunity to welcome the Omega convention here. We hope to join hands with all Alphaland in welcoming you to this our Dynamic Detro't All Alpha Upsilon joined in hanpwiess and congratulations at the advent of Brother S. A. Young's Delta-Alpha son. who is now one-quarter of a year old (and knows the Alpha chapters verbatim). Alpha Upsilon wishes to acknowledge its profound appreciation of our greater Sphinx. May its editor and his associates continue its glorification of all Negro accomplishments. We are for a banner year in 1931. —S. A. YOUNG.
Beta Epsilon Speaks To Other Chapters Beta Epsilon, at A. & T . College, is speaking with you through The Sphinx. W h a t are our other Brothers in Alphadom doing? We are hoping to make this year our best year since we have had a chapter. We do not have a large number of which to boast
THE SPHINX as other chapters, but we are anxious to keep our slogan undefiled—"Quality." We are glad to say that we have a high spirit in the work. The interest is fine and the Brothers are working together because they know they have a work to do. The spirit is kept high by a repast after each meeting. One of the brothers takes the responsibility to sponsor it. At the last meeting we were honored by Brother Fred Wnodard. Since this is the last publication this year, Beta Epsilon wishes all of its Brothers in Alpha had a merry Christmas and will have a happy and prosperous New Year. We are very glad that we have the opportunity of coming in contact with two of our most prominent Brothers as members of our faculty. T h e two Brothers to whom 1 refer are Brothers Cecil Cooke of Syracuse University, who for three years was considered one of the fastest humans on the cinder path. This is his second year at A. & T. Last year he organized a track team here and it made a very creditable showing. The other Brother is Brother Harry Jefferson, who played football at Ohio University and received many medals. He later coached at Wilberforce University and for five years at Bluefield Institute, where he turned out the national ''champs" for two years straight. We are very glad to have these Brothers with us. Both the school and Beta Epsilon are very proud of them. —FRANK T. W O O D .
By the way, good Brother Alexander of Detroit, rode out to Ann Arbor last summer and beheld a structure with three most precious Greek letters thereupon, wearing and wasting away slowly for the need of paint and repairs. The sight grieved him so that he hurriedly made a return trip to this little town with personal money, labor, paint, and what have you—and what a job did he do! You'd be proud to see those letters now house, in and out, is a most attractive dornihnuse, in and out, is a most attractive domicile this year. Better join us here in this great school and this greater house, should you come this way. And now, bring on the "sweets." The nights of October 25 and November 15 following the Illinois game and the Minnesota (home coming) game, respectively, carved a niche in our social slate here this seasonElaborate decoration!—I'll say—and music that touched the deepest spots in the soul (the jazz soul)—and the most beautiful girls from all over Michigan and Ohio—in fact, everything was there to make gloom shroud us when time came to say good-bye and part. Come back again, ladies, if any of the "lady brothers" happen to read this article. No, we did not forget scholarship. The fact that we are still here means that "we get the man," brothers. So forget that. So long. See you at the Convention. —JAMES O. SLADE.
Epsilon Begins Prosperous Year In Alpha Way
The Brothers of Beta Alpha, Morgan College, are still holding aloft the banner of Alpha Phi Alpha. They are engaged in substantial phases of student activities. Brother E. Waters Turpin is president of the senior class and the Student Council. T h e class roster also includes the names of Brothers Dixon, Walker, and Frazier. Numbered among the men who have played their last game for Morgan and covered themselves with glory are Brothers Hicks, Turpin, and Frazier. Brothers Dixon, Frazier and Hawkins are taking an active part in dramatics. On the evening of November 11, 1930, a smoker was held at the residence of Brother Rufus Hackett in honor of the Strivers Club. The principal speaker was Brother E. Waters Turpin. Brothers Clark and Butlerr, Class of 1930, also spoke. Beta Alpha hopes to report 100 per cent Grand tax. —OSBORNE DIXON.
The beginning of the school year, 19301931, ushered in simultaneously the inauguration of the most diversified and most thorough program for the year ever known in the history of the chapter. Not only did we set sail "on paper" to succeed in every possible endeavor, but a slight insight into what we have done and are doing (as shall follow here) will disclose the fact that we are showing form; the form that tvpifies Alpha. To begin, as we set sail on this scholastic voyage, there came with us other cohorts and Brothers from other chapters who have aided in effecting our plans and program. Brother M. Thompson joined us from the University of Pittsburgh as a law student and star basketball player. Brother Poole came from this school also. Brother Mitchell, former instructor at Morehouse, Atlanta, entered the graduate school. Brother Lyman Johnson joined us from Virginia Union University as a graduate student. Brother MrFall came to us from Nu chapter at Lincoln to enter med'cal school. Brother Theodore Asare wined us from Indiana University as ii'erarv student. The officers for the year have been choser, " irh Brother I ebron Simmons "bearing the V«»iint of the attark" as president; Brother Walter Hines. vice-nresident: Brother Augustus Callowav, secre'arv: Brother Harold Tohnson, treasurer; Brother M. Thompson, sercreant-at-arms This "scribe" is hereby functioning in h's pew capacity or office. The University of Mirhio-an Aloha basketball team is organized under the management of this same "scribe." Tim Slad? and is being coached bv Thomas "Eddie" Tolan. famous old fleet foot cinder nath demon and 100-yard dash record holder. T h e team "hows great promise with S""h mainstavs as Brother Thomnson and Brother Geor<*e Have«. forwards the latter heintr a speedv *hreat for anv competition wo «h-»ll face. Onr first o-ame " i s scheduled with Detroit Athletic Association on November 29.
Beta Alpha Men Bring Glory To Old Morgan on Gridiron
Founder's Day Banquet Big Event At Upsilon It is with the greatest of pleasure that Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha greets its co-chapters at this time. We have just finished the half milestone in our university work. After having completed our mid-semester examinations, we can again settle down to our routine duties. This year, again, looms as one of our most prosperous. At the beginning of the semester we were fortunate in securing the following men as new members of the Sphin" Club: Willie Ross, Elmer Jackson, Lloyd McPhaul, John Bluford, Chester Hines, Nicholas Gerren, Printice Townsen, Wood row Adkin*i Kenneth Smith and Landon Jackson. With the Brothers and new fellows, our chapter house is filled to capacity. We a r e indeed proud of such a wide awake group of fellows who have a very lively club. On e of the greatest feats was the giving of a home-coming party for the Brothers on N?" vember the eighth, which was a success >n every way. At our last regular meeting we elected off1"
THE SPHINX cers for the ensuing year. Those elected were as follows: president, Herman T . Jones; vice-president, Kenneth G. Whitemore; recording secretary, Paul Mobiley; corresponding secretary, Bertram Corruthers; associate editor of Sphinx, Willard Smith, and steward, Ora H. Elliott. In these representative Brothers we anticipate a bigger and better program. However, these officers will not be installed until January. Among the surprises of the semester for the Brothers of Upsilon Chapter was the marriage of Brother George F. Perry, A. B. '30, to Miss Ester Clark. Brother Perry is at present teaching school in the South. We, the Brothers of Upsilon, wish him the best of luck in his new field. The Brothers welcome back Brotoher Clyde F. Washington, A. B.'30, who is enrolled in the medical school of the University. We wish him a world of success, as he is the first Negro student to enter the medical school here in the past six years. We are also glad to have our good Brother Gomez Hamilton hack with us after being away for the past few years teaching at Philander Smith. Brother Hamilton is working on his master of arts degree. The big event of our chapter calendar will be cmr Founder's Day Banquet to be held in December. We will strive to have as main of our old graduates and Brothers back for this occAioa as possible. —SILAS E. VAUGHN.
Chi Chapter Has Eyes On Basketball Title Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, located at Meharry Medical College, Nashville, I'enn., opened the fall season in full swing, With the exception of only a handful of seniors, all of the Brothers are back to form a nucleus for the proverbial bigger and better Chi. We here at Meharry hold- a distinct advantage over our sister chapters. Each year we receive into the fold men old in Alpha and in the things that make Alpha live. The incoming freshman classes of all departments have on their rolls approximately twenty men, all of whom are to be actively associated with Chi. But you will probably be interested in more detailed information. Probably the paramount issue at the present time is the basketball team. We are extremely fortunate this year to have as head of our coaching staff Brother Lloyd Cofer, formerly of Tufts, and a onetime luminary of the Eta "Big Five." Brother Wayman Coston. although removed from active competition because of injuries—and perhaps age—is assisting Brother Cofer in whipping the squad into shape. The bovs have been earnestly working for Weeks. On the Saturday following Thanksgiving we swung into active competition against Kappa in the famous Nashville 'cracker box." In the practice games held so far, Brother Owiggins, formerly of Nu, who will be remembered by his sensational work against Omega at the 1928 Convention, and Brother Rabbit" Corbin, formerly of Phi, seem to have cinched first-string places, but the veterans, Bill Harris, "One-whack" Adams, George Dockery, Thompson and Coleman, w 'll be difficult to oust. In the next number we hope to report another milestone passed on the road to another championship. At any rate, Brothers, ex Pect the team to be fighting the Alpha Socially, your correspondent has very little to report. The facilities of this town and the
short time allotted to their enjoyment combine to render almost negligible our activities in that direction. However, as might be expected, Chi will entertain and be entertained. We have had several house parties, one to open the house and the other occurring in the normal state of affairs. Of course, "a nice time was had by all." Individually, we report the chapter a huge success. At the present writing, three barbarians trod the burning sands toward the Sphinx. George Evans, Hugh Newsom and Cornelius Bates comprise this trio. Having come this far, they are, necessarily, good men. We hope to include in our next report a roster raised by three. The men are all good students and conscientious athletes of the Spanish type. Brother Joe Carwin holds the gavel for the last time this year. With Prexy's passing, Chi loses perhaps her most valuable asset of recent years. And with Joe goes a solid phalanx of whole-hearted Alpha men. Ted White, once at Beta; Fred Adams, Hoover, Bland, Hill and Black are all seniors this year. An old era passes. Chi looks to the future. But Chi congratulates herself upon those ol the past. —J. COLEMAN.
Alpha Nu Lambda Elects New Officers Very recently Alpha Nu Lambda elected the following officers: President, Alphonse Heninburg, Tuskegee Institute, Ala.; vice-president, Dr. T . T . Tildon, U. S. Veterans Hospital, Tuskegee, Ala.; secretary, W. Henrie Payne, Tuskegee Institute, Ala.; treasurer, Neah Herriford, Tuskegee Institute, Ala., and editor to Sphinx, A. L. Turner, Tuskegee Institute, Ala.
Alpha Upsilon Scribe Cogitates On New Year Oftentimes many may wonder what a particular chapter is doing. No one seems to hear about it. It does not put over big affairs, social or otherwise, to attract wide attention. But we cannot measure a thing by the amount of noise it makes, nor by the amount of work done, for many of us have wide open fields to ramble in whilst others have numerous obstacles to hurdle. But on the contrary, we can tell by the sincerity of purpose and the amount of effort put forth to accomplish the things desired. From the fact that a group can be together working for the same purpose is an inspiration to us to carry on. Each of us in our way is struggling towards a goal—a variety on the surface, but fundamentally a unit. As a group our efforts, without any ballyhoo, have attracted the incoming students towards us. The name of Alpha permeates with such radiance that one cannot fail to stop and inquire what it means and the possibility of them sharing in its blessings to carry on its program. We are now in the holiday seasons. Many of us will be enjoying the best our pockets can buy, whilst for others it will be just a few more days. Awakening from this period we shall find ourselves upon the dawn of a new year, a time when our hopes and aspiration are somewhat brightened. But as men struggle for a worthy aim, we should not wait for a new year for new thoughts and hopes, but the coming of each second, irrespective of the time of the year, should bring new cheer and hope for us. —CLIFTON H, G R I F F I T H .
Page 25
A Round Of Good Times With The Omicrons Of Pittsburgh While most of the college world is relieved of the tenseness of football season and sits back in the various lounging places to play the games over again and pick championship teams and stars, Omicron, of Pittsburgh, has been making some choices. Attention was first directed to the prospects on the local campuses and after careful weeding, a fine crop of pledges is our reward. The pledges are James Albriton, a man of fine forensic abilities; Marshall Lewis, track star; Howard Dammond, embyronic engineer; Lawrence Peelor, Carnegie music student; James Jeffries, Pitt dent; Hugo Wynn, Pitt junior; Orlando Vaughn, and Harry Clark. George Davis has resumed his studies at Carnegie and also his pledgeship. The men are, by far, the most outstanding of the eligible men. Omicron has access, also, to a large number of freshmen who have already refused other bids. Looking over the Brothers themselves, the possibility of a powerful debating team was discovered, and Brother Welfred Holmes is laying plans to pick two teams. According to the last report, difficulty is being had in obtaining collegiate opponents. We may have to challenge chapters in nearby cities. On November 2, the Brothers chose officers for 1931. Displaying a most unusual harmony, all the offices were filled by unanimous votes. Brother Walter R. Talbot was re-elected president; Brother Malvin Goode was made vice-president; Brother Henry Bridges, secretary; Brother Geo. W. Dorsey, treasurer; Brother Woodford Hais, assistant secretary; and Brother Ernest Johnson, sergeant-at-arms. T h e president is to serve as associate editor to the Sphinx until the chapter chooses to elect one. Judging from the manner in which these men were elected, and from their own personal qualifications, the year 1931 will surely outdo 1930. On November 8, Omicron held a smoker at Dearing's with Brother William Bell, Ohio State football star, as honor guest. After several rounds of cards, smokes, songs and Alpha cheers, a short program was run off, the guests eating all the while. Brother Bud Leftridge was master of ceremonies. Brother Garrett Fish of Alpha Omicron Lambda introduced Brother Bell, who gave an interesting talk. Brother Louis White of Alpha Theta spoke, as did Brother Chas. Cuthbert of Xi and Brother Frank Bost of Nu. Brothers Parr and Harris spoke for Omicron. Brother James Miller gave his usual fine performance at the piano. Brother T a l bot rounded out the program with a plain talk to the non-fraternity men present. The "ole Alpha spirit" was triumphant. On November 10 an interfraternal dance was held on the Pitt campus. This was the first dance given by the A. K. A.'s, the Deltas, Omegas, and Alphas, and it was truly a success. The latter, of course, had to inject a little more spirit into the evening by singing, "If anybody asks you who we are," etc. This put a halt to the dancing. T h e other groups, following A. Phi A., drowned out each other; so the dance resumed and came to a glorious end as a fitting climax to a football holiday. Most of the Brothers spent Armistice Day at the home of Brother Fritz Hawkins, where open house was held all day and evening. After a week-end and a part of another week of continuous activity, it was hard to get down to books again, but we did it. On November IS, Brothers White, Goode, and Talbot traveled to Columbus to see Pitt play Ohio State, and the time they had can be judged from the fact that they didn't leave
Page 26 until 1 A. M. Monday to make 8:30 classes. While in Columbus, the Brothers attended the meeting of Kappa Chapter, not to mention other places where Brothers Bell and Ginn took them. After all these rounds of events, sadness topped them all with the death of Brother Harold Morrison on November 20, 1930. Further details of our late Brother are found elsewhere in this issue. Omicron has attempted to make the year 1930 one of activity, filled with the glory of A. Phi. A. No effort has been spared to keep Alpha Phi Alpha first in everything, and our efforts have not been in vain. We wish even greater success to the other chapters in our dear A. Phi A. —WALTER R. T A L B O T .
Mu Chapter In Far West Sends Interesting News Activities of Mu Chapter, University of Minnesota, have not hit their full stride yet, but we expect to be sailing smoothly very soon. Eelection of officers for 1931 will have been held by the time this letter is published. Names will be given in the next edition of T h e Sphinx. At the first meeting of the chapter, plans were made for the raising of our scholarship status at the University and for the strengthening of the chapter organization. A movement is on to make chapter payment of Grand taxes 100 per cent. Mu expects the co-operation of all Brothers in these efforts. At the University we have: Brother P a j l Moseley in the arts college. Brother John Lawrence finishes the arts college this year. Brother Wilkerson, formerly of Upsilon, and Brother C. Briggs of Alpha Rho in the graduate school. Brother John Thomas is also in the graduate school. Brother Sam Jackson did not return to school this fall. Brother John Patton is expected back a) the University next year. Brother Leon Smith, senior in the St. Paul College of Law, dropped out of school for * year. He will finish in June, 1932.
THE SPHINX Of the graduates, the "old faithfuls" are Brothers Raymond Cannon, Earl Weber, Bill Cassius, James Lewis, and Jasper Gibbs. Brother Moseley has been appointed secretary pro tern during Brother Jackson's absence. Our two pledges are Henry Von Avery, arts student, formerly of Howard, and Thomas Donaldson of Canada. Mu is planning the organization of a basketball team to compete against the KappM and Omegas this winter. T o the general officers, jewels and chapters, Mu extends the season's greetings and best wishes for a prosperous new year. —JOHN ROBERT LAWRENCK
Visitors Drop In On Tau, University Of Illinois T a u Chapter, the tower of the West, located at the University of Illinois, again tunes in with station N-O-R-F-O-L-K in order to convey her quarterly message to the sister chapters. As this message leaves us, we find ourselves under the wrath of the twelve weeks' examination. Both Brothers and pladges are trying hard to make better grades than they did for the first six weeks. We -.hall know in a few days if our effort* have been fruitful. Not long ago, we had the pleasure of entertaining an old friend in the person o* Bmther Pickett. Brother Pickett saw thlight at T a u and is now studying medicine at the University of Wisconsin. Brother Pickett was en route to his home in Louisville, Ky. Last month, T a u had two smokers. One was for new men on the campus, and as a result of this smoker we pledged the following men: Perry W. Kuklin, Robert E. Wilson, George G. Turner, James E. Henry, Theodore E. Taylor, James Morton, Charles AshFiiinc, Edgar Green, Rudolph Mitchell, S. V. Whittingham, and John McClain. We expect great things from these new men. The other smoker was on Dad's Day. Several dads were guests of Tau. We had a jolly time with the dads. Tau hail an "open house" October 12. Several out-of-town guests came over to mingle with a hundred or more students and town people, who were taking this opportunity to
see within the sacred walls of T a u . Everyone was surprised to see our house looking so lovely. We were unanimously given the name of having the best furnished house among our group. W e are determined to maintain our leadership. Brother John Hope spoke on the All University Service on the same day. Brother Toles, the chapter president, met Brother Hope, and introduced him to the student body at a banquet given in his honor at the Wesley Foundation. Both Negro and white students attended. T a u is delighted in having with us two brothers from other chapters. Brother Williams, A. B. of Williams College, Williams, Mass., and Brother Riley, A. B. of Depauw University of Indiana. Both Brothers are in the graduate school. We extend hearty welcome to these two Brothers. When Wilberforce University played Tuskegee in Chicago, a dignified person entered our house. One of the Brothers noticed him enter and went forward to introduce himself, thinking that the person was one of the Ph. D.'s of the University. Whom do you think it was? Brother Andrew Rose in person! We were surprised to see Brother Rose, as we did not expect him. Brother Rose gave us a brief talk concerning the activities of the fraternity. W e were glad to have had Brother Rose visit us and extend to him welcome at any time he chooses to "drop in." Lo! Carnival is upon us with its beautiful guests and all. Preparations for the biggest party ever are in the hands*of those three nationally famous entertainment managers, Brother Bennett, Brother Jamison, and Brother Veal. The Seven Hot Chocolates will furnish the syncopation over the week end. Carnival promises to be a huge success and the return of many alumni will add zest to the gala week end of the year. We have invited Brother William W . Cardozo. the Third Vice-President, and the entire Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha to attend our party. Ohio State University closed her present football season by playing Illinois. Saturday night will find the house vacated ready to receive fifty or more beautiful guests. Graceful sloping walls with black and gold colors running over the ceiling will give the house an attractive carnival appearance. —ROMEO VEAL.
Official Alpha Phi Alpha Directory— Continued (Continued from Inside Cover) ETA LAMBDA, Atlanta, Ga.; Pres., B. T. Harvey, Morehouse College; Sec'y., Clyde L. Reynolds, care Citizens Trust Co., Auburn Ave. IOTA LAMBDA, Indianapolis, Ind.; Pres., Dr. Clarence Mills, Crlspus Attucks High School; Sec'y., J. Harold Brown. KAPPA LAMBDA, Greensboro, N. C; Pree., A. W. Ferguson, A. and T. College. MU LAMBDA, Washington, D. C; Pres., Dr. Charles H. Wesley, Howard University; Sec'y., Prank W. Adams, 53 Qulncy Place, N. W. NU LAMBDA. Va. State College. Petersburg. Va.; Pres., L. Derblgny; Sec'y., J. M. Ellison. XI LAMBDA, Chicago, 111.; Pres., William H. Benson, 3507 South Parkway; Sec'y., Mason W. Fields, 6526 Eberhart Ave. OMICRON LAMBDA, Birmingham, Ala.; Pres., G. W. Reeves, Miles Memorial College; Sec'y., Peter R. Shy. PI LAMBDA, Little Rock, Ark.; Pres., M. R. Perry, 904 Broadway St.; Sec'y., C. Franklin Brown, 1019 Cross St. ALPHA PSI, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Mo.; Pres., Nathaniel G. Freeman; Sec'y., John Turner.
RHO LAMBDA, Buffalo, N. T.; Pres.. M. S. Stewart, 137 William St.; Sec'y., O. H. Brown, 166 Goodall St.
ALPHA GAMMA LAMBDA, New York City; Pres., L. R. Mlddleton, 201 W. 120th St.
SIGMA LAMBDA, New Orleans, La.; Edward M. Coleman, 2420 Canal St.; Sec'y, Dr. J. Felton Brown, 1306 S. Genols St. TAU LAMBDA, Nashville, Tenn.; Pres.. Calvin McKlssack, 1503 Edgehlll Ave.; Sec'y, J. R. Anderson, 1027 18th Ave. North.
ALPHA EPSILON LAMBDA, Jackson, Miss.; Sec'yi, T. W. Harvey, Jackson, College.
UPSILON LAMBDA, Jacksonville, Fla.; Pres., Dr. R. W. Butler. 627 Davis St.; Sec'y., L. A. McGee, Edw. Waters College.
ALPHA ETA LAMBDA, Houston, Tex.; Pres.* John W. Davis, Jr., 419% Milan St.; Sec'y., R. W. Lights, 819 Andrew St.
PHI LAMBDA, Raleigh, N. C; Pres., H. L. Trigg, 117 E. South St.; Sec'y., C. H. Boyer, St. Augustine's College. CHI LAMBDA. Wllberforce, Ohio; Pres., J. Aubrey Lane; Sec'y., T. C. Carter. PSI LAMBDA, Chattanooga, Tenn.; Pres., E. F. Mcintosh, 216% E. 9th St. Sec., L. L. Patton, 425% E. 9th St. ALPHA ALPHA LAMBDA, Newark, N. J.; Pres., T. D. Williams, 207 Bloomfleld Ave., Montclalr, N. J.; Sec'y., Lawrence Wlllette, 137 Stephens St., Bellvllle, N. J. ALPHA PI LAMBDA. Cleveland. Ohio; Pres., Robert Brooks, 2168 E. 90th St.; Sec'y, Addison Spencer, 2190 E. 85th St. ALPHA NU LAMBDA, Tuskegee, Ala., Pres., A 1 p h o n s e Henlnburg; Sec'y, W. Henrie Payne.
ALPHA ZETA LAMBDA, Bluefleld, W. VS.; Pres., J. C. Kingslow, 421 Scott St., Sec'y, Edward W. Brown, Box 546* Kimball, W. Va.
ALPHA THETA, Somervllle, N. J.; Pres, George Hoffman, 84 Second St. ALPHA KAPPA LAMBDA, Roanoke, Va.; Pres., Ellwood D. Downing, Brooks. Bldg.; Rec. Sec'y George A. Moore. ALPHA IOTA LAMBDA, Charleston, W. V s . ALPHA OMICRON LAMBDA, Pittsburgh Pa.; Pres., Frederick D. Hawkins; Sec'y., Wilbur C. Douglass, 51» Fourth Ave. ALPHA XI LAMBDA, Toledo, Ohio; Pres.* Ivan McLeod, 1150 Nicholas Bldg.; Sec. Herbert T. Miller. ALPHA BETA LAMBDA. Lexington, Ky.; Pres., Dr. H. A. Merchant, 128 Deweese St.; Sec'y., Dr. W. H. Ballard* Jr.. 128 W. 6th St.