The SPHINX | December 1936 | Volume 22 | Number 4 193602204

"On £aJt(Ji fecc&z, ^oocumit cJoaxUta. men!'

m

ALPHA

PHI

ALPHA

FRATERNITY

*kbA1^

INC

m.

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, Inc OFFICIAL DIRECTORY General Officers PRESIDENT Dr. CHARLES H. WESLEY Howard University—Washington, D. C. SOUTHERN VICE-PRES. CHARLES W. GREENE 304 Griffin St. N. W.—Atlanta, Ga. EASTERN VICE-PRES. Dr. FARROW ALLEN • 337 W. 138th St.—New York City MID-WESTERN VICE-PRES. SIDNEY A. JONES, Jr. 3456 S. State—Chicago, Illinois WESTERN VICE- PRES. BERT A. MCDONALD 319 E. 48th Street—Los Angeles, Calif.

SECRETARY JOSEPH H. B. EVANS 101 S. Street N. W.—Washington, D. C. JEWELS

TREASURER PERCIVAL R. PIPER 18032 Wexford Avenue—Detroit, Mich.

EDITOR OF THE SPHINX LEWIS O. SWINGLER 390 Vz Beale Street—Memphis, Term.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION RAYFORD W. LOGAN Atlanta University—Atlanta, Ga. GENERAL COUNSEL THEODORE W. BERRY 415 W. Fifth Street—Cincinnati, Ohio EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Dr. B. ANDREW ROSE 402 S. Bank Street—Dayton, Ohio LOWELL H. BENNETT Fisk University, Nashville DR. WILLIAM S. RANDOLPH 575 Bayview Avenue Inwood, Long Island, New York c/o Dr. Fred Randolph

Dr. Henry A. Callis. Howard University, Washington, D . C George B. Kelley, 1 113th, Troy, N. Y. Nathaniel A. Murray, 150 You St, N. W., Washington, D . C. Robert H. Ogle, 1721 T St., N. W., Washington, D. C Vertner W. Tandy, 221 W. 139th St., New York City

CHAPTER 1. ALPHA—Ithaca, N. Y.—Active thru membership of Jewels.

2. BETA—Washington, D . C—Prea.. ;Sec, Jamea A, Fairfax, 1917 Third St. N. W. 3. GAMMA—Richmond, Va.—Pre*., David A. Graves, 622 Judah Street; Sec, W. Russell Chavious, Virginia Union Univeraity.

4. DELTA—Montreal, Canada—INACTIVE.

ROSTER 20. PHI—Athens, Ohio—Pres., John W. Gasaway; See., Walter B. Allen, 155 W. Washington Street.

21. CHI—Nashville, Tennessee—Pres., Gregory A. Calvin; Sec, J. W. Elliott, 1017 Sixteenth Ave. N. R.; Sec, Frank W. Claytor, 2410 Jefferson Street.

22.

PSI—Philadelphia, Pa.—President, David A. Asbury, 1710 Christian St.; secretary, Ernest Smith, 203 N. 53rd. Street.

5. EPSILON—Ann Arbor, Michigan—Sec, Joseph Jenkins, 1103 E. Huron Avenue.

23. ALPHA ALPHA—Cincinnati, Ohio—Pres., Dr. B. r>. Cann, 5223 Ward Street; Sec, John Delaney, 30 W. 15th St., Covington, Ky.; F. Sec, W. C. Weatheriy, 239 Goodman Street.

6. ZETA—New Haven, Conn.—Prea., Sec, Dr. R. S. Fleming, 216 Dvight Street.

7. ETA—New York City—Pres., John Moraell. 180 W. 135th Street; Sec, Cecil Forster, 334 Green Avenue, Brooklyn, N . Y .

24. ALPHA BETA—Talladega, Alabama—Pres., Roy J; Gilmer; Sec, John Seldon, Talladega, Alabama.

8. THErA—Chicago. 111.—Prea., Rev. Archibald J. Carey, 57 B. 46th Street; Sec, Nelson E. Woodley, 4*26 Michigan Blvd.

26. ALPHA DELTA—Los Angeles, Calif.—Pres., Bert McDonald, 319 B. 49th Street; Sec, Rufus S. Norman, 708 E. 48th Street.

9. IOTA—Syracuse, N . Y.—INACTIVE. 10. KAPP \—-Columbus, Ohio—Pres., James A. Tibbs, 236 E. Eleventh Avenue: Sec, Tucker A. Wallace, 841 Atcheson Street.

11. MLT—Minneapolis, Minn.—President, John R. Lawrence, Jr., 556 St. Anthony Ave.; St. Paul, Minnesota; Secretary, John M. Patton, 1559 Roblyn Ave., St. Paul, Minn.

27. ALPHA EPSILON—Berkeley, California—Pres., John Wa*e, 1936 Market St., Oakland, Calif; Sec, Eldridge C, Ross, 18967 Stanton Ave., Hayword, Calif.; C. Sec, George A. Towns, Jr., 2900 Harper Street.

12. NU—Lincoln Univeraity, Pa.—Prea., Wilfred B. Lloyd; R. Sec, Douglas Bush; C. Sec, H. Franklin Brown.

13. XI—Wilberforce, Ohio—Pres., A. Joseph Allen; Sec, Samuel Morris; C. Sec, John Phillips; F. Sec, William W. Brown, P. O. Boa 182.

14. OMICRON—Pittsburgh, Pa.—Pres., James O. Dougan, 2400 Webster St.; Felix K. Gobble, 228 Alpine Street; F. Sec, Henry McCullough, 31 Wandlasa Street.

1J. PI—Cleveland, Ohio—Pres., Emmason D . Fuller, 2223 E. 100th Street; Sec, Clarence L. Sharpe, 4609 Central Ave. 16. RHO—Philadelphia, Pa.—Pres., Dr. W. F. Jerreck, 1843 Christian Street F; Sec, C. G. Garrick, 529 S. Nineteenth Street.

17. SIGMA—Boston, Massachusetts—Pres., Dr. Irving F. Gray, 610 Columbus Avenue; Sec, Frederick J. Franklin, 22 Worthington Street.

30. ALPHA THETA—Iowa City, Iowa—Pres. Bernard COM; Sec, Lamar Smith, 815 S. Dubuque Street.

18. TAU—Champaign, Illinois—Pres., C. D . Ashmore; Sec, John E. Sullivan, Jr.; C. Sec, M. Archibald Dumas, 615 South Wright Street, A. UPSILON—Lawrence, Kansas—President, Ezra Greer; C. Secretary, Edward J. Bruce; R. Secretary, Francis Herndon, 1101 Mississippi St., Kansas University.

25. ALPHA GAMMA—Providence, R. Island—INACTIVE; Address, Joseph G. LeCount, 42 Westminister Street.

28.

ALPHA ZETA—Institute, Va.—President, William Robinson, W. Va., State College.

H. Thompson; Secretary

29. ALPHA ETA—Cambridge, Mass.—INACTCVB.

31. ALPHA IOTA—Denver, Colorado—Pre.., David N . Howell. 1221 Gaylord Street; Sec. .. .

3 2. ALPHA KAPPA—Springfield, Mass.—Pres., • . S e c . Ernest A Dawson, 211 W. 146di St. Apt. 100, New York City.

33. ALPHA MU—Evanston, Illinois—Pres., William C. Pyant, 2021 Brown Avenue; Sec, Colbert B. Davis, 1014 Emerson Street, 34. ALPHA NU—Ames, Iowa—Pres., S. M. Riley, Jr.; Sec, Charles P. Howard, 515 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, Iowa.

35. ALPHA XI—Milwaukee, Wisconsin—INACTIVE. 36. ALPHA OMICRON—Charlotte, N. Carolina—Pres., Hubert A. Eaton; C. Sec, Claude E. Sloan; F. Sec, Henry C Dugs*, Jr., Johnson C. Smith University.

37. ALPHA PI—Louisville, Ky.—Pre... Perry A. Lively, Jr., J431 Hale Avenue; Sec, Joseph I. Hackett, 4633 Park Blvd.

38. ALPHA kHO—Atlanta, Georgia—Pres., Dillard H . Brown; Sec, Anthony T. Quarles; C. Sec, Morehouse College.

THE SPHINX

Official Organ of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc PUBUSHED FEBRUARY, MAY. OCTOBER, and DECEMBER DECEMBER. 1936

VOLUME 22

NUMBER 4

THE STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LEWIS O. SWINGLER 390 V2 Beale Avenue Memphis, Tennessee ASSISTANT EDITOR HUGH M. GLOSTER LeMoyne College Memphis, Tennessee WHO'S WHO EDITOR GEORGE B. KELLEY Troy, New York HISTORY EDITOR CLYDE L. COLE Carver Junior High School Tulsa, Oklahoma FRAT FUN EDITOR DR. O. WILSON WINTERS Norristown, Pa. ART EDITORS JAMES D. PARKS Lincoln University Jefferson City, Mo. FERDINAND ROUSSEVE Art Department Xavier University New Orleans, La. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS MILTON S. J. WRIGHT Wilberforce, Ohio WILLIAM H. GRAY Southern University Scotlandville, La. JOSEPH E. COTTON Memphis, Tennessee VICTOR L. GRAY Baltimore, Md. GRANT W. HAWKINS Indianapolis, Ind.

CONTENTS Cover Page

Bro. E. Shepard Wright Page

Jewel Ogle Passes

2

President Wesley Reviews Year's Work

3

Vitalizing A Graduate Chapter Program

4

Centennial Regional Conference

_ .

5

Bro. A. Moron Housing Expert

.

6

Testimonial Dinner

. __

6

History of Alpha Delta

7

Bro. H. L. Dickason Heads Bluefield

9

"The Saga of Ozzie Simmons"

10

Bro. Jerrick Serves Rho 20 Years

11

Shaw's New President

12

Beta Rho Chapter at Shaw

13

Fraternity Fun

14

Voice of The Sphinx

12

Nu Chapter, Lincoln U. (Pa.)

15

Beta Theta Chapter, Bluefield

29

Rival Coaches But Brothers in Bond

30

Tau Chapter, Illinois University

31

Xi Chapter, Wilberforce

.. 32

New Deal vs. The Negro

.. 33

Balfour Advertising

_ 44

CIRCULATION SPENCER SMITH Memphis, Tennessee ADVERTISING JOHN L. BRINKLEY, [r.

Memphis, Tennessee

Entered as second class matter at the Post Office in Memphis. Tenn., as issued four times a year in February, May, October, and December, under the Act of March 3, 1879, and accepted for mailing at the second class rates of postage.

Subscription Price—One Dollar and Fifty Cents Per Year

Page 2

THE

SPHINX

JEWEL OGLE PASSES

Jewel Brother Robert Harold Ogle— one of the seven founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, departed this life Thursday night, December, 3, 1936, at the Freedman Hospital, Washington, D. C. With members of his family, Alphadom bows its head in sorrow.

DEATH BECKONS JEWEL OGLE Brother Robert Harold Ogle was one of the original seven Jewels who conceived the idea of Alpha 'Phi Alpha on the campus of Cornell University in 1906. He played a prominent |roIe in the organization work, being a student of Business Administration.

The records of Alpha Phi Aloha are full of information regarding the splendid service rendered by Brother Ogle during its thirty years of existence.

Brother Ogle, upon graduation from Cornell, entered the secretarial field and has held several outrtanding positions in the East. He was at the time of his Ideath on the staff of the Committee on Appropriations of the United States Senate.

Funeral services held from Lincoln Temple Congregational Church. Monday, December 7, 1936, were in charge of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

December, 1936

December, 1936

THE

SPHINX

Page 3

PRESIDENT WESLEY REVIEWS YEARS WORK COMMANDS ALPHA TO MARCH ON OFFICE OF THE GENERAL PRESIDENT, HOWARD UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON, D. C. To all Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha: We are about to come to the close of another year in our history as a fraternity and to begin a new one. We stand midway between the old and the new, and it is expedient that we should greet each other across the distance which separates so many of us; and yet all of us are so near to each other for we are one in the honds of Alpha Phi Alpha. We often think of our one hundred and ' more active chapters scattered across the nation as separate units, but fundamentally we are one. Physically we are divided by necessity but spiritually we are united by fellowship, and among us there is neither north, south, east nor west. This division has been one of the problems which we have endeavored to solve, both by encouraging the travels of our General Officers and by the creation of our system of Regional Directors who represent the link between the national organization and the local chapters.

Each of jurisdictions is divided into regional areas and the chapters are associated with a Regional Director. i The year 1936 is our first year with this plan. The reports which come to us indicate that there have been successful contacts made the Regional Directors and also that the real possibilities of this system are still to be realized. It happens at times that chapter officers by their lack of action, set the pace for the inactivity of the charters over which they are supposed to preside. When the Regional Directors learn of these situations, they may undertake to inspire and to advise the type of action which will bring these chapters into action again. With our efficient corps of Vice Presidents, Brothers Greene, Allen, Jones and McDonald, and with the Regional Directors to assist them, we may look forward to better contacts in the future between the General Organization and the chapters. For results, keep your eyes upon the reports at New Orleans one year from now!

We cannot urge too often that our brothers, particularly in college communities, shall realize that fraternity organizations of all kinds are still under criticism, that many persons on our college faculties doubt the wisdom of the continuance of fraternity life and that they go farther to question the value of fraternities in college life today.

Such criticisms should not disturb us in negative ways.

We have had them before. We are aware that those who do things are criticized and that if we would avoid criticism, then we should do nothing. These criticisms were once so severe that some newspapers took them up, published them so that the world might know our weaknesses rather than our strength, and zealous fratmen were placed upon the defensive and felt compelled to answer through the same news columns. Today, this phase of criticism and this type of defense are rarely needed. It is desirable, however, that we should be aware of the attitudes of our present-day critics, not that we worry about them nor concern ourselves with them but that we should so conduct our activities as individuals arid as chapters that we demonstrate competence in all of our endeavors and conduct ourselves personally so as to maintain respect for ourselves. We begin by being true to ourselves and we cannot then be false to any man. This, every Alpha Phi Alpha brother knows.

Our educational program sponsored by our Educational Foundation, which was established at S t Louis in 1933 continues to show results in 1936. Scholarships and fellow-

ships are our annual channels of service to education.

This method has been successfully pursued for several administrations. Our efforts to encourage the plan for the admission of Negroes to border state universities also continues. We have paid the tuition for Donald Gaines, a non-fraternity man, for the second year at the University of Maryland. Without this aid, Mr. Gaines could not have attended this institution. The N. A. A. C. P. deserves the credit for conducting this program, but Alpha Phi Alpha shares in its origin and its continuance. Epsilon Lambda in St. Louis stands back of a simifor case involving a brother at University of Missouri. Strength to their arms! The results of these efforts may lead either to the admission of Negroes to these institutions or to increased aid to the state schools for Negroes or to the increase of professional scholarships outside of the states. This is one of the ways in which we are endeavoring to aid in the equalization of educational opportunity. In 1938 then, we took another step to maintain our program of education, and Alpha marches on.

Alpha Phi Alpha through its brothers' has been achieving many spheres during 1936. So many are they that we could not hope to cover all of them but selecting at random we turn to two spectacular ones. At the Olympics in Nazi Germany, our brothers covered themselves and Alpha Phi Alpha with glory. The outstanding athletes there were Alpha brothers. Standing head and shoulders above them all was Jesse Owens whose remarkable feats attracted the attention of the world. We sent him a cable when he had attained his third success.

Among our brothers, Miles Page, once known through the pages of the Sphinx as "The Typical Alpha Man" has had a unique distinction conferred upon him by being appointed a Municipal Judge in the greatest Metropolis in the world窶年ew York City. Alpha Phi Alpha has helped him in this development towards this honor. His service in Beta Chapter and in the General Organization laid the foundation for this achievement. Alpha Men, their wives and sweethearts joined in doing to him honor at a unique banquet at the swanky Fifth Avenue Restaurant on November 7. The General President, the General Secretary, Vice-President Allen, Regional Director Lawson and brothers from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other nearby places met to honor Brother Paige. And now we ask who is to be the next A'pha distinction?

For the first time in the history of Negro fraternities in the United States, Alpha Phi Alpha held its 1936 Convention at Los Angeles, California. This Convention was more largely attended than we had expected by both graduate and undergraduate brothers. A glance at the convention picture will show the extent of the membership present. When the Nashville Convention decided upon a Convention at Los Angeles, many of us wondered about the wisdom of this choice. We now know that this choice was well founded. The chapters in California were greatly inspired and their work will advance the more successfully because of our gathering there. Under the leadership of Brother McDonald, these chapters gave us an enviable entertainment. The social features were typical of all that we imagined about California and equalled all that California brothers had told us. The discussions and findings will help us to chart our course for the future and form the basis of legislation at New Orleans. Similar results will come out our Regional meeting at Dallas. Texas, where we assembled with other fraternities at the Texas Fair.

The General Secretary and Brother McDonald represented

Pag© 4

THE

us there, along with other representative brothers.

As General President, I send Christmas greetings to each brother individually and to all chapters of our fraternity.

May the New Year bring new inspiration and achievements to each of us through our pursuit of our common purpose to become the servants of all those with whom we may come into contact in 1937!

Sincerely and Fraternal'y Yours, CHARLES H. WESLEY General President.

VITALIZING A GRADUATE CHAPTER PROGRAM Burt A. Mayberry, Associate Editor of Sphinx, Beta Lambda Chapter.

For some time graduate chapters have been facing a problem that no one doubts is a vital one. Upon its solution depends the answer to the question, "Do graduate chapters have a place in the program of Alpha Phi Alpha?"

It is; how to create foster, and maintain the enthusiastic attitude with wh'eh the average undergraduate has toward the fraternity. To put the matter simply and boldly, how to get the graduate members to affiliate, and how to get them to remain activeChapters have attacked the problem in various manners, but until they get to the point where they are willing to share their experiences, the problem will remain a vexing one to most groups. To start the movement toward exchanging ideas and practices, Beta Lambda submits its experiences of the past year in awakening the interest of inactive brothers, and getting them within the fold as strong workers.

At the outset, it is well to k-ep in mind that in tht world of interests with which the average graduate member is surrounded, the fraternity must offer values which compare favorably with those offered by other groups.

In order to meet this keen competition, the chapter must: a Possess a definite and obvious value to the member. b The cost must not be great. c The duties must not be too exacting. d conscientious service must be rewarded.

Various devices have been employed by the members of Beta Lambda to make the graduate brothers see a value to active chapter participation.

Publicity in the papers has been of no little value. The President of the chapter sends stories of each meeting to the press, stressing the activities planned and carried out and thoss present Another device is to be careful to include at last one activity during the year which calls for invitations to be extended to the friends of the chapter and thereby give them an opportunity to pay off social obligations.

The program, EVENING WITH NEGRO COMPOSERS has filled that need in Beta Lambda. Whenever any Project is attempted, it is given a glamour that makes those who participate have a feeling of pride in the fact that they belong.

Whether we like it or not, we must admit that whatever acitvities a graduate chapter attempts, they must compete with those offered by numerous other organizations with which the average Alpha is thrown in contact.

Beta Lambda approached the problem of attendance at the meetings by holding them at the dinner hour (6:30) and giving the host a check for $5.00 out of the treasury as a partial compensation for his extra expense. In addition, they gave a token to the hostess. During the past year, these tokens have included: a "Kold Snack Tray"; chrome fruit bowl and tray; revolving relish dish; set of eight crystal goblet-; cobalt blue refreshment set; and a large crystal relish dish. The speech of presentation is made by the husband of the recipient of the last gift. " ' .

SPHINX

December, 1936

Quite as important as the early dinner hour meeting, has been the earnest attempt to despatch business and close the meeting at 9:00 p. m. Even with the mass of details connecled with the promotion of the FANTASY IN BLACK AND GOLD, the chapter was able to adhere rather closely to the ideaPersons in charge of ambitious chapter programs need to be cautioned against making the duties on any one member too exacting. The temptation is great because certain people seem to possess the knack of getting things done, and when a job appears, they naturally come into mind. This can best be avoided by planning ample committees, distributing the membership on the basis of taste and ability, and avoiding duplication on committee membership. After these committees are named, give them functions to perform and hold them strictly accountable.

During the past year, Beta Lambda had the following committees: FINANCE COMMITTEE: 1 Planned and earned out interesting programs at the raising funds-.

2 Encouraged the payment of dues.

COMMITTEE ON HOSTS: 1 Worked out a plan for securing hosts.

2 Made schedule for the year and saw that it was carried out.

COURTESY COMMITTEE: 1 Selected tokens for the hostesses.

2 Sent greetings to each brother on his birthday and othr important occasions.

ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE: 1 Planned and carried out interesting programs at the table at each meeting.

2 Planned each meeting and supervised all social affairs authorized by the chapter AWARDS COMMITTEE: 1 Kept a record of every financial brother to see whether a he paid his dues on time. b attended every meeting. c was present at every social affair. d made some contribution to chapter progress.

EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE: 1 Planned and supervised the educational activities of the chapter.

In a vitalized program, one must also avoid the danger of making the cost too high, and after the budget is set, see that the dues are collected on time. Beta Lambda set its chapter budget at one dollar ($1.00) a month for seven (7) months. The Financial Secretary and Chairman of the Finance Committee prepared a large chart on which the names of the brothers was listed. Beside each name went a gold star for every meeting at which the member paid that months dues, and a silver star if he was present.

The space was blank if he was absent. You are no doubt saying— "Grade School stuff"—well—it worked.

And finally, since we are humans after all, it is of no little importance that provision be made to recognize and reward in some small way, consciencious service on the part of brothers. Besides the mention at each meeting, at the end of the year, the President and the Chairman of the Finance Committee donated a box of cigars to the two brothers selected by the Award? Committee as being the two best members for 1936.

The writer can recall on various occasions, brothers who have expressed a desire to know what the other chapters are doing, what activities they were attempting, and how they were carrying them out. Accept this contribution from Beta Lambda as a response to that invitation, given in the hope that other chapters will respond in the same manner. Our chapter is interested in what your chapter is "doing. From the exchange of ideas, both of us might" Benefit.

December, 1936

THE

SPHINX

Page 5

CENTENNIAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE

CENTENNIAL CONFERENCE DELEGATION AT DALLAS. TEXAS. OCT. 17-19. 1936.

Officers and delegates who attended the Centennial Regional Conference of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at Dallas, Texas, October 17-19. Shown, seated, left to right, ara:—Geo:ge E. Reeves, Secretary, Alpha Eta Lambda, Houston, Texas; J. R. Edmonds, President, Alpha Sigma Lambda, host chapter; Dr. Eugene Kinkcle Jones, Advisor on Negro Affairs, Department of Commerce; Dr. Tolly W. Harris, Regional Director, Western District; Attorney Bert McDonald, Western Vice-President of Alpha Phi A'pha; Joseph H. B. Evans, Gene:a! Secretary of Alpha Phi Alpha; Lester B. Granger, Worker's Council, Urban League; A. Maceo Smith, Assistant Managar, Negro Hall of Life, Texas Centennial, and Chairman of Committee on Arrangements for Conference. Standing, between Brothers McDonald and Evans, is Brother Ralph Metcalf, Marquette graduate, 1932-"6 Olympic star, and at present connected with the Athletic Department of Xavier University, New Orleans, La.

HITS AND MISSSES

By Brother J. Edward Cotton Contributing Editor Well, after some time out, this ole' column bobs up again. Don't know whether to offer excuses like Brother O. Wilson Winters or not. You know that fellow is just a "natural". In the la;t issue, he spent a whole page explaining why he didn't have an article. After all is said and done, that particular piece was a "humdinger."

I believe Alpha has something at last. You probably have read about the "Craftsmen of Black Wings," an aviation organization that is being developed out in the Far West by Alpha brothers. All prospects point to this organization as a venture worthy of consideration.

Bother Editor Swingler and Brother Attorney Bindly Cyrus had a fine trip in one of the "Black Wing" planes. Brother Editor is still talking about it.

Brother I. S. Steady, first official representative of Alpha Phi Alpha across the high seas, passed through my town a abort while back, and looked me up. A fine specimen of the ministry, I think and a good ole' Wilberforcean.

I am very much of the opinion held by my good friend End schoolmate, Brother Milton S. J. Wright. "What Will the Harvest Be?" As I gaze over the few thousand youngsters whom I come in contact with daily and watch their activities, I cast my mind's eye some twenty-five or thirty years ahead, and wonder "What Will the Harvest B e ? " I am starting now to advocate a race jeweler for the vast amount of business that the Negro Greek-Letter organizations are putting into the hands of our white.

Our Fraternity alone spends a staggering amount yea 'v with no race man receiving the benefits of at least a small commission. Let's put some of our folks to work in this field.

(Continued on page 9)

Page 6

THE

SPHINX

D e c e m b e r , 1936

BROTHER ALONZO MORON RECEIVES FIRST MAJOR HOUSING APPOINTMENT Eta Lambda presents Brother Alonzo Moron, who saw the light of Alpha at Sigma Chapter in 1931. We selected Brother Moron because his job is one of the first housing positions allotted to Negroes in the country. That brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity may become better acquainted with Brother Moron, Eta Lambda herewith presents the following excerpt from an article taken from the Atanta Daily World:— Alonzo G. Moron, has been appointed assistant housing manager for the new University Hemes, federal low cost housing project which is shortly to be opened in the vicinity of Atlanta University. Announcement of the appointment was just received by the local Advisory Committee on University Housing. Mr. Moron will begin his work immediately.

Notification of the appointment came directly to the local citizens advisory committee from Washington. This committee was created in 1934 by Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes to act in conjunction with the federal government in the furtherance of this federal slum clearance and low cost housing project. President John Hope of Atlanta University, a prime mover in the effort to provide low cost houses for the Negro groups in Atlanta, was its chairman, and since his death, President Florence M. Read of Spelman College has acted as its head. Other members of the committee are Dr. Will W. Alexander, E. M. Martin, Jr., L. D. Milton, A. T. Walden, S. W. Walker and Kendall Weisiger all of Atlanta, and Dean Sage of New York City.

The appointee to the position of assistant manager of the first major Negro housing project to be completed in this country was graduated from Hampton Institute in 1927, and from Brown University in 1932. At college he was an honor student in sociology and a member of Phi Beta Kappa fraternity. In 1932-33 he attended the University of Pittsburgh as an Urban League Fellow, and received his Master of Arts degree in sociology. Upon his graduation he was appointed a social worker by the Baltimore Emergency Relief Commission, the first member of his race to be so named.

In November, 1933 Mr. Moron was appointed Commissioner of Public Welfare of the Virgin Islands by Secretary of the Interior Ickes. In this position he organized a department to carry on the social service work necessary to the administration of the federal emergency relief program in the islands. His duties consisted of the organizing and supervision of work projects for men and women, as well as the setting up of a social work program, which included organized family welfare, old age assistance, and community work. During 1934 he conducted a housing study which was used as the basis of the extensive home building program undertaken by the government the following year.

Duiing the winter of 1935-36 Mr. Moron attended the Management Training School, which was conducted at Washington by the National Association of Housing Officials with the active co-operation of the Public Works Administration..

The appointee is a member of the National Conference of Social Work, the American Public Welfare Association. of Housing Officials. He resides at 188 Chestnut Street, Southwest, Atlanta.

Brother Frank Madison Reid has moved one more step nearer the Bishopric. He has been transferred from Louisville, Ky., to St. Louis, Mo., to St. Paul A. M. E. Church, where they make Bishops. I am still pulling for you, "Rev."

HOUSING EXPERT

BROTHER ALONZO G. MORON Former Commissioner of the Virgin Islands, g.aduate of Hampton Institute and B r o w n University, with A.M. from the University of Pittsburg, was appointed assistant manager of the A. U. Housing Project. In college days, he earned Phi Beta Kappa honor.

;

TESTIMONIAL DINNER IN HONOR OF BROTHER MYLES A. PAIGE On Saturday evening, November 7, 1936, at a testimonial dinner at the Fifth Avenue Restaurant of New York City* AlÂŁ>ha Gamma Lambda honored Brother Myles A. Paige on his appointment as City Magistrate in New York City. At this banquet, attended by over 175 Alpha men and their wives and lady friends from points as far as 250 miles away from the city, Brother Dr. F. R. Allen, President of Alpha Gamma Lambda, served as chairman, and Brother Elmer A. Carter acted as toasimaster. Among the speakers of the evening were: Hon. Jacob Gould Schurman, Chief City Magistrate, Hon. Charles E. Toney, Justice Municipal Court, New York City, the only non-Alpha man present; Brother Joseph H. B. Evans, National Secretary; Brother Justice lames S. Watson, Justice Municipal Court, New York City, Brother Charles H. Westley, National President; and Brother Myles A. Paige, the newly appointed City Magistrate. A telegram from Mayor F. H. LaGardia, who made the appointment, expressed the regrets of the Mayor and Mrs. LaGardia because of their inability to attend and wished for Brother Paige a happy and successful career.

The chief Justice and the Chief City Magistrate emphasized in their speeches that there is great need for the service of trained Negroes in all the branches of the city and state judiciaries, that the appointment of Brother Paige was based solely on merit, and that this appointment is merely a first step toward the full recognition of the ability of Negro jurists to serve the government equally (Continced on page 31)

December, 1936

THE

SPHINX

Page 7

A HISTORY OF ALPHA DELTA CHAPTER OF LOS ANGELES The first half of this history was accurately compiled by our dear brother who is now a member of Omega, James W. McGregor. Much credit can be given to him for his splendid work in this Chapter.

RUFUS S. NORMAN. The history of Alpha Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity dates back as far as November 1920, when a University Students' Club conceived by Malcolm H. Patton and Bert McDonald, and eventually organized at the home of Dr. John Somerville with a membership embracing fifteen male students then enrolled in the University of Southern California received its birth.

Following this organization, the Club functioned as a temporary social gathering, satisfying its appetite on sumptous refreshments to which it treated by one and another of its generous members who sought the honor of its presence in their homes. Bert McDonald, its president and Thomas A. Green, Jr., its secretary, were the only known officers existing at the will of the members. Laws were out of touch with the spirit of practical humor which pervaded the atmosphere of its proceedings.

Conspicuous among its affairs was the Christmas party which was given at the home of Howard Allen, 3451 McKinley Avenue, on Thursday the 30th of December, 1920.

Amid all its fun and frolic, however, the aspiration towards fraternity life was the dominant note and fight to secure affiliation with a national fraternity was successfully consumated when, on Wednesday evening the 11th of May, 1921, the club of fifteen members was installed as Alpha Delta Chapter, in accordance with instructions given to, and authority vested in him by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity by Attorney Clarence A. Jones at the home of Howard Allen.

The new chapter now set itself to earnest work. Its Constitutional Committee on which such men as Wm. Pillow and Samuel Danley worked, prepared and presented a local Constitution which was adopted at a meeting hold at the home of John Rout, 1538 Paloma Ave., on Saturday the 4th of June, 1921. On the following Friday evening, June, 10, at a meeting held at the home of James McGregor, 1753 W. 35th Street the By-Laws were adopted and the first corps of officers were elected as follows: Bert McDonald President William Pillow Vice President Thomas A. Greene, Secretary Samuel B. Danley Ass't. Secretary Howard Allen Treasurer James McGregor Critic Historian This election also returned Malcolm Patton as Chairman of the Membership Committee (as the Rushing Committee was then known), and Hay ward Thompson as Chairman of the Activities Committee.

Faculty recognition of the Chapter was disclosed by Bert McDonald in a letter from Professor Harold Stonier, then Chairman of the Committee in charge of Fraternities at the University of California. In reporting the fact McDonald jubilantly emphasized to the membership his influence with certain members of the faculty committee which enabled him to dexterously manipulate the machinery for the speedy recognition which the Chapter had gained. Unfortunately, however, the summer vacation overtook us before it was understood that permission to function as an organized unit of the student body of the

University of Southern California must first be obtained from the Executive Committee of the Associated Student Body, and it was not until December 13th, during the ensuing semester, that this permission was secured.

Alpha Delta then became a real college fraternity, while still ift the making, however, we had one graduate in the person of Thomas A. Greene, Jr., who was awarded the degree of D. D. S. after a successful course in dentistry. The members showed their appreciation of Greene's success by presenting him with a belt, finished with an initialed buckle of gilt, (Bro. Greene is still wearing this belt and buckle).

Charter members of the Chapter included Malcolm J. H. PaPtton, Jr., Bert McDonald, Thomas A. Greene, Jr., Arthur E. Prince, Hayward Thompson, Samuel B. Danley, Jr., Hugh Bell John Rout, John Riddle, Bernard Herndon, Simon Draper, William Pillow, Howard Allen, Clifford Gordon and James McGregor.

At a "Smoker" held at the home of Howard Allen on the evening of Friday, November 18, 1921 all the new male students of the university were entertained by the chapter. Speeches were delivered by the guests, who stirred by the enthusiasm, and at times the mirth of the gathering as they outlined their ideas of frat life as contrasted with club life. One very doubtful looking aspirant indicated his desire to join then and there "if the fees were not too high". The fees have, however, never been suggested to him, high or low, since the necessity for so doing remained entirely at zero among fraternal members!

In some cases the fees have proved "too high" for others who have been relegated to the limb of the Spectators Club and other organizations. In other cases the votes proved one too low, and the would-be members died as easily as the wind which blew their names before the Chapter. Survivors have, however, been rescued from the list, proving in all instar.cea a most gratifying contemplation.

On Friday evening December 23, 1921, the Chapter. entertained its members with a Christmas Party at the home of Malcolm Patton, 1106 East Pico Street, following that given by the University Students' Club the previous year. Ivan J. Johnson, the only newfy pledge member officiated here as waiter and washer. To him the entire affair was a new discovery.

As the youthful life of the Chapter prevented the lavish growth of funds it was impossible, in the first year of its existence, to send representatives to the National Convention which took place at Baltimore, Md., during the last week in December, but words of greeting were telegraphed through the President and were duly reciprocated in a letter from the General Secretary, Norman L. McGehee.

Changes in the Constitution of the Chapter effected on Febuary 7, 1922, were necessitated by an order of the General Organization, making it obligatory for all Chapters to elect their officers at their next regular meeting immediately following the Annual Convention.

Under these changes the following officers were elected March 3rd-, and retained their respective offices until January 1923.

Bert McDonald Malcolm H. Patton Arthur E. Prince Howard Allen Samuel B. Danley, Jr.

President . .1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Treasurer Secretary

Page 8 Ivan J. Johnson James W. McGregor

THE Asis't. Secretary Critic-Historian

Further changes have since been adopted, rendering the instrument a more flexible and, therefore, more workable one, both in keeping with orders of the National Organization and local conditions.

On Friday evening April 21st, the Chapter entertained the new male students entered in the University during the second semester with a paity held at the home of Howard Allen. Included in the number of guests, was Paul Logan, a member of Nu Chapter, Lincoln University, Philadelphia.

Two notable events of the Chapter during the current year were the Educational Campaign which was conducted from May 21st to June 11th inclusive, and the banquet given in honor of the President of the University, Dr. Rufus B. Von Kleinsmid at the Sojourner Truth Home, 119 East Adams Street, on Wednesday evening June 7th. In the Educational Campaign the prize of five dollars offered to high school students' foT the best essay on "The Advantages of a Higher Education", was captured by Leon Whitaker of Los Angeles High SchoolThe Campaign won local distinction for the Chapter and rewarded its efforts with thirty-eight dollars and eightytwo cents as nucleus towards a university scholarship fund.

The Banquet was another achievement worthy of note, as it comprehended features that were vital to the status of the Chapter both as a univer-ity organization and as a civic and fraternal institution. President Von Kleinsmid and such members of the faculty as were present together with other guests of the community, added new life to that of the membership and inspired them with new hopes for greater achievement in the future.

Additional pledges to the Chapter were Grant Venerable and Thomas Rcid. On Thursday, February 16th, Johnson was inflated and, on Thursday May 18th at 9:00 p. m. Venerable and Reid saw the light of the world.

Dr. Leonard Stovall, the only active-Honorary pledge for the fared lightly owing to the limitations imposed by the dignity of his profession; but when in conjunction with James Brawley a recent pledge, he was whipped into fraternal life on Saturday even : ng July 15th, beneath the warm reprisals of vengeful neophytes. Rev. S. M. Beane was later initiated and for the school year this made an addition to the Chapter of five active members and one Active-Honorary.

The aggregate membership of Alpha Delta Chapter now stands at twenty-one. Five of the charter members became inactive due to financial difficulties, a position in which it is hoped, they will only remain temporarily.

Distinctions won by members of the Chapter were those of Ivan Johnson in track, and Clifford Gordon and John Riddle in football. Malcolm Patton winning a pennant in his first year in athletics.

Graduates this year were Bert McDonald, A. B., William Pillow, and Hayward Thompson, D. D. S., and Malcolm Patton and Bernard Herndon, Ph. G. The record from 1923 to 1927 inclusive could not be located by the writer due to a former secretary who is now elsewhere failing to release the property of the Chapter before departing, but a few of the events have been gathered here and there so as to bridge the span.

Specific dates will be omitted since they would only be approximate.

The next corps of officers were as follows: James W. McGregor President Malcolm H. Patton Vice President Arthur E. Prince Secretary-Treasurer The outstanding feature of this administration was the sending of a delegate to the National Convention in the person of Malcolm H. Patton.

The Educational Program was a huge success, and

SPHINX

D e c e m b e r , 1936

during the year several new members were added to the Chapter. At the end of the year Malcolm H. Patton was elected president and JamesW. McGregor as secretary.

The other officers could not be named, and the writer will attempt to give the main feature of the year.

Young, alert James W. McGregor, a brilliant thinker and the leading Negro student on the campus, was sent to the National Convention, and due to his executive ability he became Vice President of the General Organization. This distinction was held for two years and when be failed to return at the next convention his vacancy was then filled by another.

Alpha Delta was host to Dr. W. E. B. DuBois at an elegant banquet- Again this feature added p r e t i g e to the Chapter and added materially in tha establishing this organization first and foremost in the minds and hearts of the citizenry of the community.

During this period up until the first part of the year 1927, Alpha Delta had increased in number of members and active pledges. It now boasted of some fifteen or more graduates. At the end of the year 1927 the six active pledges entertained the Chapter with a Christmas Party at the home of John F. Taylor on December 24th. On December 27th five cf the pledges were initiated at the home of Arthur E. Prince, 384 No. Vernon Avenue, Pasadena. The new members were Euclid M. Pruitt, Percy C. Taylor, Newell D. Eason, Riddell Scott and Rufus S- Norman.

The next year 1928, brought forth the following officers: Grant D. Venerable President Riddell Scott Vice President Rufus Scott Secretary Newell D. Eason Treasurer Ishmael P. Flory Sergt.-at-Arms During the administration of the officers Alpha Delta entertained the socia'ly elite with a Formal Prom that lingers until today. The affair was of such a high standard that Alpha Delta itself has not approached it again. The pin ceremony held at the prom was very impressive, seven men receiving their badges signaling them as Alpha men. The Educational Programs were held jointly with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

The Chapter at this time boasts of having a membership of sixteen undergraduates and thirty-three graduates and one honorary member. Some of the graduates of the chapter were transfers from other Chapters.

The corps of officers for 1929 were as follows: Grant D. Venerable President Rufus S. Norman Vice President James Robinson, J r Secretary Newell D. Eason Treasurer The Chapter functioned and flourished under these officers until summer vacation. After vacation the president had changed his address and the vice president had to preside the remainder of the year.

The Educational Program this year was held jointly with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The programs were well arranged and rendered.

The Chapter was host this year to the visitors of Berkeley who were down in Los Angeles for the California Southern California football game. The affair was held at the spacious Masonic Temple on 50th Street.

The officers for the y;ar 1930 were as follows: James Robinson President Newell D.. Eason Vice President Hugh B. Beaty Treasurer Alfred R. Green Secretary James R. Davenport Sergt.-at-Arms Calvin Edwards Parliamentarian Harry R. Johnson Critic Historian This year two new members were initiated into the (Continued on page 32

December, 1936

THE

BLUEFIELD'S NEW PRESIDENT

BROTHER HENRY LAKE DICKASON President of Bluefield State Teachers' College, and former president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

By Win. H. Gray, Jr. The election of Henry Lake Dickason to the presidency of Bluefield State Teachers College furnishes a noteworthy and commendable tribute to the educational career of one of the most outstanding and illustrious figures of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Brother Dickason, who during 1912-1914 served in the capacities of General Secretary and General President respectively of the fraternity, has recieved an appropriate outlet for his magnanimous spirit of service in this new position recently bestowed upon him by the commonwealth of West Virginia. His selection by the state Board of Education received the wholehearted endorsement of citizens of the mountaineer state who have followed his achievements as an educational, civic and religious leader.

Coming from an ancestory noted for three generations as teachers, Brother Dickason was born in Lindside West Virginia, where he received his primary training in typical rural school fashion. He entered Bluefield, the school which he heads today, to acquire his preparatory and Normal school training. Following his graduation at Bluefield, Brother Dickason matriculated at Ohio State University where he won numerous scholastic honors before taking both the baccalaureate and Masters degrees.

It was at Ohio State that he affiliated with the fraternity;

SPHINX

PagŠ 9

an affiliation which would inevitably pattern his future activities, and greatly influence the destiny of Alpha Phi Alpha.

At Ohio he began his distinguished career in the organization by serving as president of Kappa Chapter.

Following this brilliant college record, Brother Dickason returned to the then Bluefield Institute as instructor. His rise in the educational field paralleled the rapid growth of the school; he bacame registrar, and following meritorious service in this capacity became the school's first dean over two decades ago, which position he relinquished to become president.

Although busily engaged in the academic life of the college, Dean Dickason found time to render influential and effective services to the community, state, nation and fraternity. In civic affairs he became outstanding as President of the McDowell Mercer Round Table for two years, and for the past eight years has served as treasurer of this body. He was a member of the Auxiliary Advisory council of Defence during the World War and was also a member of the "Four Minute" Men during this same catastrophe. He is a member of the Y. M. C. A. and was organizer of, and director for three years of the Bluefield branch's night school. Brother Dickason has likewise won a place for himieif in the religious life of the community as a member, and Steward of the John Stewart, Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church.

As an educator President Dickason has made contributions in the following ways: President of the West Virginia Teachers Association for two years and historian for the past six years, member of the state committee to revise the course of study (1928) for normal schools and colleges, on which committee he served in the final conferences on revision of courses; and has served as Counsel for the National Association of Teachers in Colored Schools for two years.

Brother Dickas.on's achievements within the confines of Alpha Phi Alpha have been commensurate with his varied accomplishments in other activities. Aside from his progressive administration as General President of the Fraternity, Brother Dickason's services to the organization have remained constant throughout the years.

"Fear, Faith and Future" was hailed as a masterpiece for its vitality and forcefulness. He has served as chairman of the Reccommendations committee of the Fraternity at the Cleveland, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Atlanta conclaves, and has been chairman of the Standards Committee for the past six years. His work in Alpha Zeta Lambda, his local chapter, recapitulates his efforts and contributions in the national organization. He was the chapter's first president and is at present chairman of both its budget and Educational Committee.

Bluefield anticipates a new awakening under the capable guidance and leadership of Brother Dickason and awaits the dawning of a new day when she will rise to the heights of the country's foremost institutions of higher learning. It does Alpha proud to hail such a character! o

HITS & MISSES—(From P 5) Brother Tommie Denton, of Little Rock, Arkansas, looked in on us for a while to see his Alma Mater lose a football game. Great guy, Tommie. You and Brother Carolina Brown really know your hospitality in making a fellow feel good in your home town. Keep an eye on my female weakness, will you? You know who.

Sorry that I wasn't able to attend the big Thanksgiving activities given by Alpha Alpha Chapter in "Cincy." 'I know it was a grand success. Those boys with Braxton Conn, and Drs. McClain and Lockley can really do things.

Be seeing you soon.

P a g e 10

THE

SPHINX

D e c e m b e r , 1936

THE SAGA OF OZZIE SIMMONS

BY WM. H. GRAY. JR.

Courtesy Washington Tribune *M

Finis was written to the saga of Ozzie Simmons on the gridiron stage as the great Iowa backfield ace terminated his playing days, by lead ng his mates to a splendid victory over Temple University.

Acclaimed the greatest running back in the Big Ten •since the days of Grange, Simmons closed a tumultous fooiball career in valoric fashion.

Simmons, like Brother Bill Bell of Ohio State fame will perhaps go down in history as one of the unsung heroes of the gridiron. Bell played along fide the mighty Wesley Feisler; and many say his p'aying at tackle made the famous end immortal. With Simmons it fell his lot to be the running mate of the great blocking back, Dick Crayne. A year ago Crayne made all-American because he was the blocker for Simmons. Today without Crayne, and with a relatively weak team, Simmons only merited honorable mention on conference selections beacuse his efforts, such as a fine 20-yard run against the nation's leading team, Minnesota, had to be discounted in the face of the overwhelming defeat suffered by his mates.

Iowa will long remember the bronze flash for the many thrills his spectacular broken field running afforded. For two years he scored 90 per cent of Iowa's points, and his

runs of 71 yards and 68 yards respectively against Illinois and Colgate will be talked about 'round the fires of Iowa's famed Alpha House for years to come. Last year he made the second all-American team in Associated Press polls, and was further honored by being recipient of the Pittsburgh Courier's Achievement Award.

Brothel- Chester L. Washington, writing of Brother Simmons in his columns relates the following interesting facts, that he received his high school football training at Terrel High in Fort Worth, Texas, under a Negro coach, whch should be quite sign'ficant, that Ozzie helps to make ends meet in collrge by singing and entertaining at various club and social affairs in Iowa City, and that he is one of the mainstays of the Alpha Phi Alpha basketball team.

It was quite appropriate that "so long, good-bye and good luck," should be the farewell cry to Ozzie Edward Simmons as his team upset Temple for its only victory of a poor season. That Brother Simmons h not without honor in Iowa is evidenced in the fact that the bounding bullet of the gridiron won first prize in the Des Moines Register and Tribunes' annual "most popular athlete" poll which is the finest tribute which the State of Iowa can give to a man in its athletic realms.

D e c e m b e r , 1936

THE

BRO. JERRICK, ALPHA'S SOUL OF WIT, HAS SERVED RHO CHAPTER AS PRESIDENT TWENTY YEARS

SPHINX

Page i t

LAWMAKER IN KANSAS Brother Wm. H, Towers Beta Lambda Chapter.

Alpha Phi Alpha in general, and the Beta LambJa Chapter in particular, is proud of the record of Brother William H. Towers, who was elected to the Legislature of the State of Kansas, as a representative from the Eighth District.

Brother Towers record becomes much more interesting when one r.oies that he was elected on the Kepub ican ticke'; in a Democratic landslide.

Brother Towers WES initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha at n Chapter while a student at the University of Kansas. He was graduated from t i e Law School of that University in 1919. At present he is a strong and active member of Eeta Lambda and Upsilon Chapter for the past five (5) years. His wife, Mis. Wm. H. Towers, is secretary to the Alpha Wives.

BRO. DR. W. F. JERRICK Caesar had his Herodotus; Nero his Bulwe Lytton; Samuel Johnson his Boswell; George Washington his Ridpath; so Brother Doctor Walter Fitzgerald Jerrick should not be surprised at this amateur biogapher.

Brother Jerrick was born March 21, 1894, at Georgetown, British Guiana. He attended the public schools there until October 12, 1908, when he came to the United States and enrolled at Downington School during the presidency of Dr. F. M. Hedgeman, now pastor of Calvary Baptist church, Ardmore, Pa. In 1909 Brother Jerrick entered Lincoln University, Chester County, Pa., under auspices and in a manner the recounting of which has been given before in this magazine and the memory of which has become a ludicrous classic among Alpha men of his acquaintance.

(I pause here to state that Brother Jerrick is not deceased and this is by no means h;s obituary. This is a sub-editorial acknowledgment and acc'aim for his twentieth year as president of Rho Chapter, Philadelphia, Pa.) During his sojourn at Lincoln he won the Oratorical contest in his Freshman and Sophomore years, the Obdyke Gold Medal, first prize for oratory in his junior year, and .vas one of the Commencement Oi atcrs in his senior year. He was made an Alpha man in 1912, b e n g a charter member of Nu Chapter and one of its first secretaries. He was a charter member of Rho Chapter and its president continually since 1917 with the exception of the year 1928, when Brother George Lyle, a charter member of Beta and erstwhile Alpha Phi Alpha luminary of rich tradition relieved him for a breathing spell.

To those who think of Brother Jerrick synonimously with witty, sparkling, all absorbing oratory it will surely be of Ripley unbelief to know that he was a letter man in track during his collegiate days at Lincoln, that he had an excellent tenor voice and was a soloist of no degree of mediocrity, that he was choir leader with fifteen students singing under his leadership.

His medical education was pursued at the University of Pennsylvania, 1914-1919, where he was a member of the Zelosophic Literary Society, an honor student, a re-

H's political life during the past few years has brought him into public favor by the excellent record that he has made as Deputy City Attorney for Kansas City, Kans.

He accepted this appointment in 1930, and some very important cases have been handled through his office.

cipient of a Fellowship to the University of Paris and the University of Edinburgh, 1920-1921. His internship was served at the Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa. He is an active, progressive, and very successful practicing physician with oifices at 1843 Christian Street, Philadelphia, and a Staff member at the J. C. Price Memorial Hospital, being the only colored man connected in any way with that exclusive private hospital located in Philadelphia, Pa. Brother Jerrick is a much sought after speaker, both civic and fraternal. He has been a banquet speaker at the conventions at R.chmond, Va., Atlanta, Ga., Cleveland, Ohio and the recent Pan-Pacific Convention at Los Angeles, Cal. He has been a Convention speaker at Cleveland, Cincinnati and at Nashville was listed the principal speaker at the convention Memorial exercises. Being a members of the Speakers Bureau of our National fraternity he has been the principal speaker at the Go-ToHigh-School, Go-To-College meetings at Wilberforce University, Baltimore, Md., West Virginia State Collegiate Institute and at Linco.n University, Pa. He is a member of the ?2o,000 Educational Scholarship Fund Committee.

His name can be found on the rolls of the First African Presbyterian Church, 17th and Fitzvater Streets, Philadelphia, Pa. Many, many years ago Sir Walter Scott wrote, most likely anticipating Brother Jerrick: "And if thou snyest I am not peer To all the lords ; n Scotland here Lowland or highland, far and near Lord Angus! Thou hast lied!"

O. WILSON WINTERS.

P a g e 12

T H E S P H I N X

D e c e m b e r , 1936

VOICE OF THE SPHINX NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF SHAW

Courtesy Journal and Guide BROTHER DR. ROBERT P. DANIEL Brother Robert P. Daniel, President-elect of Shaw University is one of the outstanding members of Beta Gamma Lambda Chapter located in Richmond, Va. He was initiated into the fraternity by Gamma Chapter located at Virginia Union University where he received the degree of A. B. From Union, he went to Columbia University where he received his M. A. and Ph. D. degrees.

He has been a member of the Faculty of Virginia Union University for 12 years, serving as head of the department of Education, and while there he was very instrumental in shaping the activities of Gamma.

He has had the distinction of being the Eastern Vice President of the fraternity for five years, and has visited more than thirty chapters throughout the jurisdiction.

He early became known in the fraternity as "Dynamic Daniel". He is at present a member of the committee on Award of Fellowships and Scholarships.

Dr. Daniel has become an active member of Phi Lambda Chapter of Raleigh, North Carolina..

BROTHER R. P. DANIEL HONORED AT BANQUET BY PHI LAMBDA, BETA RHO Phi Lambda and Beta Rho Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, located at Raleigh, North Carolina, sponsored a formal banquet in honor of Brother Doctor Robert P. Daniel, the newly elected president of Shaw University, at the Hotel Arcade on Monday evening, November 9, 1936.

Brother Russell A. Dixon, dean of Dentistry, Howard University, who was in the city vhiting Shaw, was also present. Brother H. C. Perrin, President of Phi Lambda, served as toastmaster. Tributes were offered by the following: Brother Benjamin Collier, pres'dent of Beta Rho Chapter; Brother Russell'A. Dixon, of Howard University; Brother H. I. Nantom, editor of the Carolina Tribune; Brother M. W. Akins, principal of Washington High School; Brother John L. Tilley, dean of Religion, Shaw University. Dr. Daniel expressed very forcefully his appreciation for the reception by the chapters of Raleigh, and pledged his continued support to the higTi ideals of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

NU LAMBDA CHAPTER Va. State College Nu Lambda flashes to you greetings. Here at Virginia State College our Chapter is already well on the way into the yea.'s activities.

Brother Wesley and Brother Logan brought inspiring words to the brotheis of Beta Gamma and Nu Lambda at a smoker held by these chapters on October 20, 1936.

I h e r e were sixty-three brothers present representing ten chapters of A.pha Prii Alpha. It was with a great deal of enthusias-m that the brothers both young and old discussed the problems and contributions of the fraternity.

Brother Legcn enlightened us en the works of the National Organization. Brother Wesley discussed the "true " and the undue amount of brutality in initiations all ovzr tha country. Brothar Gandy, tlu president of Virginia State College, expressed a desire to see the grand tax far underg aduatea lowered. Hi., suggestion was met by ha.riy applauss from the undergraduates and a large number of the giaduates present Nu Lambda finds its membership somewhat changed sines seve;al of its members are spending the year scatteied over the noitheast in graduate schools.

Brother Thomas Cotman, who was president of the group during tha first pait of 1933, is studying at Cornell University. Blether Cctman is taking work in Hotel Management and Dietetics at Cornell. Brother Reuben McDaniel, secretary of Nu Lambda during early 1936, is also studying at Cornell University. Brother McDaniel is working on his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mathematics. Brother Lcckett is working on his Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture at Rutgers University. Brother Lockett leceived one of the graduate scholarships given

by Alpha Phi Alpha fo 1936-37. Brother Roberts is working on his Ph. D. at Yale University. Brother Roberts is doing his work in Sociology.

The loss of theie brothers is only temporary, they are expected back next year. Though fewer in number it is with no less zeal that we attack our work for the year.

We have selected our officers for the year. Brother George W. Owens, head of the Agricultural Education Department at Virginia State College was elected president. We look forward to a year of productive work under the capable leadership of Brother Owens. Brother William A. Rogers was elected vice president for the year. Brother Rogers is secretary of the college. Brother James B. Cephas the "Keeper of Students' Accounts" for the college was elected secretary of the group. Brother John E. Settle, Head of the Department of Animal Husbandry here in the college, was elected treasurer. Brother John B. Brown, Minister of the Zion Baptist Church of Petersburg Virginia, was elected chaplain. Your correspondent was elected Editor to the Sphinx.

We have a membership of ten brothers. The names of the other brothers follow: Brother John M. Gandy, President of Virginia State College; Brother Luther H. Foster, Treasurer and Business Manager of the college; Brother James H. Johnston, Dean of the college; Brother Colson Jackson, Instructor in Peabody High School in Petersburg; Brother Harry R. Jefferson, Dean of Men and coach of the Viginia State College championship football team.

The two local chapters of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity annually award a Certificate o fMerit to the Negro in Petersburg and vicinity who does most for the race during the year. Brother Brown of Nu Lambda was awarded that certificate for 1935-36.

Nu Lambda and your correspondent bid you farewell until next time.

D e c e m b e r , 1936

THE

SPHINX

P a g e 13

BETA RHO CHAPTER' SHAW UNIVERSITY

BETA RHO CHAPTER, which was set up at Shaw University, Raleigh, N. C, indicates that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is still in the process of growth and developmsnt. Shown in the picture are, reading from left to right— (First row) Brothers B. Andew Collier, John R. Marabla, Clarence J. Tobias, W. Edward Murphy, and Walker H. Quarles; Second Row—Brothers Walter Moore, Moses Newsome, George D. Marshall, W. Coleman Shanks, and Claude R. Trotter.

BETA RHO CHAPTER, RECENTLY SET UP AT SHAW UNIVERSITY, RALEIGH. N. C. With the advent of the first semester many advances were made in the progress of Shaw University. We welcomed Brother Robert P. Daniel as president of our institution, and we finally attained our goal in having Beta Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha established on our campus. The ceremonies were performed October 31, 1936.

The founding of Beta Rho Chapter was made possible through the efforts of Phi Lambda Chapter of Raleigh, N. C. Their sincerity and ideal inspiration served as an invaluable aid during the period of our first stage of fraternal life. We are indebted to Brother James O. Ellis, the Regional Director, and his associates, who were instrumental in carrying out impressive initiatory ceremonies.

Beta Rho Chapter is composed of nine members, representing four different states. Our officers are: Brothers B. Andrew Collier, Rahway, N. J., President; Moses Newsome, Ahoskie, N. C , Vice President; Clarence J. Tobias, Buffalo, N. Y. Secretary; Walter E. Moore, Winthrop, Mass-, Ass't. Secretary; George D. Marshall Riverside, N. J., Editor to the Sphinx; Claude R. Trotter, Roxboro, N. C., Treasurer; and John R. Marable Henderson, N- C., Sergeant-at-Arms. Brothers William E. Murphy, Oxford, N. C, and W. Coleman Shanks, Burlington, N. C, complete the membership of our chapter. Brother Walker H- Quarles formerly secretary of Beta Gamma Lambda,

Richmond, Va., is our Faculty Advisor.

Beta Rho Chapter surrounds itself with a fraternal spirit that is satisfied only by the highest and best of college attainments. We desire to add our voice to that group which we have so- long admired. We of the Beta Rho Chapter of Shaw University send our greetings to our numerous Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha. • We have assumed the responsiblity of being true members of Alpha Phi Alpha. Since the organization of our chapter, all of our brothers have assumed their duties with a determination and a spirit of brotherhood that has been admired by many groups on our campus- We have had many obstacles to surmount, but we know that with perseverance and co-operation all these obstacles will be means of motivation by which we shall attain our goals.

Since our establishment, the Dean of Men, desirous of maintaining a harmonious relationship among the fraternal groups, has entertained us together with the other chapters on the campus. Also we have been guests at two smokers given by the Omegas and the Sigmas. On November 18 we entertained a group of forty-five non-fraternity men with a smoker in Convention Hall. Our program is not completed as yet, but it will be one in which all Alpha men will take pride.

(Continued on Next Page.)

THE

P a g e 14

D e c e m b e r , 1936

SPHINX

* * A T E * M I T Y fUAf DR.O. WILSON W I N T E R S FRAT

FUN

EDITOR

w?

An Open Letter to the Jewels of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Dear Jewels, Founders and otherwise paternal progenitors of our great national brotherhood.

In this the season of universal rejoicing, of celebration of the most joyous season of the year, we are wont to doff the robes of merriment and don the vestments of the introspective. Therefore, the approach of Yuletide festivities brings to our minds thj mistletoe, the holly, poinsettias, Herald Ange's, bedizened trees, and little babes in swaddling clothes—in fact, eve.ythlng that goes with Christmas. One can scarcely associate this with the above caption of Fraternity Fun but since it is my editorial assignment for this issue, my keynote must be taken from this theme.

Continuing the Xmas babe theme, I obsei-ved in a recent issue of an auto magazine where one proud father sent out announcements of the birth of an heir his first-born. Being of an inventive m.'nd, he used the analogy of the leading automobile companies, how they enumerate the many specific qualities of their product.

The announcement ran like this: The SIDNEY JONES Company announces the 1937 Baby JONES Model Number One, SIDNEY, Junior. Model Re:eased December 3, 1936. Outstanding features: Two Lung Power Economical Pressure Feed Scream Line Body Bawl Bearing Water Cooled Exhaust Free Squealing Changeable Seat Covers Floating Power Body by Jones & Jones The management assures the public there will be no more new models until next year.

Net Wt. 8 LbsF.O.B. Provident Hospital

She fell in love with a jeweler, but it's only a matter of time.

XMAS ODDITIES She was home from college for Xmas and called in to see the family doctor. "Doc," she said, "I need an operation."

"Major," asked the doctor.

"No," replied the girl, "Second Lieutenant."

FAMOUS PRE-XMAS EXPRESSIONS "I'm not expecting anything this Xmas!

I spent all morning browsing through Woolworth's.

Why he quarreled with me over the most trivial thing.

I wonder why she phoned and talked so sweetly.

O dear! Santa Claus is poor this year.

I haven't bought a single present for anybody.

Don't let me forget to dust off that package Madge gave me last year.

I wonder how much she's going to spend on me?

For heaven's sake stop shaking it; open it now if you can't wait any longer.

I'd give him the devil about that hussy if it wasn't so near Xmas.

SANTA CLAUS PROMISES TO BRING: Brother Joe Evans—a complimentary tonsillectomy.

Brother Silas Garner—renewed Alphian activity.

Brother H. Riley—two new Convention Bibles.

Brother Wm. Gray—a fool-proof zipper.

Brother Ted Berry—an heir.

Jewel Geo. B. Kelly—more loquacity.

Jewel Nat Murray—a pronouncing dictionary.

Brother Chas. W. Greene—a richer Southern brogue.

Brother Rayford Logan—continued suavity.

Brother Henry Lake Dickason—increased poundage.

Jewel Henry A. Callis—a New Deal in convention canes.

(Continued on page 31)

Little brother hung up his stocking for Santa Claus; Big Sister hung up her stocking, Mother hung up her stocking, Dad hung up his stocking then The Board of Health raided the house.

The meanest man we know—spent his pay check for liquor and told his kiddies Santa Claus had committed suicide.

BETA RHO CHAPTER S h a w University (Continued From Page 13) As new members of Alpha Phi Alpha we realize that we have been honored, and we shall ever hold its standards aloft.

Fraternally Yours, GEORGE D- MARSHALL Editor to the Sphinx.

Gladys—"Did Fred surprise you under the Mistletoe?"

Eloise—'Well, he thinks he did!"

The little girl who used to want an all day sucker has grown up now and just wants one for the Xmas holidays.

"A fool there was and he bought a gift Even as you and I. He bought it with care and taste and thrift For a lady his friends thought rather swift, And when he gave it—the lady sniffed Even as you—not I. I cranka da car But she no run Theeze automobile Shes' a saun of a gun.

Shesa stop in da middle Of da street upa town I look in da carburetor And shesa no drown.

I pusha da clutch Shaka da wheel Knock da brake Da horn I feel.

I look in da tank Wotta I see—yas!

Sawn of a gun Shesa outa da gas!

D e c e m b e r , 1936

THE

SPHINX

P a g e 15

NU CHAPTER, LINCOLN UNIVERSITY' PA. y,., j|

' -4H -mM

mmm

i ^

%P VP

;Jr\ P. ""44h

•

</-jL

1 #

^P^^^^WS^WMWHPW^. »MSHRBBBHHHS»N^^^^^K ^ ^ ^ |

••I'V.'IMI—•

? T

# ¥ f 1

01 ••

w

<•*

'****'.

-

* -*<

#4

A ^ y ^ " ' " " *#"V '

suBtt

<

.

1 m

m~

1*,

# * >

'«!•''

5§;i ^ Y ^ *'

; -5 r

A© f* ft w l 9''f^w^ 'n*

*^* ** ^

VIB

-

wjj|jr>w

1

>

I !f L;

-

JIW

,v,

4

*'jg^-^-"""- ^.7^'';^p^

4& ^ > '

..

-».-*: , > »

i

-B^^w

NU CHAPTER, LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. NU CHAPTER Lincoln University, Pa. The Brothers of Nu are very proud to announce that their program of the year 1936-37 is being carried out most successfully under the leadership of Bro. Gilbert G. Mayers, president of the chapter.

Last month a smoker was given in honor of the new men inducted into the Sphinx Club. The new Sphinxmen include, A. Lanier, J. Ferguson, M. Waters, H. Thomas, G. Robinson and Al Casper. The high-light of the smoker was a most inspiring speech made by Bro- Mayers concerning fraternal life in general. Later the Sphinx Club returned a smoker in honor of their big brothers. This smoker was also very successful. The Sphinxmen were very much elated over having pleased the big brothers with their smoker.

On November 6, 1936, Nu Chapter celebrated its twentyfourth birthday. An open program for this celebration was given in chapel. Bro. H. Franklin Brown addressed the entire student body with a speech sketching the history of Alpha Phi Alpha and the progress of Nu Chapter. In connection with the program. Bro. Mayers awarded to Charles Bonner the Seldon medal, which is an annual award of Nu. to the individual maintaining the highest scholastic standing/during his frejhman year. Incidentally, Bonner is now a. brother..

•

Monday, Nov. 9, 1936 marks a great period in the lives of thirteen sons of Nu.Thirteen lowly souls on that "never -to-beforgotten night" were initiated into the folds of our dear Alpha Phi Alpha. These most fortunate beings answer to the roll of Nu as —Bros. Randolph, Briscoe, Bonner, Roark, Patrick, Griggs, Ferguson, Johnson, Lanier, Robinson, Taliaferro, Ranson and Simmons.

Plans are now well under way for a banquet which Nu will give prior to the Xmas holiday in honor of its Bro. chapter Psi. Our other honored guests will be Bro. Belford V. Lawson and Brother Farrow Allen. By the time this article reachej> the press a most enjoyable time together will have been spent by the brothers of Psi and Nu along with Bros. Lawson and Allen.

The brothers of Nu may be found well distributed among the various extra-curricular activities on the campus. The Y. M. C. A. cabinet, which is one of the most outstanding organizations here at Lincoln, is under the supervision of Bro. H. Franklin Brown, president of the cabinet. BroHenderson, Treasurer, also maintains a position in this select group of Y. cabinet members. Our Pres. Bro. Mayers serves on the Student Council. Bro. Robert Crater presides over the dramatic society. We are also represented in this field by Bros. Patrick, Randolph, Davis, Henderson, Johnson and Lanier. Bro. Charles Bonner and Bro. A. Bates sang in the L. U- quartette which recently made a broadcast from New York. On the gridiron Nu is represented in Bros. Brisbane,. Roark, Taliaferro, and Ferguson. With

Page 16

THE

basketball practice beginning there are found on the court Bros. Jones, Henderson, Brisbane and Pree, all members of last year's varsity team. Bro. Ransom is also making his bid for a court position this season. Nu is proud of Bro. Jasper Turner for his services as student assistant coach of the football team.

Election of officers for the ensuing year has been held.

The new officers of Nu are as follows Donald Davis President John Randolph Vice President William Griggs Recording Secretary Robert Henry Corresponding Secretary Melvin Taliaferro Treasurer Charles D. Bonner Assistant Treasurer Leroy Patrick Parliamentarian Arthur John Associate Editor of Sphinx Charles Briscoe Chaplain Charles Smith Sergt.-at-Arms In closing Nu extends to all Brothers a most prosperous New Year.

MARTIN J. L. PREE Associate Editor of Sphinx

BETA ALPHA CHAPTER Morgan College Greetings, Brothers: On Octcber 29, 1936 at 1416 McCulloh St., in the fair city of Baltimore, Beta Alpha hÂťld her annual smoker.

Brother Collis V. Bryant acting as host.

The forty or so Morganites who attended the smoker spent a highly enjoyable and enlightening evening. During the course of the night they played cards and recreated in songs, conversation, etc. Our guests were introduced to Alpha by means of several enlightening addresses given by, Brother Furman Templeton (President of Delta Lambda here in Baltimore), and Brother C. C. Jackson also a member of Delta Lambda. Through these speeches the fellows were given an idea of just what Alpha stands for, something of its history, and what is expected of Alpha men.

Following the talks, and to bring the evening to a logical conclusion, a tasty buffet lunch waj tendered the guests. Some of the constituents of this miniature feast were: Sandwiches of various kinds, hot chocolate, cookies of attractive structure, candies, peanuts and all the other things that go to make a lunch palatable. At 11 o'c'lock all present retired to their respective homes, an enjoyable evening having been spent.

SUNDAY, NOV. 1, 4 O'CLOCK MORGAN COLLEGE CHAPEL. The student body of Morgan College was treated to a new type of Sunday service by Beta Alpha. This service was held in our college chapel at 4 o'clock Sunday, Nov. 1.

The type of service was an open forum. The main speaker on this occasion was Brother Belford Lawson, our Regional Director and a prominent young Washington, D. C, attorney. The theme of the discussion and also the subject of the speech was: "What Do You Believe?" Under this head were sub-topics, such as "Do You Believe In The Justifiable Lie?" "Is Honesty the Best Policy?" "Do You Believe In the Divine Reward?" "Does Every Man Have His Price?" Brother Lawson covered the topics very thoroughly and efficiently. His treatment of the various angles of each topic, his style of presentation, his complete mastery of the English language, his utilization of all the skills and techniques making for effective speech are still being lauded by the students. The audience was held almost in awe by his eloquence.

After his address, Brother Lawson led the discussion, into which the audience entered euthusiastically. Much heated discussion ensued with the usual "pros" and "cons."

SPHINX

December, 1936

The student body is commended on their whole-hearted participation, as it shows that the Negro Youth is really thinking.

Tea, cookies, and sandwiches were served the audience.

Another item of note was the seating arrangement for this meeting. The audience was seated in easy chairs, sofas, ?tc. arranged in somewhat of a chela about the main speaker, giving an air of intimate informality.

During the course of the evening we were treated to selections by talented brothers. Bro. Hyland Reid rendered a vocal selection, "A Poor Man's Garden." He was accompanied by Miss Violet Banks of Morgan College. Professor Ollington E. Smith, head of the English department and Dramatics at Morgan, g-ve a reaiin^, "The Congo," by Vachel Lindsay.

This forum was highly beneficial to all concerned; it elicited the praise of the faculty who realized how important thought provoking situations such as> this forum discussion are to the development of the students.

Among the brothers present and those who co-operated to make this forum a success were: Brother Burman Templeton, C. C. Jackson, of Delta Lambda. Brothers Cephas, Wright, Drake, Hardin, (Pres. of Beta Alpha), Reid, Hite, Bryant, Wynder, Carrol, and Lockwood, of Beta Alpha. Wishing chapters everywhere much success in carrying out the program of Alpha, en behalf of Beta Alpha, I remain, Fraternally yours, WM. VURNELL LOCKWOOD, Associate Editor.

BETA OMICRON CHAPTER Tennessee State College Greetings Brothers: Beta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha has formally begun its activities for the school year 1936-37. Beginning with a smoker for unaffiliated men of State College on Oct. 30. A most enjoyable affair culminating with inspiring addresses by Bro. Dean Gore, of State College, Bro. Ben Ferguson, and Bro. Dean A. A. Taylor of Fisk University.

In keeping with the constructive policies of Alpha Phi Alpha, Beta Omicron Chapter is offering a one year scholarship to the student receiving the highest average for scholastic ability for the year 1936-37.

New members of Beta Omicron this year are Bro. Lanness Calhoun Turner, Beta Epsilon Chapter, A. and T. College, Greensboro, N. C. Bro. Edgar Harold Green, Tau Chapter University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, and Bro. Virgil F. Dixon of Alpha Nu Chapter, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa.

Our Sphinx club this year numbers twelve, twelve young men of whom we are justly proud.

Officers of Beta Omicron are President, Bro. Lanness Calhoun Turner, Secretary, Bro. Frederic Randolph Howell, Treasurer, Bro. Richelieu Strainge, Corresponding Secretary, Brother Virgil F. Dixon.

Fraternally Yours, VIRGIL F. DIXON Corresponding Secretary.

BETA NU CHAPTER Florida A. & M. Beta Nu, way down in sunny Florida, breaks its Sphinxlike silence and sends greetings and best wishes for a joyous Christmas to all other chapters ana to the General Organization.

The brothers of Beta Nu are enjoying an unusual rejuvenation of the old Alpha spirit for the present school term and are looking forward to the realization of an even more successful program for the remainder of the

THE

December, 1936

year. One of the immediate goals we are striving for is a chapter house.

The brothers did not forget the Thanksgiving spirit of sharing. Each brother responded willingly to Brother Wilson's call for a contribution to be given to the needy.

This same spirit will exist at Christmas time.

Welcomed into the folds of Alpha Phi Alpha on Nevember 21, 1936, through Beta Nu, were Neophyte Brothers Alphonso L. McMeekins and David B. Jones. Brother McMeekins plays right guard on Florida's football team and has an average of fifty-nine minutes of actual play for the first five games of the season. Brother Jones is the campus photographer and a member of the college band and orchestra—solo musician in each.

After the initiation, the Neophyte Brothers were entertained at a banquet. Inspiring speeches were delivered

by Brothers William "Big Bill" Bell, now head coach at Florida, Ralph Wardlow, A. L. Kidd, L. A. Wilson, Leo Lucas and others.

The officers for the past year were: L. A. Wilson President Anthony Gardiner 1st Vice President John Hicks 2nd Vice President William Harper Corresponding Secretary Leo. Luca Treasurer Beta Nu is maintaining steadfastly a high scholastic standard, and are living up to the ideals of the fraternal organization. In spirit and all worthwhile movements.

In memory of our dear Brother Charles Chapman —who because of his greatness, accomplishments, and invaluable contribution to Negro youth—we submit one of his original poems, its philosophy, and brotherly warmth we cherish deeply.

Just to be a friend of yours, And to know you're one of mine With a friendship that endures And grows sweeter like old wine.

Just to clasp you by the hand In a friendly sort of way, And to know you understand All the things I want to say.

Just to link your arm in mine And go singing to the task, With a friendship so sublime This, and only this I ask.

If the day be gray and sad Just to fight on and go thru, And at evening to be glad You for me and I for you.

In the next issue of the SPHINX, Beta Nu will present definite plans for more worthwhile things for Alpha at Famcee. Until then we again wish all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We hope to meet all chapters in 1937 at the Crescent City Convention.

Fratrnally L. A. WILSON

ALPHA LAMBBA CHAPTER Louisville, Kentucky Bro. P. 0. Sweeney, our President, was elected recently as President of the local chapter of the N. A. A. C. P. Brother T- R. Spillman was elected as Vice President.

Brother Bates Blackburn, a graduate of Atlanta University, has been appointed in charge of the Recreational Work at Recreational Center.

William Guest has been appointed as Supervisor of employment of youths with office in Pythian Temple in connection with the Re-Employment Service.

Brother Blyden Jackson, one of the youngest members of the Chapter, who is a graduate from Wilberforce, is a

SPHINX

Page 17

member of the Faculty of Madison Street Junior High School.

Alpha Lambda Chapter presented a worthy student at Municipal College with a scholorship.

Brother Frank Reid, former Pastor of Quinn Chapel A. M. E. Church, who was a candidate for Bishop in the General Conference last summer, has been transferred to the St. Paul A. M. E. Church in St. Louis.

Brother Frank Stanley, Editor of the Louisville Defender, is making an excellent record for himself.

Brother R. F. White, on account of illness, is at the Soldiers' Home in Dayton.

Brother Lyman Johnson, who was our representative at the California Summer Meeting, is the treasurer of our Chapter. He is one of the most active members of the Chapter.

Brother J. A. Muir, an active member of the Chapter, is connected with the Jefferson County Juvenile Court.

That our brothers in other Chapters may know that Alpha Lambda members are holding their own in Louisville, we quote the following: We have a Representative to the Kentucky Legislature, a Physician in charge of a Tuberculosis Sanitarium, a Supervisor of Recreation, 1 Printer and News Correspondent, 1 Automobile Salesman, a President of a large Insurance Company, another Supervisor of insurance, a Photographer, 8 Physicians, 8 Teachers in High and Junior High Schools, 3 Dentists, 2 Pharmacists, 1 Recreational Director in C. C. C. Camps, 2 Supervisors in National Re-employment Service, 1 News Editor, 4 Associate News Correspondents, Pres. of N. A. A. C. P. The Keys of Alpha Lambda Chapter hang on the outside for visiting A. K. A. Sorority members who will be our guests during the Christmas holidays.

Alpha Lambda is the first Graduate Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Alpha Song was composed by a member of this Chapter, Brother Abraham Simpson, President of a Southern College.

LEE L. BROWN, Associate Editor to The Sphinx.

TAU LAMBDA CHAPTER Nashville, T e n n e s s e e Greetings to all men of Alph% Phi Alpha!

Tau Lambda cheerfully extends the fraternal grip to you in sentiments of brotherly affection, and, as always when true friends meet, is delighted to exchange with you notes covering its recent experiences.

Tau Lambda Entertains With Smoker On Wednesday evening, May 6, 1936, brothers of Tau Lambda, in cooperation with brothers from other local chapters, entertained Brother Charles H. Houston, Legal Department of the N. A. A. C P., Brother R. L. Tyus (Tau Lambda), representative of the Rumford Baking* Powder Company, and Brother M D. Senter (Alpha Mu Lambda), of the Federal Vocational Guidance Survey, with a smoker, bridge playing, and banquet in the Fisk University Faculty Club. The program was suggested and arranged by Brother M. G. Ferguson, of Chi Chapter, who is Regional Assistant to the Southern Vice President.

Brother A. A. Taylor, president of Tau Lambda, was Master of Ceremonies. Brief speeches were made by the following brothers: Brother R. L. Tyus, presented by Brother W. D. Hawkins, told of the sales promotion program which is being conducted by himself and another Alpha man for Ihe Rumford Baking Powder Company.

Brother Senter, represented by Brother Taylor, told of the activities of Alpha Mu Lambda men and outlined the general purpose of the Federal Vocational Guidance Survey.

Page 18

THE

Brother Houston, presented by Brother Lloyd Burrell, explained the endeavors of the N. A. A. C. P. to promote a program of education for citizenship among Negroes of the United States in their struggle for civic rights.

Brother Ferguson, presented by Brother Taplor, spoke in behalf of a cooperative program for local chapters.

After these formal talks, remarks were made by various chapter representatives: For Chi Chapter, Brother C. A. Galvin; for Alpha Chi, Brother G. Franklin Edwards; for Beta Omicron, Brother N. F. Smith; and for Tau Lambda, Brother St. Eimo Brady.

At the close of the program, all brothers joined in singing the Alpha Phi Alpha Hyn.n.

Activities 01 Tau Lambda Men Brother A. A. Taylor was Fisk University's delegate to the Harvard University Tercentenary for the meetings held on September 16, 17 and 18. He has recently been elected to the Executive Council of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.

Brother Charles S. Johnson recently made an addition to his numerous excellent works: "A Preface to Racial Understanding," published by the Friendship Press. The book is a concise and forceful presentation of facts pertaining to present day Negro life and the problems of racial contacts. The f:nal chapter consists of a number of practical suggestions on the conqusst of racial prejudice. It fully merits the praise which has come from many purchasers throughout the country.

Brother Lorenzo D. Turner is on sabbatical leave from Fisk University for the present school year and is studying phonetics and African languages at the University of London in order to prepare himself better for the continuation of his research work on the Gulla dialects which are spoken on the islands off the coasts of Georgia and the Carolinas. We hope for Brother Turner a successful year.

Brother John Hope Franklin, after a very successful year of graduate study at Harvard University, where he received the A. M. degree last June, has been appointed Instructor in History at Fish University. Brother Franklin is an honor graduate of Fisk, Class of '35.

Brother W. D. Hawkins, recently president of Tau Lambda, has won admission by state examination to the Tennessee Bar. Brother Robert N. Hemingway is on leave of absence from Fish University for the current year and has a General Education Board Fellowship to study at Oberlin College.

Brother L. Howard Bennett and Brother Andrew J. Allison attended the Alpha Convention in Los Angeles last summer and repoited a very pleasant experience, praising the hosts on the West Coast for the fine reception accorded Alpha men, as well as telling of the excellent convention.

Brother Calvin McKissack was architect for the newly completed Pearl High School building as well as for the Ritz Theatre.

Brother Lloyd E. Alexander, Assistant Professor of Biology at Fisk University, received the Ph. D. degree from the University of Rochester last June. Brother Alexander bsgan his collegs career at the University of Michigan, where he received the A. B. degree in 1927 and the Master of Arts degres in 1928. He has an outstanding record of scholastic achievement at both Universities, is a member of Phi Sigma Honorary Biological Society, the Society of Sigma Xi, and other scientific societies. All his expenses while a high school student as well as during his attendance at the University of Michigan, were met by his own efforts, and has excellent accomplishments earned for him two scholarships from the General Education Board for his doctorate studies.

SPHINX

December, 1936

For the Ph. D. degree, his research was done in Experimental Embryology. He is the first student to qualify for the doctorate in the Department of Zoology at the University of Rochester. Brother Alexander was formerly a member of Epsilon Chapter at Ann Arbor, Michigan. He returned to Ann Arbor in the summer of 1930 and freely gave both his time and money for five weeks in painting and redecorating the chapter house. Tau Lambda is proud to count h.m in its membership. (See cut.)

Tau Lambda Officers For 1937 President, Brother W. D. Hawkins, Jr.; Vice President, Brother R. Hernandez; Secretary, Brother J. R. Anderson; Assistant Secretary Brother L. E. Alexander; Treasurer, Brother I. T. Creswell; Chaplain, Brother C. F. Lewis; Parliamentarian, Brother R. B. J. Campbell; Sergeant-at-Arms, Brother F. E. Walker; Associate Editor of The Sphinx, Brother Mark Hanna Watkins.

OMICRON CHAPTER Pittsburgh, Pa. Greetings, Brothers: Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter held its annual election of officers at a meeting at the palatial residence of Brother Dr. John D.- Crampton, which resulted in the following officers being selected for the current year: Brother Henry Primas, President; Brother R. Maurice Vice President,; Brothe.- Dr. Royal W. Taylor, Treasurer; Brother Wilbur C Douglass, Secretary; and Brother W. Wendell Stanton Associate Editor.

The retiring President, Brother Joseph W. Givens, briefly reviewed the highiights of the past year, which included interesting programs presented by Joseph A. Tufts, Housing Expert, and Attorney John M. Henry, an authority on the United States Constitution and Supreme Court. Several of the Brothers were actively engaged in the political campaign, including Theron B. Hamilton, Esq., Special Assistant to the Attorney General, and Wilbur C Douglass Esq., of the County Solicitor's Office, Brother Joseph W. Givens Esq., candidate for the State Legislature, made a commendable showing but went the way of all Republican fie.-h.

Reinstatements returned Brother William Curtis of the United States Revenue Department, Brother Dr. Robert Bolden and Brother Attorney Arthur D. Stevenson to the fraternal fold.

Fraternally yours, W. WENDELL STANTON.

UPSILON CHAPTER Kansas University To the members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity we send greetings and wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

We of Upsilon have been planning big things for the incoming year. The new officers elected for the coming year as follows: Brother Cordell D. Meeks, president; Brother Arthur G. McLendon, vice-president; Brother James Tribue, recording secretary; Brother Edward Bruce, corresponding secretary and steward; Brother Wiliiam Spearman, associate editor of The Sphinx. The President and the other officers have planned a program which will increase the scope of Upsilon. At all times our goal is to raise the standard of Upsilon chapter and Alpha Phi Alpha.

At this time we wish to announce the initiation of the following men: Brother Lloyd B. Mobiley, '38, Kansas State College, Manhattan Kansas; Brother Vincent C. Bevenue, '38, Kansas State ColTege, Manhattan, Kansas; Brother Ephraim C. Ewing, '38, and Brother Ralph

D e c e m b e r , 1936

THE

Busch, '40. The two Brothers at Manhattan, Kansas, have already begun to investigate the qualities of some of the men at their school with the idea of adding them to The Sphinx Club. More power to these Brothers..

We also wish to announce the pledging of the following men at Kansas State Teachers College, Pittsburgh, Kansas: Clifton Bailey, DeWitt Howard, Wayne Bryan, Wil.is Wilson, Julius Hughes, Theodore Howard, Fred Williams, Cedric McCrary, Elmer Carson and Lloyd Swanigan. These men have organized their Sphinx Club with the help of Brother Bruce of this chapter and are working hard to become true Alpha men. They have a house which they call the Alpha House, and are now working h-~ J on ?" e^u"a'ion"l a=sigjimrnt which we sent immediately after their pledging. Alpha Phi Alpha continues iu .u^iBdae .ts scope.

We are making plans for our annual Founders' Day Banquet. This year we are going to hold it in the beautiful ballroom of the University of Kansas Memorial Union. It will of course be formal. The date is December 18, 1936. We expect many Brothers from Kansas City and vicinity. Chairman of the social committee, Brother Clifford Spotsville, is working diligently to make this the best banquet we have ever held.

Again we wish all Brothers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

MAURICE Le GRANDE ABERNATHY, Associate Editor of The Sphinx.

UPSILON LAMBDA CHAPTER Jacksonville, Fla. Dear Brothers: Upsilon Lambda marches en—with apologies to Time!

Everything is just about set for Jacksonville's event of events, the Orange Blossom Ceremonial, which will have been recorded in history before the publication of this letter. Florida A. and M. Col'ege will have licked or wi.l have been licked by Prairie View, her choice for this year's Orange Blossom Classic. But be iis it may, indications point to a bigger and better Orange Blossom Ceremonial, Saturday, Dec. 5.

The various committees are cooperating nicely with Brother Robert Butler to put across his "magnificent obsession." I told you in the last issue of The Sphinx that the aim of the Ceremonial is the reclamation of "lost" brothers. Maybe I didn't say it in just those words, but I meant the same thing anyway. Associated with Brother Butler on the Orange Blossom Committee are Brothers William Morris, Charles Furlow, James Green, Charles Ames and yours truly. I inadvertently forgot the name of Brother James last time, but I hope this mention'ng will rectify the oversight. Brother James is a faithful worker in the chapter when he isn't winning football games for Edward V^aters College.

He's the coach, you know—or do you ?

Brother Green is chairman of the Invitation Committee which also includes Brothers Cornelius Thompson and Theodore Thomas. Brothers Green and Thomas are also members of the Decorating Committee, along with Brother; Phil ; p Sunday, C S. Long, Jr., and yours sincerely.

In accordance with the national organization the members of Upsilon Lambda held election of officers at the first meeting in November and placed the destiny of the chapter in the hands of the following brothers: C. S. Long, Jr., president; Theodore Christopher, vice-president; Alfred Farrell, recording secretary and editor to The- Sphinx; Charles Furlow corresponding secretary; Robert Butler, treasurer; Capers Bradham, chaplain; and James Bush, sergeant-at-arms. Brother Bush is a newcomer from Theta Lambda Chapter in Dayton, Ohio.

Their loss, our gain!

SPHINX

P a g e 19

On the night of November 7, Upsilon Lambda had one of those good old Alpha Testimonials at the summer home of Brother Thompson. Oh, Brothers, you ought to have been there! The meeting was held primarily for the purpose of giving introductory instructions to the prospective candidates for initiation—Dr. Gregory Shade Dean William Thomas, Professor Alphonso Greene, and Dr. J. Seth Hill, as imposing an array of Alpha material as is likely to be gathered in any Sphinx Club!

Brother Butler called the meeting to order, and the Fraternity Prayer was repeated in concert. The brothers sang the Alpha Hymn as I have never heard it sung before. The purpose of the meeting was explained by Brother Bradham, president of the chapter, after which Brother Long spoke on "The Tenets of Our Fraternity."

Brother Bradham briefly gave the history of the fraternity which gave Brother Butler his cue to call on each brother for a short talk on the subject, "What Alpha Means To Me." Expressions were then given by the candidates, after which refreshments were served. In fact, the refreshments were served while the brothers were making their testimonials. I knew it was something that detracted my mind during the oratorical endeavors of the good brethren! Nevertheless Brothers Butler, Thompson and Green are due a million thanks for their planning of such an enjoyable evening. Those who enjoyed the lesults of their efforts are Brothers Morris Coppage, Thomas Harris, Arthur Kill, Frank Pinder, E. S. Johnson, Phi.ip Sunday, C. S. Long, Jr., Capars Bradham, Charles' James, James Bush, Theoaore Thomas, Alfred Farrell, and pledge Brothers Shade, Thomas, Greene and Hill.

So with every good wish for a Sherry Christmas and a Snappy New Year I am, Fraternally yours, ALFRED FARRELL, Associate Editor to '.?he Sphinx.

P. S.—Lest I forget! The blind bowboy—Cupid to you— is working overtime among the brothers of Upsilon Lambda. Brother Bradham is about to take unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Olga Owens, one of Jacksonville's loveliest members of the younger set; and Brother Sunday has tied himself—but definitely—to Miss Melba Brookins by placing a large engagement ring on her fourth finger. Even Brother Furlow has that faraway look in his eyes. It isn't spring, but love fa in the air!

MU CHAPTER St. Paul-Minneapolis, Minn.

Greetings, Brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha: The brothers cf Mu Chapter have launched a vigorous program of activity for this school year. We intend to make Mu a hub cf progress at this, the Gateway to the Northwest. The response of the brothers, associate as well as active, has baen remarkable while the program thus far, as well as that to come, is pregnant with distinctive and original ideas.

During the past summer the Chapter conducted a campaign to reclaim inactive brothers and collect grand taxes for the new year. Our report to the General Secretary indicates that this movement was successful and we expect more of the old-timer3 to reinstate by the end of the year.

Five meetings have been held thus far and each was well attended. Our hospitable hosts have been Brothers William Cassius, Homer and Raymond Cannon, Archie James, John M. Patton, Ollie Griffin and Claiborn Hill.

On Monday November 2, Brothers Norman Lyght of Lutsen, Minnesota, and Hoiace Bell of Akron, Ohio, biavely trod the burning sands toward the Sphinx and into the realm of mysteries of Alpha. The initiation was

Page 20

THE

held at Phyllis Wheatley House, Minneapolis. After the initiation a tasty repast arranged by Brothers John Thomas, William Simms and Arnold Walker, was served.

Brother Lyght is a student in the Arts college at the University of Minnesota; Brother Bell, though a sophomore, was one of the stellar guards on the great Minnesota football team. Brother Bell suffered a broken nose early in the season, but it did not impede his progress in making the varsity team and he has handled most of the kicking—off for the Gophers. Bell is in Physical Education and is a brother of the famous Bill Bell of Ohio state fame.

Mu played a very conspicuous part in the Homecoming festivities at the time of the Minnesota-Iowa game. A Pan Hellenic Society was organized by the Alphas, Kappas, Omegas and AKA's. Brother John R. Lawrence, Jr., was elected General Chairman, Brother John Patton was Finance Chairman while Brothers Leon Smith, Bill Simms and Arnold Walker aided materially in representing Alpha in making the plans. On Friday night, November 6, the four organizations held Open House at the Sterling Club, St. Paul. From reports of the guests this might be adequately termed "the" pre-game party. We were pleased to have had as the most popular guest of the evening Brother "Windy" Wallace of Alpha Theta Chapter, such a barrel of fun and so extremely at home with the ladies we wonder from whence comes the paradox that all Alphas are solemn, austere individuals. Such folks have never met Brothers Wallace, Leon Smith, Turner Dennard or Arnie Walker.

Saturday night, the 7th, after the Minnesota team had administered a 52-0 beating on Iowa, the Minnesota students and their guests made merry at the beautiful St. Paul Auditorium. The main feature of the evening was a visit by Brother Fletcher Henderson, who was playing an engagement in St. Paul.

The hall was simply decorated in Iowa and Minnesota colors. Music was furnished by Ray DysaTt's Orchestra.

A grand march and an introduction of some of the representatives of the entertaining chapters were other prominent features. The noteworthy significance of such a joint affair was that it may pave the way to a permanent Pan Hellenic body at Minnesota.

On Sunday we held our Alpha conference with Brother Vice President Sidney Jones as our special guest- The conference was held at Phyllis Wheatley House. Bro. President John Lawrence opened the meeting and presented Bro. Jones, who presided during the discussions. Many of the problems that face the represented chapters were thoroughly discussed and plans of procedure made. Bro. Walker represented Epsilon Lambda; Bros. Bill Foster and A. Roberts, Alpha Gamma; Ollie Griffin, Beta Beta; John Lawrence, William Cassius, John Patton, Leon Smith, Herbert Foster, Raymond Cannon, Bill Simms, and Archie James, Mu. We were exceptionally pleased to have had a General Officer visit us and appreciate Bro. Jones' sojourn here.

The Alpha Wives and Sweethearts Club is making steady progress in their effort to raise a fifty dollar scholarship for a needy student at Minnesota. They have held a dance at Hallie Q. Brown House St. Paul, and a Jinx party at Bro. and Mrs. Pattons' home on Friday, Nov. 13, with Bro. Leon Smith as the "Jinx." There will be no other affairs given as each member must raise a portion of the scholarship money. To the club Mu extends its best wishes in behalf of the fraternity.

On Nov. 10 the Sphinx Club was organized. This is the largest pledge club our chapter has ever had and the largest on the campus. The splendid group elected the following officers: President, Elmer Harris; Vice President, W. C. Campfield; Secretary (to be filled); Corresponding Secretary, Earlyn Bell; Treasurer, Richard

SPHINX

December, 1936

Stokes; Sergeant-at-Arms, Victor Calloway. Other pledges are Robert Leonard, Louis Moore, Winston Richardson, Timothy Mills, the "Wonder," Walter Robinson, Lloyd Clark, Don Sessions and Albert Harris, the terrible footballer. The boys are excellent students and plan to take part in extra-curricular and intra-mural activities.

Bro. Weber has been practicing dentistry in St. Paul for nearly twenty years and is one of the city's leading dentists.

Bro. and Mrs. Charles Washington are the proud parents of a fine baby girl named Joan Frances. Bro. Washington beamed all over when he passed out the cigars— and other things, Bro. Washington is Urban League Secretary in the Twin Cities. • Bro. Claiborne Hill is working here and plans to return to school at Nebraska in February.

Bro. and Mrs. LaFayette Fields are operating his fine drug store on Dale and Rondo Streets, St. Paul. Bro. Fields has been in business here over a year.

Bro. Evans has been away on a visit to his home but it back and will play professional basketball here during the winter.

Bro. John Hickman, Jr., one of the founders of Mu, has renewed his affiliation with the chapter and is working in our interest.

We do not see Bro. Asper Gibbs very often as his laundry business in Minneapolis requires much of his time.

Bro. Gibbs is owner of one of the largest plants in the Twin Cities.

Bro. John Thomas is Boys' Worker at Phyllis Wheatley House.

Bros. Henry "Hank" Thomas and Turner "Huge Eater" Dennard are getting the grades at Minnesota. They will be scholarship candidates next year.

Bro. Archie James is in the catering business in Minneapolis. His clientele includes many of the large restaurants and cafes.

The brothers entertained the pledge club at a closed party given at Phyllis Wheatley House on Saturday, November 21.

Election of officers will be held at the next meeting and their names will be announced in the next issue of The Sphinx.

Fraternally, JOHN R. LAWRENCE, JR., Pres.

ALPHA OMICRON Johnson C. Smith College Greetings, Brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha: Alpha Omicron is having a very successful school year, in the campus activities this year. Bro. "Chich" Mattison, who is absent, is expected to return the second semester.

We are glad to have Bro. "Rock" Mathews of Washington, D. C, back after staying out two years. During his time out he has been in governmental service and playing basketball with the Alphas in Washington, D. C. We strive forward to greater activity on the campus for the coming semester, although we will lose Bro. Eaton, (N. C State & C. I. A. A. tennis champ), who finishes this semester. Bro. Dugas, who teamed with Bro. Eaton to win the N. C. State doubles, and C. I. A. A. doubles will shoulder the burden in the next C. I. A. meet.

The Alpha Omicron Chapter has held Alpha high in the school activities, and for the second consecutive school year, maintained the highest scholastic rating in the four National Negro Greek letter fraternities. We hope to maintain this record indefinitely.

Yours fraternally, CLAUDE E. SLOAN, Editor to The Sphinx.

D e c e m b e r , 1936

THE

A L P H A CHI CHAPTER Fisk University To all brothers in Alpha, Alpha Chi extends once again a most hearty greeting. The present school year finds the chapter exerting its most strenuous efforts toward maintenance of the high ideals of our noble organization and toward an exaltation of Alpha Chis esteemed place on the Fish University campus.

Fortunately, most of the brothers were able to return to school this fall. To this number, Brother Harris Mitchell, formerly of Kappa Chapter, is a welcome addition.

Brother John Hope Franklin returns to the campus in the capacity of an instructor, after having spent a very successful year at Harvard University. Brother Louis Roberts is pursuing advanced work at the University of Michigan in the field of Physics. Brother Joseph Bradfield has matriculated in the Law School of Western Reserve University and Brother Lawrence Cassio is enrolled in Meharry Medical College.

On December 4, the chapter celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of the founding of the general organization and the ninth birthday of the chapter with a program in the Fish Memorial Chapel. This celebration is an integral part of the chapter's program and is usually executed with smoothness. The program celebiation this year proved no exception in this respect. Brother Samuel Allen was the principal speaker. On the evening of the same day the chapter entertained the men of the freshmen class, as well as other new students, with a smoker.

With the football season at an end, the men of the chapter look forward to another successful year on the hardwood. With the exception of Brother Edwards and Sphinxman Francis, the chapter will be represented by the same combination which marched away with the championship last year. Notable additions will serve to offset the loss of these two men, and the prospect is that Alpha Chi will present a quintet that will compare favorably with the formidable five of last year.

The chapter is happy to welcome into its folds seven neophyte brothers in the persons of brothers Ralph Amerson, Leroy Anderson, Robert Hendrick, Franklin Murphy, Edward Kennel, Mack Carleton and John May. With the infusion of this new blood and under the direction of the newly elected officers with Brother Houston, president; Brother Allen, vice president; Brother Cooper, secretary; and Brother Mitchell, treasurer, the chapter has good reason to feel that the general high standards of the organization will be maintained.

Fraternally yours DONALD C. REED, Associate Editor to The Sphinx.

GAMMA CHAPTER Virginia Union Dear Brothers: ALPHA PHI ALPHA LEADS THE FRATERNITIES IN SCHOLARSHIP AT VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY. The Gamma Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity led all other Fraternities at Union in scholarship for the school semester from February to June of 1936. The Chapter is attempting to hold Alpha Phi Alpha up in scholarship for the coming semesters. Brothers Arthur Wilson and William Calloway made the highest scholastic record for the past semester. Other Brothers received honorable mention on Virginia Union's Honor Roll.

On November 11, 1936, the Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha gave its annual smoker for the entertainment of those new students who were interested in joining the pledge club. The Fraternity was happy indeed to have

SPHINX

P a g e 21

tl

Âťe General Secretary, Bro. Joseph H. B. Evans, present.

Brother Evans' talk was well received and appreciated by those present.

Our Brothers are outstanding in all fields here at Union.

In football, Brothers Arthur Wilson and Leonard Barbour; in basketball, Brother James Brinkley; in tennis, Brother James Brinkley; in the Dramatic Club, Brother Lankford, who is the president of the club, was elected by the Student Body of Virginia Union as the best actor for the term of 1935-1936, Brothers Morris Hatchett, William Calloway, Frederick Lewis and France Brinkley are outstanding in the field of Dramatics.

Brother Frances Brinkley is the present Athletic Manager, Brothers Spingarn Brinkley is the present Asst.

Mgr., and vice president of the Senior Class. Brother Langston was elected the president of the Y. M. C. A. of Union for the coming year. Brother Morris Hatchett is the chairman of the social committee in the "Y" cabinet. He is also the tenor soloist of the Choral Club.

Brothers Douglas and Lankford are the representatives to the Pan-Hellenic Council on the Campus for the oncoming year. Brother David A. Graves who was the president of Gamma last year is now the head of the Chemistry Department at Wakefield, Virginia.

The Brothers of Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha are working hard to keep Alpha on the top.

FRANCE BRINKLEY, Editor to The Sphinx.

The Officers of Gamma

President Vice President Rec. Secretary Financial Secretary Treasurer Editor to Sphinx

Richard Langston Daniel Douglas Arthur Wilson Frederick C Lewis DeClue Lankford France Brinkley

BETA THETA INFO Bluefield College Bluefield State Teachers College, stamping ground of the Big Blue Devils and home of Beta Theta, claimed as its leaders this year two of its own sons, Henry Lake Dickason and William Clarence Matney, President and Dean of the College, respectively. Brother Dickason holds the degrees of B. A. and M. A. from Ohio State University and while an undergraduate member of Kappa Chapter was General Secretary and Sixth General President of the General Organization of Alpha Phi Alpha- Brother Matney holds a B. A. degree from Ohio University and a M. A. degree from Ohio State University, with postgraduate work at Harvard University.

Reports from the Registrars' Office state that the first semester enrollment easily exceeds the total student-body for any other year, same period, in the history of the institution. Next year Bluefield makes her bid for more students when the new dormitory for young men springs up opposite West Hall. It is now under construction at a cost of $89,000.00.

Graduating last year were Brothers Woodward, Spear, Bethel and Martin. Brother Woodward, at home in D. C, will take advantage of a fellowship to Atlanta University the second semester. Brother Martin is teaching in public school at Wollowtown. Brother Spear has accepted a position with the Pocahontas Fuel Company at his home in Jenkinjones. Brother Bethel is serving as Chief Steward at a white fraternity house in Morgantown. Brother Brock is out of school this semester, substitute teaching in Summer High School, Parkersburg. He was a visitor for the Homecoming Game with W. Va. State and affirmed his intention to reenter school the second semester.

Page 22

THE

Last summer Brother Joyce had Cupid get the better of him and he and Miss Theresa Hance were married.

Brother Joyce will reenter the second semester of school to graduate in June.

A delightful surprise was afforded the Chapter on the eve of our last football game. Of all persons, Brother Charles Lane Martin, Chief Assistant to the Financial Secretary of Prairie View College, was a visitor. Brother Martin was a business visitor in Bluefield and had to return to his work at once. He rejoiced at greeting the Chapter and old friends.

Two members, Brothers Johnson and Flippen have sung their Swan Song on the gridiron for B. S. T. C. However, they leave two honorable brothers to carry on, Brothers Gunn and Perry. Brother Flippen, as Captain, led his team to three victories, four ties and suffered two defeats. Brother Johnson, six feet five inches of capable tackle material, leaves a gap in the line that will not be easily filledBETA THETA SPHINXMEN The Sphinx Club of Bluefield State Teachers College starts the year with a bang.

There are twenty-three members in the organization, eight of which were added to the club this year. The initiation ceremony was held on Wednesday, Nov. 18; the older Brothers were on hand to see the job well done.

In a meeting following the ceremony the principles of the club were briefly discussed. The new pledges were told of the club's adherence to its stand fop scholarship, as well as its endeavors to live up to the motto of manly deeds and brotherly kindness. In accordance with the principles of the club tentative plans were discussed for the year's work. The meeting was closed with the serving of refreshments. A very successful year is anticipated.

The newly made brothers are: Robert Gibson, Harry Goodwin, Eugene Hale, Marshall Harris, Lee Roy Perry, Lawrence Silas, Vannie Woods and Lawrence Watkins.

BETA LAMBDA CHAPTER Kansas City, Mo. Greetings: In probably the most enthusiastic meeting that Beta Lambda has ever held, the chapter opened its fall and winter season on Saturday morning, Nov. 21, 1936, at the residence of Brother and Mrs. G. B. Buster. Twenty-three (23) brothers were present at 6:45 to enjoy the delicious dinner prepared by the hostess and applauded roundly when Brother Herman T. Jones presented Mrs. Buster with a crystal relish dish as a token from the chapter for her services as hostess.

It. was brought to the attention of the chapter that numerous honors have come to members of Beta Lambda since the last meeting. Brother William H. Towers, an attorney and coordinator for Beta Lambda and Upsilon -was elected to the State Legislature as a representative from the Eighth District. The election of Brother Towers takes on an added significance when it is noted that he is a Republican, and every one knows about the Democratic landslide. Brother John L. Howell was the General Chairman of the local Entertainment Committee which prepared for the convention of the Missouri State Association of Negro Teachers which met in Kansas City, Nov. 12-14, 1936. Incidentally they elected the writer their president for 1937.

Election of officers was held and the following will carry on the activities for 1937: Bro. A. C Wilson, President; Vice President, Bro. John L. Howell; Recording Secretary, Bro. Roosevelt Butler; Financial Secretary, Bro. Mathew E. Carroll, Jr-; Corresponding Secretary, Bro. James A. Jeffreys; Chaplain, Bro. Herman T. Jones; Treasurer, Bro. G- B. Buster; Sgt.-at-Arms, Bro. I. F.

SPHINX

December, 1936

Bradley, Jr.,; Educational Director, Bro. Dan W. Lewis; Associate Editor to the Sphinx, Bro. Burt A. Mayberry.

The ALPHA WIVES were at home to about four hundred guests on Friday evening, Nov- 27, 1936, at the residence of Brother and Mrs. Earl D. Thomas. The committee in charge was: Mrs. A. C. Wilson, Chr.; Mrs. Joseph L. Collins; Mrs. S. H. Thompson, Jr., and Mrs. Burt A. Mayberry. Mrs. Thomas A. Webster is the president.

Fraternally, BURT A. MAYBERRY, Associate Editor.

PSI LAMBDA CHAPTER Chattanooga, Tenn.

Psi Lambda Chapter, the Dynamo of Dixie, is glad to once more join the active list in the Sphinx.

It has been some time since the brothers have heard from us, so here we are. Rev. Brother J. B. Barber, who served our chapter for ten years, retired last year but has been just as active as ever.

The chapter as well as the City of Chattanooga is proud of Brother Barber. On Sunday evening, November 8th, a group of white citizens honored him on his ten years of service, not only as pastor of the Leonard Street Presbyterian Church, but also as a leader in the civic affairs of our city and as a friend to man.

Men from all walks of life were on the program and paid high tribute to this wonderful man.

DR. W. B. DAVIS, Assistant Editor.

BETA ZETA CHAPTER Austin, Texas At last the Sphinx has consented to speak of the workings within the portals of Beta Theta Chapter.

Members Chapters: We wish to inform you of our progress. At present the Sphinx Club is functioning successfully under the guidance of Brother Jackson D. Smith.

An impressive educational programme was recently rendered by this Club. Preparations are under way for some one to take a trip across the "burning sands."

Since we have long remained silent, may I give some of our past activities ? The chapter must thank our esteemed Brother and College President, Stanley E. Grai> num, for his foresight in bringing to our chapter and campus such distinguished brothers as R. Nathaniel Dett, H. A. Lyons, Ora H. Elliott, and Ivan E- Taylor. Brothers Dett and Lyons served as faculty members of Samuel Huston College for the past school year during the first semester and summer session respectively. These brothers successfully directed our college A-Cappella choir.

Brother Albert N. Slaughter is now doing graduate work at the University of Kansas in the field of Special Science. Brother M. L. Harris, former Dean of Samuel Huston College, is now president of Philander-Smith College.

Brother Clifton Jackson is Regional Manager of the Real Silk Hosiery Company with headquarters at Houston, Texas. Brother Fields was rated as the All-Conference center of the Southwest for the past football season.

The other brothers are excelling in scholarship and other extra-curricula activities.

This year four brothers are candidates for graduation.

They are: Brothers George Blair, Terry J. Buley, Robert Fields, and Eugene Owens. Each of these men have contributed toward holding the torch side in our chapter.

Our presiding officers are: Brothers Eugene Owens, president; J. D. Smith, vice president; La Von Smith, secretary; Ora H. Elliott, treasurer; Robert Fields, sergeant-at-arms; and Terry J. Burley, associate editor of the Sphinx.

December, 1936

THE

ALPHA PHI LAMBDA Greetings: Since our last communication, Alpha Phj Lambda Chapter has been occupied with very important activities.

The first and foremost of these was our recent participation in the setting-up of an undergraduate chapter at Shaw University. Our chapter president, Bro. Ellis, who is also regional director of this district was authorized to set up this chapter and requested the co-operation and help of the members of Alpha Phi Lambda in carrying out this sacred trust. As usual the response of the brothers was wholehearted in that the following brothers made the trip to Raleigh (Total mileage for round trip app.

210) to assist Bro Ellis: Bros. Carter, Anderson, Newell, Wright, Harrison, Taylor, Cox, Pitts and of course Bro. Ellis. Bro. Eaton, president of Alpha Omicron also accompanied the brothers and assisted in the ceremonies. Aside from the assistance rendered Bro. Ellis, those of us who were present found this occasion an inspirational stimulus, an opportunity to renew our spirit and to rededicate ourselves to the noble ideals for which our fraternity stands.

At our first regular meeting in November, we elected the officers who will guide us throughout the coming year.

The new administration is as follows: President: Bro. W. E. Pitts, 1117 E. 11th Street. Vice President Bro. E. A. Cox, Winston Salem Teachers College.

Corresponding Secretary, A. H. Anderson, Columbian Heights School. Financial Secretary, Bro. E. S. Wright, Bruce Building. Treasurer, Bro. Leander Hill, 1418 Bank Street. Chaplain, Bro. J. O. Ellis, 354 Dixie Broadway.

These men will take office at the first meeting in January. We assure them of the same support and co-operation which has been given during previous administrations.

Last but not least, our social meetings have been enjoyable as usual. On Friday, November 27, Bros. Cox and Holmes entertained and as usual the fare was something to write home about. A roast duck dinner under any conditions is not to be sneezed at, but when it has been prepared by the masterly technique of Bro. Cox's better half, it is an event indeed.

TAU CHAPTER Illinois University It has been quite a while since Tau has opened up to let the Alpha world know what it has been doing; however, even in its silence, it has not been idle.

Last year was a banner yesr in Tau's history. Graduation and depression left its membership somewhat depleted, but we still have a sufficient number to maintain our dwelling place without sending out an S.O.S. A glance at the men around Tau this year will show such neophytes as Webb, Dixon and Campbell, who are still supporting "shiny" fraternity pins and clamoring for an initiaticn. Looking around a little further, one finds such "old heads" about the place as Loveless, Perry, Dumas, King, Pelkey, Robinson and that ever present quartet, Nesbitt, Nesbitt and Nesbitt.

Gentlemen eager to contribute something to the field of knowledge, will find among their ranks such graduate students as Sullivan, (looking for his Master in Physiology); Fisher, in Romance Languages; Haskings (experimenting in organic chemistry trying to find a solution, the residue of which will afford a Master's); Taylor, (doing chores in the Social Sciences, trying to solve

SPHINX

Page 23

enough of the social problems to receive an A. M. by June); and Brother Harold West, who is merely waiting until June rolls around to take his Ph. D. This will about answer any question regarding the personnel of Tau. What is happening here ? Well, we are just recovering from the glamor of the Homecoming dance given with Kappa Alpha Psi. It was quite an affair. Then there was the A. M. E. Conference which featured Brother Bishop Gregg, presiding; Brother Rev. A. Wayman Ward, twirling the cane and distributing the ward calling card.

The Fisk singers were here and were well enjoyed. Right now we are taking an active part in the organizing of an alliance of Negro students in order that organized effort against segregation practiced here by both restaurants and shows. We are also trying to improve our scholarship which slipped last semester from eighth to just above the University of Illinois average. We are thiity-second out of seventy-one fiaternities which was a miserable drop, but watch Tau this semester. We also have a plan in operation whereby all our resident members will become financial this year. (This should bring a smile from; the National organization.) No, Tau, is \ e i y much alive. Still . . . listen for us next month.

Officers: Brother Virgil Campbell President Brother Roscoe King Vice President Brother Arthur Webb Secretary Brother Homer Chavis Treasurer Brother John Dixon Assistant Secretary Brother Joseph Taylor .

Editor to Sphinx Brother Richard Haskins Sergeant-at-Arms

BETAIJETA CHAPTER Nebraska University Brothers: Greetings from Beta Beta Chapter which has begun this year with a renewal of the vigor imparted to us last year by Brother J. R. Lillard to whom must go the credit for the reorganization of this chapter. Our strength has been substantially increased by the spring initiation of Brothers Crawford, Hanger, Glenn and Hawkins.

We are also pleased to announce the pledging of the neophytes Horace Marshall, Theodore Williams, Alvin Wilkes, and Herbert Witt who were among those present at our annual fall smoker for the generous support of which we are grateful to Brothers Squire and Bradford of Omaha.

In the successive meetings, Beta Beta has made conclusive plans for a representation in the tri-regional conference to be held at Kansas City during the Christmas holidays. Here's looking forward to meeting lots of good brothers at that time.

Fraternally, MERLE HERRIFIRD, â&#x20AC;˘ Chapter Secretary.

BETA THETA CHAPTER Bluefield S. College Bluefield State Teachers College has a new President this year, Henry Lake Dickason, Kappa Chapter and former General President. Brother Dickason served in the capacity of Dean before his promotion. His chair as Dean has been filled by another brother, William C. Matney, Professor of Economics. Brother Matney attended Ohio and Harvard Universities.

Brothers John Flippen, Matthew Johnson and Robert Gunn, labor alcng as mainstays in the Big Blue Devil football machine that Jimmie Rowland has assembled. The first two games this year ended in a scoreless tie, one each with the Virginia State College Trojans and the Mighty Green Wave from Kentucky State, The Tho-

THE

Page 24

roughbreds. Brothers Flippen and Johnson are in there every minute giving all they have while Brother Gunn is being retarded by a shoulder injury. Brother Flippen is honored with the Captaincy of the team.

Beta Theta lost a number of brothers the past year by graduation and otherwise. Brothers Bethel, Spear and Woodward graduated. Brother Brock is out this semester substitute teaching in the. Parkersburg High School (Sumner High). He will be with us next semester.

Brother Joyce capped it all by jumping in the Sea of matrimony during the summer. The present chapter roll is George Edward Barbour, John Thomas Flippen, Robert Lee Gunn, Matthew Ullyses Johnson, Arthur M. Mitchell, Jr., Joseph William Perry and Leo Gerald Stephens. And by the way Brother William Alphonso Davis formerly with us, gets his mail at good old Beta Gamma Chapter, Virginia State.

Another Kappa Chapter has been added to our Faculty in the person of Brother Theodore Mahaffey. He is quiet and likeable and has made many friends already.

On October 6th, four new teacher cottages were approved by the architect and engineers and in a few days they will be inhabited by members of our beloved Faculty. Two days ago the Federal and State Governments approved an appropriation of $90,000.00 to be used in the construction of a new dormitory for young men. With these and other improvements, Bluefield State forges ahead.

This year Beta Theta plans the most extensive educational program ever attempted by the chapter. Brothers are already at work, mapping out plans and getting the lay of the land so thiÂťt we will be prepared when the time to serve has arrived.

We forgot to mention that Brother Perry is a shining light at guard on the football team. A leg injury prevents his constantly playing in the game but his presence is felt when he is there. Brother Ferry is Chairman of the Rushing Committee and a man about town on the campus. campus.

SIGMA LAMBDA CHAPTER N e w Orleans, Louisiana Greetings and Salutations: The Brothers of Sigma Lambda are breaking their silence which they hope has not been misconstrued to mean inactivity, for their work has been continually performed in the spirit of Alpha" Phi Alpha. Then, from Sigma Lambda we send greetings characteristic of Southern hospitality, filled with the distinction and honor of Alpha fraternal spirit.

In resuming the activities of the chapter for 1936-1937 a spirit of optimism and increased strength was brought forth which will make our expectancy of seeing all of you here at the next convention more jubilant. Sigma Lambda was especially proud to extend to all the brothers new in this vicinity the warm fraternal atmosphere that ceasingly radiates from the members of the chapter.

At each meeting of our President, Brother Belton has given special attention to the formation and functions of committees, in order that a strong contributory influence will be obtained from them in planning for your future stay here during the next convention.

At the last meeting the members of Sigma Lambda, elected the following officers: Ferdinand Rousseve President Herman Washington Vice President Clyde Reynolds Secretary Rene Rousseve Assistant Secretary Whitney Haydel Treasurer O. Blanchet Chaplain Theodore Wright Sergeant-at-Arms The newly elected officers will continue the work of

SPHINX

December, 1936

one of the most successful administrations that has ever served Sigma Lambda.

On behalf of Sigma Lambda may the true spirit of Alpha Phi Alpha be your constant companion as you journey on toward the 1937 Conventionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;THE MOST INTERESTING CONVENTION IN AMERICA. IN AMERICA'S MOST INTERESTING CITY. Fraternally Yours, IRA BENJAMIN ROSS Corresponding Secretary to Sigma Lambda.

ALPHA TAU LAMBDA Tulsa, Oklahoma Greetings Brothers: Last time I told you of the accomplishments of some of the brothers of Alpha Tau Lambda. This time I shall take you on a tour of Tulsa. There are -some of you who have been to Tulsa. There are many more who have never laid eyes on the oil capital of the world. For the benefit of those who have not been here, permit me to describe briefly the part of Tulsa where most of the Negroes live. The Negroes of Tulsa are concentrated in only one section of the city. There are many cases where Negroes in service, living in quarters. Because of this we find here and there and everywhere though scattered, Negroes living in most every section of the city.

The largest group of Negroes is found in the highly settled area. Scattered here and there are Alpha men I would like you to know.

Let us assume that we are down town in the heart of Tulsa. Surpose we are about to board a bus that is heading for the section of Tulsa where most of the Negroes live. This bus as is usual is heavily loaded with Negro citizens going from work. As this bus nears Fourth and Cincinnati Streets, who do you suppose is boarding the bus ? Brothers Horace S. Hughes, A. J. Lee, W. D. Combs, and J. T. A. West. These brothers are teachers in the Booker Washington High School in Tulsa. Incidentally, Brother Combs is assistant coach of the best high school football team in Oklahoma; as a matter of fact the United States. The bus travels another block and now we have Brother Julius Moran, teacher in the elementary school of Booker Washington. I am glad these brothers boarded this bus with me, because they give me an occasion to talk with friends. I hardly realized the time has passed for we are now entering the street which leads to the heart of the Negro section. This street is called Archer. In 1912 when I came to Tulsa on the train, the porter introduced Tulsa as the "tough hog town", "Greenwood Street as the battling ground". In those days this street was really "rough and tough". As the bus waited for a freight train to pass, my attention was attracted toward a brother's office which is located on our left. This brother is treasurer of the chapter. His practice is very large. There's Brother Dr. F. Melvin Payne standing by the window. Across the street from this building is a drug store. The name of this d:ug store is Ferguson.

The head pharmacist of this drug store is brother T. W. Harris, president of Alpha Tau Lambda. Brother Harris has been employed in this store for a period of fifteen years. Since his induction into this business he has made many friends- The train has passed, and the bus can continue with us on our route. The bus turns North on Greenwood Street. On my right is a Crown drug store.

There are many people going in and coming out. Brother Lloyd H. Williams is the general manager of this drug store. Brother Williams and the writer has something more or less in common. We graduated from the same high school and the University of N.braska.

On my left is a large and spacious store. The name of the store is The New Welcome Grocery. Well, if it isn't the store of Brother Tyler Smith, secretary of the chap-

D e c e m b e r , 1936

THE

ter. Many of the brothers characterizes the secretary, "the secretary that never secretaried."

This bus is large and roomy. Just think, we are sitting behind the driver who is a Negro. Not only is this bus driver a Negro, but all bus drivers for the Negro section are Negroes. There is a little Negro history I would like to mention in this connection. When the writer was a small boy, this bus line was owned by a Negro, and he had a city franchise for twenty years. At the expiration of his franchise one of the largest bus companies in Tulsa purchased this line. Before he agreed to sell, he demanded that the purchaser as long as there was a bus company operating in the Negro section, that Negroes would be drivers. And that what is today. Thanks to one Negro who thought of the interest of the Negro race as a whole. This man was killed in an automobile accident last year.

We are moving so rapidly that I am about to overlook a good brother. This brother is a physician. His office is located on my right. There he is, Brother E. W. South, the chapter Chaplain. Brother South is one of the newer brothers and has proved himself unquestionably made of good Alpha material.

As we proceeded further North we come to another large and more recently constructed grocery store. This store is owned by Brother S. D. McCree, a graduate of Howard University about 1907, and was made a brother into Beta Chapter about this time. We too, are very proud of this brother because he is a good brother and keeps his finances on par.

For a moment let us stop by the Carver Junior High, v^hieh is headed by Brother C L. Cole. Can you imagine this for luck. There they come. All are Alphas. They are brothers Archie Morgan, Sergeant-at-Arms and Fred Farker. The brothers engage in teaching in the public schools of Tulsa. There is a wave and then a smile, as if to say all is well.

We find ourselves going south on Lansing Street, another of the streets where a large number of the Negroes of Tulsa live. We enter Archer Street and turn to go west. There in front of us and partly on my right is the Jackson Funeral Home. Look who is here, Brother E. W. Clark. Brother Clark is the business manager and secretary of this organization. There is another brother with a medicine case in his hand who is Dr. R. C. Bryant.

Brother Bryant has a very beautfiul clinic, and is one of the more recently made brothers of Alpha Tau Lambda.

In addition he is a member of the board of directors of Alpha Tau Lambda. So much for the brothers who are connected with the chapter living in Tulsa. It is hoped that I will be able to tell about the brothers outside of Tulsa.

Some of the things Alpha Tau Lambda chapter are doing, I think the brothers would like to know. Beta Kappa Chapter located at Langston University now has a chapter house. This house is located off the campus.

Alpha Tau Lambda has contracted for the rent of the house. Furniture for the house has been purchased by the Alpha Tau Lambda chapter and installed in the house. It is hoped that this project will develop to be the best house a fraternity ever owned.

Another project which is being sponsored by Alpha Tau Lambda is a play where-by a prize of $5.00 will be given the room which has been kept the cleanest for a period of a year. The writer has learned from authentic sources that all men in one of the dormitories at Langston University are striving with all energies to win the prize of $5.00. Here's hoping that those in the room kept the cleanest will win.

Four brothers of Alpha Tau Lambda Chapter, T. W. Harris, Clyde L. Cole, J. T. A. West, and Robert L. Fairchild attended a smoker given by the brothers of Boley, Oklahoma, "Nat" Watson, Lillard Ashley, Wade Ellis, Benjamin H. Hilland others at Langston University,

SPHINX

P a g e 25

Langston, Oklahoma, November 21, 1936. The brothers of Beta Kappa Chapter co-operated to the fullest and what a smoker. This was an effort to get all of the brothers of the state at one big meeting. About forty or more were present and had a real treat .

Several things were discussed among which reclaiming unfinancial brothers developed the most interest and dsicussions. The other tonic of interest was how can we further develop the chapter house located at this University.

Alpha Tau Lambda Chapter is proud of the undergraduate chapter, Beta Kappa, because this chapter is wide awake and alert. We shall do everything in our power to help who come afterwards.

Yours Fraternally, ROBERT L. FAIRCHILD Associate Editor of Sphinx.

ETA LAMBDA Atlanta, Ga. Greetings: . Eta Lambda begs your indulgence for a few moments while we inform you of the Alpha Clan "down Georgia way". Its true, no doubt, that we should have spoken ere now, but since we have the floor, we proceed to introduce ourselves. Brothers Rayford, Logan, Clarence Bacote, Wm. Dean and W. B. Nathan are at Atlanta University. Each of these brothers is eminent in his field and needs no further introduction. Morehouse suggests the names of B. T. Harvey, who made many a championship football team, Vashon Eagleson, Physicist, and Rev. L. O. Lewis. James Oliver Slade, silver tongued orator and newspaper columnist, is head of the Social Science Department at Morris Brown University. Out at Clark University, we meet President M. S. Davage, Dean J. P. Brawley, M. E. Turrentine, Bursar and Professors E. Luther Brooks and A. H. McPheeters.

W. L. Puckett is an Instructor at Washington High School, while Andrew Lewis is at the David T. Howard Junior High School. In addition, he is a moving force in the local boy scout movement.

Down on Auburn Avenue it is the "Negro in Business", but since Alpha men form a major portion of the backbone of this business, we present Norris Herndon, President of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, W. H. Smith and Chas. W. Greene, key men in the home office, Gilbert E. DeLorme, manager of the Atlanta District and Leroy Carter. Over in the North Caro ina Mutual office are Brothers Milton White, J. L. Whiting and Fred Brooks. T. M. Alexander is the able President of the Alexander and Company Insurance, while B. Cassell is with the Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Company.

L. D. Milton, a partner in the Yates and Milton Drug Chain, and a Professor of Business at Atlanta University, is also the Cashier of the Citizen's Trust Company. S. T. Washington is a teller in the same bank. Fred Maise of "Old A. U." is the owner of the Maise Dry Goods Company and H. S. Murphy is the owner and operator of the "House of Murphy" Printing Establishment.

Back to the west side, we meet Neophyte, W. D. Thomas of the Thomas Oil Company and B. Burch in the Cater Grocery Store and Filling Station.

John Hope II is the Manager of the A. U. Book Store and Economics Professor at Spelman College. He is assisted by Jacob Henderson in the Book Store.

In the field of professional social work and social work training, Alpha is represented by Reginald A. Johnson, Executive Secretary of the Atlanta Urban League and Executive Secretary of the Negro Division of the Community Chest, Pliney Jenkins of the Department of Public Welfare, Forrester B. Washington, the able Director of the Atlanta School of Social Work and President

Page 26

THE

of the Atlanta Chapter of the N. A. A. C. P., Nelson C. Jackson, Director of Social Research in the same institution and Frank Wood, graduate student.

The professional contingent of Alpha is represented

by Doctors C. W. Reeves, Chas. H. Johnson, Nathaniel Lamar, J. W. Allen and Attorney A. T. Walden.

Father H. J. C. Bowden is Rector of St. Paul Episcopal Church and Alonzo Moron is the Assistant Manager of the recently completed Federal Housing Project, University Homes.

Eta Lambda has many distinguishing propensities, but we will relate more of these at further dates.

As this goes to press we have had two chapter meetings and have elected officers for 1937. The latter event happened at the home of Brother B. T. Harvey, who was host with Brother Vashon Eagleson, to members of the chapter. Brothers, the spirit was there and the year bids fair to be a successful one. The newly elected officers were: T. M. Alexander President J. O. Slade Vice President Leroy Carter Secretary Pliney Jenkins Assistant Secretar-y M. E. Turrentine Treasurer Nelson C. Jackson Editor to Sphinx E. Luther Brooks Chaplain After the installation of officers by Brother Rayford Logan, a delicious repast was served by the wives of the hosts and a brief session of bridge was held.

Eta Lambda has grown quite large and the size presents a housing problem. In view of this fact, Brothers Harvey and Eagleson are heading a committee to locate a permanent meeting place for the chapter. This will probably result in the establishment of a chapter house.

Other committees are equally busy and during the season we will keep you informed of their operations.

In closing may we report that Brother Wm. Dean married Miss Mary Tobias, Thanksgiving Day in New York City. Eta Lambda wishes them much happiness.

Fraternally Youra, Nelson C. Jackson Editor To The Sphinx.

BETA UPSILON Alabama State College On April 21, 1936, twelve Sphinxmen at th^' Alabama State Teachers College were initiated into the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity by the Alpha Upsilon Lambda Chapter forming a new undergraduate chapter, the Beta Upsilon.

This new group was comprised cf the following: Brothers T. Clarence Smiley, President and Senior. He has the distinction of holding more offices in the various organizations than anyone else on the campus. Elisha James, Vice President and a senior. He is captain of the fojtball squad and was elected All-Ameiican full-back for the year of 1935. Douglas D. Bethune, Secretary and senior.

He is one of the most dign ; fied men on the campus and excels in his classwork. Charles T. Battle, Assistant Secretary and Associate Editor of the Sphinx and a junior.

He was the recipient of a $100.00 scholarship for the past two years given by the North Carolina Mutual Insurance Company, also a cheer leader and a cabinet member of the local Y. M. C. A. George Bell, Treasurer and senior. He is an outstanding young man, majoring in Social Studies and doing well in that field. Augustus Dickinson, Chaplain and senior. He is a most dignified man and holds several enviab'e positions on the campus.

Eddie L. Mitchell, Sergeant-at-Aims and junior. He is outstanding on the gridiron and also in Chemistry, (his major). Alpheus Perry, a very versatile junior. He is noted for his outstanding dramatic roles and also his work

SPHINX

December, 1936

on the football field. James McCorvey, an intellectual junior. He is a member of some cf the principal organizations on the campus. William Graham, Thomas Perry and Edward Morris, the three remaining brothers were in the giaduating class of 1936 and now hold enviable positions teaching in various schools of the state. All have returned several times to pay tr.bute to their chapter and their alma mater.

The Beta Upsilon Chapter has jurisdiction over the Sphinx Club which is at the present composed of 18 active members.

The Beta Upsilon Chapter gave its Premiere Ball at the Fythian Farm on July 27, from 12 to 4 a. m. This proved to be a gala affair with a magnif cent setting, sweet and melllow music, and wonderful co-operation on the parts of the brothers.

On November 17, 1936, seven Sphinxmen were initiated into the Beta Upsilon Chapter with the assistance of brothers from the Alpha Upsilon Lambda Chapter and Brother Russel O. Dixon from Howard University. "We will always remember the impressions", were the words of several. This group includes the following: Brothers Booker T. Blair, Allen Gooden, Thomas E. Johnson, and Willis Wright.

On Nevember 19, 1936 we had the election of officers for the year coming. The officers-elect are: Eddie L. Mitchell President Alpheus Perry Vice President Charles Battle Secretary Louis Simpson Assistant Secretary Joe L. McGlothan Treasurer Willis Wright Sergeant-at-Arms James McCorvey Chaplain We wish to make a formal expression of our appreciation to the Alpha Upsilon Lambda Chapter for their assistance and advice pertaining to the organization and development of the Beta Upsilon Chapter. We also wish to express our gratitude to Brothers Payne and Daniel of the Alpha Nu Lambda Chapter at Tuskegee.

Best wishes to all our brothers everywhere, and we hope their year will be as successful as ours is going to be.

Realizing this release is somewhat late for the coming publication, and hoping you willl be able to get it in, I am Fraternally Yours, CHARLES T. BATTLE Associate Editor of the Sphinx.

ALPHA ZETA LAMBDA Bluefield. West Va. Greetings, Brothers: Alpha Zeta Lambda Chapter of the Fraternity held its first meeting of the school year at Bluefield, West Virginia. The usual custom has been to hold all meetings on the campus of Bluefield State Teachers College. Real Fraternal spirit has always been manifested on each occasion; because of this fact the custom will be adhered to this year.

The meeting was called in the usual manner, but there was a degree of secrecy which all members shared. The usual routine was followed. Many new ideas and suggestions came to the fore and were adopted. The meeting, just before it adjourned, exp3rienced an odd situation and had to be handled very tactfully. The chapter "chefs" in the persons of Brothers Dunlap and Brown, of Bluefield and Kimball respectively, always p-.epare a light repast for the benefit of all brothers attending; especially for those brothers who come a long distance. The "chef" on this occasion was Brother Dunlap, who threatened many times to go on strike for his appointment had been one of many years standing and he expressed a

December, 1936

THE

desire to have a successor. This request did not prevail.

Following the close of the meeting, all of the brothers went across town to Dr. Kinglow's Pharmacy, which is the last word in drug stores.

BETA PI CHAPTER L a n e College The voice of Beta Pi speaks again in defense of Alphadom on the campus of Lane College. The brothers have been holding high the torch of Alpha Phi Alpha in every phase of intel!ectual endeavo:-. Scholastically, there have been a marked improvement shown over the last quarter of last year. The chapter, with one of its members receiving a scholarship from the fraternity is serving as a greater inspiration and exerting a great deal of influence on simi.ar campus organization.

In athetics, we have "Dance Fcrte, "end" and "captain" who is directing the forces of the "Lane College Dragons" for the season of 1936, followed by two seniors, Brothers William Womack "end" and Edgar "center".

Beta Pi gave an informal social for the visiting brothers of the Knoxville football team, November 7, the night of the "Home-coming" football game, at the close. All expressed their appreciation for a delightful evening. Fraternity meeting held en Monday n;'ght Nov. 16, was the fcene for the election of new officers: Ottis Burrow President Wilson Graves Secretary T. J. Robinson Treasurer Chester Kuykendall Editor of Sphinx Chester Barnes Chaplain Wendel Fant King of Freshmen Dance Forte Sergeant-at-Arms These officers will take their positions the first of January, with all optimism and sincere intentions of making Beta Pi Chapter bigger and better and we will contiibute all our e.'forts in order to help make it such.

While on our progressive march, we have not forgotten our graduate brothers of "35", for we consider you as genis in our primary state of embroyonic development.

To them we po : nt with pride and extend our best wishes, happiness and prosperity. With the approach of Yule-tide Beta Pi feels it incumbent on us to send greetings to all brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha brotherhood. In fervent spirit and with sacred piinciples, we greet you, hoping that your cares that infest the day will be wrapped in dreams of tomorrow and like silence, steal away.

Fraternally Yours, EDGAR CLAY Associate Editor.

BETA TAU CHAPTER Xavier University With this article, the neophyte chapter, Beta Tau in New Orleans, is ready to make its presence felt throughcut Alphadom. Much has already been done by the chapter to keep Alpha's fair name before the admiring eyes of our crescent city.

Last year we were unknown as a group but now members are included in the faculty and student body of two universities, as well as several public schools here in the city.

Our cosmopolitan Brother, Francis H. Hammond, who was graduated from the University of Iowa, distinguished himself and Alpha Phi Alpha by emerging victor in an ersay contest. His prize was $100.00 in cash.

Even our Sphinx Club, after a successfully staged social outdid itself in sponsoring an excursion to Beaumont, Texas for Xavier's game with Wiley College. ; brother Peter W. Clark, in the following poem, shows how much the members of Beta Tau esteem the gem, our chapter, which, scintillating with the true light of

SPHINX

Page 27

Alphadom, has emerged to us from the Forests of the Cypress.â&#x20AC;&#x201D; TO BETA TAU Hail to thee! Thou prec'ous pearl, Noblest jewel in Alpha's fold Lift thy torches, wave thy banners Be a trojan, fearless, bold Faith to thee! Thou worthy foe . ........

Of every art that's contraband ......

Grow in patience, wisdom, kindness Alpha gives this stern command Fu?ce;is to the?! Thou radiant star Satell te in Alpha's Sky .... . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forge thy golden deeds of courage That Alpha's fame may never die Hail to thee! Thou admiral brave Peerless pilot en life's broad sea J o n the conquest, share the burden See Alpha's triumph yet to be

ALPHA OIMCPON LAMBDA Pittsburgh, Pa. Greetings, Brothers:â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Deep in the heart of the Smoky City, Omicron once more irtroduces some of her favorite sons to the brothers in the fo'd. Let me introduce you to Melvin Goode, graduate cf the University of Pittsburgh, now serving in the capacity of probation office of the Juvenile Court, Allegheny County. A young man who has worked hard to get to the top ?.nd is very deserving of the break he got.

Since my last article, Melvin has taken unto himself a beautiful bride and has gone housekeeping in a very lovely apartment. Melvin alcng with George Mason, F. Bolden, Howard Hairston and "Ches" Washington, motored to West Virginia State to witness the West VirginiaKentucky State game. Besides being a great civic leader ; n Pitrsburgh, "Mel" is one hundred per cent Alpha and the main support of Omicron. Many brothers can still remember his speech at the St. Louis Convention to sustain the present tariff in order to conduct our Educational Campaign. A great fellow and a wonderful friend to all who know him.

Frank Bolden, the talented young man from Washington, Pa., made a great record at the University of Pittsburgh during his four years of college work. He played in the band for four years and was the first Negro to take part in the school's annual play, "Cap and Gown". At present, he is graduate instructor in Biology while working on his Masters degree. His keen sense of humor and wit makes for him many friends.

Our "rushing smoker" was well conducted by Brother "Bud" Wall who is majoring in Chemistry at Pitt. My! my! forty turned out for the affair and the evening was full of fine speeches and good food.

Brother "Slim" Hamilton, United States Assistant District Attorney, was on hand to greet about twenty freshmen from Pitt, Duquesne, and "Tech". Spirit and enthus : asm ran high and good fellowship prevailed.

I had the great pleasure, while in Philadelphia, a few months rgo, to meet Eulace Peacock. A great fellow and we only hope that his leg will mend strong enough to take his rank as one cf our outstanding runners on the cinder path.

Yours Fraternally, WILLIAM (BUD) LEFTRIDGE

BETA KAPPA CHAPTER Langston University Greetings Brothers: Beta Kappa extends greetings to all its brothers in this fraternity.

Beta Kappa, located at Langston University, Which is

Page 28

THE

situated on a hill that overlooks the beautiful Cimmaron River, with gushing oil wells as a background, began the year by dedicating its newly constructed bulletin board to the University. This gift is a part of the work that Beta Kappa did last year, the inspiration of our "Five Point Program." It is the result cf our desire to add to the beauty of our rapidly growing distinction and ever expanding campus. It was dedicated the second week in September with a colorful ceremony in which graduate Brother James E. Taylor made the presentation to the president of the institution, Dr. J. W. Sanford.

We a:e fortunate to have Brother Robert B. Boyd and George J. Ragland, Jr., in school with 03 this year. Brother Boyd has returned to complete his school work after a yeer's absence. We welcome there brothers into the fold.

Beta Kappa has a large number of new pledges who look very promising. Many of tham are outstanding in academic and extra-curiu'.a activities, distinguished as class leaders and honor students.

Fortune has favored us with two new graduate brothers. They are Brothers Kenneth Lee Jones, of Alpha Zeta Cha-tp'-. pnd George P. Benjam'n, of Epsilon Chapter and Michigan University. They make a total of eight graduate; Dzocner- on the campus.

Brother Jones is executive secretary while Brother Benjamin serves as director of Music and the University Band. Brother Jones has tha reputation of being the only Colored student to play in the University of Michigan Band for a period of four year;. We are likewise happy to welcome both of our new graduate brothers.

The world's smallest Alpha man, Brother Frank D. Brown, represented Beta Kappa at the Centennial Regional Conference at Dallas, Texas, November 17-19. He is known far and wide as an outstanding personality.

He expressed supreme pleasure in having met Brother Charles H. Wesley, General President, and Brother Dr. Eugene Kinekle Jones, Advisor on Negro Affairs, Commerce Department, U. S. Brother Lawrence Lackey, Brothers Henry Elliot and Elmer Jackson have established fine records as assistants in the Chemistry Department. They are juniors in the College of Science.

Brother Amos C. Haston and little Brothers Arthur G. Johnson and Randall Baker are holding distinction in the field of sports. They nobly played their positions at ends in the spirit of our former AU-American end, Brother William Winesberry.

On October 1st of this year, Alpha Tau Lambda located at Tulsa, Okla., presented Beta Kappa with a much needed "frat" house. Beta Kappa has been talking "fiat house" since its establishment but our dream was not realized until Alpha Tau Lambda stepprd in and presented a house to us. Words alone are inadequate to express our appreciation. The house was completely furnished with the exception of a few extra things that we felt were needed.

Homecoming on November 21st was a great day for our brothers who returned with their lady friends. Our frat house was the center of attraction. There were present seventy graduate brothers of Beta Kappa, who with the undergraduate brothers enjoyed a round of social entertainments, including a smoker at the house, an Alumni Dance, and several informal "get-togethers".

We wish great success for Brothers Jack Jefferson and Edward Bruce, who are doing graduate work at Iowa State and Kansas University respectively.

Of course we could not expect more of Brother Jessie L. Gradington, what with him tripping to the altar with the charming Miss Vivian Touchett. Love will have its way. Hence Beta Kappa doffs, its hat to Dan cupid.

We wish the newlyweds best wishes as they enter the sea of matrimony.

SPHINX

December, 1936

Beta Kappa elected its new officers for 1937. They are: Paul C. Strong President Lawrence Lackey Vice President James McCann Secretary Henry Elliott Treasurer Henry L. Parker Associate Editor of the Sphinx In closing Beta Kappa wishes to extend greetings during the holidays and the coming New Year.

Fraternally Yours, JOHN E. JACKSON

THETA LAMGDA Dayton, Ohio Greetings:â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Since our last letter to the Sphinx, Theta Lambda and Alpha Phi Alpha have suffered a great loss of two brothers, Brother Dr. Bradfield, of Lima, Ohio; and Brother Dr. L. W. Hathcock, of Dayton. Brother Bradfield passed away April 14, 1936, and Brother Hathcock, November 1, 1936. Brothers Biadfield and Hathcock were schoolmates at Ohio State University where they received their degrees.

While at Ohio State University, Brother Hathcock was a charter member of the first Sphinx Club of the fraternity. He was very active in the community and in the fraternity until recent years. Brother Hathcock has been practicing dentistry in Dayton since 1916, and had built up a lucrative practice. He will be long remembered by his many friends.

The relatives who mourn the loss of their beloved ones and to whom we wish to express our sincere sympathy are: Scott Hathcock, son of Brother Hathcock; Mrs. Edith Bradfield, wife of Brother Bradfield; a son Joseph and a daughter, Madeline.

Theta Lambda has just entered a one-act play contest sponsored by the Y. W. C. A. The organization presenting the best play will receive a cup. Here's hoping in our next communication we shall be able to tell you that we have the cup.

The chapter and the community regret the loss of Brothers Earl D- Thomas and John A. Clair, who are now instructors at the same institution. Both brothers left Dayton to accept positions in the public school system of Kansas City, Mo. Brother Thomas is now principal of Lincoln Junior High and Brother Clair is an instructor in the same school. Our best wishes to these brothers.

We have received two brothers who are instructors in the public school system here. They are Brothers Taylor and Young. Brother Taylor comes to us from Cincinnati and Brother Young hails from Chi Chapter, Wilberforce.

Fraternally Yours, LLOYD G. PHILLIPS 58 Campbell Street Dayton, Ohio.

BETA DELTA CHAPTER State College, Orangeburg, S. C. After a long period of silence, the voice of Beta Delta is herewith sounding greetings from the Palmetto State.

Realizing that the work of Alpha Phi Alpha must perpetually move, Brothers Pride, James, Byrd, Johnson and Bennett answered the call of our efficient president, Brother J. R. Edwards, Jr., and united our efforts to make the chapter roll greater.

Graduation took us by storm. Several outstanding brothers were taken along. We must take off our hats to the brothers who have graduated because of their rapid success in their respective fields of endeavor. Some are teaching in a few of the largest high schools in South

December, 1936

THE

SPHINX

Page 29

BETA THETA CHAPTER. BLUEFIELD STATE TEACHERS COLLEGE

Back Row, left to rightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Brothers Sinkler C. Martin, Arthur M. Mitchell, r., George E Babour Joseph W Perry, Othniel N. Bethel, Matthew U. Johnson and Harry L. Joyce.

Front Rowâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Brothers Robert L. Gunn, saiah A. Woodward, John T. Flippen, Leo G. Stephens, Milton Spear and C- Vernon Brock.

Carolina while others are continuing their education.

Since returning to school, we have made quite a few contributions to the campus and student body in accord with the spirit shown for the football team.

First of all, we donated three megaphones to the student body. At every game posters are placed all over the campus to arouse interest.

We are now looking forward to our fall program.

Brother Edwards has contacted Brother A. L. Simpson, the writer of our National Hymn, to speak. Many other outstanding brothers are expected to be on the campus to attend the program.

Brothers who are assisting with the program are: R. S. Byrd, President of the Agricultural Seminary; Jimmie L. Johnson, a three letter athlete, varsity end and captain of the football team and a friend of the ladies.

In other capacities, the brothers serving are: Fred J. Pride, Postmaster and Beta Delta's Clark Gable; President Edwards, the many of many offices, namely, president of the junior class, secretary and treasurer of the Inter-fraternal Council, member of the Y. M. C. A. Cabinet, and quarterback on the football team. He has also acquired the name of a perfect gentleman.

Brother Reas Burnett, Assistant chemistry "'lab' instructor, is doing great work with the Pledge Club which is unusually large. Since he has been with the Pledge Club, it has also contributed to the campus' exhibitors. In spite of the fact that a few of the members are anticipating crossing the burning sands, the club moves on with great vigor toward greater heights.

ALPHA PSI CHAPTER Lincolm (Mo.) University After such a long absence from these pages, Alpha Psi

returns with a renewed fraternal vigor. Fall activities began in a very impressive manner, and were climaxed by an elaborate smoker that was given in the college cafeteria. Homecoming was made just as impressive. Visitors were welcomed by novelty placards and huge posters that were placed in conspicuous spots on the campus.

Our chapter is proud of Bro. Augustus Low who represented Lincoln University at the annual meeting of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History at Virginia State College. He was the only student delegate to attend the conference, and had the honor of meeting Bro. Charles H. Wesley, our General President, and Br. Rayford Logan. Bro. Low reported that Beta Gamma entertained him in the hospitable Alpha way. Our Chapter is also proud of such stellar athletes as Bro. Houston "Keg" Chandler, Captain of the football team, and Bro. Jodie Bailey, Captain of the basketball squad, and Sphinxmen Thomas Campbell Lindsey Strothers, Richard Turfley, Morris Fountain, William Hyatt and Blanchard Tomlin. Thus it may be seen that, not only football heroes, but the five principle cagers are Alphas and Sphinxmen.

The course of Alpha Psi for the coming fiscal year will be guided by the following officers: Augustus Low President Robert Clark Vice President Mallalieu Woolfoik Secretary James F. Goble Corresponding Secretary Lionel Newsom Treasurer Frederick Nichols Editor to Sphinx Brother Walter Talbot of Omicron was elected as the chapter's faculty advisor.

Fraternally,

FREDERICK NICHOLS

Page 30

THE

ALPHA DELTA LAMBDA Memphis, Tenn.

SPHINX

December, 1936

RIVAL COACHES, BUT BROTHERS IN BOND

Greetings, Brothers: Again we are here, but if this gets in, I'll be doing a "zillion". This has really been one more football season and one hasn't had time to do anything but keep appearences. What is more, eve:y team that we have come in contact with had its share of Alpha men. So every man in the chapter has been on the gr>.

We a:e starting out the New Year with practically the rame corps of officers with one exception. Brother Thomas H. Hayes, Jr., has been replaced by Brother A. B. Owens, Jr. We aie sorry to say that Brother Hayes' duties made it impos;ib!e for him to continue as our very efficient secretary. He has done a swe'l job and will be missed by all.

Well, our chapter has gone house-minded, and by the time this is off the p c;s we may be housed very conspicuously. I Fay we may.

The holiday season promises to be a grand and glorious. cne. So much so that seme of us don't know which way to turn now. By that I mean the city will be overflowing with significant personalities.

The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's Regional meets here the first time during the C h i s t m a s holidays. This tfill be the first time that a College Greek-Letter Society has held a convention in our fair city.

Many brothers here, including myself, will be wondering which way to jump.

Such new additions as Brothers C. W. Dyson, acting head of the Chemistry Departmsnt at LeMoyne College; Brother Dr. R. E. Shivers, prominent dentist of West Memphis; and Brother S. W. Diek.rson, Department of Sociology, LeMoyne Col'ege, have added strength to our chapter. We are more than g'ad to welcome them.

Severai brothers who have teen on the sick list are able to be out again.

We have been graced with quite a few visiting brothers since last writing. Among our visitors have been Brothers Clarence Cameron White, who gave a recital at Washington High School; Brother George Singleton, Editor of the Christian Recorder, official organ of the A. M. E. Church; Brother A. L. Allen, salesman for the Metal Arts Company, of Rochester, New York; Brother Seals and Leonard, of Austin High School, Knoxville, Tenn. Brother Leonard is coach at Austin High School. Brother Seals conducted the annual election for our chapter. Oh, yes, and Brother I. C. Steady, Supt. of the Sunday School Mission, West Africa, and official representative of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in foreign land.

Nothing much that is new in the cupid world. Old Dan slowed among Alpha men this year in Memphis, but gave a number of other Greek-letter Memphians a break.

On behalf of Alpha Delta Lambda Chapter in the heart of the Midsouth, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Fraternally yours, JOSEPH E. COTTON, Corresponding Secretai-y.

Brothers. Bill Bell and Jack Adkins What do rival coaches, who are Alpha brothers, do when they meet a few seconds before an important game?

The answer is shown in this picture of Brother (Bill) Bell, coach at Florida A. & M. College, and Brother Walter P. (Jack) Adkins, veteran football mentor at LeMoyne College. Brother Bell is a former star tackle of Ohio State University.a nd Brother Adkins served as linesman on the gridiron at Fisk University, his alma mater. The picture was taken in Memphis this past fall when Florida A. & M. played LeMoyne.

Brother Bishop J. A. Gregg, one of the grandest prelates of all, was one of the most outstanding at the General Conference of the A. M. E. Church this past spring.

He should be an inspiration to all the youths of America.

He's my friend.

POSTSCRIPTS How is my friend, "Doc" Hudson, of Sixth and Walnut Street, doing of late? I can't say, because I haven't heard from him lately. Have you tamed him, you Louisvilleites?

Harpen to be glancing through a white fraternity's official organ lecently and it really p'ayed up its outstanding football players on various teams over the country. Made mighty good material for publication too.

All readers of this column, be on the lookout, during the holiday season. I may drop in on you for "what have you." A Merry Xmas ami Happy New Year to all.

What about our boys over the country at Northwestern, Cornell, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio State, Wilberforce, LeMoyne, West Virginia, Bluefield, Lane, and a number of other'colleges ?

D e c e m b e r , 1936

THE

SPHINX

P a g e 31

TAU CHAPTER, ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

First Row—Lawrence McDemmond, Charles Smith, O.estes Johnson, Virgil Campbell, John Dixon, Arthur Webb, Massie Kennard. Second Row—Fred Williams, Theron Brown, Samuel Matthews, Robert Moody, David Fennoy, Charles Collins, James McDonald. Third Row—John Sul.ivan, Joseph Perry, Sylvester Dixon, Roselle Nesbitt, Moses Pitts, Roscoe King, Archibald Dumas, Otho Robinson, Geoige Nesbitt. Back Row—William Attaway, Homer C havis, Jasper Jeffries, Ruges Freeman, David Pelky, Jo-seph Taylor, Eugene Turner, Cornell Cromer, John Love less, Haold West.

The Dog—"Dusty," mascot.

TESTIMONIAL DINNER

FRAT FUN

(Continued from page 6)

(Continued from page 14)

as well as their fellow white jurists. Inspiring addresses of Brother Wesley, Evans and Watson reviewed phases in the history, development and present program of Alpha Phi Alpha and praised highly the accomplishment of Brother Paige.

In the closing speech of the evening Brother Paige himself expressed appreciation to his fraternity for so honoring him at this banquet and pledged to execute the sacred duties vested in him by rendering to all equal justice under law. His speech resounded with a deep understanding of the significance of the task before him and echoed the characteristic self confidenca that makes Alpha men forge to the top and, like the fraternity, transcend all.

The banquet came to a c'.ose with the singing of the Alpha Phi Alpha Hymn. (For other information about Brother Paige, see The Sphinx, October 1936, p. 27).

The November 16th meeting of A'phi Gamma Lambda enjoyed two great pleasures. The first was an illustrated lecture on Haiti, by Brother Dr. J Binga Dismond, who recently spent many months in that section of the world.

Along with his very comprehensive and complete history of the republic, Dr. Dismond showed moving pictures— made by him—pointing cut the historic places of interest and depicting the very picturesque land as it is today.

The lecture was received with much enthusiasm and, accordingly, Dr. Dismond was graciously thanked.

The other event of the evening was the regular election of officers for the ensuing year. It is said that the number of terms in office is an indication of, among other things, the efficiency of those serving and of the respect and admiration held for them by those over whom they preside. These observations were we'l demonstrated again by the unanimous reelection of nearly all of the officers.

Jewel Vertner W. Tandy—Guest Jewel at New Orleans.

Brother Bindley Cyrus—longer and windier conventions.

Brother Howard L. Long—increased literary profundity.

President Chas. H. Wesley—comparable Rooseveltian popularity.

Brother B. A. Rose—a respite from allopecia.

There was a big baptism ceremony held by the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Neshaminy Creek. Hundreds of happy, shouting and otherwise exuberated people of the darker hued lined the water's edge as the converts were ducked one by one to come up singing and praying and yelling spontaneous expressions of their religious fervor.

Some would say "Hallelujah, Praise His Name, I've been washed in the Blood of the Lamb, Glory, Glory, Glory," and other well known and frequently used exclamations.

One old sister of a hitherto very shady reputation and of an extremely doubtful conversion noted very solemnly that each newly baptized person arose from the water crying and shouting different things. Being one of the last candidates to be immersed she saw that the stock phrases were fast running out, so she cudgeled her brain to think up one that no one else has exclaimed. When the minister droned the ceremonial words "On the confession of your faith I baptize you," etc., etc., etc., and dipped her into the cold, chilly waters of the Neshaminy, the dear Sister scrambled to her feet, shook her two hundred pounds of dripping ebony, placed her chubby hands on her porcine hips, looked over at the screaming, yelling crowd and cried, "Merry Christmas!"

So I am saying to you, Merry Christmas and Goodbye.

Yours tiuly, 0. WILSON WINTERS.

Page 32

THE

SPHINX

December, 1936

NOTICE FORMER XI MEMBERS

Dear Brothers of Xi: GREETINGS!!

As you may already know, Xi Chapter is now planning for the observation of her S lver Anniversary.

By this Spi\n-r, it will have t e : n twenty-five years fince the nine chatter members of Xi gathered themselves together to form the first greek letter oganization on the campus of Wilbeiforce University.

ALPHA DELTA CHAPTER

This corp of officers had a short lived period in office, and on Maich 5, 1933 the Chapter sent a basketball team to Berkeley, California to play a game with the Omegas. After this date, meetings were not called again until August 21. At this meeting ths following officers were elected to direct the affairs of the chapter for the year 1934: Bert McDonald President Wi liam E. Brown Vice President Rufus S. Norman Secretary James R. Davenport Correspondence Secretary Samuel McPherson Sergt.at-Arnis These officers remained in office until December 2, 1935.

The Educational campaign was spread to Los Angeles and Pasadena including a radio speech, banquet and public meetings.

This year the chapter began functioning again under the present officers. More members were active than at any other time. The chapter was the leader of organization, The Fan-Hellenic Committee. A basketball team was again organized and had a successful season. Victor Neckesson was initiated, and the pledge club membership was increased. Doctor Stovall made several addresses during the year.

The same corps of officers were reelected for 1935.

The high spot of the year was an annual Prom and the sending of three delegates to the Silver Convention.

On December 2, 1935 the same corps, of officers were elected except of the Vice President and Corresponding Secretary. Victor Niekesson was elected as Vice President and Carl Johnson, Correspcnderce Secretary. The first seven months cf 1ÂŁ36 Alpha Delta has been preparing for the Pan-Pacific Convention. Events so far this year have been Educational Campaigns, a Cabaret Party, the presenting of J. A. Rodgers a correspondent from Ethiopia.

(Continued from page 8) Chapter in person of Lawrence D. Johnson and Samuel McPherson.

Several of the members were reprimanded for lack of interest and non-support. It seemed that during the past three years the younger members were running the organization as the older members were not attending the meetings as regular as they should have.

Th annual prom was held in November followed by a spectacular Christmas Party.

On January 5, 1931 tha following officers were elected to hold office for the year 1931: Rufus S. Norman President James Stocks Vice President Aired Bland Secretary Frank Maxwell Treasurer James Davenport Correspondence Secretary James Robinson -.

Sergt.-at-Aims This year the Educational Program was broadened including a radio program, two mass meetings and one final meeting. Climaxing the program was the address delivered by professor Robert Milikan of Calteck CollegeDuring the Olympic games many affairs were given and the best of the season was the Prom given in honor of the Kappa Alpha Sorority's Boule.

On November 28, 1932 the following officers were elected to guide the affairs of Alpha Delta for 1933.

Ishmael P. Flory President Allen Norton Vice President Ruus S. Norman Secretary Frank S. Maxwell Treasurer The secretary failed to serve and Hugh Beaty was appointed as secretary.

December, 1936

THE

SPHINX

Page 33

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION COMPLETES REPORT ON NEW DEAL VS. THE NEGRO SURVEY FIRST TO BE MADE BY A GREEK LETTER FRATERNITY; PARTIAL ACCOUNT GIVEN HERE Atlanta University Atlanta, Georgia October 3, 1936 Brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha: I have the honor to submit heiewith the second report of the Special Investigator c f the New Deal, authorized by the General Convention at Nashvi.le in December, 1935.

I am convinced that this is the most complete, accurate Euivey that has been made of th3 Negro under the New Deal.

My findings, based upon very careful reading of the report and conversations with several of the men of our race holding high positions under the New Deal are: 1 In general, the Negro receives equitable treatment in neither the North nor the South.

2 In general, the treatment accorded the Negro is better in the North than in the South.

3 It is difficult to determine the extent to which this better treatment is due to the political influence of Negroes and the extent to which it is due to a more favorable attitude in the North.

4 The failure of Negroes to receive equitable treatment is due in some measure to the lack of familiarity of Negro leaders with multitudinous agencies.

5 Negroes appear to have been accorded better treatment under the National Low Cost or Slum Clearance Projects than under any other agency.

6 Rural Resettlement shows considerable improvement over Subsistence Homesteads.

7 There has been some improvement in Negro participation in the Civilian Conservation Corps Camps, but not in the appointments based on political patronage.

Fraternally Yours RAYFORD W. LOGAN Director of Ed.

me to make an investigation which I conducted in Washington from September, 1934, to Janaury, 1935. Many competent persons believe that the publication of this report produced some beneficial changes for the NegroUpon the establishment of the Works Progress Administration with $1,000,000,000 deemed it highly necessary that a thorough investigation be made of the operation of this vast organization, especially in view of the fact that Negroes had fared so poorly under the Federal Relief Administration and the Civil Works Program, and more especially since it was becoming apparent that the WPA might remain in existence for a long period.

In this new investigaticn, I visited Richmond, Virginia; Raleigh, Rocky Mount, and Bricks, North Carolina; Columbia, Charleston, and Orangeburg, South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Pensacola, Florida; Biimingham, Montgomery, and Tuskegee, Alabamba; New O:leans, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; Forrest City, Arkansas; Washington, D. C ; Newark, New Jersey; Philadelphia, and New York City. I talked not only with officials in the State offices of the WPA but also with "men in the street", lawyers, physicians, ministers, barbers; beauty shop operators, taxi drivers, unemployed men and women. In one Southern city I had to leave town hurriedly to avoid arrest. Members of the Fraternity on many occasions gave me unstinted aid in the pursuit of the investigation.

This report covers not only the WPA but also the National Reemployment Service. Emergency Conservation Work, National Youth Administration, Resettlement Administration and Rural Rehabilitation, Public Works Administration, Self-Help Cooperatives, and Farm Credit Administration. In spite of repeated efforts I was unable to obtain a statement from the Resettlement Administration and the Chief of Negro Labor of the Department of Labor., for inclusion in this report.

The Special Investigator for the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity THB

THE INVESTIGATOR'S PREFACE We are now in the fourth year of the New Deal. Without a doubt Negroes would appreciate a factual report revealing both the benefits that they have received from it and the attitude of those charged with the responsibility of administering New Deal legislation. The New Deal program is so vast that only one who has given meticulous study to the operations of the fifty-odd Emergency Agencies established since March, 1933, of data concerning thei r activities could present an adequate picture of the treatment received by Negroes under them.

I have enjoyed the unusual advantage of having lived in Washington since March, 1933, and of having contacted each new agency as soon as it was established. These new agencies gave to the Federal government in Washington an extraordinary centralization of power. All equitable administration of this great power would have meant the birth of a new day for Negroes. It would have resulted in the gradual destruction of local discrimination and disproportionate distribution of funds for social, economic, educational and public-health purposes.

The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was the first to realize the pregnant implications of this centralization of power as it affected the Negro. The Fraternity commissioned

E M E R G E N C Y RELIEF PROGRAM O F T H E FERA April I , 1 9 3 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; J u l y 1, 1 9 3 J M y previous report showed that the Federal Government', contribution of relief f u n d i m as f o l l o w ! for the D e e p South: Alabama. 9 6 p e t cent; Arkansas 9 6 . 8 per cent; Florida, 9 7 . 6 per cent; Georgia. 9 1 . 9 per cent; Louisiana. 9 4 per cent; Mississippi, 9 9 per cent; N o r t h Carolina, 9 3 . 9 per cent; South Carolina, 9 8 . 6 per cent; Tenneasee. 9 7 . 4 per cent. A l t h o u g h the Federal Government contributed practically all of t h s f u n d s for direct relief in these States and, consequently, should hare been able to assure an equitable distribution of funds, It was in these States that N e g r o e s received the worst treatment.

W h e n the Civil W o r k s Administration was launched In N o v e m b e r , 1 9 3 3 , the glaring discrimination against N e g r o e s was largely continued.

T h i s same condition obtained under the W o r k Division of the F E R A , created in April. 1 9 3 4 . A t the same time more authority was given Co State and local F E R A s for arranging work projects, assigning eligible employees to work, and managing the activities. O n e needs only to rsmember the dominant sentiment in most parts of the South to conclude that, since t h e States had greater authority, N e g r o e s were e v e n less likely to receive fair treatment than they had b e e n when the Federal government could, theoretically control expenditures t o a large extent.

I t b o d e s n o g o o d for the N e g r o to recall that the 1 9 3 6 Emergency Relief Act gave the States even more authority than they had under the W o r k Division of the F E R A .

T h e Work Division of the F E R A waa d e s i g n e d to promote projects for employment for professional and non-manual workers, compatible with their previous training and experience. T h e projects on which these workers were to be employed included public welfare, health, recreation, education, arts, research, statistical surveys, general clerical work, a n d technical supervision of all other W o r k D i v i s i o n projects.

Page 34

THE

Prom the interviews that I had with Negroes in the Nort : i, South, and Middle West, I conclude that they were given an appreciable share of these "white-collar" jobs m only those States where they were a political factor. Even in these latter States it may be doubted that they received absolutely fair treatment. Nevertheless, the difference in treatment was too noticeable to be overlooked. The extent to which the better treatment was due to political influence wielded by Negroes on the one hand and to a generally more tolerant attitude on the other is difficult to determine.

What was done for the Negro, in the matter of public welfare, health, recreation, education, arts, research, statistics available. For example, the report of Mr. Harry Hopkins for the WJork Relief Program of the FERA from April 1, 1934, to July I, 1935, is very unsatisfactory. The chapter on "Construction: Schools, Hospitals, Courthouses, etc." says: "The Georgia report points with satisfaction to the Chamblee Negro School, not because of its unusual magnitude but as an example of the efforts made to improve educational facilities for the underprivileged negro children in the isolated rural communities. The school, which accommodates 200 pupils, is of cut granite block construction with plaster interior and composition shingle roof. An auditorium has been provided for school and community activities, and in design and finish the Chamblee Negro School is comparable with any in the state." This statement is the only reference made to Negroes in the entire report.

Mr. Hopkins does not mention Negroes in any of his published Monthly Reports of the W. P. A. I do not wish, by any means, to imply that this was the only school constructed for Negroes undi-r the work division of the FERA. I am merely pointing out the fact that the report fails to show how many of the new 1,5 \0 school buildings and the 31,418 improved school buildings constructed between April 1, 1934 and July 1, 1935 were for Negroes. This breakdown is similarly lacking with respects to the 80 new and 1,013 improved hospitals; the 98 new and 261 improved libraries; the 13 new and 10 improved museums; ih* 5 new and 23 improved memorial buildings, all of which were constructed during that period.

Under the FERA Negroes in many instances had their own separate set-up with their own case workers and administrative personnel. In supervisors, clerks, typists, and stenographers. They were able to minister directly to the needs of their own people.

WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION Since the treatment of Negroes as a whole under the FERA revealed all too many instances of discrimination, the creation of the Works Progress Administration prompted the fear that similar injustices would continue under this new agency. The WPA, established by Executive Order dated May 6, 193 5, had the responsibility for the "honest, efficient, speedy, and coordinated execution of the work relief program as a whole", and the authority to carry out an extensive work program under its own direct supervision. The agencies in the first category that supervise the operation of work projects include the Public Works Administration, the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Resettlement Administration, the Rural Electrification Administration and the regular departments of the United States government. For exampple, the Resettlement Administration requisitions labor from WPA for the construction of some of its Federal Housing projects, and the Department of the Interior requisitioned labor from the WPA for its "white collar survey."

WPA projects are initiated by local public agencies such as cities, towns, and counties. If approved by the District and State offices of the WPA, they are forwarded to Washington for approval or disapproval by the Federal WPA and the President. After their approval they are submitted to the National Emergency Council. Copies of the appli. scions are submitted to the Bureau of the Budget for review. Non-WPA projects were sent to WPA for investigation as the availability of relief labor at the location of the project. The next step was the submission of the application to the President's Advisory Committee on Allotments, composed of representatives of the government, business, labor, agriculture, and the United States Conference of Mayors. The Advisory Committees presented its recommendations to the President. If the President approved the project, the Treasury Department was instructed to issue a warrant.

This procedure was somewhat simplified after October, 1935, when the bulk of the allocations had been made.

When the work was ready to begin, the prosecuting agency sent a requisition for workers, showing the skills desired, to the Uni-ed States Employment Service or other assignment agency which maintains records of all persons eligible for assignment to the Works Program. These records contain the names of all persons on relief who have been certified by the local relief administration as eligible for employment.

I T WAS AT T H I S STAGE OF T H E PROCEDURE T H A T NEGROES ENCOUNTERED T H E GREATEST OBSTACLES. T H E EFFORT WAS MADE I N ALL T O O MANY INSTANCES, ESPECIALLY IN T H E S O U T H , T O MAKE SKILLED NEGROES ACCEPT UNSKILLED JOBS. The discrimination against Negroes prevails from national headquarters in Washington down through the State and local headquarters to the actual employment of Negroes on the projects. There are practically no Negroes in other than the lowest brackets in the Washington office of WPA. In New York City, where there are approximately 3,000 em-

SPHINX

December, 1936

ployees of the City WPA, there are only about 100 Negroes. Even though this is a smaller number than Negroes should have, it is so much larger than Negroes have in the other cities I visited that one cannot discount the political influence of Negroes in New York. In New State headquarters, on the other hand, the number of Negroes is negligible. Virginia has a Negro Adviser and his secretary with offices in the building that houses the staff of the State WPA and two young colored college graduates employed as porters about the building. The elevator operators in this building arc white. In Raleigh, North Carolina, there is a Negro Consultant attached to the State W f A office, but his office is not in the new Raleigh Building that houses the offices of the State Administrator and his staff. This Ni-gro's office did not appear to be too well acquainted with its functions. In Columbia, South Carolina, no Negro was to be seen around the headquarters of the State WPA. In Jacksonville, Florida, at the local office of District No. 5 of the WPA there were twelve Negroes, most of them women. Two of them were paid by the State and ten out of one of the WPA project*. In Atlanta, Georgia, I saw one Negro man and the colored maid employed by the agents of the office building which houses the headquarters of the Georgia WPA. There was a separate elevator for these two employees and such Negroes as had occasion to visit the offices. In New Orleans, at the headquarters of the State WPA there was not a Negro to be seen. Similarly none was to be seen in the cities that I visited in Tennessee and Mississippi.

However scant the participat on of Negroes may be in the work at the State and local headquarters, their role in some instances did not mÂťet the approval of Negroes in the community. In some cases I was told thast "Unless you belong to the clique, you can not get a job." It was impossible for me to determine to what extent this criticism was justified.

The severest indictment to be made against WPA was the employment of Negro women on road work as in South Carolina. (See below the letter of September 9, 1935, from Dr. Robert C. Weaver, advisor on Negro affairs in the Department ot the Interior, R. W. L. The Advisor on Negro Affairs in the Department of the Interior was good enough to answer certain questions submitted to him by the Fraternity's Special Investigator. Dr, Weaver's two letters and an accompanying release should be read carefully in conjunction with the foregoing sections of this re-ort. The Director of Education wishes on behalf of the Fraternity to thank Dr. Weaver for his cooperation in helping Alpha Phi Alpha in its endeavor to present a full, impartial report. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;R. W. L. o In answer to your letter of July twenty-eighth, I am enclosing herewith a summary of the Negro in the Department of the Interior and the Public Works Administration. This release answers your question relative to the employment of Negroes in the Public Works Administration and the Department of the Interior, the allocation of funds of the PWA to Southern States for schools and colleges, and the appointment of Negroes in the PWA in certain capacities. Unfortunately, there is not so detailed a breakdown as you request, but since it is necessary to go through each project to check its nature in order to compile these data, it will not be possible to secure for you a more detailed breakdown in this connection. This release appears at the end of this letter.

According to my information, the National Park Service has appointed to Civilian Corps camps a Nejiro hi'storiai foreman, a non-technical foreman, and one or two technical persons. I might call to your attention also the fact that the first supervisory officials appointed to CCC camps were Negro educational advisors. These men were selec:ed by the Office of Education in the Department of the Interior and, according to the last information submited to this office, there are some 130 Negro, college graduates serving CCC camps in these capacities.

At the present time, I am working on a manuscript relative to the derivation and operation of the non-discrimination clauses inserted in jpec'fications for hous'ng projecis. As soon as the manuscript is ready for publication, I shall be glad to send you a copy in order that you may extract from it the information which you request in paragraph two of your letter. It is impossible to present an intelligible detailed picture of these figures without explaining the background and the raison d'etre for the procedure adopted. In those cities where there are no percentage agreements, the Census proportions for Negro skilled workers was usually so small that it was felt but little would be accomplished by writing in such a figure. In most instances this condition existed in cities where traditional practices lead us to believe Negro, skilled workers would receive a fair share of the work. In one or two instances, such as Evansville, Indiana, Census figures were not available and no percentages could be computed. In that instance, as in the case of other cities for which no percentages were included, a general n on-discrimination clause appears in specifications. In Evansville, results seem to support our expectat ons since, as of August 7, 1936, Negroes were receiving upwards of twenty per cent of the pay roll on both skilled and unskilled work. The percentages are included in all projects recardless of whether the project is to be tenanted by white, colored, or both groups.

I do not know what could have motivated the George Fuller Construction Company to say that the Government allowed them wide latitude with respect to the employment of Negro, skilled workmen in the

December, 1936

THE

housing projects in Cleveland, and that specifications were so changed.

There has never been any change in any specification relative to tho employment of N e g r o labor. In Cleveland, O h i o , the George Ful'er Company is contractor for the Outhwaite and Cedar Central H o u s i n g projects. T h e specifications require the payment of four per cent of the skilled pay roll and twenty-five per cent of the semi-skilled and unskilled pay roll to N e g r o e s . A s of July fifteenth, on the Cedar Central project, four and eight-tenths per cent of the total skilled pay roll and thirty-six and seven-tenths of the semi skilled and unskilled pay roll was received

by N e g r o workers. O n the Outhwaite project, three and eight-tenths per cent of the skilled pay roll and twenty-six and nine-tenths of the semiskilled and unskilled pay roll was received by N e g r o labor. A s of July fifteenth, some $ 5 2 , 0 0 0 have been paid to colored, skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers on these two projects. N e g r o , skilled woikers received about $ 8 , 0 0 0 of this total. From these data, and from the tdditional fact that the George A. Fuller Company is being required to increase the percentage of skilled work a l l o n e d to N e g r o workers on the Outwaite project, it seems that no special concession has b e e n made to that construction company.

I n connection with the hospital in St. Louis, Missouri although the Labor Department and the P W A Labor Relations D i v i s i o n have sent representatives to St. Louis, to date, N e g r o , skilled workers have not been employed on the project.

T h e article which you quote from the Arkansas Gazette relative to a N e g r o P W A inspector came to my attention sometime ar;o. A s far as I can discover, the Inspection Division knows nothing of this occurrence.

There is no record of any removal.

Mr. Spaulding's protest relative to the employment of N e g r o women in manual capacities on State projects by the W o r k s Progress Administration, was referred to Mr. Smith in April. O n the twenty-ninth of May, Mr. Smith received an answer to his letter from the State Adminisrrator of the W P A in South Carolina. A copy of the latter letter, together with a memorandum to the District Directors of the W P A stating that women should not be assigned to work in which the use of picks and shovel* I trust that this information will be of assistance to you in preparing the material upon which you are working for the Alpha Phi Alpha was necessary, was transmuted to this office by Mr. Smith, and we, in turn, communicated' with Mr. Spaulding. fraternity.

Sincerely yours, Robert C. Weaver, Advisor on N e g r o Affairs.

Enclosure

T H E NEGRO I N T H E D E P A R T M E N T OF T H E INTERIOR OFFICE OF ADVISER O N N E G R O AFFAIRS A N D T H E PUBLIC WORKS A D M I N I S T R A T I O N September I , 1 9 3 6 SUMMARY 1 .—EMPLOYMENT— Since the b e g i n n i n g of the N e w D e a l in 1 9 3 3 , 3 2 persons have been appointed to administrative, executive, and technical positions with the Federal Emergency Administration of Public W o r k s and the Department of the Interior.

Architects Advisory Staff „ H o u s i n g Executives Lawyers (Solicitors) Engineers (Supervising) C C C Camp Foreman „ _ . _ C C C Camp Historian

,

j^ 3 g 2 1 \ 1

I n 1 9 3 6 there were 6 9 9 N e g r o administrative, clerical, and skilled workers employed in the Department of the Interior. Of this number 2 1 8 have been employed since the inauguration of the present Administration in 1 9 3 3 . There are 2 4 7 N e c r o administrative, clerical, and skilled workers in the Public Works Administration. T h i s makes a total of 9 4 6 N e g r o skilled and clerical workers employed in the Department of the Interior and the Public W o r k s Administration, and is exclusive of the 2 , 5 7 6 employed in maintenance and unskilled jobs in this department 11.—HOUSING STATISTICS— Total number of Public W o r k s Administration low cost housing projects approved and under construction „_ 47 Total cost of housing projects under in U n i t e d States N u m b e r of housing projects intended occupancy (in whole or in part) Total cost of housing projects intended occupancy N u m b e r of housing projects intended occupancy „ , , .

construction 3130,000,000 for for

Negro 17 Negro $38,030,000

for

mixed «

SPHINX

Page 35

Total cost of housing projects intended for mixed occupancy $25,729,000 Grand total of housing projects intended for N e g r o occupancy and for m i x e d occupancy 26 $63,759,000 III.—EDUCATION AND HEALTH— T h e Public W o r k s Administration h a s appropriated for N e g r o primary and secondary schools in southern states alone . $ 5,844,274 In addition, the following grants have been made for N e g r o education and health: Howard University $2,968,177 Freedmen s Hospital 8 5 , 3 11 N e g r o Land Grant Colleges (and others) 1,500,000 Total

4,553,488

G-and Total $10,397,762 IV—LABOR STATISTICS— A policy of non-discrimination, adopted by the Administrator of Public W o r k s on the basis of a percentage plan worked out by the Adviser on N e g r o Affairs, has resulted in protection for NeRro labor, skilled and unskilled, on all Public W o r k s Administrat'on housing projects. A n examination of the payrolls for ten of the projects farthest advanced as of August 1936 reveals the following facts: Percent Negro # White Total Negro Skilled Labor $ 1 9 6 , 5 4 6 . 6 2 $ 1 , 0 4 7 , 8 1 3 . 9 2 $ 1 , 2 4 4 , 3 6 0 . 5 4 15.8 Semiskilled 20.748.96 78,081.83 98,830.79 20.9 Unskilled 403,793.49 225,525.00 629,318.49 64.1 Total 621,089.07 $1,351,420.75 $1,972,509.82 31.48 B>- the above figures it can be seen that the N e g r o in the building and trades industry has received, as a result of the policy of fairness established by the Administrator of the Public Worka Administration, his full share of the money spent for labor in housing construction thus far. T h e r e is no reasossn to suppose that this policy will not be maintained.

Another significant fact in this connection is that N e g r o construction laborers are now being employed on the Grand Coulee D a m project in the State of Wnshington as contrasted with the experience of N e g r o workers who sought employment on Boulder D a m . T h e Coulee D a m , a $ 6 3 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 project, was initiated by the present Secretary of the Interior whose policy of non-diacriminat r on served as a vehicle through which N e g r o labor was protected.

-SURVEY— T h e office of the Adviser on N e g r o Affairs is administering and sponsoring a survey of the training and employment of whitecollar and skilled N e g r o workers. T h e Works Progress A d m i n istration allotted $ 4 7 0 , 0 0 0 for this survey, and at the peak of employment, it gave jobs to 1,700 N e g r o , clerical workers in 3 2 states. In addition, the Office of Education, of the Department of the Interior received $ 2 7 0 , 0 0 0 for a correlated survey.

T h e two studies have g i v e n employment to more than 2 , 0 0 0 N e g r o , white-collar workers. N e g r o Government officials in the Interior Department have been responsible for the Administration of over $ 7 0 0 , 0 0 0 of Federal funds.

I am enclosing additional data in th : s letter to supplement the material conta ; ned in my communication of September 9.

T h e policy relative to N e g r o participation in the Recreational D e monstration projects, which are being developed by the National Park Service of the Department of the Interior, is in the process of being determined at this time. I have been informed by the Park Service that the t a m o s they construct will be turned over to the states for operation and maintenance. For that reason, it is necessary for the Park Service to receive commitments from the various states assuring the upkeep of any and all parks developed at this time. T h e possible exception to this is Chopawamsic camp in Virg'nia. At the present time legislation to provide for the support of this camp from Federal funds is pending. If this plan is carried out, I am sure there will be n o difficulty relative to the participation of N e g r o e s in this camp.

I am enclosing a list of the number of personnel on the survey of N e g r o , W h i t c C o l l a r and Skilled Workers. A l t h o u g h these data are not for the period of peak employment, they are most representative since they give a better distribution for states than later figures supplied. T h » final figures will be available some months hence when all reports from the fields have been analyzed and corrected. T h e Survey project, which I administered, was submitted and sponsored by the Office of the Adviser on N e g r o Affairs in the Department of the Interior. T h i s project, as all projects under the W o r k s Progress Administration, was required to submit an application setting forth the total cost, the number o f

Page 36

THE

workers to b e employed, and other similar items. Allocations were made on the basis of the amount of m o n e y which was requested. T h i s project was planned for the completion of field work on June 3 0 , 1 9 3 6 , and the field work was completed in all but three states. I n o n e of these, Pennsylvania, the flood was responsible for our lateness. I n other states it was possible to extend the Survey from fifteen to thirty days in order to secure a more adequate sample and supplementary information. S o m e of the state directors o n the project were employed o n a part time basis. I regret that I am not able to give you the salary they received from the Survey or from their other sources of income.

T h e question of the Survey of Historical American Buildings has b e e n investigated. T h i s is a survey which was initiated by the Department of the Interior during the Civil Works Administration. It is now operating in thirty states with funds supplied by the W o r k s Progress Administration. T h e W a s h i n g t o n staff in the Department of the Interior consists of about three persons. Selection of W o r k s Progress Administration workers in the field is in the hands of the various states which are conducting the project; therefore, the Department of the Interior is not in a position to supply information relative to the racial characteristics of those selected by the local W o r k s Progress Administrations.

Y o u r inquiry relative to the housing project at Charleston, South Carolina, should be addressed to the H o u s i n g D i v i s i o n of the Public W o r k s Administration. Unfortunately, I cannot advise y o u relative to a technical matter within the sphere of that division.

I am enclosing a copy of a draft of an article which I intend to pub* lish relative to the derivation and operation of the n on-discrimination clause for h o u s i n g projects. I trust that you will use this material as a basis for an interpretation of this work rather than as a release available for publication.

Since writing my letter of September 9 , I have completed compilization of data relative to expenditures in the field of health among N e groes. According to the data that I have before me, as a result of P u b l i c W o r k s Administration grants, hospitals accommodating 2 , 0 4 8 b e d s for N e g r o patients and costing # 3 , 3 7 9 , 1 1 8 , have been constructed. T h i s list is confined to those projects, or parts of projects, which are exclusively for the use of colored patients; and is ,of course, not a complete picture of the hospital facilities offered to colored citizens under this program. It, also, does not include the grant to Freedmen's Hospital, which was included in an earlier release. Y o u probably will be interested in noting that two N e g r o wards in the State H o s p i t a l for N e r v o u s Disorders, in Little Rock Arkansas, is included in this list. T h e project in Little Rock will provide 4 0 0 beds for N e g r o patients at a total cost of ? 4 4 2 , 2 5 0 .

I trust that this material, when combined with the earlier data, will be adequate for the Survey which you are conducting for the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Sincerely yours, Robert C. W e a v e r , Advisor o n N e g r o Affairs Enclosures I shall examine first the participation of the N e g r o in the various "white-collar" project. A l t h o u g h the information submitted is not BO complete as I should like it to be, it was obtained in the face of discourteous and even insulting treatment on the part of some of the government officials, especially the Director of the Federal Archives Survey, I have listed below what is perhaps the first compilation of the various "white-collar" projects, SURVEY

OF T H E T R A I N I N G A N D E M P L O Y M E N T OF COLLAR A N D SKILLED N E G R O WORKERS ( O . P. N o .

N e w York

65—1704) City

REPORT OF S T A T U S OF EMPLOYEES ( W e e k Ending J u n e 1 3 , 1 9 3 6 ) Name N u m b e r of Total N u m b e r of N u m b e r of of N o n Relief Relief Empl ayees Employees State Employees 61 _.8 69 Alabama ...

9 „ I Arkansas .

10 4 „ 2 6 Colorado . „3 7 Connecticut 10 —2 5 Delaware 7 —8 47 55 D i s t . of Columbia „6 55 61 Florida „.5 32 Georgia 27 .18 148 166 Illinois 32 34 Indiana i— —2 18 20 Kansas 14 Kentucky 16 42 Louisiana _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 48 40 Maryland 43 38 42 Massachusetts 46 60 14 Michigan 16 18 Minnesota

______

WHITB

Total N u m ber of City Superviiors 3 1 1 2 1 1 5 5 2 2 1 2 4 1 1 1 1

SPHINX Missouri ... _ Nebraska , , New

December; 1936 .

. ....

York

North Carolina ..

Obin Oklahoma ..

Pennsylvania South Carolina — TcntiPW.? ._ Texan Virginia West

Virginia

Total State Employees Administrative Personnel

.

1 7 .2 7 17 .8 10 3 10 4 9 9 11 2

14 45 10 42 197 64 108 19 70 35 62 89 60 9

15 52 12 49 214 72 118 22 80 39 71 98 71 11

188

1,433

1,621

28

35

63

Total Employees: Sure and Administrative 216 1,468 1,684 • A l l city supervisors are non-relief employees.

2 2 1 4 2 6 7 2 2 4 4 7 6 1

84

84

L I S T O F P R O J E C T S E M P L O Y I N G W H I T E COLLAR W O R K E R S N o . of People Department of Agriculture Allocations E m p l o y e d Bureau of Agricultural Economics 83 11,050 H o m e Economics 30 12,430 H o m e Economics 2,720 2,330,000 Agricultural Economics 2,961,000 3,000 Department of Labor Buereau of Labor Statistics Labor Statistics _ Occupational Analysis 1,318 Perpetual Labor Inventory Department of the Interior Office of E d u c a t i o n — Survey of School Problems 8 4 4 , 6 0 2 1,561 Vocational Research W o r k ( U n i v e r s i t i e s ) .

448 500,000 Vocational and Educational Guidance for N e g r o e s 2 3 4 , 9 3 4 512 Radio Educational Program . 75,000 100 Public Forum Project* 330,320 100 N e g r o White Collar Survey —, 467,042 Department of Justice , 1,424,000 1,768 Federal H o u s i n g Administration 17,439 55 Tariff Commission _ 104,534 155 Federal Reserve Board 599,000 790 Security Exchange Commission 76,000 85 Department of C o m m e r c e Census of Business Enterprise -7,784,000 13,223 Alphabetical Index of Census of 1 9 0 0 .1,804,948 2,831 Survey of Retail Trade - 293,000 Department of T r e a s u r y — Bureau of Internal Bureau 1 , 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 .5,083,487 3,433 Office of the Secretary 1,394 -3,450,000 Public H e a l t h Service 4,955 - 530,784 Procurement D i v i s i o n 297 T a l k i n g Machine Project - 211,500 250 Forest Service, D e p t . of Agriculture — 380 Weather Bureau . ..

17,700 Bureau of Standards , 18 A l l e y D w e l l i n g Authority — 200,000 11 Federal Project N o . 1 „..

-24,115,217 39,500 _ 1,500,000 Federal Archives Survey 1 3,000 _ 1,250,000 Historical Record Survey ___ 4,270 _ 500,000 Historical American B u i l d i n g s Survey 800 Historical American Merchant Marine 125,000 P l u m b i n g Servey 19 _ 100,000 National Research Program Project .12,000,000 4,000 T o all States and District of Columbia for Local Statistical Research and Survey Projects 46,131,544 $119,076,855 82,106 A large number of these projects are not even shown in the Reports published monthly by the W e e k s Progress Administration, but they are most important since they have g i v e n employment to the largest numbsr of unemployed "white-collar" persons o n relief roils.

For instance, the Professional and Service projects are not listed separately at all, except the Federal Project N o . 1. N o mention Is mad* of the Federal Archive* Project, the Historical Record Survey Project, the Historical American Buildings Survey, the Historical Merchant Marina Project n o r the P l u m b ing Survey. N e i t h e r is there anything stated in the reports concerning

December, 1936

THE

the National Research Program Project for which $ 1 2 , 0 0 0 0 0 0 wag allocated. N o t h i n g is said in the reports about the four Surveys conducted under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture; about die Consumers' Purchase Survey under the supervision of the D e - a ' t ^ e m of Labor; about the Department of Justice Survey; the Survey b e i n g made by die Tariff Commission, by the Federal Reserve Board, by t i e Federal H o u s i n g Administration, or by the Security Exchange Commission. It was necessary for me to spend considerable time trying to obtain the information that I did about these projects.

N o official, white or colored, would or could give me the figures to show how many N e g r o e s were employed on the various projects except, of course, the N e g r o "white-collar" Survey. M y investigation d i d , however, yield some very suggestive facts.

Let us examine, for instance, the Local Statistical, Research, and Survey Projects for which all of the States and the District of Columbia were eligible and for which $ 4 6 , 1 3 1 , 5 4 4 was allocated. A letter dated A u g u s t 3 , 1 9 3 3 , and signed by J. B. Harder, Officer Manager for Curtis W . Garrison, Assistant (Pennsylvania) State Supervisor, Historical Records Survey, states that " U p to this time there have been no N e groes employed on the Historical Records Survey. W e will be glad to advise you if any are added to the survey in Pennsylvania." T o date, end of September, 1 have received no advice. I n the District of Columbia there is being conducted a Traffic Survey that was started under the C W A in mid-November, 1 9 3 3 , and that is now a statistsical, survey project. N o t one N e g r o was given employment under the C W A and not one is n o w employed o n this project.

It may be surmised that it was fear that the N e g r o would be excluded from most of the general "white-collar" projects. A t all events, the total amount earmarked for N e g r o e s under these projects was $ 7 0 1 , 9 7 6 , or a little more than one-half of one percent. It m i y be doubted if enough N e g r o e s were employed in the other "white-collar" projects to approach the ten percent t o which N e g r o e s are entitled by their racial distribution and consequently the even higher ratio of their relief distribution. A n y attempt to work out the employment of N e g r o e s on this basis of the 1 9 3 0 census of N e g r o and white "wh ite-collar" workers would be unfair since many of both races on these projects are undertaking their first j o b .

Even more important is the fact that the N e g r o "white collar" survey lasted only five months. Many of the general projects which it has been impossibe to obtain a fair percentage of employment of N e g r o es are o n the other hand, being continued. N e g r o e s in N e w Y o r k G t y were so encensed over the cessation of their project that they went to Washington where they had a very stormy meeting with Mr. Aubrey W i l l i a m s . T h e y had the satisfaction of being told to g o back to N e w York and submit another project. Even if another one is approved, it will probably be for only a limited time.

T h e following official report is self-explanatory. (See attached p a g e ) .

H o w e v e r unsatisfactory this N e g r o "white-collar" survey may b e . it must not be overlooked that it did g i v e dignified employment to many N e g r o e s who, apparently, could not b e integrated into many of the other W P A projects. Evidence of this is seen in the treatment of Negroea on some of the Professional and Service Projects of W P A , Federal Project N o . 1 started off under a very liberal leadership that assured N e g r o e s fuller participation dian they received in some other projects. T h e following sums were allocated under Federal Project N o . 1: art, $ 3 , 3 1 4 , 5 6 6 ; music, $ 8 , 9 3 9 , 2 8 4 ; theatre, $7,64"0, 2 6 3 ; writers, $ 3 , 3 9 9 , 1 6 5 . T h e s e figures are as of May 2 9 , 1 9 3 6 .

In general this project was under way for three or four months before N e g r o e s in the South received employment under it. Of the 1 2 , 3 9 3 employees o n the theatre project, the figures as given to me of N e g r o participation are as follows: Alabama, 1 9 ; California, 6 0 ; District of Columbia, 2 ; Illinois, 1 0 2 ; Louisiana, 2 ; Massachusetts, 6 3 ; N o r t h Carolina, 2 ; N e w York State, 2 3 ; N e w York City, 3 4 4 ; Washington, 6 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a total of 6 7 8 . T h e official who gave me these figures was unable to furnish die statistics for N e w J ersey.

My observations during my tour lead to the conclusion that N e g r o e s did not fare any better under die art project in which a total of 5,113 are employed or under the music project which gives employment to 153 5 4 . Exact statistics are not available for the writers' project, but it i$ evident that N e g r o e s began to receive employment on this project at a very late date. A release to the N e g r o press for the week e n d i n g October 3, 1 9 3 6 , stated that 1 6 3 N e g r o e s are encaged in gathering material for th N e g r o section of the American G u i d e and that "in addition many state officers are planning supplementary work for the writers," R. W . L If this has been true under the administration of Federal official disposed to d o as much as the local sentiment would permit, it is to be feared that the contemplated appointment of a director not BO well disposed toward N e g r o e s will result in a curtailment of even this limited participation.

T h e Survey of Federal Archives gave employment to a considerable number of white graduate students as supervisors. T h e Regional Directors are professors of history o n part time, assisted by state historians, archivists, and other scholars. T h e Federal director of this project in-

SPHINX

Page 37

formed me that there were some 3 , 0 0 0 persons employed o n this project, but he refused to give me the break-down by States. M y experience with the supervisor of the N e w Y o r k project will be related below. T h e regional director of Pennsylvania refused to give me any information about the employment of N e g r o e s .

Although the assistant to the director of the Historical Records Survey courteously gave me the break-down by States of the 4 , 2 7 0 persons employed on this project, h e coud not give me the figures for N e g r o e s .

I noticed one colored typist in his office out of some dilrty.

Similarly, t'ie director of the American B u i l d i n g s Survey was unable to tell me how many N e g r o e s were e m p l o y e d o n his project t o which $ 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 was allocated. I n spite of repeated efforts I was unable to contact the director of the Historical Merchant Marine Survey. Inasmuch as N e g r o e s played an important part in the early d e v e l o p m e n t of merchant marine, it is to be regretted that some N e g r o familiar with their activities has not been associated with this study. S o m e of the unemployed N e g r o graduate students might also have been e m p l o y e d on this project.

O n the ot'ier hand, it may be doubted whether many N e g r o e s could find employment on the P l u m b i n g Survey, d e s i g n e d to determine p l u m b ing installation in government buildings in N e w York City and Detroit.

Although some of the smaller listed above were allocated sums too small to make the problem of N e g r o employment important, die implications of some of these surveys are significant. For example, the Bureau cf Agricultural Economic of the Department of Agriculture conducted a survey in North Carolina and N e w Jersey among farm operators and tobacco and cotton croppers. A trial study was made in these two States to detemine whether it s h o u l d be made in all of them. I t will be interesting to know what use the government makes of the reports gathered concerning the N o r t h Carolina croppers. Students of h o m e economics should be alert for the publication of the study of nutritional adequacy and economy of diet. Of the thirty persons employed on this study in Baltimore not one Was colored. I n spite of repeated efforts I was unable to obtain information concerning the employment of N e g r o e s on the Survey of B u i l d i n g Permit Statistics conducted by the Department of Labor.

Of more than usual interest is the survey under the Department of Justice. It grew out of a small project originated by two Negroea in the District of Columbia to survey juvenile deliquency. W h e n the local W P A administrator refused to allot funds for it, they succeeded in interesting an official in the Department of Justice who enlarged it to make it nation-wide and to include a study of tha courts, all penal institutions, and forms of release. A t one time the Director of tha project employed 100 y o u n g colored m e n and women in h i s office in W a s h i n g t o n , D . C .

T h e Survey of the Consumption of G o o d s and Services by urban families in a n u m b e r of selected States, conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor, gave employment to a considerable number of N e g r o e s . I n Atlanta, Georgia, for example, about 80 N e g r o e s were given employment. O n the other hand, the white woman in charge of the project was soon removed, presumably because she insisted u p o n equal salary for white and colored employees d o i n g the same work*. C o m p e t e n t N e g r o e s in Atlanta believe that at the present time white workers are generally paid higher wages for d o i n g the same work as N e g r o e s . O f course, N e g r o e s are excluded as much as possible from the higher brackers. I n South Carolina the W P A Administrator alleged that the supervisor had requisitioned for 4 0 N e g r o e s but had been unable to find competent colored persons. I have been reliably informed that 1 1 6 N e g r o e s were employed as card puncher* in the city of W a s h i n g t o n . I found myself considerably handicapped in this part of my investigation by die unwillingness or inability of the office of the Chief of N e g r o Labor in the Department of Labor to furnish m e with information.

Inasmuch as local sentiment in the South is much stronger against N e g r o e s in rural areas than in the cities, it may be d o u b t e d that N e g r o e s received equal consideration on the similar study of rural and town families conducted by the Bureau of H o m e Economics in the Department of Agriculture. North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Georgia represented the South in this widely sampled study.

S m c e the sample study of the distribution and activity of deposits In 123 closed banks, conducted by the Federal Reserve Board, necessitated the employment of men with experience usually denied to N e g r o e s it was hardly to be expected that any considerable number of N e g r o e s would be employed on this project. I n N e w York City, 5 out of 2 5 0 were N e g r o e s . T h e same comment obtains with reference to the study of farm mortgages, land values, transfers, and farm taxes .conducted by the Department of Agriculture, which gave employment to 2 , 9 2 9 persons.

T h e supervisor of the census American listed corporations, with headquarters in N e w York City, informed me that there were 85 p e o p l e o n the payroll. Since I visited his office on the 15th of the month, I could see them in line to receive their checks. There were n o N e g r o e s a m o n g them.

I n the Philadelphia headquarters of d i e National Research Program project conducted by W P A there were at o n * time 1 2 Negroea, but thÂŤ

Page 38

THE

Director, Mr. David Weintraub, told me at the time of my v sit that not one was currently employed. No statistics are available for the number of Negroes in the eleven areas statistical offices of this project.

No Negroes are employed in the subarea statistical office in Washington, D. C. This is one of the most important of all of the projects. It will survey, among other things. Subsistence Homesteads, Rural Industrial Communities and Suburban Rehabilitation Communities in order to determine: (1) the extent to which these emergency programs have addressed themselves to the problems of the industrially 'stranded5* areas; (2) the extent to which they were successful in meeting these problems. Plans are being drawn for additional studies.

Only the initiative of the Ne^ro Advisor in the Department of Commerce, t'ie Executive Secretary of the Colored Y. M. C. A. in Washington, and a few other interested individuals secured even a minimum participation of Negroes in the Census of Business Enterprise. The Negro Advisor in the Department of Commerce informed me that in Washington, D. O , 18 were given employment; in New York, about 40; in Chicago, 20; in Richmond, 2. It was impossible to ob'ain employment of Negroes in this project South of Richmond. The Advisor also stated that some 400 Negroes were employed on the alphabetical index of the 1900 census in St. Louis. He did not have information to show the employment of Negroes in the Philadephia office.

The Office of Education in the Department of the Interior was allocated $ 1,984,856 for five projects. On the survey of school units with a view to the reorganization of school districts not one of the 1,485 relief and 76 non-relief persons was colored, as of August 1, 1936. Vocational research in universities gave employment to 12 Negroes at Howard -University and one at Fish University, a total of 13 out of 448 as of August 1, 1936. The survey of vocational and educsrionai guidance of Negroes, which received $234,934, or about 1 2 % of the total, gave employment to 476 Negroes on relief and 36 not on relief. This project was conducted in 192 urban ar.d rural communities and 3 3 Statas.

The report should, of course, be read by all educators when it is finally published. Of the 100 persons employed on the radio educational program which involves the preparation and presentation of radio programs to clarify the activities of the Federal government, not one was colored. I was informed that of the ten demonstration centers, Mononogalia County in West Virginia used the services of five Negroes and that others will possibly be employed in Minneapolis and Chattanooga.

The Survey of the Needs of Youth, under the National Youth Administration, at one time utilized the services of fifteen non-relief Negroes, but this project has been discontinued.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue in the Department of the Treasury .received 95,083,487 to conduct a survey of incomes and income taxes, an inspection of retail liquor dealers and a survey of miscellaneous taxes.

Although I made several trips to t'ie office of the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Washington, I was unable to obtain information showing the number of Negroes engaged on this project. At 341 Ninth Avenue, New York Gty, of the 148 persons there is one Negro in the field and four Negro women in the office.

No statistics are available to show the number of Negroes on the following projects: Office of the Secretary, Department of the Treasury, which was allocated $ 1,200,000 to make a study of inco'me tax returns, and which employs 1,500 workers from relief rolls and 99 not on relief; Procurement Division, which received £530,784 for the decoration of public buildings, and which employs some 300 artists and assistants; Public Health Service, with $3,450,000, and 4,955 employees; National Forests, with $13,827,500 and more than 20,000 employees, of whom "a large number were Negro labo-ers;" Soil Conservation Service with some 3 5,000 persons employed.* The Weather Bureau had a small allotment of $17,700 to study at Atlanta, Des Moines and Lincoln (Nebraska) a method of long range forecasting. Of the 18 employees none was colored. Perhaps there were no Negroes qualified to hold positions on that project or on that of the Bureau of Lighthouses, the Bureau of Standards, and the Bureau of Fisheries which employed respectively 100, 28, and 3 50 persons.

(•With respect to some of these surveys, see below the letters of September 9 and 12, 1936, from Dr. Robert C. Weaver, Advisor on Negro Affairs in the Department of the Interior.—R. W. L.) There were additional allocations made to the following: Department of the Interior— Alaska Road Commisssion $426,500—150 persons employed National Park Service ..._ 150,000— 38 Geological Survey —. 100,000— 24 St. Elizabeth's Hospital 9,500— 19 Temporary Government of the Virgin Islands 435,600—679 Bureau of Declamation 2.650,000—8,125 Department of LaborsImmigration and Naturalization—$179,895—175 persons Navy Department-— „ Yards and Docks $17.378,470—17, 478 persona : Treasury Department— ... .... Coast Guard

#5.264.995—826 Persons

SPHINX

December, 1936

War D e p a r t m e n t Corps of Engineers $129,686,169—40,266 persona Quartermaster Corps — 14,672,766—14,600 persona Rural Electrification Administration 12,192,912— 251 persons Veterans Administration _ 1,234,120— 1,104 persons Although the projects listed above used, in most instances, a large complement of manual labor, all of the projects had a number of administrative employees and technical employees who were taken from the relief rolls. It is impossible at this time to state how many Negroes in various capacities were employed on any of these projects.

There were projects under the office of Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior and the Pureto Rico Reconstruction Administration in the same Department. Inquiry revealed the fact that no Negroes were employed on any of these projects.

Those projects employing exclusively "white-collar" workers I have endeavored to explain in detail; the other, although employing a goodly number of "white-collar" workers in the administrative offices, were mostly projects that used a large complement of manual laborers. It is to be expected that in most instances the majority of the manual and common laborers on any projects are Negroes, with a few possible exceptions. o MY TOUR OF INVESTIGATION In order to get first hand information concerning the benefits the Negro is getting out of the New Deal, deemed it necessary to go into the States, make personal contact with the New Deal Agencies and interview Negro leaders in all walks of life as well as the rank and file BO that expressions might be obta'ned from them personally as regards die treatment our Group is receiving, especially under the Works Progress Administration. There is given below an account of a six week trip that I made covering some of the cities mentioned in the preface. Oklahoma and Texrfs were the only Southern States that were not visited. It is believed, however, that a clear picture was obtained as regards the benefits accruing the Negroes under the New Deal. o NEW YORK CITY I went to the headquarters of the Works Progress Administration for th City of New York located at 111—8th Avenue. There I contacted Mr. Lemuel L. Foster colored who has the title of Executive Officer, Race Relations Bureau. Mr. Foster's office is on the tenth floor where he has a receptionist, (male), a young woman secretary and a woman stenographer. Mr. Foster handles all cases of race discrimination, and he is constantly kept busy. Outside of his small office is a long bench on which sit colored men and women waiting to lay their complaints before him. After a long watt I succeeded in getting an audience with Mr. Foster and told him who I was and the purpose of my visit. H e informed me that I should go to see Mr. Wilkinson who is attached so the staff of the Reemployment director at 342 Madison Avenue. I immediately went to Mr. Wilkinson's office and told him I wanted to find out how many Negroes were employed on WPA projects in the City of New York.

I was told that the races are not separated and it would be almost impossible to give me the numbers. He said further that he w»i working out a form of report on which could be recorded just such in-focmation.

Every colored official, whom I contacted stressed the fact that there is no distinction made as to race. Neverthleess everywhere I went I saw concrete evidence of just the opposite. For instance, two clerks working on the tenth floor of the WPA headquarters work side by aide. Mr. Wilkinson, finally told me that Mr. Foster was the man I needed so see.

Although I could not understand how one who is charged with handling cases of racial discrimination could tell me about the number of Negroes employed on WPA projects, I went back to Mr. Foster and told him again what I wanted. He then took me over to see a white official who, he said, could give the information I was seeking. Unfortunately this particular official was out of the office during the week I spent in New York City. Consequently, I never got to see him.

I experienced no end of trouble trying to find the directors of the Professional and Service Projects as well as directors of Federal projects conducted under the supervision of several of the regular executive governmental departments.

Through a friend of mine who was formerly connected with one of the New Deal Agencies I succeeded in getting the name and address of the director of the Historical Records Survey whose office is at 114 East 32nd Street. I found the director to be a white woman who expressed the utmost disgust with the Negroes employed under her on thb particular project. She told me that they were working at the 13 5th Street Library on Negro culture. Although all they had to do was co fill in the prepared forms on which was indicated the kind of data to be supplied she said: They can't even do thatll I asked her what qualifications these workers had. She replied that most of them were college graduates and she had her secretary to get me the education and experience cards. I went through diem and saw that most of them were graduates of small Southern colleges; that some had teaching experience; one had edited a newspaper; and others had training and experiences that most certainly should have qualified them for the kind of work assigned

December, 1936

THE

them. Then she had brought some of the work that was being dona by the workers to show me how poorly it was done and I must admit that it was very, very poor. The worst part of it all, she said was that all of that had to be done over. In short the job was not being done satisfactorily at all. The director told me that a young colored girl came into her office and asked about being given employment on the project, when asked where she heard of it she said: "I heard about it in Harlem."

There are about fifteen women stenographers in her office, one of whom is a young colored woman who, the director said, thinks she if the "whole cheese?" When I asked her how many she had employed, meaning colored, she said six. Although IN NEW YORK CITY THERE ARE 112 persons working on this project, only six Negroes can get on.

I was also informed by my friend of the location of the Consumers' Purchase Study being made under the Department of Labor in New York City. "There is a similar study under the Department of Agriculture but not in New York. The headquarters for this project is located at 44 East 23rd Street and the director of this project is a white woman also. There was a good deal of injuiry as to who I was, where I was from, what I wanted and for whom I wanted the information desiredAfter quite a long period of waiting I was ushered into the director's private office. She was quite different from the other directors mentioned above, possibly more tactful and not as outspoken. She said that the proportion of Negroes interviewed for placement on the project was much higher than the whites because she was anxious to give Negroes jobs, in contrast to the Supervisor of the Historical Records Survey who apparently was not anxious to give Negroes jobs at all, but was compelled on account of pressure brought to bear as I later found out. The super* visor of the Consumers' Purchase Study told me that the survey was • technical one and required at least two years of college work and that a special study was being made of Negroes in New York City under this project. She stated that at one time 20 were employed, but at the present time there were only 14 Negroes working on the survey. I inquired whether there were any Negro supervisors and she said one who came from the relief rolls; that there had been another whom she had been compelled to drop because hs did not take his work seriously enough.

This supervisor had a group of Negroes working under him. There were in all 600 employed in June, 1936, although approximately 1,500 had been employed at one time.

Although most of the Negroes I contacted in New York City impressed upon me the fact that there are no separate Negro projects, h'.re are two projects upon which Negroes are working only among Negroes.

The office of the Director of the Federal Archives Survey is located in the Old Post Office Building down at Park Row. The director introduced me to his assistant who made the startling disclosure to ma that when he sent his requisition up to the WPA Labor Office for workers he was sent no Negroes. It is true, he said, that the requirement* had been set very high when the job specifications were sent to die WPA Labor office, but when no Negroes were sent him, he made a special request that some be sent, first, because he belived in giving Negroaa an opportunity and second, because he knew that there were qualified Colored men and women who could give satisfaction on this project.

As a result of this assistant's interest in behalf of Negroes 12 have been given employment on this project. Otherwise today no Negroes would be working .on this project in New York City, Altogether there are 180 persons employed on this project; 12 out of 180 is a better average than 6 out of 12 (number on Historical Records Survey) or 14 out of 600 (number on Consumers' Purchase Study). The director informed me , that the colored workers were doing excellent work, that one of them although not officially a supervisor, was acting as supervisor because he was highly proficient; that there were a lawyer and college trained people employed. Quite a contrast again. The director of the Historical Records Survey ridicules the type of work Negroes are doing and this director commends and compliments. The quest'on naturally arises whether it be a question personalities with respect to the treatment Negroes are receiving at the hands of the administrative officials of the WPA project.

As stated above It was extremely difficult to locate the offices of the directors of the various Federal Projects. Neither Mr. Foster nor Mr. Wilkinson knew. In an effort to ascertain the location of these head quarters I went to the National Reemployment Office at 25-West 18th Street where I contacted one of the Negro interviewers. I told him what I wanted and he said he could not give me the information, but he would take me to die office of the Statistical Department where I could get the information desired. The only thing I could obtain there was the location of the office of the supervisor of the Department of Justice Survey for New York City. It is in the Municipal Building also down at Park Row. I succeeded in seeing the supervisor on my first visit and asked him how many Negroes he had employed on his project. H e said, none; that when he sent in his request no Negroes were sent him; that he was going to request one when I asked him why, he replied that Negroes do not have much chance, that he was liberal and believed in giving Negroes a chance. There are 15 clerks, 1 secretary and the supervisor employed on thia project in New York City. The reason for io small a force in New York City is due to the fact that the work

SPHINX

Page 39

was being done in the Department of Correction which had all the necessary records. In Albany, however, there are 51 persons employed on this project. Whether any of them are Negroes, I don't know at thia time.

Wflien in the Old Post Office Building I noticed in my observation tour of all five floors of the building many names of various projects on the glass of the doors. Among those I saw were the Department of Markets Project, the Police and Fire Departments Survey Projects, Vault Survey. Now each of these projects has a Project Labor Officer, Project Finance Officer, and Project Engineer Office. The project finance office of the Police and Fire Departments Survey had an enormous clerical force, not one of whom was colored; the same was true in the project finance office of the Department of Markets Survey. In fact, I saw no Negroes in any of the offices of these two surveys, but did see one Negro employed in connection with the Vault Survey of New York City.

Now these surveys are a part of the Statisical Research and Survey Local Projects for which specific allocations were made to each State in the Union. New York City is the "49th Stare" and gets its own allocation.

There was allocated to New York City by tht Central Statistical Coordinating Committee in Washington $ 11,527,703 to carry on 85 different kinds of statistical research and survey projects. The State Coordinator of Statistical Projects had submitted 157 such projects for New York City, but budget was approved for only 85 of them. It is to be understood that State Coordinators of Statistical Projects were appointed for each State and that all statistical, survey and research projects in addition to receiving the same type of examination and approval as other projects in the State WPA Office are submitted to the State Coordinator for technical review and recommendation.

Finding so few Negroes employed on these statistical research and Survey projects, I went back to see Mr. Foster, to find out from him the different kinds of statistical research surveys that were being conducted in New York City by the local WPA. He was unable to inform me. He did state, however, that so many things were going on tliat the Negroes only now and then get an inkling ef just what is being done.

Having run into two situations where Negroes evidently were not being given any consideration in the WPA Labor Office. I decided to interview the WPA Labor Officer or Manager and consequently went to 18th and Sixth Avenue where his office is located. It is very difficult to g»t in to see any of the officials of the WPA in New York and I failed to gel to see the gentleman in question. However, his secretary came out to inform me that the gentleman was out and it was not known when he would be in. If I would make known what I wanted, she could probably help me. I told her that it was a matter I wanted to take up with Mr. personally and I would try to make an appointment with him later. While seated at a long table a young colored girl and a much younger colored boy came and sat opposite me. The young colored boy was filling out what is called "Education and Experience Record" blank and be was experiencing quite a bit of trouble in so doing although he was being coached fervently by the colored girl. It was a blank for the National Youth Administration he was filling out. I happened to glance over and I noticed the young girl writing out the word "Negro" and repeating the spelling of it to the lad because there was the word "COLOR" on the top line of the blank that had to be filled in. And yet one is told in New York that no reference is made to Negro ("thia" or Negro "that."

My next place of visit was to the Federal Building on Christopher Street. In that building was located the tabulating office of the Labor Inventory project. When I made inquiry of the man in charge as to the total number of people he had working and the total number of colored he flatly refused to tell me, saying that I could get the information in Washington. But, I said, I am in New York and there was no secrecy about it and as a public citizen I was entitled to the information. All I said was to no avail and I was unable to find out a thing from him.

In the same building is located the tabulating office of t'\e Census of Business Enterprise which, when at its peak, employed 1600 people. As the director was out for the day I was unable to get any information, and I never had the opportunity to get back to see him. In this s i n e building is located die WPA director of the projects conducted by the Navy Department, but no colored are employed in this office. In this building is located the Federal Art and Sculpture Project in which no Negroes were employed.

The United States Public Health Service had an allocation of $3,450,©00 from the Work Progress Administration with which to conduct a survey of public health giving employment to 9 0 % of the personnel from relief rolls and ten per cent non-relief. Three different kinds of surveys were made, namely, a study of chronic disease, information for which was obtained by a house-house canvass in selected cities; a study of occupational morbidity and mortality, based on the records of sickbenefit associations; and a study of hospital facilities and out-patient clinics. In New York City there were employed on the Health Survey and the Occupational Morbidity and Mortality Survey a total of 234 persons. In addition to these surveys there was conducted also a hearing survey on which a very small number of people were employed.

The headquarters for this project was in the Hudson Terminal at 30

Page 40

THE

Church Street, but has been removed recently to the Custom House.

However, I found a young white woman in charge of the office who informed that "a few" Negroes were employed on the project.

My next visit was to 475—Tenth Avenue where are located the Area Statistical Office of the Works Progress Administration and the Economic Section of the National Research Program, both of which make up the ^12.000,000 National Research Program. In this building is located also the Talking Machine project for the blind.

I first went to the office of the Economic Section of the Nat'onal Research Program Project and inquired how many Negroes were employed on this section of the project in New York T H E REPLY WAS N O T ANY I Then I proceeded down to the office of the paymaster of the Area Statistical Office. To my utter astonishment when I was ushered into h's office I was introduced to a young man who appeared to be in his early twenties holding down the position of paymaster and personnel chief of this large office employing over 600 persons. I inquired of him the number of Negroes employed in the Area Statistical Office in New York Ciry and he flatly refused to tell mc. However, I made inquiry in the building and was informed that there were about 6 Negroes working in the Area Statistical Office of the W p A in New York City, The accuracy of this figure I am unable to verify.

Upstairs on t':e 13th floor of the same building is located the workroom of the men employed in making what is known as Talking Machines for the Blind. The white guard there told me that the marh'nes in fact were practically radios and that rado technicians were principally employed on the project. I asked how many worked there and he said that there had been about a hundred and that about 300 were working at the present time. Since I had noticed some colored men at the work benches and had counted those I had seen, I inquired how many colored men were employed. He said about 6, which was the number I had counted.

The Negroes connect?d with the WPA in New York will tell you that there are no segregated offices for colored people, but in Ha^-lorn I found the Domestic Service Placement Bureau, the office of the Co-Ordinator of t'.e National Youth Administration and General Adult Education Program all housed in one building. Around the corner on Seventh Avenue is located the office of the Federal Negro Theatre and Art and Music Projects. At 1 14 East 32nd Street is located the Federal Writers' Project for New York City. I saw there one Negro in one of the many rooms who appeared to be making out slips for two young colored men who were standing at his table. I made several visits to the office of the Co-Ordinator of the General Adult Education Program for Negroes In New York, but she was out each time I went tlicre. All of the officials in these offices arc colored.

Up in Harlem in congested, unsanitary quarters I found the young colored men and women employed on the Negro "white-collar" project of the Department of the Interior. The workers were so cramped in the small rooms in which they have to do their work that it is a wonder they are able to accomplish anything. The quarters assigned for this work are entirely too inadequate and furnish quite a contrast to the quarters of the white people working on other Federal as welt as State projects. I interviewed the young Negro who is the director of this project for New York City. He told me there was no segregation, that he was employing whites on his project so that tliey (Negroes) could not be accused of the very thing with which they are always charging the whites—DISCRIMINATION. My last visit in New York City was the officials located at the Field Office of the Harlem River Houses, the low-cost housing project for Negroes. I inquired about the provision in the contract as regards the percentage of Negroes (skilled and unskilled workmen) to be employed on the project. He got a copy of the contract and read that Negro skilled workmen had to be 3 percent of those employed on the superstructure of the project. Noticing that most of the foundation was nearly completed, I asked this young white man if there were any provisions in the contract for the foundation respecting the employment of Negroes and he replied that there was not. I then asked him how many Negroes were employed on the foundation and he said ten percent, fifty percent of whom were skilled workmen. So with no provision in the contract 10 percent Negroes were employed on the foundation whereas on the superstructure the contractor would not be compelled to employ more than 3 percent. I will explain later about these percentages and how they came to be inserted into the contracts for the building of the superstructures of the low cost housing project.

When I first arrived in New York City, I contacted a fr'end of mine who attended the same University in the West as I and who is now employed in New York City. I asked him how the Negroes were being treated in New York City by the New Deal and he replied it was a joko and suggested that I go to see a young aggressive colored business man in Harlem who is also the Democratic Leader of his ward. Fortunately we found him at his place of business and after acknowledging the introduction I told him that I was in New York to find out what the Negro is getting out of the New Deal. He said: " D A M N E D LITTLE".

He then began to pour out his complaints to me about the discrimination against Negroes on certain projects, about his going to see a white woman down town, head of one of the Federal Survey Projects and about

December, 1936

SPHINX

her telling him: Mr. you are just about twenty four hour* too late, our quota is full," referring to quota of people to bo employed on the project. This same white woman further told him: "You know Mr. , there is no politics in this." There may be no politics" in the appointment and selection of personnel on WPA projects, but lots of discrimination. Out of a total number of 3,000 or mot* persons employed in the administrative office, I was reliably informed that not more than 10,0 are Negroes. These jobs are not relief jobs; ©n« does not have to be on relief to get a job in the administrative offices of the WPA. The Bureau of Internal Revenue was allocated JJ5,083,487 to carry on three surveys in connection with the collection of income taxes, miscellaneous or "nuisance" taxes, and alcohol taxes. The persons, men and women used by the Bureau of Internal Revenue on tliese surveys were taken from the relief rolls and contrary to the rate of pay on most WPA projects these people were paid in most instances the prevailing rates of pay (which have just been put into effect recently). On the miscellaneous tax survey in New York City 148 people were used out of the office at 349 Ninth Avenue and 141 out of the office located in the Custom House. It was to the office at 349 Ninth Avenue that I went to make inquiry as to the number of Negroes employed. The white man in charge was curious to know where I was from and he hesitatingly told me that there was one Negro employed on the outside and four young colored women in the office. I did not have time to go to the Custom House.

1

o

NEW JERSEY On account of the necessity to get back to Washington I was able to spend merely a few hours in Newark. On arriving in Newark I went directly to the WPA headquarters located at 1060—West Broad Street.

There I first contacted the press or public relations director. The young man whom I saw in the reception room asked me for my name and what I wanted. I told him I was from Washington and that I wanted to get some information concerning people employed on WPA projects in the State of New Jersey. He went into the official's office and returned telling me that the gentleman would see me shortly. While standing at the counter, I noticed a booklet, bearing these words, "Statistical Report of Expenditures on Projects in New Jersey." I immediately picked it up and was looking through it when the young man who acted as interviewer came back and asked me if I would be kind enough to let him have the booklet. I then said; "Isn't this for public release?" and he Eaid " N o . " Finally, I got in to see the public relations official.

When I told him what I wanted, he asked whom I represented, I told him that a group of Negro organizations was desirous of knowing how many Negroes were employed on the various projects in New Jesey. It was then that he said rather gruffly, "what's this about being from Washington?" I said: What do you mean what's this about being from Washington?" He said: "You say you are from Washington," and I replied: I am from Washington. I live in Washington. What's wrong with that?** He said: You want to see calling the gentleman by his first name, picking up the telephone, he said: "Send (calling the man again by his name without the prefix Mr.) up here, please." Shortly in walked a big fine looking colored man of cultural appearance to whom I was introduced. The white official said that this colored man could give me the information that I desired. As we started out the same door we both had come in, the white official said: *' you can go out this way. As we were leaving I glanced around at the press relations man and I caught him giving the colored man a rather significant look which to me carried the meaning that the colored knew how to handle the situation.

The colored man's office was on the first floor in the office of the Educational Program Project. He had two young colored women as assistants in his office who, with two others, he told me, constituted his staff. I soon found out that he was State Supervisor of the Colored Adult Educational Program for the State of New Jersey. He said. " I want you to meet Mr. . _ - a white gentleman who had an office within a short distance of his and I went over to meet this official man with whom, we talked for about an hour concerning Negroes and the WPA Program. He told of his experiences in connection with the Negro part of the Adult Educational Program, about the poor facilities he found for Negroes to carry on their work, in adequately heated buildings, crowded and congested quarters; about the great amount of illiteracy he found among young colored boys and girls who were born in New Jersey.

When I asked him about the Negroes employed in the W\PA in a supervisory capacity, he told of a man who was Labor Relations man, I asked what this Negro official did and he said: "Why he went around among the workers and talked to them; sometimes a complaint would come in that a worker had not carried his money home to his wife and family, but had stopped in a saloon and drunk most of his week's wages up." In other words, this Negro official instead of working as a Labor Relations official was working as a sort of welfare official.

I called upon a leading Negro Democrat in Newark, New Jersey, and asked him about what the Negroes were getting out of the New Deal. J asked him about a number of Federal projects that gave employment to

December, 1936

THE

white collar workers, but he was unable to tell me anything about them.

He intimated that the Negroes were being given the "run-around" and he requested me to write him, giving him a list of all the proje-ts eo that he could look into them to see wherein the Negroes were being discriminated against. He did inform me that the WPA administrator had told him some months ago to work up some projecs that would give employment to "white-collar" Negroes and that he and others worked up six projects and submitted them to the WPA Administrator for the State of New Jersey. That was the last he had heard of them.

It can be plainly seen that Negro leaders themselves do not know what is going on and for that reason are not in position to see that the Negroes get their equitable share of the benefits as provided for under the New Deal Program. o PENNSYLVANIA The only city in Pennsylvania that I visited on this trip was the District Office Philadelphia, where I saw the woman secretary of the colored woman who is in charge of the work among the colored women in that District, especially in Philadelphia. She told me of the fine program that was being conducted in behalf of the colored women on relief rolls in Philadelphia. When I asked her how many colored people were employed in this District office, she replied only the woman in charge and herself. although there are hundreds of young white girls and men employed aÂť clerks, stenographers and typists.

My next interview was with a young colored dentist who had just been appointed as Mediator in the WPA as a result of many complaints coming from Negroes because of their failure to get employment. H e said, "For instance, we have not been able to get any Negro foremen on jobs, all we have here in Philadelphia are timekeepers; over in Pittsburgh. they have foremen, but we don't have any in Philadelphia." The colored elevator man with whom I talked as I rode up and down in trtÂť elevator corroberated this statement.

When I asked the Mediator if he knew of the different Federal Pro jects upon which "white-collar" workers are employed, he said that he had asked for a complete list of them, but that the WPA officials had failed to give him the list as he had requested. He asked me to write him, suggesting anything that I thought might be helpful to him in hi* job and that I did.

My next visit was to the Old Post Office Building where I had been told was the office of the Director of the Department of Justice Survey, but I found that his office was not there but some where e's?. Wh Ie in this building I inquired of the colored elevator operator about different projects that had been conducted in that building. He told me of the Federal Housing Project on which no Negroes were employed of the project under the Home Economics Bureau of the Department of Agriculture with respect to nutritional adequacy on which the elevator operator told me there was employed one young colored woman, the one colored person he saw employed on any of the projects in the entire building.

I went to 12 South 12th Street, the Gimbel Building, in which are located the Area Statistical Office and the office of Mr. David Weintraub who is in charge of the Economic Section of the National Research Program Project. I asked Mr. Wcintraub how many Negroes he had employed on hs project and he replied that he had none now, but that he did have one time twelve. I asked him what other offices he had and he said he had an office in Chicago and one in Seattle and many field offices where the men who could go in and sit down and type letters and reports.

I obtained the addresses of the Directors of the Federal Archives Project for the State of Pennsylvania, nf the Director of the Historical Records Survey and of the Department of Justice Survey. I wrote to all of them asking them to advise me the number of Negroes they have employed on their projects. All gave me the information with the exception of the Director of the Federal Archives Survey, who refused to give me any information at all, but referred me to Harrisburg. o ALABAMA In Birmingham there is not a single bedside nursing project for Negroes on which 9,000 women are employed in the United States.

There are no recreational workers although there are 30,000 recreational leaders employed under the WPA throughout the Union, There are no school room projects for the undernourished and underprivileged colored children.

There has been no constructive improvement by the WPA in the whole city of Birmingham for Negroes: no swimming pool, no recreational park or playground built by the WPA for Negroes.

In order to keep off the relief rolls large numbers of well qua'ified, trained, and educated Negro men and women, the relief officials exercised especial diligence in not certifying as eligible for relief Negroes of any degree of intelligence and thereby brought about a stuation wherein the white relief officials hedged when requests came in for skilled Negro workmen. Conditions got so bad in Birmingham that an investigating committee Was set up in the Phythian Temple under President

SPHINX

Page 41

Trenholm to find out why Negroes were not getting their share of Jobs under the WPA. A white musical director working under the Federal Theatre and Music Project came to Birmingham and produced "Ro'l, Chariot Roll" with a cast made up of unpaid Negro actors and actresses. The City Park was donated and the city officials said that the Negroes should support the play financially since the proceeds from the play were to be used in the purchase of recreational facilities for colored people, but nothing has been done to this date.

Negro skilled labor was denied employment on all WPA Construction projects and Negro skilled workmen were compelled to take laborers' jobs in order to get any kind of work. o

FLORIDA There is not a single Negro art project under Federal Project No. 1 in the entire State of Florida. Under the Music Project there is one band of 20 in Tampa with a Negro director and a white business manager; In Miami, one very small Negro orchestra with a white leader.

There is no Theatre Project in Florida at all.

No Negroes are employed on Statistical Research and Survey Projects, or on the Census of business enterprise of the Department of Commerce.

A young Negro knowing about the project made application for employment on the project but he was told that the city had been all mapped out.

Negroes are compelled to work in inadequate, unsanitary and crowded quarters. The WPA Administrator refused to pay rent for the quarters used. If the quarters were not donated, Negroes would have no place in which to work.

W H E N T H E EMERGENCY EDUCATION PROGRAM WAS PLACED UNDER T H E DIRECTION OF T H E WOMEN'S A N D PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES T H E NUMBER OF NEGRO TEACHERS WAS REDUCED FROM 253 to 107. There are only 29 nursery schools.

There has been a continuous fight from the beginning of the ERA down to the present day in order for the Negroes of Jarksonville to get any consideration at all. Negroes were absolutely ignored until they put up a fight. Finally 11 trained social workers came from the Atlanta School of Social Service. With 60 aids and clerical personnel they took charge of the relief work among Negroes in Jacksonville. This set-up was on Broad Street. The white press of Jacksonville continually fought the Negro set-up claiming that the Negro case workers were inefficient.

White case workers were given Davis, Ashley Streets because tliey were down-town and easily accessible. White case workers, were also given cases in the rural | m s , but the white rase workers soon released die Davis and Ashley areaa because they could not handle them. They retained the rural cases because it was so pleasant to drive back and forth through die country. White case workers were reported to be mean and insulting.

Negroes never see any of the official releases sent out from Washington. All they see is what the local white officials typewrite and give them. In many instances provisions have been made and projects are in operation for several months before Negroes know anything about them.

There is FLAGRANT DISCRIMINATION AT ALL TIMES. Automobiles were hired among the colored people to transport the colored case workers, but the white official in charge of the transportation projects would pay the Negroes only 3 cents a mile for the use of their cars. They paid the whites 5 cents a mile for the use of their cars.

Negro workers in the Old Post Office Building are constantly subjected to the most flagrant kinds of prejudice and insults by the white elevator operators.

Out of #600,000 sent down to Jacksonville to repair school buildings Negroes got #25,000. Three Negro School Buildings have been condemned for 15 years as living fire traps. The only things done was to reinforce them to keep them from falling down on white people as they passed by.

About 6 Negroes are employed on the Florida Slum Clearance Project.

THERE IS N O T A GRADE " A " COLORED SCHOOL IN DUVAL C O U N T Y I N W H I C H JACKSONVILLE IS LOCATED. The High School building in Jacksonville is in a deplorable condition but couldn't get a cent from the WPA for repairs.

The original site of the Negro Slum Clearance Project would hare wiped out the worst district in the city, but the whites turned it down so that a boulevard could be built along the waterfront.

When the Public Health Survey was made, Negroes had to put up a stiff fight to get Negroes appointed. They could never get Negroes appointed to any of the other many white collar projects.

No hospital clinics or veneral clinics were established for Negroes in Florida.

A Tuberculosis rest home was built for Negroes after a colored woman had donated the land. The cost was #21,000 of which #11,000 was donated by the city of Jacksonville and #10,000 in labor by the WPA. The Lincoln Country Club and Golf Course cost #19,000 of which the WPA donated #8,000 In labor. The balance was by those who sponsored the project.

THE

Page 42

TALLAHASSEE Local white Era officials dismissed the white Supervisor of N e g r o relief because she thought N e g r o e s should get the same salary as the whites. After that N e g r o e s suffered. T h e y had to g o to white headquarters where they had to talk to the officials through a screen door which was n e v e r opened. Many times the officials would listen to the complaints and that was the end of it. W h i t e doctors were given all case work to the exclusion of N e g r o doctors.

O n l y 12 colored women were put to work in a sewing-room at the local colored Congregational Church, but t'lat lasted only one month and then shut down.

O n l y 60 out of 2 6 0 N e g r o families on relief were given work.

T h e r e was a Recreational Teachers Training Project held at the Florida A . BC M . School. H o w e v e r , the Director sent there turned out to be a white man. T h e young N e g r o students resented the idea of a white man being sent to train them. o PENSACOLA N e g r o e s were denied employment on any type of W P A jobs either as skilled or unskilled workmen.

O n the N e g r o Tuberculosis Hospital N e g r o e s were employed for three days and then fired.

There are no N e g r o white-collar workers at all.

U n d e r the General A d u l t Education Program only 4 teachers are employed. T h e r e is n o colored supervisor. White women who had no more than fourth grade education were employed on the Emergency Educational Projects whereas N e g r o e s were required to have much higher qualifications. N e g r o teachers were paid # 4 0 . 0 0 a month; a white ? 6 0 . 0 0 a month.

There was only one nursery school and three Teachers; there was no sewing-room for N e g r o women. Colored women were given work in a mattress factory at £ 7 . 0 0 a week, but that is closed now and the women were sent to the class in D o m e s t i c Service. At first they were paid $ 5 . 0 0 a week, then paid # 1 . 0 0 a week. After the women finished their course in Domestic Service Training, they were sent out to work for the white people at # 1 . 5 0 a week.

N e g r o artists cannot get employment under Federal Project N o . 1. o GEORGIA N o N e g r o adviser or consultant was employed in connection with the W P A in this state. Sewing projects for women shut down because they ran out of cotton. Comfort-making shut down on account of warm weather and all necessary mattresses were made under F E R A .

T h e only two "white-collar" projects on which N e g r o e s were employed with the exception of the two all N e g r o "white-collar" projects were the Consumers* Purchase Project and the Social Security Study conducted by the state.

T h e greatest number of N e g r o men were employed in manual labor in the sewer project in Atlanta.

In most states relief programs are county controlled, but in Georgia they are State

controlled. o

LOUISIANA U n d e r ERA three different quotas, amounting in all the sum thirty persons, were sent to the Atlanta School of Social W o r k for three months' training. Their board and room and fees were paid by the State.

U n d e r ERA the families were paid more than under the W P A . U n d e r the ERA it was the policy constantly to raise the amount of the allowance.

At the City Park Extension there are about 60 N e g r o carpenters.

I saw a group of N e g r o e s working on a W P A project at the Court H o u s e in N e w O r l e a n s . I stopped and asked whether there was any discrimination against N e g r o skilled workmen. They replied that there was. O n e of the men said that he was a skilled workman a cement finisher but that he was working as an unskilled laborer. If he d i d not accept that work, he would get nothing to d o .

N e g r o e s on the relief rolls in N e w Orleans exceeded the whites. Over one-half of the relief load in N e w Orleans is colored.

At City Park Extension there are about 7 . 0 0 0 N e g r o e s employed principally as laborers.

I heard the same excuse as everywhere else in the South: " W e can't find trained N e g r o e s or qualified N e g r o e s . " In one case of emergency education a N e g r o teacher was compelled to teach 100 whereas each teacher was supposed to have only 30.

A y o u n g white woman who is working on a W P A project known aa the study of the history of unemployment relief told me that the greatest problem that confronted the relief officials in N e w Orleans was the placement of colored workers ( f e m a l e ) . T h e only project on which colored women could be employed was on the sewing project. Specifically no N e g r o women were employed on the historical and research survey which in every parish, re-indexed the court records.

Visiting housekeepers were all white. T h e y would visit a h o m e a n d . If it needed cleaning, they would send out a N e g r o tnajd to d o the Job.

December, 1936

SPHINX

T h e same white woman said the N e g r o "white-collar" worker suffered keenly until Federal Project N o . 1 was started; that there were not enough trained N e g r o e s even in the Emergency Education Program to take care of the needs of the N e g r o e s . W h e n I reminded her that there are three N e g r o Universities in and around N e w Orleans, she replied: " Y e s , and turned out so-called college graduates." S H E S T R E S S E D T H E F A C T T H A T T H E R E W E R E N O "white collar" projects for N e g r o e s until Federal Project N o . 1 came along. T h i s further proves that N e groes were discriminated against under the F E R A and C W A . Because there were not enough trained N e g r o e s for the Emergency Education Program, white teachers were used among N e g r o e s .

Following is a list of projects under the W o m e n ' s and Professional Activities from which N e g r o e s were excluded: Reindexing, Library, Clerical Assistants, Book Binding, Commodity Distribution, Soil 6C Foundation Survey, Street Survey, H a n d b o o k of Social Laws, History of U n e m ployment Relief, Sugar Cane Survey, Public Utility Survey, State Control Survey, Preservation of Historical Records, Federal Archives, H i s torical Building Survey, Survey of Persons found guilty, Farm Mortgage, Land Values, Taxes Survey and Collection of B u i l d i n g Permits Statistics and Weather Bureau Survey. o

••••

MISSISSIPPI N e g r o e s were not employed on the W P A building program in Jackson.

In one town there is being built a # 1 5 , 0 0 0 gym beside the new white high school. A few blocks away is the N e g r o school which could be bought for # 5 0 . 0 0 .

N e g r o e s have been trying in vain to get a park and swimming p o o l and to have their streets paved. O n one park alone was spent # 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 for whites not one cent for N e g r o e s . A white Nursery School had b e e n in operation for one whole year and it was not until the Jackson Chamber of Commerce ( N e g r o ) had made an appeal to the State Administrator to establish a Nursery School for colored children, that they succeeded in getting two in Jackson and one in T u p e l o . It is alleged that there were two colored women working on Public W o r k s with a white foreman with a gun dangling from his waist; that it was difficult to get any N e g r o certified for relief who wore a white collar; that If white officials found a N e g r o in a clean home, he could not get on relief.

Complaint went into W a s h i n g t o n that white teachers were teaching colored pupils under the emergency education program and the State Administrator called in some of the N e g r o leaders and showed them the letter that had been sent back from W a s h i n g t o n and he asked them to write to the officials in D . C. denying the fact; and they agreed to d o so, provided they first were allowed to conduct their own investigation.

T h e N e g r o official connected with the Educational Program in Washington wrote to the Physician in Jackson if he could publish his letter and he replied yes if there would be published along side of letter that such had been the case until the N e g r o e s protested. o NORTH CAROLINA At Rocky Mount I interviewed one of the District Supervisors of the Emergency Education Program. District 11 consists of N a s h , Edgecombe and W i l s o n Counties (most thickly populated N e g r o County in State is W i l s o n which has the highest illiteracy percentage for the whole s t a t e ) .

District 11 has 3 Colored Supervisors, one in D u r h a m , one in Raleigh and one in Rocky Mount; 3 in Tarboro. Adult teachers conduct classes also in Literary. There is one music teacher in Rocky Mount. T h e Literary teacher in Tarboro also gives music and home-making instruction.

A m o n g other projects are sewing, home-making, home-nursing and public health instruction. N o school lunch room projects were known.

O n l y a few N e g r o farmers were able to get debts adjusted. T e n N e g r o farmers in one county lost farms thru failure to get loans, . o TENNESSEE After all N e g r o teachers were discharged under the Emergency Educational Program there were n o white collar projects for N e g r o e s until * young colored man in Nashville worked out an Economic, Social and Health Survey in the rural areas of Tennessee. T h e r e are only four "white-collar" projects for N e g r o e s in N a s h v i l l e ; N Y A , the project juse mentioned and the N e g r o "white-collar" and the Vocational Guidance Survey.

Committees were formed to wait upon the W P A Administrator to see why N e g r o e s were not getting anything, since projects were being carried on for whites but none for N e g r o e s . o VIRGINIA In the W P A Headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, is located the office of the N e g r o who is t'ie Advisor and Consultant o n N e g r o Affairs. T h e gentleman in question was out of the city when I called and I asked his secretary for a list of projects u p o n which N e g r o e s are employed. S h e stated that his office did not have any such record. I could obtain n o information concerning the employment of N e g r o e s , under the H e w Deal In Virginia from the office of the N e g r o Advisor and Consultant I had a rather amusing experience in this building. Aa stated ebt>v*

December, 1936

THE

the secretary of the N e g r o Advisor and consultant had no available statistics that she could give me other than some that had been compiled in response to a questionnaire that had been received from the Associated N e g r o Press in Chicago requesting certain data as regards the N e g r o e s under the F E R A in Virginia. I was advised that the answers were compiled by their office but submitted to the white information director who deleted what he wanted and returned it to be sent to Chicago. I requested the young lady to be so kind as to call the proper official for me to see and tell him that I was in her office and that I was seeking certain data regarding the N e g r o and the N e w Deal in Virginia. She hesitated to comply with my request and I immediately realized the probable predicament I would place the young lady therefore, told her not to call, but merely to tell me where I could g o to find the desired information. S h e replied upstairs on the third floor. I immediately left her office and went to the third floor where I met a white woman at the information desk who asked me what I wanted. I replied that I wanted to get some data concerning the N e g r o and the N e w D e a l in Virginia. She pondered a while and then said! "Let m e see to whom should I send y o u . " " Y o u k n o w , " she continued, "we have a very fine N e g r o attached to our staff here who is advisor and consultant on N e g r o affairs and who is well liked by all. In fact "she said" he is a self-made man, educated himself and has made an outstanding success. H e is a lawyer, just the type of N e g r o for the position, who has acquired quite a bit of the every day shrewdness to make him very clever. Mr. Smith, the Administrator" she continued, has the highest regard for him and there was held the other night a testimonial in his behalf at the big colored church here in Richmond and Mr. Smith went down and paid tribute ot Lawyer " Referring to the N e g r o Advisor and Consultant.

T h e information clerk, after relating to me her story about the N e g r o Advisor, then excused herself and went in the rear of the floor and stayed quite a while. Finally she returned and said; "will you come this w a y ? " She directed me to the office of the white assistant of the W o m e n ' s and Professional D i v i s i o n . This woman official was seated at her desk, a college type of woman who gave me a rather discerning look and inquired of me for whom was I getting the information. I told her, but she hesitated. T h e n on the spur of the moment she said; "I will take you down to our Labor Relations man who has all the statistics. I was introduced to this white official who also put me through the third degree to find out whom I represented and whether I had any credentials. After a bit of bickering h e finally got u p some reports and explained to me just what they represented. I asked him if he would give me copies of them and he said that he would. T h e white woman subsequently excused herself and left me with this man who was in charge of the Labor Relations of the W P A for Virginia. T h i s man also asked me whether I had been down to the office of the N e g r o Adviser. It was then that I began to feel uncomfortable because I did not know what the y o u n g colored secretary would say. T h i s official, when told that he was not in, then said to the secretary; there is a man in my office that I am very anxious for the " J u d g e " (referring to the N e g r o Advisor) to meet."

It just so happened that there were two y o u n g colored men sitting in the "Judges* " office when we walked in. T h e white official again asked whether the " J u d g e " was in and introduced me to the " J u d g e ' s " secretary who was clever enough to acknowledge the introduction as though she had never seen me before. That bit of cleverness on her part relieved quite a deal of tension which had gripped me. A s I am taking leave of this white official he told me that he had to be very careful about giving out information because sometimes people who are hostile to the Administration come around looking for information.

W A S H I N G T O N , D . C. Of all the places that I visited, this city is the hardest place in which to get any kind of information. O n e of the Commissioners of the District is die W P A Administrator for the District of Columbia, a Mississippian and an appointee of Senator Pat Harrison. T h e man who actually runs the whole business is the D e p u t y Administrator. I have made at least ten trips to his office on various occasions to see him, but to n o avail.

Finally, I concluded that the best thing to d o was to write the Administrator a letter asking for the information, and I chose the most propitious time in which so to d o . T h e Commissioner and W . P. A . A d ministrator for the District of Columbia had just returned from a trip over the country that they had made "incognito" to get first hand information concerning the operation of the W . P. A. H e had prepared a lengthy statement for the press telling about his trip and about the fine things he discovered about the functioning of the W P A in all the States that he visited. I thought this gave me a splendid opportunity to address him a letter for the express purpose of getting information concerning the participation of the N e g r o in the N e w D e a l in the Nation's Capital.

I received a reply several days later in which he advised that the information I had requested was in the office of the D e p u t y Administrator and that he was forwarding my letter to the D e p u t y to w h o m I should g o for the information. W h e n I called at the office of the D e p u t y he was busy and could not be s e e n ; later o n I returned and showed the interviewer the letter I had received from the Commissioner and requested that I be told when I could get the information which the Com-

SPHINX

Page 43

missioner said was available for m e . She took the letter into the D e puty's office and after waiting about fifteen minutes I was ushered into the D e p u t y Administrator's office. I saw his assistant and he asked in* what it was I wanted.

I replied that I thought the Commissioner's letter was self-explanatory. H e replied; "But I have not g o t the letter which the Commissioner referred to in his letter to you as b e i n g sent to this office." H e asked me to leave with h i m the Commissioner's letter so that he could f i n d out just what information was desired. T h i s official stated that he would mail me the facts about the number of N e groes employed o n all "white-collar" projects and on all other kinds of work carried on by the W P A in and for the District of Columbia. T o date nothing has been received.

I have given above a detailed account of my experiences in N e w York City, Newark, Philadelphia, W a s h i n g t o n , D . C , and Richmond, s o that one may get a clear conception of the method employed by me in the course of my investigation to get as far as possible correct, authentic, official information. I n many instances, I had to use various subterfuges and aliases in order to get the facts that I did. Space d o e s not permit to give a detailed account of my experiences in the other cities I visited and, therefore, I am making a condensation of the facts adduced therein as a result of my investigation. All that I have related actually happened.

I have not added to nor taken from. Probably, if the officials knew for what purpose the material was to be used they would have g i v e n m e a different slant whether it was the truth of the situation or not.

T h e H o u s i n g Division of the Public W o r k s Administration is engaged upon a national demonstration program of s l u m clearance and low-rent housing. There is n o question but that the N e g r o e s have been given more consideration under this program with respect to the construction of N e g r o housing projects than under any other program of the N e w Deal.

T o d a y there are about nineteen such projects for N e g r o e s in the U n i t e d States, located in the following cities: N e w Y o r k City; Altantic City, N .

J.: Birmingham, Alabama; Louisville, Kentucky; Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina; Jacksonville, Florida; Memphis, T e n n e s s e e ; Cleveland, O h i o ; Miami, Florida; Nashville, T e n n e s s e e ; W a s h i n g t o n , D . C ; D e troit, Michigan; Montgomery, Alabama; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; and W a y n e Penna. There are also four BiRacial Projects at Lexington, Kentucky; O m a h o , Nebraska; Cincinnati, Ohio and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

T h e one bad feature of this program has been the discrimination that N e g r o e s have had to fight against in the employment of N e g r o skilled workmen on these h o u s i n g projects. T h e situation became so bad and W a s h i n g t o n was flooded with so many complaints that the Department of the Interior requested the Department of Labor to send out one of its expert negotiators to the various cities to contact the U n i o n representatives for the specific purpose of getting the U n i o n officials to agree to allow N e g r o skilled workmen to be employed on these projects.

Agreements covering the percentage of N e g r i * to be employed o n housing projects were finally effected in the following cities: Atlanta City, B.rmingham. Chicago, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Louisv,tle, Memphis, N e w York City and Philadelphia. T h e percentage of N e g r o e s to be employed was arrived at by taking the 1 9 3 0 census, and ascertaining the percentage of skilled laborers N e g r o e s in each of the foregoing respective cities for the year of 1 9 3 0 and that basic figure was used in estimating the approximate number of N e g r o skilled workmen to be employed o n each housing project.

But that percentage was not followed in all instances. T h e 1 9 3 0 census showed that 5 percent of skilled laborers employed in the city of I n dianapolis were N e g r o e s , but the contract provided for the employment of only 2.5 percent. T h e same thing is true with the contract o n the Montgomery, Alabama, housing project, but there is not quite the same provision for the e m p l o y m e n t of N e g r o skilled workmen o n this project as on others. I am giving herewith Article 2 2 of the Government contract for the Montgomery project. It is to be remembered that after the agreements mentioned above were entered into with the officials of the U n i o n s in each of the cities in question, Article 22 of the Contract which merely read as follows: "Art. 2 2 . Persons entitled to benefits of labor provision.

T h e Contractor shall extend every person who performs the work of a laborer or of a mechanic o n the project or on any part thereof the benefits of the labor and wage provisions of this contract, regardless of any contractual relationship between the contractor and such laborer or mechanic, or between any subcontractor and such laborer or mechanic," had to be amended. I n addition to the above, this was included in the Montgomery contract as part of Article 2 2 : For the purpise of determining questions of such discrimination as concerns N e g r o skilled and semi-skilled labor, it is hereby provided that failure of contractor to pay to such N e g r o labor at least 21 percent of the total amount paid in any period of 4 weeks under the contract for all semi-skilled and skilled labor (irrespective of individual trades) shall be considered prima facie evidence of discrimination by the contractor against N e g r o skilled labor (for information of contractor, 15 census.

1 9 3 0 showed that 4 2 percent of skilled laborers employed in the City of Montgomery were N e g r o e s and the above figure of 21 percent therefore

Page 44

T H E S P H I N X

December, 1936

Character and Dependability Ring True Nearly a quarter of a century of service a n d devotion to American College Fraternities is a distinction in which w e take great pride.

That w e h a v e demonstrated our integrity a n d proved our dependability is attested by the fact that today w e serve with few exceptions all of the Greek letter fraternities a n d sororities a s Sole Official Jeweler.

Let us serve you even better this year.

Send for your copy of THE 1937 BALFOUR BLUE BOOK Christmas Gift Suggestions in a wide price range.

Official Jeweler to Alpha Phi

Alpha

L. G. BALFOUR COMPANY MASSACHUSETTS

ATTLEBORO.

In Canada—HENRY BIRKS & SONS in Affiliation

represents merely a minimum percentage limitation to be considered «• a matter of evidence only in determining whether the contractor is guilty of discriminating agafist N e g r o skilled labor under this section. All complaints concerning violations of this section shall be referred in the first instance to die Contracting Officer, who is authorized to make such investigations as he deems necessary, in regard thereto, and is further authorized to act as referee to see that such ratios and proportion* are carried throughout die life of the contract."

Art. 2 6 . " D e f i n i t i o n s — T h e term "Contracting Officer'* as used herein shall mean any person or persons duly authorized by the Federal Emergency Administration or of Public Wtorks to have general direction of the work under die contract."

From the foregoing amendment two things are evident: first, only Zl percent of the N e g r o e s are to be employed as semi-skilled and skilled laborers, although the 15th census, 1 9 3 0 , showed the 4 2 percent of skilled laborers employed in the G t y of Montgomery, Ala., were N e g r o e s ; second, that the amendment did not expressly say, skilled N e g r o laborers, but said s e m i s k i l l e d and skilled which leaves a very large loop-hole for the contractor. T h e amendment is ambiguous In other places as can be easily seen. T h e same 60 percent was used at Atlanta. Ga., where the 19JO census showed N e g r o e s constituted 24 percent of the skilled laborers, but die contract called for only 12 percent. T h e belief is held in some quarters d»at a considerable number of so-called skilled N e g r o e s were not really competent. O n the other hand I personally wonder whether the same comment would not be applicable to many skilled whites.

— R . W . L. In contrast to the amendment of Article 22 of the Government Fixed Price Contract on d i e housing project at Montgomery, Alabama, I shall call attention to die wording of the same amended Article 2 2 in the contract for the housing project at Indianapolis, which is as follows: "In the employment of labor under die contract there shall b e no discrimination exercised against any person because of color or religious affiliation." (Rest of die amendment is the same as above except that the precentage figures are different.)

It therefore can be seen that there i* no uniformity in die wording of Article 2 2 as amended.

I want especially to call attention to die fact that there is no provision in the contract for ascertain percentage of N e g r o skilled and for

unskilled laborers on the foundation of these housing projects. For instance, in N e w Y o r k City, T E N P E R C E N T of the total number of skilled and unskilled laborers employed on the foundation of this project, known as the H A R L E M RIVER H O U S E S were N e g r o e s and I was informed by the official of the Inspection Division of die Public W o r k s Administration that of this T E N P E R C E N T about F I V E P E R C E N T W E R E N E G R O S K I L L E D W O R K E R S . But, in the contract for the superstructure of this project Article 2 2 of the contract as amended provides for the employment of only 3 percent N e g r o skilled laborers. A n d die eontractor is not compelled to employ more than three per cent.

T h e Agreements covering the percentage of N e g r o e s to b e employed on housing projects are for the superstructure only, and not for the foundation.

I want to call your attention to "Article 2 0 , Paragraph (a) Employment Service" of the Government Contract for H o u s i n g Projects which has also been amended as is as follows: "Article 20 Para (a) has been amended by Section 6 of die Special Condition to include provisions of Administrative Order N o . 29 of die has also been amended is as follows: ' 2 . — W h e n organized labor, skilled or unskilled, is desired by any contractor employed to handle all or any part of a project, the contractor shall requisition from die representarive of each recognized union concerned.

"The representatives of the U n i o n will select union members for work on project giving preference, first, to these members of the union who are o n the local public relief rolls, second, upon exhaustion of union members on such rolls, to any other members of the union. Actual assignment of these workers to projects thereafter will be die responsibility of W P A . "

EDITOR'S NOTE The second and final installment of the report on the New Deal made by the Special Investigator of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will be published in the February Number of the Sphinx Magazine.

CHAPTER

ROSTER-Continued

39. ALPHA SIGMA—Marshall, Texas—Pres., James Taylor; Sec, Hamilton Boswill; C. Sec, C. A. Taylor, Wiley College.

40. ALPHA TAU—Akron, Ohio—Pres., Charles L. Nunn, Street; Sec, N. O. Chestnut, 441 Pine Street.

152

Chestnut

41. ALPHA UPSILON—Detroit. Michigan—Pres., Lawrence B. Bleach, Jr., 635 E. Elizabeth; Sec, Lonnie J. Saunders, 9613 Delmar.

42. ALHA PHI—Atlanta, Georgia—Pres., Edward B. WalUos; Sec, Edward D . McGowan, Clark University.

43. ALPHA CHI—Nashyille. Tenn.—Pres., Thomas B. Taylor; Sec, Wythe Cooper, Jr., Fisk University.

44. ALPHA PSI—Jefferson City, Mo.—Pre*., Floyd L. Robinson; Sec, Robert L. Clark; C. Sec, Joseph T. Johnson, Lincoln University.

45. BETA ALPHA—Baltimore, Md.—Pres., J. Wilbur Gordan, Morgan College; Sec, James D . Browne, Morgan College.

46. BETA BETA—Lincoln, Nebraska—Pre*., J. R. Lillard; Sec, C. Hill; C. Sec, Howard H. Hatter, 1929 You Street.

47. BETA GAMMA—Ettrick. Virginia—Pre*., Thomas D . Pawley, Jr.; Cor. Sec, Charles E. Shields, Jr.; Rec. Sec, Leon M. Snead.

4«. BETA DELTA—Orangeburg, Fred J. Pride, State College.

S. Carolina—Pres., JUes Edwarda;

Sec,

49. BETA EPSILON—Greensboro, N. Carolina—Pre*., Judson C. Melton; Sec, Robert Haith, Jr., A. 6C T. College.

50. BETA ZETA—Austin, Texas—Pres., Eugene A. Owens; Sec, Thomas C. Jackson, 1309 E. 12th Street.

51 BETA ETA—Carbondale, Illinois—Pres., Arnold C Banister, Jr., 412 S. Illinois Avenue; Sec, Gaffery Taylor, Colp, Illinois.

52. BETA THETA—Bluefield, W. Virginia—Pre*., John W. Flippen, See., Arthur M. Mitchell, Jr., Bluefield Sunt Teacher* College.

53. BETA IOTA—Kalamazoo, Michigan—Pre*., Hackley E. Woodford, 114 North Park Street; Sec, John T. Tapley, 1331 W. Michigan.

54. BETA KAPPA—Langston, Oklahoma—Pre*., Frank Whitlow, Jr.; S e c .

Lee Edward Lewis, Langston University.

BETA MU—Frankfort, Kentucky—Pre*., Francis B. Whitney; Sec, Thomas A. West, Kentucky State College.

56. BETA MU—Tallahassee. Florida—Pres.. Lucius T. Wilson; Sec, William T. Harper, Florida A Be M College. . ; Sac, Henry A. Ryan, 57, BETA XI—Memphis, Tennessee—Pres., 16 East Street.

58. BETA OMICRON—Nashville, Tenn.—Pree., Harold D . Mac Adoo; Sec, Elijah J. Smith, Tenneasee State College.

59. BETA PI—Jackson, Tenn.—President, Chas. N . Berry, Recording secretary, Artis N. Burrow; Corresponding secretary, Wilson G. Graves, Lane College.

60. BETA RHO—Raleigh, N. C.—To be set up.

61. BETA SIGMA—Scotlandville. La.—To be set up.

62. BETA TAU—New Orleans, La.—President, Numa Rousseve; Secretary, Giles Wright; Assistant secretary, Elmaurice Miller, Xavier University.

63. BETA UPSILON—Montgomery, Ala.—President, G. Herbert Lockhart; Secretary, Nathan E. Langford, Alabama State Teachers College.

55

CHAPTER R O S T E R - G r a d u a t e

Chapters

101. ALPHA LAMBDA—Louisville. Ky.—Pre*. Dr. P. O. Sweeney, 601 W. Walnut St.; Sec, Lee L. Brown, 1012 W. Chestnut S t

125. ALPHA GAMMA LAMBDA—New York City— Prei., Dr. Farrow R. Allen. 337 W. 138rh Street; Sec, Ewart G. Quinier, 254 Decatur Street, Brooklyn, New York.

102. BETA LAMBDA—Kansas City, Mo.—Pre*. Burt A. Mayberry, 2446 Harrison Street; C. Sec, James A. J effrees, 1824 Paseo.

103. GAMMA LAMBDA—Detroit, Michigan—Pres., E. R. Carney, 5769 Fisher Street; Sec, Rollie C. McMahon, 6363 Van Court Street.

126. Alpha DELTA LAMBDA—Memphis, Tennessee—Pre*., Lewi* O. Swingler, 390>/2 Beale Street; Sec, Thoma* H . Hayes, Jr.; C. Sec, J. Edward Cotton, 346 N. Manassas Street

104. DELTA LAMBDA—Baltimore, Maryland—Pres., Furman L. Templeton, 1502 McCulloch Street; Sec. C. C. Jackson, Jr., 2325 Madison Avenue.

EPSILON LAMBDA—St. Louis, Missouri—Pres., Dr. J. Owen Blache, 105.

2945 Lawton Avenue; C. Sec, Joseph C Chapman; F. Sec, Low* P. Woodson, 4222 W. North Market St. 106. ZETA LAMBDA—Newport New*. Virginia—Pre*., J. J. Beilou, 1364 29d> Street; Sec, R. H. Pree, 2411 Jefferson Avenu*.

107. THETA LAMBDA—Dayton, Ohio—Pre*., Dr. C. R. Price, 476 S. Broad. way; Sec, T. C. Carter, 16 Sweetman Street.

108. ETA LAMBDA—Atlanta, Georgia—Pre*., J. P. Brawley, Clerk University; Sec, LeRoy E. Certer, 1012 Palmetto Avenue, S. W. 109. IOTA LAMBDA—Indianapolis, Indiana—Pre*., Grant W. Hawkins, 2627 Shriver Avenue; Sec, Thoma* L. Homer, 1647 Bellefontam* St. 110. KAPPA LAMBDA—Greensboro. N. Carolina—Pre*., W. B. Beaver*, Jr.; Sec, B. H. Crutcher, A S T College.

111.

MU LAMBDA—Washington, D. C—Pree., Dr. Henry Calli.; Sec, Harry S. McAlpin, 2904 Park Place, N. W. 112.

N U LAMBDA—Ettrick. Virginia—Pre... Thoma* W. Cotman; S*c, Reuben R. McDaniel. Box 185 State College.

113.

XI LAMBDA—Chicago, Illinois—Pre... Luther S. Peck, 4927 Michigan Avenue; Sec. Lawrence T. Young, 417 B. 47th Street.

114.

OMICRON LAMBDA—Birmingham, Alabama—Pre.., A. D . Shore*.

R F D 1, Box 755; Sec, H . Dovetl Mosely, 1304 First Court W. 115.

PI LAMBDA—Uttle Rock. Arkansas—Pre*., Dr. J. V. Jordan, 610V4 W. Ninth Street; Sec, C Franklin Brown, 1019 Cross Street.

116. RHO LAMBDA—Buffalo, New York—Pres., Alfred D . Price, 121 Northland Ave.; Sec, Jas. L. Robinson, 352 S. Elmwood Ave. 117. SIGMA LAMBDA—New Orleans, La.—Pre*., William E. Belton, 2216 St. Phillip Street; Sec, Ferdinand L. Rousseve, Xavier University.

IIS. T A U LAMBDA—Nashville. Term.—Pre... A. A. Taylor, Fiak University; Sec, J. R. Anderson, 1027 18th Avenue N. 119. UPSILON LAMBDA—Jacksonville, Florida—Pre.., Caper* Bradham, 426 E. Ashley Street; Sec, Dr. C. M. Thompson, 823 Davi* Street 120. PHI LAMBDA—Raleigh, N. C.—Pres., B. C Horton, Shaw Univeraity; Sec, Charles H. Boycr, St. Augustine'. College.

121. CHI LAMBDA—Wilberforce, Ohio—Pres., Raymond O. Dickerson; Sec, Wilberforce University.

122. PSI LAMBDA—Chattanooga. Tenn.—Pres., Prof. B. T. Scruggs, 1909 Blackford Street; Sec, G. A. Key, 1211 Poplar Sereet.

123. ALPHA ALPHA LAMBDA—Newark, New Jersey—Pre*., Dr. Charles M. Harris, 501 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City, N . J.J Sec, Arthur C Williams, 136 Lincoln Street, Montciair, N. J. 124. ALPHA BETA LAMBDA—Lexington, Ky.—Pre*., B. M. .Chenault, 226 W. Sixth Street; Sec, Dr. H. A. Merchant, 128 DeWeese Sereet

127. ALPHA EPSILON—Jackson, Mississippi—Pres.. Everett R. Lawrence.

Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, Miss.; Sec, Alan T. Busby, P. O. Box 176.

Alcorn, Miss.

128. ALPHA ZETA LAMBDA—Bluefield, W. Virginia—Pres.. Leonsrd McClanahan; Sec, Edward W. Browne. Box 576, Kimball, W. Virginia.

129. ALPHA ETA LAMBDA—Houston, Texas— Pres.. E. O. Smith, 1214 O'Neal Street; Sec, George W. Reeve*, Prairie View, College, Prairie View, Texas.

130. ALPHA THETA LAMBDA—Atlantic City, N. J.—INACTIVE; Address: C M. Cain, Arctic Ave. YMCA. 131. ALPHA IOTA LAMBDA—Charleston, W. Virginia—Pre*., Joseph R. Jones, 909 Wsshingtoon Street; Sec, J. Kermit Hall, 1332 Washington Street E. 132. ALPHA KAPPA LAMBDA—Roanoke. Virginia—Pres., Dr. Elwood D. Downing, Brooks Building; Sec, G. A. Moore, 420 Commonwealth N. E. 133. ALPHA MU LAMBDA—Knoxville, Tennessee—Pres., Dr. N. A. Henderson, 123 East Vine Street; Sec, Oris R. Hogue, 217 S. Chestnut Street.

134. ALPHA N U LAMBDA—Tuskegee, Alabama—Pres., W. H. Sec, Hollis F. Price, Tuskegee Institute.

Psyne;

135. ALPHA XI LAMBDA—Toledo, Ohio—Pres., I N A C n V B ; Actg. Sec, Charles H. Clarke, Jr., 669 Indiana Avenue.

136. ALPHA OMICRON LAMBDA—Pittsburgh. Ps—Pres., Joseph W. Gvens, Esq.; Sec, Wilbur C. Douglass, 518 Fourth Avenue.

137. ALPHA PI LAMBDA—Winston-Salem, N. C—Pres.. James O. Bill*.

Atkins High School; C. Sec, A. H. Anderson, Columbian Height* School; F. Sec, Dr. B. Shepard Wright Bruce Building.

138. ALPHA RHO LAMBDA—Columbus, Ohio—Pres., Dr. H. Sherman Manuel, 275 S. Grant Avenue; Sec, Charles F. Blackburn, 53 North 21st Street 139. ALPHA SIGMA LAMBDA—Dallas, Tex..—Pres., H. I. Holland, 3910 Diamond Street; Sec, James W. White, 2700 Flora Street 140. ALPHA TAU LAMBDA—Tulsa, Oklahoma—Pres., T. W. Harria, 101 N . Greenwood Street; Sec, J. Tyler Smith, 124 Greenwood Street 141. ALPHA UPSILON LAMBDA—Montgomery, Alabama—Pre*., C. H. Lockhart, State Teacher* College; Sec, Nathan Langhorne, 910 Bast Grove Street; Asst. Sec, J. Carrick Hardy, State Teachers College.

142. ALPHA PHI LAMBDA—Norfolk, V*.—Pres., G. W. C. Brown. 1619 Calvert Street; Sec, P. Bernard Young, Jr., 721 Chapel Street; Asst Sec, Thoma. W. Young, 2509 Broad Creek Road.

143. ALPHA CHI LAMBDA—Augusta, Georgia—Pres., John M. Tutt; Sec, Haines School.

144. ALPHA PSI LAMBDA—Columbia, S. Carolina—Pres., Abram Simpson, Allen University; Sec, Harry B. Rutherford, 1330 Gregg Street.

147. BETA GAMMA LAMBDA—Richmond, Va.—Pres., Wiley A. Hall, 1106 North First Street; Sec, Walker H. Queries, 743 North Fifth Street.

148. BETA ALPHA LAMBDA—Jersey City, N. Jersey— President, Dr. WUliam Carpenter, 244 Carpenter; Secretary, Dr. Keith Madison, 358 Pacific Ave.

3 l e y t Dr. Charle Reward U n i v e r s i t Waahirr D. C.

(T**0 16

CyJ)