The SPHINX | Winter December 1945 | Volume 31 | Number 4 194503104

A L P H A PHI A L P H A FRATERNITY,

Inc.

GENERAL OFFICERS ,»AYFORD W. LOGAX President Howard University. Washington, D C. WILLIAM N. LOVELACE First Vice-President 1303 Burdette Street. Cincinnati, Ohio WILLIAM II. GRAY, JR. Second Vice-President Florida A. and M. College, Tallahassee, Florida LLOYD L. BIRRELL Third Vice-President 152 Northland Avenue, Buffalo, New York JACK TERRY' Fourth Vice-President 11627 Brandera Avenue, Los Angeles, California JOSEPH H. B. EVANS General Secretary 101 S. Street. N. W., Washington, D. C. MEREDITH G. FERGUSON Treasurer Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Company, Nashville, Tennessee REID E. JACKSON Editor of the Sphinx A. M. .(.- \ . College, Pine Bluff, Arkansas!

H. COUNCILL TRENHOLM Director of Education Alabama s t a t e College. Uontgomery, Alabama BELFORD V. LAWSON, JR. General Counsel 2001 Dili Street, N. W.. Washington, D. C. LAI MEMBERS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Oliver A. Brown, Talladeta College, Talladega, Alabama Knox Nash, Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia Gregory N. Swanson, Howard University, Washington, D. C. HOWARD 11. LONG Chairman, Committee on Public Policy 1112 Girad St.. N. W.. Washington, D. C. HENRY L. DICKASON Chairman, Committee on Standards Bluerield State Teachers College, Blurrield, West Virginia WILLIAM D. HAWKINS Chairman Auditing Committee Fisk University, Nashville. Tennessee

HARRY S. McALPIN Chairman Publicity Committee 2904 Park Place, N. W., Washington, D. C. ROBERT P. DANIEL chairman, Budget Commute* Shaw University, Raleiri'. North Carolina CHARLES H. WESLEY Historian Wilberforce University. Wilberforce, Ohio KERMIT J. HALL Director, Transportation State Teachers College, Bluerield, West Va. JEWELS Dr. Henry A. Callis, 2306 E St., N. E., Washington, D. C.l Nathaniel A. Murray, 150 You Street, N. W., Washington, D. C ; Vertner W. Tandy, 221 West 139th St., New York, N. Y.; George B. Kelly, l-113th Street, Troy, New York.

'Charles H. Chapman—'Roy H. Ogle—'James H. Morton—'Deceased.

REGIONAL DIRECTORS Midwestern Jurisdiction—William N. Lovelace, vice-president.

Southern Jurisdiction—William 11. Uray, vice-presideht; Clinton L. Blake, principal. West Charlotte High School, 1415 Beattie's Fork Road, Charlotte, North Carolina; Andrew J. Lewis, II, S26 Tatnall St., S. W.. Atlanta, Georgia; Aaron L. Allen, 1601 Eighteenth Ave., .V, Nashville, Tennessee; and Walter Mortal, 1433 Touro St.. New Orleans, Louisiana.

Eastern Jurisdiction—Lloyd L. Burreil, vice-president; Herbert T. Miller, 400 Carlton Ave., Brooklyn, New York; John M. iloore. Virginia 1 oion University, Richmond, 20, Virginia; and Arwin A. Hamm, 124 North New York Avenue, Atlantic City. New Jersey.

Western Jurisdiction—Jack Terry, vice-president; James A. Robinson, 850 E 49th Place, Los Angeles, California; John Caldwell, 5508 ilar, Houston, ivxas; and Robert H. Lee, 2802 Stewart. Berkeley, (.'alil'ornia.

CHAPTER OFFICERS

8.

9.

10.

11.

12 in.

14 15 16

17.

18

"I

2TJ

21 22

a

A L P H A — C o r n e l l U n i v e r s i t y , I t h a c a , N. Y.; P r e s i d e n t , Dr. G. A. G a l v i n , 216 W . S t a t e S t r e e t ; S e c r e t a r y , D r . A l b e r t P .

J o h n s o n , 216 W. S t a t e S t r e e t .

B E T A — H o w a r d U n i v e r s i t y , W a s h i n g t o n , D. C ; President.

K e n n e t h D u n g i l l ; S e c r e t a r y , W i l l i a m V. J o n e s , H o w a r d University.

G A M M A — V i r g i n i a U n i o n U n i v e r s i t y , R i c h m o n d , Va.; P r e s i d e n t Theodore J. Jemison, Virginia Union University; Secr e t a r y J o h n M. Moore, Jr., 1409 N. L u m b a r o y S t r e e t .

DELTA—Tillotson College, Austin, Texas; President J e s s e B e t h e l , 1603 E a s t 7 t h S t r e e t , A u s t i n 22, T e x a s ; S e c r e t a r y , Maceo T. Bowie, T i l l o t s o n College, A u s t i n 22, T e x a s .

E P S I L O N — U n i v e r s i t y of M i c h i g a n , A n n Arbor, Mich.; P r e s i d e n t R a l p h M. G i b s o n ; S e c r e t a r y , Horace Rodgers, 1015 E. C a t h e r i n e S t r e e t , A n n A r b o r , M i c h i g a n .

Z E T A — Y a l e U n i v e r s i t y , New H a v e n , C o n n . ; P r e s i d e n t , C h a s .

A. T r i b e t t ; S e c r e t a r y , T. R. P e t t y j o h n , 77 D i c k e r m a n S t r e e t .

New H a v e n , C o n n .

E T A — C o l u m b i a U n i v e r s i t y , S t . L a w r e n c e , B r o o k l y n CC, New York, New York; P r e s i d e n t , W. L e s t e r B r y a n t 172-13—107th Ave., J a m a i c a 5, New Y o r k ; S e c r e t a r y , E d w a r d N. Byas, 302 W. 122nd S t r e e t . New York, New Y o r k .

T H E T A — U n i v e r s i t y of C h i c a g o , Chicago, 111.; President.

R o b e r t W. H a r r i s o n ; S e c r e t a r y , F r a n k A. B a n k s , 4432 S o u t h Parkway, Chicago. Illinois.

IOTA—Atlanta, Georgia; President, R o b e r t W . McDowell; A c t i n g S e c r e t a r y , J . O. S l a d e , M o r r i s B r o w n College, A t l a n t a .

Georgia.

K ^ P P A - O h i o State University, Columbus, Ohio; President, J a m e s R. A n t h o n y ; S e c r e t a r y , W m . F r e d r i c J o h n s o n , 76 E a s t Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio.

M U - U n i v e r s i t y of M i n n e s o t a , M i n n e a p o l i s - S t . P a u l , M i n n e s o t a : P r e s i d e n t , J o h n R. L a w r e n c e . 947 I g l e h a r t A v e n u e , M i n n t i p o l i s , M i n n e s o t a ; S e c r e t a r y , J o h n M. P a t t o n , 954 S t .

Antho.rv Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota.

N U — L i n c o l n U n i v e r s i t y , P a . ; P r e s i d e n t , W a r r e n E. S m i t h : S e c r e t a r y , O s m o n d H. B r o w n , Jr., L i n c o l n U n i v e r s i t y , Box 87. P e n m r y l v a n l a .

XI—Wilberforce University, Ohio; President, Leon Simm o n s : S e c r e t a r y , L e h a m D. A d a m s , Jr.. W i l b e r f o r c e U n i v e r sity. Wilberforce. Ohio.

O M I C R O N — P i t t s b u r g h , P a . : P r e s i d e n t , T h e o d o r e W. P r l m a s .

Jr.: S e c r e t a r y . J a m e s L. W h i t s e t t , 534 Lowell S t r e e t . P i t t s burgh. Pa. P I — W e s t e r n R e s e r v e , C l e v e l a n d , O h i o : P r e s i d e n t , H e n r y C. C r a w f o r d : S e c r e t a r y . Creed F. W a r d . 10321 W e s t c h e s t e r Ave..

Cleveland, Ohio.

RHO—Graduate group, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Presid e n t . Dr. W. F . J e r r i c k ; F i n a n c i a l S e c r e t a r y , Dr. P e r c y I. Bowser. 5344 R a c e S t r e e t , P h i l a d e l p h i a , P a . ; C o r r e s p o n d i n g S e c r e t a r y . Dr. O. W i l s o n W i n t e r s , 28 C u r r e n A r c a d e , N o r rlstown. Pa. SIGMA—Harvard University, Boston, Mass.: President.

T h o m a s A. C e n t e r ; S e c r e t a r y , J u l i a n C. B r a n k e r , 137 H a r o l d Street, Roxbury, Mass.

T A U — U n i v e r s i t y of I l l i n o i s , C h a m p a i g n — U r b a n a . Illinois: P r e s i d e n t , E d w a r d Mosley: S e c r e t a r y , J o h n H. M i m s . 1301 W. C l a r k S t r e e t , U r b a n a , I l l i n o i s .

U P S I L O N — U n i v e r s i t y of K a n s a s , K a n s a s S t a t e T e a c h e r s College, E m p o r i a , K a n s a s : K a n s a s S t a t e College Of A g r i c u l t u r e a n d Applied S c i e n c e . M a n h a t t a n , K a n s a s . L a w r e n c e , K a n s a s : P r e s i d e n t . J a m e s A. B o n d : S e c r e t a r y . R i c h a r d M. W a l k e r .

1101 M i s s i s s i p p i S t r e e t , L a w r e n c e . K a n s a s .

P H I — O h i o University, Athens, Ohio: INACTIVE. C H I — M e h a r r y M e d i c a l College, N a s h v i l l e . T e n n . ; P r e s i d e n t .

J o h n B e n s o n ; S e c r e t a r y , T. M. M c C o t t e r y , M e h a r r y M e d i c a l College, N a s h v i l l e , T e n n .

P S I — U n i v e r s i t y of P e n n s y l v a n i a , T e m p l e U n i v e r s i t y , P h i l a d e l p h i a . P a . : P r e s i d e n t , J. H a r o l d D a v i s : S e c r e t a r y . R o b e r t L. P o i n d e x t e r . 2128 C h r i s t i a n St.. P h i l a d e l p h i a 46, P a .

ALPHA A L P H A — U n i v e r s i t y of C i n c i n n a t i . C i n c i n n a t i C o l lege of P h a r m a c y , M i a m i Tjnlversltv, C i n c i n n a t i . O h i o : P r e s i d e n t . Dr. H. I . W i l s o n : S e c r e t a r y , S a u l S. S a n f o r d . 955 W e s t Eighth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

24. ALPHA B E T A — T a l l a d e g a College, T a l l a d e g a , A l a b a m a ; P r e s i d e n t , Oliver A. B r o w n , T a l l a d e g a College, T a l l a d e g a , A l a b a m a ; D o u g l a s F u l w o o d , T a l l a d e g a College, T a l l a d e g a , A l a b a m a .

25. ALPHA G A M M A — B r o w n U n i v e r s i t y , P r o v i d e n c e , R h o d e I s land, INACTIVE. ?6. ALPHA D E L T A — U n i v e r s i t y of S o u t h e r n California, Los Angeles, Calif.; P r e s i d e n t , J a m e s A. R o b i n s o n , J r . ; S e c r e t a r y , W m . N. J o n e s , 815y 2 E. 2 9 t h St., Los A n g e l e s , Calif.

27. ALPHA E P S I L O N — U n i v e r s i t y of C a l i f o r n i a , B e r k e l e y , C a l i f o r n i a ; P r e s i d e n t , H a r o l d R. J o n e s ; S e c r e t a r y , H e n r y T . S. J o h n s o n , Jr., 1340 E i g h t h S t r e e t , O a k l a n d , C a l i f o r n i a .

28. ALPHA Z E T A — W e s t V i r g i n i a S t a t e College, I n s t i t u t e , W e s t V i r g i n i a ; P r e s i d e n t , E d w a r d L. W i l s o n ; S e c r e t a r y , R i c h a r d E. F i e l d s , W e s t V i r g i n i a S t a t e College, I n s t i t u t e , W e s t V i r ginia.

29. ALPHA E T A — S t . L o u i s , Mo.; P r e s i d e n t , J o h n D . B u c k n e r ; S e c r e t a r y , C a l v i n M. P r i c e , Jr., 4336 P a g e Blvd., S t . L o u i s , Mo. 30. ALPHA T H E T A — U n i v e r s i t y of I o w a , I o w a C i t y , I o w a ; P r e s i d e n t , G e o r g e S. M e a d o r s ; S e c r e t a r y , C l i f t o n R . J o n e s , 15 E. P r e n t i s s S t r e e t , I o w a City, I o w a .

3 1 . ALPHA I O T A — U n i v e r s i t y of C o l o r a d o , D e n v e r , Colorado; P r e s i d e n t , H o w a r d J e n k i n s , J r . , S e c r e t a r y , J o h n Waller, 2606 Gilpin Street, Denver, Colorado.

32. ALPHA K A P P A — S p r i n g f i e l d College, A m h e r s t College, A m h e r s t , Mass., S p r i n g f i e l d , Mass.; I N A C T I V E .

33. ALPHA M U — N o r t h w e s t e r n U n i v e r s i t y , E v a n s t o n , Illinois; P r e s i d e n t , C h a r l e s W a r r e n ; S e c r e t a r y , W i l l i a m C. P y a n t , 1930 B r o w n Ave., E v a n s t o n , I l l i n o i s .

34. ALPHA N U — I o w a S t a t e College, D r a k e U n i v e r s i t y , Des M o i n e s , I o w a ; P r e s i d e n t , Virgil D i x o n ; S e c r e t a r y , C h a r l e s P .

H o w a r d , 515 M u l b e r r y S t r e e t , Des M o i n e s , I o w a .

35. ALPHA X I — U n i v e r s i t y of W a s h i n g t o n , S e a t t l e , W a s h i n g t o n ; P r e s i d e n t , B e r n a r d E. S q u i r e s ; S e c r e t a r y , K a r l L. H o l l field, 1406 1 9 t h Ave., S e a t t l e , W a s h .

36. ALPHA O M I C R O N — J o h n s o n C. S m i t h U n i v e r s i t y , C h a r l o t t e , N. O ; P r e s i d e n t , H a l e B. T h o m p s o n , J r . ; S e c r e t a r y . J o h n P .

S t i n s o n , J o h n s o n C. S m i t h U n i v e r s i t y , C h a r l o t t e , N . C. 37. ALPHA P I — L o u i s v i l l e M u n i c i p a l College, Louisville, Ky.: President, Andrew W. M o r t o n ; Secretary, J o s e p h F . Lalne, Jr.. 1623 W. C h e s t n u t St., L o u i s v i l l e , K e n t u c k y .

38. ALPHA R H O — M o r e h o u s e College, A t l a n t a , Ga.; President, W m . S. G a n d y ; S e c r e t a r y , C h a r l e s C. W a l k e r , Morehouse College, A t l a u t a , G a .

39. ALPHA S I G M A — W i l e y College, M a r s h a l l , T e x a s ; P r e s i d e n t , J o h n L. W i l l i a m s . Wiley College, M a r s h a l l , T e x a s ; S e c r e t a r y J o s e p h G r i f f i n . Wiley College, T a l l a d e g a , A l a b a m a .

40. ALPHA T A U — U n i v e r s i t y of A k r o n , O h i o ; P r e s i d e n t . Raym o n d R. B r o w n : S e c r e t a r y , H e r b e r t R. B r a c k e n , 285 W e l l i n g t o n Ave.. A k r o n , O h i o .

4 1 . ALPHA U P S I L O N — W a y n e U n i v e r s i t y , Detroit, Michigan; P r e s i d e n t . G u s O g l e t r e e . 607 D i v i s i o n S t r e e t , D e t r o i t , M i c h i g a n ; S e c r e t a r y . N o a h B . T u r n e r . 3384 E. F o r t , D e t r o i t . M i c h 42. ALPHA P H I — C l a r k U n i v e r s i t y , Atlanta, Ga.; President, E p h r a i m A. G r i e r ; S e c r e t a r y , C. V. H o l l a n d , C l a r k U n i v e r s i t y .

43. ALPHA C H I — F i s k U n i v e r s i t y . N a s h v i l l e , T e n n e s s e e ; P r e s i d e n t . E l m o A. A d a m s . F i s k U n i v e r s i t y , N a s h v i l l e , T e n n e s s e e S e c r e t a r y . J o h n A. H u d s o n , Fisk University, Nashville Tennessee.

44. ALPHA P S I — L i n c o l n U n i v e r s i t y , Jefferson City, Mo.; P r e s i d e n t , L o u i s K. H a r r i s : S e c r e t a r y , T h o m a s C. B r a k e e n , J r , L i n c o l n U n i v e r s i t y , Jefferson City, M o .

45. B E T A A L P H A — M o r g a n College, B a l t i m o r e , Md.; P r e s i d e n t , W i l l i a m C a m : S e c r e t a r y , H a r r y A. Cole, M o r g a n College.

Baltimore, Md. 46. BETA B E T A — U n i v e r s i t y of N e b r a s k a , C r e l g h t o n U n i v e r s i t y Municipal University. Lincoln, Nebraska: President. William Harrison: Secretary, Gaines T. B r a d f o r d , 1952 T. S t r e e t , Lincoln. Nebraska.

47. BETA O A M M A — V i r e i n l a S t a t e Coilege, E t t r l c k . Va : P r e s i d e n t , A u r e l i o u s E. K i n g : S e c r e t a r y , R o y F . K n i g h t , V i r g i n i a S t a t e College, E t t r l c k , V a . ( T u r n T o P a g e 82)

THE S P H I N X OFFICIAL ORGAN OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY. INC.

VOLUME 31

DECEMBER. 1945

THE STAFF

NUMBER 4.

IN THIS ISSUE— COVER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

OUR PRESIDENT SAYS

R E I D E. J A C K S O N , A. M. & N. College, P i n e Bluff, A r k a n s a s

EDITORIAL OPINION

Page 98 . .-

99

BROTHER HILYARD R. ROBINSON

101

HOW CAN NEGRO GREEK-LETTER SOCIETIES COOPERATE

102

ALPHA BECOMES OP AGE

By A. K. Nyabongo

107

HITS AND MISSES

By J. Edward Cotton

108

A S S I S T A N T EDITORS R O B E R T CUSTIS, 771 St. Nicholas Avenue, N e w York, N. Y. A R M I S T E A D S. PRIDE, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Mo. FEATURE J.

EDITORS

A FORGE FOR FREEDOM

EDWARD COTTON, Casson Street USO, Alexandria, La.

G E O R G E W. GORE, JR., A. & I. State College, Nashville, Tenn.

MACEO HILL, 291 N. 21st Street, Columbus, Ohio.

By Reid E. Jackson

J

109

CHICAGO BROTHERS PREPARE FOR CONVENTION

HO

BROTHER SIDNEY BROWN APPOINTED TO CHICAGO BOARD THE SPHINX IN THE LIBRARY

By G. Blyden Jackson

HI __112

CHAPTER ECHOES

115

G. BLYDEN J A C K S O N , Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee

JEWEL ROBERT HAROLD OGLE A EULOGY

118

G

FRATERNITY FUN

By O. Wilson Winters

llg

B. KELLY,

Troy,

New

York

WARNER LAWSON, Howard University, Washington, D. C.

BROTHER DR. DORSEY DIRECTS MUSICAL FESTIVAL RHO LAMBDA GUESTS GENERAL PRESIDENT

__122 123

HARRY S. McALPIN, 1318 Verm o n t Ave., N. W. Washington, D. C. O. WILSON WINTERS, 28 Curren Arcade, Norristown, P a .

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS SIDNEY A. J O N E S , 180 W. Washington, Chicago, 111.

CLARENCE H. MILLS, SR., Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, O. J. SAUNDERS REDDING, H a m p ton Institute, Hampton, Va.

Published February, May, October, and December by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Inc., at the National Baptist Publishing Board, 523 2nd Avenue N., Nashville 3', Tennessee. Manuscripts solicited b u t must be accompanied by stamped selfaddressed envelope to insure return. Address all communications to Editorial Office. Box 137, A. M. & N. College, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Entered as second class matter at t h e post office In Nashville, Tennessee, under the act of March 3, 1879 and accepted for mailing at t h e second class rate of postage.

ART J A M E S O. P A R K S , Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Mo.

ADVERTISING DOWDAL H. DAVIS, JR., 2711 E. 21st St., Kansas City, Mo.

Subscription Price—One Dollar and Seventy-five Cents Per

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THE

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SPHINX

December, 1945

OUR PRESIDENT SAYS ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY Office of General President Howard University Washington 1, D. C. October 27, 1945 TO ALL BROTHERS, GREETINGS: In accordance with the vote of the Atlantic City Convention, I hereby officially summon Alpha Phi Alpha to meet in its Thirtieth General Convention Chicago from December 27 through 31 inclusive. I have recently conferred with members of the General Convention Committee in Chicago. We have every reason to believe that Chicago will again give us a convention that will long live in our memories.

Registration will take place Thursday afternoon, December 27, beginning at 2:00 P. M., so that the first business session can get under way promptly at 9:00 A. M., Friday, December 28. Registration and the sessions will be held in the beautiful Corpus Christi Auditorium and Center on South Parkway.

A smoker has been planned for Thursday evening. I hope that Brothers will plan to stay through the last session, for important business demands our attention and a large attendance will convince our returning veterans that we are determined to make this PEACE AND RECONVERSION CONVENTION greater than our VICTORY AND MEMORIAL CONVENTION of last year.

Because of the housing problem it is imperative that the Chicago Committee know as soon as possible the names and number of delegates and visitors who will attend. If this information is sent in time, adequate housing is assured. For all details, write to Brother Sydney P. Brown, General Convention Chairman, 417 East 47th Street, Chicago 15, 111.

The outstanding feature of the Convention will be an address by the Honorable Norman W. Manley, former Rhodes scholar, leader of the People's Party in Jamaica, British West Indies, and one of the outstanding statesmen of the modern era. Mr. Manley has given me his personal assurance that he will address the public meeting on December 30. Once more Alpha not only pioneers but gives concrete evidence of its sincere interest in the problems of our people in other parts of the world.

Sincerely and fraternally yours, Rayford W. Logan General President

December, 1945

THE SPHINX

Page 99

EDITORIAL OPINION Toward A New Era Whether or not the postwar era is to become a new atomic energy age is not altogether the point, when one looks squarely at the stake of human values in a chaotic world.

If nothing else has been demonstrated clearly in the Martian holacaust, which has just spent itself, undeniable proof has been adduced that expanding scientific knowledge, and skills are necessary to the successful completion of any enterprise —whether noble or base. The humanitarian task for man, then, is to assess any and all utility of new scientific gains for the increment which they can give to the "good life."

In order to achieve that which is suggested above, it becomes necessary to look critically and, for a long time, at every segment of human living. This is just another way of saying that the idea of change must always be present in our society—not whimsical change but intelligently calculated readjustment to the pattern of a changing world and widening knowledge.

Institutions, as well as techniques, must undergo overhauling, in the face of necessity. That would hold true whether the institutions are social, professional, or fraternal.

Now that the war is over, many have taken this event as a signal for unprecedented and sweeping demands for change, all under the guise of postwar improvement. This may be all well and good, but let us remind ourselves that many of the "durables" of the pre-war days were necessarily supplanted by much that was "ersatz." As a consequence, then, one would not at all be amiss to inquire into the efficacy of pre-war materials and methods—as a starting point at least, rather than to allow one's self to be hoodwinked by new fangled folderols.

Be this as it may, though, some change is expedient now, no matter what case we may draw as to the ultimate value of conflicting views. And, we must not be left "napping" by the highway.

R. E. J.

The Void There is a vast void of little-knowledge and of no-knowledge that hampers many of our efforts toward greater economic and civil rights for the Negro. That void exists between what the Negro wants on the one hand, and what the rest of Americans want to give him or think he should have, on the other.

We all know it exists and we all would like to do something about it, and a good many of us look upon the patience needed to bridge that void as just another evidence of temporizing, of shilly-shallying, of Uncle Tom-ing.

Here, for example, is (for simplicity, we'll just say) a Negro who wants to be served in the lunchroom of a downtown department store in, say, Washington, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis or Columbus. The waitress says "No" in no uncertain terms and fidgets about and (Turn to Page 109.)

More Magazines A rabid race man said to us the other day: "Now, if ever, is the time for the Negro to get what he wants. Everything is ripe." The same urge seems to impel those among us who have weaknesses for publishing magazines. For no fewer than ten new Negro journals have either been put forth or have been announced for publication, since the editorial on "Negro Periodicals" in the May SPHINX. Leading the pack is the Negro's gift to "Life Magazine" emulators— "Ebony Magazine," product of the money-wise "Negro Digest" publishing clan of Chicago, whose business interests are looked after by John Johnson and whose editorial functions are nursed by Ben Burns, the white journalist.

Volume I, Number 1 of "Ebony," a monthly is dated November, 1945, and its printing numbered 50,000 with no ads.

"Ebony," financed initially out of profits of the 110,000 circulation "Negro Digest," wants to show, in pictures, how normal Negroes are, not how freakish or secondrate or imitative.

A siick paper pocket size magazine of varied discussion is "Expression," which came off a Chicago press in August for the first time. Editor of the new bimonthly is Ora E. Wise, who has chosen as the organ's credo: "the Negro is already the equal of everybody else."

Two newcomers to the roster of interracial publications are "New Vistas," Chicago digest size 25c monthly editor and published by Joseph Bailey, former Arkansas state college teacher, and "Now," a 10c semi-monthly tabloid coming out of Los Angeles, Calif., with a Negro editor and a white city editor.

"New Vistas," which first appeared in June, sub-titles itself "a positive approach to human relationships, uses both condensations and new stuff. "Now" is published "on a non-profit basis in the interest of all races, that all may join in closer unity for the good and advancement of mankind."

A rival out of the South for Texas' "The World's Messenger" is "Bronze Confessions," that Sam Solomon, publisher of the "Miami Whip," brought forth in July filled with pulp romance from the Negro angle.

In an entirely different category and exploiting a new field is Alice Browning's "Child Play," that came from "Negro Story's publisher in July and which, as its title indicates, is designed for the below-teen-ager.

Negro business gets a play in the new publication of that name with Thories C. Lindsey of Chicago its editor. Feature stories monthly on business, from a cross section of the nation's leading Negro business men, will form part of the contents of this new journal.

Several new publications are in the family of another which we failed to mention in May. The year-old "Spotlighter" of New York City that has not been marketed widely, bends to the arty and entertainment world, as do the newcomers, "Sepia Hollywood." "Sepia (Turn to Page 122.)

Want To Win $1,000?

Last month a release to newspapers, that gave it very little play, announced a significant offer. It was noteworthy because it stated that a Southerner was making available funds to foster amicable relationships between the citizens of our country.

C. E. Palmer of Texarkana, which is located in both Texas and Arkansas, is the man. He is an Arkansas newspaper publisher. He set aside $100,000 for the establishment of the Palmer Foundation, which will have as its paramount objective the promotion among the people of an attitude of fairness and unselfishness in personal and public affairs."

H. W. Stilwell, superintendent of Texarkana, Texas, schools, has been appointed president of the Foundation. Mr. Palmer believes that it is through the public schools that his work will most effectively be carried out.

First project of the Foundation will be an award of cash prizes for the most meritorious suggestions as to how the work should be carried out. Most worthy suggestions will bring $1,000; second best $500.00.

Specifically, suggestions should answer this question: "How best may we inculcate in young people a consciousness and appreciation of, and a devotion to, the principles of morality that are embodied in the Golden Rule—'Do unto others as you would have others do unto you'?" All entries should be addressed before January 31, 1946, to the Palmer Foundation, 216 East Third Street, Texarkana, Ark. Palmer's bequest may be cited as belonging to a trend in the South a trend that includes such other tokens—Southern stirrings for greater democracy as (1) The Southern Conference for Human Welfare, (2) The National Committee to Abolish the Poll Tax; (3) the publication South Today and its editor Lillian Smith; (4) the Conference of Southern Writers and Editors; (5) the organization of Southern Methodists; (6) the decisions in recent Negro voting cases; (7) the William & Mary College "Flat Hat" of less than a year ago; and (8) the organization of young Georgia Democrats that admitted Negroes to their meeting that was addressed by Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt.

ARMISTEAD PRIDE

Grand Tax - Determinant of Future Services The grand tax is determinative of realizable future services to the membership, community, or both. Many brothers have paid this annual tax without complaint, but all ask "what do we get for it?" I do not propose to answer this question. The words of Past President Wesley to the 1935 Nashville Convention, provide a general answer. This statement is as pertinent now, as then, namely, "A strong treasury may lead to an insurance plan, fraternity house financing, new scholarship ventures, to a National Headquarters with a full-time (Turn to Page 106.)

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THESPHINX

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BROTHER HILYARD R. ROBINSON ARCHITECT CITY PLANNER INVENTOR A DREAMER, WHO WORKS THAT HIS DREAMS MAY COME TRUE' By CLIFF MACKAY AND MOSS HYLES KENDRIX HIS is the story of a man of color, who, for the first time in modern history, has the job of developing and directing an event of international significance— an episode of history's having crossed an ocean to unite a man and an event in an effort that time dictates only they can accomplish.

The event: The Liberian Centennial Victory Exposition to be held in Monrovia, Liberia, July 26, 1947-49, in connection with the one hundredeth anniversary of that Republic. The man: Brother Hilyard R. Robinson, nationally reputed architect, city planner and inventor of Washington, D. C. whose agile brain and skillful pen have done much to literally change the faces of many American cities. Now he shares a dream conceived in Liberia, which he will help to translate into reality for that lone African Republic.

The Liberian Centennial Victory Exposition. to which has been applied the theme, "West Africa in a World at Peace," in addition to commemorating the independence of this African State, will focus attention on the numerous benefits to be derived from cooperative potentialities in inter-African, American, and European economic collaboration. In keeping with the theme of the event, stress is to be placed on world peace and world rehabilitation, while great attention will be given to the domestic life of the little nation which will stand at the threshold of a new era in its national life —"the first country in the world to celebrate its centennial in the atomic age."

The Exposition has been planned in accordance with a directive issued by President W. V. S. Tubman, progressive and popular leader of the West African nation, and it will be projected by a Centennial Commission comprised of several

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leaders of Liberian national life. Brother Robinson has been selected by the President of the Republic and the Centennial Commission to administer the development, in which capacity, he, as technical consultant to the Republic, will serve as architect-engineer for the buildings to be constructed for the event and as program director for the Exposition.

After the Exposition, the fairgrounds and buildings will be converted into an agricultural, industrial and technical training center, which will be part of a projected university system.

Adjacent to the exposition grounds is to be located the new Liberian government center.

The sites for these developments have been so selected that they will occupy the center of what will, in the future, be Greater Monrovia. Thus enters the hand of Brother Robinson, city planner.

Brother Robinson is no novice in the field of "firsts." He designed the Tuskegee army air forces base, the only air base known to have been designed by a Negro, and was chief architect for the first District of Columbia public housing project, Langston Terrace, located in northeast Washington. This Alpha man's unique architectural contributions to America stand as a tribute to him, as well as to his race.

Among his vast lot of creations are Carver hall, government dormitory for men, and the Frederick Douglass dwellings, Washington, D. C; Industrial Workers war housing project and public school, Sparrows Point, Md.; two FPHA war housing projects, Ypsilanti, Mich.; Flanner house, Indianapolis, Ind.; and others too numerous to list here.

Having had careers as a college professor and a consulting architect, Brother Robinson was formerly associate professor and head of the department of archi-

tecture, Howard university.

For five years, he was consulting architect for a New York-Washington firm of interior decoration and equipment for hotels and passenger-liners. At one time or another, he has held posts as architect in charge of planning and designs of housing projects for Negroes, subsistence homesteads, United States Department of Interior; consulting architect, National Capital advisory committee for the selection of sites for slum clearance, Washington, D. C; and consulting and senior architect, United States resettlement administration.

Alpha Phi Alpha's architect brother is the co-owner of thirteen U. S. patents on lighting devices, including an air raid black-out light. Among points of installation of some of these devices are the public square and new municipal building, the Navy Yard, and offices, hangars, and shops of the Pennsylvania Air Lines —all in Washington, D. C. Thus, is seen the genius of Brother Robinson, inventor.

Taking his early education in the Pennsylvania museum and school of industrial arts, Philadelphia, Brother Robinson studied further at the University of Pennsylvania; School of Architecture, Columbia university; and the University of Berlin. He holds the degrees of bachelor and master of architecture.

During World War I, he served in France as a second lieutenant. He has traveled and studied in Holland, Denmark, Germany, Russia and other European countries, where he spent thirteen months in research on city planning, housing, and industrial construction planning.

This is a salute to Brother Hilyard R. Robinson, architect, city planner, and inventor, whom we choose also to call a dreamer, who works that his dreams may come true.

Brother Hilyard R. Robinson in a photo study composed by artist Brother Percy Ifill, former vice-president, Eta chapter; recipient Alpha Phi Alpha regional scholarship, 1939; bachelor of architecture, New York university.

Authors: Brothers Cliff Mackay and Moss Hyles Kendrix, Eta Lambda chapter, veteran newsman and publicist, respectively.

Brother Mackay, now managing editor, AFRO-AMERICAN newspapers, is a graduate of Iowa State university school of journalism and has formerly been associated with the CHICAGO DEFENDER, NORFOLK JOURNAL AND GUIDE, and the ATLANTA DAILY WORLD. A co-founder of Delta Phi Delta journalistic society, Brother Kendrix is public relations officer for the Liberian Centennial Commission. He is a former director of National Negro Newspaper Week and has held several publicity and public relations posts, since graduation from Morehouse college, Atlanta, Georgia.

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December, 1945

H O W CAN NEGRO CREEK-LETTER SOCIETIES COOPERATE?

By J. H. CALHOUN. JR. Vice-Grand Basileus, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity HEN he sent in his application to become a member of the pledgee club, was he inspired by the burning desire to be a crusader for the rights of his people, or did he seek a few bids of the "hot" parties and the right to live in the "frat-house?" When the charter was secured and the constitution of the national body was framed, were the objectives drawn up under influence of strains of "jive" tunes of yesteryear and cocktails, or were they produced by bright young minds who had the interests of the Negro race at heart?

In attempting to frame answers to these questions, one begins to understand the complexity of the problem: "How Can Negro Greek-Letter Societies Cooperate?"

The bulk of the members of these organizations joined them in their late teens or early twenties, when they didn't know what they were going to do themselves, and they did it with a spirit of rivalry that was probably the strongest influence in their young lives. Of course they had mature guidance, and that is what probably gave us something to work on.

Now, we, as sober-minded members of the largest minority group of the world's greatest nation, rack our brains for some method of using these well-oiled machines, in a cooperative effort to bring forth some finished products in a Democracy.

The eight greek-letter societies which are members of the National pan-hellenic council, all are well-developed national organizations, with local groups—or chapters—in every section of the country. Regardless of the high-sounding objectives, set forth as ideals by each of them, we must admit that the social and cultural aspects of fraternity and sorority life are fundamental to them, and represent common ground upon which graduates and under-graduates, young members and older ones, men and women, can begin acting, thinking and working together.

In college, each organization has its private parties, closed dances and meetings, but no year's program would have been successful without at least one affair to which bids could be extended to members of other organizations. This principle has extended into graduate life and manifests itself in the annual week observances of chapters for each national society throughout the nation. This idea raises a question as to how these national societies weild such influence among so many serious-minded persons, on a nation-wide scale; while other organizations, with much more specifically-vital objectives, apparently, fail to enlist their active support. Many a member will attend a grand conclave or boule who never visits the local welfare meeting!

The answer is not difficult: organization.

These societies are closely knit, with some of the best talent in the country, either as heads or members of the governing or operating boards, councils and committees. Direction of the national program is in the hands of a chief national officer, with a larger or smaller amount of assistance, depending upon the wishes

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DO "FRAT-HOUSE J I T T E R BUGS" BECOME CIVIC LEADERS? of delegates to an annual assembly. As we will see in the following paragraphs, this principle of organization is typical.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority is headed by a supreme basileus, Mrs. Beulah Whitby, of Detroit, Michigan, with other supreme officers and a directorate composed of supreme officers and regional directors. The regional directors are elected by the chapters, in each region. The annual Boule was not held during the war and will probably not be resumed until 1946.

Dr. Rayford Logan of Howard university. Washington, D. C, is general president of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and he is assisted by four regional vicepresidents, as well as other national officers, all elected by the national convention. There is an executive council composed of all national officers and several lay members from undergraduate chapters. The regional vice-presidents appoint regional directors, within their respective jurisdictions, as needed. The annual convention will be held in Chicago, Illinois, December 27-31, 1945.

The Delta Sigma Theta sorority has a grand president, in the person of Mrs. Mae Wright Downs of Sewell, New Jersey. There are other grand officers and an executive committee including grand officers and regional directors—the latter being elected by chapters within the respective regions.

This organization will hold its annual meeting in Richmond, Virginia, the last week in December, 1945.

Grand Polemarch Augustus P. Parker, of Cleveland. Ohio, heads the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He, other grand officers, and a grand board of directors are elected by the national body. The grand board of directors Is composed of the grand polemarch, the grand keeper of records and exchequer, and four other members, one of whom is an undergraduate and one of whom can debate but not vote. The provincial polemarchs are elected by their respective regions. The annual meeting of the fraternity will be hold in Columbus. Ohio, December 27-31, 1945.

The Omega Psi Phi fraternity is led by Grand Basileus Z. Alexander Looby, of Nashville, Tennessee. He and four other grand officers, elected by the grand conclave, compose the supreme council of the fraternity. The jurisdiction is divided into twelve districts, headed by district representatives elected by chapters in the respective regions. The annual grand conclave will be held in Washington, D. C, December 27-30, 1945.

George A. Parker, of Washington, D. C, is national president of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. The national president, all national officers, including one national and six regional vice-presidents, are elected by the national assembly and compose the executive board of the fraternity. The national body will meet at St. Louis. Missouri in December, 1945.

Mrs. Ethel R. Smith, of Chicago, Illinois, is grand basileus of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority. She, along with other grand officers and a board of direc-

tors, are elected by the Boule, which has not been meeting during the war, but expects to meet in the summer of 1946.

The regional syntaktes of the sorority are elected by chapters, within the respective regions.

The grand basileus of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority is Mrs. Lullelia W. Harrison, of Houston, Texas. This officer, other grand officers, regional directors, and former basili of the sorority, form an executive committee. The regional directors are selected by the executive committee and they, in turn, appoint associate directors in states where they are needed.

The annual meeting of the sorority will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, in December, 1945.

These descriptions have been made to show how closely knit are the organization plans of the respective greek-letter societies, how much alike they are, and how effective they could be if they could be associated together. The National pan-hellenic council, consisting of representatives from each of these eight Greek-Letter societies, was organized for this purpose. But, as Dr. Ira De A. Reid, of Atlanta university, puts it: "It is as much of an idea as it was 20 years ago, and no more of a reality." To what end, then, should the cooperative efforts of these thousands of well trained persons be directed?

If we examine some of the fields of action needing such treatment, we find members of greek-letter societies effecting active participation. In education, the campaign for equalization of opportunities and teachers' salaries has long been waged by the National association for the advancement of Colored People, members and affiliates of the American teachers' association and others. Their efforts, however, have been manifested in scattered sections of the country, and results depend largely upon the next subject: segregation and discrimination.

Problems of segregation, North as well as South, rights of franchise, housing restrictions and civil protection have long been fought by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. the National urban league, and other civic and political organizations. They seem, however, to have hardly scratched the surface. Discrimination in wages, employment and, job opportunities can be handled best by labor organizations; but, thousands of workers know nothing of the techniques. The Fair employment practices committee is about to be discontinued, although it has some of the strongest forces in the nation supporting it. Many kinds of local and national programs are being organized to protect the rights of veterans, but thousands of ex-service men and women are groping for methods to secure their rightful benefits, and the United States veterans' administration is reluctant to employ Negroes who can help with the administration of the program.

Our ex-service men's and women's organizations are the ones to tackle these problems, with the assistance of other organizations.

Similarly, the American medical association, the National Association of Colored Nurses, the Alpha Kappa Alpha

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H O W CAN NEGRO CREEK-LETTER SOCIETIES COOPERATE? sorority, local groups and national health movements, have established facilities for the advancement of health and welfare of our people; but this part of our life suffers more than any other. Because of segregation and discrimination, Negroes in all sections of the country suffer from lack of recreational facilities. This situation exists despite the magnificient efforts of the National urban league, the Young men's and Young women's christian associations, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, and other active groups in the field. The advancement of social work holds great promise for improvement along these lines.

But Negroes seem to have made their greatest progress in business, although few of them have ventured into wholesale merchandising and manufacturing. The National Negro business league, the Negro Bankers' association, the National Negro insurance association, their member organizations, and independent local groups have been organized to promote our progress in business, but the bulk of our business men are not active in them. Little or no work has been done in organizing consumers, leaving the Negro buyer at the mercy of the seller.

Along with these activities, has gone the advancement of cultural life. If, as some of our members say, greek-letter societies were organized for purely social purposes, then we should excel in this field and set standards for others. Our artists, lecturers and entertainers are greatly handicapped because of the controls exercised by promoters and others responsible for their presentation. GreekLetter societies could, at least, furnish outlets for them and, at the same time, advance the cultural life of the race and nation.

Thus, we see that greek-letter societies are well organized, many of their members are already leading action groups on specific problems in education, social action, business and culture, and these other organizations have developed facilities and techniques over a period of years. Recently, the following national organizations made specific recommendations as to how nationl greekletter societies might cooperate with the programs: The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; the U. S. veterans' administration; Dick Campbell, promoter; the National pan-hellenic council; the National urban league; the United transport service employees of America; the U. S. public health service; the Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. national councils; and the Fraternal council of Negro churches in America. Would we do better by supporting them or starting out on something new. It is believed that much time, effort and money can be saved by adopting the former course.

It is useless to consider leadership for mass movements, as coming from greekletter societies; they are not mass organizations, but they can support mass action. The Pan-Hellenic council organization might become a clearing-house for such action. First, however, two important changes should be made. One of the representatives from each member organization should be its chief national officer. That person speaks with authority and would most likely rally the support of his organization behind any

program of the council. Then the council should be fully autonomous and not dependent upon ratification from member organizations. With the majority rule and chief national officers, as members of the council body, majority support would be assured. These two principles of organization should be applied to local councils as well.

To insure cooperation between the National pan-hellenic council, local pan-hellenic councils, national greek-letter societies and local chapters, the establishment of the following committees by each of the cooperating societies is suggested: A. Education B. Social Action 1. Civic and Political 2. Employment 3. Veterans Benefits 4. Health and Recreation C. Business 1. Producers 2. Consumers D. Cultural Life Some of these organizations already have such committees, and with corresponding committees in each, any chapter, national greek-letter society or PanHellenic council could initiate action and call upon other affiliates for such support, information and guidance as may be needed. It would be hoped that facilities and personnel for research would gradually be developed, at national, as well as local levels.

Action in the field of cultural life would be pioneering and each organization could afford to participate. Yearround social activities including the presentation of Negro artists, lecturers and entertainers should not be difficult and should have been tried successfully as a program.

Cooperative presentations, however, should be begun on a district or regional basis, at first. This and other phases of the program should be left, however to the discretion of the national greek-letter societies and local chapters and councils too. In other words, let the affiliated groups select from the overall program such activities as befit their means and the needs of their respective jurisdictions.

Thus, greek-letter societies, even though they may have been organized by frivolous college men and women of other decades, can yet entertain high hopes of training adequate leaders some day. Now that they have opportunities to use their organizational resources, for the common good, let's do it in a cooperative way! s

COOPERATION AMONG NEGRO GREEK-LETTER ORGANIZATIONS

By MAE WRIGHT DOWNS Grand President. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority UR knowledge tells us that unity makes for achievement. Yet, we as leaders of college fraternal organizations have hesitated to unite in the fullest sense of the word. Are we to continue to cast aside with a studied nonchalance the fine example and teachings of people of long ago? People, with few of the advantages we now enjoy, have discovered and practiced the art of cooperation.

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Shall we continue to disregard those Nile Valley dwellers of centuries gone by, who showed the splendid lessons of the success of cooperative farming? Shall we likewise continue to disregard the teachings of the pioneers of this country who demonstrated the success in the cooperative building of the homestead?

Members of greek-letter organizations, representing as they do a large percentage of the graduates of colleges and universities, should be imbued with the scientific attitude and should be willing to try newer, workable approaches to the problems which beset our nation and our people.

Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, through its editor, Dr. Reid E. Jackson has asked certain contributors to submit suggestions for cooperation among greek-letter organizations. As President of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. I express my firm belief in the idea of cooperation and will encourage the members of my sorority to endorse courageously and with enthusiasm any suitable plan of unified action.

Further, in keeping with the request of the editor, I offer the following suggestions: 1. A committee from each of the cooperating organizations should decide on issues which, for the public good, need espousing. The organizations, thus represented. should express themselves vigorously on these issues and should give monetary support to other organizations already engaged in solving these problems.

2. The same committee should keep a record of amounts of money given by greek-letter organizations to philanthropies, to oragnizations, to "causes" and to "funds." Further, it should release a statement of the combined contributions.

3. In addition, I think that sororities should organize to help young women and fraternities to help young men.

To deal specifically with the sororities, if three or four sororities would pool their efforts, 20 or 30 urban centers could be selected and 25 young girls (10 to 11 years of age) could be trained for a period of one year. This training could embrace many of the things their parents would like them to know but which, because of other responsibilities, these parents have little leisure time in which to teach them.

Each sorority would be responsible for the training one Saturday a month. One group might take the girls to public places and give them actual experience in group behavior.

Another sorority might take the same girls to the "Y" one Saturday a month and encourage them to join the "Y" activities. Another sorority might help the girls plan inexpensive recreation for special occasions. A fourth sorority could encourage intercultural relations through letter writing and actual contact with girls their own age of other races. They, in turn, would be expected to pass on all this knowledge to their younger sisters and friends. We know that the parents of our group have more serious economic problems than do any other group of people. This frequently necessitates the mother's absence from the home for long hours. Those in the race, who have a measure of leisure must help others. With this plan, at the end of five years, three thousand girls

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December, 1945

H O W CAN NEGRO CREEK-LETTER SOCIETIES COOPERATE? at the impressionable age would have been reached. A long time and a small number, you think? Not so, if we remember that water falling constantly drop by drop in time can wear away a boulder. A decade with constant application to such a program will work needed wonders. The fraternities could work out similar programs for young men.

Such committees, as have been suggested above, could be called by the PanHellenic council, Interfraternal councils or any of the greek-letter organizations, whose leaders are contributing articles to this discussion in the SPHINX. Shall we continue to bear out the cartoon. reprinted in the NEW YORK TIMES, October 28, in which "New Records in Scientific Achievements" soar at the great speed of the fastest, newest plane while "Progress of World Community Spirit" creeps along at the turtle's pace? Or shall we give wings to World Community Spirit? My vote is for wings!

What is yours? s

A VIEWPOINT OF BETTER COOPERATION FOR GREEKLETTER ORGANIZATIONS

By ETHEL ROSS SMITH Grand Basileus, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority IRST, may I extend from Sigma Gamma Rho sorority to Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity greetings and an earnest desire for continued success of your ideals and future undertakings. Now may I thank you for your invitation to participate in the symposium you are conducting in the December issue of the SPHINX. The growth of greek-letter organizations has been swift. It has been swift because fraternal organizations developed during a period when there are a transition from lower and intermediate education to a higher or college level. To be a college graduate was a rare distinction.

Naturally, these men and women longed for and needed companionship on their own level. As a college education grew to be a more common achievement, fraternal groups closed their ranks. The urge to enter these closed portals caused new groups to form.

Many times, the speed of organization has dimmed the purpose. The many distinctions, not outwardly mentioned, often, in the past, have caused bitterness between us. Even today, we lose the real meaning in worded competition. Too often, we try to cover too many fields of endeavor.

Many times, we are at cross purposes. We have allowed persons, who are not greeks, to see us ignore one another. We have allowed ourselves to become pawns in a chess game for those who are ambitious.

We have lost ground, where we might have stood solidly as a block for a forward push. We have expected others to accept our aims "in toto" and we have not been willing to bargain an inch with each other. We have allowed those we could lead by skillful maneuvers to feel we are clannish and disdainful of lending a helpful hand.

This gives a dark side of the picture.

This picture has a brighter side. Through earnest effort, the internal structure of

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the fraternal organization has developed —sometime, through trial and error, sometimes through earnest study and logical reasoning—to the place where plans have been made and followed to a fine and definite conclusion. These conclusions have been very beneficial to many. Through contact with cultured and educated people, ambitious young men and women have gone to the heights of success. Within these groups, a financial solidarity has been attained.

If we stop and review history, we find the Greeks of ancient Greece prepared the way for the downfall of Greece by this same method; Sparta was for the Spartan, Athens for the Athenian, Corinth for the Corinthian. As each grew in cultural attainments, political power, physical beauty, each grew farther and farther away from the other Greeks. Divided they were easy pray for less cultured people. Can't we see the handwriting on the wall?

I feel every fraternal organization has a right to develop a personal program.

This is the life blood of the organization. This is the stimulus through which the component parts serve the parent body. Therefore, I say, let each one have an individual project; or, if the organization is strong enough and is on an economic footing to successfully sponsor two or more projects, more power to them. But, I am fully convinced that many times we are at cross purposes when a little cooperation, a little give and take, could make us stronger and of more service to humanity. Really, how many of us fully understand the real meaning and scope of the national program of each greek-letter organization?

I would suggest first, an annual meeting of the heads of fraternal organizations, for the purpose of discussing and explaining the aims and purposes of each organization in its national project. I feel this would lead to a closer friendship, a powerful incentive of notice to the world that the scholastic greeks differ from the ancient Greeks, on the point of unity of action.

I further feel we as greeks, should have a goal to reach. As greeks we should have a project; a long range program. I feel here is a chance to show that an intelligent group of people can defy tradition and enter a new field.

May I ask your indulgence while I explain the type of program I have in mind? In the meeting of the heads of greek-letter organizations, an executive board could be formed, to be increased as the parent organization would see fit. A staff of efficient workers, not necessarily persons of greekdom, could be selected.

The workers and planners could be sent to school, through scholarships, for preparation in order to be efficient in their various fields.

The project could be financed by a per capita tax from each parent body membership. The finance could be divided into such funds as scholarships, building, reserve and working funds. Over a period of five years each fund would have grown appreciably. Does this sound to you like a dream? Does it seem an impossible undertaking? I wonder? Haven't men dreamed before? Haven't dreams come true? Haven't we seen men of

our group rise above prejudice when they have had something greater to offer than others? If some such type of business was started with enough capital and efficient workers the products would be in demand. We would have made a move with our own capital, employing our own people and supplying our own needs.

Out of this meeting should develop a principle or philosophy along truly democratic lines; a philosophy that is logically sound; a philosophy that gives hope and aspiration to our groups as well as to our people as a whole. A philosophy to help counteract the frustration and fear that seems to creep in on every side, in this period of our development.

Just as the white man has entered a period of frustration, at his inability to rule the millions of darker men of the world, so we Negroes are frustrated because we realize we have reached the cross-roads and know we must develop independence—riot only in ourselves, but in the masses of our people. We too well realize we have lived worlds apart—the unskilled laborer in the lowest possible income bracket, the professional man with only this low income bracket to serve.

Surely, we have here and there a skilled artisan, a business man, but these are so few in number that they are negligible.

These classes of people need development.

Since this age has become one where the cooperative movement has insured the greatest good to the greatest number of people, why can't we greeks join forces and develop a cooperative business.

I have in mind, for example, a clothing manufacturing business, both wholesale and retail. I feel this will take a longrange program. First to be considered is the financial backing such a business would need. If there was a per capita tax levied in each contributing group and this money was banked or placed in safe investments, within a period of five years, quite a sum could be acquired. The only fund of this total sum used in the interim of five years would be the scholarship fund set aside for the training of executive and department heads. The surplus at the end of the fiscal business year, when the business started, could be divided on a percentage basis.

The governing board should be composed of persons of the contributing Greek letter organization. The business executive and department heads might or might not be fraternal persons. The general working staff should be people from every field needed.

The Negro then will have developed a consciousness of his potential power.

Nationally, the whole group is striving to and is succeeding in making his political power felt through his vote. He is a little slower in realizing the power of his dollar. He wants things. He buys what he wants even though he feels the scorn of the seller. This is because we offer no competition, through a business world of our own.

What matter the particular business 1 have used as an example? What matter if it is a business. Let the greek-letter groups get together for the benefit of the Negroes and for ourselves.

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H O W CAN NEGRO CREEK-LETTER SOCIETIES COOPERATE? COOPERATION AMONG GREEKS

By LULLELIA W. HARRISON Grand Basileus. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority deem it an honor to have an opportunity to give my opinion on a question which to me has a great significance. if greek-letter societies are to survive and achieve their goals. Except to mention the policy of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Inc., this opinion is purely personal. And, though I hope that it voices the sentiment of a majority of Zeta members, I cannot say that it reflects the opinion of the group.

At the founding of the National panhellenic council, Zeta Phi Beta sorority made known her desire for close cooperation of the greeks. We have maintained active membership in the council and have encouraged the organization of local councils in all communities where the greeks are organized. Furthermore, we have supported any national or local movement launched by the other greeks with or without the support of a panhellenic council.

I am certain that the pan hellenic councils could do much more toward creating a better spirit of cooperation, if each national body insisted upon its subordinate groups maintaining active membership in the councils. It is unfortunate that many of the nationals are not concerned about the program of the National pan hellenic. Some groups do not send representatives. Others send them as a matter of form but do nothing about carrying out the council's policies, when the meeting is over.

This spirit of non-cooperation had its beginning, in the early days of the various org anizations. Like Negro churches, one sorority or fraternity was the outgrowth of a split in another, in most cases. It was natural that, in these cases, the attitudes would be anything other than cooperative. The feelings of superiority and resentment have been handed down through the years and the lack of cooperation has been more evident.

Since the majority of our members come from the college chapters, it is reasonable to assume that the colleges should take the lead in setting up some ethical standards for the group. Faculty members are often guilty of helping to create unfriendly rivalry among students. They have been known to show favoritism by giving grades and other special favors to influence students to join a certain group. Certainly, we should have faculty advisors, and, faculty members might point out the virtues of their particular groups. However, students should be allowed to make their own evaluations and decisions and, most assuredly, should be encouraged to earn their grades by doing their best work.

My first suggestion, then, is to start with the freshmen in the colleges and do all that is literally possible to encourage friendships between students of different groups; discourage any tendency on the part of the students to belittle organizations; for, as I see it, each one has its good and bad features. All of us have many improvements yet to make.

Let us emphasize higher standards for admission—not standards of color, looks,

I

finance, and popularity, but standards of character, scholarship, brotherhood, and race pride. The scripture lesson, "Am I my brother's keeper?" could well be taught to college students and might prove effective in breaking down some of the existing barriers among them.

These unfriendly attitudes are frequently carried from the colleges out into, the world and, thus, the division becomes greater as years go by. In every community, each organization is exerting every effort to win the greatest admiration of that community. Often all ethical standards are disregarded in order to outdo the other groups. It is almost impossible to get the groups to cooperate on any one movement, because one group is afraid of not getting enough honor for its work.

I should like to see the greeks throw all their efforts and finance into one concerted national effort. We represent a large percentage of our race and could render valuable services as its representatives. But no one of us has a large enough membership nor treasury to warrant the launching of a national effort exclusive of the aid of the others. If we could ever lose sight of ourselves and think in terms of the good we can do, I think the task would be an easy one.

I was quite pleased upon a recent visit to New York to find that there is a movement on foot to build a sorority and fraternity house. All the groups are contributing to the one building and all will make use of it. If all the greeks in such a Metropolitan area as New York can come together to build a greek house, surely in smaller communities the efforts could be more easily combined.

There are many opportunities in the colleges and communities for the sororities and fraternities to cooperate. Instead of the usual cliques and clans, we should seek to build cooperative programs, encourage pooling of funds, try to equalize fees and taxations, and to discourage any idea that a group is superior because of the show it makes and the amount of money required to maintain membership in it.

In conclusion, I should like to emphasize the necessity of building strong panhellenic councils and then throwing all our forces in one direction at a time as greeks and not as Zeta, or Deltas, or Alphas, or sigmas, or any other particular group. Glory and honor will be achieved, as we accomplish big things for the race and not for small groups, but this idea of cooperation must be imbedded in our membership as we prepare them for initiation. If we allow probates to develop complexes and to harbor dislikes for one another, then these attitudes will forever predominate among us and hinder our chances for rendering service.

It must not be overlooked that there are those among us who realize at some time in life that they have been disillusioned. and that a fraternity or sorority is not all that it was painted to be.

These members realize the possibilities, but feel that their efforts to develop these possibilities will be futile. It is this group of members which is spreading unfavorable propaganda and are gaining prestige as anti-greeks. They may be justified in their opinions, but should not

stoop to destroy that which could do so much good if encouraged to do so.

Finally, let us acknowledge our weaknesses and do something about them— not only by cooperation with one another as greeks but by cooperating wholeheartedly with any organization whose aim is to do good for Negroes in this way, can we make a worthwhile contribution. s

FRATERNAL COOPERATION VITAL FOR ENGINEERING A POSTWAR SOCIAL ORDER

By Wm. H. GRAY. JR. Second Vice-President. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity HE very existence of greek-letter organizations, as integral units in our American institutions of higher education, implies the concomitant necessity of cooperative action as we move toward the objectives of developing character and intellect through the great common median of formal education. The instrumentality of fraternity life, designed to mold leadership, provides the college and the college man in after life an avenue of expression and action that should facilitate cooperation without question.

Certainly, organizations with a commonness of objectives and a singleness of purpose should give primary concern to techniques of cooperation. The fraternity initiation, itself, is a most potent element in shaping behavior patterns that would be conducive to unselfishness, willingness to sacrifice for others, and a personality flexibility that should insure cooperativeness.

It has been instilled in the initiate too often, from the time of acceptance into the pledge club, that his is the best frat in the world; others are to be tolerated, but largely ignored. In any event and under all conditions, his frat and his brothers are to be given first consideration. The apparent slogan has been, "My frat, may it always be right, but my frat, right or wrong!" Such an attitude, common to every greek-letter organization has caused much bitterness between fraternities and breaches of friendship between individuals. In certain instances, it has disrupted the educational policies of a college or university. This very narrow view of the fraternity has led to sharp criticism from educational leaders throughout the nation. This condition exists needlessly and, as long as it obtains, the very purpose for which our organizations came into being is defeated.

Greek-letter societies serve a very real purpose on the college campus and in the community. Friendly rivalry between fraternities is healthy and stimulating. In the competition for scholastic honors such rivalry stimulates all fraternity men to do their best and, thereby tends to raise the scholastic average of the entire student body; and, service to the entire group, it should be noted again, is the real reason for being. Greek-letter societies offer opportunity for leadership that is highly commendable. As an agency of control, the fraternity keeps in line those members who might otherwise become disciplinary problems for the institution.

Thus, by insisting that their members uphold the traditions of the college, fra-

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H O W CAN NEGRO CREEK-LETTER SOCIETIES COOPERATE? ternal groups do what many other agencies of control are unable to do, without incurring severe criticism from students themselves and without employing negative techniques.

As long as greek-letter societies perform the functions cited above, individually and collectively, they have a place on the college campus. On the other hand, when rivalry and competition assume a more vicious character and when loyalty to the very small group blinds one to larger responsibilities to the school, the greek-letter societies no longer have a real place in the extra-curricular activities of the institution.

Greek-letter organizations certainly could function more efficiently through cooperative endeavors with each other.

Individually fraternities have been so engrossed in their own programs, that they have failed to see the larger benefits to be derived from working together in a common cause. A lack of cooperation, then, between the organizations has resulted in much wasted effort, particularly in campus activity. This proposal should not be interpreted as favoring the unholy political alliance and cliques that exist on campuses between fraternal groups. This is especially noted where a particular fraternity and a particular sorority combine for political control. This practice should be abandoned, not only because school and group matters should be considered only on the basis of merit, but also because invariably one group or organization of the so-called two-group combine uses the other group for a "crutch." Likewise it tends to weaken ultimately the actual worth and work of one or both groups. Group cooperation, then, must be broadly constructed here.

The lack of cooperation between greekletter societies is due, largely, to a lack of a real organization, that is, the absence of a pan-hellenic council that really works, that has a program, which is broad enough to demand the skill, the ingenuity, the very best there is in the membership of each group.

A community project, for example, may be proposed by one group but the group may lack the necessary funds to put the plan into effect. Through the cooperative efforts of all greek-letter societies this very worthy goal could be easily achieved. In putting the plan into effect, no credit should be taken from the fraternity or sorority responsible for its conception. But by working together all have achieved what neither could do singly. College administrators might well institute regulations that might tend to facilitate cooperative action, and reduce clannishness by emphasizing positive action. Two areas which might well receive mention follows: First, undergraduate chapters should be required to present well-planned programs during their various celebration weeks.

Chapters should be required to bring in to their respective institutions nationallyrecognized speakers for at least one of their programs. This would demand and insure deliberate planning prior to the presentation of such programs; it would call for devising means of defraying program expenses and such would tend to utilize the best in the varying abilities of the memberships.

Second, undergraduate chapters should become more generous in their membership and increase the number of students initiated and thereby save themselves the criticism of being clannish and "closed shop."

At least 50 per cent of all upper-class students should be members of greek-letter organizations, unless it is clearly demonstrated that the students themselves are not desirous of joining such organizations.

This is indeed a forthright challenge facing the various groups, as a whole, to see that their organizations touch actively the lives of larger numbers of students.

Cooperation between greek-letter societies is far more urgent among graduate chapters than among undergraduates.

As under-graduates, we are prone to be concerned with social activities, in the restricted sense. But, as college graduates, when we have taken our place in the world of affairs, we become, or should become, more socially conscious in the larger sense of the term. Yet, the very narrow conception of the function of the greek-letter society, that we learn as undergraduates, too often influences our thinking and our actions when we have left the hallowed walls of Alma Mater.

Never before, in the history of the world, has there been a greater need for cooperation in society than now. As groups that are a part of that larger society, the demand for cooperation between greek-letter societies is particularly great. Cooperation is necessary for survival. On every hand, there are pressure groups lobbying for special concessions. In particular, the Negro is waging a constant fight for social and economic security. The efforts, themselves, are commendable and the results have not been small. But the results of our efforts would be far more significant if the resources of the individual greek-letter societies were pooled.

Each greek-letter society has, of course, a national program. The immediate need for that national program is determined very largely by the various local communities. In other words, the "Go-toHigh-School, Go-to-College" movement of Alpha Phi Alpha still has great need in some parts of the south, whereas it is largely a waste of time in those sections of the country that are educationally more advanced. On the other hand, the "Bigger and Better Business Week" program of Phi Beta Sigma is needed in all sections of the country and at all times.

In some communities, where there are only few Phi Beta Sigma men. they may find it extremely difficult to put over an effective program. Conversely, in another community, the number of Alpha men may be too small to make effective their program although there is a definite need for it in the particular community under consideration. On this very simple level, then, the program that is of greatest value to the community is the one that could and should be sponsored by and through the cooperation of two or more groups. The national programs of individual greek-letter organizations are commendable, beneficial, and desirable. But they can only function as a guide to individual chapters. Only in a limited sense can they be applied to individual communities. Granted that the problems they attempt to solve are com-

mon to the Negro groupf throughout the land, these problems vary in degree from community to community and should, therefore, determine how much effort will be put forth in emphasizing any particular program in any given community.

It is, therefore, far more imperative that there be a pan-hellenic council of graduate chapters in the various communities that will function as a policymaking organization—an organization which will critically survey community needs and determine how these needs can be best met with the resources, human and material, of each greek-letter group in the community. To function efficiently, such a body must have the confidence of each greek-letter organization represented. Petty differences must be forgotten or at least subordinated to the broader interests. Such a plan for cooperation in no way, suggests that the individual organizations curtail their individual efforts in promotion of their national aims and objectives, but rather, it gives a suggestion of an effective program whereby Greek-letter groups can cooperate for social engineering.

Greek-letter societies have a golden opportunity to prove the worth of their existence, to prove that they are large enough to rise above clannishness, to perform great public services. As a race, we are passing through a most critical period. The social and economic gains during the past five years are unmistakable. Our greek-letter societies are due much credit for such gains. We have within the individual organizations, the leadership, the intelligence and the resources necessary to see us through this critical period of social transition. Only through cooperation can we achieve our aims. "We must either hang together or hang separately."

Cooperation with all agencies and institutions devoted to the tasks of human development is vital to our well-being, and certainly such cooperation must be forthcoming between those institutions— greek-letter groups—which have been nurtured in the well-springs of our educational heritage. We can no longer afford to work at cross purposes. s

Grand Tax Determinant Future Services (From Page 99) secretary, to the establishment of permanent contacts with national organizations serving the interests of the Negro and to numerous avenues of endeavor, which we may discuss throughout our conventions." Some of the items mentioned herein now require definite action.

The Atlantic City Convention (1944) enables the Chicago Convention (1945) to reshape our legislative, organizational and administrative structure for execution of new objectives. The former meeting authorized thorough constitutional revision to provide for proper disposition of life memberships and the office of Executive Secretary. This action assumes redetermination of our goals. All will agree that ready acceptance and decision on this assumption is essential for effective final results. It is equally necessary to inventory past grand tax payments in (Turn to Page 107)

December, 1945

THE SPHINX

Page 107

ALPHA BECOMES OF ACE

By A. K. NYABONGO EDITORS' NOTE: The statements below represent the personal opinion of Brother Dr. Nyabongo and not necessarily those of the editors.

INCE total victory has come in the world, the brothers in the armed forces are looking forward to the renewing of their deeds for Alpha Phi Alpha. They will be glad to find that Alpha has come of age. The Alpha Phi Alpha convention of tomorrow will never be as the conventions of yesterday.

It was pleasing this spring at Nashville, when the four chapters joined in their annual banquet. It reminded me of my Beta days, when Mu Lambda treated the undergraduates as human beings. I find that our treasurer, Brother Ferguson has the same idea that the undergraduate and graduate are brothers under their skin.

I hate to see any graduate brother kick around the undergraduate brothers. I have no apology to make, when I make this statement. The future of Alpha Phi Alnha lies in the undergraduates. If some of the people don't realize this, I will venture to say so. The African philosophy says that "the strength of the forests lies in the shoats." When I was an undergraduate I thought as an undergraduate, spoke as an undergraduate, I acted as a undergradate, thanks to the Mu Lambda brothers who treated us as human beings.

Jim Crowism between the undergraduates and the graduate has to go, and must go quickly! The more you give the undergraduate a chance to come close to you, the more he will understand and appreciate our ideals and deeds.

A child speaks by practicing talking, a child walks by practicing walking. Brothers, let us look at the undergraduate situation, will you? I was looking in the general secretary's old records and I found a letter that was written by Brother Milton S. J. Wright complaining that the graduate brothers try to dominate in their thinking, and they would rather not meet with them. I think this will express my view. People have always benefited by their mistakes. I think the undergraduates should be given freedom in their own chapter and certainly should not be jimcrowed any where.

At our last convention, it appeared as if underhanded methods have disappeared.

It was good to see that Brothers Jerrick and Winters cannot dominate the floor.

That is why I say the Alphas are becoming of age, in freedom and expression, which is great in our convention, whether on the part of graduates or undergraduates.

Brother Wesley and Brother Logan, and the other officers who have held a position in our great fraternity, have set a prestige that a man who holds a position in Alpha Phi Alpha has to work. It is not an easy job to obtain votes at the convention nowadays; in fact it is not an honor anymore, because you have to be the servant of all.

Look at Brother Evans' victorious record in the past. Some of us do not like it but the brothers put a man into the position whom they wanted and no one can deny the victorious service of Broth-

S

er Evans in the past. These are the men who have set the record that anyone who follow them will have to do more work before they will be put in one of these positions.

Alpha Phi Alpha has men in every walk of life and we should not think in terms of any petty political jealousies to overshadow our great service to humanity. We put a man in the position because we know he can serve us. Look at Brother Ferguson. He is a banker himself. Now, we know a man who handles our money, and of course this applies to every officer who holds an office in our organization.

Leaders of their wisdom and maturity cannot come in a short time. It takes a man in experience to lead the Alpha Phi Alpha. Look at Brother Wesley's record, he is an international man. When Brother Wesley was in England, he did not only study, but also organized a group of colored people who were in England at that time. At the present, it is called the League of Colored People. His published works are known all over the world.

Brother Logan is another international man. His record in the Caribbean, along with his published works, make him again an international man. That's the kind of man who piloted the Alpha Phi Alpha destiny. Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity is the only fraternity which has chapters outside the United States. If you look at the presidents of our colleges, ninety per cent are Alpha men. If you look at the judges among our people, fifty per cent are Alpha men. What else could we say about the Alpha becoming of age.

The time has come when we should have a shrine where to keep our belonging. It is very hard to move our property, every time the office changes. Our property should be kept in one place. On this point, also, the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity should have a full-paid secretary, not one on one-fourth pay. This will facilitate a lot of problems which face us.

It would be helpful, I think, if every time our general president retires, he would recommend a man who could follow in his footsteps. I do not mean necessarily that this person would be elected, because the brothers have a right to reject him. For example, suppose Brother Logan wants to retire, he might recommend Brother John Doe. We look up Brother Doe's record to see what he has done for the organization, in the past. If we approve it, he will be elected; if we do not, he is not accepted. This is the system the British Government uses, that the Prime Minister always recommends his successor but the Parliament has a right to object. So I think it is a good idea for us to think this over. I do not mean every office but only that of the general president.

I think this is a healthy sign that there is no brother who wants a weak man to follow, but the best man to follow him. This is another sign that Alpha is becoming of age. That will eliminate presidents being elected with shortcomings.

The spirit of Alpha Phi Alpha is becoming more and more so that a brother

may object from the floor, without fear.

This is another reason I say that Alpha is becoming of age.

Our editor of the SPHINX was at the banquet in Nashville. He made a wonderful speech and I was happy to see that he was seated next to an undergraduate. Thanks goes to him because he didn't say what happened at the convention between so many brothers.

To look into our organization as a whole, it is a wonderful organization and the workmanship of its authorities is good, but to crush the infantry is bad.

Democracy must begin in our own heart and then fight for it from outside. The Alpha is greater than individuals.

Look here, brothers, we should not think that we are pebbles on a beach. We are one among the others and other organizations have as good people as we have, but we have simply got to take a strong hold in our organization. I am not writing as an Alpha man. We cannot have just nice, good people as such, we have got to have people who speak with authority, who know their jobs, and who can represent Alpha Phi Alpha.

Grand Tax (From Page 106.) order to gauge the nature, width and extent of present or added services to the membership or community. In other words, does the history of grand tax payments indicate maintainance, contraction or expansion of services? Let us review the record.

Careful study of authenticnied facts of grand tax payments compels several conclusions. First, the tax is our chief revenue source. Review of a former General Treasurer's analysis shows that over half of our total income ($121,013.00) for a nine year period (1933-41) derived from this source. Second, each year during this same period, a small balance remained, averaging $1500 yearly. Third, annual tax payments for the past several years increased in numbers and amounts, ranging from a total of $2,239.50 1932) to $7,653.50 (1941) and from 750 (1935) to about 1750 (1944) financial members. Fourth, services to the membership absorbed more than half of the income (almost equaling total tax payment) for necessary operating expenses, with the following distributions, General Secretary (18 per cent), SPHINX (14.1 per cent), Scholarships and Fellowships (11.6 per cent): General Officers, excluding Secretary (10 per cent). What do these cold figures tell about future services?

The record of past income and expenditures warrants only future maintainance of services to the membership. This means possible establishment of operation of a national headquarters with a full-time executive secretary, who will supervise publication of the SPHINX. Collection of the same total amount of annual payments as previously, carefully budgeted, could finance these activities. We may continue money grants for scholarships and fellowships. However, the practice of issuing these as repayable loans would (Turn to Page 120.)

THE

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-"AM

December, 1945

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O-EDIUARD -*vw

GREETINGS BROTHERS: About the only thing that I can say is to let us all look forward to our first peace-time Convention since 1940, long before the clouds of war burst upon us.

We only hope that the Chicago Convention will cement that fine spirit of brotherly love that existed so well in days of yore, and that has been found so much in need of during these hectic war years. So with the warmest and grandest Yuetide feeling, we wish to say to all

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In the next issue be on the lookout for the Highlights Beeseeingyou.

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December, 1945

THAT GARY HATE STRIKE

THE

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A FORCE FOR FREEDOM

By HEID E. JACKSON

T

HE Associated Press news release which I read tonight reporting that the 500 white students in the Gary, Indiana high school, who have intermittently refused to attend classes as a protest against the presence of Negro pupils, in the same school, have voted to return to their classes, no doubt, should cause me to rejoice. But. for the life of me, I can't develop any such happy frame of mind. Why? Simply, because I am not so sure that it is all over!

It would be quite dangerous, I assume, to accept as a whole cloth any such deduction; for, undoubtedly, there are adults who do not suffer with closed minds. Despite this, however, it is perhaps much more appropriate to make a direct approach to the problem, by dealing firsthand with the youths themselves.

How to do this, perforce, is the question. I cannot rid myself of the conviction that education is the primary approach in solving our situation. We must be definitely certain, though, that we do not lose ourselves in the usual maze of formalistic educational procedures—to say nothing of the day-by-day drug of habituated response which denudes entirely many of those superficial efforts which we tend to pass off as educative products.

Perhaps, what I The very fact that students at Gary, and many others and elsewhere, will walk out in protest at would like to know the presence of black schoolmates is inis the real root dicative of the very shortcomings of our causes for the sud- present system of education. Advertised, DR. JACKSON den mushrooning of in farflung manner, as the cradle of school strikes, not alone in Gary but democratic education, the American also in other metropolitan areas in the school, in actuality, becomes the nadir North. Is it a part of a well-planned pro- of intolerant ideas. Hence, the Gary gram of anti-Negro propaganda, designed strike is not at all a surprise to me—and to invade those more tolerant areas where many others, I suspect! the Negro has seemed to secure at least It should be readily obvious that, if a modicum of the civil rights due him, the school is the nuturing ground for as a member of American society? Is it a many of our learned responses, then it manifestation of the infiltration of pre- becomes incumbent upon those who hold judiced southern whites into the northern its stewardship to formulate a program which is positively seeking to implement states who, chafed at the spectacle of Negroes sharing alike with the whites, the basic tenets of the democratic ideal.

To do what I mention above is no less have gone on about their business of spreading the venom of race hatred? Or, an easy task than the way in which we is it that the Negro students, in question, discharge our educational chores. Indeed, have deported themselves in such a man- it renders itself much more difficult. A ner that the whites were compelled, out formula unfolds itself, though, in the of self-decency to ask for separate extent to which we perforate all of our activity in the school with the spirit of schools? intelligently-cooperative tolerance. NeedNo matter what your answer may be less to say, this is not as simple as it to the queries posed above, it is extremely sounds. significant to observe that the parents of As I talk about this matter, I should be the striking white Gary students were careful not to omit mention of the surnot only exceedingly vocal in the whole rounding environ—be it home or society. organization of and the demonstrations In many instances, to be truthful, these accompanying the strikes, but, also were agencies are powerfully more influencequally as persistent in their clamor that ing in the creation of mental attitudes the youthful strikers not back down— that drive one on to specific action. even in the face of the persuasive song But, to return to our subject, the and eloquence of Frank Sinatra. phenomenon of the race hate strike is, Maybe, here is where we will find our in reality, just one of the by-products of answer. Adults, when they care to do so, a ritualistic program of education in our may be very potent in molding the at- schools. Defying subject matters and titudes of adolescents and young people. specialized areas, our school program has Particularly is this so, in the matter of run itself out apace in its zealous adherracial attitudes. Hidebound stereotypes ence to the mastery of content mostly unof racial minorities—whether Jews, Ne- related to existing life problems.

To state it frankly unless such issues groes, Italians, or Mexicans—are foisted upon the plastic minds of unsuspecting as use of the ballot, vitalizing of the young people, by their bigoted elders and, church, proper selection of vocation, full from there, the cycle of "planted hate" extension of civil liberties to all popuunfolds itself, over and over again. This lation elements, and the like become the is not to say, of course, that ALL white basis for organization of our school adults—especially in and from the south activities, we shall continue to march —are unalterably prejudiced towards the step with formalistic education.

We need more than centering of the Negro!

Of course, the notion has almost be- above-mentioned issues in our school come patent that it is exceedingly dif- program. Very important is the utilizaficult to change the minds of adults— tion of democratic procedures in working particularly when they are opinionated. out the solution to these issues. This

involves, most of all, unbiased thinking about the problem at hand, which will extend into the exercise of critical intelligence, as we mold our modes of behavior.

The challenge, in the final analysis, is to our leadership and this leadership can ill-afford not to accept the gauntlet. In spading the ground which lies before us, all greek-letter organizations— Alpha Phi Alpha included, must not relax vigil in search for worthwhile projects. Beyond a doubt, they are right about us. Such instances as the Gary Hate Strike are excellent proving ground for verification of our thesis of democratic action.

The Void (From Page 99.) points her shoulders to tell him to get the devil out of there and fast. After much effort he gets hold of the manager and the manager says "no dice"—perhaps more politely.

We know about what happens next.

The NAACP, the MOW or the local civil rights body gets hold of the thing, grabs some page one space in the local colored weekly (as if it were a big surprise to be refused service), makes a visit or two and gets nowhere. Some of the good brethren get mad, factions develop between the Go-Slowers in one camp and the Let's-Speed-It-Uppers in the other, and they start calling each other names.

Sometimes they fall out, split up and call some more names.

A BLAND NO The formula that presents itself is simple. The Negro, victim of oppression and heeling, wants out. He's told he's American and he wants to be American —in work, in play, in living, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. He wants a fling at doing what he wants to do, go where he wants to go, eat where he wants to eat— do that before he shoves off this earth.

He believes his death will be less a death, if the sharing alike does not take place before doomsday—like insufficient pugilistic training before the big event.

The other American—we'll say the owner of that department store—says right now you'll have to die that incomplete death, for just serving you a ham sandwich and a cup of coffee at his eating emporium won't be good for his business.

The other American might be partner to a prejudice that forbids white folks and colored folks eating together either in his own home or in his own store.

Thus, unless he is deterred by a state or city law forbidding such shenanigans— which is not the case in our five chosen cities—his prejudice becomes store policy.

But quite often this other American is not prejudiced to the extent that he would want to keep one group from eating with another group. He might reason that as long as he doesn't have to do it, it is O. K. But he figures there are many others using his knives and forks and spoons who feel the same as (Turn to Page 120.)

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December, 1945

CHICAGO BROTHERS PREPARE FOR CONVENTION

HE momentous events to which Chicago Alpha brothers have looked forward and which they have worked and struggled for many years is about to take place. At long last, there will be another general convention in Chicago.

Not since 1919 has there been a general convention in the Windy City. That was one of the brightest spots in the annals of Alpha Phi Alpha, inasmuch as the "Go To High School, Go To College Campaign" was initiated then. The General Convention Committee for the 30th General Convention promises to surpass even that.

Brother Attorney Sydney P. Brown, of the Alpha law firm of Brown, Brown, Cyrus and Greene and a recent appointee to the Board of Education of the City of Chicago, is chairman of the General Convention Committee. Working with him are such Chicago stalwarts as Brothers Dr. E. K. McDonald, Dr. Frank Plummer, Dr. Nelson G. Glover, Vernon S. Gordon, I. Richard Mahone, Dr. Howard B. Shepard, Byron J. Fauntleroy, Dr. Luther S. Peck, Rev. A. Wayman Ward, Attorney Sidney A. Jones, William H. Brown, Charles F. Lane, Richard A. Harewood and Edward Crute, Jr..

T

president of Theta chapter and Attorney Bindley C. Cyrus, president of Xi Lambda.

Working side by side with the brothers and complementary of their activity, are the Alpha wives, whose general chairman is Mrs. T. K. Gibson, wife of Brother T. K. Gibson, president of Supreme Liberty life insurance company. Their enthusiasm is unbounded and their plans for the entertainment of Alpha visiting wives are designed to leave no dull moments for those wives who accompany their husbands to the convention.

The sessions of the Convention will be held at the beautiful and spacious Corpus Christi center (formerly Sinai temple), located at 46th Street and South Parkway.

Registration begins on Thursday, December 27, at 2 p. m., in the Alpha House, 4432 South Parkway. All visiting brothers are requested to report to the Alpha House immediately upon their arrival.

On Thursday evening, the Executive Council will hold its meeting and dinner at the Alpha house, after which, at the same place, the usual "Bull" session Convention Smoker, under the chairmanship of Brother Attorney Richard A. Harewood will be held. Registration will be

transferred then to Corpus Christi center, 4622 South Parkway, on Friday, the 28.

The opening session, according to the announcement of General President Brother Logan, will commence promptly at nine o'clock, Friday, December 28.

It is said that the general theme of the convention will be "reconversion and international relation." These subjects promise to offer an opportunity for some of the most interesting discussions, yet heard in Alpha Phi Alpha conventions.

It is possible, too, that some very farreaching decisions may be made that will launch Alpha Phi Alpha on a new era, in its already glorious history. The special committees on "Revision of the Constitution" and on the "Plan for an Executive Secretary" will make their reports, at this convention.

On Friday, December 28, from seven to ten o'clock, the visiting brothers and their ladies will enjoy the pleasure that flows from Chicago's rich night life, at the spacious El Grotto Cafe, 64th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, the South Side's most modern cabaret. After ten o'clock, a dance is being arranged by members of the local chapters of the

December, 1945 other fraternities and sororities, out of courtesy to Alpha Phi Alpha.

Friday afternoon, December 28, the ladies will entertain with tea at the Alpha House. This affair is under the chairmanship of Mrs. Byron J. Fauntleroy. Saturday evening, December 29, at International House, on the beautiful campus of the University of Chicago, the fraternity will hold forth in the glory of its featured social affair—the closed formal dance.

On Sunday morning, Brother A. Wayman Ward, of Bethel A. M. E. church, has extended a formal invitation to brothers and their wives to worship at his church.

He will preach a special sermon on this occasion, for the special benefit of his Alpha brothers.

On Sunday afternoon, December 30, the public session will be held in Corpus Christi auditorium which seats approximately 2,000 persons. According to the announcement of the General President, this meeting will be featured by an address on international relations by Norman Washington Manley, A. B., B. C. L., Kings Council, former Rhodes scholar from Jamaica and founder of the Peoples national party of Jamaica and an outstanding barrister of the West Indies. It is noteworthy that this is the first time in the history of Alpha Phi Alpha, that a speaker has been selected from outside of its own ranks. Mr. Manley will make the trip from Jamaica to the United States specifically to address the convention.

After the public session, a reception at the Corpus Christi center, sponsored by our ladies, under the chairmanship of Mesdames Howard B. Shepard and Sydney P. Brown, will complete the official activities of the day. Brothers who wish to invite Chicago friends to this reception should send names of their guests to Brother Attorney Sydney P. Brown, 417 E. 47th St., Chicago, Illinois. Monday evening, December 31, the ladies will entertain at the South Side art center, 3831 South Michigan Avenue, with games, cocktails, bridge and other types of entertainment, under the chairmanship of Mesdames A. L. Jackson and Nelson Glover, while the brothers will close the convention at the usual banquet which will be held in the Wabash Y. M. C. A. Brother Hilyard Robinson will deliver the banquet address.

The housing situation in Chicago is not essentially different from that which obtains in other cities in the United States.

Accommodations are simply difficult to obtain and the committee faces this situation with some trepidation. The desire of the committee, however, is to place our brothers in the best possible homes.

It is absolutely imperative, therefore, that we have advance notice of the number of brothers whom we are expecting to accommodate. To this end, the General Convention Committee asks, nay it begs, implores, and beseeches each brother who plans to attend the convention, to write at once to Brother I. R. Mahone, 4900 Forrestville Avenue, and advise him when arrival in Chicago is expected and how many persons are expected to be in the party. With this kind of cooperation, the Chicago Brothers look forward to overcoming the difficult housing situation and also toward making the 30th General Convention the most pleasant and memorable the fraternity has yet held.

BIRDLEY C. CYRUS

SPHINX

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Brother Sidney Brown Appointed To Chicago Board Of Education

federal savings and loan association of Chicago; General Counsel for Unity mutual life insurance company; member of the executive Board of Chicago branch N. A. A. C. P.; and one of the two attorneys engaged by the Chicago branch in its fight on racial, restrictive convenants.

Brother Brown is a veteran of World War I and is a member of the Chicago City Board No. 7, Selective Service System. He is a graduate of Howard university and Northwestern university school of law. He holds membership in the National lawyers guild, the National bar association, Cook county bar association and the American Legion.

Brother Brown is married to the former Vivian Mason of Birmingham, Alabama, and is the father of three children, one of whom is a junior in the University of Southern California.

The contributions that Brother Brown has made to Alpha Phi Alpha are known to most Alpha men. As chairman of the special convention committee in 1934, he gave to the fraternity one of its greatest conventions. He promises that the 1945 convention will be its greatest.

THE

Raps Jim Crow Transportation

On October 16, 1945, in the midst of his duties as chairman of the 1945 General Convention Committee, Brother Sydney P. Brown, was appointed a member of the Board of Education in Chicago by the Mayor, Edward J. Kelly. In view of the fact that Brother Brown has not been active in the political affairs of Chicago, his appointment is considered a reward for outstanding public service.

In selecting Brother Brown, the Mayor requested that the school committee of the city council hold a public hearing on the selection. This is the first time, in thirteen years, that this procedure has been used; and it is to Brother Brown's credit that not one objection was raised at the committee's hearing and that his appointment was recommended by a unanimous vote of the committee and approved by unanimous vote of the city council.

Brother Brown's roots are deep in the civic life of Chicago. He has been a member of the Committee of Management of Wabash Avenue Y. M. C. A.; the Board of the Chicago urban league and, in 1943, he resigned as Chairman of Douglas District, Boy Scouts of America, after twelve years of service. For his outstanding work with the Boy Scouts, he was awarded the Silver Beaver by the Chicago council and thereby became the second Negro to be so honored.

At the present time, Brother Brown is a member of the Board of Governors of the Metropolitan housing council; Superintendent of the Sunday School of the Church of the Good Shepherd; a member of the Board of Directors of Parkway community center; Secretary of the Rosenwald building corporation; Senior Attorney and Director of Illinois

Brother Attorney Sidney A. Jones, Jr., writing in the June, 1945, issue of the NATIONAL BAR JOURNAL on "The Supreme Court's Role in Jim Crow Transportation" concludes that "there is no question that the Federal Government has the power to deal with this situation and compel equality of treatment for all interstate passengers. It is likewise beyond any reasonable doubt that the Southern Jim Crow laws are applied to interstate passengers and are unconstitutional as a regulation of and a burden on, interstate commerce."

Continuing, Brother Jones "believes that the Court will one day face this issue and decide that the separate coach laws, in their effect and in the way they are administered, are an unconstitutional burden and regulation of interstate commerce, even though the state courts say that the laws apply only to intra-state commerce. The Court will also hold that since the separate coach laws, which are required by state statutes, result in inferior accommodations to Negroes, the furnishing of such unequal facilities' is a violation of the equal protection and the privileges and immunities clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment."

"In spite of all the decisions by the Supreme Court on the question of Jim Crow accommodations on trains," claims Attorney Jones, "It is still practically impossible for Negroes to secure first-class accommodations when going into or through or from a southern state Railroads generally get around the matter by refusing to sell first-class tickets. This is usually done by the ticket agent falsely saying that all pullman reservations are sold. In many parts of the south Negroes are simply told that they can't ride fa Pullmans. Thus, by direct intimidation and fraud many citizens are forced to travel without any of the modern conveniences available." her J nes ° ' o u t s t a n d i n g Chicago h™°l SPHTOv" l s / o n t r i b u t u i n g editor to the bPHINX and a member of Xi Lambda chapter.

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THE

SPHINX

December, 1945

isiiitiv y Hi THE UBMMj

By BLYDEN JACKSON

Listening to the Lambs

A

BOUT the issue of the American high school's efficiency there is a gratifyingly constant and sincere lay concern. Indeed, if you have ever been in one of those righteous (perhaps too often self-righteous) seminars in which the b a l d i n g generation gives today's teen-agers "hell" for not being able to read or write, to spell or conjugate, or to respond to any sensation that does not "jump with jive" you m u s t peradventure have built your house far from the haunts of men.

Probably, then, you will find, at least, a polemist's interest in some direct testimony upon a matter someMR. JACKSON times handled with remarkable savior faire by operatives, whose greatest distinction is their distance from opportunities for original verification. Here, therefore, is some true-blue clinical material. It comes from out of the freshman composition course at Fisk. The uses of such a course, as a limited index of the quality of high school writing, are too obvious to be defended. However, to answer certain other pertinent questions which have most likely already occurred to you, it should be said that these three papers are typical rather than atypical of the product in the composition sections which they represent; that the amount of retouching done for publication has honestly been almost less than negligible; and that the terms of the classroom assignment constrained these writers to their egoistic preoccupation.

Of course, these selections are not magnificent. But neither are they nauseating with ridiculous attempts at a phony grandeur and sometimes it is from one-finger excerses like these that artists do learn how the real music is put together.

THE JONES' Miss Williams is a teacher who lives at our house. Shy moved in for a short stay when her landlady died, about two and a half years ago, and she's been here ever since. Miss Williams is about five feet two inches, plump, squared-jawed, and freckled. She has a fondness for raw carrots, lavender soap, bell jars and Bob Hope. She makes good sweet potato pie, and plays the piano by ear.

Before she came to our house, the only thing I knew about her was that mother ate schnechen and cheese with her on Saturday afternoon. Well, I found out that she hated the same people I hated, and she's been my good friend ever since. In fact, she's my best friend, which is unusual, I think, because I am seventeen, and although she's been lying about her age for ten years, I figure she must be about thirty. We go shopping together, and did our scrapbooks together, and talk about what we'd do if we had a million dollars together.

Then, there's Mr. Jones, He's been courting Miss Williams for about eight years. He gets all his clothes from MacNeill and Moore, and plays golf and is in good standing with the Elks. He's been married once, and has a grown daughter, but still, he gives the impression of thinking that babies come from behind cabbages.

Well, last August, Miss Williams went to Kansas City, and pretty soon Mr. Jones turned up in Kansas City too, and when they came back to Milwaukee, they were married. I was very much peeved. Mr. Jones was (and is) a nice man, but I didn't appreciate his taking away my good friend.

So, here they were, married, and now the problem was to find a honeymoon cottage. He was living at the Fishers' and she was living with us, and to this day, he's still living at the Fishers' and she's still living with us.

Every evening at about seven o'clock, Mr. Jones makes his entrance. Then Miss Williams comes downstairs and he tells her all the news he's heard at the drug store and Smally's and the plant. Then, she asks him what he brought home for dinner. He pulls out some Polish sausage, and she wants to know where the pork chops are. Well, the man told him there weren't any in Milwaukee, and they

had to eat something. They'll argue for hours and when they're through, the poinl is never settled, although the dinner is.

I remember one time, they were supposed to go to a dance. She called him up at ten o'clock, but he was asleep. He called her up and she wanted to know what was the big idea of not coming to the phone. He told her that he was getting rested up, but felt fine now. and would be over in half an hour. She hung up. Ten minutes later, she came down dressed to the teeth. Mr. Jones hadn't shown up at twelve-thirty and she was furious. She went in the kitchen and fried an egg, and next day, she wouldn't even cook his dinner. But they like each other.

I got a letter from her the other dav.

They'd just had a big argument, bill she'd wormed her way back into his good graces with some string beans and corn bread.

JANE KELLEY REMOVING THE BANDAGE When I think of how undeserving I was, I beg forgiveness, and hope my future efforts will redeem me.

My brother died in nineteen-thirtyseven, leaving me the only child. Although I had always been selfish, I became more selfish and spoiled, • as the result of so much attention lavished on me by Mother and Dad. If there was anything I wanted, I had only to ask for it. Frequently, when I didn't have to have something. Mother sacrificed and went out of her way to grant my wishes.

When I was a Girl Scout, I HAD to have their uniform for admittance into the organization. Although I told Mother this, the day before Induction Night, she scraped up enough for the uniform, and bought it. Induction Night, about onehalf of the inductees didn't have their uniforms, and were inducted. I only wore the uniform four times in one year, and finally gave it away, as I outgrew it.

Many an Easter. Mother wore an old outfit while I paraded around proud of my smart attire. I never realized the sacrifice Mom and Dad had made so that I could look as "chic" as my girl friends and others. At one time, I longed

December, 1945 for a bicycle. I couldn't even ride a bike, but everyone else had one. I received one as a Christmas gift that year.

After I learned how to ride it I rode it very little; and last summer I didn't ride it at all!

If at any time I had the faintest idea that I wouldn't get what I wanted, I became irritable and impudent. I stormed, and fumed and recalled, jerringly, instances wherein I thought Mom and Dad had spent money for their pleasure. IÂŁ Mother procrastinated in satisfying my desires, I asked in authoritative tones, "Say, when do you intend to get me ?"

I was rank, as Daddy put it; but even HIS raised voice and threats didn't upset me after a time. I simply ignored him, and sauntered upstairs, leaving Mother to cool him off, if she cared to. Who did he think he was? HOLLERING at ME!!!

After all, I was FOURTEEN YEARS OLD!!!

When friends told me how fortunate I was to have such lovable and lenient parents, I laughed. "Aw, they'll do," I would say and immediately comment on "soand-so's parents who were more lovable and more lenient! Why, I couldn't go out and stay until eleven o'clock without Mom asking me silly questions! "Who brought you home? What time was the affair over? Why didn't you call me and tell me you would be late coming home?"

Really, I thought she was being unnecessarily concerned. Since she insisted on being so childish, I decided to let her talk; someday she'd see how foolish she was acting. Self-centered, hard-headed, sassy, bold, rebellious. That was me!

These characteristics influenced my choosing a college. I wanted to get out of Cleveland. I was tired of the place.

I wanted to leave Mom and Dad, and anything else which stood for authority and guidance. I wanted to do what I pleased, when I pleased and with whom I pleased. And so, with other facts included, I chose Fisk. I could run, and play, and study when I chose, I thought.

After last minute dos and don'ts, I boarded the train to Fisk university.

Oh Day of Awakening!! First Mrs. Foster, or one finger in the pie; Miss Shane, two fingers in the pie; rules, and regulation, and traditions, no pie! Determined professors, SMASH!! No nothing!! Realizing that Fisk was not my happy-hunting ground, I gracefully accepted my subordinate position surprisingly with no deep sorrow.

And Mother. Her letters upset me strangely. They made me HOMESICK: I never cried because of a letter before . . . I was beginning to realize how much she meant to me. After being homesick every Sunday evening, missing that good cookin', missing her cute reactions, when I teased her in my rambunctious moods, I began to see a bit more, how thoughtless I was.

In some of my letters, I asked Mom to send me a box of food. I never knew what hunger was until I came here. After the first two weeks of magnanimously accepting hand-outs from boxes sent to my dormitory colleagues and practically living in Otey's Grocery Store, I felt that I must have a box of food to satisfy my seemingly insatiable appetite, although I still had not grown sufficiently in grace to feel the obligation of reciprocating.

One Saturday, I received a big box.

I can tell you that I was overjoyed!!

THE

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night and my parents were partying. But it was not the beauty of the night nor the knowledge that I would get some ginger ale on arriving at my destination that made me whistle as I went merrily on my way. It was the sight of Mr. Moss getting a drink of whiskey in the kitchen that had filled my soul with a sweet sensation. This meant that pretty Marie Moss and I were living in the same neighborhood again. As I drifted off to dreamland that night, a smile was playing about my lips.

The next morning found me pacing back and forth up the driveway which faced the rear of five hundred and twenty-eight Lane Avenue. After a creeping twenty minutes or so. Mrs. Moss came out to deposit some rubbish in one of the cans by which I was standing. I wanted to run, for shyness had come upon me, but it was too late.

Presently, her voice rang out with a pleasant "Why Oliver Donelsico, what a surprise. What are you doing here?"

"Oh hello Mrs. Moss," I returned shyly.

"Have you all moved in the project too? I thought you were still living on Phillips street."

"No'm," I replied, "We moved in about two weeks ago, right after school closed."

"That's fine. My, but you're looking well! Won't Marie be glad to see you?

It's a pity she isn't here now. She went over to the Tabor girl's this morning."

"Oh, that's all right, I'm on my way somewhere anyway," I lied.

"Oh do come to see her, this afternoon around three o'clock perhaps. She'll be so glad to see you. Do you want to surprise her or would you rather I told her?"

I thought I would feel more at ease as I walked into her front room, if I knew she expected me and was prepared to receive me so I replied "Uh, maybe you'd better tell her."

"All right, just as you wish. We will be expecting you, son-in-law."

"Yes'm. I replied as we both laughed, mine being a little forced.

As I walked away, I was remembering the time, five or six years ago, when Marie was the bride and I was the groom in the grandest Tom Thumb wedding ever presented.

However. I was destined to see Marie before three o'clock that afternoon. About eleven-thirty that morning, I caught a glimpse of her coming across Lane Avenue accompanied by a chubby little boy of about my own age. My heart sank. I had forgotten that two years had elapsed during which time I had seen her only two or three times on occasion. Perhaps there is someone else now, I thought. And why shouldn't there be? A girl as pretty and as popular as she was could not be expected to be without a beau. I was not happy as I trudged slowly home.

At two-thirty, I was in a very serious state of mental disturbance. To go or not to go, that was the great question. I would lose face with them if I did not go. If I did, I would probably undergo the unbearable experience of having her discourse pleasantly about her boyfriend and then turn suddenly and ask me about my girl-friend. However, if this happened, I would be prepared to meet the situation. I would simply tell her PUPPY LOVE about my girl-friend. I did not intend to I was whistling gaily, as I skipped down get my feelings hurt noticeably.

With misgiving, I approached the Moss the driveway carrying the ginger ale (Turn to Page 121.) under my arm. It was a beautiful June

Then it dawned on me that I was going to have quite a time paying back the food others had given me, without leaving myself out. Happy at the prospect of eating at no one else's expense, I lugged the terrifically heavy box to my friends' room, where the gang congregated. After surveying the big box and eagerly commenting on its weight, I decided to unwrap it. The heavy twine refused to yield to the scissors. Layer upon layer of heavy brown paper was thrown off. At last, the naked box stood before us, majestic, cool, serene. Slowly I opened the top. Wrapped in a table cloth and wax paper were home-made buttered rolls! All we could do was gape and gasp!

Next came Ritz Crackers, and creamed cheese. Then, of all things, a can-opener.

"What for?" I wondered, and immediately looked for the reason. Four cans of pineapple juice! The first I had seen since the war started! What I unpacked next made my throat feel dry, and my eyes damp.

A whole fried chicken, cut into pieces!!

To put it simply, I was outdone! I could hardly lift from the box the next article of food. I set it down, picked it up, surveyed it, and guessed at its contents.

Having been surprised so effectively, I was confused. I wanted to unwrap it, yet I didn't. Finally, I began to take off the waxed paper. Through the last covering, I saw something shiny and brown.

"CHOCOLATE CAKE! CHOCOLATE CAKE," I hollered. I found myself crying loudly and hysterically. Tears dropped down into my lap. I looked around at the gang with tears streaming down my face. "Three Layers! My Mama made it!" I sobbed over and over, as if asking for confirmation. Through loud sobs, I unpacked the rest of the box and found apples, oranges, peanut butter, and candy!

As I packed up the box, I thought of how inconsiderate and undeserving I was; how blind I had been, when just a little action or thought on my part would have made my Mother's life less troublesome. The sassy things I had said to get back at her, (I thought) must have hurt her very deeply, I knew now. Yet, she never exploded or hit me, and seldom punished me. I began to realize how much Mother and Dad must have sacrificed for me so many times, and how I took these sacrifices for granted; those sacrifices which I now knew for the acts of compassion which they must have been.

The box was my scourging. It was the bitterest whipping I could ever have received. I felt as though I were a shell.

Just body! Everything inside me seemed to have gone; everything but my awful accusing conscience. I was now crying, really crying. I couldn't stop. I tried.

Hard! I just couldn't stop. I went to my room and sat on my bed and did some deep thinking. I was unhappy. I was sorry. I knew then that I loved my Mother beyond all words. I said it over and over to myself, and meant it. I saw clearly what I hadn't seen before.

I saw myself as others must have seen me! The ideal box stimulated in me the desire to become the daughter worthy of a person who could pack such a box.

EDYTHE PAULIN

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THE

Brother Clark Compiling Soldier Anthology

w*%

A unique and inspirational type of Anthology, containing the creative writing of colored soldiers of World War II. is now being compiled by Brother Lt. Peter W. Clark, Post Information-Education Officer at Tuskegee army air field, Tuskegee, Alabama. Already, many promising contributions have been received from all arms and branches of the armed forces, including the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Nurses Corps and WAC's.

The tentative title selected for this colorful anthology is "No Badge of Color."

One of the fundamental aims of this anthology will be to act as a literary barometer of the aims, impressions, aspirations, creative talents, and skills of the colored soldier of World War II, who has distinguished himself by gallantry and heroic effort on all fronts.

The compiler of the prospective anthology, Brother W. Clark is a graduate of Xavier university in New Orleans. He has previously published "Delta Shadows," a pictorial study of Negro life in New Orleans and is the editor of "Arrows of Gold," an anthology of Catholic verse, released by the Xavier university press, in 1941.

The illustrator of this timely volume will be Cpl. Otto McClarrin, well known journalist and artist and editor of Newspic. The associate editor will be Lt. David W. D. Dickson, Phi Beta Kappa scholar and Harvard university graduate.

All of the three soldiers compiling the anthology are members of the military personnel at TAAF, Tuskegee, Alabama.

Brother Clark, a member of Alpha Nu Lambda chapter, Tuskegee, Alabama and former member of Sigma Lambda chapter, New Orleans, was formerly president of Beta Tau, undergraduate chapter in Xavier university.

LET'S HELP THE RETURNING VETERAN

SPHINX

The Negro Soldier

By Peter Wellington Clark I climbed the rocky rill Of San Juan H i l l Not on a blazing steed Prancing in the moonlight, But on aching hands and calloused feet— Amid a fussilade of bullets.

I sailed with Peary on Lake Erie, When each frigate's mask became An emblem of blazing fire And I've grappled with havoc and disaster In maddened cauldrons of muck and mire.

I rode with Grant and Sherman And I died for General Pershing; I met a renagade called Death on Boston Common—doubled my fist and Spat in his face. I was a martyr Asleep in the dark, damp bosom of Gettysburg, When Lincoln climbed the splintered Rostrum and unwrinkled a brown paper bag, Enscribed with words that resounded down The careening corridors of posterity.

I stood the shock and shell of dual sides At Appomatox Springs; I fought like a man In a wild arena. I watched the flame And fury at Harper's Ferry and I bound John Brown's wounds with wool from my leggings.

I was a Roman slave, too. swallowed by The cowardly shadows of Mt. Calvary— I saw Him bow His Noble Head when the earth Trembled like a brigand leaf in a cyclone's blast— When the fugitive stars forsook the skies And Ignomy and Treachery rampaged on In bold and naked ruthlessness.

I shed my blood, rich, red American blood, At the Hell Gate of Soissons, at Verdun, Locatine And, yes, Chateau Thierry. I signed my name To the Declaration of Independence—not With a feathered quill upon a glasstopped Desk in a rustic hall in Philadelphia, I wrote my name in blood!

I furrowed it deep in the hills of West Virginia And sowed it in the sod of Georgia, Mississippi And Louisiana. I rode a steel juggernaut for Patton and manned Mustangs for General Eaker; I fought with the Marines on Saipan and Tarawa And I won citations from Devers, Halsey and MacArthur. I helped storm the bloody beaches of Anzio and I bayoneted the Nazis in Libyia I blasted the Nipponese with hand grenades In Leyte and I unloaded the barges and transports In New Delhi and Calcutta. I helped string The wires in CBI and build the Stillweli Road.

I expired in a fox-hole in Bizerte And they blew Taps over my battlescarred body At Aachen, Schmidt and at the siege of

December, 1945 Bastogne. They shot me down in a P-40 Over the bloody trenches of Salerno And found my battered hulk in the bowels Of a destroyer. I am a force, relentless, Valiant, sublime—sprung from the Cypress Swamps of Carolina and nurtured on the Mystifying madness of the Senegalese the Zuli and Sudanese. I am a fighter with a Heart full of pluck and a belly-full of guts; And more than that—I'm a Larry French, Charles Thomas, Dorie Miller 100 per cent, Eighteen karat, dyed-in-the-wool, Red, white and blue, valor-tested, Never-say-die American— The Negro Soldier!

Brother Holifield Education Officer in Europe

Brother Private First Class Karl L. Holifield of Seattle, Washington, was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army air forces, while serving with the 837th Engineer Aviation Battalion in Germany as a German interpreter.

Lieutenant Holifield, who has been in the Armed Forces since December 1943, then assumed new duties as Information and Education Officer of the Ninth air force service command. As information and Education officer, Brother Holifield will assist and advise soldiers of the Occupational air forces in Europe, to participate in educational programs offered by the Armed Forces institute and the Army university centers in Europe.

A graduate of Garfield high school, Seattle, the 22-year old officer is also an alumnus of the University of Washington, where he completed three and a half years of study before he was inducted.

Holifield is a member of Alpha Xi chapter.

Prior to induction, he was a volunteer counselor of youth programs of the Coleman Y. M. C. A. of Seattle. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Holifield who live at 1406 19th Avenue, Seattle Washington.

December, 1945

THE

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CHAPTER ECHOES PSI CHAPTER Philadelphia, Pa.

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Greetings Brothers: Our last meeting was held at the fashionable Marion tea room. Stakes were served with about 25 or 30 brothers present.

Nominations for officers were held and these will be elected upon at t h e next meeting.

Psi is continuing its march onward and upward to achieve the peace after victory.

Our progress has been in conformity with the national theme of reconstruction and reconversion. Already our committee on rehabilitation, of which Brother Scott is chairman is achieving ends u n t h o u g h t of.

Our commitee on public relations headed

by Brother Clarence Williams, will take charge of the training-for-citizenshlp campaign sponsored by Psi. This committee will also work with the "Go-to-High-SchoolGo-to-College committee in t h e Spring.

Brother Gilmore and his house commitmittee are working on plans for a group of affairs terminating in a large affair. Proceeds will be used toward the purchasing of a house.

Our rushing committee is supervising what we think is an excellent Sphinx club.

Plans indicate a smoker first for benefit of new students at the respective universities here, after which more constructive affairs are to be held.

The committees, officers and brothers are working very hard in order t h a t our returning brothers may find the same fellowship and brotherhood which they left, t o gether with new progress gained. So until next time, Psi wishes its brother chapters good fortune and good cheer.

Fraternally yours JOHN C. ORE, JR. s

ALPHA SIGMA CHAPTER Wiley College Marshall, Texas Since we last greeted you from this column, Alpha Sigma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity has taken into its folds neophyte brothers John D. Shaw, Lawrence Cox, Guy A. Jones, and Clarence Thomas.

Frobation began October 27 and ended with initiation and ceremony Saturday, November 3.

Officers for the year are as follows: Brother John L. Williams, president; Brother John D. Shaw, vice-president; Brother Clarence Thomas, secretary and editor to the SPHINX; Brother Guy A. Jones, treasurer; and Brother Lawrence Cox, director of the Sphinx club.

Brother Kerven W. Carter, who was graduated from Wiley college in June 1942. has returned and is now serving as faculty adviser to the undergraduate group. Brother Carter received the degree master of science in commerce from Denver university at the June, 1945 convocation, and is now heading the department of commerce here.

Our group is small, b u t the Alpha men, together with the Sphinxmen have pledged themselves to do no lesser task t h a n t h e largest group on the campus.

It is with the highest hopes and aspirations t h a t Alpha Sigma chapter goes forth.

Fraternally yours.

CLARENCE L. THOMAS s

ALPHA P H I Clark College Atlanta, Georgia Greeting Brothers in Alphadom: This year the brothers of Alpha Phi chapter of Clark college campus have de-

MISS K A T I E LEATRICE McKINNEY (right) San Antonio, Texas, a m e m b e r of t h e Alpha K a p p a Alpha sorority and junior at Clark College, w a s chosen as "Sweeth e a r t of Alpha P h i " for the a n n u a l Homecoming game on N o v e m b e r 3. Shown in t h e p i c t u r e with Miss McKinney is Brother F. Bradford, senior at Clark college and a m e m b e r of Alpha P h i chapter. cided to make their chapter one of the most effective of the entire undergraduate rank.

When the brothers returned from their vacations, they had plans already made as to the program which Alpha Phi would carry during the school year 1945-46.

On October 12th, at 8:30, the program for the year started with a smoker which the chapter gives annually for new students and freshmen in order to show and acquaint them with college life on our campus. This year our chapter had one of the best smokers of its history because of such things as (1) greater feeling of brotherhood between the brothers; (2) more students at the smoker, and (3) because of the fact t h a t we were honored by having as our main guest of the eve-

ning Brother Lawyer Sidney A. Jones of Chicago, Illinois, who gave us one of the most inspiring talks t h a t we have heard during our college days. Other guests were Brothers Fred Brooks of the Aiken Construction Company, Jacob Henderson, Manager of the John Eagan Homes; Doctor Charles W. Reeves, prominent physician and surgeon, and Andrew J. Lewis, Regional Director, all of this city, who also brought timely and fitting remarks to the fellows and brothers.

In the form of entertainment we had several numbers from young ladies who are students at Clark and one number from Sphinx brother William Bailey of Alpha Rho. The menu for t h e evening consisted of

Page 116 fried chicken, peas in the tub, pear salad, hot rolls and butter and APA punch.

Since we are going into our Homecoming activities here at Clark, it has been t h e custom for the chapter to have a "Sweetheart of Alpha Phi." This year the brothers elected for their sweetheart Miss Katie L. McKinney a native of San Antonio, Texas, member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and an honor student at Clark college.

Well brothers of Alpha, if you don't care to be left in t h e hole, you had better start digging for we of Alpha Phi are on the march. The members of the chapter are Brothers Benjamin Bradford, president; Clarence Lovick, vice president and dean of pledgees; George Allen, secretary; Ernest Sullivan, treasurer, and Curtis Holland, adviser.

Fraternally.

GEORGE E. ALLEN

BETA GAMMA Virginia State College Ettrick, Virginia Greetings to all Brothers everywhere: Although it has been quite some time since ycu have heard from us through the SPHINX. I am happy to report t h a t this chapter is still alive and keeping up the Alpha spirit.

In the past few years, our chapter has been small and now we are happy to welcome the following neophytes into the chapter, as cf April 14, 1945: John C. Jones, Lawrence E. Knight, Arkelga L. Braxton, Russell L. Gaines, Ernest C. Briggs, John T. Poulson. and John P. Rier.

This year a large percentage of our faculty members and administrative staff are Alpha men and we, t h e undergraduate members, are endeavoring to follow in their footsteps.

The following offices are held by the "Apes" on the campus this year: president of student council, president of the student christian association, president of the inter-fraternity council, president of the Junior class, president of the cheering team, and vice president of the scientific agricultural club.

We were very fortunate in having Brother Dr. Rayford W. Logan to speak to the entire student body, which was very inspiring. During "Better Education Week," we sponsored a program, at which time Brother Belford Lawson was guest speaker.

Beta Gamma welcomes Brother Walter Jones, who is preparing to do further study In medicine. We are looking forward to presenting a program in Chapel, at the nearest possible date.

We are proud to announce t h a t we have some very promising Sphinxmen who will continue the good work of Beta Gamma in the future, as Alpha men.

As the Sphinxmen take part in the various college activities, they are looking forward to the day when they will be able to cross the burning sands, into dear Alpha land.

Fraternally yours, RUSSELL GAINES

IOTA LAMBDA Indianapolis. Indiana Iota Lambda began its 1945-1946 season with plans for its postwar activities at the residence of Brother Herman Murray Riley, 4066 Boulevard Place. Inspiring talks were given by the following visiting brothers: Dr. Clarence Harvey Mills, chairman of the Division of t h e Humanities, Wilberforce university; A. Max Bon Darant, director of business education in the City of Xenia, Ohio and Louis C. Simpson, United States Army, recently returned from E. T. O.. after having participated in battles in England, France, Geomany, Belgium and Luxembourg. Initial plans were made for the National Alpha Convention in Chicago in December. Pictures were made of members to be used in the SPHINX, t h e na-

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tional magazine. A delightful hour followed the meeting when several piano selections were given by A. Max Bon Darant, and a luncheon was served.

Brother Charles L. Bruce, 1601 Columbia avenue, owner of Bruce's pharmacy was host to Iota Lambda chapter for its October meeting.

A stag party for Iota Lambda brothers was given at the residence of Brother Alfred Grayson on West 42nd street. Brother Grayson was camp director at the recent Boy Scout camp. Brother Simpson was camp advisor. Brother Herman Riley had charge of the Camp Infirmary and t a u g h t public health, personal health, and Boy Scout and American Red Cross first aid.

Brother George Decoursey is now out of the Army and is teaching at Attucks high school.

Brother Everett E. Edwards is now master sergeant, serving on Guam. He is now in the Air Corps. While in the States, he taught small arms operations In various army camps. He is a former student at Indiana university and North Carolina state college. He plans to enter medical school when he returns from the army.

A delegation of ten brothers will be sent from Iota Lambda chapter to t h e National Convention at Chicago.

Fraternally.

HERMAN L. RILEY S

ALPHA IOTA LAMBDA Institute, West Virginia Greetings brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha: The initial fall meeting of Alpha Iota Lambda chapter was held on October 5, 1945. in Charleston, West Virginia. The meeting was highlighted by the welcome of 4 new brothers to this chapter. All of these Alpha men have been added to t h e staff of West Virginia State college. Brother J. J. Mark is taking the place of Brother A. W. Curtis, Sr.. who has retired. Brother Mark received the bachelor of arts degree in Agriculture from Prairie View college In 1929, the MS and PhD from Iowa state college in agronomy and plant physiology in 1931 and 1935 respectively. He has taught at Kentucky state college and Tennessee a. and 1. college at Nashville. He becomes professor of agriculture at West Virginia state college. Brother Robert J. Anthony received his bachelor of science degree from the school of commerce. New York university. His master's degree was received from the school of business administration of New York university. He has had experience as a teacher of commercial subjects in the New York City adult education program and at Morris Brown college. He takes the position as director of the department of business administration at West nia state college. He was a charter member of Gamma Iota Lambda chapter of Brooklyn, New York. Brother Mark E. Parks comes to the staff at West Virginia college as professor of biology and Is to serve for this year. He also is a charter member of Gamma Iota Lambda chapter of Brooklyn, New York.

Brother Mark Cardwell, a graduate of West Virginia state college, returns to the college as coach of football and basketball. Upon graduation from West Virginia state college, in 1925, he went to Kelly Miller high school of Clarksburg, West Virginia serving there for 20 years. During t h a t time, his football teams were state champions 5 times and his basketball teams won the state championship the same number of times. All of these men promise to take an active part in the affairs of Alpha Iota Lambda chapter.

Brother John F. Matheus, professor of romance languages at West Virginia state college has accepted a position as superof English for the Education Commission cf the United States Government, working in conjunction with the Haitian government. Improving t h e educational system of Haiti, he will be away from t h e college for at least 6 months. Professor

December, 1945 Matheus is noted as a writer and has distinguished himself for his short stories about foreign peoples.

Brother Austin W. Curtis, Sr., retires after over 40 years of service to t h e college.

He was made professor-emeritus. For the past 20 years he has been very active in the undergraduate and graduate chapters in this vicinity. He promises to continue his activity.

Alpha Iota Lambda looks forward to an interesting and active year.

Brother Russell Spears, a resident of this section for a number of years, has been added to the staff of West Virginia state college as instructor in brick masonry.

Brother Spears has taken an active part in the affairs of t h e chapter.

Brother Thomas E. Posey, an expert to labor relations and the outstanding authority in this field in West Virginia, Is absent on leave to study labor relations at the University of Wisconsin. He is the recipient of a Rosenwald Fellowship.

Fraternally yours, WILLIAM J. L. WALLACE S

ALPHA TAU LAMBDA Tulsa, Oklahoma Greetings brothers: It is a pleasure for me to take over the reins of reporting the activities of Alpha Tau Lambda. It is also a pleasure for me to be out of the army after thirty-three months. The experience of the army was wonderful, but tough in many spots. The greatest pleasure I received was the outstanding gala affair given by the forty or more brothers at Fort Benning, Georgia. The party was given in a small town in Alabama. adjoining Columbus. The brothers cooperated well. I am home how, having been discharged honorably, J u n e 9th, 1945, and have joined with Alpha Tau Lambda chapter again. In fact, I took up where I left off.

Alpha Tau Lambda met Saturday October 13. Many of the brothers were present. We have some who yet do not a p preciate the fraternal bond t h a t exists between the brothers arid consequently do not attend the meeting. I can t r u t h fully say that there is much to gain by attending the meetings. The chapter met at the Warren farm home, near Tulsa.

Mrs. Warren has a farm with a beautiful home, and Mrs. Warren has had much experience as a caterer. She served a very delicious dinner to the brothers after t h e business meeting was over. All of the brothers enjoyed themselves very much. too.

It was later revealed that, from now on, the chapter will hold its monthly meeting with Mrs. Warren. This. I am sure. will be appreciated by the wives of the brothers who have been preparing the repast at each meeting. The chapter made arrangements for the annual fall party, • to be given in honor of t h e brother's wives. This will be an outstanding affair and will take place some time in December.

Brothers, if you are visiting in Tulsa, during the month of December, find out the time of our party and you are invited as our guests. I am sure you will enjoy yourselves.

It is the plan to present one of Tulsa's local talent In a recital. This individual is very competent and I am sure will be a credit to the profession of music.

It is planned in addition, to present at least two other outstanding artists. Those of you located in t h e outstanding metropolitan cities in contact with creditable talent, advise this chapter and we will arrange an engagement for Tulsa. Tulsa is out West, where one can see Indians, cowboys, cowgirls, oil wells, and many more things t h a t are not found in the larger cities. We will certainly appreciate any cooperation.

Soon the year will be over and a new one will resume.

Fellow brothers, our minds can turn more to the peace we have fought for and bought, by giving

THE

December, 1945 our lives and lending our money. Alpha Phi Alpha has always been the leader throughout the country. Life is a game of football. Alpha Phi Alpha, let us make all of our plays, this next year, through the middle, off tackle, and over the end. With every brother doing his part, every play will be a touchdown play. The flag of Alpha will be raised high above t h e heads of those who follow, as an achievement of its success. Good luck and some of lis will see you in Chicago at the Alpha convention.

Yours fraternally.

ROBERT L. FAIRCHILD, SR. s

BETA ZETA LAMBDA Jefferson City, Missouri Thirteen members of Beta Zeta Lambda chapter showed up for the opening meeting of the fall season in Jefferson City, Sunday afternoon, October 21, with Brother C. C. Hubbard, principal of the Hubbard high school of Sedalia, Missouri, serving as host.

Those thirteen members, the whole of the active membership in this vicinity, were: Brothers A. R. Maddox and C. C. Hubbard, both of Sedalia; Charles Madison, Marshall, Missouri; Walter Talbot, G. R. Cotton, Thomas D. Pawley, James H. Seeney James N. Freeman, Alan T. Busby, Armlstead S. Pride, Arthur E. Pullam, Isaiah Israel and David Rains.

Four local Alphas are on leave of absence from their duties at Lincoln university.

Brother Hadley H. Hartshorn, principal of the Laboratory high school, is studying t o ward the doctorate in Education at t h e University of Minnesota.

There, too. is Brother Cyrus B. Taylor, studying toward the doctorate in industrial education Brother Norval P. Barksdale, head of the romance language department, is writing his doctor's dissertation at the University of Illinois. Brother Joseph Johnson is studying at the University of Michigan.

Alpha man, Sherman D. Scruggs, president of Lincoln university, was elected president of the Conference of Presidents of Negro Land Grant colleges in Chicago, October 24.

Brother Pride has been elected first vicecommander of the local Tony Jenkins Post of t h e American Legion. Brother Busby has been named second vice-commander.

Brother Pawley. English professor and Stagecrafter director, who has submitted his play on the life of Crispus Attucks to New York interests early last summer, received it recently with a rejection slip, but with encouraging criticism. He is at work on another play.

Brother Seeney has taken over acting duties as principal of the Laboratory high school, during the absence of Brother Hartshorn. Brother Rains is serving as acting head of the Department of Health and Physical Education at Lincoln university, In the absence-on-study-leave of Raymond H. Kemp, now at the University of Michigan.

That's all this time from t h e Jefferson City chapter—Beta Zeta Lambda.

Fraternally yours.

ARMISTEAD S. PRIDE S

GAMMA GAMMA LAMBDA Greenville, South Carolina Gamma Gamma Lambda chapter is active and looking for every opportunity to exemplify the principles of Alpha. At this writing, we are happy to report t h a t our President, Brother R. W. Anderson, is much improved.

Gamma Gamma Lambda is very proud of the progress of its men in the Piedmont area. In each community we find t h a t they are among and. in most cases, the leaders of progressive community programs —whether said programs are religious, social. or civic.

In discussing the many problems of the Negro in South Carolina, as they regard to his opportunities to participate as a

SPHINX

citizen, it was unamiously decided that, if through some organized procedure, t h e Negroes of South Carolina and of other southern states are given the ballot in the local primaries, the most of the problems would be definitely, effectively and immediately solved.

We feel t h e n t h a t no greater contribution could be made to the welfare of the Negro group t h a n the enactment of a program which would guarantee (or give) him the ballot in the local community.

Fraternally yours, J. T. W. MIMS s

BETA BETA LAMBDA Miami, Florida After a long period of silence. Beta Beta Lambda came to life, when t h e chapter again became active, during the visit of Brother Dr. W. H. Gray, southern regional vice-president in February of this year.

During t h e same time, Brother Dr. R. O'Hara Lanier, formerly of Hampton institute was in the city., A dinner was given in honor of Brothers Gray and Lanier and other visiting brothers.

Activities: The chapter has taken the responsibility of aiding in the interpretation of the G. I. Bill of Rights to discharged veterans and the citizens in general. A group panel discussion was held recently at the U. S. O., at which time all phases of this bill were explained in detail. Participating in this discussion were Brother Frederick L. Johnson, who acted as chairman, Brother Charles L. Williams and Brother Eugene W. Duncombe.

Brother Fred L. Johnson during July 1945 became the first Negro Registered Real Estate Broker in Miami and has opened his office. Brother Dr. J. Kenneth Johnson returned to the city for a 30 day leave in September. Lt. Johnson served 11 months in Italy, with the 317th medical battalion of the 92nd division, as a general medical officer.

Brother Charles L. William reports a very good discussion at the regional conference t h a t he attended last May In Atlanta, Georgia.

Since our last correspondence to t h e SPHINX, the following brothers have become affiliated with us. Brother George L. Edwards, U. S. O. director, formerly of Alpha Rho; Brother Cyrus M. Jolliette; and Brother Charles L. Williams formerly of Xi chapter, principal of Booker T. Washington high school.

Five neophytes joined the fold on Thursday night, Sept. 13. 1945. namely: Brothers David Dobbs, Eugene W. Duncombe. Daniel Francis, William B. Stewart and Edward Stockman. At the initiation, Brother M. G. Miles, dean of men at Florida a. and m. college at Tallahassee, represented Brother Dr. W. H. Gray, our southern regional vicepresident. Also in attendance at the initiation were Brothers Hampton, Travis, and William Johnson of the Army air base at Boca Raton and Brother George Hamilton.

Fraternally, CHARLES L. WILLIAMS s

BETA IOTA LAMBDA Baton Rouge, Louisiana Greetings: Beta Iota Lambda chapter is Up and doing. The morale of our chapter is at an all-time high.

Brother Lloyd H. Wallace (now S. Sgt. First USA) was awarded recently, somewhere in Belgium, the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service.

Beta Iota Lambda is setting out on a bigger and better program for the coming year, under the leadership of its newlyelected officers: H. R. Weiss, president; H. D. Lawless, vice-president; R. M. Ampey, secretary; J. H. Brown, assistant secretary; B. A. Little, treasurer: A. E. Carter, editor to the SPHINX; S. E. Warren, chaplainparliamentarian and Maurice Edmonds, sergeant-at-arms.

Brother Felton G. Clark is now back in

P a g e 117 his office. Brother Clark took seriously 111 last April and has been on t h e sick list since then. Brother Elmo Jones is back from the Army. He saw service in Italy, Sardinia, France and Germany. He plans graduate study at the University of Illinois.

The roster of members includes Brothers A. L. Fleet (doctor), L. S. Sewell (scout executive), J. H. Boswell (postal service), A. E. Carter (music department head, McKinley high school), C. B. Piper. H. R. Weiss, J. H. Hudson (Ph. D. candidate. Boston university), B. V. Baranco, Jr., (dentist), J. P. Christy, A. L. Jordan (principal, Bogalusa high school), P. B. Boston (department mechanic arts, SU), J. H. Brown (head, music department, SU), I. L. Ferguson (SU teacher), M. L. Harvey (dean of students, SU), Maurice Edmond (home demonstration agent), Moses Potter, E. J. Harris (Sgt. USA). John G. Lewis (fraternal leader), Jack Strong (principal Bossier parish training school), Elmo Jones, R. H. Lee (SU coach), B. A. Little (auditor, SU), S. E. Warren (head, social science department, SU), R. M. Ampey (biology department, SU), J. B. Cade (SU dean), F. G. Clark (SU president). H. D. Lawless (coach, SU demonstration school). G. Ragland (SU teacher), Edgar Thornton (minister), L. H. Wallace (Sgt. USA), Hugh Thornton (principal, Pleasant Hill school), Emmet Bashful (Lieutenant USA), and J. K. Rowley.

Brothers not members of the chapter, b u t affiliating with it are J. K. Anthony, A. C. Banks, T. A. DeBose, F. Hammond, J. L. Murray, W. T. Johnson, and Bonds. These brothers are all connected with Southern.

The membership of the chapter actual and potential—is 40.

Hats off to our late Brother Russell Smith for the J. S. Clark memorial program.

Brother Clark, president-emeritus of Southern university, passed on in October, 1944.

At the program, a picture of Brother Clark, presented by the chapter, was unveiled.

The members of Beta Iota Lambda are doing their best to keep aloft the banner of Alpha academically. Those doing graduate study this past summer were R. M. Ampey (Michigan State), James H. Hudson (Boston university), and A. E. Carter (Northwestern).

As one of the activities of each of our regular meetings, there will be a panel discussion. Topics listed for discussion t h u s far are: "The Franchise in Louisiana and East Baton Rouge Parish." "Holding on to Jobs in the Postwar Era," and "What Fraternities Can do to Improve the Public Decorum of the Negro."

The chapter mourns the passing of Brother Russell W. Smith on November 3rd.

Brother Smith was a charter member of our chapter and served as its first vicepresident and as its second president. At the time of his passing, he was celebrating his 30th year in Alpha.

Brother Frank Render paid us a short visit recently. He is now working with the USO in New Orleans, b u t leaves soon to set up a YMCA somewhere in South Carolina.

The chapter misses former president, Dr. Reid E. Jackson and wishes him much success in his new position. Brother Jackson is now Dean at Arkansas state college.

Fraternally yours, A. E. CARTER

Help Reclaim a Brother Let Someone Else Read Your Copy of the Sphinx

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WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE, ANYHOW? <&&&&'•&&

December, 1945 continued. Each chapter will be encouraged to have a complete photostatic print of these magazines for study and reference purposes, which will be furnished by this chapter. Please send me one copy of all publications that you may have and information relating to the possibilities of securing others that you may not have. All copies will be returned.

I'll pay the mailing fee.

Fraternally yours, ROY D. ANDREW II s

Jewel Robert Harold Ogle A EULOGY

This Don't Work—I W a n t M y M o n e y

Back!

AMONG OUR CORRESPONDENCE Mr. John W. Fleming, W. 2132868 Hq Det 100th ord. Bn. A P O 758 c|o P. M. New York City, N. Y. July 19, 1945 Mi. Reid E. Jackson Southern University Scotlandville, Louisiana Dear Brother Jackson: Congratulations on your election to the office of Editor of the SPHINX. You are following some good editors and I am sure you will, in the spirit of the Athenian Youth transmit the SPHINX, not only. not less, but greater, better and more beautiful than it was transmitted to you.

In the past two years I have been moving around so much that it may have been difficult for my copy of the SPHINX to reach me. However, I am deeply concerned and anxious to receive our publication. In spite of the fact that I have been in the Army for the past two years and overseas 21 months, I have paid my chapter dues in full each year. I hope

my name has been handed to you as being financial—not on the free basis for members of the Service. If you do not have it, please check it for me. My chapter is Alpha Alpha, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Fraternally, JOHN W. FLEMING September 26, 1945 Roy D. Andrews II Los Angeles 2, Calif.

9521 Pace Avenue Dr. Reid E. Jackson Arkansas State College Pine Bluff, Arkansas Dear Brother Jackson: I am the vice-president and dean of pledges of Alpha Delta chapter at the University of Southern California. The SPHINX club of this chapter is interested in making a photostatic print of all the SPHINX magazines from the first publication (1912-13) throughout the present editions. It is intended that this will become a permanent project and

By JEWEL NATHANIEL A. MURRAY With the passing of Jewel Brother Robert H. Ogle, one of the seven original founders of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, the grim reaper reduced the number now living to four. These remaining four jewel brothers, namely, Henry A. Callis, George B. Kelly, Nathaniel A. Murray and Vertner Tandy, feel more deeply now than ever, the irreparable loss of Jewel Brother Ogle.

We realize, in terms inexpressible, the great loss sustained, not only by us, and his other brothers of the fraternity, but also his immediate relatives and host of friends outside the fraternity. We will miss his wise counsel, his unabated enthusiasm, and his fighting spirit, which was such an important factor in building up, and maintaining the fraternity.

Brother Jewel Ogle began early to consecrate his life to a life of service for others. In 1906, he with six other men, organized the present great Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, which stands today as a living and active monument to his wonderful foresight and intuition. He worked constantly with consideration and sympathy for those less fortunate than himself.

Jewel Ogle had a deep and abiding regard for efficiency and truth, in all of its manifestations.

In any battle, he championed the cause of principle and right and was willing, at all times, to make personal sacrifices in order to see right triumph.

Jewel Ogle enjoyed the rare opportunity of mingling freely with men of affairs, who have occupied high places in the world at large. Inasmuch as he was so favored, yet he never lost the common touch of brotherhood with his fellow men.

His devoted mother, wife and daughters, and his many friends were blessed with the companionship of a rare personality. His fraternity Brothers, as well as those who were privileged to know him, and enjoy personal contacts, feel very happy to know that during his active life he did so many good and noble things, which the younger Brothers of the fraternity, by emulating, will have much to build upon for future development. Jewel Ogle lived a life of service and rendered service when ever needed.

The ideals he helped to incorporate into Alpha Phi Alpha will live forever, and these ideals will be guiding stars until posterity. His many fraternity brothers and friends banked his grave high with Nature's most fragrant and beautiful flowers, and other floral designs. These will soon wither and die, but his soul and his accomplishments will live on.

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December, 1945

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A Chicago Essay My name is Bessie of a kick one early in awed tones. Yes, bodied cow spirit. I

O'Leary, I was living in Chicago, about 1871 and became famous when morning, knocked over an oil lantern and started a fire that people I am a cow; rather, I was a cow belonging to Mrs. O'Leary, but now heard about some reincarnated Ethiopian Clansmen coming to our city

twenty-seventh to December thirty-first and I decided to tell you something to make you Chicago conscious.

You've heard of my kicking over the lantern and starting the fire but nobody has told you the extenuating c i r c u instances — and they were extenuating. A big lazy farm hand was milking me that morning, early. In his laziness he was trying out a new stunt: he was trying to milk all four te-, er, ah, I faucets to you) all four at once, pulling and squeezing a n d perking like someone possessed. And worst of all he was counting the pulls. "NinetyDR. WINTERS seven; ninety-eight; ninety-nine!"—Well sir, he never got to a hundred, for I gave one hail of a kick which, missing him, knocked over the lantern, set the stable afire and almost wiped out the thitty, (pardon my sudden lisp) Chicago.

PART II There are still cows in Chicago. The stock yards are still here and the analysis of the name gives you "She-cow-go," Chicago, see? The Stock Yards can be found by travelling against the wind. The wind is used to blow the stock yard aroma out over the lake. The aroma is so thick that strong winds are sometimes necessary, hence the nickname, The Windy City.

When the stronger winds are not needed, they are not allowed to be dissipated; the natives use them, especially the Chicago lawyers, especially, especially the Alpha Phi Alpha Chicago lawyers. From time immemorial you've heard parents of

children of other cities and places say when they were obliged to administer corporal punishment,—"this hurts me more than it does you." The Chicago parents don't say that plebian stuff. These parents and teachers while punishing their children or pupils chant, remembering, no doubt, the famous Chicago fire.

They chant, "I don't want to set the world on fire, I just want to start a flame in your pants."

There are still fires in Chicago. If that isn't good diction let me warn you that there are fires still in Chicago. There are the fires of Cupid, the fires of Venus, and the fires of Mercury. A poet once said, "One touch of nature make the whole world kin." Chicago says, "One touch of Chicago makes the whole world full of nature."

The famous monkeys in their characteristic poses with hands over ears, hands over eyes, and hands over mouth, denote the aphorism, "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil." Chicago has a fourth monkey with hands over nostrils, "smell no evil." Some years ago conventions adopted theme slogans. I remember, "Cleave Closer to Cleveland," and others, but Chicago offers "Climax Conviviality in Chicago."

PART III Chicago wit is proverbial. A Chicago lawyer recently informed his client about legal matrimonial status and his chances of obtaining a divorce. He stated he could get a divorce on the grounds that the client's marriage wasn't legal on account of the fact that the girl's father didn't have a license to carry the gun at the wedding.

* * * A Chicago stenographer quit her job last week on account of infidelity. She caught her boss kissing his wife.

I made a whale still talk about I am a disemfrom December

Traffic Cop: "Say, young fellow, parking is prohibited on Wacker Drive, so you can't loaf here."

Voice within the car: "Who's loafing?"

* * *

Miss Beulah Turner was admitted to Provident Hospital suffering from an attack of acute indigestion, following a visit to one of the fraternity houses. The evening paper proof-reader missed a typographical error which read, "Miss Turner is suffering from an attack of acute indiscretion." * * * A little woman is a dangerous thing. * * * St. Luke modernized—"Physic and Heel Thyself!"

* * * Harvey came to the city and got a job as janitor in a girl's boarding school, and was given a pass key to every room in the building. The following week the dean ran across him. "Why didn't you come around Saturday to get your pay Harvey?" she asked. "Gosh, missus!" gasped Harvey, "do I get wages too?"

* * •

The convention room was close and the air was hot but the argument over the treasurer's report continued furiously "You're a jack ass!" said a speaker to his heckler! "Sit down, you're a jackass," said the heckler. "Shut up, you're both jackasses" said a third member. The chairman noting the increasing confusion said soothingly. "It seems as though we have lots of jackasses here today. Let's hear from one of them at a time." The three quarrellers bowed low to the chairman and said, "all right sir, let's hear from you first."

* * *

A pestiferous fellow took the liberty of questioning Alexander Dumas rather too closely about his genealogical tree.

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"You're a quadroon, Mr. Dumas," he began.

"I am sir," quietly replied Dumas.

"And your father?"

"He was a mulatto."

"And your grandfather?"

"Negro," hastily answered the dramatist whose patience was waning.

"And may I enquire what your great grandfather was?"

"An ape, sir," thundered Dumas. "An ape, sir; my pedigree commences where yours terminates."

PART IV My name is Bossy O'Leary. I am a Chicago cow. I am a descendant of Bessie O'Leary. I don't give milk; you've got to take it from me. So welcome to Chicago, ye Apes; welcome to the Thirtieth General Convention; welcome to Theta and Xi Lambda chapters. Come to Chicago prepared to give and to receive.

Come to Chicago ready to give a new period of service to Alpha Phi Alpha, a recrudesence of Alpha loyalty, a new inspiration for national and international interest. Come to Chicago and receive the bountiful blessings of a city, a convention committee, host chapters and an entire fraternity ready to give you a true western style of hospitality. Come ready and determined to join with us in producing a new era of fellowship and brotherhood. Come and develop a racial philosophy consonant with the philosophy expressed in "What the Negro Wants." COME TO CHICAGO! s

Alpha Mu Secretary For 18th Year

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Grand Tax (From Page 107.) certainly be financially more profitable to the organization. These matters are well worth serious reconsideration in the Victory General Convention. There will be many pressures for extended services.

The criteria for determining adoption of each, presumes ability of the organization to finance them from grand tax revenue.

Past disbursements of this income is satisfactory proof that we have had only enough for operating expenses. It is imperative that we acquire additional monies for expansion of activities. Inadequate finances foredooms failure for many worthwhile endeavors. Added activities to benefit the members or community are possible with more funds.

They must come from this yearly tax.

The problem, then, is how to encourage more grand tax payments to underwrite expanded services. Following a few suggested solutions to stimulate ideas from each of you, on how to secure this result.

Realizable future services are possible only with larger total income. We may enlarge treasury receipts by: 1. Retaining the present constitutional grand tax.

2. Elimination of the reinstatement fee provisions in the constitutions.

3. A nationwide intensive reclamation program, forgiving all past grand taxes and allowing each man to pay current grand tax without any other fee.

4. Budgetory curtailment of funds for any but purely necessary items.

5. Establishment of a sound reserve fund not to be used for several years.

6. Clear redetermination of goals realizable by the national body within the limits of present funds.

It is our sacred duty to redetermine realizable future services in terms of our paying ability. This task well performed is a fitting rededication to our noble ideals.

ROBERT T. CUSTIS

The VoicT

BROTHER WILLIAM C. PYANT, 1930 Brown Avenue, Evanston. Illinois recently re-elected secretary of the Alpha Mu chapter, for the 18th consecutive year has been largely responsible for the success of that chapter, throughout the war years. Brother Pyant is also secretary of the National pan-hellenic council, inc.

In addition to his work as a probation officer, with the Chicago juvenile court, Brother Pyant is studying law at De Paul university.

(From Page 109.) he does about it personally and they might not want to partake of his food if the Negro is doing the same. So "to keep my clientele" he keeps the trade lily-white.

Of course, he may have other grounds, that lurk in the background; such as, facing the objections at his own fireside, at the Rotary Club meetings, at the Country Club, at the Presbyterian Church, at the bridge table, at his neighbor's dinner, at the school where his son attends, at the seat of his conscience, at his own store. Meeting these objections may, and would, call for greater courage than simply handing down an order that Negroes are to be fed. For it is in those objections passionately defended by his friends, employees, relatives, neighbors, fellow-churchmen, fellow-Rotarians â&#x20AC;&#x201D;it is in those objections that are collected all the superstitions, all the false propaganda, all the meanness, bias, hatred, misinformation and misunderstanding that stalk the Negro today.

A piece

MR. FAIRCHILD in a pocket-size publication,

December, 1945 "Washington News Digest," that came to me a few days ago illustrates just this division of want in our society. Lambert Fairchild, "a distinguished soldier and former public official of New York City," writes in the October number on "Our Negroes Are Americans," and among other things says: "Back in the days of World War I, I heard a government orator exhorting the colored soldiers training at Camp Pike. Arkansas. He was promising them absolute social equality after the war, lauding them for their patriotism and pledging the Government to recognize their merit and worth by seeing to it that all commercial and social barriers would be destroyed. It was not the time nor place to make a public denial of his promises but my heart sank within me as I thought of the bitter disappointments and heart-breaks that were coming to the enthusiastic crowd who so wildly applauded his specious oratory."

A few months later, as an interviewer in an American Legion employment office in St. Paul, Minn., he says he had to tell a Negro ex-lieutenant colonel that the only jobs he could get in St. Paul were waiting table or as a pullman porter. "The brisk, alert, intelligent soldier slouched out of the office like a 'common field hand.'"

Fairchild recalls a more recent instance in which the than City Councillor Adam C. Powell addressed a "Harlem audience of over 2,000 fine clean, intelligent looking Negroes" and told them "We colored men and women know our rights and by God we're going to demand them after this war is over." Says Fairchild, "My heart sank as the vast crowd was promised everything that the Negro had been promised that day in Camp Pike."

These promises bother Mr. Fairchild as they bother the department store owner, his bevy of objection-makers at the church, club, fireside and store; and as they bother millions of other Americans. Really what bothers them is not the Negro so much as their fears, their no-knowledge, their little-knowledge, that great void we know of.

The void needs working on. Perhaps we need to know more of what is on the other side of that void; perhaps we-need to get those on the other side to know what is on this side. Perhaps, all the cards should be placed on the table face up. That indeed is something to work (pardon the concluding preposition) toward.

ARMISTEAD S. PRIDE s .

Jewel Brother Murray Wins Garden Prizes The only colored participant, among 300 competitors, Jewel Brother Nathaniel A. Murray, instructor in agriculture and biology at Armstrong high school, Washington, D. C, was awarded a certificate of merit and two prizes for the three plant specimens which he entered in the Third Annual Victory Garden Harvest Show, sponsored by the Washington gas light company.

Brother Murray won the prizes with a Swiss Chard plant, a salad vegetable and three winter squash fruits. He raised all the specimens at Phelps Vocational

December, 1945

Listening To The Lambs (From Page 113.) residence. My feeling of disappointment and jealousy seemed to have expelled my shyness. I ventured a slight rap and then a steady knock. The tread of light footsteps was heard, the knob turned, the door swung open, and there stood Marie in all her dazzling beauty.

"Oh, Donny. do come in," she cooed elegantly. With my head swimming, I sensed the general direction of the couch and made my way to it.

"I'm so glad to see you Donny. You can't imagine how thrilled I was when Mother told me."

"W-were you surprised?" I half stammered and half mumbled.

"Oh yes, and so glad. I didn't want to take my nap because I was afraid you might think I looked sleep. Do I?" "No, I think you look very pretty," I ventured and was immediately ashamed.

However, she did not blush but merely turned the conversation by saying "Thank you, how was school life at Fifth Avenue?"

Taking this as a sign that my flattery was unwanted, and being too dumb to reply. "Dull without you," I said "Oh, Fifth Avenue was all right. How is Douglas?"

"The same as ever."

That means she hasn't missed me, I thought. "Does Vera Washington still go to Douglas?" I asked.

"Yes, she still goes to Douglas."

"That's good, I replied and was immediately uncomfortable although not sorry for I was trying to save my feelings.

"Do you like her?"

"Well-uh-Yes, I like her, that is, uhâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;" "Don't be bashful, I think she's cute.

You must bring her over to play old maid with Billy and me. Billy likes to play old maid."

This hurt to the quick and I was about to ask her about this Billy, but could not bring myself to do it, so I changed the subject.

"You just moved in and I've been here over two weeks, why don'tcha let me kinda show you the place?"

"Oh Donny, that would be wonderful, but I can't today and I've got to go to town tomorrow. Would Friday morning be all right? I would like to see the place. I bet you'll make a wonderful guide."

So she would appreciate my services as a guide. Well at least that's something, I thought. Then it occured to me that she had asked my approval of Friday morning as the date of the tour so I replied. "I'll come after you at nine o'clock Friday morning."

"All right." she replied.

A prickly, embarrassing silence followed before she broke it by telling of a play they gave in the fifth grade, a camping trip last summer, and a Valentine party at Gwendolyn Tabor's. During the interim between the latter two accounts, I told of going to Chicago the preceding summer.

Determining not to permit another annoying silence, I began telling of the various things I would show her Friday, after her account of the party, which I disliked because she gaily told of playing post office. My heart felt as though it was going through a washing-machine wringer as she told of how mag-

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nificently a Billy Webb could kiss. I had just begun giving her a preview of the tour, when I heard Mr. Moss storm in the back door and begin to perform the antics expected of one under the alcoholic influence. I heard Mrs. Moss pleading with him to be reasonable, and not wanting to embarrass Marie further, I asked for my hat. As we said goodbye, she clasped my hand. When I departed, I was in the same condition that prevailed at my entrance.

She was waiting on the back porch for me Friday. I was a little more at ease this time and we chatted merrily as I showed her the other driveway, the little park, and the projects with its two hundred and fifteen apartments in general. I took her home for her dinner at noon and went back after her, a little after one o'clock, and helped her talk Mrs. Moss into letting her skip her afternoon nap.

After dinner, we went to the playground and as she sat down to rest, she said, "I'm thirsty." Being only twentyfive or thirty yards from home, I pointed to my dwelling and replied, "I live right there. I'll get you a drink."

When I returned with the water I thought I saw where the familiar sign of juvenile courtship, a heart enclosing the initials M. M., a plus sign, and the initials O. D.. had been scratched in the sand pit and then partially erased, but I wasn't sure. However, it heartened me and we sat on the wooden edge of the sand pit. as she drank her water. The thought of Billy Webb, or whoever he was. dampened my spirits momentarily. but I determined to give it a try.

"If the swings were up, I'd swing you.

Marie. Remember how we used to swing in your back yard when we lived on Gaines street?"

"Yes, and remember that time it broke with you and you were 'shamed to cry?"

"I was not 'shamed. It didn't hurt, that's all."

"Remember the time you were going to show me where your father worked, and we got lost, and you got a whipping?"

"You would of got one too only you whined your way out of it."

"I did not whine, Oliver Donelsico."

"You did too."

"I did not. Besides, girls aren't supposed to get whipped as much as boys."

"They ought to, but they can't take it."

This went on and on as we recalled one incident after another. As I sat there watching the mid-afternoon breezes ripple her pretty black hair, I was wondering if this reminiscing was having any effect on her. I was wondering if it was serving any other purpose except to keep the conversation from lagging. I was beginning to have my doubts.

"Remember the time you got mad at me b'cause I showed your love letter that you wrote me to the class?" she was saying.

"Yes, you shouldn't a done that."

"You were 'shamed weren't you?"

"Naw, but you shouldn't a done that.

That was the last letter I wrote you, wasn't it? We moved right after that.

I'm glad I'm going back to Douglas now though. We'll be in the Seven "B" in September. The fourth grade seems like a long time ago." But Marie wasn't listening. She seemed to be lost in reverie.

Presently she said, "You know what I'm thinking about, Donny?"

"What?" I said.

Page 121 "That Tom Thumb wedding. You were so cute in that little suit."

"And you were so pretty in that long, white dress and you had all the other girls waiting on you."

"And remember you thought we were (1 for real and wanted to live with me?"

At this point I blushed and added, "Mother still shames me by telling that to company."

"Do you remember Thelma's Valentine party. Donny? I thought about it when I wont to the one that Gwendolyn gave this winter. Billy and I had a lot of fun."

That did it. I felt something like an icicle going through my heart. I was hurt. it was so sudden, but I didn't care to let her discern this and I was contemplating on how to say goodbye when suddenly she said, "Donny, why did you tell me that you went with Vera? I saw her uptown yesterday and she said it wasn't so."

"Well uh-" "You shouldn't have told me that."

"I didn't say that I went with her. I said that I liked her. Besides, why should you care. I thought you went with this Billy you've been talking about." Upon being exposed in a fraud, I was doing the natural thing, releasing my pent-up anger.

I made these last statements in angered tones. However, at this point, she laughed and said, "Don't you remember Billy, my half-brother, who came to visit us about six years ago. He staved with his mother in Pittsburgh until she died last fall, and now he lives with us.

I forgot to tell you Wednesday. He went to the country with some friends Monday or else you'd have seen him by now."

I became elated but before I could show my elation, it left me. "He was your daddy's son. I thought his name was Billy Moss."

"It is, silly."

"That wasn't your brother I saw walking with you Wednesday morning, if he's in the country.

"No. that was Billy Webb."

"That's the one I thought you went with. Isn't he the one you said could kiss so well. You were talking about the party and said that you and him had so much fun."

"I meant that my brother and I had so much fun. Of course that was Billy Webb I said could kiss so well. You don't think I'd be kissing my brother that way do you? But I still don't go with him. He goes with Gwendolyn Tabor. He was over there Wednesday morning and being polite, Gwennie asked him to walk me home."

I was too dumbfounded to do anything so she kissed me on the cheek and ran home. To the immediate right of where she had been sitting, I saw the familiar arrangement of a heart, four initials, and a plus sign, marked in the earth OLIVER DONELSICO S

Brother Russell Smith Joins Omega Chapter Brother Russell Wood Smith, recently appointed dean of men at Southern university, died at his campus home, Saturday. November 3, of a heart attack.

Born in Pembroke, Bermuda, British West Indies, May 10, 1892, Brother Smith earned his bachelor of science degree at Wilberforce university, Xenia, Ohio, and

Page 122

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December, 1945

Directs Music Festival In Arkansas

w*™*9 <&**2£

TWO TICKETS PLEASE—HE'S WITH ME! master of arts at Howard university.

Washington. D. C. Active in education circles, Brother Smith was a member of the American teachers association. American association of physics teachers, and the Louisiana colored teachers association, as well as Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He was also sponsor of the Southern senior class in 1945 and director of the campus Young Men's christian association.

Survivors are Mrs. Beatrice C. Smith, his widow; Barbara and Russell W. Smith. his children; Precival Smith, a nephew, and one sister.

evenness, runs pictures and stories that have been having largely local outlets.

The three-year-old "The African" of New York gives the western world some bird'seye views of the Dark Continent and of the problems its emigres have on our shores.

There you are—16 of them, all bidding for the expanding Negro reading trade, all hoping to live—along with those 15 others we listed here in May—and thrive. But you know and I know and we all know that only a small fraction of them will see 1950.

ARMISTEAD S. PRIDE

More Magazines

Alpha Nu Lambda Starts Voting

(From Page 99.)

Silhouette" (of New Orleans), and "The Entertainer."

"The Negro Review" exists, we understand, but we have never seen it.

"The Negro Traveller." which first appeared early in 1945. glamorizes the Negro transportation worker, be he on the railroad, streetcar or bus. "Service."

Tuskegee's 10-year-old magazine, continues pointing the way to effective institutional employment and supervision.

Washington's "Pulse" that, in its third year, is settling down with quality and

When Brothers Captain Theodore H. Randall, Lt. Elridge Leonard, and James B. Saunders, delegates to the Alpha regional convention, held in Atlanta, Georgia, May 18. 1945 made their report on what Alpha men are doing in Atlanta to hasten the day of Negro voting there in genera] elections, the time seemed opportune for the brothers in Alpha Nu Lambda to do something, along the same line, here in Tuskegee, County Seat of Macon County. Although this deep south

BROTHER DR. DORSEY is chairman of the department of music, North Carolina college in Durham. For the past seventeen years, he has been head of the music department at Lincoln university, in Pennsylvania. Since 1940, he has been head of the music department and the music workshop at the Hampton institute summer school in Virginia.

His musical education began in Chicago, where as a child he learned to play the violin and to sing. At Tuskegee institute, he was student director of the orchestra and sang with the Tuskegee Quartet. As a sophomore student at Lincoln university, he was placed in charge of music and was retained in this position after graduation.

He holds the degrees of bachelor of arts from Lincoln university, bachelor of music and master of a^ts from the University of Pennsylvania. He was awarded the doctor of education degree from teachers college, Columbia university, New York last June.

Brother Dorsey is a member of Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Delta Pi, Guidonian music society, Association of Music Teachers in Negro schools, Choral Guild, Negro Actors Guild, and Phi Delta Kappa.

Also, he has been the recipient of a General Education Board fellowship, the Wannamaker Award in Music Composition, and the Scholarship State Academy award to Berlin, in 1934.

Brother Dorsey is also a concert baritone. His compositions are published by Theodore Presser and G. Schirmer.

Recently, at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Brother Dorsey conducted that city's first annual choral festival, sponsored by the Community Planning Committee, at Merrill high school. county has approximately thirty thousand inhabitants, about eight per cent of whom are Negroes, only about two hundred Negroes are registered voters. This situation exists in spite of the presence of the faculty of Tuskegee institute and the medical officers and staff of the all-Negro Veterans facility hospital, in which most can be considered as permanent res-

THE

December, 1945

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RHO LAMBDA GUESTS GENERAL PRESIDENT

Seated left to right: Dr. L. L. Burrell, President Rayford W. Logan, Dr. S. Calvin Johnson and Mr. William L. Evans.

Standing: H. LaMonte Mitchell, Lewis Bickett, Harold idents of the county. The personnel at the two flying fields in the area might be considered as temporary and expected to vote, if at all. by absentee ballot.

Since the local office of voter registration was to be open during the first week in July, a committee of certain brothers was appointed to make contacts at once with representatives of other Greek letter organizations, the local chapter of NAACP and a local civic-uplift organization. As a result of these contacts, a hand bill was distributed throughout Negro neighborhoods urging all to go to the court-house and register.

Of some two hundred who made the effort, only about a dozen succeeded in registering. Of course, those few paid their poll taxes, which amounted to one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) for each year, since the twenty-first birthday.

Out of the refusal of the large number who attempted to vote, a lawsuit, already past its initial stages, has come testing the legality of refusing people the right to vote in Alabama because of race. The follow-through of the case, growing out of an initial move by Alpha men, is being made by the local civic league and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Attorney Arthur Shores of Birmingham, is in charge of prosecuting the case. Attorney

Robinson, Hooper Councill. A. D. Price, William E. Jackson, James Robinson. Robert Baker, Dr. Walter B. Holland and Dr. Russell W. Holland.

Thurgood Marshall has been down to give his assistance and will keep the progress of the case before the National NAACP office.

A Tribute September 7, 1945 Mrs. Russell Smith and children Southern university Scotlandville. La. Your husband and father has made a lasting impression as a teacher of countless Negro youths. He was a fine gentleman and Alpha Phi Alpha is proud to have counted him among her noble sons.

Wm. H. GRAY, JR. Southern Vice President Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

President Florida a. and m. college. s

Beta Omicron Elects Officers For New Year The old ship Beta Omicron finds itself anchored into the sea of 1945.

This old ship, in travelling the sea of 1944. ran into glaciers, icebergs and many other hard knocks and now has made it safely to shore. Many days during its travel, it could hardly stand the blows, but being made of good material (the best

that could be found in the vicinity) it never sank and now it has started on the sea of 1945.

The pilot of this ship is Brother Edward L. Mullins and its purser is Brother Thomas H. Pinson. For two consecutive years, these two brothers have held these positions guiding the ship on its long journey and in turbulent weather as the need often required to bring them safely to shore.

A few of the passengers have landed ashore, since it made the successful journey on the sea of 1944; one of which is Brother R. B. J. Campbelle, Jr., who served on this ship many years doing his best to make it anchor successfully.

Now the ship is on the sea of 1945. occupied by thirteen brothers. Five of the number are new. Brothers William Bass* an all-America football player for the year 1944-45: Cato Edmondson, known as Patrick Henry's successor; Cleveland Fisher, basketball star; Samuel Hilliard, a major in the division of agriculture; and Walter McMillan, known as the "Business Man." To keep the ship forever on the waters, there are ten pledgees. They are as follows: Carlos C. Bruce, Singer Buchanan, John Harrif, Wiley Leonard, John McLean, Ira D. Pearson, J. Royster Powell,

Page 124

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December, 1945

Some of the Chicago Alpha Wives Who Will Assist in Entertaining You At the Thirteenth Convention

Richard Ranger, Raymond Whitman, and J a m e s Wright.

May t h e ship m a k e successfully.

its 1945 journey

THOMAS H. PINSON.

CHAPTER OFFICERS—Continued 48. BETA DELTA—State College, Orangeburg, S. C ; President.

Clyde L. Reese; Secretary, Henry McClelland, State A. & M. College. Orangeburg, S. C. 49. BETA EPSILON—Agricultural and Technical College, Greensboro, N. C ; Secretary, Richard Epps, A. & T. College, Greensboro, N. C. 50 BETA ZETA—Samuel Huston College, Austin, Texas; President, Renz L. S. Woods; Secretary, Evans E. Crawford.

Samuel Huston College. Austin, Texas.

51 BETA ETA—Southern Illinois Teachers College. Carbondale.

111.; President, J. C. Penn; Secretary, Gaffney A. Taylor.

Cnlp, Illinois.

52 BETA THETA—Bluefleld State Teachers College; President.

William H. Nicholson, State Teachers College, Bluefleld, W. Va. 53. BETA IOTA—Western State Teachers College, Kalamazoo.

Michigan. INACTIVE. 54. BETA KAPPA—Langston University, Langston, Oklahoma: Secretary. Eugene J. Brown. Langston University, Langrton, Oklahoma.

55 BETA MU—Kentucky State College, Frankfort. Ky.: President. Robert L. Clardy; Faculty Adviser, Arnold W. Wright.

Kentuckv State College, Frankfort, Ky. 56. BETA NU—Florida A & M. College, Tallahassee, FloridaPresident. D Harrison Shirley. Florida A. & M. College Tallahassee Florida

57. BETA XI—LeMoyne College, Memphis, Tennessee; President.

James A. Barber; Secretary, Carl C. Poston, 1829 Kerr Street, Memphis. Tennessee.

58. BETA OMICRON—Tennessee State College, Nashville, TenB; President. Edward Mullins, A. & I. State College, Nashville. Tennessee; Secretary, Roy Overton, Jr., A. & I. State College. Nashville, Tennessee.

59. BETA PI—Lane College, Jackson, Tenn.; President, Horace Hawkins: Secretary, Obdiah O. Reynolds, Jr., Lane College. Jackson, Tenn.

60. BETA RHO—Snaw University, Raleigh, N. C ; Acting Secretary. Waltei H. Quarles, Jr., Shaw University, Raleigh, N. C. 61. BETA SIGMA—Southern University, Scotlandville, La., President. Payton Cook, Southern University, Scotlandville.

Louisiana; Secretary, Henry Bardell, Southern University, Scotlandville, Louisiana.

62 PETA TAU—Xavier, New Orleans, La.; President, John B. Holton; Secretary. Joseph E. Boyer, Xavier University, New Orleans. La. 63. BETA UPSILON—State Teachers College. Montgomery, Alabama: Willis A. Brvant. Jr.: Secretary, Amos M. Addison, Jr., State Teachers College, Montgomery, Ala. 64. BETA PHI—Dillard University, New Orleans, La.: President.

Emile L Meine Jr.. 1449 N. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans, La.: Secretary. Lionel A Desbordes. 1938 Industry Str°et.

New Orleans. La