The SPHINX | Spring February 1946 | Volume 32 | Number 1 194603201

CONVENTION NUMBER Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, in its first Postwar Convention, the 31st General Session recently held in Chicago, 111., passed its mantle of leadership on to another one of its distinguished sons, Brother Attorney Belford V. Lawson, noted nationally for his vigor, courage, and legal profoundness at the bar of Justice.

Brothers, carefully read his inaugural message as General President, and then "Go Forward." (See Page Eight)

FEBRUARY, 1946

IMC

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

Inc.

GENERAL OFFICERS BELFORD

V. L A W S O N

General Preside.it

Eleventh Street. N W. ¥1 WILLIAM

N.

WI-LIAM

H. GRAY

CHAIRMEN

0. C.

LOVELACE

SIDNEY

First

V.ce-Pre;i;!ci I

Serod

Vice-President

1303 Bimtette Strut, Cincinnati i''!m i l i a

A,

UH]

M.

( >>li>

HOWARD

Third

Vite-President

SMITH

Fourth

Vi.e-P.esident

M.

A.

MAYBERRY £440 Harrison Street

Auditing Committee

LAKE

DICKASON

Committee on Standards

P. D A N I E L

WILSON

WINTERS

Rules and Credentials

-.is Curren Arcade, N'orrietown, Pennsylvania CHARLES

H.

RAYFORO

W.

WESLEY

Historian

vVilberforcfl University, vYiiberferce, onto

Ge-eral Treasurer

LOGAN

International

Relations

Howard 1 oiverslty, Washington, D. C. C H A R L E S D. P R O C T O R H O W A R D B E N N E T T ™. """-'"• . , . , , . , ; . , ,

Editor of the Sphinx

388 Beak \.- ue, n tunnii :,. Team s .,!.• Xaai'lieri College Montgomery, Alabama General

Chapter Achievement *»»''"'"••

'''" Constitution

KERMIT J HALL ' R a n ( 1 " 1 l , n s<-• Chicago, Illinois J RUPERT "p'i'co'TT "'"''• ' ' " ' ' <*""< '""^ ' W< " ' ' ^ ^ " " ^ ' ^ 201 East Claj Street!' Ki!-liii!imii."Va! " ' JEWELS Murrav H< H Y,„/si" S V^'lv E i 5 Sll 11 N 1 K "'•»-<<"<*<""• "• 0.; Nathaniel A. M n " I sSt ., .\ew New York, York" N. N JY ; George !• " "'".'I -, " ' ' ; V e r t nstreet. " • Troy **»*• -- 1 West i.i.it B. ",!

Kelley, •Charles li. Chapman—*Boj II, o.,,. >]m„ 1,,-1JMnils . ,„., ,.,;„.,; N 1 orton

Director of Educ.-.tional Activ.ties

LANE

Budget Committee

siiaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina 0.

s. Missouri

L E W I S 0. SWINGLER

CHARLES

Secretary

Bluefleld siaie Teachers College, Blueneld. Wan Vli

G. F E R G U S O N

COUNCILL TRENHOLM

LONG

General Secretary K;ui-.i- I ' m

General

Chapter Housing Commission Committee on Public Policy

H A W K I N S . JR

ROBEi.T

i itizt-n.v Savlaga anil Ituat company, .Naanriua Tennei

H.

D.

HENRY

-I'll N. Washington Ave., Dallas i. lexaa BURT

COMMITTEES

l'i.-k ( Diverslt]. Kaahvllle, Teimi

da Si.it.• College, KM ic*. Virginia MACEO

H.

OF S T A N D I N G

117 Baal i.iit Street, Chicago, [Ulools I11S Girard si., N \\\. Washington, D. C,

W.

> I• la

L O U I S H. SCHUSTER A.

BROWN

Counsel

41" Beat arts Street, Chicago 15, DMm LAY MEMBERS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

I.. Cuj&mlllCB, Lane College, Jackson, Trim ; Arthur It. Fox, .li..

Talladega College, Talladega, Ala.; Lores Colttna, Tin .venue, Cleveland 3. Ohfea

, „

,

,

foura,Vi<-c-i-re"ideX

REGIONAL DIRECTORS D[ n n

""

,vi

"

Ue l i s t e J

tollovrtnf Hie" appointments by I ha

CHAPTER OFFICERS—UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTER 1. ALPHA—Cornell University. Ithaca, N. Y. ; President, Dr. C. A. Galvin, 216 West State Strfet; Secretary, Dr. Albeit P. Johnson, 216 West State St. 2. BETA—Howard University, Washington, D. C.; 3. GAMMA—Virginia Union University. Richmond. Va. : William H. Luke. President. Virginia Union University.

4. DELTA—Tillotson College. Austin, Texas; President. Maceo T. Bowie, Tillston College.

5. EPS1LON—University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, Mich. ; 6. ZETA—Yale University. New Haven, Conn.; 7. ETA- Columbia University. St. Lawrence. Brooklyn CC. New York.

N. Y. : President, William L. Hi- ant. 172-13 107th Avenue, Jamaica, N. Y. ; Secretary, Edward N. ISVK.S. SOS West 122nd St.. New York City.

8. THETA—University of Chicago, Chicago. III.; President, Edward B. Crate,' 1X24 Hartrev Ave.. Evanston. III. ; Secretary, Nelson E. Woodley, !' '.i Bast 60th St., Chicago.

9. IOTA—Morris Brown College Atlanta, Ga. ; 10. KAPPA—Ohio State University. Columbus. Ohio; President. Walter B. Jones, h Avenue; Secretary, William Grimes, 531 Tribett Street. Columbus. Ohio.

11. MU—University of Minnesota. Minneapolis; St. Paul. Minn. ; President, ; Secretary, Thomas W. Fowles, 1721 Univ. Ave.. S. E-, Minneapolis. Minn.

12. NU— Lincoln University. Pa. : 13. XI—Wilberforce University, Ohio; Secretary. William W. Blown, Box [82, Wi 14. OMICRON—Pittsburgh. P a . ; 15. I'l Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio ; 16. RHO—Philadelphia, Pa. (Graduate Group) ; President. Dr. W. F .

Jerrick, 1843 Christian; Secretary, Dr. O. Wilson Winters. 28 Curren Arcade. Norristown. Pa. 17. SIGMA—Harvard University, Boston. Mass. ; President, Thomas A. Center. 12 Hubbard, Cambridge. Mass.; IS. TAD — University of Illinois; President, .... : Secretary, B. C. Duster, Jr., 1301 West Clark. Urhana. Illinois.

IU. UPSILON—University of Kansas. Lswrence. Kans. ; Kansas State Teachers College. Emporia. Kans. ; Kans, State College of Agriculture and Applied Science. Manhattan. Kansas.

20. PHI—Ohio University. Athens. INACTIVE. 21. CHI—Meharry Medical College. Nashville. Tenn. ; President, John Benson ; Secretary, T. M. MrCottery. Meharry Medical College. Nashville, Tenn. £2. PSI—University of Pennsylvania, Temple University. Philadelphia, Pa. 23. ALPHA ALPHA—University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati College of Pharmacy. Miami University, Cincinnati. Ohio; President, Dr. R. H. Brown, 3317 Drexel Place; Secretary, Dr. B. F. Cann, 5223 Ward Street. Cincinnati. Ohio.

24. ALPHA HETA—Talladega College. Talladega. Alabama; President, Oliver A. Brown; Secretary, Arthur B. Fox. Jr., Talladega College.

25. ALPHA GAMMA—Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, INACTIVE. 26. ALPHA DELTA—University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.

27. ALPHA EPSILON—University of California, Berkeley, California.

28. ALPHA ZETA—West Virginia State College Institute, West Va. 29. ALPHA ETA—Stowe Teachers College, St. Louis, Mo. 30. ALPHA THETA—Iowa University, Iowa City, Iowa.

81. ALPHA IOTA—University of Colorado. Denver, Colorado.

32. ALPHA KAPPA—Springfield. Amherst College, Amherst. Mass., Springfield. Mass., INACTIVE. 33. ALPHA MU—Northwestern Universitv, Evanston, 111.; President. s S S ? H Jackson, 4751 Forrestville Avenue, Chicago, 111.; Secretary, William C. Pyant, 1930 Brown Avenue. Evanston. Illinois.

34. ALPHA NU—Iowa State College. Drake University. De. Moines, Iowa.

86. A..PHA XI—University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.

36. ALPHA O MIC HON—Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte. N. C.: Secretary. Edgar Ward, Johns™ C. Smith University.

87. ALPHA PI—Louisville Municipal College, Louisville, Kentucky.

88. ALPHA RHO—Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia; Secretary, Willis m b . Thomas, Morehouse College.

39. ALPHA SIGMA—Wiley College. Marshall, Texa-,; Secretary, Clarence Li. 1 nomas, Wiley.

4

° ' , \ U P T ? A , , T A U —University of Akron, Ohio; Secretary, Sterling Tucker, 199 Perkins. Akron, Ohio.

41

" N^ P h H « " P S I L ° N r W a y n e University, Detroit, Michigan; Secretary, Noah B. Turner, of 8384 15. fort, Detroit.

42

' A U e ^ C l a r k 1 1 - ° l a r k " u n i v e , s i t v - Atlanta, Ga. ; Secretary George C.

43. ALPHA CHI—Fisk University. Nashville, Tenn.; Secretary. Jackie K. Gandner, r i s k University.

44. ALPHA PSI—Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Mo. ; President, Maurice t . King; Secretary. Howard Green, Lincoln University 46 BETA R F T I BETA—University R p ? ? A 7 7 M ° r B a " CoUege Baltimore. Md. 46. of Nebraska 47 ' S.-iT A c; AMMA—Virginia State College, Ettrick. Virginia ; President. g Secretarj Ettrick" Va '' ' ' Resell L. Gaines, Virginia State College, D II" I f ? A FP%T A ™ ^ ? 0 "," E e ' Orangeburg. S. C. vi i A „ E P f . I L 0 N — A g r i c u l t u r a l and Technical College. Greensboro, -North Carolina.

50. BETA ZETA—Samuel Huston College. Austin, Texas ; President O. H. Kl R F T A : t r T ^ r e t J r y ; u , Samuel Huston College. tili = „ J A—Southern Illinois University Teachers College, Carbondale

68 BFTA m ? I ACTIVE

^

T f i e ' d o S t aet e

ColleKe

' Blueneld. West Virginia.

College, Kalamazoo, Michigan, IN-

54. BETA KAPPA—Langston University. Langston, Oklahoma ; President Amos Stevenson. Langston University ^ l i BFTA N T I _ ^ n t tnidCak 5 ; S t a t eM C oCl loe Bl I<e? - e Frankfort. Ky. ll RFTA ? t "T M o- . ? ' * ' Tallahassee, Florida.

«L"1nXcaTeL^a"m^teeweisMem,,hiS' T e n n ' ^ " ^ "" — ' enn< Se 69 U T A PI M I Lln°eN C~",7 ? t St&t" C o l l ^ e - Nashville. Tennessee.

C SE , nu S}}es£ J a c k s o n . Tenn. ; President. Lewis I. Flowers • Secretary. Dalton W. Glenn. Lane College ' 60. BETA R H O - S h a w University Raleigh N C TA K MA S thel n " ' WilMe & H ^ 7. - I T U"iversitv.'.S„,.l ; 1 ,»lville. L a . ; President.

C.9 RFTA T A T ! Y' S o u * ? r n University. Box 928. Baton Rouge, La. ^ r X A Wn}^ Y V ' e r U , n T l v . e r s i t y. New Orleans, La.; President. Hargrove Wooten, Xavier University.

63 UF J N ' P ^ T , ^ „ ^ V ° i ^ N. A l a r ?Uar rme a „ S t a t * Teachers, Montgomery, Alabamafid RFTA ™ n7l y I -r "'. Alabama State Teachers College. ' 65 BFTA ™ , p D h t r University New Orleans, La. ; President, k Kfi' „ P T A PS? T (n X < ^r dn aCm^b rei - e L Li tot nl ed oEo< Arkansas. fiS- r i l i A^ r r , p iA i ne X? a S C < ^> l l-e B e T v nJ e r University. London. England Rl ^ l l T -,T „ ' T a m i l Secretary. J c Blackwell. Texas College. Box 51, Tyler Texas ».«.«, 68 ' M A S J M w A ^ A _ , N o r p h C a r, o I i n a College. Durham, N. C.; President Mack W. Akins. Jr.. P. O. Box 367, North Carolina UCollege Secretary James D. Saddler, P. O. Box 452, N. C College ""eBe- i ' e e r e t a r y .

THE S P H I N X OFFICIAL

ORGAN

OF

VOLUME 32

ALPHA

PHI

ALPHA

FRATERNITY.

INC.

FEBRUARY, 1946

THE STAFF

NUMBER 1

THE STAFF

IN THIS ISSUE Page

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF L E W I S O. S W I N G L E R 388 Beale A v e n u e M e m p h i s 3, Tenn.

Editorial Opinion _^

2

Bro. Logan's A n n u a l Report

4

Meet P r e s i d e n t L a w s o n

8

ASSISTANT EDITORS R O B E R T CUSTIS 771 St. Nicholas Ave., New York, N. Y.

F r a t e r n a l Address

MILTON S. J. W R I G H T Wilberforce University, Ohio.

Fraternity Fun

23

Hits and Misses

31

McGee Cup His M o n u m e n t

33

Chapter

34

Wilberforce

J A M E S B. B R O W N I N G Miners T e a c h e r s College, Ga. Ave., at Euclid and F a i r m o n t , N. W„ Washington, D. C.

Echoes

O. W I L S O N W I N T E R S 28 C u r r e n Arcade, Norristown,

Pa.

JO

P o r t r a i t of Sec. M a y b e r r y S u m m a r i z e d Officers'

F R A T F U N EDITOR

Reports

n 9-18

CONTRIBUTING

EDITORS

S I D N E Y A. J O N E S 180 West Washington St., Chicago, 111.

C L A R E N C E H. M I L L S , SR. Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio J. S A U N D E R S R E D D I N G H a m p t o n Institute, Hampton, Virginia MOSS H. KENDRDC 1927 11th St., N. W., Washington, D. C.

A R M I S T E A D S. P R I D E Lincoln University (Mo) Jefferson City,

A N D R E W J. L E W I S II Atlanta, Georgia FEATURE EDITORS J. E D W A R D COTTON 348 N. Manassas St., Memphis, Tenn.

G E O R G E W. GORE, JR..

A. & I. State College, Nashville, Tenn.

MACEO H I L L 291 N. 21st St., Columbus, Ohio G. B L Y D E N J A C K S O N Fisk University, Nashville. Tenn.

G E O R G E B. K E L L E Y 1—113th St., Troy N e w

York

Ten ^ A d d r e s f nTl Address 1 ! leMnr, «

T

C

°

m m

CONVENTION PICTURES appearing in this edition were made by Murphy's Art and Gift Shop, 721 East 63rd St., Chicago 37. /;/.

Prints can be secured by writing address given. Brothers who made deposits on photos at the Convention should send letter to Brother Luther S. Peck, VMD, 3650 South Parkway, Chicago 15, ///., and include receipt with request for the particular print desired. This edition carries reproduction of all photoes made at the Chicago Session.

ADVERTISING D O W D A L H. DAVIS, J R .

2711 East 21st St., K a n s a s City, Mo ART J A M E S D. P A R K S Lincoln University (Mo.) Jefferson City Mo.

CIRCULATION S P E N C E M. S M I T H 388 Beale Ave., Memphis 3, Tenn.

• ^

' *"* ^ ^ for Publication

hy

Mph P M AIpha F * ^ ^ ^ **« 388 Beale Ave., M e m p h i s 3. in t h e S P H I N X M A G A Z I N E to Post Office Box 2031, Memphis, Tenn.

office T n M e m D w r T r r n H T , m U n : C a t i 0 n S t 0 3 8 8 B e a l e A V e ' M e m p h i s > T e n n ' E n t e r e d a s s e c o n d c l a s s m a t t e r a t t h e post m Memphis, Tenn., u n d e r t h e Act of March 3, 1879 a n d accepted for mailing at t h e second class r a t e of postage

Subscription Price—One Dollar and Seventy-five Cents Per Year

Page 2

THESPHINX

February, 1946

EDITORIAL OPINION Secretary each now execute most The new provision in the constiof the routine requirements of the tution requires Committee screenReconverts! organization. It is now possible to ing of candidates according to

By ROBERT T. CUSTIS merge the functions of these two qualifications prior to election by Assistant Editor key offices into the office of a Gen- the Convention. This tends to reThe spirit of reconversion struck eral Secretary, paid to devote full emphasize immediate need to set in Chicago. It stalked through time, instead of part time to his up the specific duties of the job. the convention halls to revamp duties. Completion of this task de- Then the nominating committee the basic governing laws of the pends upon several factors, yet to merely applies the yardstick and Fraternity. The guiding thought be clarified. Foremost is the fi- reports the results to the body for was to re-gear organizational nancial ability of the organization their action. It appears now that structure to render more effective to pay the cost of doubling the this is a fair and sound method service to the membership and time and duties of the General to secure the best possible indiworld-wide community. This pre- Secretary. The expenses for this vidual for the job. We have to let mise stimulated and directed modi- undertaking rests upon clearly future execution of the technique fication of the Articles in the 1938 specifying the functions of the and Brother so elected determine Constitution. The 1938 By-Laws re- General Secretary. How much and the wisdom of this process. This main intact. The By-laws need how often will he travel and why? is equally true of other determinarevision to conform with the let- What will this cost? Where will he tions contained in or omitted from ter and spirit of the new Consti- be located? Will this place be the reconstructed basic laws. tution. However, some provisions Alpha National Headquarters?

The Delegates at Chicago voted in the new document are signifi- What will this cost to operate? deletion of the word "Negro" cant, because they indicate con- These are sample questions which from the new This sidered efforts, to rechart the must be answered before launch- had been done Constitution. before.

The aim methods of administering the or- ing the office of full time Secre- clear. It is designed to furnish isa ganization during the coming for fair play, thereby years. What legislative changes tary. Thorough study of all prob- springboard breathing life into the ideal of lems relative to this secretarial accomplish this objective? extension should be made prior to Brotherly Love. The concept thus The Chicago Convention pro- further determinations. This is becomes a living organism. It will vided a constitutional foundation necessary before the next Conven- thrive and grow stronger only for overhauling the operating me- tion, since the new constitution when each Brother carries out the chanics of the Fraternity. The Edi- stipulates procedure for filling the letter and spirit of this action. So (Turn to Page 3) tor of the Sphinx and the General job.

Alpha Phi Alpha

CONVENTION COMMITTEE SYDNEY P. BROWN, General Chairman E. K. McDONALD, Vice-General Chairman MARCUS A. MAHONE, Asst. to Gen. Chrm.

BYRON F. FAUNTLEROY, Secretary NELSON G. GLOVER, Treasurer LUTHER S. PECK, Membership and Public meeting BINDLEY C. CYRUS, Publicity RICHARD A. HAREWOOD, Smoker HOWARD B. SHEPARD, Dance SIDNEY A. JONES, Banquet PAUL V. CAMPBELL, Transportation and Photograph ISHMAEL FLORY, Program FRANK V. PLUMMER, Reception WILLIAM H. BROWN, Registration I. R. MAHONE, Housing CHARLES F. LANE, Invitations FOSTER B. JACKSON, Place of Meeting SIDNEY BROWN

February, 1946

Positions In State Dept.

Now Made Possible

By DR. RAYFORD W. LOGAN Appointment of Negroes to posts as cultural attaches in foreign countries was considered a distinct possibility by Assistant Secretary of State William Benton if Congress approves the necessary funds for the establishment of the Office of International Information and Cultural Affairs.

Appointment of competent Negroes to all phases of the work of this Office of International Information and Cultural Organization was one of the principal topics of discussion at a conference held at the State Department on February 23rd by Mr. Benton with fourteen representatives of various Negro organizations. The call for the preliminary meeting at Howard University on the same day was issued by Miss Norma Boyd, Chairman of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Non-Partisan Council; Mrs. Josephine H. Kyles, of the Federal Council of Churches; and the writer in his capacity as Alpha's Director of International Relations among Minorities.

Mr. Benton asked the committee to submit a roster of competent Negroes; especially from among the rank of social scientists, humanists, physicians, newspaper, radio, and movie executives. It is contemplated that some four hundred cultural attaches will be appointed. While, of course, Mr. Benton could make no promise "in the blind," we feel that competent Negroes will be given favorable consideration.

It is necessary that this roster be presented as soon as possible.

There has not been issued any directive as to exact qualifications for appointees. But if any Brother is interested or knows of a Brother who might be interested in one of these appointments, it would be advisable to send to the writer as soon as possible a biographical sketch, showing education and work experience. Cultural attaches would normally stay abroad for about two years. After their return to the United States, they might be assigned to work in the State Department or they might return to their original positions and again be assigned to foreign duty at a subsequent period.

THE

SPHINX

It is imperative that this list be submitted at the earliest possible moment. We frequently complain that Negroes do not know of important developments until it is too late. Here is a chance to get in "on the ground floor."

A continuing committee, on which Dr. Howard H. Long and the writer are members, was appointed. We shall keep our constituency informed not only about other details concerning these appointments but also about matters of policy. Meanwhile, keep an eye on H. R. 4982 and begin to study the constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organziation. s

Budget Committee Tells Officers "Hew to the Line" The Budget Committee, under Chairmanship of Brother Dr. Robert P. Daniel, of Raleigh, N. C, gave a word of caution to all officers "to keep appropriations within the budget allocations and not assume that they would automatically be reimbursed merely because of submitting vouchers showing over-appropriations."

This committee spent many hours at the Chicago Convention in its effort to arrive at adequate budget allocations for the various offices with a view toward economy on the one hand and funds for effective operations on the other.

Appropriations, as recommended by the Budget Committee, and subsequently adopted during the Closed Banquet, were based on anticipated income for the current year. Aside from the General Officers, appropriations were considered for General Expenses, the Educational Foundation, projects of the Fraternity, and Contributions to organizations engaged in public service, notably: NAACP, $50.00; National Urban League, $50.00; Association of Negro Life and History, $50.00; National Committee to Abolish Poll Tax, $25.00; Permanent FEPC Committee, $150.00.

The Budget Committee also recommended a Contingent Fund "to make available funds for the special and emergency appropriations as may be approved during the year by the Executive Council or the General President."

Complete details of the committee's reports will be made available upon publication of the minutes.

Page 3

Alpha Phi Alpha Reconversion!

(From Page 2)

it is with some of the other omissions.

The Convention omitted reference to tenure of elected officials from the new document. The reasoning was that each gathering should be free to elect or re-elect needed officers as they wish. This too, may be a bit too idealistic for practical purposes. The principle can be abused. The vigilance of future conventions may balance operation of the principle. There is one other occurrence at this meeting, which warrants mention, even though it is not strictly speaking a constitutional change.

We forged a new link in the ever widening chain of international brotherhood. Dramatic expression of this fact was the initiation at Chicago through the Miami, Florida chapter, of Mr. Norman Manley, leader of the Peoples Party, Jamaica, West Indies.

This was done by extending jurisdiction of the Miami chapter to include the West Indies. Brother Manley delivered an inspiring address at the public meeting. This was concrete proof that he is a true Alpha man. May we secure more men from across the seas of this calibre! This step marks further the broad, international character of our organization. This imposes broader and heavier responsibilities and obligations upon us. This is all the more reason why each one of us should strive to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood in each and every chapter.

This in turn will give renewed viÂŁor to the Fraternity. It can then sally forth to make reconversion at Chicago the start of 'bigger and better service to the membership and community.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL FEATURES FOR MAY NUMBER

By Brothers Dr. Milton S. J. Wright Dr. George Gore. James B. Browning. H. B. Atwood. James B. Parks.

Page 4

President Logan's Annual Report At Chicago Session

THE

February, 1946

SPHINX

"THE DIGIT 1

To the General Officers, Jewels, Life Members, Delegates and Visiting Brothers, Greetings: For the first time in five years we meet with our country at peace. Twice within the span of the membership of some of our Brothers a devastating war has been brought to a victorious conclusion. For the second time in a generation, some of our Brothers have given "the last full measure of devotion" to a nation that once again is not yet ready to achieve its own dream of democracy for all peoples. We humbly salute our departed Brothers, we pay homage to those who have suffered wounds, sickness, mental and physical hardships. We joyously welcome the return of those who were forced to sacrifice months or years of the most formative period of their careers in order to help defeat nations that had blatantly proclaimed doctrines that we detest.

Throughout the war, we have made repeated pledges that we on the home front would not be remiss in the task of trying to make real some of the dreams of the men in the armed forces as they lay in their foxholes or gazed at the starry skies from the lonely decks of warships. We have accomplished no miraclesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for our numbers and resources are limited and the strength of the opposition is formidable. But we may mod estly state that our intellectual leadership has been maintained and recognized In significant places.

Especially is this statement true m the area of international relations. As early as 1940 we began calling attention to the importance of the plight of dark peoples in other parts of the world, particularly in the dependent territories. We are convinced that we played a by no means Inconsiderable role in having the question of trusteeships placed on the agenda of the San Francisco Conference after it had been omitted from the Dumbarton Oaks Proposals. At San Francisco we led the attack on the weaknesses of the trusteeship provisions. Since then we have continued to hammer away at them. We note with great satisfaction that Russia has demanded that the right of oral petitions be specified. If this change is finally approved. Alpha Phi Alpha may well be proud, for no other organization has done as much as Alpha in insisting upon this right. We shall continue to fight for the right of unrestricted inspection by the trusteeship council, for the publication of the reports following inspection and for the effective representation of the Native peoples from the trust areas on the trusteeship council. It may be recalled that as early as 1942 Alpha published a monograph dealing with these points. We have seen to it that a copy has reached the proper people in the United States and other countries, including Russia and China. As this report is being prepared, we read that the Philippine delegation to the Preparatory Commission of the UNO, supported by Russia, is urging that the Native peoples in trust areas be given

DR. RAYFORD W. LOGAN Brother Dr. Rayford W. Logan, as General President, gave one of the truly great messages of his career during the public session at the Thirty-first Convention in Chicago. He proclaimed a new era of freedom for the world's dark races as a direct development of the atom bomb. He said: "In time available to all, the weapon will enable a delegate from a dependent people to stand before a world organization and cry: 'Give us liberty or we will give you death!"

Brother Logan called for colonial unity to achieve the "right of any colonial leader to appear in person before any international agency" to voice his grievances.

"Negro people in all parts of the world feel that sense of kinship derived from the common suffering, and also that sense of solidarity in a common demand that an end shall come to their 500 years of exploitation."

The public meeting was held in Corpus Christi Auditorium before a capacity audience. representation on the trusteeship council.

We have similarly kept the Importance of dependent areas before the American educators who have drafted for the State Department proposals dealing with an international educational organization.

These educators, on our insistence, unanimously recommended to the State Depart-

ment that "due consideration be given to the representation of the dependent areas in the international organization."

Unfortunately, this provision is not included in the constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. But at least the American government, many prominent educators and some of the American peo-

February, 1946 pie have been constantly reminded of the importance of the subject. Representative Chester H. Merrow had declared that improving the educational opportunities of peoples living in dependent areas is, in his opinion, one of the most important functions of UNESCO. The Constitution calls for the application of its functions without distinction based upon "race, lanige, sex or religion." Although there is no provision for the enforcement within any country of this stipulation, it provides a yardstick as does the Declaration of Independence by which we can measure the failure to live up to an ideal.

Once more, the voice of Alpha Phi Alpha in international affairs has been recognized. Let it be observed in passing that we are the only organization that has assumed leadership in these specific respects.

We have further demonstrated our leadership in international affairs by inviting the Honorable Norman W. Manley. leader of the People's Party in Jamaica, British West Indies, to be the principal speaker at our public meeting and Brother Hilyard Robinson, Technical Director of the Liberian Centennial Exposition, to be the speaker at our banquet. This is probably the first time that a fraternity or a sorority has featured a speaker from a foreign land at its public meeting. Certainly no other fraternity or sorority has so convincingly demonstrated its intellifient and sincere interest in our blood brothers in other parts of the world. The letters of commendation received after the publication of this part of the program of our Thirty-first General Convention have revealed a deep appreciation of this further evidence of Alpha's intellectual leadership.

On the home front, our efforts have been equally effective. The reports of our General Counsel, Brother B. V. Lawson, Jr., and of the Chairman of the Committee on Public Opinion, Brother Howard H. Long, have kept us informed of these energetic activities. Our General Counsel has just won one of the most important legal victories in the history of American jurisprudence. As counsel for the plaintiff in the case of Henderson vs. The Southern Railway and the United States. he has obtained a decision from the Maryland Court of Appeals that the Railway can not put up the green curtain and reserve tables for Negro passengers in dining cars. I rejoice in this victory because I doubt that there is any more degrading form of humiliation to the dignity of the human personality than the damnable green curtain. As I stated to the convocation of the Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in Fisk Chapel on December 7: "Every time I have to sit behind that green curtain. I regret that I am a historian and not a physicist." While we venture no opinion as to what the decision of the United States Supreme Court will be if there is an appeal, as of now we can point to this case as another vital Alpha victoryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;financed by Alpha money and decided by the cogent reasoning of our General Counsel.

The inherent strength of our organization can not be doubted when we look at the record of the past five years of war.

New chapters have been established; old chapters revived; some Brothers have

THE

SPHINX

Page 5

'UNITE IN A COMMON BATTLE"

NORMAN W. MANLEY . . . . Militant Norman W. Manley, founder of the Jamaican anti-imperialistic National People's Party, demanded a national Negro home as the only hope for the world's darker races during his appearance as the main guest speaker at the public meeting of the Thirty-first General Convention, Chicago. The session was held Sunday, December 30th at Corpus Christi Auditorium.

"American Negroes will strengthen their own cause if they make the cause of others in a like situation their own," Brother Manley (Mr. Manley was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha at the Chicago Convention) declared, adding:â&#x20AC;&#x201D; "Only if we fight unitedly can we gain our objectives within the near future."

Brother Manley compared the American Negro's plight with that of his native West Indian, stating, "We are all the victims of an imperialist rut in favorable American public opinion."

In his opening remarks, the fiery political leader asserted that only two significant outcomes resulted from World War II; the transfer of world leadership "From the hands of Europe into those of the United States and the Soviet Union."

He struck at the "hypocrisy" inherent in such documents as the Atlantic Charter, asserting "we should be childish not to have learned that it is purely upon our own struggle that we must depend."

In presenting Brother Manley as its guest speaker, Alpha Phi Alpha achieved another "first" in Greek-letter circles. It was the first time that an outstanding leader from a foreign country had ever been presented by a Negro fraternal organization to a public audience in America.

Shown, seated, on the right, is Brother Attorney Bindley C. Cyrus, prominent Chicago barrister, one of the host brothers, and master of ceremonies at the public meeting. Brother Cyrus is a native of Jamaica.

Page 6 been reclaimed. Most encouraging of all has been the sustained interest of the Chapters throughout these war years. In my visits to them generally without expense to either the General Organization or the Chapters, I have been most favorably impressed by the percentage of attendance and the enthusiasm manifest during the meetings. During the past .

I have met with Brothers from the following Chapters: Theta. Iota. Kappa. Mu. Xi, Sigma, Chi, Psi. Alpha Alpha, Alpha Delta. Alpha Epsilon, Alpha Rho, Alpha Phi, Alpha Chi, Beta Gamma, Eta Lambda. Mu Lambda, Nu Lambda. Xi Lambda.

Sigma Lambda. Tau Lambda, Phi Lambda, Chi Lambda, Alpha Kappa Lambda, Alpha Xi Lambda. Alpha Upsilon Lambda, Beta Omicron Lambda. Beta Psi Lambda.

During the past five years I have met with Brothers from sixty-two Chapters. I wish to express hearty thanks for the cordial welcome extended.

The reports of the General Secretary and of the General Treasurer will indicate that, despite five years of war, Alpha faces the future with her numerical and financial foundations strong and health} Although there have been occasional complaints about brutalities in connection with initiations, the gradual dwindling in the number of such complaints are encouraging. We hope that the sufferings of the victims of the despicable Nazis and their allies and of our Brothers in the armed forces will have suggested to those in civilian life how utterly contemptible is the inflicting of torture upon any helpless individual.

Some complaints continue to be voiced about the quality of our pins and the delays in delivery. The attempt has been made to determine whether these complaints were founded upon the exigencies of the war. Where they have, we expect that these complaints will disappear in the near future.

We lament the passing of our former General President, the late Brother Lucius L. McGee. We sent a telegram of condolences on behalf of the officers and members. The Fraternity was ably represented at the funeral by our Mid-Western Vice-President, Brother William N. Lovelace. We extend our thanks to him and to the Chapters in the Oklahoma area for ihp dignified representation of the Fraity in paying final respects to a iier and ex-General Officer who had red well for the General Organization, the Chapters with which he had been associated and for the communities in which he had lived. We also submit with deep sorrow to the inscrutable will that has carried to the ageless bourne from which no man returneth our other deceased Brothers.

At this Thirty-first Convention we shall have to decide upon some of the most fundamental changes proposed in our hisIt is not appropriate for the General President to express in his annual report his opinion concerning any of them. He docs, however, voice his appreciation for intensive work of the Committee on Constitutional Revision and on an ExecuSecretary. Above all, we urge the Convention to conduct its sessions in such an efficient manner that adequate time will be reserved for discussion of these important proposals.

THESPHINX

February, 1946

OUTLINES ALPHA'S OBJECTIVES

DR. CHARLES H. WESLEY . . . Alpha Phi Alpha's objectives since the Fraternity's inception were outlined

by Brother Dr. Charles H. Wesley, president of Wilberforce University, and Past General President of the Fraternity, as he presented Brother Norman Manley to the audience as the guest speaker during the public meeting at Corpus Christi Auditorium, Chicago, Sunday, December 30th.

Promotion of higher, rather than vocational education among Negroes, with an ultimate blending of the two, Brother Wesley asserted, and listed as other aims: (2) encouragement of high school and college attendance; (3) education for citizenship; and (4) emphasis on the inter-relationship of the Negro fight for freedom the world over.

It was in this last category that Brother Wesley declared that Alpha had now moved, and the presentation of a noted leader of a struggling people in the West Indies was expression of the Fraternity's aim to show the relationship of the Negro's fight for freedom in this country to darker races in other parts of the world.

We designated the Atlantic City Convention as A Victory and Memorial Convention which was highlighted by a painting in honor of our Brothers in the armed forces and a song, "Symbol of Souls." We have designated this Convention as a Peace and Reconversion Convention. In so doing we had in mind not only the problems that confront the nation and the world but also those that the

Fraternity must face. We have already completed the setting aside of a loan fund of $1500 that will be available when necessary. Under the direction of our Director of Educational Activities, Brother H. Council Trenholm, we have already considered some of the problems of the returning veterans. I earnestly recommend the appointment of a Committee on Veterans Affairs, to work under the office

February, 1946

THE

SPHINX

Page 7

'PLENTY ON THE BALL" AT ALPHA SMOKER OPENING NIGHT

The ALPHA HOUSE was one of the busiest places on Chicago's great Southside Thursday, December 27th, when brothers converged on the Windy City for the Thirty-first General Convention. Outstanding event of a crowded day, however, was the Alpha Smoker where the good brothers ate, drank, renewed old acquaintances, and finally settled down for a more serious moment of discussing many of the sundry problems the Fraternity is faced with in a postwar period. of the Director of Educational Activities and in co-operation with the Committee on Public Opinion, that will continue to advise our Brothers on their right under the GI Bill and to participate in the necessary action for guaranteeing equitable benefits under any new legislation for all eligible veterans.

With the added support of our returning Brothers we have every, reason to believe that we shall meet the problems of peace and reconversion as successfully as we have met those of war. To the Jewels, General Officers, Chapter Officers, Life Members and other Brothers, as well as to our predecessors who have handed down to us the traditions that make us great, we express our heartfelt thanks. We are convinced that nothing short of the atomic bomb should be able to destroy the spirit of brotherhood, the moral integrity, the financial stability and the intellectual leadership of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Fraternally submitted, RAYFORD W. LOGAN.

Brother Joseph H. B. Evans, of Washington, D. C, retiring General Secretary, and Brother Luther S. Peck, of Chicago, president of Theta-Xi Lambda Foundation, sponsor of the House, are shown in accompanying picture, background.

Other activities of the day at the ALPHA HOUSE included registration, and the annual meeting of the Executive Council. Every brother should make it a fraternal obligation to visit at some time the famous ALPHA HOUSE . . . a landmark to Alpha achievement in Chicago.

ALPHA WIVES' ACTIVITIES IN CHICAGO Under chairmanship of Mrs. Truman K. Gibson, Sr., wives of Alpha brothers in Chicago carried out a brilliant social schedule for the enjoyment of visiting Alpha wives and friends. Activities for the women open with a Get Acquainted Tea at the Alpha House. This was followed with a Public Reception for General Officers, delegates, and visitors, and Ladies Night at the South Side Community Art Center.

Mrs. Gibson's committee also included Mmes. Carl G. Roberts, Jr., Alvin H. Lane, Byron J-. Fauntleroy, Vernon S. Gordon, Howard B. Shepard, Sydney P. Brown, Alexander L. Jackson, Sr., Nelson G. Glover, Laurence T. Young, Oscar C. Brown, Thomas M. Clarke, and John Cugyet.

THE

Page 8

SPHINX

February, 1946

BROTHERS, MEET PRESIDENT B. V. LAWSON HE officers of the Fraternity realize that their election to responsible leadership confers a high honor but, what is more important, they realize its duties.

It is a thrilling challenge, one which we accept with trembling hope, yet with calm determination. Our success depends upon the mutual acceptance and mutual sharing of our respective responsibilities by every brother.

Alpha's opportunity is to aid in subjecting our wealth, our science and our learning to the control of moral and spiritual power so men may in our time enjoy some security and happiness. This requires boldness in virtue and resourcefulness in intelligence. In this great crusade we of Alpha must participate.

The citadels of prejudice and hate are being stormed by a few brave and just men and organizations, moving as a wall of steel around the lairs of evil and injustice. The Caesars are in the dust. The Attilas have fled to their mountain caves midst the ruins of their plunder. The labor of centuries is embalmed in ashes. Yet the world still flounders in the quicksands of greed and combat and hate. The spectre of world fascism still taints the democracies of the world, some of which have apparently signed a pact with Satan. The deep and open scars of Jim Crow must be dressed before we can destroy the dreadful scourge of war. The devil worshippers, the vultures of race hate and the plutocratic drivellers are finding that their venom, their arms, their greed and hate, their white supremacy and mockery of Democracy are snares and delusions before the mighty will of free and just men.

T

Jim Crow, that insidious complex of economic, social and psychological absurdities, that mockery of, and travesty upon, Democracy and Christianity, like slavery, will die a hard and slow death.

Segregation and separation are the antitheses of Democracy and equality. Their oppressiveness must be riveted into the hearts of white men everywhere. They must be made to realize that the minority peoples of the world will not indefinitely tolerate injustice and Jim Crow In Indonesia, in Russia, In Africa, in China, in India and the Caribbean, a great struggle for human justice and equality is being waged. Unless we have equal and "exact justice" now by mutual consent, the world may again soon be bathed in blood.

The nations of the world will never be united as long as millions of men are denied equality because they happen to be darker-skinned, speak with an accent, or share a different faith. Religious and racial intolerance at home and abroad must go. The crucial question of our time is whether we can overcome color prejudice, intolerance, and injustice and win the struggle for equality before it has to be done through another world upheaval. Shall we dispel the hate and darkness in this world community and overcome the anarchy and injustice born of tyranny of the white minority and the agonizing travail of God's retribution or shall we live forever "within the veil"?

ATTY. BELFORD V. LAWSON, JR. General President (See Front Cover) Shall we have an ethics of life or an ethics of death?

A, u What does all this mean to Alpha Phi Alpha? It means (1) that we are citizens of the world and a special obligation rests upon the shoulders of EACH of us actively to participate in the long, hard struggle for human equality; (2) that we must resolve these problems in this generation or the sons and daughters of Alpha, along with all of the children of the earth, will perish in a third world conflict beside which World War II will be only an amateurish skirmish; (3) that we must increase our income; (4) that we must expand, implement and effectuate all phases of our program with money and power to act; (5) that we shall activate every delinquent and inactive chapter; (6) that we must have a liberal, fighting, well written and well-organized Sphinx; (7) that we must streamline our convention program, conduct our business wisely and quickly and adjourn our sessions on time; (8) that each officer and committee chairman perform his duties with sincerity and dispatch; (9) that we take authoritative, direct and immediate action on specific issues, viz., FEPC, the poll tax, housing, veterans' problems and international relations, as, for example, Brother Manley's People's Party in Jamaica and the work of the Committee on African affairs; (10) activate our London chapter; and (11) emphasize as never before chapter achievement and the reinstatement and reclamation of every brother who must return to the Altar of Alpha.

This administration believes that its chief function now is to emphasize the reclamation of approximately 8,000 lost brothers. We have already taken the following action and made the following requests: (1) launched a reclamation program of 4,000 brothers and allocated the

reclamation of 1,000 brothers to each of the four jurisdictions under the leadership of the Vice-Presidents and Regional Directors; (2) requested each Vice-President to present his plans for reclaiming his quota; to activate each delinquent and inactive chapter and to report his monthly progress to the Secretary and President; (3) requested the General Secretary to appoint a competent stenograph er for the Columbus Convention to take correct and complete minutes and to publish them promptly, as required by Law. (4) requested the Columbus Convention Committee and the Executive Council to shorten and organize our Convention program so that our business may be transacted on schedule; (5) requested that each officer have his report in the hands of each Committee chairman not later than December 20, 1946 (the purpose of this is to speed committee reports and to avoid the necessity of conducting business at the banquet, in keeping with the spirit and dignity of that sacred occasion); (6) requested each chapter and each brother to make special and prompt efforts to cooperate with the new administration, particularly fhe General Secretary and the Editor of the Sphinx, so that the Fraternity's business may be done with dispatch; (7) requested an Executive Council meeting at an early date; (8) formulated the policy that undergraduate brothers be given wider duties to perform; (9) that the practice of concentrating power and duties in a few brothers in a few cities be discontinued and that committee appointments be made thoroughly representative of the membership; and (10) appointed the following Committee Chairmen: General Secretary—Sidney Brown, 417 E. 47th Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Budget—Robert Daniel, Shaw University, Raleigh, N. C. International Relations—Rayford W. Logan, Howard University, Washington, D. C. Chapter Achievement—Charles Proctor, Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn.

Public Opinion—Howard Long, 1112 Girard Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. Constitution—Howard Bennett, 32 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Auditing—W. D. Hawkins, Jr., Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee.

If any brother has preference for serving on any committee, please notify the chairman.

Brothers in Alpha, let lis search our hearts that we may root out the seeds of conflict and misunderstanding. Let the devout men of Alpha make a pilgrimage to our fountain sources and drink again the eternally fresh and invigorating waters of our ancient faith. Let us "look to the rock from which we are hewn"; let us reassess the living ethical values of our Fraternity that we keep burning the flame of world brotherhood on the altar of Alpha; that we may, each of us, be living witnesses to our ancient and common faith. "First of all, servants all."

Here is the central 1ask of science and learning, herein is the challenge and glory of Alpha—to combine great courage

February, 1946 and great humility with great faith in ourselves and in God, and rise to a great covenant of righteousness so that all men everywhere may have their divinely-endowed and inalienable rights guaranteed and guarded by neighbors who live like brotheis. Kabindranath Tagore said that man's history is waiting in patience for the triumph of the injured and insulted man. The minority peoples of the world are no longer the voiceless multitude of the cant. Our triumph will be hastened if, while waiting, we demand full and exact justice of equality now. We have got to think of our future and that of our children. The things we want and must have now, our triumph, will not fall upon us like the gi ins from heaven. We have our congressmen's addresses, we have our money, our voices, our .voter and our faith. Brothers, we must use them all—and now.

Let us find courage and consolation In Lincoln's burning words: "The dogmas of let past are inadequate to the stormy present, The occasion is piled high with difficulty and we must rise to the occaAs our case is new, so we must think and act anew. We must disenthrall our.sei Sincerely and fraternally yours, BELFORD V. LAWSON, dent. s—

General Counsel's Annual Report EDITOR'S NOTES: Brother Belforu V. La,wson. who gave the following report as General Counsel, has been succeeded -in that office by Brother Attorney Charles Lane.

Chicago.

Greetings to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fra ternity in Convention Assembled: I. Conferences and Meetings January 22, 1945—Scholarship Honors Day, Cardoza High School, Washington, D. C. May 5, 1945—YMCA Youth Conference, Richmond, Va. June 3, 1945—Mass Meeting, Virginia Political Association, Roanoke, Va. June 23, 1945—Postwar Conference of Nejiro Leaders, Washington, D. C. May 10, 1945—Alpha Day, Virginia State College.

May IK. 1945—Southern Regional Conference. Alpha Phi Alpha, Atlanta, Ga. August 9, 1945—Annual Dinner, Chica go Urban League, Chicago, 111.

October 13, 1945—Spingarn Award Dinner, New York City. * November 18. 1945 — Independent Citizens' Committee of the Arts. Sciences and Professions, Dinner, New York City.

December 6, 1945—Meeting: Citizens' Committee on Restrictive Covenants, Washington, D. C. II. The Henderson Case On September 4, 1945, the case of Henderson vs. Southern Railway, fi nanced by the Fraternity, was argued before a special Federal appellate court at Baltimore, Md. The decision of the Interstate Commerce Commission was reversed and the court held that dining car regulations of the Southern Railway were inadequate. In a twenty page de cision, the court said, inter alia, "We be

THE

SPHINX

Page 9

ATTORNEY BELFORD V. LAWSON, JR., elected General President at the Thirty-first General Convention in Chicago, receives congratulations from Dr. Rayford Logan, retiring President, and his assurances of fullest cooperation. Both are residents of Washington, D. C, and long-time friends. Brothers Logan and Lawson were closely associated during the war years under the former's administration.

Brother Logan has already accepted the important Chairmanship on International Relations. He is an authority on foreign affairs, particularly as they relate to darker peoples of the world. lieve that the Commission erred in hold ing that the defendant's general practice as evidenced by its current instructions will result in no substantial inequality treatment as between Negro and other passengers seeking dining car service. . . The alternative charge service in the coach or Pullman space without ex tra does not in our view afford service substantially equivalent to that furnished in a dining car." Further, "If white passengers are thus seated at the tables reserved for colored passengers, then equality of treatment requires that a colored passenger subsequently applying for service should be seated at any available vacant seat in the dining car, either in the compartment reserved for colored passengers or, if none there, elsewhere in the dining car." This de cision means that southern railroads will have to make and promulgate a new set of dining car regulations which will guarantee equal dining car facilities and equal treatment for Negro passengers.

III. Recommendations 1. That the Fraternity continue prose cution of the Henderson case.

2. That the Fraternity continue to sup. port the fight against restrictive covenants poll taxes and for a national FEPC and that it place renewed emphasis on the struggle for civil liberties in every area of the public life.

3. That the Fraternity sponsor a pro gram of international exchange and participation among American Negroes

and colonial and minority peoples of the world a program designed to assist in meeting our desperate economic and po litical needs and to guarantee adequate representation in the United Nations and world organizations; that this pro gram be under the supervision of the Director of Education or of a special committee.

Fraternally submitted, BELFORD V. LAWSON, Jr., General Counsel. s

Committee on Public Opinion Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity 1112 Girard Street, N. W. Washington, D. C, Dec. 21, 1945.

To the Officers, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Greetings: During the year 1945 the major prob lems which have confronted the colored people are: (1) The Fair Employment Practices Committee, (2) Poll Tax, (3) Equalization of Educational Opportunity, and (4) Certain, larger social issues involving full employment extension of Social Se curity, Veterans' Welfare, etc. The AntL lynching movement has, for obvious reasons, been considerably in the back ground.

The Committee on Public Opinion has circularized the fraternity chapters twice with reference to FEPC, once (Turn to Page 12)

THE

Page 10

SPHINX

February, 1946

ANNUAL FRATERNAL ADDRESS

By RAYMOND W. CANNON, Past General President To the Thirty first General Convention of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Chicago, Illinois. Greetings: N accepting the invitation of Brother President Rayford W. Logan to de liver the Annual Fraternal Address I do so with a deep sense of responsibil ity. I am mindful of the fact that some of our most illustrious members have been assigned to this duty. Just now I recall Brother Moses Alvin Morrison, our First General President, performing this duty in the Fifth General Conven tion in Columbus, Ohio in 1912: Brother E. P. Roberts at the 17th Convention in New York City, Brother U. G. Mason in the 18th Convention in Detroit. Brother John M. Gandy in the 19th Convention in Richmond, Brother S. S. Booker in St. Louis, Brother Raymond Pace Alex ander in Kansas City, 1940, and Brother Charles H. Garvin in our 30th Conven tion in Louisville in 1941; and last, though not by any means the least, our most highly esteemed, effervescent, alltime unofficial President, Brother Wal ter F. Jerrick, who has officiated in this capacity at many conventions. I am mindful of the lofty sentiments they have expressed on these occasions and the inspiration they gave to our fraternity.

It is fitting that we come to Chicago for this convention.

Here we always seem to obtain renewed inspiration and direction. It is recalled that the seventh and the twelfth conventions met here in this city, and also the special conven tion in the summer of 1934. Our gen eral convention following the last World War was held in the city of Chicago at which time postwar plans were made for the future of our youth all of which gradually resulted in the Department of Educational Activities we have today.

Perhaps the 12th convention is the greatest in the history of our fraternity because it was in this meeting that the fraternity decided to depart somewhat from the accepted usages and traditions of Greek Letter College Fraternities and to launch on a public program devoted to the uplift and betterment of our youth.

In so doing it created an institution within itself which has come to be looked upon in many quarters as even greater than the fraternity.

If the 12th convention can be looked upon as a criterion, this convention should be even greater because of the multiplicity of postwar problems confronting us and our greater ability and equipment we now have to cope with them.

The first Annual Fraternal Address of which T am able to find any record was delivered by Brother M. A. Morrison, our first General President in the 5th convention in Columbus, Ohio in 1912. I was present at that convention and made notes of his address. In substances, he urged the preservation of the bond be love for the fraternity; he spoke of his struggle to keep back tears of joy over

I

ATTY. RAYMOND W. CANNON Past General Pres., First Sphinx Editor, and First Director oi Education, charter member of Mu. the progress Alpha Phi Alpha had made up to that time; he congratulated the administration on its success and prog ress; he warned the chapter not to allow the Alumnus to forget his chapter and that the chapter should keep him in formed of needed help or hardships the chapter might be experiencing.

He urged the preservation of the bond between the chapter and the alumnus; he advocated a chapter house fund; he sug gested a complete general history of the Fraternity; he suggested an Alumni Register containing the names and ad dresses of all Alpha Phi Alpha men who had obtained their degrees and he indi cated by means of this register our graduates could be aided to lucrative fields of endeavor and employment.

"Take Alpha Phi Alpha into the world with you" said Brother Morrison "prac tice i<s principles of brotherly love, help and all its virtues." "We are the pick of our race. Why should we not be leaders in all movements? We should be contin ually in all movements for uplift of our fellow men."

These are extraordinary times. Our country having only recently concluded its part in the great world conflictâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; World War IIâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and contributed so great ly to the victory of the United Nations and to the peace we hope will follow, we now stand on the threshhold of a new era which we refer to now as the Postwar Era. Our victory has been read Iv bought wi'h the blood and the lives of our youth some of whom were members of Alpha Phi Alpha, and some of whom by reason of their heroic service are now members of Omega Chapter ot our Fraternity. As members of this Fra-

ternity we must do our utmost, especial ly in the immediate future to see that these men did not sacrifice in vain.

I understand that the theme of this convention is postwar planning, and I note from the December 8 issue of the Pittsburgh Courier that in addition to postwar planning we are to discuss prob lems obtaining in West Africa with special and particular reference to those in Liberia. I believe that other speak ers in their addresses will cover these matters. I want to discuss with you our fraternity and do so in the language of our Founders and early stalwarts who laid the foundation for what wc have today.

Now, my conception of the Annual Fraternal Address is that it should be one of guidance and direction to the members; it should treat of the fratern ity's problems and the duties of Alpha Phi Alpha men. I shall talk to you in the language and in the spirit of the Jewels and of the early General Pres i dents.

I am pleased to note the tendency in recent years of assigning to past general presidents the duty 61 delivering the Annual Fraternal Address. It seems now to be an established precedent. This is exactly as it should be. Only four of our Founders are now living. In another decade all of these may be gathered to their fathers. In a very few years, then, it will fall to the lot of the past general presidents to take up where the Jewels leave off. In view of their wide experience in this Fraternity, who better can give direction and guidance to the membership than our Past General Presidents? It is well, then that they function in this capacity from now on. It has been my pleasure to know six of the Founders, five of them quite intimately. From all of them I learned many facts and circumstances about the beginning of Alpha Phi Alpha which were to help me immensely when it be came my duty to guide our fraternity through the period of its most rapid growth and expansion.

B e f o r e proceeding further, and just to refresh our memories, we learn that the natural foundations of society are built upon the wants and fears of a people. At the birth of the secret society, we find Solomon leading his Masonic brethren apart from the great masses satisfying their wants. Today we see the reflection of this light, the ac tion of the college man leading aside his brethren for close relationship. And so, college fraternities came into existence duri.ig the latter part of the 18th century with the establishment of Phi Beta Kappa, December 5, 1776 at the college of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Election to this society was based on scholarship. Formation of sev eral other fraternities followed in its wake. All were devoted principally to study and research. They were com(Turn to Page 19)

February, 1946

THE

SPHINX

Page 11 1922 as an instructor of social science in the Lincoln High School. Since then he has been instructor in the School of Education (summer session of 1933) at Lincoln University (Mo.,) state supervisor of Negro schools (on loan from Kansas City School District). From September, 1942 to January, 1943: and consultant in the Community Service division of the Department of Welfare. Kansas City Government, from December, 1943 to June, 1944. In January, 1944, he was appointed vice-principal of the R. T. Cole Vocational and Junior High School, where he is now performing a most commendable service.

During this time he has received the Master of Arts degree in Educational Psychology from Kansas University, and has thirty-seven hours above the Master's degree in Organization and Administration of Secondary Schools at Columbia University and New York University.

BURT A. MAYBERRY General Secretary

PORTRAIT OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY

By NEAL F. HERRIFORD When I first met Burt A. Mayberry, the thing that impressed me most was his apparently limitless supply of energy and his passion for the nearest possible degree of perfection achievable this side of Paradise. That was back in the '20's when I went up to the University of Kansas, where Burt was already an upperclassman and thoroughly Hellenized by way of Alpha Phi Alpha. In the months which followed I gradually realized that here was no "just average" fellow: here was

an Alpha who would certainly be a dynamic force wherever he chose to work out his destiny. The years have proved that this conclusion was well-founded, for a record of Burt Mayberry's activities and achievements since he walked down Mount Oread for the last time reads like a page from "Who's Who in America."

After taking a bachelor's degree in political science at the University of Kansas, Burt came to Kansas City, Missouri, where he began his professional career in

Mayberry's professional activities have been varied and interesting. He was the first president of the Secondary Teachers Study Club. His ability and popularity have made him an enviable record in Missouri State Association of Negro Teachers, in which he has been a vital force since coming to Missouri. Let's look at the record. From 1934 to 1936 he was historian of the organization: from 1936 to 1938 he was president; from 1938 to 1940 he served as secretary: and in 1940 he was elected executive secretary of the association, which position he now holds.

The year 1942 was Burt's really big year in the association, for it was then that he took out a life Membership and was awarded the much coveted Medal for Distinguished Service, and honor usually reserved for much older educators.

From 1939 to 1942 he was a member of the State Advisory Council on Negro Education of the State Department of Education. He is presently a member of the following organizations: the National Education Association, the American Teachirs Association, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the Missouri Association of Social Welfare.

The Kansas City community has been well aware of his presence. Members of the Beau Brummel Club, one of the "ultra" social groups, remember proudly his service as a president and a director of activities. In Beta Lambda of Alpha Phi Alpha, he has served as president, recording secretary, financial secretary, and is currently treasurer of the chapter. From 1943 to 1945 Burt was chairman of the Central Community Youth Council. During 1944 he was vice-president of the Dorie Miller Chapter of American War Dads. He has been district deputy and director of education (5th district) for the I. B. P. O. E. W. From May, 1943 to 1945 he was a member of the Board of Directors for the George Washington Carver Neighborhood Center. And he is an active member of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church.

Well, that's your new General Secretary. It is evident that Burt Mayberry has been quite a busy and progressive fellow since that day when a freshman at the University sensed that this upperclassman (who was quite adept with that symbol of Hellenic authorityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the paddle) would go places. And he has. Hats off to Brother Burt A. Mayberry.

THE

Page 12

February, 1946

SPHINX

ALPHA'S NEW ADMINISTRATION GETS A GOOD START

"Forward" is always the word that Alpha brothers translate into action when they are ready to do things. So it goes for the new administration ushered in during the Thirty-first General Convention held in Chicago, Illinois.

Two major changes were made at this session relative to the official personnel. Brother Belford V. Lawson, of Washington, D. C, took over the leadership of the Fraternity as General President: and Brother Burt A. Mayberry, of Kansas City, Mo., became the new General Secretary.

The two

Committee on Public Opinion (From Page 9.) ' with reference to the Poll Tax, and once with reference to the equalization of ed ucational opportunity. a. Of the issues before us now, the FEPC is by far the most important. Hav. ing an adequate FEPC would strike at the very foundation of all undemocratic practices in this country. In fact, eco nomic democracy should go along hand in hand with political democracy, the absence of the latter constitutes a major defect in our way of life. There is nothing elegant about freedom to starve or to become a peasant.

The Committee has kept in close coordination with the general movements on behalf of the FEPC. We have had

officers are shown pledging each other full cooperation during a recent conference in Washington, D. C. Brother Joseph H. B. Evans, third from right, seated, who served the organization faithfully as General Secretary, has likewise promised his support. He has already begun giving his successor the benefit of his ripe experience as Secretary over a twenty-year period. Brother Walter H. Walker, member of the Auditing Committee, is seen, right end, looking on.

representatives at the planning meetings and, on occasion, we have sent out con siderable of their literature which we hope was used in the various chapters.

There can be no doubt about it; if we fail to get a FEPC or its equivalent, the colored people of the United States will be on the high road to a vicious system which handily produces the powerful and the economically weak in endless conflict. The umbral overcast of racism upon an undemocratic economic system presses down heavily upon colored Americans.

The bill providing for a FEPC, which has the approval of the President and, presumably, of both Republicans and Democrats, is now tied up in the House where apparently, no resolute effort is

being made by the members of the House to bring it on the floor for action.

In order to discharge it from the Com mittee, it is necessary to have 218 votes.

At present only 150 have joined the petition.

This means that there are those who recognize the importance of this measure and their failure to line up with it is essentially a repudiation of true Americanism. In all probability their failure rests upon certain fears of what their constituents may do. It is necessary, therefore, that we shall line up with us all of the liberal men of whatever race, and by writing Congress men and Senators, and by expressions from platforms, in print, and in confer ence. keep after those who claim they (Turn to page 32)

February, 1946

Summarized Report of the Midwest Vice-President

D R . W. N. LOVELACE

• . . of Cincinnati. Ohio, was reelected to the position of Midwestern Vice-President, at the General Convention in Chicago.

Brother Lovelace is one oj the many Alphamen who have helped to keep the Fraternity a vital force in Ohio. The 1946 Conclave will be held in his Region at Columbus, Ohio.

To the Jewels, Officers, and Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: I have the privilege of submitting a report covering the activities <>f our fraternity in Mid-Western District during the past year.

Our country was at war when we began our work for the year beginning January, 1944. Our schools and colleges were practically depleted of male students, consequently, in many places our undergraduate chapters were inactive, and others were functioning in a very limited way.

Now that the war is over and many of our undergraduate brothers have returned to school, both graduate and undergraduate chapters are returning to peace-time activities. It is under these conditions that I review and report on the activities in the Mid-Western Region.

THE DISTRICT. The Mid-Western District includes the states of West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota. Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Western Pennsylvania. There are fifty-two active chapters in this district—twenty-four of which are undergraduate. We are happy to report that we have not lost a chapter during the past year: and this is more signifirant in the light of our known situation of undergraduates caused by the war.

THE PROGRAM. Our work during the past year has been largely to keep alive our chapters, to keep as many chapters as possible with a program of reclaiming inactive brothers. Our undergraduates were urged to keep together despite the

THE

SPHINX

strain of war conditions, and new peacetime reconversions. In a number of cases we secured the cooperation of graduate chapters to keep active the undergraduate chapters in their immediate vicinities whore there were insufficient undergraduates to do so. Undergraduates were held together in some instances where there were less than seven persons—this being done under special conditions granted by the Executive Council.

Chapters were urged to keep an accurate record of all brothers in the armed forces and to report same to the General Secretary. Since September both graduate and undergraduate chapters were urged to cooperate with our returning brother veterans in becoming once more Alpha conscious and to aid those who desired to enter school in making the necessary adjustments.

The matter of initiation has been a problem during the past year. The spring of 1945 found most of our initiation ceremonies in the graduate chapters. However, there were some initiation in our undergraduate chapters. In one case there was a desire to initiate brothers who had not reached the standard or even that of our temporary war standard. This matter was adjusted.

Our National program of GO TO HIGH SCHOOL GO TO COLLEGE and CITIZENSHIP CAMPAIGNS were carried on successfully in many chapters during the Spring of 1945. Our Citizenship Campaign was effective in many of the primaries prior to the fall elections. We especially urged our graduate chapters to emphasize two points: First that of registering voters; and second to give as much information as possible as to vital issues and candidates in their respective localities.

We sought to have some of the chapters conduct GO TO HIGH SCHOOL GO TO COLLEGE CAMPAIGNS in September and especially to use it in encouraging our brothers to go to college and complete college training that was cut short by the war.

BROTHER McGHEE'S PASSING. Within a few minutes before we had planned to leave for our summer vacation, a long distance call was received from the General President telling of the passing of our former General President, Brother Lucius McGhee. Brother Logan requested that I proceed to Oklahoma as representative of the National Organization. The funeral was at 1 p. m., August 24. I accepted the assignment from our General President as a duty and in keeping with the high spirit of Alpha Phi Alpha. Telegrams were sent to the other chapters in Oklahoma asking as far as possible that they have representatives present for this funeral service. The response of the brothers in Oklahoma was one of the most stimulating and inspiring experiences that I have had in our fraternity. More than six chapters sent representatives—some coming from a distance of more than one hundred miles. At least sixty brothers were present. Our chapter in Tulsa located more than one hundred miles away sent at least ten brothers. The family of Brother McGhee, as well as many friends and citizens of Oklahoma City were much impressed over the fact that so many brothers were present at Brother McGhee's funeral, and that the National Or-

Page 13 ganization had sent a representative of a distance of more than seven hundred miles to be present. To me this event showed not only the esteem and appreciation we had for the services rendered our organization by our beloved Past Editor and General President Brother McGhee, but also the strength and true spirit of our brotherhood.

On our return from Oklahoma City.

Brother Tollie Harris arranged to bring a number of brothers to the station in order that we might have an opportunity to fellowship with these aggressive brothers in Tulsa. Alpha Phi Alpha can boast of fine brothers in Oklahoma, and their leadership is being felt in this great state.

We were impressed by the reports which we received in the various cities we visited as to the numerous activities in which Alpha men are engaged. Our conclusion from these visits is that such activities on the part of our brothers make Alpha Phi Alpha a blessing and benediction to mankind.

It has been a pleasure to serve Alpha Phi Alpha in the Mid-Western Region during the past year. The brothers have been loyal, cooperative, and have endeavored to work hard for the progress of our fraternity. I can assure the General Convention that there is no section where the love and devotion of Alpha Phi Alpha rings truer than in the Mid-Western District. This District shall always seek to glorify and honor our beloved fraternity —Alpha Phi Alpha.

Sincerely and fraternally yours.

WILLIAM N. LOVELACE. First Vice President. s

Summarized Report of the Southern Vice-President (Southern Region) Herewith, we present a partial report of the activities of the Second Vice President and pertinent information concerning the development of the fraternity's program in the Southern Region.

REGIONAL PROJECTS Two new graduate chapters were established: Gamma Zeta Lambda at Tampa, Florida, by Brother M. G. Miles and Gamma Kappa Lambda at Wilmington, North Carolina, by Brother Robert P. Daniel.

Significant group meetings, which did much to stimulate and bolster the spirit of Alpha Phi Alpha in the area, were held at Atlanta and Nashville.

The SOUTHERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE held in Atlanta, May 18, was well attended with fifty-eight brothers being registered conferees; and representatives from chapters or groups in Atlanta, Miami, Nashville, Albany, Tuskegee, Montgomery, Savannah, Birmingham, Tallahassee, Scotlandville, Knoxville, New Orleans, Jackson (Tennessee), Jacksonville, Talladega, Mobile, Winston-Salem, Greenville (South Carolina) and Washington, D. C , were present. The session concerned itself with plans for Alpha Phi Alpha in the Post War South. Problems of citizenship. veterans' rehabilitation and education were given thorough consideration by panel groups. Noteworthy contributions were made to the discussions by under-

Page 14 graduate brothers present. Resolutions urging that efforts be made by the national organization to make our citizenship and educational programs more effective were drawn and are attached to this report (Exhibit A). An elaborate smoker at the home of Brother Herndon and which included an address by Brother B. V. Lawson, was held, and a gala dance sponsored by the Atlanta chapters which played host to the meeting completed this program.

A spiritual highlight in Alpha's year in the South was the "Little Convention" sponsored by the brothers in Nashville recently, during the meeting of the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools for Negroes. A galaxy of Alpha men, teachers, deans, presidents, and civic leaders gathered at the home of Brother A. L.- Allen. With the assistance of Brothers Henry A. Boyd, M. G. Ferguson, W. D. Hawkins, and the very fiue Nashville Chapter led by Brother C. H. Webster, the brothers were able to feast like gods. A spiritual feast was provided also by a forceful message from the general president, Brother Rayford Logan, and the presence of such Alpha personages as Charles H. Wesley, H. Council Trenholm, Lewis O. Swingler, Ferdinand Rousseve, F. D. Patterson, Felton Clark, Charles Thompson and countless others.

The organization of Alpha chapters into a state nucleus in Florida indicates a significant development. Such a precedent was established in the south in Alabama some years ago under the direction of Brother H. Council Trenholm. Representatives of the five Alpha chapters in this state assembled for dinner as host of the Tampa brothers on the evening of the recent Orange Blossom Classic game in that city and decided to sponsor a joint state-wide affair annually. This procedure is commended to brothers in other states and areas as a means of bringing about greater unification and stimulate to a maximum the Alpha spirit.

REGIONAL DIRECTORS' ACTIVITIES We report with gratitude the encouraging support given by the Regional Directors and other influential brothers in the area in carrying forward the program of the organization.

Brother Andrew J. Lewis, Georgia and Alabama, played an active â&#x201E;˘le in preparing for the REGIONAL CONFERENCE in Atlanta. He reports aiding Eta Lambda in sponsoring the "Registered Voters" Campaign; and directing the presentation of a portrait of the late Dr. C. D. Hubert of Alpha Rho chapter.

Brother Clinton L. Blake, North Carolina and South Carolina, sent circular letters to all of the chapters in his jurisdiction, and visited chapters at Greenville, South Carolina and Greensboro, Salisbury and Charlotte, North Carolina. He has recommended that the anticipated request by brothers at Livingstone College for a chapter be acted upon favorably.

Brother A. L. Allen, Tennessee and Arkansas, has visited over one-third of the chapters in his area. He has carried on extensive correspondence with the chapters, in an effort to revitalize their activities and his influence has been keenly felt in the Nashville area.

Brother Walter E. Morial, Louisiana and Mississippi, visited Beta Tau, Beta

THE

SPHINX

DR. WILLIAM H. GRAY, JR. Southern Vice-President, who was reelected at the Thirty-first General Session, Chicago, 111. Dr. Gray has served as president of Florida A. & M. State College, Tallahassee, since 1944, having succeeded the venerable educator, the Late President J. R. E. Lee. Prior to going to Florida A. & M., he was president for three years of Florida Normal Institute, St. Augustine, Florida.

Brother Gray is one of the youngest college administrators in the country.

Phi and Sigma Lambda chapters. He reports that Beta Iota Lambda presented a painting of the late Brother J. S. Clark, one of our greatest educators, to Southern University. The chapters in this area likewise promised representation for the general convention.

NECROLOGY The late Brother Russell W. Smith, president of Beta Iota Lambda Chapter and Dean of Men at Southern University, passed to Omega on November 10, 1945. He had distinguished himself as a teacher in the early years at Knoxville College and as an outstanding schoolman. He was vitally interested in Alpha and we therefore pay him and other brothers of the region who have joined him in the Great Beyond during this year our lasting respect and gratitude for a life well spent in the spirit and cause of Alpha Phi Alpha. s

Summarized Report of Eastern Vice-President My fraternal greetings to the brothers of Alpha assembled here and to those who may read this, my first report as one of the general officers of our great fraternity.

Let me begin by saying what there has been no previous opportunity to express: The honor that you bestowed upon me by electing me at the Atlantic City convention is deeply appreciated. It has been a privilege and a joy to serve you. Soon I shall be numbered among those who have belonged a quarter of a century. All of that time I have been ever ready and willing to do my part. As an undergraduate I felt at times when looking over

the roster of national officers that the

February, 1946 graduate brothers had taken away from us our beloved fraternity. The fallacy of that thought years and experience have shown me. It is truly Alpha Phi Alpha . for life, and our organization is a blending of youth, and years, and experience.

In the words of Brother Robert Daniel at our last convention, we have wisely seen fit to put the years and experience in the driver's seat. One glance at the long list of Chapters with the suffix Lambda gives mute evidence that Brother Emory Smith years ago was right in saying "It's Alpha Phi Alpha for life." For me it is Alpha for life and at the thirtieth annual convention my dues as a Life Member will be paid.

Upon returning to my home after our last convention I began to plan the conduct of my office. One of the things I wished to do was write each chapter in my area. The question then arose, "What is your jurisdiction?" I read the Constitution, and it did not tell me. I wrote the General President. He did not know. I wrote the General Secretary. He did nol know. This state of affairs had existed for some time despite mention of the jurisdictions of Vice-Presidents in our Constitution. I wrote to the General President suggesting that this oversight be pointed out to our Committee on Constitutional Revision. Brother Logan replied that this and other suggestions made would be passed on to the Committee.

I was foiled, however, in the plan to circularize all chapters. It must be said for Bro. Evans, General Secretary, that despite the constitutional omission, in September he sent me a list of chapters he considered to be in the Eastern jurisdiction. This came too late to be of help in any plan for the year.

Late in January a letter was received from Brother Lewis Swingler, Retiring Editor of the Sphinx, requesting a cut. A part of Brother - Swingler's letter I believe you would like and should hear.

"Accept my congratulations upon your election to Office of Eastern VicePresident. During my nine years as Sphinx Editor 1 observed with considerable interest your efforts to keep the light of Alpha Phi Alpha glowing bright in the state of our birth. It is always heartening to know that when changes are made in our official roster, as there must be, they should be considered in terms of brothers who've done creditable work in their own local chapters."

Brother Swingler-'s letter we shall always keep. A letter of thanks was sent to him.

In the latter part of January we also received from the General Secretary letters authorizing us to set up Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter at Brooklyn, N. Y., and Gamma Theta Lambda Chapter at Wilmington, Delaware. Later in this report we will tell of the establishment of these chapters.

On February 10th we received from Brother Daniel a copy of the report and recommendations of the Committee on Budget. Perusal of this report caused serious thought of our financial status, and we determined that this office would not be a source of extra expense.

We then began to make inquiries as to what men in various localities would serve in the fullest sense as Regional Di-

February, 1946

THE

SPHINX

Page 15

EASTERN VICE-PRESIDENCY TO VIRGINIA

seen were Brothers Emory Smith, Leo Holton, Marcus Wheatland, Perry Jackson and Mercer Lewis.

Brother William Griffin, President of Psi Chapter, called his members together and arranged a delicious supper at Marion Tea Room. I ate and drank with a large number of the brothers in Philadelphia and a few from other areas Among the latter were Bro. Dr A J Wells, already referred to, and Bro. Bob Walker of Nashville. Brothers whom I had never met were present, and meeting them was as pleasant as was seeing some of the older men who admitted inactivity but promised to become active again.

The night of August 27th Gamma Theta Lambda Chapter as previously planned was set up. A report of that affair is attached hereto.

I journeyed to New York City on November 28th to be with Eta Chapter at a Pre-Convention dance. There it was my pleasure to see many brothers, their wives, and sweethearts; and invited guests Brother Lawson of the official family and his wife were also present, and we were f,5 a t l r lu a b l i t 0 g i v e t h e l i e t 0 t h e statement that the General Officers are never seen unless at a Convention. Brother Walter Scott, manager of the Hotel Theresa, must be singled out for his courtesy in seeing to my transportation to the affair and making his table mine at the party The weather that night was of the wettest but rain did nothing to spoil the run.

On every proposition presented the Executive Council through the year my vote has been cast with the feeling that I was doing the best thing for the organization. Whenever occasion presented I have stressed the need for a more active interest in our funds invested in publications. Only through distribution of these works will our ends be served. Their content, considered worthy, must be placed before the people. Only through sales can we expect a return of our investment.

I have recommended that chapters start libraries of the publications in which we are interested, and that as part of their community activities donations of these books be made to public libraries not in possession of them. I suggest that ea^h delegate avail himself of a list of these publications and make of himself a committee of one to sponsor such a project in his own chapter.

Respectully submitted by L. LLOYD BURRELL, Jr. Third Vice-President.

DR. L. L. BURRELL, Jr. LOUIS H. SCHUSTER Brothers Louis H. Schuster, of Virginia State College, Ettrick, Va., was elected Eastern Vice-President to succeed Brother Dr. L. Lloyd Burrell, Jr.. of Buffalo, New York. Brother Schuster is a prominent educator, and formerly served as a Regional Director. His predecessor. Brother Burrell. is as equally prominent in medicine and a long-time leader of Alpha in the state of our birth. rectors. As added incentive whatever funds were available to this office I decided to offer tat the use of those men chosen.

On February 18th from Brother Herbert T. Miller of Brooklyn came a note suggest hit; that we plan lor the establishment of their chapter in the latter part of March. A date was subsequently set, and instructions as to procedure sent to Brother Miller. The General Secretary, WIKJ had expressed the possibility of his presence was also notified. Brother Miller having exhibited so much interest and activity was asked if he would serve as a Regional Director. On March 27th, a letter wsa received from Brother Miller that he would be glad to serve.

On March 31st Iota Lambda Chapter was set up.

That same night it was announced that Brother Herbert Miller had accepted the appointment as Regional Director. The press of business caused delay in sending a report of the establishment of the Brooklyn Chapter to the General President and General Secretary. The latter, however, felt that the report should go into the archives of the fraternity. It has been therefore attached as a part of this report.

Next in this chronicle, and a highlight in my existence, was the action taken by my own chapter, Rho Lambda. On the night of April the 26th, at the beautiful Kleinhans Music Hall, one of the most modern of such buildings in the country, the chapter in my honor gave a dance and reception. It was the outstanding social event of all my years, and of the social life of colored folk in Buffalo. Alpha took the lead again. Following the reception a closed party for the Alpha brothers and their ladies was enjoyed at the home of Brother Dr. Russell Holland. A

never-to-be-forgotten gesture on the part of Rho Lambda Chapter!

Having been apprised by Bro. B. V. Lawson of the annual banquet planned Dy Delta Lambda Chapter we journeyed to Baltimore on the 5th of May. There we were entertained by Brothers Maurice and Frank K. Adams who opened their homes. We attended the banquet in the company of Bro. Dr. Maurice Adams and his charming wife. Many brothers of long acquaintance were seen with their wives.

The Chapter seemed pleased that I had visited them. Our remarks, however, were outshone by the brilliancy of the oratory of our General Counsel who was the main speaker at the banquet.

On July 5th from Bro. Howard Long came a release of our Committee on Public Opinion, the- subject of which was "Immediate Action to save FEPC." The result of that phase of the fight for a permanent FEPC is history. Believing in the need for such legislation I have contributed to the fight for its passage. Not only to fight have I contributed, for I have given of my means to fight for Anti-Poll Tax legislation, the Legal Fund of the NAACP, the Council on African Affairs, the Negro College Fund, the Y. W., and Y. M. C. A.'s, and I urge that every brother here do likewise.

By giving of ourselves and our money we can each do his part toward making this world a better place to abide. We can be true servants of all.

During the last week in August I was in Philadelphia attending the Grand Lodge convention of the Elks. There many brothers of Alpha were seen holding key positions in that great and powerful organization, and doing their part toward bridging the great gap between the classes and the masses. Among those

Convention Messages The Educational Number of the SPHINX will carry highlights of the addresses delivered by Jewel Brother Henry A. Callis, who gave the Founders' Address; and Brother Howard H. Long.

Past General President, and Brother Hilyard Robinson, Banquet Speaker.

THE

16

February, 1946

SPHINX

With the thought in mind of future expansion of Alpha Phi Alpha in the Far West, a poll was conducted by correspondence with the leading universities and colleges in Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico, to determine the number of Negro male students enrolled at the respective institutions. This information is still being compiled; on its completion, it will be turned over to the

Western Vice-Presidency Shifts To Dallas, Texas

A. MACEO SMITH Western Vice-President JACK TERRY Brother A. Maceo Smith, left, Dallas, Texas, after being "drafted" for the position of Western Vice-Presidency, has promised to live up to the best traditions of Alpha Phi Alpha in the discharge of his duties. He succeeded Brother Jack Terry, of Los Angeles, California, after the latter announced that he would not be in the West this year; therefore could not serve another term.

Young Brother Terry was elected Western Vice-President during the Atlantic City New Jersey Convention, 1944, as successor to Brother Bert McDonald, also of Los Angeles, and one of the most beloved personalities in Alphadom. Brother McDonald's illness during the past three years has prevented his attending the last two

Fraternity. ' I set up Gamma Eta Lambda Chapter in Austin, Texas, in September, which gives us another strong graduate chapter in the Lone Star State. This was the only expansion of Alpha Phi Alpha in the Western Region during the past year.

Dr. Rayford W. Logan.

The appearance of our General President of the West Coast was extremely gratifying to the chapters there. During his attendance at the United Nations Conference in San Francisco, he came to Los Angeles and addressed a public meeting, his topic being The Significance of the United Nations Conference to Minority Groups. That night a true Alpha banquet was given in Brother Logan's honor, attended by Alpha men, their wives and sweethearts, at which time he gave the banquet address in the brilliant Logan eloquence. Needless to say that the occasion will long be remembered by all who were in attendance. The Host Chapters were Alpha Delta and Beta Psi Lambda.

Later in the month Alpha Epsilon Chapter in Berkeley, California again presented our President to the public, followed by a banquet befitting the occasion.

Attorney Bert A. McDonald The condition of Brother Bert McDonT m o v i n g spirit in the civic, professional, and ^ e r n a l f j j ^ j * ^ ? ^ * j £ ald, past Western Vice President, has imcoming Western Vice-President brings to the office his ripe experience as a leader proved considerably. He is now well on i n T b l i c affairs. Brother Smith is one of the founders of the Dallas Negro Business the way to recovery. Bert sends his best League and Progressive Voters League; and served as Director of the Negro Hall wishes for a successful convention, and of Life Texas Centennial. 1936, during which time he gave Alpha Phi Alpha Fra- has high hopes of being with us in the ? e r n i £ a H p P o r t u n f t y to depict, with an exhibit, its development into a strong, so- next year or two. cial force in American life.

Conclusion Brother Smith is a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter, Dallas.

To each brother I express my sincere did not gladly respond in person or send appreciation for the honor he gave me a regional director. Requirements of Se- when he elected me Western Vice PresiSummarized Report of the lective Service had a most crippling ef- dent. I also appreciated the many graWestern Vice-President fect on seventy per cent of the chapters. cious, brotherly courtesies, which were extended to me not only in the Western To the President, Jewels, delegates, and I am happy to report that ninety per Region but throughout the country. brothers of ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRA- cent of the chapters, which were so afI will not be a candidate for re-election TERNITY, Inc., assembled in this thir- fected, have recovered. Many were aid- to this office, for it will be necessary for ed by the return of brothers from the ty-first general convention in Chicago, armed services. Those which have not re- me to be out of the territory of the Illinois, December 27-31, 1945: Western Region for the next few years.

The Western Region, although it In- covered completely have strong pledge I wish for each Brother a New Year of cludes almost one-half of the area of the groups which are being supervised by the greater strength, greater hope, and a United States, is the smallest region in graduate chapters in their localities. greater resolve to determine how the full regard to its number of chapters. There Program resources of our Fraternity might be utiEstablished policies which I maintained are nine undergraduate and six graduate lized in this period of PEACE AND REthroughout the year were: chapters. My able Regional Directors were CONVERSION, in order that we shall I. Frequent correspondence with each Brother James A. Robinson, Jr., in the consecrate ourselves to the service of our chapter; California area, Brother Robert E. Lee in nation and to the building of a greater II. Giving aid in the solution of diffi- ALPHA PHI ALPHA. the Washington and Colorado area, Brothcult problems; er Robert L. Meyers in the Nebraska area, Sincerely and fraternally submitted, and Brother John B. Caldwell in the TexIII. Encouraged a closer relation and JACK R. TERRY, as area. With this division we were able cooperation between graduate and underWestern Vice President. to work much more effectively in re- graduate chapters; building Alpha in the Western Region.

IV. Sought a closer adherence to our DEADLINE FOR Problems constitution and by-laws; V. Insisted upon civic and community MAY EDITION Problems this year have been many and varied. During the past year I do not know participation—stressed the importance of Mail copy to reach Memphis by April of any chapter or group of brothers who a more dynamic educational campaign.

10th L. O. Swingler. Editor. sought the service of this office that I Expansion SS

e

February, 1946

THE

SPHINX

Summarized Report of The General Secretary To the Delegates and Members. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in Convention Assembled, Chicago. 111.

My Brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha: At each General Convention I have found an increasing pleasure in bringing to you the report of our activities tor the period following our last meeting.

This time I come with a background of twenty years experience in this ofi and I hope it will not be taken amiss if mention is made of the progress that been made since 1925 when I was inducted into office at the Detroit Convention of that year.

In 1925 we had 40 under-graduate chapters and 17 graduate chapters, a total of 68. Compare this as of today when we have 68 undergraduate chapters and 76 graduate chapters—a total of 144 which is more than double the number. When the convention of 1925 was over and all bills of the convention had been paid we had a cash balance of less than a thousand dollars or to be exact. $943.54. But out of this an unpaid bill of the official jewelers had to be taken care oi lo;i an actual balance of $261.54. This was really my starting point and from here we started on a road of progress in the building of our financial structure. Today you will hear financial reports from the Treasurer which will show that we have assets of more than 21,000 dollars and that it is not the whole story if the receipts since the closing of my books are added. This twenty year period saw us pass through the throes of a great national depression when many of the brothers had serious misgivings concerning our future. We successfully weathered this storm. Then came the period of the Second World War when we tried a plan of exempting men in the armed forces from the payment of grand taxes.

It worked well and we are beginning to see the results in the return to activity of service men who during the war actually hungered for the association and comradeship of their fellow Alpha brothers. These two periods of trial have tested the worth of our chapter organizations and of our regional set-up where vice presidents with the assistance of regional directors have kept coverage over all of our territory.

Four new graduate chapters have been set up during this year: Gamma Eta Lambda. Austin, Texas Gamma Theta Lambda, Wilmington, Del. Gamma Iota Lambda, Brooklyn, N. Y. Gamma Kappa Lambda, Wilmington, N. C. I found it possible to go to Wilmington, Delaware and assist Bro. Burrell in the ceremony incident to this establishment.

They were well inducted and will make a fine addition to our list of graduate chapters. I was strongly urged to come to Austin, Texas in connection with their setting-up but I took the position that this must be handled by the Vice President of the region and insisted that Brother Terry should go. Brother C. Paul Johnson deserves credit for the fine way in which he kept things going at Austin

Page 17 fair employment practice and one to abolish the poll tax. On the Educational front we have made our name felt with a con c X r r 0 t $ 5 ° 0 0 0 to t h e UnTX Negro College Campaign Fund. It has been p 0 S stole for me to cooperate closely wi?h the n P lic PoIi a s S i nin °circularizing f ^ -writing d T h a v+„ e assisted and chapters where their action wis desired P U S hl g a ti0n V U a l t o tere s t sI Imention me r t legiS !the K above because ° " *it terests. my f e e l i n g t h a t e r a i a Secretary SecryStbee% * General of Alpha Phi Alpha must

In closing I W i s h to nation for the cooperation that has been given this office by the members of th* Executive Council and C officers and members of chapters throughout the tor

JOSEPH H. B. EVANS General Secretary (red As An Officer Uut Not As A her"

and we can look forward to a substantial i hapti r growth I have continued my visits to chapters wherever it was possible for me to meet with brothers and my concern has been with matters not strictly Alpha when it has been possible for me to assist brothers materially in job finding. There is not a college president of Negro schools with whom I have not discussed the availability of Alpha men for positions on their faculties and oil their staffs and in my work as Regional Director for the President's Fair Employment Practice Committee I have seen to it that brothers were appointed at the national office and in our various regions. During the industrial boom of the war period we had many opportunities to direct brothers where jobs could be found.

Alpha Phi Alpha has been in the forefront of college fraternities in giving financial support to and taking part in the efforts of organizations which have worked for racial advancement, fair employment opportunity, elimination of dlsi mation on account of race or color, job and industrial security, fair treatment of veterans and in this connection I have represented the Fraternity scores of times when called upon to do so by the General President. You will hear talk of treatment of veterans at this convention, I am happy to tell you that just before leaving Washington, I attended a most significant conference with General Bradley, Head of the Veterans' Administration when there was presented to him by a group of organizations, a complete statement of what the Negro wants and should have in the work and benefits of this organization.

His reaction was heartening to those of us who attended and I look for a real improvement over what we have experienced in the past. Alpha Phi Alpha is on record as a contributor and supporter of the movement to obtain a federal bill on

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY 1. In order to carry forward an intensive I regional program. Vice PreTident a n d Regional D i r e c t o r s be required to make periodic reports on the program for the region and that the t r a v e l a ? so°a? t o " / ^ ' " £ ° f f i c e r s b e i n ™ e a efficien°tlya]l0W ^ * f U n c t i o n »<™ 2

' S f * t h e , institutional provision on learly eXplained h e r e will i n Tbe *no Cmisunderstanding *° tnere as , ^ G e n e r a l Secretary's obligation to collect this penalty if the grand tax f Ce after 3 ThaCt 6 S 5 * °thC ? i r e C t i 0November n of the I5th Sal sTr't l G ^ -a eral Secretary, chapters will make survey of all inactive members in their territory so that we may get a poton-

4

at

^e

«r£sr?&ff cE£

continue™ * * ' 5

fratemity

^ ^ s u r v e y " a

™ e d -vicTs^fl,

' 2 S ! r°f r P i n , c o n t r a c t be examined with reference to prices of pins so that a fixed price for each pin may be set to include taxes, postage, and insuranee.

6. That the convention set forth the minimum features expected of a chapter that invites the convention to its city and collects the standard registration fee of $5.00 from each member.

7. That consideration be given to a plan for inviting ALL Jewels to all future conventions, and defraying all or part of the expense of the three who are not the Guest Founder.

8. That special provision be made for the purchase of a typewriter to replace the 20-year-old machine now used, that money be made available to fully repair or replace the mimeograph now in use, and that the office be provided with two additional steel letter files.

Fraternally submitted, JOS. H. B. EVANS. General Secretary.

THE

Page 18

Summarized Report of Director of Education Greetings: I submit herewith my third report as Director of Educational Activities for THE ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY. INC. My first report for the calendar year of 1941 was submitted to the Twenty-ninth General Convention at Louisville in December, 1941. My second report was for the three calendar years of 1942, 1943 and 1944 and was submitted to the Thirtieth General Convention at Atlantic City in December, 1944. This third report is for the current calendar year of 1945, which is the fifth year of my service to the fraternity in this position.

I. EDUCATION FOR CITIZENSHIP OBSERVANCE To the Thirtieth General Convention las,t December were submitted two proposals respecting the 1945 Observance of Education for Citizenship Week: (1) that a two-week interval extending over the latter part of April into the first part of May be again the range of time within which the undergraduate and graduate chapters would plan for their local programs in terms of what was preferable for each locality; and (2) that the Citizenship emphasis possibly include "World Citizenship" and "Full Citizenship of the Negro" . . . with local chapters being encouraged to make adaptations in terms of pressing local problems to which each chapter might choose to give stimulation through program emphasis.

On the eve of the proposed period of the observance, there was released to the various chapters a two-page statement of suggestions for the 1945 Observance which included the proposal for choice or combination of three themes or slogans: "Education for Participation in World Citizenship," "Education for Participation in American Citizenship" and "Go To High School Go to College." These proposals took cognizance of the sequence of emphasis in these annual observances over the years going back to the first observance in June, 1920 when the first theme (for thirteen years through 1932) was on "Go to High School, Go to College" with which has become associated over the second thirteen years (1933-1945) the theme of "Education for Citizenship." In recognition of the then growing interest in a pattern of World Citizenship to which ALPHA PHI ALPHA was making its contribution through the vision and initiative of our Brother General President Rayford W. Logan, there was the suggestion that the 1945 observance also include some special emphasis upon "World Citizenship" since the interest of colored peoples in this nation as well as in the world would be appreciably stimulated by such steps as might be taken by the San Francisco Conference and the United Nations Organization to put into actual functioning some of the ideals and basic principles of a pattern of democratic relationships.

Cognizance is here taken of the cularized criticism of the Office of rector of Educational Activities for delay in the release of this special nouncement of suggestions for the

cirDithe an1945

observance. Note is also taken of the

SPHINX

February, 1946

tern of constructive world-wide relationships of the various peoples of the world. There is thus potentiality of pointing up the essential relationships of these two mutually-contributory and essentially-coordinate phases of our life "Education" AND "Citizenship" through a series of programs during the week's observance which would undertake to indicate the relationships of these two factors and which would also provide for additional programs on the full implications of each of these two factors.

3. That local chapters undertake early and adequate preparation for their series of programs through the designation of capable and interested sponsoring committees and through the provision for some consideration of implications and plans in chapter meetings preceding the nationwide observance now proposed for the period of April 7-14.

II. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AND AWARDS The Thirtieth General Convention alH. COUNCILL TRENHOLM located the amount of $500 for scholarDir. of Educational Activities ship awards for the school year of 194546. indication of the number of chapters A. AWARDS OF $100 EACH which did undertake and conduct rather 1. Brother LEON OTTO BANKS (Beta effective programs . . . for which there Chapter), 1817 4th Street, N. W., Washhas been the insistence that local chapington, D. C. ters have as much initiative as possible To continue his studies in the Howard in choosing the major emphasis and in University Medical School. planning for the time and nature of their 2. Brother CLAUDE E. WHITAKER respective programs.

(Beta Rho Chapter), 16 W. Worth For the 1946 (Twenty-seventh Annual) Street, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Observance, the following three propoTo begin the study of law at the Unisals are submitted: versity of Chicago Law School.

1. That the second week in April (Sun- B. AWARDS OF $75 EACH day, April 7 through Sunday, April 3. Brother EVERETT FREDERICK S. 14) become the week for the nationDA VIES (Nu Lambda Chapter), 6734 wide observance . . . with provision Hartford Avenue, Detroit, Michigan. for exception in those relatively-few To continue advanced study at Union instances where a different week beTheological Seminary and Columbia comes necessary or preferable because University. of local conditions.

4. Brother ALLEN E. WEATHERFORD 2. That the slogan be EDUCATION AND (Phi Lambda Chapter), Breesy Heights CITIZENSHIP (instead of "Education Farm, Raleigh, North Carolina.

FOR Citizenship") as a rallying theme To continue studies for the Ph. D. dewhich gives coordinate emphasis to gree in Health and Physical Education both aspects of the stimulation which at Pennsylvania State College.

ALPHA PHI ALPHA has sought to C. AWARDS OF $50 EACH give to youth and to adults over the 5. Brother JAMES G. LEWIS (Alpha Delpast quarter of a century. There Is ta Chapter), 3764 Cimarron Street, Los continuing need for emphasis upon Angeles, California. continued, advanced and specialized To complete senior year at LeMoyne training (high school and college; techCollege. nical and professional) which Negro 6. Brother EDWARD LEWIS MULLINS youth should be encouraged to secure (Beta Omicron Chapter) 2864 Yale in order that our leadership needs Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. might be met and in order that our To complete senior year at Tennessee total Negro constituency might move A. & I. State College. forward to the increasingly-high minimum level of training necessary for ef- 7. Brother CHARLES C. WALKER (Alpha Rho Chapter), 511 W. 49th Street, fective living in our current pattern Savannah, Georgia. of society. There is also continuing To complete senior year at Morehouse need for the stressing of FULL CITICollege.

ZENSHIP participation which involves The procedure continues to be that of the implementing of the several aspects, such as (a) the unrestricted and paying these awards in two semi-annual interested use of the ballot, (b) the installments after receipt of confirmation active participation in the many areas of the brother's registered attendance for of community effort and initiative each respective half-year.

III. FELLOWSHIPS AND GRANTS-INwhich are essential to the success of AID the democratic pattern of living and There still seems to be the very sig(c) the broadening of perspective to take active cognizance of the inesca- nificant policy which has been the basis, pable trends toward some type of pat(Turn to Page 29)

February, 1946

THE

SPHINX

Page 19

ELECTION RESULTS IN FOUR CHANGES IN OFFICIAL ROSTER

M. G. FERGUSON General Treasurer

LEWIS O. SWINGLER Editor of Sphinx

ATTY. CHARLES F. LANE General Counsel

Election Of Officers At Chicago Convention Nine new officers, including Lay Members of the Executive Council, were elected at the 31st General Session. They were Brothers Belford V. Lawson, General President; Louis H. Schuster and A. Maceo Smith, Eastern and Western Vice-

Fraternal Address (From Page 10) pelled to function in strictest secrecy because in those days faculties were ex tremely hostile to any such independent group activity on the part of students.

The Greek Letters preserved the secrecy; hailing signs, grips and words and other devices enabled members to recognize each other and afforded protection to the organization as a whole. The Greek Letter College Fraternity is purely an American invention and in this respect we of Alpha Phi Alpha always should keep our fraternity so. As our nation grew, college faculties became more liberal, fraternities became broader in their purposes, until today higher institutions of learning depend greatly upon these organizations to give students that which the class room does not afford them.

Please note here that I speak only of the college fraternity and not the secondary school fraternity whose chief justification for existence lies in the Instinctive desire in every boy's mind for mystery and organization. To our public, a fraternity is a fraternity, and actions of these organizations sometimes have caused embarrassment to college fraternities.

It has been said that the hunger for brotherhood is at the bottom of the unrest in the civilized world. The desire of men to form closer and more satisfying friendships runs through the ages, making of its own accord the nature of friendship an exclusive relationship based upon understanding. This will explain in part how our Founders came

President respectively; Bert A. Mayberry, General Secretary; Lewis O. Swingler, Sphinx Editor; Arthur B. Fox, Jr., James L. Cummings, and Leroy Collins, Lay Members of the Executive Council, Charles H. Lane, General Counsel.

to form Alpha Phi Alpha as we study their little society which eventually became our Fraternity.

College students always have shown more or less marked tendencies to form themselves into societies. Whether founded on a national, literary or social basis, such organizations seems to have been co eval with the colleges themselves. Men of like tastes and ideals regarding the higher, finer and more serious things of life find their requirements of life similar. Satisfaction of these requirements is best met by association. They organize for that purpose. And this further explains why our Founders created Alpha Phi Alpha.

Gradually many fraternities came to be more or less social in their aspects and programs but always holding on to the fundamental basis of their existence â&#x20AC;&#x201D;scholastic endeavor.

Our fraternity is at once both scholastic and social; and it is to be hoped that it will ever remain so in spite of recent tendencies to encroach on the fields of other organized bodies. Of this I will speak later on during this address.

At this point let us pause and ascertain who we are. All of us are directly or indirectly of African origin or perhaps we may say of African descent. In this country we are termed "Negroes."

Although there is some evidence tending to show that Negroes were on this continent prior to the advent of Columbus, as gathered from the architecture of ruins in Central America together with certain now cultivated fruits and vegetables the plants of which are indigenous to Africa, it is safe to say that our own particular African ancestors landed on

these shores subsequent to 1492. Interesting to note here is the fact that the man who drove the pilot ship in the expedition of Christopher Columbus, namely Alonzo Pietro, was a Negro, and of those in that expedition his were the first feet to set foot on American soil.

Negroes brought to America came from all parts of West Africa the Upper Niger, the Sahara Desert, Senegal, Lake Chad Region, the Zambesi Delta and even from southeast Africa. The variety of tribual traditions, superstitions, customs and beliefs brought with them operated to stimulate the imaginative forces and the creative genius at the transplanted Africans, resulting in a distinct and very rich contribution to the social, cultural and economic progress of continental North America. Primitive Negroes were very intelligent and possessed of numer. ous skills. Under pressure of two and one half centuries of involuntary servitude, their initiative and ingenuity were greatly developed, resulting in such contribution as has greatly shaped and characterized America. Ours is a rich heritage and background.

Having thus determined 'from whence we came, let us now examine our ritual Here we are taught that Alpha Phi Alpha means the First Ethiopian Clansmen. and that the word Ethiopia is the fundamental or historical basis of Alpha Phi Alpha because (a) Ethiopia means a union of races primarily of Arab and Negro origin; (b) Ethiopians have Divine favor; (c) Ethiopians are one of the chief contributors to ancient civilization; (d) we are the First Ethiopian Clansmen.

Now, if we are of Arab origin, then we are not Negroes, but probably of Se-

Page 20

THE

SPHINX

February, 1946

THE

SPHINX

Page 21

BROTHERS SETTLE DOWN TO FIRST BUSINESS SESSION AT CHICAGO CONCLAVE

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, oldest of all the Negro College Greek-letter Societies in the world, during opening of the first business session of the Thirty-first General Convention at Chicago, Illinois.

Shown in the accompanying picture are

approximately five hundred delegates, alternates, and visiting brothers, who have come from the length and breadth of the nation to participate in the first peacetime convention since the tri-parte gathering in Kansas City, Mo., 1940. Business

sessions were held in the beautiful auditorium of Corpus Christi Center, 4622 South Parkway.

In keeping with its theme: "Peace and Reconversion," the Fraternity devoted much of its time (December 27-31st) to

constitutional revisions, and discussion of other changes in order to bring the organization in line with a program to help a war-battered world achieve the ultimate goal of victory.

Left to right, front row:â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Jewel Henry

A. Callis, Founders Speaker at the Convention: Andrew J. Lewis, II, member of the Election Committee; Walker H. Quarles, Jr., Convention Secretary; General Secretary Joseph H. B. Evans: Dr. Rayford W. Logan, General President;

Billy Jones, Assistant Convention Secretary; Dr. Reid E. Jackson. Sphinx Editor; Dr. H. Councill Trenholm, Director of Education: Dr. Lloyd Burrell, Eastern Vice-President: Dr. William N. Lovelace, Midwestern Vice-President.

metic origin. If we are Ethiopians, then let us be reminded that Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia, steadfastly denied that he or his people are Negroes, and he stubbornly maintained that position until Mussolini in his satanic fury laid claim to and invaded Ethiopia whereup on Haile Selassie in his hour of distress found it convenient to send emissaries, even one of his nearest of kin, to Amer ica to contact Negroes in our large cities many of whom upon being so "recognized" contributed freely to the relief and the defense of Ethiopia. The war being over, the same Emperor opened his country to all of the oppressed white people and Jews of war torn Europe, but there is no record that he extended any such invitation to the "war. time Ethiopians" in the United States or to people of our complexion elsewhere in the world who came to his rescue when he was sorely in need of succor. Shall we, then, continue to be Ethiopians?

Here I call your attention to the Min utes of the 4th General Convention, December 27-30, 1911, at Ann Arbor,

Michigan, Page 8, third day session, Report of Committee on Applications, "Having carefully considered the information given by a group of 15 fellows at the University of Kansas con cerning the present enrollment of Ethio pian descendents and the encouraging prospects of a yearly increase in the school, etc. recommended the ac ceptance of the application of the now known "Loabe Club" of the University of Kansas." From this it appears even at that date we firmly believed that we were Ethiopians. Incidentally, it is very amusing, although irrelevant to this subject, to note the comment the same committee made with reference to the application from Pi Alpha Tau Club of the University of Minnesota of which I was a member, "the committee favors the application from Minnesota and feels that the Fraternity would be benefited exceedingly by the addition and co-op. eration of these boys."

Since our fraternity is founded on an Ethiopian background perhaps we had better stop for a while and explore this

ancient country. We see references to Ethiopians in the Homeric Poems; it is a country of g tcry, superstitions and ignorance. Entymology of the name seems to have come from the Greek word meaning swarthy or burned faces, as applied to the inhabitants. Situated in the Northeastern part of Africa, bounded by the Nile, by Egypt and on the East by the Red Sea, it is a country of hills and mountains which have served as natural barriers to invaders.

Most of its ancient culture appears to have been acquired from Egypt which conquered it in the XVIII Dynasty and made it an Egyptian province; and Ethiopia then paid tribute to Egypt in Negroes, Gold, Ivory, etc., and various other commodities. Ethiopia became in dependent about the 11th Century before Christ, and about the middle of the 8th Century B. C., it conquered Egypt.

The yoke was finally shaken off completely about 660 B. Câ&#x20AC;&#x17E; when Ethiopia once more became independent and maintained her independence until she was conquered by the Romans during

the . to 24 B. C. the Abyssinian Chronicles attribute the foundation of the kingdom to Menelik, the son of Sol omon and the Queen of Sheba. Ethiopia has experienced a more or less war like existence, conquering and being conquered, down through the ages.

In 1896, Menelik II. repulsed the Italian invaders in a crushing and humiliating defeat. Peculiarly, no matter what fortunes it has in war. Ethiopia always eventually becomes free and independ ent. It is interesting to note that in our last great conflict Ethiopia was the first country to be invaded and taken, and the first to regain its lost territory and independence. I am going a bit into de tails because I believe we should determine whether the background of our fraternity should continue as Ethiopian or as of African origin.

In examining the authorities on Ethi opia, I note that Princess Asfa Yilma of the Royal House of Ethiopia in her book HAILE SELASSIE, EMPEROR OF ETHIOPIA, published in 1936, states that of the human races inhabiting

Ethiopia, there is the Caucasian type like Bedowins with oval faces, keen nose and lips well formed which do not curl up: the Galas who have large well built bodies, straight nose and deeply sunken eyes; and a third whose hair is wooly and intensely curly and whose lips are thick. There are no Negroes in Ethiopia except as slaves."

"She 'further stated that the main ra cial roots are to be found in Egypt, but that the Jewish and Negroid elements fused with the races in the Centuries before Christ. So that predominate characteristics are now lacking, and this is also due to migrations. The Gallas were war like and probably the military backbone of the country. The Negro or Negroid people of Ethiopia were termed "Shankala."

There are numerous Mos lem tribes on the eastern boundary of Ethiopia.

Then there still are other people termed "Falasha" who are Jews and these inhabit the mountainous dis tricts, especially around Lake Tana and the Gourage.

very little progress has been made in the way of modern civilization in the last three centuries. Abyssinia, and I might say that Abyssinia and Ethiopia are both proper names applied to the same country, remained a semi barbaric country with a feud system in which the leading princess and chiefs were nothing more than robber barons carrying on a cruel and ruthless warfare. There really was no centralized and constructive govern.. ment because the provinces were under the control of the war chiefs. Authority of the Emperor was based entirely on force.

Ethiopia is traditionally backward and

Savage customs, internal wars, fighting and certain adventures have dominated Ethiopia. By the majority of authorities they are classified as a mixture of Arabs. Jews and Hamites Shall Alpha Phi Alpha then continue with its Ethiopian background? with its Ethiopian ritualistics? Or should we once and for all time proclaim to ourselves that we are of African origin? Would such a change break faith with the Jewels who have departed this life? Or

Page 22 is our Ethiopian background to be continued and viewed as merely symbolic?

If the latter, then we would appear to be functioning in a false light. This reminds me of the motto appearing on the clock in the large hall of the high school I attended, "Esse Quam Videri," meaning "To be that which I seem to be."

So much, then, for our ritualistic background. Since our discussion has taken us into the realm of change, is it not in order to discuss other changes?

To return now to the present, let us just consider some of the changes proposed in recent years. We cannot examine all oif them because time will not permit. But the following will serve as examples in order to emphasize the thoughts I am trying to convey. First, we have noted that restrictive provisions in the laws and regulations of some organizations barring Negroeshave been removed. This has been true of two well known scholastic fraternities which now admit Negroes, and it has been suggested that our constitution should be so amended that our membership will not be restricted to Negro male students. It is interesting to note that our constitution specifies Negro male students as candidates for admission to undergraduate membership, but it does not mention race in respect to the admission of candidates for graduate or associate membership. Suppose that we should amend our constitution by eliminating the restriction to Negro male students; and suppose that thereafter some member of the Caucasian race approached our portals and applied for membership. What will be the effect on him when,' during the course of initiation in accordance with the ritual, it is explained to him that he is now a member of the First Ethiopian Clansmen?

From that point do you think he will go forward, or retreat? Our liberal minded brothers who proposed such should consider our ritual. And, should the ritual be changed for this purpose?

Here let me refer to Minutes XXVIII, Page 41, Kansas City, Missouri, 1940, Report of Committee on Recommendations, Section 17,â&#x20AC;&#x201D;"That the word Negro be deleted from the membership clause of the constitution, the clause is not necessary since the ends desired by its use can be attained through the ritual." Now, if that is intended as it reads, such a proposal is contrary to that part of the Preamble of the General Constitution "to discountenance all evil, to destroy all prejudices." because the inference is that on the surface the membership is not restricted to Negroes, whereas underneath the surface we still may raise the provisions of our ritual and keep out all who are not Negroes. Certain proposals of this committee were adopted by common consent. It does not appear from the report whether this particular proposal was accepted or rejected. but the minutes show the report adopted seriatim (in regular order) bycommon consent. Now, Alpha Phi Alpha stands for truth and fair play and such a proposal is little short of a deception.

We of all people should judge our every act in terms of honesty and sincerity. If we open the doors of our fraternity to men of other races

THE

SPHINX

February, 1946

then we should do so whole heartedly and sincerely, and make it possible for them to come in, or we should make no gestures at all in that direction. Personally, I would prefer that we keep Alpha Phi Alpha for ourselves; at least until there is some definite improvement in racial matters in this country.

We ought to have something we may always call our own.

There are some things which are almost sacred to us as Alpha Phi Alpha men. One of these is our shield. We have taken the Sphinx from Egypt, the faces and torch from the Romans, the dove, perhaps, from the Scriptures, and made them into an emblem of beauty both in its design and the thoughts it symbolizes. That shield, I remember, was so ably designed by Brother James A. Dunn, now of the City of Dayton.

Ohio, in the early and trying days of this fraternity. Our shield never should be changed nor altered in any way. Yet, had it not been for the vigilance of our early members of Alpha Phi Alpha and the urgent protest of Jewel George B. Kelley, In the Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, 1941, our shield might have been despoiled by the insertion of an instrument of communication in use by natives in Africa as proposed. Well meaning brothers, but brothers wholly unfamiliar with some of the fundamentals of Alpha Phi Alpha, propose many things in our conventions foreign to this Fraternity. It is the duty of our Jewels and all former officers to prevent these things from 'finding a place in our fraternity.

A tendency exists to inject many things into our Alpha Phi Alpha, contrary to accepted usage and traditions of Greek Letter College Fraternities. Some of our members who know better even do such things. I was pained in the Louisville convention when it was proposed to have a national director of Sphinx Clubs. Think of that if you will! Now, what does this mean? At present our chief source of undergraduate material is from the Sphinx Clubs.

Once these clubs have a national director, they will demand a national convention. They may come to such meetings and enact legislation in a manner similar to what is done in this convention. Presently these men will come to dictate to Alpha Phi Alpha the terms and conditions under which they will enter our membership, and if we do not acquiesce the fraternity will be faced with having no source of material for new members until we can devise other means and this would take years. Each Sphinx Club should remain a separate entity by itself under the exclusive jurisdiction of the chapter creating it.

That and nothing more!

Also, in recent years, the fraternity in my opinion has overstepped its bounds.

Today we have a great committee on public opinion; and we have public programs which attempt to teach Negroes to vote.

This is but a stepping stone to something else; presently we may be advising them what candidates to support and what' parties to vote for.

That, my brothers, is not within the

purview of Alpha

Phi

Alpha,

The

Roosevelt New Deal Administrations did more in 12 years to educate Negroes to the importance of voting than all Alpha Phi Alpha with its feeble equipment can do in a century. There are organizations in our race which have strong and well planned programs with ample funds and equipment to carry them on.

Let us leave to the N. A. A. C. P. the work that belongs to it, and the work of the Urban League to it; in other words, let us stay within our boundaries and not encroach upon the work of other organizations.

Greek Letter College Fraternities should confine themselves primarily to scholastic endeavors. True, we inaugu rated public programs here In the 12th convention in Chicago. This was an in novation and not to be found in any of the accepted usages of Greek Letter College Fraternities. It was done as an emergency measure designed to save our youth who after World War I had come to the northern states In such large numbers and who in the southern states were not taking full advantage of educational facilities available to them. At that time, Alpha Phi Alpha was the first and only organization to endeavor to interest Negro youth to prepare themselves, so that they would 'fit into the schemes of life with greatest usefulness.

Kindred organizations follows the example set by Alpha Phi Alpha and also inaugurated programs of education, welfare and guidance. Some of these have almost spent their strength.

I understand that this is the year In which our constitution is to be revised again. If this is so, then we should hope that this shall be the last such revision.

Our constitution from now on should stand as a beacon light to guide us. I have in my possession the first const!. tution of Apha Phi Alpha Fraternity. It has been pronounced authentic by Jewel Henry Arthur Callis. As I have examined it. I can say that it would still be good for this organization to follow with only a few amendments to adopt it to the organization of today. Any further revision should be by regular amend ments only. Imagine, if you will, the constitution of the Untied States being revised at periodic intervals! I think this is an old practice that has outlived its usefulness, and should now be stopped, once and for all time.

Now, a word about politics. This seems to be an all absorbing question in our conventions. Whenever and where ever two or more persons assemble for discussion there is bound to be some differences of opinion. A difference of opinion makes for progress. Candidates and officers are presumed to represent certain schools of thought within the organization. We cannot eliminate politics. Further, there is nothing wrong in clean politics. As long as politics cannot be eradicated, as long as there is politics in our conventions, the best we can do is to regulate such activity Let issues and principles before us direct our political activity and not persons ot personalities. Let no brother of this Fraternity seek office for personal advantage or to further his own ambition. The theory is in an organization (Turn to Page 26.)

February, 1946

THE

SPHINX

Page 23

RAT£RN/Ty -

/?/?. a w/LSON JV/A/T£AS.

Editor

<w j ^ **.*- v/t»^/i'« ^ 7 , r ^ v^« ^ ^ v Fraternity Fun Noel In Chicago NOEL, noun. I. A Christmas Carol; also a shout made as a sign of joy. (Pronounced n o e I) Christmas- See your dictionary.

In reporting an account of the 1945 Alpha Convention in Chicago I could use many titles but Noel seems to strike my fancy. First of all there is a strong connotation of Christmas joy, frivolity and festivity as you can see from the excerpts taken from Webster's dictionary. Secondly, the temptation to play around the paradox that's created by the use of the term Noel is too strong to resist.

As Americans we can say NOEL in CHICAGO, but for an Englishman to have sat thru the convention proceedings and to have lived the life of a convention parliaDR. WINTERS mentarian it would certainly be an epigram for him to aver that there was Noel in Chicago—there was plenty of it, constantly. Noel in Chicago? Like 'El there wasn't!

This Convention account will be written as a personal review of events and labeled "episodes" as they come to my memory. Of course all events won't be mentioned and most that are mentioned will have to be almost cryptic in their recital. But if you will write to me and name the number of the episode I will send a full and complete account of the event.

Episode 1.—The Anabasis—We left Philadelphia on a special Alpha Phi Alpha Pullman car numbered A. P. 2. It was the exclusive car of Alpha men, and it represented the fine work of Brother Kermit Hall, Director of Transportation.

Brothers Walter F. Jerrick, Morris Cain, Austin Martin, Larney Hardy, Harold Taylor, Emile Raven, Leroy Morris, Charles Broaddus, Charles A. Henry, Wm. H.

Walker and others radiated aristocracy all the way.

Episode 2.—Appraisal of Chicago— Brother Jerrick and I were seated in the diner quietly chatting after a fine breakfast. We were reminiscing about conventions and speculating on the scope, interest and activity of the present one. We were commenting on the freedom from politics that involved our fraternity life, when the train arrived at the Inglewood Station. unloaded, and drifted on downtown with us separated from our party which detrained at Englewood. At the Union Station the taxi seeking crowd was immense. Brother Leroy Morris, wise to railway tactics gave the taxi starter a tip and pointing to us said, "Get a taxi for that Haitian Consular delegation at once." Elbowing startled passengers out of the way the taxi master commandeered the very first cab to drive up as the crowds strained their necks to see the Haitian Gold Dust Minister twins, Monsieur Jerrick and Monsieur Winters.

Episode 3.—Registration with its bottleneck jam at the registry desk. Brothers James Brown and Nelson Woodley looking and working more like bookmakers than registrars. Brother Burt Mayberry's clerical efficiency compelled him to give a hand at smoothing out the tangle. Convention wheels started to roll when the convention address of Brother Rayford Logan was presented and Guest Founder Callis gave one of the most inspiring, and challenging speeches of his career. Brother Raymond Cannon, ex prexy, in his fraternal address analyzed the fraternity from its origin to its Insertion as the anatomists say in their nomenclature; "one thing he did show; we ain't Ethiopian Clansmen no mo!"

Episode 4.—El Grotto—The mere mention of the words tell of a Cabaret Party given by the AKA's and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority girls at the Pershing Hotel. It was magnifique! I was late along

with many others including Brother Jerrick and was herded in an areaway behind plush covered ropes until rescued by Brother Broaddus, dressed like George Raft, and as impressive as Clark Gable.

Our calling him by his first name convince the portcullis keeper that we were more than plebes and in we went. The episode does not end here for I am told that we stayed thru two floor shows and several patron dancing periods. I am told that we executed a form of jitterbug that could be called the "pump handle shuffle" and the "jumping jack shake." I am told that we tipped the waitress three dollars when we paid a bill of $13.00 with eyes that had long since lost their pupillary reflexes.

Episode 5—Chicago politeness—Morpheus and Bacchus finally dumped us from their embraces about 10 o'clock the next morning (Morpheus and Bacchus are mythical characters, the gods of sleep and the fruit of the vine. Lest you forget and misunderstand.) Late for the sessions Jerrick put up the royal thumb and a car stopped. He was kind; so very kind.

He took us right up to the convention assembly doors and wouldn't let us pay him. He must have been a real estate agent. I am still trying to explain to Frau Winters a card found in my pocket stating "Rooms at all hours—no baggage required."

Episode 6—The Formal Dance—The International House costing over two million dollars and presented to the University of Chicago by the younger Rockefeller. The twenty-eight nationalities harmoniously domiciled there. The picturesque prom—the cajoling cadences from the obliging orchestra—the early closing of the dance and the many guests who lingered long to inspect and admire the setting—the very inclement weather—an honest taxi cabbie whom we hired for the entire evening.

Episode 7—Church Service—Sunday,

THE

Page 24

SPHINX

February, 1946

General View of the Capacity Audience That Defied Near Zero Weather •••

>r„.o nf rnrrms Christi Auditorium, Chicago, In the vast audence of Copus Clmsti Aucmo , * representatives m all walks o W >aU w « e P^ese' Stan P ^ £freedom l e H l e " f for nrth t dark era of the dark iracefo f the world, ^ m o n g the speakDecember 30th. Bethel A. M. E. Church held Tt Wendell Phillips High School AuSftnrium Fifty-nine dollars given by AlPha n c " in a special donation after a reUgfo-ritualistic sermon de luxe by Bishop-to-be Brother A. Wayman Ward, cowriter of the Alpha prayer.

Eoisode 8.—The Public Meeting—A series of speeches growing in a crescendo of oratorical excellence. Hon. Norman W. Manley just fresh from a special emer^ency initiation following clue of Brother Historian Charles Wesley in his masterful introduction, responded like a true Alpha man The current had surcharged Brother Logan and he gave his famous "50020-1" speech.

Episode 9—There were two receptions so closely joined that we can group them in one episode for they produced several little episodettes. At the reception of the Alpha ladies there were four punch and cookie tables. It didn't take me long to discover that the ladies had poor memories and did not realize that I had lined up at each of the tables twice. One of

.•.'::'::-.:-:-*-'-:-'-.---v:-^i

ers were Attorney Norman W. Manley, organizer and leader of ^ ^ ^ ^ pg Jamaica; D r charleg R Wesley_ p General President of dent of w n b e r f o r c e University, a n d , Past Alpha Phi Alpha; Dr. Rayford W. Logan, head of the History

the episodettes was the chat with Mrs. Sidney Jones and her sister-in-law from Atlanta. Brother Jones said that he had suddenly noticed that the Alpha official family was devoid of male heirs except the General Counsel and the Director of Education. I recalled that a senator once called his colleague a jackass and the colleague countered by calling the first tor a mule. Curious at what he considered a mild retort, he asked. "What's the difference." "Why you're a hybrid and not as good as a jackass. A mule has no pride of ancestry and no hope of posterity." Another episodette was the finding of a crumpled piece of paper under the running board of Brother Peck's auto as Brother Emory Smith and Viola, his spouse, were entering. I picked up the paper and noting a Chicago phone number Calumet 29—(Ha! Ha! write me for the other two numbers. Brother Smith swore the paper was not his. I don't think Viola reads this junk, so Brother Smith you may get the other two numbers any time you want them. P. S.—Yes, broth-

ers I called the number up. Write me for my experience.)

Episode 10—Oakland 030 ( ) Ha! ha! ha!

That's the partial phone number of Charlie Barnett and his ga-lam-or-ous wife.

Etta Moten. She sent Judge Harwood with a car to interrupt our double deckerham sandwiches and double thick eggnogg at Brother Peck's pent house. Well, let's talk about Etta and Charlie. Let's talk about the African carvings, the many portraits and etchings which have been given her by her admirers and which adorn her mansion. Brother Cyrus regaled us with Carribean political history and Prince and Princess Nyabonga listened with rapt attention. Jerrick eyed Barnett and ogled Etta. I divided my attention between the nude carvings and the well filled Moton Nylons. Dean Johnson from Bluefield gasped and swallowed, swallowed and gasped.

Episode 11—Episodettes (a)—Oscar Brown's use of matches to emphasize a point in his speech Sunday at the public session. The matches wouldn't strike on

February, 1946

THE

SPHINX

Page 25

To Attend Alpha's Public Meeting, Chicago, During 31st Convention Session

Department, Howard University, and General President; and Attorney Bindley C. Cyrus, of Chicago, who served as master of ceremoniea Words of welcome came from representatives of Alpha Kappa the table close by, on the pulpit, on the rostrum carpet—nowhere but on the seat of his "britches" where he use to strike them "down home." Episodette (b)—Bindley Cyrus' oratorical peroration, "I love Alpha Phi Alpha, I love my fraternity next to the love I have for my wife—• (a lawyer's cunning was responsible for this qualitative after thought) "I mean my second wife!" Episodette (c)—Brother Hurlburt T. Riley's fine speech nominating Brother Jerrick for President. Brother Jerrick declined to run. Episodette (d) —The political and parliamentary astuteness of Brother John D. Buckner of Epsilon Lambda was a joy to behold. Few of us will forget his calling a point of order on the Parliamentarian (yep, on me) and getting away with it. None of us will ever forget that look of disdain and gesture of contempt as he slowly cocked his head and crooked his arm in a sweeping hemi-circle of annoyance when he was heckled by some delegate nearby him.

Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sororities; and Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternities.

Brother Nelson Woodley was featured in several musical selections.

(Show the St. Louis boys how you did it John!) Episodette (e)—Brothers of Gamma Iota Lambda you may well be proud of delegate Jesse R. Griggs. He was the cockiest, albeit the bravest and clearest thinking freshman delegate that I've seen glitter in the convention firmament. He was a very good copy of Brother Bob. T. Custis of New York at his most provocative best. Remember Custis at Louisvile, fellows? Episodette (f)—Brother Wayman Ward had an episode feeding some hungry brothers of the cloth, Brother Bishop Madison Reid, Brother Dr. Jerrick and myself. The twenty pound spice baked ham and the fruited cocoanut, ambrosia dessert and episodes in themselves. Thank you, dominie.

Episode 12—Brother these are but the surface scratching of episodes. The entire Sphinx wouldn't hold them all. These are mentioned to cause you to recall your own. Will anybody ever forget the

Brother Galvin episode with Brother Bishop Reid's fine speech. Can anyone forget or did your delegate fail to tell you about Brother Emory Smith's nomination of President Belford V. Lawson.

Or Brother Ex Prexy Roscoe Giles' getting reminiscent and Brother Jerrick getting "vexed." Then there was the episodette of all three western nominees being ineligible for candidacy as vice president.

There was the Kappa Attorney Johnson ;it the public meeting "going to town" just like an Alpha man. The last episodette is of the deacon reading the notices at that church on Michigan Avenue. He was flustered at the presence of so many college men and instead of announcing that there would be a "taffy pulling contest next Friday night at St. Thomas' Church"; he blubbered out, "There will be a Thomas pulling contest next Friday night at St. Taffy's Church."

I'Twas well the church was not named after some of the other disciples).

Page 26

THE

February, 1946

SPHINX

EASTERN AND MIDWESTERN DELEGATES LINE UP FOR THE CAMERAMAN

xj f

f

m.f

T

./ - â&#x20AC;˘

m

KBft2

.

ZASTEKN

Fraternal Address (From Page 22) of this kind that one member is as cap. abfe as the next one. Every brother has the right to aspire to any of our offices, but he who does aspire to office should do so only for the purpose of doing for Alpha Phi Alpha, and nothing else.

There is one other matter to which 1 would call your attention. I believe that the only way in which one can obtain the true conception of Alpha Phi Alpha is to enter this fraternity in his undergraduate days.

There are now chapters of this fraternity at most of the leading institutions of learning at_ tended by Negroes in this country. Those who desire to become members of this fraternity should therefore enroll at an institution of learning where we have chapters, or, if there are a sufficient number of Negroes attending a given school where no chapter exists a petition for an undergraduate chapter may be

QXOVF~C/f<SO.

COtiVZXTlQF

made. This is primarily an undergraduate fraternity and we want by all means to keep it so. Graduate members from now on should be those who have come up through the ranks if under. graduate members. I do not say this in any derogation of any who may have entered this fraternity from the ranks of graduate men. But I believe this fraternity has reached that point where we do not seek numbers and numbers to build up a treasury. Instead, let us find some way to re claim and bring back into the fold these so called five or six thousand delinquent members.

That is the way to build up the treasury, if our treasury needs building. That is the true way to strengthen our fra. ternity. As I stated earlier, I believe the Annual Fraternal Address should be one of direction and guidance for our members, a reminder of our duties and the task that lies before us. We must ever strive to perfect our union; to insist upon the personal progress of our

f9

brothers and to help them when in need and do so voluntarily when that need is apparent. We should regard each other in a fraternal manner with love and con sideration; we should praise our brother's virtues and seek to correct his faults. A friend will tell you of your shortcomings but an enemy will let you continue to err. A brother should at least do as much as a friend. The eyes of the public are upon fraternity men and particularly ! fraternity men of our race. We must be living examples of truth, we must discountenance all evil and we must act individually and collectively to destroy prejudices of every kind. Our first unit of government is the institution of the home.

America is founded on this institution.

If our home is destroyed the foundation of our nation will decay. Therefore, we must at all times stand unequivocally for the preservation of the home; and with this admonition our Founders wisely coupled the personification of virtue

February, 1946

THE

Page 27

SPHINX

GAIETY REIGNS SUPREME AT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE, CHICAGO

"Serious-minded" Alphamen also know how to step out when it comes to social affairs. And this is one of the unforgettable moments when brothers forget Convention cares: The Closed Formal. In Chicago, the host Alpha brothers ^nd the chastity of woman. It is the duty of the several chapters administrations at all times to keep all of these principles clearly before their members in their meetings because in our chapter is found our fraternity home life.

Alpha men must have implicit confidence ;n themselves and our race. In my experience, I have known some of our members In their frustration to leave our Iraiermty and even our race and completely sever all their connections therewith. One of these men at one time aspired for our highest office.

There is no need at any time for pessimism.

The Negro now is going through his most critical and trying period in this country. Hope and promise abound all around us. To many who have prepared themselves have come a number of opportunities in the last decade hitherto undreamed of. Even greater things are in store for us. Our background is rich, our contributions to world advancement are magnificent.

Since the public schools tail to do so, we must inform our youth, of the illustrious achievements of members of our race in order to destroy or prevent pos-

broke precedent by obtaining the International House for the Closed Formal during the Thirty-first General Convention. How many do you recognize?

sibilities of inferiority complexes among them. Negro youth must be enlightened; must know that many of the world's greatest mathematicians and scientists of ancient times were Negroes; youth must know the part we have taken in the history of the World development; he should know that there were three African Popes of the Roman Catholic Church and that one of these, Melchiades (311 312A. D.) through his efforts finally caused Christianity to prevail over and against the Roman Emperors; that the great Beethoven is authentically reported to have been of Negro origin. Negro youth must know that many great leaders have appeared among those of our race in the course of history.

He should know of the achievements of Toussaint L'Overture in gaining the freedom and independence of Haiti; that Crispus Attucks was the first to give his lffe for the cause of this country; that Negroes have graced both of our houses of Congress; and that they enriched this country's life with their contributions to the music and art of America, that Pushkin became Russia's greatest poet and recog-

nized master of prose; that Alexander Dumas, the elder, was a celebrated ro mancist and dramatist; that one of the greatest generals and renowned genius of military tactics was Hannibal of Carthage; that our own George Washington Carver by his discoveries in the field of chemistry pointed the way to greater economic progress and prosperity for all of the southern states; that even our great city of Chicago in which this convention is being held was founded by a Negro in 1779, namely, Baptist Point De Saible; and it is thought that it was he who applied to the new community the name that it bears today.

Ours is an illustrious background of achievements, and when Negro youth is properly enlightened, he will hold high his head, and with renewed faith and courage he will go forward with a firm and steadfast resolution and ascend to even greater heights in the scale of h u . man achievements.

As I bring this to a conclusion, I admonish each of you to be tolerant of the opinions of others and the beliefs of your fellow men. Consider that when Columbus discovered this land, his

Page 28

THESPHINX

February, 1946

CALIFORNIANS "STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT"AT CLOSED FORMAL

California delegates, and their lady companions get the spotlight during a brief intermission at the Closed Formal.

International House, Chicago University. The closeup presents Brothers Robinson, Dewey Davidson, president of Beta Psi Lambda Chapter, Los Angeles; Jack Terry, head turned, pilot Alonzo Pietro. was a Negro; that the Christian members of his expedition were Roman Catholics; that Columbus is variously alleged to have been an Italian and a Jew. Today, this land of the free and the home of the brave tol erates injustices and discriminations against the descendants of all of these because of race and religion. Alpha Phi Alpha men have a share of the responsibility to destroy these prejudices.

1 cannot close this without a word of tribute to a departed brother, the late Brothor Lucius Lee McGee, who passed away a -few months ago. It was a rare privilege to know this brother. He was Alpha Phi Alpha itself. He served this fraternity as our 10th General President after he had held the office of General Vice President and the Second Editor of The Sphinx. In all of my experience in Alpha Phi Alpha I know of no Broth ex who excelled him In sincerity and

Western Vice-President; Reid E. Jackson, of Arkansas State College, and Sphinx Editor; and Brother Isaacs, who with Brother Attorney Bert McDonald, was responsible for bringing the Pan-Pacific Convention to Los Angeles in 1936, ten years ago . . . the first Alpha session on the West Coast.

faithfulness to our fraternity. I saw him last in the summer of 1944 while here in Chicago.

I learned he was ill in Provident Hospital so I went there to see him. Although he was forbidden by his doctor to exert himself nevertheless, he engaged in conversation with me for nearly three and a half hours during which time he did most of the talking and most of what he talked about was Alpha Phi Alpha. He lived the prin ciples of our fraternity in his daily life.

Truly he was an Alpha Phi Alpha man, and one to whom this fraternity shall ever be indebted because it was due solely to his own efforts at one time that this fraternity did not become an inactive organization. He gave freely of his time, his money and his efforts to his fraternity; and no doubt his in terest and zeal in this probably contributed to the impairment of his health.

I hope this convention does something

very definite to perpetuate the memory of his faithful service. We should lo cafe the McGcc Cup and have i1 fore us again at each of our conven tions.

And now. my brothers, may the Al mighty in His goodness and in His In finite Wisdom aid the officers and mem bers of this convention in their endeav ors for Alpha Phi Alpha.

Oh Lord, may the true spirit of fraternity rule our hearts and guide our thoughts, so that we may become, through Thee, Servants of All

Let Someone Else Read Your Copy of the Sphinx

February, 1946

THE

SPHINX

Page 29

'0 GIVE ME THAT GOOD, OLD ALPHA SPIRIT, GIVE ME THAT

Brothers in all age category . . . both the Alpha serviceman. and the civilian, at this "Crossroad of their convention life," join in singing many of the songs that are dear to their

Educational Director (From Page 18) during the past five years, for the awards of Fellowships and Grants-In-Aid. These Fellowships and Grants-In-Aid are now described in the official announcements as being of three types: A. Fellowships to assist brothers in special projects of research which are sociallysignificant and scholarly-mature.

B. Fellowships to assist brothersf undergraduate or graduate) in markedly significant creative work in any field deemed worthy by the Educational Foundation of financial encouragement by the Fraternity.

C. Grants-In-Aid or Loans-In-Aid to assist brothers in the publication of socially-significant work for which the manuscript may be read for publication.

During the past five years, the Alpha Educational Foundation has restricted its awards to the TYPE C applicants and has developed a statement of conditions which rather insure both the representativeness of the publications and the status of the publisher . . . with the resultant prestige to the fraternty.

The Thirtieth Convention allocated $350 for Fellowships and Grants-In-Aid for this fraternity and calendar year of 1945.

There were two formal applications which seemed to the Alpha Educational Foundation not to be in proper form for con-

hearts during the Closed Formal, International House, Chicago. They have just finished the most sacred of all their songs, the ALPHA HYMN.

sideration at the time of the meeting.

There were three other letter and personal inquiries which did not develop to the point of a formal application. THERE IS THE RECOMMENDATION TO THE BUDGET COMMITTEE OF THIS THIRTY-FIRST GENERAL CONVENTION THAT THIS AMOUNT OF $350 BE CONTINUED IN ADDITION TO ANOTHER ALLOCATION FOR 1946 IN ORDER THAT THIS VERY SIGNIFICANT PHASE OF THE WORK OF THE FRATERNITY MAY THUS BE CONTINUED MORE EFFECTIVELY. There is justifiable pride in the type of awards of Grants-In-Aid which have been made during the preceding four years for very representative publications: 1944-45 *$350.00 to Brother (Dr.) Hugh M. Gloster for assistance in the "stillpending" publication of FICTION

BY AMERICAN NEGROES 18901940 by The Dry den Press.

1943-44 '$400.00 to Brother (Dr.) Harry W. Roberts for assistance in the "still-pending" publication of THE LIFE AND LABOR OF VIRGINIA RURAL NEGROES by the University of North Carolina Press.

1942-43 $300.00 to Brother 'Dr.) John Hope Franklin for publication of THE FREE NEGRO IN NORTH CAROLINA 1790-1860 by

the University of North Carolina Press.

1941-42 $500 to Brother James A. Porter for publication of THE NEGRO IN ART by The Dryden Press.

It is to be noted that the awards to Brothers Gloster and Roberts have not been paid but have been formally extended upon more than two occasions by the Alpha Educational Foundation because of publication difficulties during the past three years. However, these volumes had been formally accepted for publication by these respective publishing companies before the awards were made and it Is now the recently-indicated anticipation that each of these two publications should be started and the request made by the respective publishers to the Fraternity for the payment of these awards in the early Snring of 1946. Hence, the Budget Committee of this Thirty-first General Convention is being requested to carry this item of $750 for these awards of GrantsIn-Aid of 1942-43 and 1943-44 as "carryover commitments" of The Alpha Educational Foundation of the Fraternity.

It is also to be noted that the Fraternity policy of establishing contractual arrangements with the publishers whereby the Fraternity would participate proportionately in the distribution of any royalties from sales of any such publications which might have successful "quantity-sales" has already begun to yield returns in the case of Brother (Dr.) Franklin's book on

Page 30

THESPHINX

February, 1946

ALPHAS SING THEIR HYMN AS CLIMAX TO PUBLIC PROGRAM

Brothers at the Public Mi lined hands in singing the traditional ALPHA HYMN as the climax to a program that brought Chicagoans out by the thousands ;n near zero weather. Scene of the public program was Corpus Christi Auditorium, located on South Parkway, in the heart of Chicago's THE FREE NEGRO IN NORTH CAROLINA 1790-1860. On July 16, 1945, the University of North Carolina Press reported that through December, 1944 there had been 478 sales (excluding free distribution of 83 copies) and that for the first six months of 1945 there had been 27 adnal sales to bring the total sales to 505 copies and thus to entitle the Alpha Educational Foundation to a refund of $3.17 (five copies at .633). This check was transmitted to the General Secretary of the Fraternity with the indication that it should be added to the account of the Alpha Educational Foundation and retained as a segregated permanent fund which might build up over the years for use again.

During this year 1945, Brother (Dr.) William H. Gray turned over to the Director of Educational Activities a copy of his published study A STUDY OF PERSONNEL WORK IN NEGRO COLLEGES which he made incident to his advanced graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania and for which he received

Brother Nelson Woodlej I in a series <>!' musical selections, can be seen, top view, near the organ.

The hymn was led by Brother A. Maceo Hill, of Columbus, Ohio, official song leader for the Convention.

the 1940-41 fellowship award of $500.00 from the fraternity.

In addition to this aggregate award of $2,050.00 during the past five years (194041 through 1944-45), there is also pride in the $4,175.00 awarded for fellowships in the preceding six years to the following brothers: 1939-40 $500.00 Grant-In-Aid to BROTHER RAYFORD W. LOGAN for publication of THE UNITED STATES AND HAITI 1776-1891. $350.00 to Brother ROBERT F. BUNDY, Jr., to complete the patenting of his CARDIOTRON. (Grant-In-Aid of $400.00 to Brother N. A. FADIPE to publish KENYA: A WHITE MAN'S LAND not paid because of war developments).

1938-39 $250.00 to Brother HERMAN BRANSON of the University of Cincinnati to assist him in continuing his research in THE EFFECTS OF SOFT X-RAYS ON LIVING ORGANISMS.

1937-38 $500.00 to Brother A. K. NYABONGO to complete his doctorate at Oxford University.

1936-37 $500.00 to Brother W. WARRICK CARDOZO to complete his INVESTIGATION OF SICKLE CELL ANEMIA AMONG NEGROES. $275.00 to Brother JOHN LEON LOCKETT at Rutgers University.

1935-36 $500.00 to Brother CHARLES LIONEL FRANKLIN at Columbia University. $400.00 to Brother MYRON B. TOWNES at University of Michigan.

1934-35 $450.00 to Brother JAMES B. BROWNING at the University of Michigan. $450.00 to Brother JOSEPH HIMES at Ohio State University.

Thus over the period of 18 years of award of Scholarships in the aggregate amount of $10,100.00 and over the period of eleven years of awards of Fellowships and Grants-In-Aid in the aggregate (Turn to Page 31)

February, 1946

THE

SPHINX

•Mt*-

Page 31

- * * > •

d.EDUMRD

COTTOH

-*vw Greetings, Brothers:— All the felicitations that go with the new year, and a year. I hope, with peace with us 'Mice again ou,r aims will transcend all that we have undertaken in the lie is ripe for many of our projects, held up because of the war.

The surface has not been scratched as 3 et, The Convention just closed in Chicago was one of the finest in the history of the Fraternity, I am told. Sorry that I could not attend, but up until the last weeks of December I had planned to be in attendance, but you know how the Army works. We had notice that all men would be removed from our area; hence USO Club services in the vicinity of Alexandria, La., were terminated as of December 31st past.

I am at home presently, taking it easy for a few days. 'Am opened for any proposition that may come around. Anyone with any suggestions, please let me know. So much for that!

* * *

One of the most pleasant meetings I have experienced since returning home was with "PA PA" . . . none other than Brother Bishop John A. Gregg, who is still beloved by that flock of students who attended Wilberforce University during his administration. To those of us of that flock, Brother Bishop Gregg was "PA PA." I think he cherishes that name, given him in the deepest of affection.

Brother Gregg was here to address the returning veterans in a mammoth welcome program sponsored by the local federation of churches. Mason's Temple, with a seating capacity of ten thousand, was completely filled. Brother Gregg, in his warm and eloquent manner, recounted highlights of his visits to various overseas theaters of operations during the war. He also spoke at one of the A. M. E. churches during the morning services of the same day.

Giving all the appearance of good health, and contentment, I am inclined to give part of the credit to his recent marriage. You know the Bishop took a bride December 31st. Alpha Phi Alpha, the church, and all your friends wish for you and Mrs. Gregg many happy returns.

I hope to have the pleasure of meeting her soon. Naomi, be on the lookout for me. I may have 'red' in my eyes.

It seems to me that the time is ready for a major drive by our Fraternity to get the kids back in school. A combined

J. ED\ slogan of the two educational programs should make a dandy caption: "Go-to-High School, Go-College For Citizenship" Campaign.

For some reason our educational systems have failed to hold the interest and respect necessary to bring up young citizens. This should be the propitious time to re-emphasize the need for going to high school and college. There has been a serious moral breakdown among the young people of this nation . . . a lack of sense of responsibility that goes with citizenship.

We should prevail upon the boards of education in our respective communities to provide for better truant enforcement.

Another interesting suggestion in the last edition of the SPHINX was the meeting together of all Negro Greekletter organizations for the purpose of taking all our matters of race in hand and make a united front. Sounds good to me, but I can picture some very amusing experiences during the proms that would be given at a convention composed of the various elements of Greekletter organizations. The best 'bet' possibly would be for the executive councils to meet jointly and arrange, say, for a five-year sinking fund. This was suggested from "Echoes From My Den." I know that when this comes off the press, the much filibustered FEPC will have been cast aside. Another instance of "Too little and too late." Note that something can be done when our government allows a few such characters as leaders of the Southern block to gum up the whole works of the country in order that the Negro can be deprived of a piece

of bread. We had better stop so much praying and do something concrete here on this earth.

Well I see that the seat of the SPHINX is back on Beale Street after a short vacation. Quite a few noticeable changes in the national roster of officers. All good men and I wish for them the success that is needed for expanding our Fraternity of an in' I basis. I am pulling for you as a whole.

'Had the privilege of visiting the former editor of the Sphinx and his charming \\jfe shortly after their return from their pective conventions. Mrs. Jackson was an attendant at the Delta Sigma Theta Convention at Richmond, Va. Both reported some interesting highlights of their meetings.

My hat is off to Brother Frank L. Stanley and Brother Charles W. Anderson, of Louisville. I know that you two were very much in evidence. Congratulations on your recent accomplishments. Brother Stanley, as president of the Negro Newspaper Publishers Association, and to you, Brother Anderson, for your continued effort to make democracy workable in Kentucky through the various bills you are introducing in the legislature of that state.

Here's to all the brothers. I wish for each of you a year of happiness and prosperity. My experiences in USO during the past two years, I believe, make me capable of most anything. So I'll be seeing you . . . in the next edition. s

Educational Director's (From Page 30) amount of $6,225. the ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY has sought to make very constructive its interest in education by the contribution of a total amount of $16,325.00 for Scholarship and for Fellowships and Grants-In-Aid.

IV. CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND Made a part of the allocation to the Alpha Educational Foundation in the 1945 Budget, as approved by the Thirtieth General Convention, was a contribution of $500 to the United Negro College Fund.

This step was just another of the significant manifestations of constructive and substantial interest in the education of Negroes which has been one of the outstanding phases of the program of the ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY over the past twenty-six years since the GO

Page 32 TO HIGH SCHOOL, GO TO COLLEGE movement was initiated as our pioneering effort. It has constituted a general interest, beyond the awards restricted to brothers of the Fraternity, just as was the pioneering interest of the Fraternity in the Murray Case at the University of Maryland and in the Gaines Case at the University of Missouri, and just as has been the pioneering world-citizenship approaches of the Fraternity through Brother General President Rayford W. Logan.

It is hoped that this Thirty-first General Convention will choose to renew this allocation of a similar contribution to the 1946 campaign of The United Negro College Fund.

THE

SPHINX

THE NEGRO AND THE POSTWAR WORLD— A PRIMER, $1.50

By RAYFORD W. LOGAN The Minorities Publishers Washington. D. C.

In simple, straight-forward, and clear language, condensed into eighty-eight attention-gripping pages, Brother Dr. Rayford W. Logan, Past General President, has rendered the world two long-needed services in his book "The Negro and The Postwar World . . . A Primer."

In the first place. Brother Logan gives V. THE ALPHA STUDENT LOAN FUND us at least a bird's-eye view of the Negro Beginning with the 1941 Fraternity fis- all over the world. Too long has the Necal year, the Fraternitv has been build- gro in America been completely engrossing an ALPHA STUDENT LOAN FUND. ed in his own situation. In fact, the Amerin discharge of the mandate of the Twen- ican Negro nas so immersed himself in ty-eighth General Convention held at his own condition, and immersed the atKansas City in December, 1940. It was tention of all others who would listen, proposed that this fund be $1500 and that until, with the exception of a more or it be developed through annual alloca- less vague and lu-oulous interest in Afriand possibly tne West Indies, the vast tions of $500. At the Thirtieth General ca. mass of folk are largely unaware that Convention held in Atlantic City in De there are Negroes ui other places in the cember, 1944. there was the report both world. Brother Logan's book . . . easy by the Director of Educational Activities to read and based on authoritative reand by the financial officers of the Fra- search . . . provides an opportunity for ternity that this $1500 had been set aside ns to overcome this "can't-see-the-forestattitude. The author's in a special bank savings account. At the for-the-trees" last convention, there was the rec- "Primer" becomes what might be accepted ommendation of the Director of Educa- as the ABC's of a factual perspective on tional Activities that the beginning of op- the Negro as a whole. Enough mention is eration and administration of this Loan made of the thirteen million Negroes in United States and Canada, the forty Fund be postponed for an additional two the million in Latin America and the colonial years (because of the generally more fa- West Indies, the approximately two milvorable economic conditions for the rela- lion in Australia and other Pacific istively small number of Alpha men who lands and India, and the one hundred forwere privileged to continue in school) ty million in Africa and islands off the and that the amount be built to $2500.00 coast to establish the little known fact through annual allocations of $500 for that Negroes constitute about one-ninth each of the two years of 1945 and 1946. of the world's population. That is an imThe approved report of the Budget Com- portant fact that Negroes in general mittee of the last convention carried this should consider. It is also worthy of the allocation of $500 and it is anticipated that white man's consideration. It suggests the the report of the financial officers to this formulation of a world view on matters race as it pertains to the Negro and Thirty-first Convention will show that this of the colored peoples of the earth in general. $500 has been transferred and deposited to this Student Loan Savings Account to The second service performed by bring the total in this special fund up to Brother Logan in his book is contained $2000 as of December 31, 1945. in its references to the postwar outlook for the Negro, particularly in the United However, there have been several re- States, whose current position of moral, quests during this year for assistance military, and economic prestige and leadership in the world is important rrom through the Student Loan Fund to which many angles. It may be concluded from the Director of Educational Activities has Brother Logan's observations that the necessarily made the reply that the pres- United States will play a decisively important part in determining the keeping ent status of authorization of the Fra- or disturbing of the peace in the world ternity is that the use of this special fund of tomorrow as well as of today.

The is not to begin until January, 1947. after manner in which it is able to adjust its the amount has grown to a total of $2500 preachments to practice of its ideals of democracy, particularly as they apply to by the end of December, 1946. It is still race and the Negro, will have a great the open question for the Fraternity to deal to do with whether or not the ruling reaffirm its position in this matter and to citizens of the United States will be the standard-bearers of Nazi Aryan supremdirect the Alpha Educational Foundation acy in the future. to prepare for submission to the next cona few deftly placed and suggestivevention in December, 1946, the proposed ly With worded sentences. Brother Logan prepolicies and regulations for the adminis- sents the case of the Negro around the tration of these student loans . . . which world in this post-war era of the Atomic is the recommendation being made in this Bomb, resurgent imperialism, reactionary class struggle, and relatively bewildered report by the Director of Educational Ac- search for collective security within nativities. tions as well as among nations. The clear-

February, 1946

Education For Citizenship Week Announced—Apr. 8-14 Brother Dr. H. Councill Trenholm. at Montgomery, Alabama. Director of Education, has released two announcements respecting the annual educational projects of the Fraternity.

[EDUCATION AND CITIZENSHIP WEEK will be observed by the more than one hundred chapters throughout the nation during the week of April 8-14. This will be the twenty-seventh such annual observance which began as a "GO TO HIGH SCHOOL. GO TO COLLEGE CAMPAIGN" backed in 1912. and was expanded to include EDUCATION FOR CITIZENSHIP in 1932 under the administration of Dr. Rayford D. Logan, recently retired as General President.

Alpha Phi Alpha renews its appeal in this observance both for an adequate education which will meet the pressing current needs of Negro citizens today and for a broad approach to the obligations of. citizenship in a democratic nation and in a broadening world of still conflicting ideologies.

Scholarship and fellowship assistance in the amount of $1350 will be available for members of the fraternity who need assistance for their further study or for the publication of significant works. Applications will be received at the office of the Director of Educational Activities through June 15. At the recent convention of the Fraternity, held in Chicago, Brother Trenholm reported that Alpha Phi Alpha had expended a total of $16,325 for scholarships and fellowships since this program was initiated by the Fraternity back in 1928. cut question of "How will the Negro fare?" is left in the mind of the reader.

With his comments on the deliberation of such events as the San Francisco Conference, and similar meetings, Brother Logan gives an idea of what is )• done and said in the world forums about the question of race. From the background of his long experience, learning, and consideration of the subject, the noted scholar suggests a basis for the thinking and action of Negroes and others interested in finding a basis for needed world adjustments on matters of race.

These suggestive comments, alone, are valuable for the general reader.

The book is suitable for the use in high schools, colleges, discussion groups. and for general readers. Its extensive bibliography, patricularly on our near neighbors, the Latin American Negro, is a valuable addition to the book, and is itself, alone, worth the paltry $1.50 tor which this excellent "Primer" on the World's Negro Question is offered on the book mart. It is "must" reading *or all who would speak with some authority on the topic.

Committee on Public Opinion (From page 12) are for the FEPC but who fear to take the important step. b. The Poll Tax issue is somewhat more abstract, but the plan is of im measurable importance to colored people who live in the southern part of the United States. It operates precisely where you can expect it to exclude the greatest number of colored people from voting privileges. It is. however, a sym bol of something much larger. It is a symbol of a certain sort of conservatism (Turn to page 40)

February, 1946

THE

SPHINX

McGEE CUP IS HIS MONUMENT

Page 33 In 1919, at the Cleveland Convention, Brother McGee was elected General First Vice-President, and in this position he showed efficient leadership by assisting the General President, Brother Fowler, to overcome the damage of World War I to the Fraternty membership Brother McGee installed Upsilon Chapter, Kansas University, 1917; and Chi Chapter, Meharry College, 1919.

The highest office in the organization was entrusted to Brother McGee during the 1920 General Session at Chicago, 1920.

His administration was colorful. He carried it out with dignity, influence, and the outstanding accomplishment was initiation of the now traditional "Go To High School, Go To College Campaign," which became a national project.

The official badge A PHI A was adopted by the Fraternity under his presidency, and during his leadership the Fraternity brought its first General Convention west of the Mississippi River.

His strength as a builder, and as a "reclaimer" of Alpha brothers who had left the fold, has as its lasting testimony the famous McGEE CUP. This cup has become the national symbol of chapters on the march, vigorous in their zeal to reclaim and hold all brothers in their respective communities for the glory of Alpha Phi Alpha, and service to mankind.

"We must not shoot in the air, but accomplish results. Each chapter must put its part of the program over with interest and drive."

These were the vigorous charges of a vigorous leader of our Fraternity.

They are words that callenge us Today as we move into a new era of development under the leadership of Brother President Belford V. Lawson.

Oklahoma City In Final Tribute To Brother L. L McGee

BROTHER LUCIUS L. McGEE

FORMER GENERAL PRESIDENT L L. McGEE TRANSFERRED TO OMEGA

By IRA D. HALL Former General President, Brother Lu- charter member of Gamma Chapter, Richcius L. McGee, charter member of Gam- mond. Virginia. His leadership at Gamma ma Chapter, Virginia Union, Richmond, outstanding and forward.

It soon Virginia, reached his Omega Chapter gained for him the support of Gamma.

August 20th past. Alpha ceremonies and eulogy carried out by General First Vice- During the Annual Convention in ChicaPresident. Brother William N. Lovelace. go, 1914, Brother McGee was elected Editor of the SPHINX, and under his 째f Cincinnati, Ohio. editorship the publication was greatly imDynamic Leadership proved and enlarged from a literary Brother McGee made his debut into standpoint. It became a potent voice of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in 1913 as a the Fraternity.

By IRA D. HALL Brother Lucius McGee served as director of Social Sciences of the Oklahoma City Separate Schools for many years.

He likewise was director of athletics and coach of the mighty Trojans who became the pride of sports fans in Oklahoma City.

As an educator. Brother McGee was outstanding. He held for an extended period the principalship of Wheatley Junior High School, yielding the office only when this institution was merged with Douglass High School. Among the many state positions in organizational work. Brother McGee served as president of the Oklahoma Association of Negro Teachers, and as an executive committee member of this Association for three years.

If a man was needed for a real task, everyone said, "Let's get Lucius L. McGee." "Doing when others had stopped, and leading where there was lost vision," is the way followers and admirers of this fallen leader summed up his career.

He was principal of Dunbar High School and president of the City Separate Teachers Association when he was transferred to Omega Chapter.

The inspirational spirit . . . the courageous faith 1hat dominated the great Alpha Life of Brother L. L. McGee shall (Turn to Page 34)

Page 34

T H E S P H I N X

February, 1946

CHAPTER ECHOES BETA LAMBDA CHAPTER OBSERVES ITS ANNUAL FOUNDERS DAY H

•

•

• • ' • •

•

eta Lambda Chapter began its celebration of F o u n d e r s Day by attending services in a body at St. P a u l ' s P r e s b y terian Church. 17th Street a t Paseo, S u n d a y morning, J a n 20, 1946. at 11 o'clock. Rev. Charles G r a y delivered t h e on. Members of t h e chapter shown in t h e accompany icture, lot! to right, first row. a r e : B r o t h e r s E l m e r J a c k son, Wm. H. Tower, ft. Rostell Mansfield, D a n W. Lewis, president, B u r t A. Mayberry, recently elected G e n e r a l Secre-

BETA LAMBDA CHAPTER Greater Kansas CityGreet ings, Brothers in Alphadom: — IN JANUARY Beta Lambda wishes to report some of Its activities tor the year 1945, results of which were receipt of t h e coveted McGee i First social event el the year was t h e Annual Alpha-Kappa Party, held in the ilul Little Theater ol Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium where so many brothers tipped thi He toe during 1940 Convention. Fully one thousand |oyed the evening and were sorry ist.ro raised his baton and out came the strains of Home Sweet Home."

IN FEBRUARY The twenty-fifth anniversary of Founders' Day was observed with a banquet in honor of wives and sweethr bruary 15. The banquet was held in the spacious dining room of t h e R. T. Coles Junior and Vocational High School of which Brother Earl D. Thomas is principal. Brother J. Oliver Morrison, t h e only founder living In the city, spoke on "Twenty-Five Years of Beta Lambda."

Brother Dan Lewis, chapter president, gave a resume of the 1945 program. Brother Burt A. Mayberry. treasurer, led In t h e singing of Alpha songs and Brother Elmer C. Jackson. Jr., served as toastmaster. The affair was enjoyed by all present.

IN APRIL At t h e April meeting our hearts were

•

. - • . . . - . • . • . . . ;

. . .

tary of Alpha P h i Alpha; S. H. Thompson, Jr., J. A. King, and Dowdal H. Davis, Jr.; Second row, from left: B r o t h e r s E d w a r d F. Green, Charles Toms, Dr. W. W. A n d r e w s , D r . E. H. R u m m o n s , Dr. A. C. Wilson, Cordell Meeks, Roosevelt Butler. J. Oliver Morrison, P a u l Mobiley; T h i r d r o w , from left; E. I. Bassett, Wm. R. White, J o h n O. Kelley, Charles B. West, J. A. Bradford, I. F . Bradley, W. D. Combs, Neal Weaver, E m m e t t Wade, a n d Mack C. Spears.

saddened by the passing of t h e late Franklin Delano Roosevelt, President of t h e United Stale.;. An appropriate memorial was held for him with Brother E. B. Buster, vice-principal and history teacher of Sumner. as speaker. Brother R. Brown, of the St. Louis Office of FEPC, spoke on the accomplishments of the FEPC. Brothers of Beta Lambda have been quite an asset to t h e community and to the peoples of color throughout the United States, having made monetary contributions to such worthy causes as the FEPC, Poll Tax, Charity Drives, War Loan Drives, Douglass Hospital, and the Boys' Home at Little Blue. Missouri. Brother S. H. Thompson, Jr.. recording secretary, and Brother Earl D. Thomas headed the Sixth War Loan. Under their leadership $10,000 in bonds were sold. Brother Dowdal H. Davis, Public Relations Chairman, was instrumental in having the chapter donate $25.00 for t h e fight against the Poll Tax. An intensive drive to reclaim brothers out of Alphadom was launched, resulting in the following reinstatements: Chauncey Downs, Neal Herrlford, John A. Hodge, Dr. Charles Mellon. J. O. Morrison. George Perry, C. E. Singer, Earl D. Thomas, Dr. S. H. Thompson, and Charles B. West.

Perhaps the activity which did the most for the chapter was initiation of "The Alpha Man of the Year" Contest. Winner of this contest to receive a prize of $10.00.

Points on which the award was t o be made are: Regular attendance a t meetings: full payment of budget; number of relnm e n t s brought in; committee meeting attendance; and general service to t h e chapter and to t h e community. So many brothers entered t h e contest t h a t the com-

mittee on awards is at present checking the results of t h e contest. Other chapters should try this.

Beta Lambda is glad to announce t h a t one person crossed the burning sands. He was Hermon F. Edwards, instrumental music teacher of Sumner high school.

Officers for 1946 are: Brothers Daniel W. Lewis, president; Joseph A. King, vicepresident: Dowdal H. Davis, corresponding secretary; S. H. Thompson. Jr., recording secretary; Rostell Mansfield, financial secretary; Burt A. Mayberry, treasurer; Willie D. Combs, associate Sphinx Editor; J. O. Morrison, • chaplain; and Roosevelt Butler, tergeant-at-arms.

With the Office of General Secretary (Burt A. Mayberry having been elected at the Chicago Convention) located within our chapter circle, and with a membership embracing the highest in Alpha, greater achievements are in store for 1946.

Fraternally yours W. D. COMBS, Associate Sphinx Editor

Oklahoma City In (From P a g e 33) forever live in his a t t a i n m e n t s . His alertto all problems correlative to Negro welfare kept h i m pounding u p o n locked doors . . . until they w e r e opened. T h e r e fore, it is modest to say t h a t n o t only did his beloved wife, a beloved m a t r o n of Oklahoma City, give u p a g r e a t c o m p a n ion, b u t all t h e c o m m u n i t y sustained a n i r r e p a r a b l e loss.

February, 1946 BETA RHO LAMBDA Youngstown, Ohio Beta Rho Lambda Chapter, during the past year, continued in the forefront fraternally with a variety of activities. One of its major social events was a formal dance given at Stambaugh Auditorium in the Marble Room. Music was furnished by an outstanding local band and over two hundred guests were present. Highlights of the affair were presentation of favors unci a victory inarch. The party exemplified the true Alpha spirit.

Brother James E. Smith, a lifelong resident of Youngstown and former physical director of t h e West Federal Y. M. C. A., me Executive Secretary of t h e West Federal Y. M. C. A. He is well qualified for the position. Brother Smith succeeded the esteemed Brother S. S, Booker, t h e first General Secretary of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Brother Robert Randle, an interviewer In the Veteran Department of the TJ. S. E. S., recently accepted a position as manager of the Atlanta Lite Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio.

His departure has been deeply felt by all brothers of our Chapter since he was president a t t h e time of his leaving.

Brother A. Clayton Powell, Jr., first Negro Congressman from New York, was presented to an enthusiastic audience during late fall. Brother Powell, member of Eta Chapter, and pastor of one of t h e largest Protestant churches in t h e world, used as ubject, " Where Do We Go From Here."

Third Baptist church, one of t h e largest Negro churches in Youngstown, was filled pacity with a mixed audience. Brother Booker Is pastor of t h e church.

Congressman Powell, following the program, was honored with a reception a t t h e home of Brother Earl Stewart. The attendance Included brothers and their wives and lady friends.

Among out-of-town guests present were Mr. Parham. and Mrs. Love, both of Warren, Ohio.

Delegates elected to the recent Alpha Convention in Chicago were Brothers Graham Lynch and S. S. Booker.

Chapter officers for t h e year include Brothers Lynch, president; Andrew J o h n son, vice-president; James E. Smith, secretary; S. S. Booker, treasurer: and Romeo J. Robinson, Editor to the Sphinx.

Fraternally yours ROMEO J. ROBINSON s

BETA PSI LAMBDA Los Angeles, Calif.

Greetings, Brothers in Alpha:â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Since t h e last edition, Alpha brothers in Los Angeles have been before t h e public a number of times, and I m u s t say we made fine impressions each time.

Los Angeles was blessed with t h e presence of Brother Rayford W. Logan, retiring president. following his visit t o t h e United Nations Conference in San Francisco. Both of t h e local chapters got together and sponsored a Mass Meeting with Brother Logan as guest speaker. His topic was "Significance of the United Nations Conference to Minority Groups."

Tills mass meeting was well attended, and later In the evening a beautiful banquet reception was held in Brother Logan's honor. Brother President Logan stole t h e show of the evening with his flattering remarks about t h e women attending the banquet.

The undergraduate chapter, Alpha Delta, with the cooperation of Beta Psi Lambda as patrons, sponsored t h e Sphinx Club in a Recital during mid-fall. The Little Brothers did well in gaining t h e attention and commendation of t h e public of Los Angeles. Little Brothers James Patton, tenor; and Julius Jackson, pianist; Charles Graham, violinist, featured in t h e Recital, are all enrolled at t h e University of S o u t h ern California. Patton is working on his Master's Degree in music.

Alphas of t h e "Angel City," late in November, gave t h e 'Dance of the Season.'

THE

SPHINX

While other Greek-Letter organizations used the small ball room on Central Avenue for their dances, the Alphas journeyed to Pasadena to present their ball i n t h e exquisitely beautiful Pasadena Civic Auditorium. More t h a n two thousand guests attended, and acclaimed t h e affair as one of the most beautiful formal of the year.

It was the first time in the history of the building t h a t Negroes had secured this hall.

Both chapters, during the latter part of January, united in the sponsorship of an elaborate banquet. The occasion marked the Installation of officers, and the Crystal Palace Business Center was the scene.

Brother Leonard Richardson gave a short b u t Impressive address. Officers for Beta Psi Lambda chapter installed during the reception included.

Brothers Dewey D. Davidson, president: Arthur Mitchell, vice-president; Edward Strong, secretary; Samuel Brown, corresponding secretary: H. L. Richardson, treasurer; Newell Eason, chaplain; W. Carter Lewis, Editor to the Sphinx.

ALPHA GAMMA LAMBDA New York, New York Greetings: It is indeed with pleasure t h a t ALPHA GAMMA LAMBDA greets the dawn of a 'new day' in Alpha and extends t o t h e newly elected administration our heartiest congratulations, and wishes for success.

We, the graduate chapter in New York City, closed out 1945 with a Christmas Stag Dinner at t h e Hotel Theresa on December 22nd. Forty-seven brothers attended, including several of our New England brothers who 'sliced turkey with us.' Out-of-town visiting brothers were: R. S. Fleming, of New Haven; Joseph L. Carwin, of Sanford.

Conn.; and William S. Randolph, of Mt. Vernon.

We were fortunate In reclaiming t e n of these brothers, t h e result being t h a t our financial membership roster was raised to a total of twenty for t h e beginning of 1946.

Brothers John Philip Waring and Clark Smith, who had just recently returned from overseas, gave us very interesting accounts of some of our brothers' heroic deeds in t h e European theatre.

Unfortunately, t h i s release was requested

by Brother Swingler j u s t before our first meeting of 1946. At this meeting. Brother Robert T. Custis was scheduled to take over the reigns of Presidency from Brother H. Binga Dismond. You brothers who know Brother Custis as I do, can be sure t h a t he gave t h e chapter proposals for an effective program this year.

Sadness has been much in our hearts.

Last year, and already this year. The passing of our beloved Brother Payton F.Anderson, former National Vice-President of Alpha, was recorded in 1945. Brother Anderson practiced medicine for many years in this city and was held in high esteem by all. This year sadness was the sudden passing of our most distinguished literary brother, Brother Countee Cullen.

These brothers have left their footprints upon the memorial sands of Alpha. Neither Time nor Tide will wash t h e m away.

ALPHA GAMMA LAMBDA CHAPTER sincerely hopes t h a t all Alpha brothers and all Alpha chapters will have a fruitful year.

Fraternally yours, FRANK L. HAILSTOLK Associate Sphinx Editor s-

BETA KAPPA LAMBDA Charleston. S. C. Greetings to all brothers in Alpha: â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Beta Kappa Lambda Chapter has gotten off to a fine start, having just installed its new chapter president and other officers.

They are Brothers Dr. W. Winston Jones, president; Dr. E. B. Burrough, secretary; and Arthur D. Greene, who continues to serve as treasurer.

We are happy to have safely back with us Brother Thomas Carr McFall, who served

Page 35 as a Captain in U. S. Army Medical Corps.

During his military career, Brother Captain Carr won t h e Bronze Star Medal for meritorious performances. We also have Brother Frank A. Rendar, Executive Secretary of t h e local Y. M. C. A.; William E. Cross, Field Executive for t h e local Boy Scouts of America; and James A. Fagan, Assistant Director of t h e local U. S. O. Beta Kappa Lambda recently presented Brother Frank A. DeCosta, chairman of the Department of Education, S. C. State A. & M. College, as guest speaker in a p u b lic meeting saluting the local "Y." Brother DeCosta brought a most informative address and his message was happily received by his large audience. Brother Registrar McGee and Brother Paul Webber, head of t h e Economics Department at S. C. State College, accompanied Brother DeCosta from Orangeburg to Charleston.

I n t h e past few months the following brothers have had such varied experiences and made such accomplishments in their respective fields as herewith noted: Brother Dr. W. Winston Jones has enlarged his dental parlor with installations of some of the finest dental equipment seen in these parts: Dr. Luther T. Purvis moveu into his own modernly equipped Pharmacy on one of Charleston's busiest corners; Dr. A. G. Purvis has made an extensive tour of Mexico.

The Chapter has also been made happy to have many other brothers as guest speakers on various occasions, notably.

Brothers Bishop Frank Madison Reld, who delivered the Rededicatory Address at Avery Institute; Brother L. Howard Bennett, of the American Council of Race Relations; and Brother Charles Johnson, of Fisk University Department of Sociology, and noted author.

Beta Kappa Lambda is now busily engaged in making plans for its Spring Program which calls for a Formal Dance and a "Go to High School, Go to College Week."

Fraternally yours, A. J. CLEMENT, JR. Associate Sphinx Editor s

ALPHA IOTA LAMBDA Institute West, Va. Greetings to Alpha Phi Alpha Brothers: The progressive destiny of ALPHA IOTA LAMBDA Chapter, Institute, West Virginia is in the very capable hands of t h e follov.ing officers: Felix Warren, re-elected president; Lawrence V. Jordan, vice-president; William J. L. Wallace, re-elected as secretary; Frederick C. Page, treasurer; Brother A. W. Curtis, Sr., was elected chaplain; Robert J. Anthony, Editor to t h e Sphinx Magazine.

Alpha Iota Lambda Chapter is proud to announce that it was able t o give u p t h e stewardship of t h e local undergraduate chapter, ALPHA ZETA, to the following men, Edward Cochran, Reginald S. White, Chester Junes. Shirley Benton Robinson, and Washington Crofton who were initiated on December 8. 1945. under the eyes of a few of the graduate brothers. These men, t o gether with the two brothers already on t h e campus, and the returning veterans have rejuvenated Alpha Phi Alpha on t h e campus.

Brother Andrew H. Calloway continues to bring honor to himself and t o Alpha Phi Alpha. His most recent achievements are (1) the coveted button for meritorious service under the Price and Ration Board of the Kanawha County Office of Price Administration and, (2) an appointment as chairman of t h e committee t o study t h e Strayer Report on "A Survey of Public Education in the State of West Virginia" with respect t o the proposed recommendations and its effect on Negroes and Negro Education. Brothers Jordan and Wallace are on the Committee with Brother Calloway.

Brother Edward L. James, successful poultry distributor of Charleston, West Virginia, ably represented the chapter as delegate at his thirty-first convention. We

Page 36

THESPHINX

are very proud of Brother James' record of attendance.

Brother Leonard Barnett and Brother Daniel Ferguson are doing a singularly o u t standing Job of developing recruits Into snappy soldiers as part of their duties as officers in the State Guard.

Brother Gurney Ferguson is in the midst of a campaign to raise funds for the local Young Mens Christian Association. Quite a few of t h e brothers are supporting this worthy cause, financially and morally.

Brother William Fletcher designed and constructed a float for the use of Garnet High School. Charleston. West Virginia, in the Victory Bond Parade. December 8, 1945.

This float won second prize In the contest.

Brother Joseph Grider, after a two months seige of Illness, is back at his old stand, making the halls of t h e "A" building ring with music.

Brother Kent of Morgan College was a recent visitor to Charleston, West Virginia.

Unknowingly, Alpha Iota Lambda Chapter gave Brother Kent his Bachelor dinner on t h e occasion of his attending our December meeting. Brother Kent Joined t h e "benedicts" t h e next day.

Brother William J. L. Wallace is still receiving congratulations for his article, "Some Outstanding Teachers of Chemistry in Negro Colleges and Universities," published in the Journal of Chemical Education, Vol. 22. No. 10, October, 1945.

With these bits of news, your scribe writes "thirty."

Fraternally and cordially ROBERT J. ANTHONY Editor to the Sphinx s

OMICRON LAMBDA Birmingham, Alabama Omicron Lambda Chapter, Birmingham, Ala., has been carrying on in the true tradition of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity since 1924. It has always endeavored to adhere to its high purpose and aim. The promotion of the spirit of Brotherhood within our rank and service to mankind has remained the guiding motive back of all of our activities.

The Chapter holds meetings on t h e 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at t h e homes of the brothers.

On the first Sunday in January, reports of the delegates to t h e convention were made by our senior and Junior representatives, Brothers C. L. Shepherd and Geo. C. Bell, respectively. These reports were very interesting and thought-provoking.

No whit of information of value was omitted by either brother as they covered the Convention activities completely, and made each of us cognizant of t h e things t h a t took place. A rising vote of t h a n k s and appreciation was given t h e delegates.

Previous to these reports, t h e installation of the officers for 1946 was conducted

by Brother Bell, retiring president. In his well-worded directives he charged each officer to guard Jealously and well the duty of his particular office to t h e end t h a t there would be nothing lacking In Its performance. He further advised them to let nothing interfere with their carrying o u t in every detail, the high aim and purpose of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. It was a very impressive installation, done in a fine manner and style as only Brother Bell could use. The officers and their respective positions for 1946 are: Brother Wayman C. Matherson, president; Brother Major A. Brown, vice-president; Brother C. L. Shepherd, recording secretary; Brother Charles O. Webb, corresponding secretary; Brother Dr. W. J. Dowdell, treasurer; Brother W. Wesley Whetstone, associate editor to Sphinx; Brother Rev. William L. Cash, chaplain.

With this splendid corps of officers, Omicron Lambda Chapter la destined to continue to progress and help Birmingham grow by the participation of its members in other worthwhile civic organizations.

The second meeting of t h e year, held on January 20, was a highly important

one. Upon this occasion t h e report of t h e auditing committee was made and t h e proposed program for 1946 was read. The report of the auditing committee was very well received and showed t h e results of a very fine Job. I t was very pleasing to note t h a t there was a sizable surplus in the treasury after completion of t h e previous year's work. At t h e end of t h e report, t h e chairman made several good recommendations to the body, which were taken under consideration.

Following this report. Brother Charles O. Webb, Co-chairman of the program committee, read the proposed program to t h e body. He was substituting for Brother Damon Lee, Jr., chairman of the program committee, whose mother passed on J a n uary 18, and was funeralized January 20.

The program as outlined has many Interesting features and caused much comment and thought by all t h e brothers. Highlights of the proposed program were: "A Citizenship Week" speaker from t h e national body for a public program during the month of April; the sponsoring of a piano recital by a native of Birmingham, who has Just completed work In music at New York University; the holding of an Informant Clinic," for boys and girls who are about to finish high school and go to college, in an effort to help guide t h e m into a channel where they will be more useful to themselves, their race and their country; and revival of the Pan-Hellenic Council in Birmingham. This proposed program was accepted by the body.

We were all happy to welcome back to Omicron Lambda Chapter, several of our brothers who had been serving In t h e armed forces. Among these brothers were: Brother Tilford J. Cole, First Sergeant, who served for three years and nine months, two of which have been spent In the European Theatre of Operations. He brought some very Interesting features of his stay in the army and of his contact with Alpha brothers overseas; Brother H. Lovell Mosley gave us a word-picture of his activities and travels while serving his country. He was instrumental in helping to organize a chapter of brothers while In the Army, This chapter had a membership of 29 brothers. We are very pleased t o have these brothers come back to us and lend their abilities to the high aim and purpose of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Other brothers from our chapter who were In t h e armed services and had already returned are: Brothers Mason C. Terrell, Peter A. Hall, and Ira E. Evans, Jr. The members of Omicron Lambda Chapter are looking forward t o a great year for Alpha Phi Alpha.

W. WESLEY WHETSTONE, Associate Editor s

ALPHA DELTA LAMBDA Memphis, Tennessee Greetings, Brothers: It's membership reduced to a "mere h a n d ful" of brothers during the terrible war years, Alpha Delta Lambda Chapter has begun to hit its stride on the comeback trail. Although operating on a graduate level, most Alpha Delta Lambda's members, at the beginning of the war were eligible for Induction into the armed forces.

Thanks to the loyalty and fraternal devotion of those who remained on the home front, Alpha Delta Lambda Chapter continued to function throughout t h e war.

Too much praise cannot be given such stalwart Alpha Delta Lambda members as Brothers Dr. Walter W. Gibson, who took over the leadership following the induction of Brother Lewis O. Swingler; Attorney A. A. Latting, Walter Guy, Jr., President Hollis F. Price of LeMoyne College; Rufus S. Hawkins, James G, King. Joseph Westbrooks. Marvin Tarpley. Frank Gray, James Lewis, Robert Lewis, Jr., and Dan Thomas Jr. During t h e past year, the chapter has welcomed back Into its fold the following brothers who served their country two years or longer:

February, 1.946 Brothers Abner B. Owens, Jr., Technical Sergeant, and wearer of the Bronze Medal with three Battle Stars for heroic services in t h e European Theatre of Operations; Taylor C. D. Hayes, Technical Sergeant, who served in both the ETO, and the Pacific Theatre of Operations; Jake Barbour, two years in Europe; Charles Tarpley, III, three years at various military installations in t h e States; Chris M. Roulhac, Jr., Second Lieutenant, MAC, and prior to receipt of Commission, nearly two years of overseas duties as First Sergeant in Africa, and Italy; Henri Twigg, Captain, Quartermaster Corps, who served with distinction for more t h a n two years in the European Theatre of Operations; Lieutenant Arthur Nicholson, over two years in t h e South Pacific, and Captain R. Earl Bland, U. S. Army Medical Corps, nearly three years, including overseas services in the South Pacific.

Under leadership of Brother Frank Gray, who transferred to Alpha Delta Lambda from Beta Pi, Lane College, the Memphis Alpha brothers began to take on renewed strength in 1945. One of its major projects was publication of an ALPHAGRAM for distribution to brothers of both t h e graduate chapter, and t h e undergraduate chapter, Beta Xi, LeMoyne. The ALPHAGRAM, dedicated to t h e brothers in t h e armed forces, was mailed t o every serviceman registered with one of t h e two Memphis chapters. Brother Lewis, student at LeMoyne, had charge of publication.

The return of Brother Dr. Bland brought new enthusiasm into the chapter. He spearheaded a careful search for Alpha material In the Memphis vicinity, and t h e result was initiation into the Fraternity five of the community's outstanding professional men. They were neophyte Brothers Drs. O. B. Braithwaite and U. S. Walton, dentists; Drs. E. M. Wilkins, and G. M. Roulhac, Srâ&#x20AC;&#x17E; physicians; and Father St. Julian Simpkins, rector, Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Opening of the fall season for t h e chapter was marked with a Buffet Supper Dance in honor of the new brothers. Scene of this affair was the beautiful Harmony Club, on the outskirts of Memphis. Special guests included the widows of two brothers who had passed on to Omega Chapter.

They were the Late Brothers Dr. A. A. White, physician, represented by his widow, Mrs. Vivian D. White; and Dr. R. E. Shivers. dentist of West Memphis, Arkansas, who was represented by his widow, Mrs. Louise Shivers.

Election of officers in December brought several 'old-timers' back on the scene.

Results of the election returned Lewis O. Swingler to the presidency for t h e third time; and A. B. Owen, Jr., back to his old post as chapter secretary, a position Brother Owens held prior t o his departure for the Army. Other officers elected Included Brothers A. A. Latting, vice-president; James G. King, corresponding secretary and Associate Sphinx Editor; Rufus 8. Hawkins, treasurer; Frank Gray, sergeant-at-arms; Dr. E. M. Wilkins, parliamentarian; Father St. Julian Simpkins chaplain; and Dr. Walter Gibson, Director of Education.

During the first meeting of the new year, with Brother Richard (Tuff) Green as host. Alpha Delta Lambda initiated Prof. W. A. McDauiel, instructor of music in the Memphis public schools, and director of bands at both Booker T. Washington and Manassas high schools. Brother MeDaniel's addition to the membership roster is regarded as a good omen for a fruitful year.

All brothers of Alpha Delta Lambda rejoiced to learn that Brother Swingler had been returned to the office of Sphinx Editor, and have promised t o give him and the office t h e fullest support.

Fraternally yours, JAMES G. KING. Associate Editor.

February, 1946

THE

SPHINX

Page 37

THEY MAKE GRIDIRON HISTORY AT TENNESSEE STATE

B r o t h e r H e n r y A. K e a n (right end), director of athletics, A. & I. S t a t e College, Nashville, has guided his football team to gridiron titles in the Midwestern Conference, and two consecutive victories in t h e Vulcan Bowls. He has been ably assisted b y B r o t h e r McCain (right), a n a t i v e O k l a h o m a n .

F o r eighteen years, B r o t h e r McCain was a successful coach at Douglass high school, O k l a h o m a City, and is r a t e d as one

BETA OMICRON CHAPTER Tenn. State College We, of Beta Omicron are privileged to take this opportunity to inform all brothers of our most recent undertakings, experiences, and accomplishments.

Beta Omicron of Tennessee State College under the leadership of our president, Brother Edward L. Mulllns Is keeping t h e name of Alpha Phi Alpha burning brightly here in t h e Athens of the South.

Beta Omicron opened t h e Pall quarter with Annual Smoker, which was attended by more t h a n two h u n d r e d freshmen. At this particular session we had t h e privilege of welcoming Brother Vernon McCain, Brother Dr. Myron Towns and Brother Dr. Hugh Smythe as additional faculty advisers.

On Thanksgiving Day known as Homecoming, Beta Omicron Chapter participated in the homecoming parade along with t h e three other Greek Fraternities t h e four Greek Sororities, non-Greek fraternal organizations and clubs of the College with Beta Omicron winning first prize for t h e moBt artistic and decorative float. Decorated in old gold and black with a Sphinx head on the hood. Alpha easily captured the prize for the day.

Among t h e activities planned by the chapter are a vesper program and a Sunday School Program which will be held May 12, celebrating our twelfth birthday. That week will be known as Alpha Phi Alpha Week for t h e Alphas on the campus and if you are near the Athens drop by t o help enjoy the association and comradshlp t h a t tie our great brotherhood. Also listed among our many and varied activities are the sponsoring of a Quiet Hour program, Sadie Hawkins Day, Pen-Hellenic Tea and the Annual Spring Banquet and Dance given by Beta Omicron, Alpha Chi, Chi, and T a u Lambda chapters combined.

of t h e best basketball coaches in t h e country. Center is B r o t h e r William "Bill" Bass, selected as captain of the 1945 Ail-American team.

He is a m e m b e r of Beta Omicron Chapter. B r o t h e r K e a n and McCain serve as advisors to t h e b r o t h e r s . They a r e m e m b e r s of T a u L a m b d a Chapter, Nashville, Tenn.

Have you heard about our Deskadesis? If not, It is only a dance given by the chapter for the benefit of all students t o swing and sway the Alpha way. The Greek alphabet Is used in the name of the dance and this year brings us to Gamma Deskadesis.

We, the members of Beta Omicron, as you know, are proud to have among us Ail-American Brother William "Bill" Bass.

For two consecutive years Brother Bass has made the Ail-American Football team.

Not only does Brother Bass possess this unusual skill in football playing b u t he is a scholar and a well respected man.

The brothers regret the loss of Brother Cato Edmondson, who has left us t o attend school in Los Angeles, Calif. Brothers of Alpha Delta be sure t o be on t h e lookout for our brother, he will be an asset to t h e chapter.

Along with our losses we have some gains. We are happy to welcome back Into the chapter Brothers Julius Higgins, Frederick Irby, Finley Jordan, and William Polk who served for many months in the armed forces and various places throughout t h e universe.

By the way, lest I forget, we are represented with an undefeated basketball team.

We have on our campus what is known as an intramural basketball league and Beta Omicron's light is burning on the top of the hill rather t h a n under the bushel basket by staying on the winning side.

Allow me t o take this time to congratulate our newly elected national officers. We were very pleased when our delegate, Brother Thomas H. Pinson made this part of his report. We truthfully hope t h a t you will guide and direct us to greater heights during these critical times and we will assure you t h a t we are behind you one hundred per cent.

Fraternally.

THOMAS H. PINSON Chapter Editor

BETA PHI LAMBDA CHAPTER Savannah, Georgia To the satisfactory delight of more t h a n three hundred formal guests of Beta Phi Lambda, the Misses Gloria M. Walker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Walker; Mary S. Curley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Middleton Dilworth; Corrie E. Caper, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. E. H. Capers and Jeanette E. Wilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Wilson were presented to society In true characteristic of Alpha Phi Alpha. Needless t o say, the occasion was one of beauty, having as honorees five most beautiful debutants, gowned in white net, full skirts, taffeta bodices and long gloves, each carrying appropriate bouquets of yellow chrysanthemums.

Each guest of Alpha arriving during t h e presentation hour 11:00 p. m., to 12:30 a. m., was formally announced, received by an Alpha host and introduced to the chaperones. Mesdames J. W. Wilson, M. G. Haynes and H. M. Collier, Jr., who in t u r n presented the honorees. Mrs. Wilson wore an evening gown of green Jersey with a corsage of gardenias; Mrs. Haynes wore black lace with a corsage of red roses; Mrs. Collier, Jr., wore white satin with an orchid as a corsage.

Following t h e presentation hour, during which soft chamber music gave invitation to the flower-bedecked crystalballroom, Messrs.

Edsel Robinson, Toland Collier, Herbert Hardwick, Jr., James Miller and James Marshall, five teen-age dancing partners, made their way forward, extended their hands in invitation to t h e five debutantes for the signal beginning of t h e dance for the evening. This was the honor dance Tremendous applause greeted each couple as they took the floor 'midst flashing of photo cameras.

During Intermission, all guests relinquished the floor to brothers In Alpha

Page 38 Phi Alpha who sang t h e Alpha Hymn with true love and devotion to t h e fellowship.

Alpha hosts for the evening were: Brothers W. O. Dixon, J. W. Wilson, C. V. Clay, W. P. Hubert, H. M. Collier, Jr., S. M. McDew, Jr., M. G. Haynes, R. M. Gilbert, R. W. Moore, A. A. Alston, L. D. Perry, Walter S. Scott, Jr., K. A. Peacock, J. Q. Adams, H. W. Murph, A. Cox, H. W. Norrls, and W. H. Nelson.

Social committee: Dr. S. M. McDew, Jr., chairman; Dr. H. M. Collier, Jr., co-chairman; Dr. A. A. Alston and Mr. Walter 8.

Scott, Jr. W. P. HUBERT Associate Editor

BETA PI CHAPTER Lane College Greeting Brothers: Its great t o be back in stride again with good old Beta Pi after spending three years and four months with Uncle Sam. Beta Pi sent as its Senior Delegate t o t h e Thirtieth Convention Brother James L. Cummings, who halls from Indianapolis.

Ind. Brother Cummings, active t h r o u g h o u t the convention, was elected a Lay Member of the Executive Council.

Welcomed into our midst on December 18, 1945 were four neophytes namely: Brothers Cleveland Johnson, O'neal Goodrich, Richard O. Bass, overseas as Sgt. Major for 399th Port Battalion stationed in England, North Africa, Italy and Prance.

Four more Veterans have returned t o t h e campus and Beta Pi, namely: Brothers Leroy Suttles. Herman Stone. Samuel Carpenter, Melvln Hall and Riley T. Bandy.

New officers elected In November are as follows: Louis I. Flowers, president; Bill Tom Ridgeway III, vice president; Dalton W Glenn, secretary; William Grayson, treasurer; Riley T. Bandy, Associate Editor to the Sphinx; Herman Stone, Sergeantat-arms; LeRoy C. Suttles, parliamentarian, and Richard O. Bass, chaplain.

The brothers of Beta PI are now working on our forthcoming Founder's Day Program which is to be around t h e latter part of February.

Outstanding "Apes" and t h e parts they are playing in Extra Currlcular Activities on t h e Campus are as follows: LeRoy C. Suttles, Editor-in-Chief of Lane College Dragonette, Louis I. Flowers, president of Sopnomore Class; Richard O. Bass, President of Youths' Council, C. M. E. Church; James L. Cummings, president of Spanish Club, and Leoda Porter, co-captain of t h e basketball team.

All indications point toward a most progressive and successful year here a t Beta PI. Fraternally yours, RILEY T. BANDY

MU CHAPTER University of Minnesota Greetings from Mu, Brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha: Mu Chapter held its first meeting of 1946 Thursday, January 24th, presided over by its new officers. Brothers Charles F. Nichols, president; Lawrence Wright, vicepresident; Thomas W. Fowler, secretary; and Stafford Lott, treasurer.

There was a report on t h e General Convention by delegates. Brothers Ransom Golns, and Lawrence Wright. Other brothers made comments.

Plans were made for accepting new men Into t h e Sphinx Club, and initiation of four pledgees. By t h e time this appears In print, t h e pledgees will have "Crossed the Burning Sand," all things being equal.

Mu members, during t h e heat of t h e fillbuster on the FEPC in Congress, sent letters to their respective Congressmen, urging immediate and favorable action on t h e measure.

Brother Jesse Gardner, having recovered from his recent Illness, was expecting to

THE

SPHINX

Join Mu on the Minnesota campus a t this writing. The chapter recently heard from Brother Jerry Evans, who after receiving his Electrical Engineering Degree from Minnesota is now working in Washington, D. C. Cupid attached our new president, Brother Nichols, and he gave a beautiful engagement ring t o Miss Elizabeth W. Young of St. Paul.

In closing, Mu wishes all chapters a successful year.

Fraternally yours, THOMAS W. FOWLER, Associate Editor

KAPPA CHAPTER Ohio State Greetings: We of Kappa Chapter have great plans for the forthcoming Convention. Watch this column for further information. At t h e annual election, held at the end of t h e fall quarter, the following brothers were voted into office: Brothers Walter B. Jones, president; Richard Calloway, vice-president; and Dean of Pledegees; William (Bill) Grimes, secretary; Howard Lewis, assistant secretary; Jack Mitchell, parliamentarian; Linwood Walker, chaplain; and Darius Worsham, Associate Sphinx Editor, and Sergeant-atarms.

Installation banquet was held during t h e middle of January. Full detallB of this affair, accompanied with a picture, will be submitted for t h e Educational Number of t h e SPHINX. Kappa Chapter welcomes home all those brothers who did their p a r t in bringing victory t o t h e United States. Among t h e returnees are Brothers Linwood Walker, U. S. Marines; Jack Mitchell, James Thomas, Lloyd Crable, and Ernest Savory, U. S. Army; Richard Calloway, U. 8. Army Aid Corps; and Irvln Lowery, U. S. Navy.

Here's wishing all t h e chapters at home and abroad a late, b u t prosperous New Year.

Fraternally yours, DARIOUS WORSHAM, Associate Sphinx Editor

ALPHA PSI CHAPTER Lincoln University (Mo.) Greetings, Brothers, From Alpha Psi Chapter:â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Alpha PBI welcomed seven inltlatees Into the chapter during t h e last part of 1945.

They were Brothers Harry Browder, Lawrence Darden, Howard Green, Emil Jason, Harold Jones, Clarence Moore, and Edward Walker.

Following t h e initiation ceremonies, a banquet reception was given a t t h e home of Mrs. Edith Cross "Mother of Alpha Psl chapter," with Brother J o h n T. Clark, Jr., serving as toastmaster. Each of t h e neophyte brothers gave a short talk after t h e dinner.

Brother Dakota Pippins, former chapter president, gave a farewell speech during t h e meeting the latter part of January.

Brother Pippins, an Agriculture Major, was scheduled t o complete his requirements for graduation in February; t h e n enter a Civil Service position In t h e near future.

Brother Leon Jordan and Edward Walker, Chemistry and Graphic Arts Majors respectively, were also booked to complete their required subjects in February. This means leaving t h e chapter fold.

Present officers of Alpha Psi are Maurice E. King, president; J o h n T. Clark, Jr., vicepresidant; Howard Green, recording secretary; Harold Jones, treasurer; Harry Browder, corresponding secretary; Clarence Moore, historian; and Lawrence Darden, associate editor to t h e Sphinx.

The end of t h e war and the returning of t h e boys t o t h e States will bring a n u m ber of our brothers back to Lincoln. We are hoping for a bigger and better year.

Fraternally yours, LAWRENCE G. DARDEN Associate Editor

February, 1946 ALPHA NU LAMBDA Tuskegee, Alabama Greetings, Brother: Alpha Nu Lambda celebrated t h e first peaceful Christmas In five years with a pre-Christmas dance at the Skyways Club, Moton Field, Tuskegee Institute. As expected, the entertainment was served up In true Alpha form, to t h e Intense delight of the 300-odd brothers and guests.

The following officers for 1946 were elected at the December 4th meeting: president, Brother I. A. Derblgny; vicepresident, Brother J u n i u s Taylor; secretary, Brother Harry J. Romm; treasurer, Brother Luther Foster, Jr.; Sphinx editor, Brother T. W. Jones.

During the absence of Brother Secretary Romm, Brother Russell Brown 1B serving as secretary. Brother Romm expects to receive the Doctor's Degree in Biology some time in February. (This past February.)

Brother T. W. Jones has been made Acting Director of the School of Mechanical Industries at Tuskegee Institute.

The work of the Carver Research Foundation at Tuskegee has been receiving n a tional acclaim.

Alpha Brothers will be Interested in the work of this Foundation, not only because It was founded by t h e late George Washington Carver, b u t because its able director Is an Alpha man, Brother Dr. Russell Brown.

Swift and Company, nationally famous packers, recently made a grant of $400.00 to the Foundation for research on animal nutrition. This project Is headed by Brother Dr. W. E. Belton, head of the Dep a r t m e n t of Chemistry at Tuskegee I n stitute. Brother C. T. Mason, also of the Carver Foundation staff is engaged in research problem involving the compounds used in the manufacture of ink- u n d e r a special grant by the Parker Pen Company.

We note, with Justifiable pride, the achievements of these worthy Alpha Brothers.

Brother Robert D. Reid, of the History Department at Tuskegee, recently received the Doctor's Degree from t h e University of Minnesota. Brother Joseph E. Fuller Head of the Department of Mathematics' was awarded his Doctorate in Mathematics from t h e University of Pennsylvania Brother M. D. Sprague, Librarian, is now studying a t t h e University of Chicago.

And so, Alpha Nu Lambda looks forward to a full and prosperious year, urging Alpha men all over the nation to make this, t h e first year of total peace, a record year for our Fraternity.

T. W. JONES. Chapter Editor.

PI LAMBDA CHAPTER Little Rock. Arkansas Brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha. Greetings: A new year and a new stewardship for Pi Lambda! For the crisp, colorful and dynamic leadership of Brother J. R. Booker 1946 will substitute t h e devotion and steadfastness of Brother C. Franklin Brown.

Brother Brown, who received his Impressions at Xi, is a charter member of PI Lambda and hitherto has been t h e chapter secretary for the twenty years of t h e chapter's existence. Brother Dr. J. G. Thornton was chosen to stand at Brother Brown's side. Brother A. A. Arnold replaces Brother Brown as secretary; Brother J. D. Scott remains assistant secretary while Brother Dr. G. W. S. Ish takes another tug on t h e purse strings. Your correspondent represents the fourth estate, while Brothers M. R. Perry, historian and James Porter, chaplain, complete t h e staff.

I t may be t h a t you have not heard from PI Lambda for some time; notwithstanding t h a t contingency, we shall attempt here to dlstingxilsh between news and history.

The men of Pi Lambda, severally and collectively, have endeavored honestly and u n remittingly t o discharge such obligations as are imposed by t h e social order upon those who are deemed capacitated t o serve

THE

February, 1946

Page 39

SPHINX

NASHVILLE PUBLISHER BANQUETS CHICAGO ALPHAS

B r o t h e r Dr. H e n r y Allen Boyd, of Nashville, Tenn., in appreciation of the m a n y social courtesies extended h i m t h r o u g h t h e years, gave a n u n i q u e b a n q u e t for 175 Chicago b r o t h e r s a t t h e P a r k w a y Ballroom in t h e Windy City. T h e affair w a s one of t h e highlights in national Alpha P h i Alpha circles in 1945, and presaged t h e m a n y good things to come later in t h e y e a r at the Thirty-first General Convention in Chicago. Left to right:â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Brothers Dr. J a m e s F . Smith, vice-president of Xi L a m b d a Chapter; L u t h e r S. Peck, president of Theta-Xi L a m b d a F o u n d a t i o n ; Dr. Boyd as he addressed the b a n q u e t e r s ; P a u l Robeson, guest of honor; Attorney Sidney A. Jones, Jr., Toastmaster; and Dr. Charles M. Thompson. for the common weal.

Not with great eclat, nor yet with fanfire of t r u m p e t and drum, b u t quietly and methodically this chapter and its membership have stood, now stand and will stand, with ear cupped, awaiting t h e summons of duty.

However, sheer austerity never monopolizes this chapter's program. The brothers were happy, last spring to fete Brother J. G Ish, Jr., who was t h e Founder's Day speaker at A. M. and N. College, over which institution he presided a few years ago.

The brother of Dr. Stanley Ish, he was affiliated with Pi Lambda before he left for his work as vice president of Supreme Liberty Life Insurance Company at Chicago.

Brother Chester Hynes engineered this affair for Pi Lambdaites and their wives.

The aesthetic cuisine, wrought by the deft hand of Mrs. Teressa Middleton, artiste supreme, Division of Home Economics, had the gourmets drooling with "ah's, oh's and o o h ' s " It seems t h a t there were also a few "yums" and some plain old grunts from those less delicate brethren who attack t h e problem of caring for t h e Inner man in a businesslike way. Our yuletide dance, revived at the U. S. O. Auditorium during the recent holiday season, enlivened what might otherwise have been a dull season for many.

The last meeting of the academic year was held In Pine Bluff, a t the residence of Brother and Mrs. H. T. Perry co-host. We sat down to a service reminiscent of the court of Louis XIV. Brother Dr. John Eve was host to the opening September meeting at his Hot Springs residence. The piece de resistance, it is whispered, a giant golden coq d'Inde, sprawling in t h e center of t h e table, brought out a record attendance.

Mrs. Eve and her charming daughter, Mrs. Mason, did t h e honors. The chapter met in October with Brothers Brown and Booker at the Booker residence. Mrs. Helen Ivey, Brother Booker's delightful sister was hostess. Brother Byrd and Gilliam entertained in November at t h e Gillam residence and Brothers Ish and Jordan in December at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Jordan. The January meeting occurred at the Practice House on t h e A. M. and N. College campus with Brothers Hynes and Jackson. Mrs. Middleton, aided and abetted by Mesdames Hynes and Jackson (the latter a recent Alphaette of December 22 vintage) again brought her art into evidence, and Brother J. R. Booker submitted an excellent convention report.

We take this occasion t o express once more our condolences to Brother Marlon

Perry and his children on t h e recent demise of their wife and mother, Mrs. Mae Walker Perry. As a result. Brother Perry has been obliged t o spend a great deal of his time in Indianapolis. We are all happy t o see Brother Dr. E. P. Lytes up and In circulation again after protracted illness. Dr. H. A. Powell, also, has canvalesced from his recent illness and Is due felicitations.

Our Brother Myles A. Hibbler is seriously 111 in McRae Sanitarium a t Alexandria, Arkansas.

New Affiliates with PI Lambda during t h e past year through reclamation or transfer are: Dr. J o h n Eve, A. B. Fox, O. E. Jackson, Dr. Reid E. Jackson, Glenn Johnson, Dr. R. T. Johnson, Dr. H. H. Phipps, Ray F. Russell, J. Albert Rutherford and Dr. H. H. Stilson. Two neophytes gained admittance during the late summer. Brother J. I. King of t h e Dunbar High School Faculty and Brother Edward Cross, Scout executive of the Quapay Area Shortly thereafter, Brother Cross was called to a larger field of service and our sorrow at losing him was counter balanced only by our Joy at knowing t h a t his capacities were being recognized and utilized. PI Lambda Joined hands with the TJ. S. O. in a farewell gesture to Brother and Mrs. Cross.

With the appointment of a special committee by President J. R. Booker in September. Pi Lambda went on record with the intention of activating an aggressive program in the interest of greater educational facilities and opportunities for t h e youth of Arkansas. You may expect to hear more of this anon.

Cordially and fraternally, OLIVER E. JACKSON Chapter Editor s

ALPHA TAU LAMBDA CHAPTER Tulsa, Oklahoma Greetings: The chapter is moving along nicely at present. The brothers In t h e Armed Forces are returning and now our total membership has reached thirty-nine.

Among t h e returnees are Brothers Primus 0. Wade, Julius Moran, Joseph R. Burns, Theodore Hall. Jesse Wldemon, Alpha Tau Lambda welcomes these brothers into t h e fold and t h e activities of the chapter.

Chapter members serve as hosts at each monthly meeting, held usually the first Saturday night of each month.

These

sessions are always interesting and topped off with elaborate menues. There are usually open house discussions on various topics t h a t hold t h e attention of the members.

The home of Brother Dr. R. C. Bryant was the scene of a lovely party January 11. Fifty-seven brothers and their wives attended this reception. A tasty menu consisting of turkey with dressing, ham, candled sweet potatoes, creamed potatoes, cauliflower, condiments, hot rolls, Ice cream, and cake, was served. It is expected t h a t picture of t h e party will be published In t h e next edition of t h e SPHINX. Brother Clyde L. Cole, presided over t h e dedication ceremonies of the Variety Health Center which was donated to citizens of Tulsa by members of the Variety Club (white). The Center, constructed at a cost of $40,000.00, Is an outstanding contribution t o the well-being of t h e relationship of Negroes and white persons of t h e city.

Brother Mitchell B. Southall, as this chapter letter went to press, was scheduled to be presented In a piano recital February 24th. Preparations for t h e recital Indicated t h a t it would be one of t h e outstanding events of the season.

There is much t o be done here In Tulsa, and Alpha Tau Lambda Chapter Is In the forefront of organizations helping to bring some of these things about. We invite any brother passing this way to visit with the brothers of this community. Our cherished hope is to have t h e General Convention hold Its 1947 session in Tulsa. Be assured, brothers, t h a t the high standard would be maintained. We wish each of you a prosperous year.

Fraternally yours, ROBERT L. FAIRCHILD. Sr. Chapter Editor

ALPHA UPSILON LAMBDA CHAPTER Montgomery, Alabama Greetings Brothers: Alpha Upsilon Lambda Chapter extends warmest greetings t o the Alpha brotherhood in this "Convention Issue" of the SPHINX. The chapter has made a commendable beginning on a program of activities t h a t anticipates a strengthening of our community relationships and t h e rendering of substantial "service to m a n kind."

The Chapter regrets the loss of three brothers who no longer reside a t the chap-

Page 40 ter seat: Dr. Edward Trigg who Is now on the faculty of the Tuskegee Institute In the Department of Veternary Medicine; Frank A. Decosta who is now Head of the Department of Education at South Carolina State College; and J. Reuben Sheeler who is doing graduate work at Western Reserve University. Each of these brothers made an effective contribution to the program of the chapter.

Our chapter story is now one entirely of losses, however, for Brother A. L. Campbell returned to Montgomery and to his chapter affiliation this fall after an extended experience in the U. S. Army. Transfer members to the chapter include Rev. A. L. Bratcher who was recently called to the pastorate of the First Baptist church and Brother Luther L. Oliver who has returned to civilian status after a commendable record in the Army Air Force, being commissioned a Second Lieutenant.

In November, three tried and tested mm were Initiated into the brotherhoodBrother Henry McClain, United States Post Office Employe, Montgomery; Brother W. H. Coston, Instructor in Science, East Street High School, Opelika, Alabama; and Brother W. Morton, Principal of the East Street High School, Opelika, Alabama. Each of these neophyte brothers gives promise of making commendable contributions in their varied spheres of activity.

This chapter was represented at the Chicago Convention by Brother Theodore Smiley, Principal of Booker Washington High School, Montgomery. We are exceedingly pleased at the re-election of Brother H. Councill Trenholm of this chapter as Educations Director.

Best wishes are extended to the other chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha and the hope Is expressed that each will continue to work for the greater glory of the fraternity, the race, the nation and all mankind.

T. J. MAYBERRY. JR. Associate Editor to the Sphinx

Committee on Public Opinion (From page 32) whose principles of operation and out look, to say the least, are indistinguishable, in part, from Fascism and Naziism as we know these in Europe. The Poll Tax Bill has passed the House and is tied up in the committee in the Senate.

When and if it comes up the southern Senators will, in all probability, inau gurate a filibuster. It is probable that it may be broken. If we can break the back of one filibuster df this sort, it will be a moral victory with very far reaching consequences. Thus far, a few Sen ators have been able to thwart the will of the American people and there is apprehension in liberal quarters that a continuation of the filibuster technique will sometime react against others than Negroes. At present as never before, increasingly liberal people in all walks of life are ready to join in this effort to make filibustering so unpopular that whoever engages in it will be suspect. c. During the year we have been en gaged in attempts to secure Federal support for education. The bill is not all we wish it to be, but it is a step in the right direction and will represent a considerable improvement over anything existing at present. There is a clause, well defined, called "equitable distribu tion" which protects minority groups where schools are maintained for dif ferent races by law. Because education in the deep South among Negroes has been on such a low financial status, the

setting aside of, say $2,000,000.00 for a

THE

SPHINX

February, 1946

NEGRO PRESS WEEK COMMITTEE

Three of the five members of National Negro Newspaper Week are Alpha brothers. They include Brothers Dowdal H. Davis, Jr., of Kansas City, Mo., chairman: P. Bernard Young. Jr., of Norfolk, Va.; and Lewis O. Swingler, of Memphis, Tenn. Brother Davis is shown discussing the tentative programs for CBS and NBC networks with Dan Burley, of the Amsterdam News; and Brother Swingler at the Theresa Hotel, New York City. Brother Frank L. Stanley, of Louisville, Ky., is president of Negro Newspaper Publishers Association, sponsor of National Negro Newspaper Week, observed this year from February 23rd through March 2nd.

State like Mississippi under "equitable distribution," would inevitably mean a very large increase in pay to Negro teachers and this, we believe, in turn, would increase morale and make it pos sible for teachers to improve themselves for their work. The Chairman of the Committee on Public Policy appeared before the House and Senate Committees on Education. The Chairman lined up the following organizations on behalf of which he appeared: National Council of Negro Women, National Bar Association, National Medical Association, National Association of Deans and Registrars. The Association of Negro High Schools and Colleges, American Teachers Association, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The outcome of the measure is in doubt. d. Our Committee has moved largely on the periphery of the problems of the larger social issues. We have been in cooperation with others in this enterprise and have especially urged legisla. tion providing social programs such as full employment and extension of Social Security.

We have been a little closer to the movement in behalf of Negro Veterans.

Twice we have appeared, once in person and once by representative, before the 'Administrator of the Veterans Bureau. It seems very definite that we are getting somewhere and this indicates what can be done when different organizations line up together as we did

with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

and other associates of this Sorority. We must proceed in some such way even when overtly we do not get credit. The Fraternity as a matter of fact has never gone in for large scale publicity. It may be necessary to revise our program of reticence.

The Chairman of the Committee on Public Policy takes this opportunity to thank the officers and members of the fraternity who have cooperated with the Committee. We have asked that each chapter provide itself with a small committee on public policy which may act on its own account on local matters, and which may join the National Committee on Public Policy in its efforts on a national scale. This sort of organization is of first importance. We must remember that we are all in this difficulty together and the future is not rosy enough for us to relax. If the local chapters will take these issues at heart and establish active local committees, it ought to be possible for us at a crucial moment in the legislative process to throw into the scales a decisive influence.

Such cooperation will constitute an important factor in promoting good legislation and in rescuing desirable legislation from oblivion at the hands of irredeemable reaction.

The Chairman desires to take this opportunity to extend Season's Greetings to all members of the Fraternity.

Fraternally submitted, HOWARD H. LONG. Chairman,

Committee on Public Policy,

CHAPTER OFFICERS—Graduate Chapters 101. A L P H A L A M B D A — L o u i s v i l l e , K e n t u c k y .

102. B E T A L A M B D A — K a n s a s C i t y . M i s s o u r i ; P r e s i d e n t , D a n i e l W . L e w i s .

1204 E v e r e t t , K a n s a s C i t y , K a n s a s ; S e c r e t a r y , D o w d a l H . D a v i s , 2711 E . 23rd St.. K a n s a s C i t y . M o .

103. G A M M A

LAMBDA—Detroit.

Michigan.

104. D E L T A L A M B D A — B a l t i m o r e . M d . : S e c r e t a r y , D r . F . H .

M o r g a n S t a t e College, B a l t i m o r e , Md. 105. E P S I L O N L A M B D A — S t . L o u i s . M o . ; 4246 W . N . M a r k e t , S t . L o u i s , M o .

Secretary,

John

D.

Dedmond,

ALPHA Buckner,

109.

110.

111.

112.

118.

President,

J.

R.

Henderson,

816

IOTA LAMBDA—Indianapolis. Indiana.

K A I ' I ' A L A M B D A — G r e e n s b o r o , N . C. M U L A M B D A — W a s h i n g t o n . D . C. NU LAMBDA—Kttriek, Virginia.

XI L A M B D A — C h i c a g o . 111.: S e c r e t a r y , F . M . C l a r k . 417 E . 4 7 t h , S u i t e 809, C h i c a g o , IU.

114. O M K ' K O N LAMBDA—Birmingham.

Ala.; President. Waymon C. M a t h e r s o n , 412 m t h A v e n u e , N o r t h ; S e c r e t a r y , C h a r l e s L . S h e p a r d , 13 10th A v e n u e , N o r t h . B i r m i n g h a m , A l a .

115. P I L A M B D A — L i t t l e R o c k . A r k a n s a s .

116. R H O L A M B D A — B u f f a l o , N e w Y o r k .

117. S I G M A L A M B D A — N e w O r l e a n s . L a . ; P r e s i d e n t . D r . W e s l e y N . S e g r e , 2326 U p p e r l i n e S t r e e t , N e w O r l e a n s ; S e c r e t a r y , W a l t e r E . M o r t a l , 1433 T o u r o S t . . N e w O r l e a n s . 16.

118. T A U L A M B D A — N a s h v i l l e . T e n n .

119. U P S I L O N L A M B D A — J a c k s o n v i l l e , F l a .

120. P H I L A M B D A — R a l e i g h . N o r t h C a r o l i n a .

121. C H I L A M B D A — W i l b e r f o i v e U n i v e r s i t y . W i l b e r f u r e e , O h i o ; P r e s i d e n t , O. K. W a r d . 902 X e n i a . O h i o ; S e c r e t a r y , C l a r e n c e H a r v e y Mills, S r . , Wilberforee, Ohio.

122. P S I L A M B D A — C h a t t a n o o g a . T e n n . ; P r e s i d e n t , S. W . S e a l s , 642 Maple. Chattanooga. Tenn.

123. A L P H A A L P H A L A M B D A — N e w a r k , N . J . ; P r e s i d e n t , D r . C l a r e n c e S. J a n i f e r . 208 P a r k e r St.. N e w a r k . N e w J e r s e y ; S e c r e t a r y . A r t h u r C. W i l l i a m s , 168 L i n c o l n S t r e e t , M o n t c l a i r , N e w J e r s e y .

124. A L P H A B E T A L A M B D A — L e x i n g t o n . K y .

125. A L P H A G A M M A L A M B D A — N e w Y o r k , N . Y . ; P r e s i d e n t . R o b e r t T . C u s t i s . 771 S t . N i c h o l a s A v e n u e ; S e c r e t a r y , E r n e s t F . S t e v e n s o n , 2106 A m s t e r d a m A v e . . N e w Y o r k C i t y .

126. A L P H A D E L T A L A M B D A — M e m p h i s . T e n n . ; P r e s i d e n t , L e w i s O. Swingle,-, 388 B e a k Ave. : S e c r e t a r y , A b n e r B . O w e n . J r . , 598 W i l l i a m s Avenue. Memphis, Tenn.

127. A L P H A E P S I L O N L A M B D A — J a c k s o n . M i s s . ; S e c r e t a r y , D r . J . B .

Dillard, V i c k s b u r g . Miss.

128. A L P H A Z E T A L A M B D A — B l u e f l e l d , W e s t V i r g i n i a .

129. A L P H A E T A L A M B D A — H o u s t o n , T e x a s ; S e c r e t a r y , R . W . L i g h t s , 2611 H i l m a n . H o u s t o n , T e x .

130. A L P H A T H K T A L A M B D A — A t l a n t i c C i t y . N . J . : P r e s i d e n t . C. M o r r i s C a i n , 1711 A r c t i c A v e . A t l a n t i c C i t y , N . J . ; S e c r e t a r y . A u s t i n J .

M a r t i n , 128 W . Greenfield A v e . , P l e a s a n t v i l l e . N . J .

131. A L P H A I O T A L A M B D A — C h a r l e s t o n , W e s t V i r g i n i a ; P r e s i d e n t , F e l i x W a r r e n , I n s t i t u t e . W e s t V a . ; Secretary, William J . L. Wallace, Box 102. I n s t i t u t e . W e s t V a .

132. A L P H A K A P P A L A M B D A — R o a n o k e . V a .

133. A L P H A M i l L A M B D A — K n o x v i l l e , T e n n .

134. A L P H A N U L A M B D A — T u s k e g e e . A l a b a m a ; S e c r e t a r y , J . A. D e r nigny, Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Alabama.

135. A L P H A X I L A M B D A — T o l e d o . O h i o .

136. A L P H A O M 1 C R O N L A M B D A — P i t t s b u r g h . P a . ; S e c r e t a r y , W . C. D o u g l a s s , 412 B a k e w e l l Bldg., P i t t s b u r g h , P a .

137. M I ' l l A P I L A M B D A — W i n s t o n - S a l e m , N . C . ; P r e s i d e n t . D r . J . M .

W a l k e r ; S e c r e t a r v , A. P . M a r s h a l l . 616 W e s t 24>,i S t r e e t , W i n s t o n S a l e m , N . C.

UPS1LON

LAMBDA—Montgomery.

Ala.;

R e y m o n d . S t a t e T e a c h e r s College. M o n t g o m e r y .

142. A L P H A

106. Z E T A L A M B D A — N e w p o r t N e w s . V i r g i n i a .

107. T H K T A L A M B D A — D a y t o n , O h i o .

108. E T A L A M B D A — A t l a n t a , G e o r g i a ; P l a y L u v e , N . W . . A t l a n t a , Ga.

A L P H A R H O L A M B D A — C o l u m b u s . O h i o : P r e s i d e n t . K a e e o H i l l . 291 N o r t h 21st S t r e e t , C o l u m b u s 8, O h i o ; S e c r e t a r y , A. D. V. C r o s b y , 192 N . M o n r o e A v e n u e . C o l u m b u s 3. O h i o .

139. A L P H A S I G M A L A M B D A — D a l l a s . T e x a s .

140. A L P H A T A U L A M B D A — T u l s a . O k l a h o m a ; P r e s i . l e n t . TolHe W .

H a i r is. 320 N . G r e e n w o o d ; S e c r e t a r y , J a m e s R. Ellis. 1100 E . P i n e Street, Tulsa. Oklahoma.

PHI

LAMBDA -Norfolk.

Secretary,

J.

M.

Alabama.

Virginia.

143. A L P H A C H I L A M B D A — A u g u s t a . G e o r g i a ; S e c r e t a r y , J o h n M. T u t t , 1 ins Phillips.

144. A L P H A P S I L A M B D A — C o l u m b i a . S. C . ; P r e s i d e n t , R o b e r t W . M a n c e .

1429 P i n e S t r e e t . C o l u m b i a 16, S . C. ; S e c r e t a r y . H a r r y B . R u t h e r f o r d , 1330 G r e g g S t r e e t . C o . u m b i a 3 3 . S. C. 145. B E T A A L P H A L A M E D A — J e r s e y C i t y .

W h e e l e r , 844 F o r r e s t , J e r s e y C i t y . N . J .

N.

J.;

Secretary.

R.

D.

146. B E T A B E T A L A M B D A — M i a m i . F l a .

147. B E T A G A M M A L A M B D A — R i c h m o n d . V a .

MS. B E T A D E L T A L A M B D A — D a y t o n a B e a c h . F l a . ; S e c r e t a r y . D r . H . E .

B a r t l e y , 567 S e c o n d A v e . . D a y t o n a B e a d . , F l a .

149. B E T A E P S I L O N L A M B D A — W e w o k a . O k l a . ; S e c r e t a r y . L . G. A s h ' e y .

P . O . B o x 247, Bolev. O h l a .

150. l-.KTA Z E T A L A M B D A — J e f f e r s o n S e e n e y , L i n c o l n U n i v e r s i t y . Mo.

City,

Mo.;

Secretory.

Jumps

L.

Otis

A.

153. B E T A I O T A L A M B D A — B a t o n R o u g e . L a . ; P r e s i d e n t . H a r r i s o n W e i s s , P . 0 . 1! x 1691. B a t o n R a n g e 2. La. : S e c r e t a r y , Russell A m p e y , P . 0 . H » 1691, B a t o n R o u g e 2. L a .

R. M.

151. B E T A E T A L A M B D A — O k l a h o m a C i t y . O k l a . : F r e e m a n , 531 N . H e l h a m . O k l a h o m a C i t y . O k l a .

152. B E T A T H E T A

Secretary,

L A M B D A — D u r h a m . N . C.

B E T A K A P P A L A M E D A — C h a r l e s t o n , S. C . ; B u r r o u g r . s . 86 Mm . .s. C h a r l e s t o n , S. C.

Secretary,

Dr.

E.

B.

155. B E T A M U L A M B D A — S a l i s b u r y , N". C. 156. B E T A N U L A M B D A — C h a r l o t t e . N . C. 157. B E T A XI L A M B D A — O m a h a . N e b r a s k a ; P r e s i d e n t . S a y b e r t H a n g e r , 1916 N o . B8th S t r e e t ; S e c r e t a r y , R o b e r t L. M y e r s . 2416 N o . 2 2 n d Street, Omaha, Nebraska.

158. B E T A

OMICRON

LAMBDA—Mohile.

169, B E T A P I L A M B D A — A l b a n y .

118th S t r e e t , N . T r o y . N . Y.

New

Alabama.

York;

Secretary,

C. C. H a l l ,

*

160. B E T A R H O L A M B D A — Y o u n g s t o w n , O h i o : P r e s i d e n t , G r a h a m L y n c h ; S e c r e t a r y , J a m e s E. S m i t h ( A d d r e s s e s t o b e s u p p l i e d ) .

161. B E T A S I G M A L A M B D A — H a r t f o r d . C o n n .

162. B E T A T A U L A M B D A — F o r t W o r t h . T e x a s .

163. B E T A U P S I L O N L A M B D A — J a c k s o n , T e n n e s s e e .

164. B E T A P H I L A M B D A — S a v a n n a h . G a . ; P r e s i d e n t , J . W . W i l s o n , 720 W e s t B r o a d , S a v a n n a h , Ga. : S e c r e t a r y , C. V . Clay, G e o r g i a S t a t e College, I n d u s t r i a l College. G e o r g i a .

165. B E T A C H I L A M B D A — M u s k o g e e . O k l a h o m a .

166. B E T A P S I L A M B D A — L o s A n g e l e s , C a l i f o r n i a ; P r e s i d e n t , D e w e y D .

D a v i d s o n , 1162 E . 46th S t . , Los A n g e l e s 1 1 ; E d w a r d S t r o n g , c / o A n g e l u s F u n e r a l H o m e , 1030 E . J e f f e r s o n Blvd.. Los A n g e l e s , Calif.

1C7. G A M M A A L P H A L A M B D A — C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e , V a .

168. G A M M A B E T A L A M B D A — F r a n k f o r t . K e n t u c k y .

169. G A M M A G A M M A L A M B D A — G r e e n v i l l e , S . C. 170. G A M M A D E L T A L A M B D A — R a l e i g h . W e s t A u s t i n . Box 21. E . Beckley, W e s t V a .

171. G A M M A E P S I L O N L A M B D A — H o p k i n s v i l l e ,

Va. ;

172. G A M M A Z E T A L A M B D A — T a m p a , F l a . ; S e c r e t a r y Box 2324, T a m p a . F l o r i d a .

GAMMA ETA LAMBDA—Austin, Texas.

G A M M A T H E T A L A M B D A — W i l m i n g t o n , Del. GAMMA IOTA LAMBDA—Brooklvn. New York.

GAMMA K A P P A LAMBDA—Wilmington. N C. W a s h i n g t o n . 306 N . 6th St.. W i l m i n g t o n , N . C.

173.

174.

175.

176.

Secretary,

M.

K.

J. H. Burney

II,

Secretary,

T.

Ky.

PLEASE TAKE DUE NOTICE, CHAPTER OFFICERS In order to revise the Directory of Chapter Officers as accurately as possible, we have included in this edition only names of presidents and secretaries, along with their respective addresses, submitted in response to Memo Number 1 of Brother Burt A. Mayberry, General Secretary, requesting such information; or in response to the Sphinx Editor's letter of January 12th, requesting the same. Check the Directory closely, and if your officers' names are not included, mail them in at once to Brother Mayberry, 2446 Harrison St., Kansas City 8, Mo.; and copy of same to the Office of the Sphinx, 388 Beale Avenue, Memphis 3, Tennessee.

LEWIS O. SWINGLER, Editor.

B.

THE SPHINX MAGAZINE MEMPHIS.

388 Beale Ave. -:TENNESSEE

Return Postage guaranteed if not delivered in 15 days.

1946 Observance of "EDUCATION AND CITIZENSHIP WEEK" APRIL 7-14 April 7-14, 1946, will be the date and EDUCATION AND CITIZENS H I P will be the slogan for the 27th Annual Observance of! this feature of the education and citizenship program of THE ALPHA PH â&#x201E;˘ FRATERNITY The date-span includes two Sundays in order that local chapters may have the choice of beginning or of ending their w e e k s observance with a Sunday program. Some chapters may choose a different week in instances where special projects so warrant.

ON TO COLUMBUS IN 1946 The 32nd General Session of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will be held in Columbus, Ohio, seat of Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter.

Joining with the graduate chapter will be Kappa at Ohio State, XI at Wilberforce, Alpha Alpha at Cincinnati, Pi at Cleveland, Beta Rho Lambda at Youngstown, and brothers in other sections of the great State of Ohio.

Brother A. Maceo Hill, of Columbus, will give us our first insight as to plans in the EDUCATIONAL NUMBER of the SPHINX

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE OBSERVANCE 1 Seek to acquaint each Alpha Brother with the program. 2. Discuss plans' and local chapter objectives for the observance. 3. Arrange for an outstanding public program. 4. Map out special Programs for student audiences in elementary and secondary schools, and co leges 5 Plan for some specific project or contribution such as: (a) offering scholarship or prize award; (b) some needed piece of equipment for a public or private institution; (c) campaign to stimulate wider interest in registration or in some other needed enterprise; (d) carry on some type of a study, survey, etc., relating to the community.

REPORTS ON EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE SENT TO H. COUNCILL TRENHOLM, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION. STATE COLLEGE, (P. O. BOX 271), MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA.