The SPHINX | Spring May 1946 | Volume 32 | Number 2 194603202

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EDUCflTIOnflL numBER Front cover of this edition presents the McGEE CUP, which bears the name of its donor, the Late Brother L. L. McGee, who served well as Sphinx Editor, General VicePresident, and as General President of this Fraternity. The McGee Cup is awarded to the chapter that makes the best record between conventions in revival of fraternal interest; especially in the reclamation of delinquent brothers. Awarded to Beta Lambda Chapter, Greater Kansas City, for 1946, this cup is one of the most cherished possessions in ALPHADOM. (See page 3)

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A L P H A PHI A L P H A FRATERNITY, Inc. GENERAL OFFICERS BELFORD V. LAWSON General President 890] Eleventh Street, N W . Washington, D. C. WILLIAM

H.

RAYFORD

W.

First

Vice-President

CHARLES

0.

Second < ''. Flul i'!;t ..Third • > Irk. V i r g i n i a Fourth

Vice-President

HOWARD

BENNETT

LOVELACE

• lattati, Ohio WILLIAM LOUIS A.

H.

GRAY FlOJ i SCHUSTER

H.

MACEO

SMITH

2011 N. Washington Are., Oallas i. ') i BURT A. MAYBERRY M.

:ii'i FERGUSON

G.

Vice-President

General Secretary

Harrison

n i Ti usl Compani. LEWIS 0. SWINGLER :s> H H. C O U N C I L L T R E N H O L M

General

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Treasurer

Editor of the Sphinx Director of Educational

State Teachers Colli CHARLES

Vice-President

Activities

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LANE

General

Counsel

417 l treet. Chicago 15, Ulinola LAY MEMBERS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL I.. Cummlngs. Lam- College. Jackson, I r a n ; Ariluir B. Fox, Jr., Talladega College, Talladega. Ala 11ns, 7815 Cedar Avenue, Cleveland 3. Ohio. CHAIRMEN SIDNEY

OF S T A N D I N G

COMMITTEES

BROWN

General 117 i .

HOWARD

H.

Icaao.

LONG

Illinois Committee

1112 Olrard s i . . N w , . Washlngtot W.

D.

HAWKINS.

Secretary

on Public

Policy

D. C

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Auditinn

Committee

Budget

Committee

Piss University, Nashvilh R0BE..T

P.

DANIEL

Shan in,-. CHARLES

H.

WESLEY vVtibi

h

North Carolina Historian fore •

Ohio

LOGAN

International

Relations

Howard University, Washington, 1'. C. PROCTOR

Fisk University, Nashville, Tenrn

Chaoter

Achievement Constitution

R U P E B T P i r n r r 3 2 ^ M t l i a n d ° l 1 " 1 * • • Chicago. nilnoia RUPERT PICOTT Publicity 201 Ea.-t Clay Street. Blchmond, Va. JEWELS Dr. l i m i t A. callls, 2306 East St.. N. E . Washington, D. c . ; Nathaniel \ Muriay. loO lim S t , N. W„ Washington. D, C.J Vermel \V. Tan.lv. 221 West 189th st , New York, N. Y.: George B. Kelley, l-ll.'iil, Stroel Trey N I 'Charles 11. Chapman—*Koy H. Ogle—'James It. Morton—-deceased ,_,„,. , . , REGIONAL DIRECTORS Mid-Western lunsdlction—W. N. Lovelace, VI Thomas Horner 317 •N 39th Streel Indianapolis, Indiana; (Area: Indiana, Michigan and Ken186 Hamilton, Columbus, Ohio; I area: Ohio Hii; i.loyd ii. William., n o js , Greenwood street, 'Tulsa, Oklahoma; (Ai | Oklahoma and Kansas) So.ther- Jurisdiction-W. IT. Gray, Vic. Clinton I. BUke, PHiiciML weal ii,.,io,iio High School, i n : . Betttle Ford Road, Charlotte North Carolina; (Area; North ami South Carolina); Andrew .i Lewis 525 Tatcall s t S.W., Atlanta, (ieorgia; (Area: Georgia and Alabama); Uron 1. Men 1901 Eighteenth A iashville, Tennessee; (Area: Arkansas and Waiter Mortal, 1433 louro si., New Orleans. Louisiana; (Area; Louisiana and Mississippi 1, Eastern Jurisdiction—Loots ii. Schuster, Vice President; Dr. Q, Ah Wesl Stats Street, Ithaca, New York; (Area: Upper New York Slate and'New England); c. Arthur Jackson, 100 Convent Avenue, New Jerk ocoUtan New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania); William V Jones cud University, Washington, h. c . ; (Area- Undergraduate chapters of. Delaware, Maryland, D. C , and Virginia), Western Jurisdittior,—A. Maceo Smith, Vice-President; N ,r Etesi ii Direc. l.

:•,:.

nci

>,:

announced,

CHAPTER OFFICERS—UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTER A L P H A — C o r n e l l U n i v e r s i t y . I t h a c a . N , Y. ; P r e s i d e n t . D r . G. A . p G a l v i n , 216 W » t S - Johmson, u s Wist State St. _, M . B E T A — H o w a r d U n i v e r s i t y , W a s h i n g t o n , D. C. : Presidi Combs, J r . ; Secretary, Ivory Wallace, H „ w a r d U n i v e r s i t y . W a s n G A M M A — V i r g i n i a Union University. Richmond, Va. : President. W i l l i a m H . L u k e , V a . U n i o n ; S e c r e t a r y , C h a r l e s B. F r e e m a n , 2101 Ave.. R i c h m o n d , V a . ri College. A u s t i n , T e x a s ; P r e s i d e n t , M a c e J T . H o w i e ; S e c r e t a r y , Al d, T i l l o t s o n College. A u s t i n . T e x a s . E P S I L O N — U n i v e r s i t y of M i c h i g a n . A n n A r b o r , M i c h . : President, R a l p h M. D. G i b s o n ; S e c r e t a r y , J u l i a n W i t h e r s p o o n , 129 T y l e r H o u s e , E. Quad. Ann Arbor, Michigan. Z E T A — Y a l e University, New Haven. Conn.; _..... .......... E T A — C o l u m b i a D n i v e r s i t y , S i . L a w r e n c e , B r o o k l y n CC, M e w r o r k . N Y ; P r e s i d e n t . W i l l i a m L. B r y a n t , 172-13 107th A v e n u e , J a m a i c a . N . Y . ; S e c r e t a r y , E d w a r d N . B y a s , 302 W e s t 122nd St., N e w Y o r k

11. 12. 18.

18, 17. 18.

It. 2H.

T H E T A — U n i v e r s i t y of C h i c a g o , C h i c a g o , 111.; P r e s i d e n t , E d w a r d B. C r u t c . 1824 H a r t r e y A v e . . E v a n s t o n , 111.; S e c r e t a r y , N e l s o n E . W o o d lev. 60'.i E a s t With St., C h i c a g o . I O T A — M o r r i s B.-own College A t l a n t a , G a . ; K A P P A — O h i o State University, Columbus. Ohio: President, Waller B . J o n e s . 34 E a s t 7th A v e n u e ; S e c r e t a r y . W i l l i a m G r i m e s , 531 T r i L e t t Street. Columbus. Ohio. M U — U n i v e r s i t y of M i n n e s o t a , M i n n e a i olis-St. P a u l , M i n n . ; P r e s i d e n t , C h a r l e s l-\ N i c h o l s ; S e c t a r y . T h o m a s W. F o w l e r , 1721 U n i v e r s i t y A v e n u e , S. E . . M i n n e a i . lis 14. M i n n . M U U n i v e r s i t y of L i n c o l n (Pa.); President, Royal A l l e n . Gora r y , H e n r y D. P r i m a s , L i n c o l n U n i v e r s i t y , P a . X I — W i l b e r f o r c e U n i v e r s i t v . W i l b e r f o r c e , O h i o ; P r e s i d e n t , J a c o b A. H o l m e s , Box 2 6 8 ; F i n a n c i a l S e c r e t a r y , W i l l i a m W . B r o w n . P o x 184 J Wilberforce University. Ohio. OMICRON—Pittsburgh. Pa. ; pi W e s t e r n Reserve University, Cleveland, O h i o : President, Joe H i c k s . 4120 C e d a r A v e n u e : C o r r e s p o n d i n g S e c r e t a r y , L e r o y Collins, 7615 C e d a r A v e n u e . C l e v e l a n d , O h i o . . fljjO P h i l a d e l p h i a , P a . ( G r a d u a t e G r o u p ) ; P r e s i d e n t . D r . W . 1'. J e r r i c k , 1843 C h r i s t i a n ; S e c r e t a r y , D r . O. W i l s o n W i n t e r s , 28 C u r r e n Arcade. N e r r i s t o w i ' . Pa. S I G M A — H a r v a r d U n i v e r s i t y . Boston, Mass. ; P r e s i d e n t , T h e m a s A. C e n t e r , 12 H u b b a r d A v e n u e . C a m b r i d g e , M a s s . ; S e c r e t a r y . A . C. send S t r e e t . R o x b u r y , M a s s . TAU U n i v e r s i t v of Illinois, U r b a n a . 111. ; President, Charles E. G a i n e s ; S e c r e t a r y , B e n j a m i n C. D u s t e r . J r . , 1801 W e s t C l a r k S t r e e t , U r b a n a . 111. U P S I L O N - U n i v e r s i t v of K a n s a s , L a w r e n c e , K a n s . ; K a n s a s S t a t e T e a c h e r s College, E m p o r i a . K a n s . ; K a n s . S t a t e College of A g r i c u l t u r e and Applied Science, M a n h a t t a n . Kansas. PHI—Ohio University. Athene, I N A C T I V E .

C H I — M e h a r r y Medical College. N a s h v i l l e . T e n n . ; P r e i s d e n t . J o h n H . G l a d n e y ; S e c r e t a r y . Dele G r a y . M e h a r r y Medical College, N a s h v i l l e , Tenn. Philadelphia, 22. P S I — U n i v e r s i t y of P e n n s y l v a n i a , T e m p l e U n i v e r s i t y . Pa.; P r e s i d e n t , W i l l i a m E. Griffin, 5161 P a r r i s h S t . ; Sei R o b e r t L . P o i n d e x t e r . 2128 C h r i s t i a n S t r e e t , P h i l a d e l p h i a . P a . A L P H A A L P H A — U n i v e r s i t y of Cin*. n n a t i , C i n c i n n a t i College of ZS. P h a r m a e v . M i a m i U n i v e r s i t y , C i n c i n n a t i O h i o ; P r e s i d e n t , D r . R. H . B r o w n . 3317 D r e x e l P l a c e ; S e c r e t a r y , D r . B . F . C a n n , 5223 W a r d Street, C i n c i n n a t i , Ohio. 21

A L P H A B E T A — T a l l a d e g a College. T a l l a d e g a . A l a . ; P r e s i d e n t . M a y n a r d V . F o s t e r ; S e c r e t a r y , A r t h u r B . F o x , T a l l a d e g a College, T a l l a dega, Alabama. 25. AI P H A G A M M A — B r o w n U n i v e r s i t y . P r o v i d e n c e , R h o d e I s l a n d , I N ACTIVE. 26. A L P H A D E L T A — U n i v e r s i t y of S o u t h e r n C a l i f o r n i a , L o s A n g e l e s , California. 27. A L P H A E P S I L O N — U n i v e r s i t y of Calif., B e r k e l e y , C a l i f . ; P r e s i d e n t , A n d r e w H o w a r d , I I I . 4401 W e s t S t r e e t , O a k l a n d . C a l i f . ; C o r r . Sec• e t n r v , J o s e p h O. W i l l i a m s , 2814 C a l i f o r n i a S t r e e t , B e r k e l e y 3, C a l i fornia.

28. A L P H A Z E T A — W e s t V i r g i n i a S t a t Institute West V a . ; P r e s i d e n t , Virijil H a y e s : S e c r e t a r y , R e g i n a l d S. W h i t e , W e s t V a . S t a t e Collet •-. W e s t V i r g i n i a . 29. A L P H A E T A — S t o w e T e a c h e r s College. St. L o u i s . M o . : P r e s i d e n t , J a m e s C. B l a n k s , J r . . 2514 N o r t h S a r a h S t r e e t Secretary Earl H u n t e r . 2816 S p r u c e S t r e e t , S t . L o u i s , Mo. 80, A L P H A T H E T A — I o w a U n i v e r s i t y , low,, City, [ o w a ; P r e s i d e n t H . I. • l i u - N a n t n. Mux 788, I o w a C i t y ; S e c r e t a r y , E . L e o n a r d 121 N . Dubue Iowa City, I o w a . 3 1 . A L P H A I O T A — U n i v e r s i t y of C o l o r a d o , (i. ,rado. 32. A L P H A KAPPA—Springfield, A m h e r s t College. A m h e r s t Mass., Springfield. Mass.. I N A C T I V E . 33. A L P H A M U — N o r t h w e s t e r n U n i v e r s i t y , E v a n s t o n , III. ; P r e s i d e n t , use H. J a c k s o n , 4751 F o r r e s t v i i l e A v e n u e , C h i c a g o I i ] ' • S e c r e t a r y W i l l i a m C. P y a n t . 1980 B t o w n A v e n u e , E v a n s t o n , Illinois 34. A L P H A N U — I o w a S t a t e College, D r a k e U n i v e r s i t y , Deo Moines I o w a . 35. A L P H A X I — U n i v e i s i t y of W a s h i n g t o n , S e a t t l e , W a s h i n g t o n 36. A L P H A O M I C R O N — J o h n s o n C. S m i t h U n i v e i s i t y . C h a r l o t t e N . C . ; P r e s i d e n t , J o h n A d a m s : C o r r . S e c r e t a r y , E d ^ a r W a r d J o h n s o n C. S m i t h U n i v e r s i t y . C h a r l o t t e , N. C. 37. A L P H A P I — L o u i s v i l l e M u n i c i p a l College. Louisville K e n t u c k y 38. A L P H A R H O — M o r e h o u s e College. A t l a n t a , G a . ; P r e s i d e n t ' C h a r l e s C. W a l k e r ; S e c r e t a r y , W i l l i a m E . T h o m a s , M o r e h o u s e C d l e g e , A t l a n t a . Ga. 39. A L P H A S I G M A — W i l e y College, M a r s h a l l . T e x a s ; P r e s i d e n t J o h n L . W i l l i a m s ; S e c r e t a r y , C l a r e n c e L . T h o m a s , Wiley C o i l e - e ' M a r s h a l l , Texas. ' 40. A L P H A T A U — A k r o n U n i v e r s i t y . A k r o n , O h i o : P r e s i d e n t Herbert It. B r a c k e n , 385 W e l l i n g t o n A v e n u e : S e c r e t a r y , S t e r l i n g T u c k e r , 199 P e r k i n s Street, A k r o n , Ohio. 4 1 . A L P H A U P S I L O N — U n i v e r s i t y of W a y n e . D e t r o i t . M i c h i g a n ; P r e s i d e n t . K e n n e t h V e r n o n . 569 M e l b o u r n e ; S e c r e t a r v l a m e s l> P a r k e r 5806 W o o d r o w , D e t r o i t , Mich. J a m e s iv. 42. A L P H A P H I — C l a r k College, A t l a n t a , Ga. ; P r e s i d e n t C l a r e n c e L o vick ; S e c r e t a r y . G e o r g e C. A l l e n , C l a r k College, A t l a n t a ' G e o r g i a . 43. A L P H A C H I — F i s k U n i v e r s i t y . N a s h v i l l e , T e n n . ; P r e s i d e n t N a t h a n i e l W i l l i a m s ; S e c r e t a r y , J a c k i e R. G a r d n e r . F i s k U n i v e r s i t y ' N a s h v i l l e . Tenn. 44. A L P H A P S I — L i n c o l n U n i v e r s i t y ( M o . ) , J e f f e r s o n City Mo • P r e s i dent, Maurice E. K i n g ; Corr. Secretary, Harold E . Browner, J r . , L i n c o l n U n i v e r s i t y , J e f f e r s o n City, Mo. 45. B E T A A L P H A — M o r g a n College. B a l t i m o r e . Md 46. B E T A B E T A — U n i v e r s i t y of N e b r a s k a . 47. B E T A G A M M A — V i r g i n i a S t a t e College, E t t r i c k , V i r g i n i a ; P r e s i d e n t , W i l l i a m L. C r a i g ; S e c r e t a r y . Ku-seil L . G a i n e s , V i r g i n i a S t a t e College,

Ettrick, Va.

48. B E T A D E L T A — S t a t e College. O r a n g e b u r g , S. C. 49. B E T A E P S I L O N — A g r i c u l t u r a l a n d T e c h n i c a l College Greensboro, North Carolina. 50. B E T A Z E T ' — S a m u e l H u s t o n College. A u s t i n . T e x a s - P r e s i d e n t , C. H. Elliott: Secretary, Karl E. Downs. Samuel Huston'College, Austin 22. T e x a s . 5 1 . B E T A E T A — S o u t h e r n Illinois U n i v e r s i t y , C a r b o n d a l e . Ill • P r e s i d e n t , leph C. l ' e n n . 419 E. . l a c k s n. C a r b o n d a l e , III • S e c r e t - n v - T . - e - i s u r e r Gaffney A. T a y l o r . P . O. Box 725. C o l p , Illinois 52. B E T A T H E T A — B l u e f i e l d S t a t e Co'lege. Bluefield. W e s t V a . ; P r e s i d e n t . Melvin S m i t h ; S e c r e t a r v . C h a r l e s B. B r o o k Bluefield S t a t e College. Bluefie d. W e s t V a . 53. B E T A IOTA—Western S t a t e College, K a l a m a z o o Michigan, INACTIVE. 54. B E T A K A P P A — L a n i s t o n U n i v e r s i t y . L a n g s t o n , O k l a h o m a ; P r e s i dent, Amos Stevenson: Secretary, Eddie F r e d Jordan Langston University, Langston, Oklahoma. 65. B E T A M U — K e n t u c k y S t a t e College, F r a n k f o r t , K y . ; P r e s i d e n t , A. H . C l e m e n t : S e c r e t a r y , N o r m a n M. R a t e s , K e n t u c k y S t a t e College, F r a n k f o r t . Ky. 56 B E T A N U — F l o r i d a A. & M. C n M e - ; . T a l l a h a s s e e . F l a . : P r e s i d e n t , R a l p h W i m b i s h ; S e c r e t a r y , A b b o t t M. M a c k e v , F l a . A. & M. College, Tallahassee, Florida. 57. B E T A X I — L e M o y n e Ccllege. M e m p h i s , T e n n . ; P r e s i d e n t , R i c h a r d A . W a r r ; S e c r e t a r y . M a l o n e B. B r o o m e . L e M o y n e College Memphis Tenn. 58. B E T A O M I C R O N — T e n n . A . & I. S t a t e College. N a s h v i l l e . T e n n • P r e s i d e * - . E d w a r d L. Mul.'ins; S e c r e t a r y , T h o m a s H P i n s o h Tenn' A. & I. S t a t e C a l l e r , N a s h v i l l e , T e n n .


THE S P H I N X OFFICIAL

ORGAN

OF ALPHA

P H I ALPHA

FRATERNITY. INC.

NUMBER 2

MAY. 1946

VOLUME 32

THE STAFF

THE STAFF

• * * F DITOR-IN-CHIEF LEWIS O. SWINGLER 388 Beale A v e n u e Memphis 3, Tenn. —•-—

ASSISTANT

FRAT FUN EDITOR

IN THIS ISSUE Page "The Road To Better Things"

EDITORS

ROBERT CUSTIS 771 St. Nicholas Ave., N e w York, N. Y. MILTON S. J. W R I G H T Wilberforce University, Ohio.

-2

ALPHA'S PROGRAM OF ACTION The McGee Cup

_

-3

_.

.

3

Alpha's Pour Living Founders

5

Wilberforce,

J A M E S B. BROWNING Miners Teachers College, Ga. Ave., at Euclid a n d Fairmont, N. W., Washington D C ARMISTEAD S. P R I D E Lincoln University (Mo) Jefferson City, Mo.

A Challenge to College Curricula

.5

Pres. Lawson at Birmingham

..

Signs of America's Will To Try Democracy _ _ Alpha's Task Today

.

CONTRIBUTING

EDITORS

SIDNEY A. J O N E S 180 West Washington St., Chicago, 111. CLARENCE H. MILLS. SR. Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio

.6

J. SAUNDERS REDDING H a m p t o n Institute, Hampton, Virginia

.7

MOSS H. K E N D R I X 1927 11th St., N. W., Washington, D. C.

8

Midwestern Regional Book Reviews

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

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8-11

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13-18

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ANDREW J . L E W I S II Atlanta, Georgia

FEATURE EDITORS J. EDWARD COTTON 348 N. Manassas St., Memphis, Tenn. GEORGE W. GORE, JR., A. & I. State College, Nashville, Tenn. MACEO H I L L 291 N. 21st St., Columbus, Ohio • G. BLYDEN J A C K S O N Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn. GEORGE B. K E L L E Y 1—113th St., Troy N e w York

Alpha's Footprints Here and There

16-17 . _ 19

Hits and Misses

20

Chapter Echoes

_21

Tribute to Brother Letters t o The Editor

Bluford

_ -38 _ .

ADVERTISING DOWDAL H. DAVIS, J R . 2711 East 21st St., Kansas City, Mo. ART J A M E S D. P A R K S Lincoln University (Mo.) Jefferson City, Mo.

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

Published February, May, October, and December by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., at 388 Beale Ave., Memphis 3, Tenn. Address all communication for publication in the SPHINX MAGAZINE to Post Office Box 2031, Memphis, Tenn. Address all letters or personal communications to 388 Beale Ave., Memphis, Tenn. Entered as second class matter at the post office in Memphis, Tenn., under the Act of March 3, 1879 and accepted for mailing at the second class rate of postage.

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ALPHA'S PROGRAM OF ACTION By J. RUPERT PICOTT Chairman, National Committee on Publicity ERHAPS never before in the long history of the fraternity have greater challenges been presented nor are the opportunities' for success more inviting. Our founding fathers, first to set up a Greek-letter organization among Negroes in this country, were keenly aware of the recognition which comes in being pioneers in an uncharted field. They appreciated the position gained but with great wisdom dedicated their efforts to acceptance of responsibilities as educated men. Indeed Alpha began with the admbnitiein that greatness can be continued best in proportion as those on whom It has been bestowed work as "servants of all." The quality of leadership for a race and the personal courage of individuals so well exemplified by generations of Alpha brolhers everywhere is now a matter for history. The brotherhood has wrought well and the actions of the present day are no less meritorious. But times change and people, makers and planners of the future, launch anew in order to meet the exigencies of the day. Thus, the membership assembled in Chicago last Christmas directed that the organization embark on a new and enlarged program destined to maintain and enhance the fraternity's activities throughout the world. Beginning with the revision of the constitution and with the election of a new slate of officers, this program has now gone into high gear. Significantly and in accord with the efforts of numerous other organizations, provision was made for the selection of an executive secretary by 1947, who shall be a full-time paid employee of the body and who shall serve as coordinator of its efforts and as a spokesman for its members. Already under the leadership of General President Belford V. Lawson, Jr., nationally respected barrister and renowned civic leader, tremendous progress has been made. Brother Lawson has been and is being aided in his endeavors by an efficient and energetic general secretary, Burt A. Mayberry, Sr., by Vice-Presidents William N. Lovelace, William H. Gray, Jr., Louis H. Schuster, and A. Maceo Smith, and other officers including M. G. Ferguson, General Treasurer; Lewis O. Swingler, editor of the Sphinx; H. Council Trenholm, Director of Educational Activities; Charles F. Lane, General Counsel; Charles H. Wesley, Historian; and Executive Council members Leroy Collins, James Cummings, Arthur B. Fox, Jr., and Jewel Henry A. Callis, George B. Kelley, Nathaniel A Murray, and Vertner W. Tandy and by the chapters and members. The new and enlarged program of the organization on which we are now all working continues to direct efforts toward our objectives, ideals, and goals of past years and places special emphasis on a nine point agenda: 1. Reclaim the 8,000 lost Brothers—4,000 this year. In convention after convention, the cry has continually been uttered that something should be done to bring

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the thousands of inactive brothers "back into the fold of participating Alphadom" where their contributions to themselves, the fraternity and country can be recognized and where they will have the comradeship, sympathetic understanding and brotherly love of men of their own calibre. Much has been said about reclaiming these brothers but until now, little or nothing in this direction has actually been done. Coming as the first of the new administration's objectives for the year, this item of our enlarged activities is destined to receive the emphasis which it deserves. Brothers can help by personally pushing this phase as well as the other sections of the program and by insisting that those unfinancial brothers assume again the obligations of the organization to which they committed themselves when first they entered. 2. increase our income so that full-time Executive Secretary will have substantial budget. In past years Alpha has been led by mighty presidents and by efficient secretaries. The list is much too long to call names and it is with the utmost respect that the fraternity thanks these brothers who gave and are giving so unstintedly of their time, money and effort in order that the organization might live. But Alpha men being community leaders everywhere, are busy men of a busy work-a-day world. Our new program directed toward greater achievements on an illustrious past needs still sincere and cooperative volunteer assistance but also paid professional direction. The fraternity has long since passed the day when it can or should expect its voluminous work to be handled entirely by volunteer workers. The kind of paid workers which our fraternity must have are among the best in the nation, whose ability, experience and willingness to do the job, entitle them to adequate pay. It is for this reason that Alpha must have a budget large enough to afford a full-time Executive Secretary. 3. Re-organize the Sphinx and make it thoroughly liberal and representative. The publications of an organization to the members and to the public at large represent the body. There are very few members of Alpha who will not agree that our magazine, the Sphinx, needs to be enlarged, improved and made more readable. Confidence exists that under the direction of the returned editor this can be accomplished, but it will take the help and patience of every member. 4. Activate all delinquent and inactive chapters. There is undeniable validity in the adage "No chain is stronger than its weakest link." Our officers and brothers have been traveling about the country visiting chapters now for years. Observations have been made and notes recorded about the improvement desired in numerous phases and factors of our entire program. But always, the need for more active chap(Turn to Next Page)

THE McGEE CUP . . . . A distinguished writer recently said, "It is a good thing to remember our past. It is a better thing to know and cherish the great principles which make it worth remembering." This cup . . . the McGEE CUP, was not merely the gift of a brother who desired to have his name perpetuated. It was from one who took much of the initiative in Alpha's expansion program following the first World War. Brother L. L. McGee, donor of this cup, served the Fraternity as the second Editor of the Sphinx (1915), as General Vice-President, (1919), and as General President, (1920). He gave this cup as an incentive for chapters to maintain the interest of their brothers by sponsoring a series of community activities. An educator himself by profession, Brother McGee believed that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity should foster an educational program in behalf of the Negro Youth. His death last year in Oklahoma City. Okla., brought to a close the career of one of the Fraternity's greatest builders. The McGEE CUP, since 1935 has been awarded the following chapters: Alpha Tau Lambda. Tulsa, Oklahoma, (1936, 1937, 1940); Gamma Chapter, (1939) Kappa Lambda, Greensboro, N. C, (1945); and Beta Lambda, Kansas City, Mo., (1946). From 1939 until 1946 when Brother Burt A. Mayberry, General Secretary, was presented the cup for his chapter during a trip to Washington, D. C, the McGEE CUP remained in possession of GAMMA CHAPTER. Richmond. The glittering appearance of the cup is due to a fine polish job Beta Lambda brothers have done.

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY The cartoon on opposite page is the work of Brother James D. Parks, Sphinx Art Editor. It is self-explanatory.


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EDITORIAL OPINION What's In A Name? By BROTHER H. A. CALLIS, Jewel Mythology grows about any institution stalwart enough to survive. The name becomes a rallying symbol for the ideas and the ideals of men. Apparently Alpha P h i Alpha has become such an institution. Our n a m e is already becoming confused with t h a t n a m e by which Abyssinia is sometimes designated. There is no connection between the two. It happens that the Abyssinians appropriated for themselves "Ethiopia" and "Ethiopians." The Greeks called all swarthy, darkskinned peoples from Africa "Ethiopians." It is in that sense t h a t its significance was adopted for Alpha P h i Alpha.

REFLECTIONS OF A FOUNDER

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By Jewel Henry A. Callis. M. D., at the Chicago Session 1945 is just eighty years since 1865. 1905 is midway of this period. It was at Christmas time in 1905 that a small group of Colored students at Cornell University left the campus on their holiday in search of a college fraternity. Their isolation had created a need for fellowship with young men similarly placed in other colleges and universities. Moreover, their own future and the progress of their people was threatened by the philosophy inherent in the application of industrial education to the Negro. There was a violent schism in leadership. Booker T. Washington was preserving a humble place in the Nation for the Negro trained in simple manual skills. W. E. B. DuBois was challenging the right of our Nation to limit education and social opportunity to any group of its citizens. Since its founding in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha has recognized its responsibilities and has nurtured a leadership to aid the (Turn to Next Page)

Alpha's Program Of Action

(Prom ters and for the re-activation of all delinquent and inactive chapters has been at the head of the list. Determination exists to represent Alpha and the race in proportion to needs. But no movement, however skillfully conceived and executed can achieve eventual success without the cooperation and definite participation of the entire membership. The n a m e is older t h a n the F r a Election of chapter officers who have vigor, wisdom and personal courternity, and w a s adopted in the enough age to lead members to progressive action, realization that w e in America are should be the dominating theme "at home." Added to this should be the misdescended from many African sionary goal of bringing life to all deraces and tribes. We believe our- linquent and inactive chapters in each of the country. Why not examine selves to be the first group of men area the list of such chapters in your state in college, of African descent, and begin immediately to work toward bound together as brethren, with their rehabilitation? • 5. Shorten convention time and prothe purpose of advancing the lot cedure. Naturally, an organization which is embarking on an expanded program of all peoples of such descent. goes through the thoe of what to many The chief significance of Alpha may seem unnecessary and useless disargument and explanation of Phi Alpha lies in its purpose to agreement, objectives to be sought. But to those stimulate, develop, and cement an who look deeper than the surface, these so called "growing pains" are a part intelligent, trained leadership in of the securing of a unification of ideas the unending fight for freedom, and practices so that a oneness of apequality and fraternity. Our task is proach may be made on our problems. The idea of shortening convention time endless. Our activity is limited on- and procedure is a noble venture and ly by our courage and our capaci- comes now with particular "good grace." 6. Activate London Chapter. Alpha men ties. Our field is the world of so- work and contribute to life all over the cial institutions. The history of world. In this objective of reactivating the London chapter, a sense of direction American college fraternities is is indicated that will include also the part of our background, not our setting up of chapters in a great many of the other foreign capitals and cenhorizon. ters. 7. Pool resources with other fraternities and sororities for establishment of a powerful research and lobby program in Columbus Convention Washington. If it is necessary that Alpha Plans now in the making for 1946 Con- men work together on their own probtention at Columbus. Ohio call for one or lems, it is immediately as basic that we two major addresses (The Convention join with the sororities and other fraterMessage) by an undergraduate brother, nities in a program emanating from our and committee reports, with recommenda- nation's capital that because of its suctions, being ready to turn in on opening cessful operation in this sphere will aid day. the cause of good living among all peo-

Page 3) ple in the nation, including of course, members of our own racial identity. This Pooling of resources of all Greekletter organization for the specific purpose indicated is a step long neglected and which should be a "must"' for intelligent men and women. 8. Re-emphasize our International program under Brother Logan. The theme of "One World" so ably espoused b> many is predicated on the doctrine that all nations and people are due just recognition and respect. We in America have been lauded for the "know how" to win a war. This skill without question must now be channeled to the achievement of peace. Alpha under the leadership of our immediate past General President and with the help of other brothers who are experts in the field, has taken leadership in a program of international goodwill and representation of dependent peoples. What we have started, we must continue for by so doing, we shall help to bring to the world's inhabitants the fruits of intellect, vision and Christianity. 9. Constant attack upon the breastwork of the citadel of privilege and Jim Crowism which are the worst enemies of the common man. The liberalization and democratization of some of our methods, modes and ways of living in America is of foremost importance. The land which by its efforts in World War II has committed itself to bringing democracy to people abroad cannot continue if it is to make that plea effective to maintain a policy of segregation and Jim Crowism "at home." It is axiomatic that "he who would be free must himself strike the first blow.'" More than that, freedom is a process of continual vigilance and it is to the end of securing and maintaining freedom for ourselves, our friends and our world that we must forever fight. SUMMARY Of such is Alpha's Program of Action for 1946. It is broad enough for participation by every brother and attractive enough to gain support from America's citizens-at-large. But remember, it can, and will, succeed only because we make it so.


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ALPHA'S FOUR LIVING FOUNDERS TO COLUMBUS CONVENTION SHOULD BE REUNION ON OUR FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY F o u r of the Seven Jewels who founded Alpha P h i Alpha F r a t e r n i t y as t h e first Negro Greek-letter College society in the world are still with us as w e near our fortieth anniversary. They are J e w e l s George B. Kelly, of Troy, New York; H e n r y A. Callis, and Nathaniel A. Murray. of Washington, D'. C ; and V e r t n e r W. Tandy of New York City. During the Atlantic City, New J e r s e y Convention, Brother Kelly, w h o was present as guest F o u n d e r s ' Speaker, m a d e the observation that it would be well if all the J e w e l s could assemble at the convention m a r k i n g the R u b y Anniversary of Alpha Phi Alpha. It was his thought. however, that the F r a t e r n i t y would on this occasion sponsor a pilgrimage to Itacha, New York, birthplace of Alpha.

NATHANIEL A. MURRAY

HENRY A. CALLIS

This year is our fortieth, and it is hoped that the General Organization. along with brothers of the convention committee in Ohio will use e v e r y effort to get all four F o u n d e r s to t h e 1946 General Convention in Columbus.

Reflections Of A Founder

GEORGE B. K E L L Y

R T 1 906 I E T H

A CHALLENGE TO COLLEGE SCIENCE CURRICULA By ROBERT Assistant CIENCE blazes new trails in the field of n a t u r a l phenomena. Explorations into hitherto u n t a p p e d domains of the physical universe yield unbelieveable

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(From P a g e 4) Negro in his struggle toward unfettered American citizenship. Education for intelligent participation in American life has been the tocsin. T h e field of education—to mention no other —-bears witness to this crusade. Today, the presidents of most of t h e colleges devoted exclusively to the training of young men and young w o m e n among us, a r e Alpha men. In 1917. we gave leadership to the fight for Negro officers in the United States Army. In 1919. we began the cry for high schools and colleges to correct the lack of training revealed by World War I. In the early 1930's, w e began education for political and industrial participation. In 1941. we had men ready to serve t h e country in every skilled b r a n c h of the A r m e d Services. This leadership came from young men, for in 1905 our fathers could offer little help. Today, w e a r e faced w i t h another crisis, t h e organization of T h e Peace. T h e turmoil on t h e domestic and international fronts is bewildering. The old forces for exploitation and caste bestir themselves. Our role today d e m a n d s t h e activation of a philosophy that greets every m a n as an equal and in America acknowledges no place for second class citizenship in any field. A few hours before G e r m a n y m a r c h e d into Poland, I said in the F o u n d e r s ' Address to the New York City Convention: • "Our training and background p r e p a r e us to lead in t h e restraint of aggression upon the extentions of the social frontier. This responsibility necessitates the habit of clear a n d unprejudiced t h i n k i n g on our p a r t and the transference of that thought into sane and effective action." To these statements. I would add just one other: L E T T H E YOUNG MEN WHO HAVE COME T H R O U G H T H E G R E A T DEPRESSION AND WORLD WAR II P L A N THE LEADERS H I P O F THE ATOMIC AGE.

T. CUSTIS Editor secrets. Integration of these research results into college science curricula poses a major problem for educators. A very brief review of a few r e c e n t scientific

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developments indicates the n a t u r e of t h e difficulty. Laboratories, workshop and factories r e p o r t their findings and applications of research in newspapers, periodicals, radio and through public discussions. A few examples suffice to illustrate this conTurn The Page


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President Lawson States Alpha's Citizenship Aims At Birmingham By W. WESLEY WHETSTONE Associate Sphinx Editor Today the natural trend in the minds of every thinking, and progressive Negro is to secure for himself and his fellow race men, full citizenship rights. In many instances the achievement will be very difficult and inconvenient, but the end to be attained will justify the fighting against surmounting obstacles. To this end Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is moving in progressive unified action by disseminating to its members as well as the members of its race the necessary information and impetus to bring about full realization of their desires. It was just such aims that prompted Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to inaugurate its "Education For Citizenship" program on a national basis to be observed by every member chapter. This proposed, beneficial program reemphasized the establishment and fostering of Alpha's "Go To High School, Go To College" program. Omicron Lambda Chapter. Birmingham, Alabama, on April 7th, fostered a public program in observance of the Annual "Education For Citizenship Week." The program was held at the historic edifice of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, of which Rev. Luke Beard is pastor. The guest speaker on this occasion was the general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Brother Belford V. Lawson, of Washington, D. C. Brother Lawson is one of America's outstanding lawyers regardless to race. As an authority on the constitution he is known and accepted all over this country.

ATTY. B. V. LAWSON General President His discourse was informational, instructional, thought-provoking, and inspiring. It was unusual in that the things he Itemized for successful achievement of full citizenship rights and attainment of privileges and opportunities rightfully belonging to every person within this country, can be gained by a simple formula. According to Brother Lawson, we must be able to differentiate between our physical needs for existence and our moral needs for better living among ourselves. He pointed the course that we all must follow in order that proper

Survey Graphic Estimate Cost of Segregation in Education NEW YORK. N. Y— It has cost the State of Missouri more than $500,000 to graduate one Negro student from the School of Law and ten from the School of Journalism, according to R. I. Brigham, in an article "The Price of Segregation" appearing in the May Survey Graphic, lout May 10) This is what the taxpayers of Missouri pay for extending to postgraduate education the principle of separate schools for Negroes who represent only six per cent of the State's total population. In 1938, Lloyd Gaines applied for admission to the Law School of the University of Missouri. He was barred because of his race. He carried his case to the United States Supreme Court which ruled that all states must provide "equal educational facilities" for all qualified students. It also ruled that this obligation could not be met by paying tuition in colleges and universities outside the state. In line with this decision, Mr. Brigham reports, Missouri established at its segregated institution, Lincoln University, a Graduate School and Schools of Law and Journalism. Mr. Brigham cites figures from official reports showing that the Faculty of the Law School received $17,650 in salaries in 1941 when it had 35 students. In the war year 1943 although there were no students enrolled the School had to maintain a Faculty payroll of $9,000 in order to remain on the inactive list of accrediting institutions. The State of Missouri ap-

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propriated $65,000 for the Journalism Building and acquired a Faculty with salaries totaling $14,040 to instruct three students in 1941, six in 1942 and fourteen in 1943. Mr. Brigham points out that for the biennial 1939-40, $856,000 was appropriated for 1,228 students at Lincoln University ($697 per student) and $3,908,000 for 17,010 students at the University of Missouri ($229 per student). This practice will grow worse financially as qualified Negroes request training in engineering, mining, medicine and other graduate fields. Mr. Brigham concludes that while this is "justice to the Negro with a vengeance . . . such justice will not appeal to Missouri taxpayers" since it is forced on them "by Missouri's illogical desire to support a separate school system for a six per cent minority with a skin pigmentation which differs from that of the 94 per cent majority." While the war postponed action in the seventeen states affected by the Gaines decision, all of them must now find a solution. If they follow the Missouri procedure, Mr. Brigham believes the taxpayers will find the cost prohibitive. Further, the Survey Graphic writer comments, they will be continuing a practice which "runs counter to the religion and to the political philosophy they profess."

adjustment can be made in our lives in order that better conditions will be developed among all races. To win a war without winning the peace is the curse visited upon this great country, known and accepted as the "Bulwark of Democracy." To attain this peace there must be brought about more brotherly love. This is the main reason for the uncertainty and lack of success of the UNO. Proper educational, health, recreational and cultural provisions must be established for all citizens of this country if it is to remain the first among the democratic nations. Our general president admonished all Alpha men to join forces with other civic and fraternal organizations to help get these necessary assets of citizenship for all the people. This address was by far the best to be made in Birmingham on any occasion and it was well received and thoroughly enjoyed. The program was widely attended by fellow-Greeks as well as Birmingham citizens at large. Birmingham is deeply grateful to Attorney Lawson for his visit and his grand message. They want him back! Omicron Lambda Chapter held a smoker for the honored guest and all Alpha men Saturday evening at the home of Brother Preston Evans. A fine "get together" was had and Brother Lawson was able to get over to the chapter his platform as well as answerd all questions relative to the national and local body. On Sunday evening after the program, a supper party was given at the "Little Savoy Cafe" in downtown Birmingham. This was attended by Alpha men with their wives and sweethearts. A very pleasant repast was served to the strains of sweet music by an orchestra which played all the while the guests were eating. We feel that Birmingham in general ;md Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in particular will benefit considerably by the visit and address of our General President. , s-

A Challenge To From Page 5 tention. These media describe such applications of scientific principles, in aviation. as robot piloted planes, charting and recording worldwide atmospheric conditions and new location devices in the form of radar. Narrators explain improved communication by radio and television, fission of the atom plus successful harnessing of this potential energy as a source of power. Likewise, chemical research presages new types of synthetic wearing apparels. Drug counters advertise and display sulfa, penicillen and vitamin products to eliminate and reduce disease, thereby prolonging human life. War requirements accelerate discovery, design and application of these and many other scientific advances. These in turn suggest further areas of discovery. Does college science curricula reflect these and many other happenings? Inclusion of the latest available information as an integral part of science curricula makes the course content lifelike. This stimulates more dynamic presentation of scientific principles and their practical applications. In this way students learn the subject matter in the (Turn to Page 10)


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SIGNS OF AMERICA'S WILL TO TRY DEMOCRACY By Dr. Milton S. J. Wright, Staff Member, THE SPHINX MAGAZINE VER the years there has been, and still is, a genuine and sincere spirit and desire on the part of a gradually and steadily increasing number of people in America to create, nuture, and make strong, a genuine and progressively workable society with its basic and fundamental principles and ideals strongly rooted and grounded in the truly democratic way of life. From early colonial days down to the present day there have consistently been small, but stalwart and determined groups of Americans who have believed whole-heartedly, and who have planned and worked persistently that all men should and ought to be free, in the strictest sense of the word. Those small groups of Americans have earnestly and vigorously preached, written, and fought from one end of this country to the other that every man, woman and child—irrespective of class, creed, race or national origin, should find here, in this "Land of the Free," freedom and equal opportunity to work, play, and develop his mental, moral, and social potentialities to the fullest extent of their capabilities. It has been, and slill is the thesis of clear-thinking Americans, that by offering full and equal opportunity to all peoples for the greatest possible development of their talents, there would not only evolve a good, strong, and peaceful national state, but. an equally social and progressive world.

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Evidence that at least a strong nucleus of Americans have had and still have the will and the desire to try democracy is to be found in many eras in the past history of the nation, as well as in numerous instances on the current scene. The contents of The Mayflower Compact, The Declaration of Independence, The Federal Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and similar documents and pronouncements calling for and supporting liberty, freedom, justice and equality for all human bei) the utterances and writings of several of the founding fathers, such as Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin. Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and others; the acts and programs of various religious, educational, political, and social organizations, and groups give undeniable evidence that even in the earliest periods of the history of this country there was, indeed, the will and devotion to the cause of democracy. In spite of the introduction of the institution of human slavery into this land of freedom; in spite of the periods of religious intolerance, political. social, economic, industrial, and educational bigotry—the Know Nothings, the Klu Klux Klan, and the Carpet-Baggers— there were then, are now, and always will be those staunch, level-headed, and clear-thinking Americans who have stood and still stand steadfastly and uncompromisingly for the democratic way of life. They have not won the majority of their battles, indeed, the counter attacks of the mighty forces of blind selfishness, ignorance, bigotry, and misunderstanding have frequently beat back and down the truly progressive and democratic forces. But with persistence, perseverance, and determination to urge them on, and with firm belief in their

DR. MILTON S. J. WRIGHT Editor's Notes: Brother Dr. Wright. Professor of Economics and Political Science, Wilberforce University. has since this past March been on a leave of absence for purpose of giving a series of lectures under auspices of the American Friends Service Committee. His lecture tours are taking him into leading white colleges and universities the country over. Brother Wright is a graduate of Wilberforce. (A. B.). Columbia University, (B. M.l; and University of Heidelberg (Germany), Ph. D. He has taken summer studies at Columbia. Oxford University (England), University of Geneva (Switzerland), and Ohio State. Brother Wright has written several books, and contributed numerous articles to magazines and other publications. He is listed in "Who's Who in American Education;" and Biographical Directory of American Scholars. cause, the forces of democracy have arisen from each and every defeat, stronger and more determined than before and re-engaged the enemy for a fight to the finish. Again, and again, and again they stormed the walls of suppression and ignorance. Some of 1he results of those battles have been—(1) the abolition of the legal right to hold human beings in physical slavery: (2) the abolition of property and wealth as qualifications for the exercise of the right of suffrage; (3) the granting of the right of suffrage to women; (4) the right of labor to bargain collectively, and the freedom of worship, freedom of speech, freedom and recourse to the courts of justice. There are still many and strong antidemocratic walls in this country against which the democratic forces are steadily battering. But consistently and persistently the individuals and groups with the will and desire to try democracy are hammering away at the forces which would deny the use of the ballot to cer-

tain elements of the population of the United States by means of the poll tax and other unfair and un-American schemes; at those who insist upon denying equal economic, social, industrial, educational, and political opportunities to certain Americans, and at those who persist that they are the super race, the super class, and as such, there are certain exclusive public and civil rights and privileges reserved for them and their kind. It is, indeed, encouraging and assuring to note the personnel of the democratic battle lines, composed of persons from the South, the North, the East, and the West who are so convinced that democracy is* worth trying that they publicly and privately support whole-heartedly such measures and movements as Fair Employment Practice; Anti-Poll Tax, inter-cultural, inter-racial, inter-denominational, inter-faith, and inter-national efforts. Public-spirited and forwardlooking Americans in every section of the country are forthright and articulate in their denunciation, condemnation, and repudiation of such unprincipled and unethical persons in public as well as private life who brazenly and deliberately insult entire religious, racial and national groups within this country. The efforts of such organizations as The Anti-Defamation League; The American Friends Service Committee; The Institute for American Democracy; The Bureau for Inter-Cultural Education; The Conference of Christians and Jews and several others are steps in the right direction. American educational institutions, both public and private are more and more opening their doors to students of all groups who desire to take advantage of the opportunities offered. The old "quota system" of admitting students of certain groups is gradually being exposed and looked upon as undemocratic and un-American. In many of the more progressive and superior institutions of higher learning scholars of a wider variety of persons of different racial, religious, and national origin are giving instructions to an equally wide variety of students in many and sundry fields and branches of learning. The Y. M. C. A. and other similar organizations have given some evidence that they are now willing to render service to all humanity rather than to certain restricted groups. Recent issues of our daily newspapers carried an article stating that the Daughters of the American Revolution had invited a group of Negro singers to render a concert in Constitution Hall. Thus breaking an ancient and undemocratic tradition. The May 2, 1946 issue of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER carried a front page article and picture telling of a Negro mother who had been selected "The American Mother of the Year." She was the mother of the President of Atlanta University. The next day the NEW YORK TIMES carried an item stating that the United States Senate had confirmed the nomination of Judge William Hastie, former Dean of the Law School (Turn to Page 10)


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May, 1946

ALPHA'S TASK TODAY GUEST ADDRESS BY BROTHER S. S. BOOKER. PAST GENERAL PRESIDENT. AT THE MIDWESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE. CINCINNATI. OHIO. Brother Chairman and brothers of Alpha epochs and periods of growth, but I shall I know the heart of Alpha—1 helped to Phi Alpha: not attempt to review its history at this dig out the ritual. I helped to lay the to select the emblem, I am most pleased to be here on this time. I want to talk with you in a very foundation—helped pin and the shield and even, helped occasion and even, while standing here, frank and brotherly manner concerning the trace its origin back to the head my mind wonders back across the years what I think Alpha's task is today. I to waters of the Nile. I was its first to that memorable day, almost forty years shall console myself with the fact that National General Secretary, later its Naago when seven young men had a dream you know the principles upon which our tional General Treasurer and still later, on the campus of Cornell University. fraternity was founded and the definite its National General President. I helped That dream resulted in the formation of goals toward which we move and the to spearhead this organization during a club which later became Alpha Phi basic elements that have given it growth the dark days when men on many college Alpha fraternity. The first convention in and life over the years; however, I want campuses looked upon a fraternity as a 1907 at Howard University where three to restate our motto, "First of all, SerI have lived with the fraternity chapters were represented with six dele- vants of all we shall transcend all," and farce. dreamed about it over the years, begates and your humble servant was the with your kind permission I want to say and cause I wanted to stand with a group sixth man ushered into being the first that any brother who has not imbibed of who dared to follow the spirit of Greek-letter society founded by Negroes this, has not digested this, has not sat- Himmen said "I come not to be minin America and in the world. The torch urated his soul with this and has not isteredwho that was lighted has burned through the pledged his heart to this, not for a day, servant! unto, but to minister," to be a years increasing in glow and in power. nor for a year but for life, thai brother In- the light of all these things and Our fraternity life may be divided into is only Alpha in Name. in view of the special trends of thinking of men across the world, I want to say that I think Alpha faces a challenge. To President Registers At Midwestern Regional meet this challenge, I think Alpha must do four definite things today. FIRST— as Alpha men, we must revive our search for men, four square men. Alpha was founded by men, Alpha has grown because of men, Alpha is in the leadership of all Negro fraternities because of men. Our men are key men in all fields of human endeavor. They form the vanguard in business, in medicine, in art, in music, as journalist, jurists, politicians, teachers, preachers and as presidents of Negro colleges. They are definite factors in the growing life of the communities in which they are located. Yet, I am sorry to say that there are some brothers who have lost their way in search of success. That group disturbs me and that is the group we need now. ' It behooves each one of us to round up those brothers, lost sheep in the Alpha family. This is an immediate task—a paramount task—a task that must be done—we have no choice. The battle of reviving is the program of this hour.

Brother Belford V. Lawson, General President, was among the early arrivals at the Midwestern Regional Conference, Cincinnati, Ohio. He is shown, second from left, seated, looking over material from his registration kit, while Brother Louis H. Schuster (R. E) Eastern Vice-President; Brother John W. Fleming, (bending over) recently returned hero from the European Theatre of Operation; Brother William N. Lovelace (seated), Midwestern Vice-President; and Brother W. M. Springer, Chairman of Registration, look on. Held Friday through Sunday, April 26-28th, the Midwestern Conference featured addresses by President Lawson, Past General President S. S. Booker, of Youngstown, Ohio; and a variety of discussions on the Fraternity's program of action, including that of Reclamation, Housing, and Public Policy.

Your second task must be to rekindle the Alpha spirit. Our spiritual growth has been more important than money. I know many of us have said that Alpha has gained her prestige because of her educational activities and others have said that it has been because of her social outlook, but I am of the opinion that our great contribution lies not in its educational activity, neither in its social outreaches, but rather in the development of the indefinable quality of spirit. May I say the Alpha spirit—fraternal spirit. It is not a noisy demonstration, neither is it of necessity a shout or song. It may be a deep silence but it has force and power and it moves to action. It relates itself to our ideals and objectives. It is that force that made' us "First of all, Servants of all," and it will make us "transcend all" in the days ahead. The Alpha spirit recognizes no defeat. It underlies all that we say and undergirds all we do. It cannot be bought and bartered; it cannot be stolen. It comes from within a genuine loyalty to the ideals of our great fraternity. Alpha men are not groomed and coached and made; Alpha men are born and destined to find


May, 1946

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MIDWESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE DRAWS RECORD ATTENDANCE

Alpha Alpha Chapter, Cincinnati, Ohio, served as host to the largest delegation of brothers ever to attend a regional session during the last week of April, therefore setting the stage for the forthcoming General Convention scheduled to be held in Columbus, Ohio, December of this year. Visiting brothers, including nine General Officers, came from three of the four Jurisdictions comprising Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Beginning fourth from left end, front row, General Officers present were Brothers James Cummings, Lane College, and Leroy Collins, Western Reserve, Lay Members of the Executive Council; Lewis O. Swingler, Memphis, Tenn., Editor of the SPHINX MAGAZINE; Attorney Charles F. Lane, of Chicago, General Counsel; William N. Lovelace, of Cincinnati, Midwestern Vice-President, who issued the official call for the Conference; Attorney Belford V. Lawson, of Washington, D. C. General President; Louis H. Schuster, of Petersburg, Va., Eastern Vice-President; M. G. Ferguson, General Treasurer; Earnest L. Savory, Ohio State University, Regional Director; John W. Fleming, of Cincinnati, Past Midwestern VicePresident, and Program Chairman for the Regional; and Thomas Horner, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Regional Director. Business' sessions were held at the Ninth Street Y. M. C. A., and the Conference was climaxed with a public program at

historic Allen Temple A. M. E. Church, Sunday, April 28th, during which time the Alphas joined with members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in presenting their respective national presidents in featured addresses. Brother Lawson spoke on the subject, "Strategy for Victory." Mrs. Beulah T. Whitby, Grand Basileus of Alpha Kappa Alpha, gave an address on "Greek-Letter Organizations in a Revolutionary Age." For the A. K. A's. the occasion marked the observance of the twenty-fifth anniversary of their chapter in Cincinnati. Alpha wives and sweethearts of brothers in Cincinnati, coupled with members of other Greek-letter organizations, were bountiful in their hospitality, and courtesies extended visitors to the city. There were breakfast parties, cocktail affairs, sight-seeing tours, and a brilliant formal on the campus of Cincinnati University. Every brother's home was an Open House for reception of visitors. The business sessions were well planned, and covered virtually every important issue relating to Alpha's aim and objectives in a postwar world. Members of the Executive Council met in an informal session also to consider some of the more pressing problems facing the Fraternity. Reports of their action will be passed on to General Officers who could not be present.

ALPHA'S TASK TODAY the high plains, the top spots, the honored places among men, because they are servants of all. Your third task, I believe must be to rebuild the columns of love around the chapters and the graduate brothers. I recall the words of Jesus to Peter—"Do you love me?" Find the brothers and bring them back to the fold. May I ask you here—"Are we brothers?" Do we exemplify the brotherly spirit in our communities? Are we breaking up friendship rather than making them? Are we seeking glory and praise at the expense of Alpha? Are we playing politics? Will our fraternity lose its prestige by the work of selfish, conceited individuals who are looking for honor—GOD FORBID that we falter at this late day. The brotherhood spirit has been the thread running through the whole range of Alpha history. Founded and nurtured among the seven Jewels and seen in the leaders over the years. Such characters as Brother Roscoe Giles, one of the six delegates to the first convention; Brother Charles Garvin, of Beta, Brother Charles

Wesley, our Historian; and leader of the fraternity for the longest, and the most difficult years in its history. Less we forget, the late Brother Lucius McGee who was another dynamic spirit after the close of the last war. Neither shall we overlook or forget that hard working, uncompromising champion. Brother Joseph H. B. Evans, who set the records of the fraternity in order and established a business system that cannot be excelled. He served long, faithful and well at a time and during a period in which the fraternity needed service. For meritorious and unselfish service, Brother Evans will head the list. Time will not permit me to mention hundreds of others who have made Alpha Phi Alpha a brotherhood, a bond of love. Unfortunately, some brothers forgot their oath, lost their pride, disgraced themselves through gambling, drinking, and breaking up homes, immoral wrecks but thank God only a few when compared to the host who have maintained the standards, kept the secrets and defied hell to live a true, moral life. Our fraternity will live long after

we are gone, not because of its large conventions, because of the many pilgrimages, not because of its scholarships, not because it is the first and oldest Greekletter fraternity, but it will live because ALPHA MEN have lived four square lives—and left their imprint in the hearts of men. Finally, I want to call upon all ALPHAS every where to rededicate themselves to the spirit and ideals of Alpha, as found in the preamble and declared in the secret ritual. We dedicated ourselves in the year of its origin and we beg you now to focus your thinking and your life upon the worthwhile things, the lasting, eternal things. Needless to say that Alpha Phi Alpha has proved its worth—a mere look at the record will show that no fraternity in all history has accomplished so much in so short a time. From the seven Jewels in 1906 to more than thirty thousand in 1946, scattered all over America and the world. From a club to an incorporate organization, representing 168 chapters, located in every section of America, from a 'no-dollar' treasury to a treasury that (Turn to Page 10)


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T H E S P H I N X

Signs of American Will From Page 7 of Howard University, as Governor of the Virgin Islands. The bar association of a Mid-Western town recently elected a Negro as its president. The Congress of the United States a few years ago repudiated the infamous Chinese Exclusion Act, and renounced all rights of extra-territoriality in China. Many and loud have been the protests against the vast differences in facilities for and treatment of officers and enlisted men in the various branches of the armed forces of the nation. The Lichfield trials concerning mal-treatment of Americans by Americans show that there is the will to try democracy. Restrictive covenants forbidding certain American citizen to rent or purchase homes in particular sections of cities have been dealt weakening blows by recent court decisions. More and more Jews, Italians, Negroes, Greeks, and other minorities are now being elected and appointed to responsible public and private positions to serve all peoples. These and numerous other instances of America's will to try democracy are definite signposts along the road to general intelligent and social achievement in America's struggle to offer "liberty and justice to all." Those who have the will and desire to make democracy a living reality have

worked and fought—and still do —with might and main, at home and abroad, because they thoroughly deliver that through the democratic process the human race can and will achieve peace and prosperity. They believe in makii: use of all the potentialities with which the earth is so richly endowed—the material, the spiritual, and the social. Just as there is more than enough material wealth in this world adequately to meet and satisfy the normal needs of everybody, so is there more than enough fine and wholesome spiritual wealth to make for a clean, healthy, ethical and progressive social structure in which every human being may grow and wax strong without unfair and degrading social, economic, political, industrial, and educational restrictions based upon such superficial and anti-social criteria as class. creed, sex, race, or national origin. The part of America which has the will 1o try democracy is convinced that each individual and each group should and must be allowed the freedom to make its full contribution to this country and to the world. Not only must such individuals and groups be unhampered in their efforts to serve society, but they must be encouraged and assisted in every way possible in order that their contributions may be most effective and fruitful. To do otherwise is not only short-sighted and backward, it is downright cowardly and socially stupid.

Regional Directors Active At Conference

May, 1946 It is quite true that America is far from being a Utopia or a (Shangri-la.) She still lias much hard and tedious work to do, and numerous difficult and perilous social hurdles and handicaps to overcome— many hills and mountains to scale; many deep and dangerous rivers and oceans to cross, and numerous chasms to span before she can honestly and sincerely look the world squarely in the face and unequivocally and unabashed announce that she is indeed—"the home of the free," with equal opportunity, and "liberty and justice for all." She must si ill overcome her Jim-Crow system in the North as well as in the South. She must disband her Ghettoes; end her double standards of educational, economic, and political facilities and op: tunities, and extend lull civil liberties to all decent and sell'respecting persons. She must take^more definite and drastic steps to put an end to her mob-violence, lynch law, gangsterism, and social intolce. She must do more to guarantee edom from religious and racial prejudice. Then she will be able to hold up the light of genuine democracy as a shining example for all the world to emulate. But as imperfect as she now is, she does give great evidence of hope, and ot the will and desire to move progressively forward in her efforts to attain the state of a more perfect democracy. s

Alpha's Task Today From Page 9 runs up into the thousands of dollars. From a little torch, a ray of light has come a net-work of flaming fire that has welded together the keenest minds and the best brains of our race into a powerful force for good and some how and somewhere. Alpha will lead the way towards peace and righteousness. Standing here on the topmost round of fame, in the heart of America, and in the midst of a tottering world, drunk with selfishness and greed, I call upon you to revive, rekindle, rebuild and rededicate your all. Keep your poise, anchor your soul in the silent Sphinx of the Master of men who has redeemed us and with his burning words in minds "I came not to be ministered unto, but to minister"; to serve. "FIRST OF ALL, SERVANTS OF ALL, WE SHALL TRANSCEND ALL."

A Challenge To (From Page 6) form which it will be used. This procedure motivates learning and makes students active participants in the learning process. They leave college halls better equipped to comprehend the true direction and meaning of the physical world about us. This alone is sufficient incentive for colleges to embody the spirit and accomplishments of modern science into the science curricula. s Three of the Regional Directors who participated in the spirited discussion on President Lawson's reclamation at the Midwestern Regional Conference, Cincinnati, Ohio, are seen with Chapter Visits Midwestern Vice-President William N. Lovelace, third from left end. They are, from left end, Brothers Thomas L. Horner, of Indianapolis, Indiana, who served as ConBrother B. V. Lawson has made exference Secretary; Aaron L. Allen, of Nashville, Tennessee, Regional Director in the tensive trips, visited many chapters durSouthern Jurisdiction; and official jeweler for Alpha Phi Alpha; Vice-President Love- ing the first half of year. Results being lace; and Leroy Savory, Kappa Chapter, Ohio State, Columbus, Ohio. shown in number of delinquent brothers reclaimed. They are shown in front of the Ninth Street Y. M. C. A., Cincinnati.


May, 1946

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MIDWESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE

These a r e the brothers, all m e m b e r s of Alpha Alpha Chapter, who steered through plans successfully for the Midwestern Regional Conference recently held at the seat of t h e chapter, Cincinnati, Ohio. F r o m left, they a r e Brothers B r a x t o n F . Cann, Transportation; J o h n W. Fleming, General C h a i r m a n ; Arnold B. Walker, Publicity; H. H a n n i b a l Hull, P r o g r a m ;

W. M. Springer, Registration; W. N. Lovelace, Regional VicePresident; W. C. Weatherly, Housing. Other m e m b e r s absent w h e n the c a m e r a m a n took this shot. following the public p r o g r a m at Allen Chapel A. M. E. Church, w e r e Brothers R. H. Brown, president of the chapter; Alva S. Thornton, Finance; C. E. Dillard, Transportation; and George Hull, E n t e r t a i n m e n t .

Program of the Western Regional Conference Held At Austin, Texas EDITOR'S NOTE: I t was too near press time for this edition to carry the results of the Western Regional Conference held at Austin. Texas, under leadership of Brother A. Maceo Smith, Western Vice-president, but the outlined schedule of activities, as printed below, should be indicative of the fact that ALPHA PHI ALPHA is blazing new trails way out there in the open West. A. full report of this Conference will be published in the PICTORIAL NUMBER. To Brother Smith, and his associates of the Western Region, an ALPHA DOFF I THEME: THE SOCIO

ECONOMIC PROSPECTUS FOR WORLD CITIZENSHIP. Program—Friday. May 10. 1946

4:00- 6:00 P. M—Registration Smoker. 6:30- 7:30 P. M.—Alpha D i n n e r Address—Brother C. P. Johnson, Regional Director. 8:0Q- 9:30 P . M — Public Mass Meeting. Address—THE NEGRO F A C E S THE ATOMIC A. Maceo Smith, Western Vice President.

AGE, •

Brother

10:00 P. M.—Fraternity Dance—Doris Miller Auditorium. Program—Saturday. May 11, 1946 9:00-10:00 A. M.—Business Session of F r a t e r n i t y . 10:00 12:30 P. M.—Public Citizenship Clinic and Institute. Dr. S. E. Conner, Supervising Subjects for G r o u p Clinics: BUSINESS AND POLITICS, ORG A N I Z E D LABOR, TRADES AND PROFESSION, VOCATIONAL EDUCATION, A G R I C U L T U R A L AND RURAL L I F E , H E A L T H AND HOUSING, HIGHER EDUCATION. Afternoon Session 2:00- 5:00 P. M.—Leadership Training Institute, B r o t h e r Belford V. Lawson, General President, presiding. P l e n a r y Panel Discussions 2:00- 2:45 P. M.—SUFFRAGE, AND IMPERATIVE, Discussion Leaders, B r o t h e r A. Maceo Smith, Mr. R. A. Hester and others.


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House Of Alpha Dedicated to the now nationally famous ALPHA HOUSE ON Chicago's great southside. G O O D W I L L is t h e m o n a r c h of this house. Men u n a c q u a i n t e d e n t e r s h a k e hands, e x c h a n g e greetings a n d depart friends. Cordiality exists a m o n g all who abide within. I am t h e eminent expression of comradeship. Character and temperament change u n d e r my dominating power. Lives once touched by m e become t u n e d and a r e thereafter amiable, kindly, fraternal. I inspire t h e musician to play noble sentiments, and assist t h e chemist to convert ungenerous personalities into individuals of great w o r t h . I destroy all ig-

SPHINX

noble impulses. I constantly invoke principles which m a k e for common brotherhood and the echo resounds in all communities and princely m e n a r e thereby recognized. Education, health, music, encouragement, sympathy, laughter—all these a r e species of interest given on selfinvested capital.

May, 1946 In fact, I a m t h e College of friendship; t h e University of brotherly love; t h e school for t h e better m a k i n g of the m a n . . I AM A L P H A P H I A L P H A . s

Alpha Delegate To Pan-Hellenic Council

Tired m o m e n t s find me a delightful treat, h o u r s of sorrow, a shrine of understanding—at all iim.es, I a m faithful to t h e creed of companionship. To a few, I am t h e castle of d r e a m s ambitious, successful, hopeful dreams. To m a n y I am the poetic palace w h e r e hum a n feeling is r h y m e d to celestial motives; to t h e great majority, I am t h e treasury of good fellowship.

/ AM AN ALPHA ( ) ( /

( ; • ) j •

( ) • I ) 5 ! ' /

I AM AN A L P H A Because I believe in the principles As set forth in t h e A L P H A HYMN— Manly deeds, Scholarship, and Love for A L L Mankind. Seven founders worked m o r e than forty years ago T h a t w e may h a v e A L P H A First of all. transcending all. They spoke for A L P H A at Cornell; They discussed fraternity in their meetings. They almost came to blows, But they kept their ideas in mind. Surely, t h e least I can do, Is to keep the heritage T h e J E W E L S passed on to me. I AM AN A L P H A ! I AM AN A L P H A Because I was pledged, initiated, And have seen the Light. My chapter meetings and activities a r e a t t e n d e d regularly. Committee w o r k is my specialty. N e w ideas a r e b r o u g h t in b y me, -And I willingly accept the desires of the majority. My dues or c h a p t e r budget and m y G r a n d Tax, Are paid on time. I give constructive criticism to my chapter's program. No more will I become unfriendly with any b r o t h e r Who fails to agree with me. I will keep my vows. I am loyal, I AM AN A L P H A ! By BROTHER D. W. LEWIS President, Beta Lambda Chapter Greater Kansas City.

Program of the Western Conference Held at Austin, Texas F r o m P a g e 11 2:45- 3:30 P. M.—EDUCATION FOR LIVING, Discussion Leaders, B r o t h e r Karl Downs and others. 3:30- 4:15 P. M — ECONOMICS, A FIRM FOUNDATION, Discussion Leaders, Brother Wm. H. Bell and others. 4:15- 5:00 P. M — W O R L D CITIZENSHIP, Discussion Leaders, B r o t h e r Dr. W. E. B. DuBois and others. (Place suggested for this Institute, State Capitol) 5:30- 7:00 P. M.—Informal Tea for Alpha Wives. 8:00-12:00 P. M — P a n Hellenic Dance. Program—Sunday, May 12, 194S 9:00-10:30 A. M.—Final Business Session of F r a t e r n i t y 11:00 A. M.—Church Worship Services Sermon, B r o t h e r George W. Singleton, President P a u l Quinn College. 3:00 P. M — Town Hall Meeting Discussants: Dr. W. E. B. DuBois, Dr. Karlos P. Cattaneda, Texas University Professor, J e w i s h Rabbi. 4:15 P. M.—Summary Address, B r o t h e r Belford Lawson, G e n e r a l President, Alpha P h i Alpha F r a t e r n i t y .

DANIEL W. L E W I S By Neal F . Herriford Brother Daniel W. Lewis, P r e s i d e n t of Beta Lambda, who has been selected to represent Alpha P h i Alpha in t h e National P a n Hellenic Council. Quiet and unassuming, Dan, through persistent effort, has succeeded in bringing new life and interest to Beta Lambda. His honesty and sincerit y h a v e m e a n t a great deal in bringing him his c u r r e n t acclaim as president of this chapter, for the m e n all k n o w that Dan's interest in Alpha P h i Alpha is genuine, for w i t h Dan it's "Alpha first." What does h e do w h e n he isn't thinking Alpha P h i Alpha? Well, he's principal of G r a n t School in Kansas City, Kansas; s u p e r i n t e n d e n t of the First Baptist Church Sunday School; a m e m b e r of the Men's Chorus at First Baptist; and t r e a s u r e r of t h e Kansas City, Kansas Principal's Club. He was initiated into Beta L a m b d a in 1934. Besides Alpha, he belongs to the NEA, the National E l e m e n t a r y Principals, the Kansas State Teachers Association, t h e Kansas E l e m e n t a r y Principals, the NAACP, the Red Cross, the West Side (Kansas) Development Association, and is representative of Alpha P h i Alpha to the National P a n Hellenic Council. At one time Dan was vice-president of Beta L a m b d a ; Associate Sphinx Editor; Scoutmaster, Boy Scout; c h a i r m a n of the Housing Committee for t h e Tri-Convention in 1940; principal of Phillips School, and of Lincoln School, Kansas City, Kansas. A g r a d u a t e of Douglas High School in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, Dan w e n t to the Kansas State Teachers College for his B. S„ and the University of Kansas for his M. S. And that's a glimpse of our n e w r e p r e (Turn to P a g e 36)


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By James B. Browning Assistant Editor EDITOR'S NOTE: "MY AFRICA,"

Black Boy By RICHARD WRIGHT Richard Wright, author of BLACK BOY, was born on a plantation near Natchez, Mississippi. His experiences throughout early life were such as to afford him the opportunity to construct a colorful and objective account of his childhood and youth. He is famous for such popular works as BIG BOY LEAVES HOME, UNCLE TOM'S CHILDREN, and the bookof the-month club selection, NATIVE SON. BLACK BOY appears to be the product of an insatiable desire to create a realistic picture of the conditions under which the author struggled to change his status from that of occupant of a cabin on a Mississippi plantation to that of a comfortable position among American literary masters. In a most appealing manner, Richard Wright tells of the environment in which he grew up and of its effect upon him as an individual. Living with his mother, whom his father had deserted, the

written by Mbonu

Ojiki, is reviewed by Brother Dr. Akiki Nyabongo on page 18 to move from the south to the more liberal atmosphere Of the north is best shown in the closing paragraph of the book — "With ever watchful eyes and barren scars visible and invisible, I headed North, full of a hazy notion that life could be lived with dignity, that the personalities of others should not be violated, that men should be able to confront other men without fear or shame, and that if men were lucky in their living on earth they might win some redeeming meaning for their struggling and suffering here beneath the stars." BLACK BOY is a book of tremendous significance in that it focuses attention upon the unbearable relationship which exists between races in the south. It shows the ignorance of the dominant group in respect to the sufferings of their black brethren. It should serve as an inspiration to any poor American who is struggling against apparently overwhelming odds to achieve success. However, any one who is afraid to face the truth about race relations .should not read this book.

author became a drunkard at the age of six; when he went to the store he carried a stick for protection, and even when his mother found it impossible to provide his support at home, he could not become reconciled to life in an orphanage. The scene changes In chapter two when the author went to live with his white Negro grandmother in Jackson, Mississippi. His grandmother tried, but in vain, to get him to become a member of the Seventh Day Adventists Church. Here again, he could not adjust himself to the superstition common among the southern Negroes. The Wright family illustrates the poverty an insecurity of the Negro family, its journey from one poor relative to another. the rickety homes in which he was forced to live, the shabby clothes worn by its members, their unbalanced diet, the restrictions placed on the Negro by his color are depicted clearly in the author's experiences as he searched for employment and at the same time tried to understand the etiquette of race relations in the south. His strong desire

THE NEGRO IN WARTIME WASHINGTON By JAMES B. BROWNING Assistant Editor The weather in the nation's capital real wages. Among these newcomers are ladies and gentlemen of the best that Ne has been called by some people "fern inine in gender." The natives will tell gro life affords and the very scum of you "If you don't like the weather here, the earth which social control has given wait a minute . . . it will probably work, due to the man power shortage. The town is literally filled with educhange" And the more impecunious citizens say, "The weather changes so cational opportunities. There are puboften one hardly knows what to pawn lic schools, which extend from the kinnext" In general, the weather is mild dergarten through four years of college. and characteristic of the border states, There are vocational, literary, and adult courses available for the asking. More but the community has known terrifical ly cold winter days and scorchingly hot over, advance training can be secured by Negroes at Howard, Catholic, and summer weather. Nevertheless. As this is being written, it is a city American Universities. of natives and newcomers. Natives who although there are free schools, free cling desperately to aristocratic customs books, and free machines, entirely too which their impecuniosity can scarcely many people are neglecting additional afford; the newcomers who are dazzled training so that they might look forward by high salaries and an almost com- to some other type of postwar employpletely unawareness of inflation, and the ment. Even some of the more apparentdifference between money wages and ly enterprising students who do continue

their educational pursuits do so with a measure of indifference to thoroughness. The town abounds with recreational advantages in the form of parks, swimming pools, riding paths, movies, night clubs, taverns, and free outdoor theatres. However, the Capital is a city where Jim Crow practices are entrenched and many recreational opportunities are denied Negroes. Despite the shortage of doctors and nurses, the health facilities are above the average for a city of this size. There are over a half dozen hospitals and clinics operated in whole, or in part, by. the district government, and an equally large number of private institutions of the same sort. Yet, there are many white doctors and nurses who refuse to refer to Negro patients as Miss, Mister, or Madame. There has been an increase in crime, due, in part, to the increase in population and the prevalence of money in (Turn to Next Page)


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Joins Sphinx Staff

MOSS HYLES KENDRIX Brother Moss Hyles Kendrix, Public Relations Officer Republic of Liberia Centennial Commission, with headquarters in Washington. D. C, has joined the Sphinx staff as a Contributing Editor. A native Atlantan, Brother Kendrix first showed interest in journalism during his college days at Morehouse College. He was co-founder of Delta Phi Delta, a journalistic society which now has chapters in some of the leading colleges of the country. Brother Kendrix has also held positions with the National Youth Administration, U. S. Treasury's War Finance Division, and served as managing editor of the Monthly Summary of Events and Trends on Race Relations, which is published at Fisk University. Observance of National Negro Newspaper Week was first projected by Brother Kendrix and it was he who first interested the tw'o major radio net works -in Negro Newspaper Week. When Sphinx Editor Lewis O. Swingler was up for separation from the armed services at Fort Benning, Ga., he recommended Brother Kendrix, then a serviceman, for his post in the public relations department. However, it was not long before Brother Kendrix was also back in civilian life. In his present capacity he is associated with the distinguished architect, Brother Hilyard Robinson, in carrying out plans for the Liberian Centennial Victory Exposition.

Secretary Mayberry's Chapter Memoranda Memoranda sent out from the office of General Secretary Burt A. Mayberry to chapters should be high on the agenda of business transactions at every chapter meeting. These periodic reports are the substance of the things we need to know for the fulfilment of our obligations as Alpha brothers.

THE

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May, 1946

with getting a room, that is to say, space for a bed, with at times four other per_ From Page 13 sons, costs Five Dollars per week and hands of folks unaccustomed to handl does not permit cooking or laundrying. ing it. Juvenile delinquency has de Several teachers have turned to renting creased, thanks to a campaign of the rooms on a large scale because the bulk Boy's Town variety, staged by a local of this group have not received a raise colored policeman. Day and night, the In pay, but a small bonus. Judge as a lower middle class of the city—stenog. whole, Washington is a different city raphers, clerks, postmen, housewives, today; it rivals Harlem as the mecca of and school teachers fill the gambling the Negro; its educational opportunities places, race track bookies, and base are superior to most like communities, ment bars, hoping in this way to bal but by no means equal; the sinister ance unbalanced budgets, but who, in hand of segregation reaches out like an the vast majority of the cases, find octopus from the Halls of Congress all themselves with less than they had; for over the ten square miles called the Capthe bulk of the "take" winds up in the ital of the Nation; Negroes find an out coffers of the Jewish, Italian, and Cau let for pent up feelings in the churches, casian bankers. And, in the opinion of unions, and uplift organizations; slow many, the next morning finds the edu progress is being made; thanks to the cated fools going to work and the so dynamic leadership of many Negro and called ignorant slickers going to bed white citizens, but, frankly, a new day with their pockets filled. One of the is by no means dawning on the Potomac, most amusing things about the intellect but, on the contrary, one shudders when uals, even those trained in sciences, is he realizes that one careless act may the stupid idea that they can outwit a ignite the flame which may turn the city third grade slicker at his own tricks. again into a flaming town of race riot. ing. In the matter of economic enterprise, A careful analysis of the aforestated Negroes of Washington have made con siderable progress. In a little over ten facts seems to indicate quite clearly that the Negro is certainly without an eco years the C. C. Cooley enterprises have climbed from a single restaurant to ten nomic aristocracy and the more sue flourishing and efficiently operated cessfu] colored people should cease mak ing themselves believe they tiro: the Nc businesses. In less than a half dozen years, Washington business men have gro should know by now that members become the owners and operators of such of his group will be the first to be fired expensive (though not exclusive) night and that he, the Negro, of all people, clubs as the Bengasi, the Bali, and should economize and not engage in an others.. Negroes have also reaped an orgy of spending. abundant economic harvest from insur The 'facts indicate quite clearly that ance, real estate, and small businesses. Washington teachers and students must Less literate members are buying catch a new spirit of educational en elaborate homes in exclusive neighbor- deavor and stop being satisfied with go hoods, riding in high-powered motor ing through the mechanics of teaching cars and generally letting the old time and learning, but get down to the serious "would be" aristocrats know that business of thoroughness in teaching and everything in Negro Washington is wide studying. One wonders why so called open to any questionable character who highly trained people jam the theatres and night clubs to listen, among other has enough money. things, to filthy jokes, while concerts Local ritualist churches (Catholics and art galleries, and libraries are rarely Episcopalians) have been joined by fel visited by the so called colored elite, to low religionists from all over the United say nothing of the colored masses. There States. The Evangelical Baptists and is something strangely illogical about Methodists support many churches which the spectacle of the colored pseudo intel offer opportunities for not only religious lectual putting in "his number," his "hot" expression, but for a higher type of rec horses, or trying to beat a slicker who reation. is using factory marked cards, more over, it is time now for Negroes to re. Negro workers are participating vig orously in both the AFL and CIO port cases of exorbitant rents, violations Unions, with the effect that both the of OPA restrictions, and minimum wage unskilled and skilled workers are now laws to the proper authorities, rather receiving higher wages. Their living than allow bloodthirsty business men to conditions have been improved and their shift the bulk of their expenses to col stake in their jobs made more definite. ored people who do not report such in Personal and domestic servants, though cidents, but who say, "I just don't like not well organized, have been helped to to start any trouble," for that is precisesee some improvement in their working ly what is needed. conditions, due to the scarcity of maids, Finally, it seems clear that what Ne cooks, and chauffeurs. The two Chris tian Associations along with the Urban gro Washingtonians need most of all is perspective—an awareness of where League, the NAACP, and certain inter ested churches have brought about an they are in relation to the world around them. They need a keen sense of real improvement in Negro economic condi tions and race relations. ization that the business of living is one One of the most serious problems of the most serious of all enterprises, for only in this way can they learn to which face the newcomer is the question of housing. Most rental agencies have adjust themselves to the many changes which occur in our ever_ changing sonot been able to meet a single demand for apartments in months. In connection ciety.

Negro In Wartime


THE

May, 1946

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SPHINX

ALPHA'S FOOTPRINTS HERE AND THERE BROTHER WESLEY ELECTED TO OHIO COLLEGE EXEC. COMMITTEE Brother Charles H. Wesley, president of Wilberforce University, has been elected to the Executive Committee of the Ohio College Association and Allied Societies, at its 75th Annual Meeting in Columbus, Ohio. This action is the first recognition of this type given to a Negro educator by this Association of fortytwo colleges and universities. Brother Wesley is a Past President, and Historian of Alpna Phi Alpha Fraternity.

* * * BROTHER JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN EAGERLY SOUGHT AS SPEAKER Brother John Hope Franklin, professor of history at North Carolina college, Durham, N. C, and one of the youngest students to ever receive a Doctorate from Harvard university, irrespective of race, was in constant demand as speaker during National Negro History Week. He spoke to a capacity audience at Lincoln University, Missouri. Brother Franklin is author of several widely publicized articles, and his book, "The Free Negro in North Carolina" is used as reference in a number of schools the country over. His gift as a writer is matched only by his eloquence on the public platform.

ment of Colored People has been due to his successful efforts in the legal defense of the Negro which have "vindicated those who contend that more can be accomplished for colored people by intelligently utilizing the available machinery of law and government than to resort to alien techniques." Under leadership of Brother Attorney Marshall, the NAACP has won a series of brilliant legal victories, including the memorable Texas Primary Case. This case alone has brought franchise to thousands of Negroes in the South for the first time.

Minister to Liberia

Brother Gustave Auzenne has been named head of the Department of Finance and Commerce at Howard University, while Brother Joseph L. Johnson has been appointed Dean of the Medical School at the same institution.

* * *

* * * BROTHER PARKS WRITES FOR NATIONAL ART MAGAZINE Brother James D. Parks, head of the art department at Lincoln University, (Mo.) and art director of the SPHINX, is the author of articles published in two popular art magazines, "An Experiment in Paintings the Local Scene," titles the three-page illustrated release in Design magazine. Describing one phase of Lincoln's art department activities, Brother Parks submitted "The Miniature Village" to Every Day art magazine. This work appeared in the March-April edition. Brother Parks' full-page cartoon in this edition of the SPHINX is expressive of Alpha's interest in juvenile delinquency, truancy, and other problems affecting the youth of the race.

* * ÂŤ BROTHER THURGOOD MARSHALL WINS 1946 SPINGARN MEDAL Brother Thurgood Marshall, NAACP special Counsel, has been selected for the 1946 Spingarn Medal. His selection by the Spingarn Award Committee of the National Association for the Advance-

* * *

ALPHA MEN RECEIVE MAJOR APPOINTMENTS Brother George Johnson has been named Dean of Howard University's College of Law, Washington, D. C. He succeeded Judge William H. Hastie, who was appointed Governor of the Virgin Islands. Brother Dr. Rutherford B. Stevens, of Washington, D. C, has been appointed resident psychiatrist at the Winter General Hospital, Topeka, Kansas.

Brother Dr. Howard Long was recently elevated to the Vice-Presidency of the National Council of the Young Men's Christian Association.

BROTHER CHARLES W. ANDERSON SELECTED AS A STATE ATTORNEY Brother Charles W. Anderson, Jr., Louisville, Ky., member of the Kentucky State Legislature, first of his race to be elected to a state legislative body in the South, has gained another "first" through his selection as a state's attorney for the 300th judicial district of Kentucky which embraces Louisville. The six-year appointment, announced by Frank M. Ropke, recently elected Republican commonwealth's attorney, carries with it a $4,000 annual salary. Brother Anderson, member of Alpha Lambda Chapter, has already been sworn into his new position.

"City of Brotherly Love" as a fine possibility to fill the vacancy on the U. S. Supreme Court bench. A Harvard graduate, and past president of the National Association, Brother Alexander has jeen active in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for a number of years. He served as Eastern Vice-President during the formative period of the organization, and has contributed a number of articles to the official organ, The SPHINX.

DR. RAPHEAL O'HARA LANIER Brother Dr. R. O'Hara Lanier, nationally known educator, fraternal leader, and formerly staff members of the United Nations Rehabilitation and Relief Administration, has been appointed by President Truman to the post of United States Minister to the Republic of Liberia. He has already gone to Liberia in his official capacity as Minister. A native of Winston-Salem, N. C, Brother Lanier has made one outstanding accomplishment after the other . . . as an educator, in fraternal circles, and career man. He has been identified with Tuskegee Institute, Florida A. & M. College, Houston College, and Hampton Institute. He was the first Negro to serve as president (acting) of Hampton. Brother Lanier is listed in "Who's Who in Education," "Leaders in Education," "Who's Who in Western Hemisphere," and "Who's Who in America," 1944-45. Married to the former Miss Garriette Greene, the couple are parents of two children, Patricia Ray, and Betty Joe Lanier.

* * * BROTHER RAYMOND PACE ALEXANDER CONSIDERED FOR HIGHEST COURT Brother Attorney Raymond Pace Alexander, of Philadelphia, at this writing, has been prominently mentioned in the

Reclamation Action Brothers of Charlotte, North Carolina, were host to a special Regional meeting called by Regional Director, Clinton Blake, during the month of February. Brother Blake who is serving under direction of Brother Dr. William H. Gray, Southern Vice President, called upon Alpha men of his area for the purpose of directing an effective reclamation program. Chapters represented and key brothers present included Brothers H. A. Day, Reverend H. A. Clement, and M. I. Brooks, members of Beta Mu Lambda, Chapter, Salisbury, North Carolina; Dr. Thomas Watkins, Beta Mu Lambda, and one undergraduate, Brother John Adams of Alpha Omicron Chapter, John C. Smith University. Alpha Supports Hastie In a determined effort to see that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity gives voice on National issues of today, Brother President Lawson sent a wire to U. S. Senator A. Murdock, Chairman of Territory Subcommittee, urging the confirmation Jof Judge William H. Hastie K}* Governor of the Virgin Islands. His message was as follows: "10,000 members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity urge favorable report on nomination of William H. Hastie for Governor of the Virgin Islands. Judge Hastie's devotion and undivided loyalty to tenets of our Government are well known to us. No man has fought harder to preserve and expand American Cdnstitutional ideals and principles than Judge Hastie." (Judge Hastie, a member of the Omega fraternity has now been confirmed.)


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T H E SP H I N X

AN ALPHA DOFF TO BROTHER WALKER H. QUARLES AS CONVENTION SECRETARY

WALKER H. QUARLES High praise has been given by General Officers of Alpha Phi Alpha to Brother Walker H. Quarles for splendid and efficient services as Secretary of the General Convention, recently held in Chicago. Brother Quarles, Secretary of Shaw University and member of Phi Lambda Chapter, Raleigh, set something of a record by returning completed minutes to the General Secretary's office only a few weeks after close of the convention. The minutes in the opinion of both the former General Secretary and the present one were indeed well handled. Retiring Secretary Joseph H. B. Evans

World Food Famine One Of Alpha's Real Challenges More terrifying to mankind than the atom bomb's crash are cries of the world's starving millions. It is not America's power, it is America's greatness that mankind respects and trusts and depends upon. We are "man's last great hope." We are the people of a vast and fruitful land having a government so planned that we have been able to afford greatness.

wrote, "I think you did a very fine job and I was pleased with the form in which it was set up." Brother Burt A. Mayberry, General Secretary, characterized the minutes as a "fine quality and quite complete." Brother Quarles, for whom the Chicago Convention was his second, attended the Atlantic City meeting in 1944—can attest to the strenuous and exciting nature of work of the Convention Secretary. The Chicago sessions were fraught with action which was vital and important at every point. He recalls—as what delegate does not—that the Fraternity was in session on Monday, its final day, from 9 o'clock in the morning until 11:45 o'clock at night with only a brief period for dinner,"the New Year's Eve banquet following immediately. The work of Brother Quarles came to the attention of the General Officers following the Atlantic City meeting. The delegate from Phi Lambda Chapter Brother Quarles made a report to the chapter, so vivid and complete, that Brothers recommended that copies be sent to Brothers Logan and Evans. It was with this in mind that Brother Evans asked the Shaw University official to serve as Convention Secretary in 1945. Brother Quarles was made in Gamma Chapter, Virginia Union University of which he is a graduate. He assisted in the organization of Gamma Lambda Chapter, Richmond, Va. For nearly ten years since coming to Shaw University, he has been affiliated with Phi Lambda Chapter. He served for four years as chapter secretary and for two years as its president. Since 1936, he has also served as advisor of Beta Rho, undergraduate chapter at Shaw University. This generation has an obligation to the founding fathers. The United States of America is BIG in the colloquial sense. That is its tradition. It can afford generosity, but it cannot afford indifference to the appeals of the weak or the suffering. That is not the tradition. It is good to be strong, but it is also good to be kind. Now is the time for greatness. Now is the time to strengthen the tradition of America, the land of refuge and mercy. Each of us can do his share today. In a world of famine we are not rationed. Let us have voluntary rationing—each of us according to his conscience.

WILL YOU GIVE THAT THEY MAY LIVE The most terrible tyrant in the world, Famine, can destroy the Peace. Every can of food you give to the Emergency Food Collection on behalf of UNRRA is a soldier in the war against this dread dictator. Give food canned in tin or money to buy food to your local committee today. Or, you may send checks or money orders to National Headquarters. Emergency Food Collection, 100 Maiden Lane. New York 7, N. Y.

May, 1946

Banquet Speaker

HILYARD ROBINSON Banquet speaker at the 31st General Session of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in Chicago last year was the distinguished architect, Brother Hilyard Robinson, Executive Director of the Centennial Commission, Republic of Liberia. Brother Robinson addressed the Alpha Convention at the Wabash Y. M. C. A. He was presented by Brother Attorney Sidney A. Jones, Jr., toastmaster. Calling attention to the Centennial Llberian Exposition which opens next year (1947) in Monrovia, Liberia, Brother Robinson said that the Commission expects to stress developments in Agriculture, Health, and Education, along with industrial arts and handicraft. The Exposition will mark the one hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Liberia, the capitol city, which was named for President Monroe, fifth President (Turn to Page 18) The Emergency Food Collection on behalf of UNRRA is an opportunity for each one of us to make a personal contribution toward the relief of the starving people of Europe and Asia. The purpose of the collection, which is now under way in every community, is to supplement the minimum subsistence diets planned for in UNRRA's general relief program. Everyone is asked to give canned food or money with which to buy food. The food will be distributed free on the basis of greatest need. Because of the difficulty of handling food for overseas shipment, the Emergency Food Collection can take only food packed in tin cans. The kinds of food needed are: milk (condensed, evaporated, or dried), meat, fish baby foods, baked beans, stews, soups, honey, fruits, juices and vegetables. Cash contributions may be made through local committees. Or, if more convenient, checks or money orders may be sent to National Headquarters, Emergency Food Collection, 100 Maiden Lane, New York 7, N. Y.


May, 1948

An Affirmation Yes—I am an American. Deep in my soul is a profound love for the country to whose shores my forefathers came in chains centuries ago. Deep in my heart is an unswerving love for the land that bears the stains of their blood,—blood shed under the cruel lash of Simon Legree, blood shed in the struggle against a tyranical Mother Country, blood shed in a conflict that threatened the very foundation of our own national unity, blood shed in two wars begun in the name of Democracy and all those ideals dear to the Christian heart. Yes—I am an American. I want to be America. I want to breathe the freedom of "thy woods and templed hills." I want my heart to echo the silver laughter of the mountain streams. I want my feet light and carefree with the rhythm of a soul unburdened by the hue of its skin. Yes—I am an American. My heart swells to the martial measures of our nation's hymn to freedom, But My heart constricts when "by the dawn s early light" my black skin reminds me that I am an alien, a foster child in this land I love. My eyes withhold the tears of joy and fulfillment that beg release in a delight of boundless pride, For I am a second-class American. Even though my friend's father, my Own brother lie in their blood and mud stained khaki, unclaimed on some farflung battle ground, I am a second-class American. Still— I, too, love America. Despite my many wounds There is no hate in my heart— Only the sting of bitter scorn on my soul. Yes—I too, love America. I love "thy rocks and rills." This is my land, my home. And I live for the time when my heart will be free, my soul unchained, my skin a badge of honor as I, too, sing America For I, too, am an American! —Neal F. Herriford.

THE

Lay Members of the Executive Council

LEROY COLLINS JAMES CUMMINGS Two of the three undergraduate brothers who were elected to the Executive Council as Lay Members. Brother James L. Cummings, sophomore at Lane College, hails from Indianapolis, Indiana. He is treasurer of the Student Council, active in athletics, and other college activities, and an honor roll student. Brother Collins is a student at Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio, and serves as secretary of Pi Chapter, one of the oldest chapters in the Fraternity. Brother Arthur B. Fox, Jr., of Talladega College, also serves as secretary of his chapter, which won the distinction of being the best all-round chapter organization in 1945. The chapter was awarded the Metal Arts Cup for its outstanding record, notwithstanding the fact that Alpha Beta had one of the smallest memberships in its 25-year history. The Three Lay members of the Executive Council will likely be called upon at the Columbus, Ohio Convention in December to spearhead undergraduate participation.

"CAST DOWN YOUR BUCKET WHERE YOU ARE" BROTHER HOLLIS' PHILOSOPHY

Brother Frank L Stanley, Dowdal H. Davis To Europe Brother Frank L. Stanley, of Alpha Lambda Chapter, Louisville, Ky., and Brother Dowdal H. Davis, corresponding secretary, Beta Lambda Chapter, Kansas City, Missouri, are two of the three journalists who left this month for an overseas trip by plane for an inspection tour of Colored troops in European occupation zones. The third newspaper man is Mr. William O. Walker, of the Cleveland Call-Post. The three young men, charter members and officials of the Negro Newspaper Publishers Association, are making the trip as guests of the War Department. They were accompanied by Major Dan (Turn to Page 18)

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SPHINX

PROF. GEORGE HOLLIS East Arkansas, as in the case of other sections of the Mississippi Delta, has offered little in the way of educational opportunities for its Negro youth. The vast majority of Negro boys and girls in years past have not gone beyond the third or

fourth grade. Those who refused to be "stunted in the hovel" broke from the vicious plantation system to seek opportunities "Up North" or in the urban centers of the South. Young Negro educators who have cast their lot with the Plantation South for the services they can render their people have done so at tremendous sacrifices. Their contributions are now showing results. Brother George Hollis, of Blytheville, Arkansas, is typical of the corps of young Negro educators who are helping to change the complexion of the Delta. As principal of Richard B. Harrison High School, near Blytheville, Brother Hollis has increased the school's enrollment to capacity, added only teachers with four years or more of college training, and successfully sought increased appropriations for expansion work. Frequently during week-ends, or after school, Brother Hollis has joined with his students and people in the community in harvesting their crops. A native of Helena, Arkansas, he finished from the public schools of Phillips County, and went to Wiley College, where he graduated in 1932, with a major in mathematics. He was initiated into Alpha by Alpha Sigma Chapter. Brother Hollis' parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Hollis, Sr., are still residents of Helena.


Page 18

THE

SPHINX

May, 1946

"MY AFRICA"

USO Staff at Columbus, Ga., Inter-Fraternal

By Mbonu Ojiki—350 pp Illustrated. The John Day Company—$3.75 Reviewed by Brother Dr. Akiki Nyabongo

MBONU OJIKI Credit must be given where it is due. Quite often many western people claim to be friends of the African, but the Africans themselves are the ones to determine who their friends are, if they are permitted to say. Some American book publishers and the newspapers are the real friends of the Africans and the Africans are grateful for their friendship. Today, the newspapers have exposed many things going on in Africa, and the book publishers have banished the old tradition that they have to send a book to professional friends of the blacks to read and approve before publishing, but now, this idea is gone forever. Last year and this year many books have been published about Africa: "Without Bitterness," "Congo," etc. Then the John Day Company published "African Journey," by Mrs. Paul Roberson. It is a marvelous book. Secondly, this book, "My Africa." As we know, these books have not been submitted as in the past,

Brother Frank L. From Page 17 Day of the Army Public Relations Bureau, Negro Press Section. Their itinerary is including France, England, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Brother Stanley, presided of the NNPA, served as General Chairman of the Convention Committee during the 1941 Alpha Convention in Louisville. Brother Davis, who serves as chairman of National Negro Newspaper Week, and vice-president of the Central Regional of the NNPA, has been active in his chapter circles in Kansas City for many years. He is advertising manager of the Kansas City CALL. Members of Beta Lambda Chapter, under leadership of Brother D. W. Lewis, president, gave Brother Davis an appropriate "goingaway gift."

Professional staff members of the 5th Avenue USO, Columbus, Georgia, represent three major Greek-letter fraternities. Reading from left end, the fraters are Arthur J. McClung, assistant director, and member of Omega Psi Phi Faternity; Gordon H. Kitchen, director, and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; and Theodore W. (Ted) Johnson, assistant director, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Mrs. Carmeta B. Meade, also an assistant director at the USO, is seen second from left end. No indication has been given of her connection with a college Greek-letter society, but she has been outstanding in social welfare work throughout the war years. Brother Johnson was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha during his college days at Clark College. In 1944 when more than fifty Alpha brothers stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., banded themselves into an organized group in order to perpetuate the ideals of their beloved Fraternity, Brother Johnson, along with Brother James T. Fagan (Then at the 5th Avenue USO) met them half-way with a group of civilian brothers living in the vicinity of Columbus. Under direction of Brother Johnson the Alpha GI's from Fort Benning gave an impressive program during Vesper Hour on Palm Sunday, 1944. to so-called authorities, and this "upsets the applecart" and destroys this tradition. We feel that great credit should be given these publishers who are broad enough to print the truth about Africa as presented by the African himself. Mbonu Ojiki is the Executive Director of the African Academy of Arts and Research. He has delivered more than eight hundred lectures in this country to people who are eager to know more about Africa. After lecturing, he decided he must write a book and present his views in more permanent form. In his book he objects to Africa being called the "Dark Continent," and other forms of expressions which are degrading to the African. He tells of his life, which is so remote from the western world. He shocks western civilization by stating that his father has ten wives, but this is a small number according to the African's social standard. Ojiki tells us that he was "machura," which means the last child of his mother, and he was treated better than other children, but he was not spoiled and developed a personality and also an ambition to acquire an education, to which his father objected. He passed the Oxford schools and came to America. After studying at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, he entered the University of Illinois, where his studies were circumscribed. He rebelled, as this did not conform to his African

ideas. After two quarters at this college, he entered Ohio State University, where he was permitted to pursue the studies of his choice, and in due time he received his B. S. degree. He then entered the University of Chicago, where he received his M. A. degree. Mr. Ojiki tell of African culture in his own way; of the economic, social, religious, artistic and political life. He also speaks of mutual understanding between Africa and western peoples, with the realization that human beings are human, regardless of geographical location. Mr. Ojiki dedicated his book to "Peoples of every country and class, irrespective of color or creed, whose lives replace hate and greed with love and brotherhood." s

Banquet Speaker (From Page 16) of the United States. It will continue over a two-year period, ending in 1949. "Liberia has extended its hands across the sea to declare kinship with people of color in America," declared Brother Robinson as he urged members of the Fraternity to consider visits to this independent nation of Africa during the Exposition. (See December, 1945 edition of the Sphinx for detailed account on Brother Robinson.)


THE

May, 1946

Page 19

SPHINX

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The Educational Number Analyzes Frat Fun Humor Oftimes have I desired to have a friendly chat about "humor." I have yearned to tell you something about the emotions which determined the continuance of this column from edition to edition, from editor to editor, from year to year. The risk of appearing pedantic or exposing my flanks to the resort of some wag who might say, "indeed, what makes you think you are funny," has always deterred me. But under the cloak of education, since this is the educational number I take the liberty, in fact, the license to analyze humor—frat fun humor, DR. WINTERS and the art of story telling. Humor which is found most often in puns, jokes and persiflage depends largely on the perspicacity of the person. Humor should come from persons who enjoy it an enjoy producing it. There are few spectacles more heart rending than that of a person telling a funny story because he feels that it is expected of him or because he is trying to keep apace with other speakers. Jokes may be expositive, explanative, or explosive. They may be narrative, naive or nauseous. They can be naughty. They need not be lascivious, because either of the above descriptions will produce risibility. So down goes my hair or should I say, off goes our toupee and we will examine the humor found in this column. The most receptive joke and those that insure a continuance of friendship is a joke on one's self, family or relative or near relative of the mother-in-law type. People will laugh at your discomfiture. Then there is the "situation" type involving embarrassment, frustration and in-

competency. Consider the most common everyday banter about the frustration of the male who has reached the innermost perimeter of the sex cycle. Men laugh loudly and banter long about allusions to declining vigor. There is nothing more ludricrous than "too little, too late" except it is "too much, too soon." To tell about the cackling voiced, toothless old gent who while cavorting wildly on the beach and in the surf at Atlantic City with a bevy of chorus girls was suddenly asked, "Grandpop, how old are you?" And who replied, "eighty, dammit!" one gets a veiled amusing hint at frustration and chagrin. Ho, hum! Some day I too may reach that inner circle of the masculine perimeter. Perhaps I will be able then to interpret the humor of reminiscence and appreciate the amusement of commiseration. There is a strong element of humor in the story of the newspaper that offered a dollar for the report of embarrassing moments. One subscriber wrote: "Last Easter my husband left town for a trip to New York on business which would keep him away for a week. On Easter Monday, the insurance collector called at our house and during the course of his conversation suggested that I take out more insurance. I told him I was a poor risk, that what looked like robust womanhood was only a shell. Jokingly he joined me on the sofa and patting my hips said, "oh there's lots of fire in this furnace yet." Looking toward the kitchen door I saw my husband standing there. "Was I embarrassed?" The contest editor sent this message to the lady: "You must have been;" We are sending you one dollar, and we are also sending two dollars to the insurance collector. The following jokes are of the explosive type. Two Jews were sleeping together one night at a New York hotel when one of them got up and began pacing the floor.

"For why you walk the floor?" the other asked. Well, I owe Rubenstine $100.00 and I promised to pay him tomorrow and I haven't got the money," he answered. "Why don't you come back to bed and go to sleep—let Rubenstine walk the floor. "I'm terribly sorry, doctor" apologized the suburban patient, "to make you drive out here so far." "It's no trouble at all, Mrs. Brown" replied the doctor, "I have another call to make near here, so I'm really killing two birds with one stone." An Expository type joke A woman was hailed before the magistrate for rent evasion. "You say your husband has been dead ten years and you have six children?" "Yassuh." "How old are your children?" "Well, one's twelve, one's eleven, one's nine, one's seven, an'let me see." But I thought you said your husband had been dead ten years?" "Yassuh, that's right. He's dead, judge, but I aint." An explanatory type joke A kiss- 1. Nothing divided by two. 2. Of no use to one but absolute bliss for two. 3. The baby's right, the lover's privilege, the hypocrite's mask. 4. To a young girl it is faith; to a married woman hope; to an old maid charity. 5. Not enough for one, just enough for two, too much for three. 6. What a child receives free, the young man steals, the old man buys. 7. Never let a fool kiss you and never let a kiss fool you. Things to remember about Humor Tell only those stories that strike you as being funny. Never repeat a story simply because it drew a big laugh for someone else. Never take a pool parlor story and dress it up for front parlot delivery. Some stories are like certain varieties of Turn To Page 21


Page 20

THE

SPHINX

May, 1946

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Greetings Brothers: Have just finished reading some of the highlights of the Chicago Convention. It seems that all the many things that were done in session there marked another definite era in Alphadom. You know of "eras," even though there may be some "errors" against us. Just as Brother Winters in his column broke down the convention session in "Christmas Noels," so can we break down the many fine years of the existence of Alpha Phi Alpha. Breaking it down in periods of 10 years, each decade can be termed by the activities during that period. Let's see, for instance: First decade (1906-1916) the Formative period; 2nd decade (1916-1926) Period of expansion; (1926-1936) the Glamorous, or Fundamental Period, (19361946) should be called the "Dark Ages" Period, especially the last of this decade. Why do I say this? Because evidently our efforts were not as sincere as they were in decades prior to this one as evidenced by the fact that our portrayals were not taken as seriously as they might have been. If they were, I am selfish enough to believe that Alpha could have played a great part in curbing the present-day wave of juvenile delinquency. This isn't peculiar to any one community, but it has invaded all sections of the country. It was all around you in Chicago during Convention time, evidenced in more ways than one. Therefore, something must be done or the "Monster" that we have allowed to be created will over power us. I was pleasantly surprised by a belated but useful Christmas present from none other than our good Frat-Fun Editor, Brother O. Wilson Winters. He sent me an engraved, embossed, highly poetical, roll of "Ticket To China" if you get what I mean—however, had I depended upon its use, and coming as belated as the present was, I would really be "full of stuff." I am hoping that all over this country and everywhere Alpha is found, that this year's educational activities will be far more than in past years. There is much we owe our returned men and ourselves. Many a man returned from years of suffering and fighting in all parts of the world is not getting the consideration he deserves. Proper counseling agencies and services that men need are not provided for by the local agencies of government. In many instances a wave of oppression is being fostered by peace officers in

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J. EDWARD COTTON some sections. One instance in particular, is where local police have been instructed to handle military men in uniform. Although military authorities are in vast numbers, what are they doing?—Shooting at will at race servicemen. Just the other evening in a southern town, military police stopped a couple of men in uniform who were "A. W. O. L."

One of them started to run to lose himself in the crowd—city police quickly drew their pistols, and several shots were fired menancing others who were around. Do you see what I mean? The various scenes of the convention in session as shown in the last issue of the the Sphinx were very well taken. The closed affairs and the public meetings were very good. However, I understand some of the good brothers were found at another Greek affair while their Annual Banquet was in full swing. Too bad there wasn't a group of the "Beale Street Boys" on hand "Hope" they will be in power in the future. Well, it looks like I will be in Charleston, S. C, when this goes to press. How long I will be there I do not know. It may be determined by how Brother Frank Render has been taking care of things. True enough there is always a woman in the picture. Lookout, Ann, here I come! Well to the Staff of General Officers and to all of you I wish a very pleasant summer, and with travel restrictions over I may see many of you. Brother Gloster, of Atlanta and I hope to get together. Beeseeinya.

DEADLINE NOTICE PICTORIAL NUMBER There will not be another edition of the SPHINX published until issuance of the PICTORIAL NUMBER IN OCTOBER. Deadline date for this Number is announced for September 15th. However, it is suggested that chapters with pictures already available for this edition send them immediately. Chapters that expect to hold meetings through the summer months are asked to remain in contact with the SPHINX office. We must not lose the momentum gained thus far in our Reclamation Drive for four thousand delinquent brothers. Every week counts in such a Program of Action, and the SPHINX wants to do its full duty in this direction. Thanks, staff members and associate editors, for your fine support during the first half of the year. My best wishes for a most pleasant summer. Lewis O. Swingler, Editor. THE SPHINX

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May, 1946

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CHAPTER ECHOES IOTA L A M B D A C H A P T E R Indianapolis, Indiana Greetings Brothers: Iota Lambda Chapter held its April meeting at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Grant W. Hawkins at 245 West 35th Street. Brother Hawkins gave a report of his activities while Red Cross Field Director with the 477th Composite Bomber Group located at Washington, D. C, Indiantown Gad Pa. He was Secretary to Governor McNutt of Indiana who now is Governor General of The Philippines from 1933-1937. Mrs. Mary Hawkins so ably assisted her husband in serving a buffett luncheon. Mrs. Hawkins is on The Committee of Management of The Phyllis Wheatley Y. W. C. A., and The Girl Reserves. Mr. William B. Bradley of 605 E. 8th Street of Rushville, Indiana, a member of The Pledge Club at .Indiana University. Mr. Bradley is president of the club and

was a member of the Indiana University Football Team which won the Big Ten Championship. Mr. Bradley was a guest at the meeting. Mr. James Olden Perry of 306 West

Honored At Indiana U.

Frat Fun From Page 19 fish. Once they are "cleaned" there isn't enough substance left in them to repay the effort. Never forewarn your audience that "now I'm going to tell you a funny story." Nothing is more asinine than a speaker who declares he is going to slay you with a funny story, starts to tell it, gets tickled at his own recital and then has to explain the joke element in it after his efforts have been rewarded with belated charitable chuckles by his audience. Don't drag a story into a speech. That old hackneyed phrase, "that reminds me" is moss covered and it smells. It doesn't remind you at all; you just want to get off the joke you selected so carefully. • Glide into your story without detection. For instance, if you are called on suddenly to make a speech or respond to an address, don't say "this reminds me of a fellow who was suddenly called on just as I have been,—to make a speech. It will be more effective to say: Mr. Toastmaster, or Master of Ceremonies, I know how John Jones felt when he was called on suddenly and unexpectedly like you have done me. Jones had just finished a seven course banquet just as I have. He had eaten heartedly and without restraint and the unexpected request for a speech tied his tongue to the extent of stammering because he blurted out: "I don't feel like making a s-ssp-ee-c-h. 'I'm not good at making speeches any way and after such a fine repast, I just don't feel like m-m-m-aking a sp-sp-eech, I'd rather let a f-f-f-friend speak for me. Call on Bill Mason! So Mr. Toastmaster, because of this fine food I've consumed, I too, don't feel like making a sp-sp-speech but would much rather let a f-f-f-riend speak for me. And since the clock has just struck three A. M., and I am five days over the dead line already, I'm going to let a f-f-f-friend named Eddie Cotton speak the rest of this for me in his column "Hits and Misses."

W. BRUCE WELCH Boone St., of Frankfort, Indiana, Mr. Perry is a member of The Sphinx Club and is working on a Master's Degree in Zoology. He has completed work at Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana. Members at the meeting were Brothers W. Bruce Welch, Wilbur L. Chenault, Harry Taylor, Roy D. Clinthorne, Alfred Grayson, Everett W. Edwards, Lehman D. Adams of Xi Chapter Wilberforce University, H. T. Riley, Clifton H. Scott, Delta Chapter, Baltimore Maryland; Thomas L. Horner, Spurling Clark, Dr. Ralph Hanley, Robert L. Wrogh, Herman Murray Riley. Brother W. Bruce Welch is the Director of Affairs and Activities of Negro Students at Indiana University. This is the first time that a Negro has held this position. Brother Welch is also a member of Alpha Kappa Delta Fraternity at Indiana University which is an honorary Sociological Fraternity. He will receive his Doctor of Education Degree in June. Brother Welch is on leave from Albany State College in Albany Georgia, where he is a professor in the Department of Education. Fraternally yours, HERMAN MURRAY RILEY Associate Sphinx Editor s

BETA CHAPTER Howard University Greetings Brothers: On February 1, we at Beta, held our annual Coronation Ball in the Home Economics Building here on the University campus. Our queen, Miss Lovey Jewel Hammond is from Bryan, Texas. She is a junior in the school of music

and a member of Alpha Chapter. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Queen Hammond was crowned by Brother President Walter Combsand. Our former queen, Miss Mary Louise Pack, handed down to her the royal scepter. Then as the queen descended from her throne, the brothers gathered around her in a circle and sang first the sweetheart song and then the Alpha Hymn. This affair was put over in true Alpha fashion with about 450 brothers and guest attending. On February 12, we presented a program for the many returning veterans. Mr. C. L. Albright, of the Veterans Administration, spoke on "The Orientation of the Veteran Back Into Civilian Life." Those present found this program to be both interesting and helpful and they have congratulated us on having presented a program of this nature. Eastern Regional Director, Brother Louis H. Schuster, has appointed one of our brothers from Beta as a regional director for the area covering, Maryland, Deleware, Virginia and the District of Columbia. He is Brother William V. Jones of Philadelphia. Pa. Brother Jones is a junior here at Howard University and corresponding secretary of Beta Chapter. He is a true and earnest son of Alpha and he will work tirelessly in this office to aid in keeping Alpha on top. This is about all for now brothers, so until we meet again, Beta wishes you prosperity and success in your every endeavor. Fraternally yours, ASTON L. THOMPSON, JR. Associate Sphinx Editor •

s

ALPHA CHI CHAPTER Fisk University Greetings Brothers in Alpha: This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Alpha Chi Chapter on this campus. During the past year we have attempted to maintain the standards that we have set up and even to better them. The Chapters program for the past year included: The annual smoker for new students. It was very impressive and proved to be a great success. Our annual Chapter program was held on December 2, 1945. Our guest speaker for the occasion was Bro. George W. Harvey of the National Baptist Publishing House of this city. During this time nine new brothers crossed the burning sands into the fold. Honoring our new brothers and also new officers, an installation banquet was given by our Chapter on December 10, 1945. This proved to be the most successful event of the fall. Two delegates were sent by this Chapter to the General Convention at Chicago during the Christmas holidays. Bro. Nathaniel Williams, our president, and also Bro. Charles Procter, former lay member to the Executive Council and now chairman of the General Chapter Achievement Committee. The return of veterans and old students to the campus at the start of the semester in February, brought six brothers, who


Page 22 served in the war, back into the folds of Alpha Chi. Our participation in the inter-mural, inter-fraternal basketball tournament on this campus won us first place in the annual Jabberwock given by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, we won second prize of fifteen dollars. In the Columbia, Tenn., riot issue, Alpha Chi has participated whole heartedly with the committee on that incident tor the purpose of getting action from the Governor of the State. Climaxing the years activities, the four chapters of Nashville gave the annual spring banquet and dance in the Chrystal Ballroom of Tennessee State College. Thus in Scholarship, sports and social life on the campus, the members of Alphi Chi, twenty-nine strong, have been at the top. Fraternally yours, EARNEST L. WALLACE Associate Sphinx Editor

DELTA CHAPTER Tillotson College Greetings Brothers: I send sincere greetings to you from Delta Chapter, Austin, Texas, with the hope that as the school year approaches the end, that the year has been successful and that you leave on the threshold of a new year plans and ideas for a more successful future. As president of this chapter, I think that our season has been very successful. We opened with a smoker, and this was followed with a Homecoming Breakfast Dance. During this affair, the chapterpresented its "Sweetheart," Miss Yvonne Moman, basileus of Alpha Nu Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The chapter then held its initiation. Two candidates crossed the burning sands. They were Brothers S. A. Winfield, and Augusta Swain. Our thoughts then turned to the National Convention in Chicago. To this great session we sent a delegate. The chapter has contributed to the Red Cross drive, given to the United College Fund, joined the local NAACP one hundred percent strong, and gave the second highest amount to the Community Chest Fund. Our attention in April was turned to the annual Education and Citizenship Week Campaign. During this week the chapter sponsored a Senior High School Senior Convention at Tillotson, an Open House. Brother A. Maceo Smith, Western Vice-President, was the scheduled guest speaker on this occasion. The main event in the chapter's program will be the scheduled Western Regional at Tillotson May 10th, 11th, and 12th. We, with Beta Zeta, and Gamma Eta Lambda chapters are making big plans. After this, we shall say, "Well done," and look forward to the new day. Fraternally, MACEO T. BOWIE Chapter President. s

GAMMA CHAPTER Virginia Union University Greetings Brothers: With the return of several experienced and seasoned veterans to Gamma Chapter a new life is obvious among our good

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brothers. These veterans bring to the Chapter a sense of maturity, responsibility and alertness that have understandably been lacking. The Spring quarter here at Union also saw election of new Gamma officers, they are as follows: Brother J. Burl Yeldell, III, president; Brother Frederick W. Black, Jr., vice president; Brother J. Silvanus Wilson, secretary Brother Herman L. Strader, treasurer; Brother James M. Carrington, assistant secretary; Brother Howard S. Bressant, sergeant at Arms; Brother Burl W. Scott, chaplain, and Brother Lutrelle F. Palmer, associate editor to the Sphinx. Throughout this year Gamma has been promoting a program of culture and music appreciation by sponsoring a series of musical concerts for the enjoyment of the entire Student Body. This Concert Series was closed just last month with the presentation of Brother Aldrich Adkins of Alexandria, Virginia, a very talented and well trained tenor who has just donned civilian clothes once mote. A collective audience of more than 2,000 flocked to these concerts which soon became an integral part of Virginia Union's life. As this letter is written we are celebrating Education for Citizenship Week by sponsoring a contest to choose "Miss Gamma" our Chapter queen. Our contest is unique in that it is patterned after a national election in which every member of the University family participates. Four contestants are chosen by the Chapter and with their respective Campaign Manager seek votes in an honest and democratic manner. And on the appointed day students of the school flock to the polls to cast their ballots. There are no strings attached to their voting procedure; no poll tax; no registration. This, we feel, is a practical way in which we might spread Education for Citizenship. Incidentally, this is the only contest among the numerous sponsored by other groups, conducted in such a manner. Our Fraternity Room has been remodeled and, believe me, its a magnificent haven for those of us who wish to tear ourselves away from the "outside world" and relax amid an atmosphere of calm and quiet. Our Spring Formal is in the making, probation is just around the corner, and it looks like big doing ahead for Gamma men. Oh hear, you should just see the co-eds when we sing the hymn. Well that's our story in brief, we are striving to maintain the standing that Gamme has always cherished with the National Organization. We are not trailing in the dust. With best regards and sincere wishes tor continued success, I am Fraternally, L. F. PALMER, JR. Associate Sphinx Editor s

BETA PI CHAPTER Lane College Greeting Brothers: Activities have been buzzing here on the campus for the past month and Beta has played no little part in its success. Participating in the Delta's "Jabberwock," this chapter gained a 2nd place. Following this, the Sigma's "Kiddie Review" netted a 1st place as did the AKA's Mardi Gras. We should pause here and

May, 1946 give credit to our playwright and generally conceded by the Brothers of Beta Pi as our own genius, because of the success he has had with his skits that we have presented the past month. He is none other than Brother C. T. Draper. Brother Joseph Miller attended the Semi-Regional welcome for General President Attorney Bedford V. Lawson, as our delegate. Brother Miller gave an accreditable account of the affair and had high praise for the members of Omicron Lambda Chapter, who were hosts down at Birmingham, Alabama. Brother Miller was untiring in his praise of Brother Lawson's speech and theme, "The Negro as a Citizen." Commencing April 6, we had eight little brothers to go on probation, striving to make Alphadom. This week here at Beta Pi, we are observing "Education for Citizenship Week." To date we have campaigned at the following high schools in West Tennessee: Milan, Trenton, Humbolt, McKinzie, Paris, Somerville, Alamo, Whitesville and Brownsville. Hickman, Kentucky was covered for the first time this year. Returned Veterans to the chapter are: Brothers Virgil May, Heron Debose, and Melvin Hall. Here's best wishes and success to the various chapters during the year. Fraternally yours, RILEY T. BANDY Associate Sphinx Editor. ——s

PSI CHAPTER Philadelphia, P a . Greetings Brothers: Psi is again in the midst of preparations, for coming events. At our first meeting at the Marion Tea Room we reelected the past officers. Brothers: William Griffin, president; John W. Jones, vice president; Robert Poindexter, secretary, Ernest Smith, treasurer; John Custees, chaplain and John Ore, Editor to Sphinx. For the past few months we have been largely concerned with civic affairs. To date now Psi is participating in the National Educational Campaign from April 7, to April 14th, inclusive. In cooperation with our fellow chapter here in the city Rho, we hope to present the greatest campaign that Phila has known. April 7 consisted of sermons by Brother Marshall L. Shepard and a great number of churches distributed throughout the city. April 12 Rho and Psi sponsored a joint banquet at the iashionable Pyramid Club. The speaker was Jewel Brother Henry Callls, Special guest National President Brother Beiford Lawson, Jr., and Eastern Vice President Brother Louis Schuster. April 14 Tindley Temple Church at 4:30 p. m. National President Beiford Lawson, Jr. We expect a grand turnout and a good time for all is promised. Psi will this year feature a "Victory Relay Prom." For the past few years we have been forced to curtail our dances. This year however, it was a grand affair, a victory prom welcoming back into Psi's folds returning brothers and others in vicinity. Psi has long been known for its stupendous affairs and this was super tops. The dance was (Turn to Page 24)


May, 1946

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ALPHA CHI'S SWEETHEART AND ATTENDANTS FOR 1945-46

For the past school year 1945-46, Alpha Chi's was Miss Florence Brashear, of Ft. Worth, Texas She is a Junior at Fisk and is a member of Alpha Sorority. Her attendants are (first row,

"Sweetheart" (Low Center). Alpha Kappa left to right)

Miss Zenobia Bracy, Chicago, 111.; Miss Mary Dell Guin, retiring "Sweetheart," Fort Worth, Texas; and Miss Virginia Wyche, Norfolk, Va. Behind the Ladies are members of Alpha Chi Chapter.


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Page 24 PSI CHAPTER Philadelphia. Pa. (From Page 22) held during Penn Relay time Friday night April 26, 1946. Visiting brothers are always welcome. So until next time Psi continues to wish success, good wishes and fortune to its brother chapters. Fraternally, JOHN ORE Associate Sphinx Editor. s

BETA OMICRON CHAPTER Tennessee State College Greetings Brothers: Beta Omicron Chapter takes new courage with the coming of the Spring Season. Just like the plant, we are putting out new branches which will help to make the world a better place in which to live. With the return of Brothers Julius E. Higgins, Ferdinand Holmes, William J. Polk, Finley Jordan and Joseph Thomas our membership has increased to twenty brothers. Thus, our Chapter has not only grown in number but also in interest and enthusiasm. The following programs have been sponsored with success: The Gamma Deskadens (Spring Dance) was held in the Crystal Ball Room, Saturday, March 23, 1946. The crowning of Miss Dorthy Harris as the Queen of Beta Omicron was a striking feature of the occasion. After the Crowning, the brothers sang "Oh Sweetheart Dear, the Ecstacy" followed by the National Hymn. The Hall was decorated with Black and Old Gold paper which hung as draperies from the windows. A mode of alternate strips of Black and Old Gold paper was suspended from the ceiling of the hall. Instead of using the Crystal Ball which signifies the name of the hall, an artificial lake, around which palms were placed, in order to bring out the Spring Season, occupied the floor space of the hall. All enjoyed an evening of pleasure as they danced to the music of Don Q Pullen and his Knights of Swing and drank Alpha Phi Alpha punch. The Brothers of Beta Omircon were most grateful to Brothers: (1) Cleveland C. Fisher, captain; (2) Carlos C. Bruce, co-captain; (3) Edward L. Mullins, coach and manager; (4) Samuel R. Whitman; (5) William "Bill" Bass; (6) John A. McLean, along with Little Brothers: Jack L. Peagin, Alvin Sharpe and Henry Holbert who were champions of the Intromural Basketball Tournament held at Tennessee A. and I. State College. The entire tournament was a hard fought battle for the "Apes." Our first game was with the Omegas and we nosed them out by score of 26-20. The second game saw us defeat the Mad Magicians in a closely contested battle and our third and championship game was with Charles Williams' undefeated Independents and the game ended with a score of 32-30 in favor of the Alphas. Thus we were "Champs" of the tourney. If an All-Star Intramural team had been chosen, Brothers Cleveland C. Fisher and Samuel R. Whitman along with Little Brother Henry Holbert would have been selected. The four Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority which are found in Nashville, held their Annual Jabberwock April 6. 1946 at Tennessee A and I.

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State College. Beta Omicron, along with other fraternities, sororities and organizations at Fisk University, Meharry Medical College and Tennessee A. and I. State College, presented a skit entitled, "On God's Green Earth" which won first prize in the jabberwock. Brother Singer A. Buchanan, a Sophomore, a major in the Department of Speech and Drama and an outstanding athlete, took the leading role in the skit. He played the role of a soldier who had been wounded in action and who had returned to tell the peopel about the part he played in Hell. He also won first prize as the best "single participant" in the Jabberwock. Other participants were Brothers Benjamin F. Saulter, Jr., who played the part of a Voice; Julius E. Higgins, a Lawyer; Samuel R. Whitman, a Doctor; Ira D. Pearson, Thomas H. Pinson, John A. McLean were Ministers in the skit. Brothers Walter G. McMillan, Cleveland C. Fisher and Little Brother Gilbert Mason played minor roles in the skit. Brother Edward Lewis Mullins was Director of the skit. Thus far Beta Omicron has won first prize in all competitive activities held on State's campus during the school year 1945-'46. By so doing, we feel more closely our motto, "First of All, Servants of All, We shall Transcend All." Citizenship Week was observed April 7-14, and the program was carried out according to plans set up by the Director of Educational Activities, Brother H. Council Trenholm. A main feature of the observance was a Chapel program Friday, April 12, in a panel discussion from these subjects: "Equal Opportunities and Citizenship," Brother Dr. Harold D. West, Professor of Bio-Chemistry, Meharry Medical College. "Minorities and Citizenship," Brother Dr. Hugh H. Smythe, Lecturer, Sociology and Authropology, Tennessee A. and I. State College. "Equal Rights and Citizenship" Brother Dr. E. N. Palmer, Fisk University. Brother Dr. G. W. Gore, Jr., Dean, Tennessee A. and I. State College summorized the discussion and Brother Edward L. Mullins, President, Beta Omicron Chapter, was in charge of the program. As we approach the end of this school season, we take increased devotion to those ideals which permeated the minds of the early founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. We join with you, Brothers of Alphadom, in forever upholding the standards of this, "Our Great Fraternity." Fraternally, EDWARD L. MULLINS Associate Sphinx Editor

ALPHA OMICRON LAMBDA Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Greetings Brothers: For the past two years Alpha Omicron Lambda has taken on renewed interest, the Brothers are really active, and the Chapter is moving forward with real atomic energy. I. Activities 1. On April 27 a Greek Letter Dance was given in honor of the Delta Regional Conference. Alpha Omicron Lambda and the other Greek letter men and the women of the city sponsored this affair. Greeks and Greeks only attended. 2. The second spring affair will happen

May, 1946 in May. Our Rushing Committee under the chairmanship of Brother Robert C. Bolden is completing plans to take the boys ouer the burning sands. In the event that the May weather is chilly, the brothers will use artificial heat to make sure that the sand is hot. 3. As all roads lead to Rome, so do all of the Alpha Omicron Lambda's social activities culminate in the Annual Summer Outing. The Social Committee of which Brother Howard Hairston is chairman, has begun planning for this affair already., The Outing was hot last year, but the Committee expects to turn on more steam. (You know the war is over.) Brothers if you are in the vicinity on July 19th, don't fail to attend this Outing. II. Membership Alpha Omicron Lambda has a membership roll of eighty-eight brothers, out of this number fifty-one are financial and forty-nine have pass cards. Brother Wilbur C. Douglas and Brother Royal W. Taylor are among the oldest members of Alpha Omicron Lambda. Both of these brothers have served as secretary and treasurer respectively since ttie formation of the Chapter. Fraternally, EDGAR W. FLOOD Associate Sphinx Editor s

ALPHA PI LAMBDA CHAPTER Winston-Salem, N. C. Brothers in Alpha: Our chapter was quite enthusiastic about the progress made at the General Convention in Chicago. Our delegates, Brother Dr. Meroney and Brother Marshall, brought back quite extensive reports about the proceedings there and made us all wish that we had been able to attend. We believe that the fraternity has made a great forward step in deciding to have an executive secretary. We believe that this will give one person time to concentrate on the problems of the fraternity as a whole and bring about more concerted activity through individual chapters. Our EDUCATION AND CITIZENSHIP WEEK program was designed to encourage both elementary and high school students to further their education. Placards were placed in strategic places in all of the elementary schools of the city. The principal 6f the local high school, our own Brother J. A. Carter, saw to it that all of his students were reminded of these particular advantages found in a college education. To climax the week's program, Brother Reverend Vernon Johns, former president of Virginia Theological Seminary and College, spoke to a public gathering at WinstonSalem Teachers College. He was introduced by the Chapter President, Brother Dr. J. M. Walker, Jr. Brother Marshall gave a sketch of the history of our educational activities. The meeting was climaxed with the singing of the Alpha Hymn, accompanied by Mrs. F. L. Atkins at the organ. Following the public meeting a smoker was held at the home of Brother Dr. Walker, where pictures of the General Convention were shown. The Alpha skit, which placed second in the recent Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Jabberwock, was re-enacted. Participating were Brothers Anderson, Sawyers, Brandon, Vaughn and


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BETA OMICRON CHAPTER OBSERVES EDUCATION-FOR-CITIZENSHIP WEEK

First row, left to right: Brothers Julius E. Higgins, sergeantat arms; Walter G. McMillan, treasurer; Thomas H. Pinson, secretary; Edward L. Mullins, president; Benjamin F. Saulter, vice president; Carlos C. Bruce, corresponding secretary; Dr. Harold D. West, professor of bio-chemistry, Meharry Medical College; Dr. G. W. Gore, Jr., Dean Tennessee State College. Marshall. The skit was written by Brothers Brandon and Marshall. Among the new brothers welcomed back from the Armed Forces were Brothers Marshall and J. Y. Carter. Brother Carter was a captain in the Air Corps, and Brother Marshall was in the Coast Guard. Brother Carter has left for school and Brother Marshall has resumed his duties as librarian of Winston-Salem Teachers College. Fraternally yours, A. P. MARSHALL, secretary

ALPHA ALPHA LAMBDA Newark, New Jersey Greetings Brothers: Although it has been an extended period since the brotherhood has heard from Alpha Alpha Lambda Chapter, I am happy to report that our chapter is still alive, and keeping up to the tradi-

Second row: Dr. Myron Towns; Finley Jordan, professor Raleigh A. Wilson; Cleveland C. Fisher. Third row: Vernall Hall; William J. Polk; Ferdinand Holmes; Singer Buchanan; Thurman Northcross; Samuel R. Whitman; Joseph Thomas; Professor Clinton D. Crooks; Samuel L. Hilliard, and Ira D. Pearson.

tional Alpha spirit. Alpha Alpha Lambda hopes to make 1946 an outstanding year in its chapter history. We are progressing steadily forward in our reclamation campaign, and expect to bring into the fold many of our delinquent brothers. Our last meeting, held at the residence of Brother Ollie Daly, was well attended. Discussions included methods for reclaiming more of the delinquent brothers, a regional session, and a smoker for brothers who have returned to our chapter circles as veterans of World War II. We sincerely believe that with diligent work, we will realize the ends we desire in each of the spheres discussed. It is with the highest hopes and aspirations that Alpha Alpha Lambda Chapter carries on. Fraternally yours, CLARENCE S. JANIFER, JR. Associate Sphinx Editor.

GAMMA ALPHA CHAPTER Texas College Greetings, Brothers: The chapter members of Gamma Alpha realize the fact that life is what one makes it. So it is with an organization. We proudly "lay the mat of welcome" at the door of Gamma Alpha and extend multiple greetings and congratulations to those pledgees who so gallantly "crossed the burning sands." Initiatees who came across with flying colors included Brothers Johnny Hines, J. C. Blackwell, Allen Barham, James LeBlanc, James Sanders, Jimmie Freeman, Jessie Braggs, McCurdy Aldridge, Charles Fowler, and Thurman Johnson. An elaborate banquet was given in their honor. The new brothers have promised to match strides with older members of the chapter in carrying out the program of the organization.


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Page 26 The Sphinx Club has shown splendid progress and has pledged to do greater work during the remainder of the school term. Returning World War II brothers are coming back to the chapter and taking active part in the organization's program. All members have placed much emphasis upon scholarship and manly deeds in order that the true Alpha Phi Alpha spirit may permeate the chapter. Farternally yours, JESSE BRAGGS Associate Sphinx Editor s

NU LAMBDA Ettrick. Va. Brothers in Alpha, Greetings: Now that happy harbingers of Springtime in voco manifesto greet each new day's dawning in rapturous appreciation, and bubbling ecstasies of mirthful music crescendo from horizon to horizon, we lift again our small voice that it might ripple along, perhaps, as one small note in a surging tide of melody. The good brothers of NU LAMBDA have been carrying forth in manly deeds of magnificence and magnitude, so frequently, consistently, and conscientiously, that it would take the journalistic powers of Walter Winchell, and the vocabulary of Shakespeare, plus the originality of Mark Twain to even halfway approach a true portrayal of the recent grand things done by our good Hilltop Brothers. During the Yuletide holidays Brother Samuel Gandy took unto himself a bride, in the person of the lovely and talented Miss Frances Williams of Chicago. May we wish for them a perpetual continuity of health, harmony, and happiness. Our chapter was most ably represented at the Chicago conclave. Brothers Lockette, Simms, and Scuster brought back brilliant reports on the auspicious affair. Brother Scuster was elected Regional Vice President, thus honoring Nu Lambda with a National officer. The New Year brought two new warriors into the folds of Alphadom. Brothers Lawrence Jackson and Osceola Boomc crossed the "sizzling sands" into the lifting light of frateralism with an enthusiasm that was truly heartening. Both the new brothers seem embued with a gratifying abundance of the good ol' Alpha spirit, and we welcome them into the ranks. Many of our fraters who have seen gallant service in various branches of the Armed Forces, have earned their laurels and are back with us again. Things are swiftly getting back now to pre-war normalcy, and we look forward with great gusto to grand and glorious things to keep ever glowing the luminant torch of Alphadom. Let things begin By Alpha men! Let things go through By Alphas too! Let highest deeds beneath the sun, Be graciously conceived and done, That worlds beholding must concede, 'Tis bright the light where Alphas lead! Fraternally yours, J. FARLEY RAGLAND Associate Sphinx Editor.

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BETA LAMBDA CHAPTER Greater Kansas City Greetings Brothers: It is with pleasure and enthusiasm that I report the activities of Beta Lambda Chapter for the first quarter of the year. Everything outlined in the Chapter program has been carried out with great success and with a large attendance of brothers. On Sunday, January 20, Brothers of Beta Lambda assembled at the St. Paul Presbyterian Church for their Annual Church Service. Reverend Charles Gray, pastor, delivered an inspiring sermon on Alphadom. His subject was "We Choose Our World." The service was a part of the Founders Day Observance, Beta Lambda having been established in January 1919. January 26 found the brothers, their wives and sweethearts gathered at the Paseo Y. M. C. A. for a buffet luncheon. Dancing and cards were enjoyed by all present. Brother Joseph A. King of the activities committee with the help of Mrs. King, prepared the luncheon. This affair rounded out our Founders Day celebration. Dr. Rayford W. Logan, noted writer, lecturer and thinker, spoke to a capacity audience at the Sumner High School, Sunday, March 31. He spoke on "Education for World Citizenship." On Saturday. March 30, Beta Lambda entertained with a smoker at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Burt A. Mayberry. Forty-two members attended this event. Dr. Logan, past president of the Fraternity presented the chapter the McGee cup after addressing the Brothers. Sumner High School and Beta Lambda Chapter sponsored Dr. Logan's appearance at the High School. Burt A. Mayberry took Brother Logan to Lawrence, Kansas, for a tour of the Kansas University, Saturday, March 30. Beta Lambda initiated its citizenship campaign Sunday, April 7, at 3:30 p. m., at the First Baptist Church by presenting George H. Charno, prominent Kansas City, Missouri Attorney, as guest speaker. Mr Charno's subject was the "Development of Citizenship from the Positive Angle." Mr. Charno pointed out many things brothers could do and ended each of his driving points with, "and that is citizenship." He stressed the idea of giving and sharing with those less fortunate. He urged Alpha Brothers to open or sponsor a playground for youngsters. This he said would reduce Juvenile Delinquency, which he chose to call "Parent Delinquency." D. W. Lewis, president of Beta Lambda Chapter spoke on the history of "Education Week" and told what the National Organization had done in the way of Scholarships, Fellowships, and Grants-in-aid. Miss Cozetta Payne furnished organ numbers and the Northeast Junior High School Chorus, under the direction of Miss Dorena Cain, sang several numbers. The Reverend S. H. Lewis, pastor of the First A. M. E. Church offered prayer. The education committee is composed of Brothers John A. Hodge, Charles B. West, S. H. Thompson, Jr., and James A. Bradford. The Chapter meets the second Saturday in each month at 5:30 p. m. Two brothers entertain at each meeting with a dinner meal. Brothers who have entertained this year are: January, Attorney Elmer C. Jackson and Attorney W. H. Towers;

May, 1946 February, Charles B. West and Dr. Eugene H. Rummons; . March, Mack C. Spears and Emmet Wade; April, Dr. S. H. •Thompson and S. H. Thompson, Jr. The Chapter is sorry to lose Brother Willie D. Combs who is resigning his position as recreational director at the Paseo Y. M. C. A., to accept the position as Executive Secretary of the Hutcherson Branch Y. M. C. A. in Tulsa, Okla. Brother Combs was our efficient Sphinx Editor. Much success, Brother Combs. The hearts of all brothers were saddened when on Saturday, March 23, it was learned that Brother John H. Bluford, Sr., retired Lincoln High School teacher had passed. Brother Bluford was for many years our efficent treasurer. On May 11, the Alpha Scholarship Bridge party will be held at the Yates Branch Y. W. C. A. Brother Burt Mayberry, General Secretary has offered a trip to Tulsa to the brother selling the most tallies. By the way, if you have never been in a chapter which has a general secretary on its roll don't scramble to get into one, especially if your general secretary is like ours. He has plenty of initiative, pop, and a craving for more work. He has Beta Lambda jumping. (Smiles) See you in the next issue. Fraternally yours. D. W. LEWIS Associate Sphinx Editor. s

BETA GAMMA CHAPTER Virginia State College Greetings Brothers: Greetings from Beta Gamma to Brothers everywhere: Well, here we are again but as you realize that it has been a long, long time since you have heard from Beta Gamma. We are still alive and "on the ball" in keeping up the good ole Alpha spirit. Just in case you didn't know it Beta Gamma has the largest membership of any fraternal group on the campus. We are happy to welcome back in the chapter the following returned veteran brothers: Russel M. Finchom, Henry L. Fulford, Milton O. Wilson, Earl B. Allen, Robert T. Alexander, Ruben K. Davis, Herbert N. Richardson, Noel R. Torres, Noble Hannon and Earl Seaborn. We are also happy to announce that Brothers Earl Seaborn and Herbert Richardson are doing graduate work here at the college. Brother Walter Jones Is planning to enter Medical School very soon to study. We have lost Brother John Jones and Lawrence E. Knight who have gone to the Army. We extend greetings to Brother Louts H. Schuster upon being elected as the third vice president of the Eastern District at the 30th National Convention. At a recent meeting of Beta Gamma the brothers were entertained by a very Inspiring talk by Brother Schuster on the highlights of the National Convention and some other important Issues. We have a very promising "Sphinx Club" which we hope will turn out to be good Alpha men very soon. They gave flowers in Chapel recently and plan to usher in Chapel immediately following the Easter holidays. Beta Gamma in connection with two other organizations on the campus and with our good sisters of Alpha Epsilon


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BETA LAMBDANS HOLD ORIGINAL McGEE CUP

The original McGee Cup is the center of interest for members of Beta Lambda Chapter at a Smoker given in honor of Brother Dr. Rayford W. Logan, Past General President, by the Chapter at the residence of Brother and Mrs. Burt A. Mayberry, 2446 Harrison Street, Kansas City, Missouri. First row; left to right: Brothers Roosevelt Butler, R. Rostel Mansfield, W. W. Andrews, Dr. Logan, Dan W. Lewis, presiChapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority sponsored a formal dance jointly which proved to be very successful. Brother H. Colson Jackson entertained members of Nu Lambda and Beta Gamma at his home in the form of a luncheon recently. Beta Gamma wishes to extend best wishes and a willing hand of assistance to the newly organized Alpha Chapters at Arkansas State and Lynchburg, Virginia. We also extend to Brother Ernest Briggs one of our former brothers who has transferred his membership to Eta Chapter a good hand of cheer and fellowship. He is doing Graduate work In Electronics in the R. C. A. School in New York. Beta Gamma and Nu Lambda are looking forward to presenting their annual chapel program May 5th at which time prizes will be awarded to the winning High School student who writes the best essay. Members of Beta Gamma were entertained by members of Nu Lambda recently at a luncheon in Jones Hall. It was a very enjoyable one and was climaxed by singing the fraternity hymn. So for Beta Gamma, this is all for now. We have enjoyed our little "chat" with you, until the next issue we leave you

dent of Beta Lambda Chapter; A. C. Wilson, Paul Mobiley, John A. Hodge, Edward F. Greene, Eugene R. Rummons. Second Row: Charles F. Toms, Victor E. Travis, John Kelley, A. Odell Thurman, S. H. Thompson, Jr., G. B. Buster, Charles B. West, Elmer Jackson, J. A. King, J. A. Bradford, Guy Davis, Mack C. Spears, Everett F. Bassett, and Vanue La Cour.

with the good ole Alpha spirit in saying "Cherrio." Fraternally yours, RUSSELL L. GAINES Associate Sphinx Editor

KAPPA CHAPTER Ohio State University Greetings: Kappa Chapter has recently welcomed to the folds of Alpha Phi Alpha three neophytes. They are Brothers Alfred Allen, (Columbus, Ohio): Edward Posey, (Youngstown. Ohio); Frank Thompson, (Cleveland, Ohio). We have also had the honor of welcoming back a few of our brothers that have only recently been discharged from the services. They are Brothers, Carl Slaughter, William Williams, Tracey Parks, and Ralph Hammonds. We of Kappa Chapter have a large task ahead of us for 1946, for as co-hosts to the General Convention along with Alpha Rho Lambda, we have a man-size job before us. We are also planning our annual spring formal for May 29 and it should prove to be one, if not the finest affair of the season. At the close of this school year, we will be bidding our chapter president, Brother Walter B. Jones, farewell as he

will be among the fortunate ones to be receiving his B. A., in pre-law. Brother Jones also served Kappa as dean of pledges last year. Kappa is looking forward to welcoming all of APA to Columbus with the General Convention in December. Fraternally yours, WILLIAM W. GRIMES Associate Sphinx Editor S

BETA IOTA LAMBDA Baton Rouge, Louisiana Greetings: Regular monthly meetings of Beta Iota Lambda chapter are held on the third Saturday of each month at 8:00 p. m. Visiting brothers are always welcome. During the absence of our president, Brother Harrison Weiss, now in Alabama at the bedside of a very sick father, Brother B. V. Baranco, Jr., is serving as president pro tern. We wish for Mr. Weiss, Sr., a speedy recovery. Brothers S. E. Warren, senior delegate: M. L. Harvey, Junior delegate; and F. G. Clark, alternate, represented our chapter at the Thirty-second General Conference held in Chicago. The chapter welcomes home from the Armed Forces, Brothers Emmett W. Bashful, Euris W. Carmichael, Jonas G.


Page 28 Gaines, Charles E. Harrington, Ulysses Jones, Frank Walker, and Charles Guthrie. Brother Bashful was a Lieutenant in the Field Artillery; Brother Carmichael, a Corporal in the Information and Education Division; Brother Gaines, a Sergeant in a QM corp; Brother Harrington, a Corporal in an Air Base Bn; Brother Jones a Captain in the Engineers; Brother Walker a Lieutenant in the Engineers; and Brother Guthrie a petty officer in the Navy . Our Featured social attraction of the season was a prelenten dance given March 2nd. This was truly a gala affair at which the brothers, their wives, sweethearts, and guests frolicked to the syncopations of the Southern Syncopators. The dance was held atop the Temple Roof. Among the brothers visiting and fellowshipping with us recently were: J. Harrison Thomas, Head of the Department of Music at Florida A. & M. College; Harry McAlpin, well-known White House press correspondent and editor of "Manuscript"; and David N. Howell, Associate Director of the Y. M. C. A. (Southern area). Mu Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sorority presented Brother Tourgee Debose in a piano recital, Thursday, February 21, 1946. Brother DeBose played works from Beethoven. MacDowell, Debussy, Albeniz, Chopin, and Liszt. So well-received was Brother DeBose's recital that, by popular demand, he was presented in a subsequent recital by the Lyceum Committe of Southern University on Monday, March 25th. Brother I. L. Ferguson was initiated into Beta Kappa Chi Honorary Scientific Society, March 6th. As part of his initiation requirements Brother Ferguson submitted a paper on the "Rejection Rates Among White and Colored Selective Service Registrants, 1943." A feature of the 1946 observance of Education and Citizenship Week was the presentation of special programs for the students at Southern University, Leland College, S. U. Demostration School, and McKinley High School. Yours for a greater Alpha, E. A. CARTER Associate Sphinx Editor

ALPHA UPSILON CHAPTER Detroit, Michigan Greetings Brothers: Here's news from Alpha Upsilon; The best and biggest news is the returning of Brothers from the Armed Forces. Up to date are the following returnees: Brothers Robert Ball, James E. Bailey, Joseph I. Bailey, Edward M. Burke, Jr., William C. Coleman, Earl J. Crosswright, Louis Cloyd. Edward Donald, Clifton J. Graham. Wilbur Hughes, French H. Hunter Jr , Warren C. Johnson, Floyd Jones, Damon J. Keith, Robert Mayberry, Robert Matthews, Dempsey Morgan, Clifton Mobley, Lloyd McMoham, William Matney, Edgar Nance, James B. Parker, Lloyd Richards, James Roberts, Carey W. Richmond, George Strickland, Garland Strickland, Herman Stallings, Norman Tabor, Jr., Robert Williams, George Walker and Levin Weiss. There are still a few brothers in service but they are coming everyday and coming back to Alpha. Brother Akiki Nyabongo gave a lecture sponsored by Alpha Upsilon at Wayne University. The lecture was well attend-

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ed and enjoyed by all. Our annual Sweetheart Ball was given last month it also served as a grand reunion. Officers for the year are: Norman Tabor, Jr., president; Cordell Robinson, vice president; James B. Parker, secretary; Parlementarian, Clifford Williams; Robert Williams, sergeant at arms; James Bailey, editor to Sphinx; Robert Thomas, chaplain. Wayne University will put a mens activity book this year and a representative of Alpha. Brother Clifton Mobley was named Editor. Brother Mobley also represented Alpha in a radio discussion of fraternities. Only four fraternities out of twenty-four were represented on that broadcast and Alpha was one of the four. The Sphinx Club also put on the play "Frankie and Johnny" in Wayne University's "Star and Tarter Review," with the purpose of buying wheel chairs for Percy Jones Hospital. Our "Call to Worship" scervice is the first Sunday after Easter. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is now one of the most outstanding Fraternities recognized on the campus of Wayne University. Good luck to all chapters and every brother. Fraternally yours, J. B. PARKER (Scoop Parker) Associated Sphinx Editor.

BETA NU CHAPTER Florida A. & M. College

May, 1946 Brother Livingston Forbes, treasurer, who is a member of the House of Commons, and a great lover and participator of baseball emerged with a 1.7 average. Brother Everett L. Butler, who is Junior Captain of the college batallion, campus photographer and vice president of Sigma Tau Mu Debating Society holds a 1.5 average. Brother Forest MeKennie, assistant secretary, who is co-captain of Famcee's 1945 football team, president of college on student government day for 1945-46, a 1944-45 all-American football player and a lover of dramatics claimed a 2 point average. Organization's Activities The "Annual Costume Ball" was a gala affair on our campus. It was an educational entertainment. Many have remarked that it is the best affair yet. The Alphas here have set a pace that only Alphas can excell. In March, Beta Nu Chapter will entertain all Greek letter Organizations with a social tea. Then the Educational and Citizenship program will be the next big event aside from the graduate brothers. The Alphas march on. Fraternally yours, ALPHONSO T. ALLEN Associate Sphinx Editor s

ALPHA ALPHA CHAPTER Cincinnati, Ohio

Greetings to Brothers in Alpha: Alpha Alpha Chapter enjoyed such a successful year under the leadership of Greetings Brothers: The Alphas of Beta Nu Chapter have Brother Robert Brown that the brothers traditionally excelled in all things for the unanimously elected him as our president full development of the College pro- for another year. With him the following gram. They have always been cognizant officers were elected: Brothers W. M. of the great responsibility that lies upon Springer, vice president; Braxton Cann, them in leading steadily and courageous- recording secretary; Chester Prior, treasurer; Alva Thornton, financial secretary; lv William Lovelace, chaplain; Samuel In the true spirit and the great dig- Gains, sergeant-at-arms; A. Bruce Mcnity of Alpha Phi Alpha, Beta Nu Chap- clure; Parliamentarian; Willis C. Weath1 or admitted to the Great Alpha Brother- erly, editor to the Sphinx. hood Neophyte Brothers Alphonso T. The enthusiasm manifested by the Allen, a Pre-Medical student, of Palatka, brothers indicate that this promises to Florida; George Exum. a student in build- be one of our best years. ing construction, of Greensboro, N. C ; "One big aim of the present administraJohnny Jones, a Pre-Medical student, of tion is the reclamation of financial Tallahassee. Florida; Josephus Abrans, a brothers. The harvest is indeed bountePre-Medical student, of Tallahassee, Flori- ous, and the laborers? Well Alpha da: Virgil Johnson, a Physical Education Alpha says that they are plentiful, too. major of Palmetto. Florida; and Raya- We shall see. Our goal is to break all field McGee, a Pre-Medical student, of previous records in that line. Remember Tallahasee, Florida. The Neophyte the old football slogan at the kickoff? Brothers crossed the burning sand "Let's go men. Every man get a man." thoroughly convinced that "When better The stock for a successful year soared men are made, Alpha will make them." when Alpha Alpha Chapter voted to enActivities of Brothers tertain the Midwestern Regional ConferBrother Ralph Wimbish, president of ence, April 26, 27, and 28, 1946. The Beta Nu, who is vice president of the col- Brothers have already begun to inquire lege on student government day and who about ways and means of reinstating. is very active in dramatics and college Convention Notes policies emerged with an "A" average (3 points) for the first semester. James L. Brother H. Hannibal Hull and Brother Grant, vice president, who is a 1945 star Alva Thornton are all pepped up over football player, a prominent actor in their fine experience gained at the Alpha college dramatics, president of House of Convention held in Chicago. They report Commons, member of the Student Coun- that there was plenty of dynamite along cil and a great campus diplomat holds with the fine fellowship and other ima "B" average (2 points). Brother Albert portant business. They challenged Alpha Mackey. secretary, who is a student as- Alpha Chapter to join the National body sistant in the Men's Personnel Depart- in its bid for a bigger Alpha Phi Alpha ment. adjustant of the college batallion, than ever. associate editor of the Faceam. Only male They were jubilant, too, over the remember of Alpha Kappa Mu Honorary election of Brother William N. Lovelace Society and winner of the 1945 State as 1st Vice-President. Tuberculosis essay contest claimed an Alpha Alpha was not surprised that the "A" average (3 points). Brother Mackey Midwestern District made such fine showhas made a 3 point average each semester.


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Page 29

JACKSONVILLE BROTHERS FETE THEIR WAR HEROES

Brothers of Upsilon Lambda Chapter, Jacksonville. Florida, shown with their wives and lady companions at a banquet reception honoring Brother Dr. N. W. Spaulding and Alpha men who had returned from military services. Left to right, standing: Brothers Preston S. Peterson. Associate Sphinx Editor; Dr. J. E. Bush, Sergeant Butler, Dr. R. W. Gordon, Dr. Theodore Christopher, chapter president. Brother Lovelace too well. Brother Carl Cowan of Alpha Mu Lambda Chapter. Knoxville. Tennessee was a visitor in our city recently. He and Brother Lovelace left for a trip to Pittsburgh on important business. Brother John Fleming, former 1st VicePresident is back and out of Uncle Sam's suit; and Fellows! were the Brothers delighted. Fraternally yours, WILLIS C. WEATHERLY Associate Sphinx Editor

GAMMA BETA CHAPTER North Carolina College Greetings Brothers: The members of Gamma Beta Chapter send you greetings and also some highlights from the news of Gamma Beta Chapter, during the year 1944-45. In our attempt to hold up the ideals and aims of Alpha Phi Alpha, we have launched an extensive program to rebuild our chapter, which was depleted due to the loss of brothers to the Armed Forces. This year our Annual Chapel program was unique because the Sphinx Club cooperated with us. The subject discussed was "Negro Youth Faces The Postwar World." Short addresses were delivered by brothers and little brothers on the campus. The program was well received by the students, faculty and public. During Educational Week, Gam-

Dr. R. W. Butler. J. Smith. F. Mylas, H. James Greene, Dean Cogsdale, W. Coppage, Charles James, and A. Terry. Seated at the table, from left end, are Mmes. Terry, M. A. Peterson, Miss Bush, Mrs. Mildred Christopher, Mrs. Chavies, mother of Dr. N. W. Spaulding; Dr. and Mrs. N. W. Spaulding, Mrs. Luther James, Mrs. H. James Greene, Mrs. Coppage. and Mrs. Cogsdale.

ma Beta also sponsored similar programs throughout the community in both Grammar and High Schools. We tried to inculcate in their minds the due necessity of continuing their education. Because of the depleted membership of the Chapter, the fraternity sponsored no social function. But in an endeavor to hold up the tradition of Gamma Beta the Sphinx Club gave a Sphinx Formal which highlighted the Social Calender on the campus. It was a great success and is still the talk of the campus. With the advice of Brother John Hope Franklin a staunch Alphaman, the Gamma Beta Chapter intends to go on to new heights. We have welcomed several new brothers to the faculty of the school. They are: Brothers Norvelle Hunter. Herman Taylor, Alex Rivera, James E. Dorsey and Willis Butts. We are also happy to welcome six (6) Neophytes into the chapler. they are: Brothers Thomas Cole, Samuel Slicpard. William Waller, Henry Edwards. James D. Saddler and Harold T. Epps. Gamma Beta extends greetings to all brothers returning from the Armed Services. Officers elected for ensuing year were: President, Brother Mack W. Akins, Jr.; Vice President, Brother Samuel A. Shepard; Secretary, Brother James D. Saddler; Treasurer, Brother Thomas Cole; Associate Editor, Brother Harold T. Epps. Fraternally yours, HAROLD T. EPPS Associate Sphinx Editor

UPSILON LAMBDA Jacksonville, Florida Greetings Brothers: Greetings to all the chapters in our great fraternity from Upsilon Lambda. The brothers in Upsilon Lambda are moving forward at a rapid rate, striving to promote the ideals, ideas, and aims of Alpha. It is our desire to make Upsilon Lambda the most outstanding chapter of them all. We are happy to say at the present time that we have a Sphinx Club functioning with three members. These men are fine prospects, being highly trained educationally, and having nice cultural backgrounds. We feel very proud of the fact that we have already reclaimed two lost brothers who had strayed away. I feel sure that this is just the beginning, and that in a very short time we shall have all the brothers back into the fold. A few weeks ago we were very happy to have the honor of entertaining brothers Gray and Trenholm. A stag was held at the home of brother H. James Greene and a lovely buffet lunch was enjoyed by all. Some pertinent facts were brought to our attention by the visiting brothers. This was a good Alpha stag. At the present time we are in the midst of our Education and Citizenship program. We are trying to touch the youth of our group in the educational institutions of our city. Brothers Greene, Christopher, Terry, Spaulding, and Bush are our principal speakers. Upsilon Lambda is wide awake and


Page 30 Alpha can expect great things from us. I am Fraternally yours, PRESTON S. PETERSON Associate Sphinx Editor s ALPHA DELTA LAMBDA Memphis, Tennessee Greetings Brothers: A few days ago, it was my good fortune to be a delegate to the Recreational Conference held in Memphis. In this group were representatives from all the metropolitan cities in America. To my great surprise, one of the speakers on the program was our good friend and brother, Dr. Hugh M. Gloster. Brother Gloster, who some short time prior to World War II had just completed his doctorate in the Field of English and for a while was teaching at Atlanta University. He temporarily left this post to enter U. S. O. work with the army. In the time intervening, he has become an authority in this field of U. S. O. work. As I listened to Dr. Gloster last Monday, April 8, 1946, I began reminiscing on the good old days when Dr. Gloster was a good, active brother in Alpha Delta Lambda Chapter. As a member, he served in every official capacity in the local chapter from president to delegate to General Convention. He was an ardent worker and a great supporter of all our programs, often going out of the way to see them carried out and becoming realities. We certainly miss Brother Gloster but we believe in brothers making "forward steps." So we say to Brother Gloster: "Power to you." Speaking generally of brothers on our roster connected with U. S. O., I remember Brother "Gloomy Gil" Jack Adkins, the boy from "Gawja." Here was a true son of Alpha, a fine fellow well met. Nothing disturbed Brother Adkins, but we could always depend on his speed up of the night's agenda so as to rush for the food. Brother Adkins loved food. He is also the gent who burned up the Southern Association with those crack football teams who were known all over the South as the "Mad Magicians" of LeMoyne College. One college made a mistake once and called them the team from Lemon College. That school never made that mistake again. Brother Jack's team whipped them six straight years. The last we heard of Brother Adkins was that he was residing in Sunny California. We hear that LeMoyne will field a team in September. Have you heard that too. Brother Jack ? His influence is still felt in football circles in Memphis. His protege' Brother James Boone has been a successful coach of the Washington Warriors for a number of years. He brought the Spagetti Shift to Booker T. Washington when he came as head coach. Brother Boone is fine Alpha Material on our local roster. But before I close, I must tell of one of the most popular brothers loaned to the U. S. O. He is Brother "Hand Shaking Joe" who was in Louisiana in U. S. O. He never lost his common touch for Alpha Delta Lambda though. We constantly communicated while he was away. And now he is back showing the Brothers the famous trade mark hand shake. This dear brother is known from

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coast to coast in this manly act. He is the greatest local lobbyist in our chapter, knowing all the key brothers in the General Convention. He led the famous: "Beale Street Delegation" to the New Orleans Convention and almost swung the convention to Memphis the next year. When one finds himself in meetings with Brothers, such as I've mentioned, not to name a host of others on our roster, then you get to know what it really means to be a brother, especially a brother in Alpha Delta Lambda Chapter in Memphis, down on the Mississippi, the city of good abode, the place where friendship always flourishes and the spirit of brotherhood abounds. Brothers everywhere, this being the Educational Number, let us dedicate ourselves to the task of combing the tor we must hope that tomorrow finds us further than today. For only is tliis way through good Alpha material will this be possible. Fraternally yours, J. G. KING Associate Sphinx Editor. ALPHA RHO LAMBDA C o l u m b u s , Ohio Five of the seven officers of Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter were re-elected to guide the destiny of the chapter for another year. The re-elected brothers are: President, Maceo Hill; Secretary, A. D. V. Crosby; Treasurer, Lucien Wright; Corresponding Secretary, Eugene Stanley; and Parliamentarian, Edward Cox. Brothers K. A. Morris and Quinis Embry were elected vice presidents and sergeantat-arms respectively. The chapter has already launched a reclamation campaign to get every Alpha man^ in the city of Columbus financial before May 31. The many brothers connected with the 477th Composite Group, which recently moved to Columbus, plans to become active with the local chapter. Returning brothers are constantly augmenting the rolls of the chapter. Among the veterans who have returned thus far are: Brothers T. S. Embry, Quinis Embry, William H. Brooks, Lucius Lee, Dr. J. K. Smith, Dr. G. B. Hoiston, and Forrester Lee. Brothers John Harvey and Ralph Hammond, members of Kappa Chapter before their entrance into the service, have signified their intention of joining Alpha Rho Lambda Chapter if they settle in Columbus. Brother Alfred Farrell, also a former member of Kappa Chapter, has become affiliated with the graduate Chapter, and was appointed editor-to-theSphinx by Brother Hill. Brother Farrell has re-entered Ohio State University on a graduate assistantship to finish work on his Ph. D., in English. The Chapter has also received the following brothers: Dr. A. P. Hall, Alvin Hall, and William H. Porter. Convention plans are already underway with all the Ohio Chapters acting as host. The seat of the 1946 convention will be in Columbus. Ohio is planning a very unique convention, and any brother who misses it will miss the best convention Alpha has ever had. Better plan now to be in Columbus by noon December 27! ON TO COLUMBUS DECEMBER 27-31! Fraternally yours, ALFRED FARRELL Associate Sphinx Editor

ALPHA TAU LAMBDA Tulsa, O k l a h o m a Greetings Brothers: The brothers of this chapter send greetings to Alpha men throughout the nation. The activities of the chapter have been many, and the brothers are indeed proud of their accomplishments. Sunday, February 24th, Alpha Tau Lambda presented Brother Mitchel B. Southall in a piano recital at Carver Auditorium. The recital was one of the first to be given by the Greek organizations. The Brothers cooperated Splendidly and the net result of the recital was a success. Brother Southall performed magnificently and the audience enjoyed his performance and extolled many praises for his accomplishment. Our Citizenship campaign presented a week or two later than the schedule week of campaign was performed as in the past, by haying a public meeting with the high school seniors as its guests. A pally was given during the night of the celebration, honoring the seniors Seniors from high schools in outlining districts were also invited. An award was given the outstanding senior. Several brothers of the chapter have been on the sick list recently. Brothers S. D. McCree, the oldest brother of Alpha Tau Chapter, has been desperately ill. We are glad to state, however, that his condition is on the mend at this writing. Brother L. H. Williams, owner and manager of the William Drug Chain, has spent a few days in the Mayo Clinics at Rochester, Minn. During his stay he underwent a major operation. We are exceedingly glad that he is in our midst again. Brother T. W. Harris, president of the chapter, is also sick at this writing. It is thought that he will be on his job again in a few days. The president was certainly missed at the meeting of the chapter on the last occasion. More brothers have returned from the Armed Forces and have joined ranks with the chapter. We are indeed glad to see the brothers make themselves a part of this 'great organization. Summer is almost here. Our monthly meeting willbe discontinued until fall. It is with great pride that we look forward to another successful year. We yet invite all brothers coming our way to stop by and we will show them an enjoyable time. Yours fraternally, ROBERT L. FAIRCHILD Associate Sphinx Editor.

BETA PHI LAMBDA Savannah, Georgia To the satisfactory delight of more than thi'ee hundred formal guests of Beta Phi Lambda, Misses Gloria M. Walker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Walker; Mary S. Curley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Curley; Gloria L. Dilworth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Middleton Dilworth: Corrle E. Capers, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. E. H. Capers, and Jeanette E. Wilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. P. Wilson were presented to society in true characteristic of ALPHA PHI ALPHA. Needless to say, the occasion was one of beauty, having as honorees five most beautiful debutantes, gowned In white net, full skirts, taffeta bodices and long gloves, each carrying appropriate bouquets of yellow chrysanthemums. Each guest of Alpha arriving during the presentation hour, 11:00 p. m., to 12:30 a. m., was formally announced, received by


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ATTORNEY BOOKER EDUCATIONAL SPEAKER FOR MEMPHIS ALPHA BROTHERS

Speaking before a capacity audience at First Baptist Church, Lauderdale, Memphis, Tennessee, Brother Attorney J. R. Booker, Pi L a m b d a Chapter, Little Rock, Arkansas, charged men of his F r a t e r n i t y , and m e m b e r s of other Greekletter societies to "Unite with the liberal forces of the world for achievement of social justice and t r u e democracy." T h e speaker, (fifth from left end, front row) appeared on t h e annual Educational P r o g r a m of Alpha Delta L a m b d a Chapter, Memphis, Tenn. His message was hailed as one of the finest ever heard on such an occasion in the Bluff City. Among brothers shown in front row, from left end, a r e Brothers Dr. R. Earl Bland, Dr. Walter W. Gibson, chapter's director of education, who presided over the p r o g r a m ; Brother Booker Attorney A. A. Latting, who presented t h e speaker; Lewis O Swingler, chapter president, and Sphinx Editor; Dr. 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 flower. Following the presentation hour, during which soft chamber music gave invitation to the flower-bedecked crystal ballroom, 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 the five debutantes for the signal beginning of the 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 Phi Alpha who sang the Alpha Hymn with true love and devotion t o the fellowship. Alpha hosts for the evening were: Brothers W. G. 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., E. A. Peacock, J. Q. Adams, H. W. Murph, A. Cox, H. W. Norrls,

E. M. Wilkins. p a r l i a m e n t a r i a n : J a m e s Cummings, Lay Member of the Executive Council from Lane College; and Vernon Hall, Beta Xi Chapter, Lemoyne College. Other participants on program w e r e Brothers Taylor C. D. Hayes, Joseph W. Westbrooks, Prof. B. T. Hunt, principal of Booker T. Washington High School; and W. T. McDaniel, a neophyte brother. Another feature of the program was presentation of a full scholarship to a Manassas High School student (Miss Olivia McDaniel) for a year's study at LeMoyne College. Brother Cummings headed a delegation of seven brothers from Beta Pi, Lane College, w h o attended t h e program in Memphis. Brothers I. T. Creswell, and Taylor of Nashville; and Brother George Hollis, principal of Richard B. Harrison High School, Blytheville, Arkansas, w e r e also present.

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 S. Scott, Jr. By W. P. HUBERT Associate Sphinx Editor.

BETA K A P P A LAMBDA Charleston, S. C. Greetings to all brothers In Alphadom: Since last we have met you on these pages many and varied have been the experiences t h a t have come to us. We have had in our city Brother President J. E. Seabrooks, of Claflin College at Orangeburg, S. C.' While here the local brothers gave a very spirited smoker for this son of Alpha. A few weeks later we had an initiation, taking into our fold the Rev. Mr. R. E. Brogdon, pastor of the largest A. M. E. Church in this section, trustee of Allen University, and civic leader. Brother Brogdon will undoubtedly add much to the prestage of Alpha Phi Alpha. In its program for Education for Citizenship observance we had as our guest speaker at a public program—Brother Charles W. Greene, of Atlanta, Georgia. Brother Greene is a former vice president of the national organization of Alpha Phi Alpha

and is now president of the National Negro Insurance Association and Agency Officer of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company. Brother Greene gave a powerful and Informative address. The night before this program Brother Greene was the honor guest at a supper-party sponsored by the brothers. During Education for Citizenship Week a skit entitled "The Struggle for Pull Citizenship" prepared and written by Brother Prank A. Render, executive secretary of the local Y. M. C. A., with the assistance of Brother William E. Cross, Field Executive for the Boy Scouts of America, was presented at each of the local High Schools. The participants in t h e skit were the High School students at the Burke, Immaculate Conception, and Avery High Schools. Brother Dr. E. P. Burroughs has again attended the annual Tuskegee Clinic at Tuskegee, Alabama. While In t h a t section he visited Mobile and New Orleans, renewing associations with any number of brothers in t h a t section. Brother Clinton Young has recently been released from the Armed Services, having served in t h e Office of Strategic Services for over two years. Brother Young has resumed his teaching duties at the Burke High School. (Turn to P a g e 33)


9

THE PRESENTATION BALL"

(C CO |S3

H X M

i—i

X

Beta Phi Lambda Chapter, Savannah, Georgia, gave one of the most outstanding social affairs that has ever been witnessed in this community when it sponsored a "Presentation Ball" during which time five charming young ladies were presented to society. This event was educational to the honorees and their escorts. It was also a challenge to others of that age-group, and their parents.

Shown in the accompaning picture, left to right: Misses Gloria M. Walker, Mary S. Curley, Gloria L. Dilworth, Corrie E. Capers, and Jeanette E. Wilson. each end.

"3

Two of the three chaperones are shown on to OS


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May, 1946

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SPHINX

ALPHA BETA CHAPTER, TALLADEGA COLLEGE

The eleven brothers shown here, from left, are; Brothers Donald P. McCullum, Alvin J. Hannon, A r t h u r B. Fox, Jr., Lay Councilman _ Bernard Green, Jr., F r a n k l i n W. Thomas,

Charles F. Curry, Joseph H. Daves, Moses A. Buie, Jr., Douglas B. Fullwood II, Maynard V. Foster, Oliver Alexander Brown, Jr.

Alpha Beta Chapter, Talladega College, notwithstanding t h e fact that the war reduced its m e m b e r s h i p to the smallest n u m b e r in twenty-five years, has continued to maintain high scholastic standard on the campus, and gain recognition otherwise. One of its members. B r o t h e r A r t h u r B. Fox, was

elected a Lay Member of the Executive Council of the Fraternity, during the Chicago Convention, 1945. T h e chapter w a s also a w a r d e d the F r a t e r n i t y ' s Achievement Cup a t this session.

BETA KAPPA LAMBDA Charleston. S. C. (From Page 31) Brother Dr. Thomas Carr McFall has reopened his offices at 85 Morris Street with complete, modern equipment, and a spaciotis laboratory in the rear. All of the brothers are busily engaged in preparing a skit for presentation at the annual Jabberwock of the local Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. The last time they participated in the Jabberwock they carried away first prize and will be out to duplicate this performance. At the last meeting of the Chapter it was decided to pass up a Dance this year and instead give some scholarships to local students completing their High School work this year and who will be anxious to get to college next year. It is generally felt t h a t the Chapter is to be commended for this step. Fraternally yours, A. J. CLEMENT, JR. Associate Sphinx Editor.

BETA KAPPA CHAPTER Langston University GREETINGS: Members of Beta Kappa Chapter began their campus activities in the Fall with several parties and we hope to climax these past events with our spring prom which is to be held May 11. Beta Kappa had it's Fall initiation at which time t h e following were taken over the burning sands; Benjamin Field II,

James McMillan, Eddie Fred Jo: Amos Stevenson. On March 10, our annual observance of Founder's Day consisted of a vesper program, with Brother Burt Mayberry as guest speaker. This program was followed by an elaborate banquet in the dining hall. Visiting brothers from three graduate chapters throughout the state were present. We regret the absence of Brother James McMillan who was inducted into the Armed Forces on March 13, 1946. Beta Kappa also presented an interesting skit in the Zeta Phi Beta Blue Revue at Langston University. and won first prize at the second annual Jabberwock given by the Oklahoma City chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Spring initiation was held on April 6. 1946, with three men crossing the sands into Alphadom. They were Monroe Cosey, James R. Johnson, and Robert Swain. We are glad to welcome Brother Robert Short to Langston University's faculty. He has recently returned from t h e navy. Brothers Tanzy Lackridge, Charles Adams. Manuel Buckner, Thomas (Tack) Johnson and R. W. Puryear. visited on the campus during the recent Hi-Y conference here. Beta Kappa attended Palm Sunday services in a group on Sunday, April 14, at Salter's Chapel A. M. E. Church. We will be sorry to lose Brother Mitchell Southall, accomplished pianist and composer, who is a senior and will graduate this Spring. Our officers for the year are as follows: President, Amos Stevenson; Recording Secretary, Eddie Fred Jordan; Corresponding Secretary, Augustus Dillon; Treasurer,

rue Harris; Dean of Pledges, Sylvi Combs; Chaplain, Arthur Matthews; Editor to Sphinx, Benjamin Fields; Parliamentarian, Claxton Nails. Congratulations on the convention issue. and best wishes to the other members of the SPHINX staff. Fraternally yours, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FIELDS, II Assocaite Sphinx Editor

ALPHA BETA CHAPTER Talladega College Greetings, Brothers in Alpha: Despite the adversities of the war and postwar period. Alpha Beta has maintained it's usual standards. This year, with the smallest chapter in it's history, there has been carried on a variety of projects which have had lasting significance. After the customary probation and serenade of the fall quarter, four brothers carried the laurels of the chapter t o the general convention in Chicago. At the convention. Brother Arthur B. Fox was elected Lay member of the Executive Council. and in recognition of the maintainance of a high wartime record, the chapter was awarded the Fraternity Efficiency Cup. Early in the winter quarter, the chapter was favored with the visit of the Second Vice-President. Brother William A. Gray, Jr., the Director of Educational Activities, Brother H. Council Trenholm; the former being the President of Florida A. & M. College, and the latter President of Alabama State Teacher's College. In February, the chapter presented, "Oblivion," i n t h e annual Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Jabber-


Page 34 wock, winning second prize. During t h e present quarter, Alpha Beta sponsored it's annual community project which was this year, a Kite contest and chapel programs In the local schools. The chapter hopes to climax it's year's program of activity with the celebration of it's 25th Anniversary. The officers of the chapter are: President, Maynard V. Poster; Vice-President, Donald P. McCullum; Secretary, Arthur B. Pox; Corresponding Secretary, Alvin J. Hannon; Treasurer, Bernard Green, Jr.; Chaplain, Douglas B. Pullwood; Advisor to t h e Sphinxmen, Charles F. Curry; Historian, Franklin W. Thomas; and Sergeant-at-Arms, Moses A. Buie, Jr. Luck and good cheer t o all "Apes" everywhere from ALPHA BETA. Fraternally yours, ALVIN J. HANNON. Corresponding Secretary. s

PI LAMBDA CHAPTER Little Rock, Ark. Greetings: Came t h e ideas of March, and as P i L a m b d a momentarily flung wide h e r portals, the awful S p h i n x spewed us u p a b r a n d new baby brother. You'd recognize h i m immediately as an Alpha m a n : 'nough said. T h e chapter then went, to Dr. and Mrs. J o r d a n ' s for a repast. Meet your n e w brother, F a t h e r Francis G. Johnson, rector of Saint Phillip's Episcopal Church, Little Rock. Incidentally, South Carolina seems to be cultivating the habit of robbing us of our neophytes, for like B r o t h e r Cross w h o left for Charleston shortly after he saw t h e light, B r o t h e r Johnson has been called to a new charge at Columbia. May Alpha Psi Lambda, like Beta K a p p a Lambda, profit from Pi L a m b d a ' s loss. It w a s P i L a m b d a ' s pleasure, and privilege to attend and assist in t h e dissolution of the Shield Club of A. M. & N. College, and the b i r t h of G a m m a Delta Chapter of Alpha P h i Alpha. When t h e "scoop" leaked out that Alpha's a d v e n t on the A. M. & N. c a m p u s w a s m o r e t h a n a possibility, t h e r e was a deluge of a p plications. It seemed wise to allow t h e club m e m b e r s the privilege of selection as a training process, and this decision was justified by the sound judgment which was duly exercised. T h e eighteen c h a r t e r m e m b e r s w h o m a d e it across w e r e t h e most representative material available. G a m m a Delta has h a d an auspicious inception; she has every reason to look forward and u p w a r d . P i L a m b d a greets h e r and r e m a i n s at attention to assist h e r in h e r aspirations to t h e end t h a t these b r o t h e r s m a y always b e a credit to their fraternity and to their college. B r o t h e r Lewis O. Swingler, w h o as B r o t h e r Gray's vicar, presented his credentials and installed G a m m a Delta. He was accompanied to P i n e Bluff by Brothers S. M. ("Committee") Smith, and Charles and Marvin Tarpley. Well you k n o w w h a t that m e a n t — w h a t t h a t alw a y s means!—a fraternal "get-together" a r o u n d the festive board, lasting until the w e e hours. Hostesses w e r e t h e P i n e Bluff Alphaettes, Mrs. C. E. Hynes. Mrs. O E. Jackson, Mrs. F . P . Lytes. Mrs. H. H. P h i p p s and Mrs. R. F . Russell. They w e r e assisted b y the spouses of t h e following neophytes: B r o t h e r s Albert Baxter, F r a n k Bryant, Burgess Lawson, a n d M c k i n l e y Newton. These ladies, of course, received an "eleventh-hour" notice, w h e n their " B a r b y s " w e r e some-

THE

May, 1946

S P H I N X

w h e r e out on t h e scorching desert. A n d as t h e cock crew, the G a m m a Delts d r o v e to the campus w h e r e they crowned t h e ceremonies with a post-prandial serenade, a la Alpha, 'neath the w i n d o w s of t h e women's residence halls. P i L a m b d a was regally e n t e r t a i n e d in F e b r u a r y by Brothers J o h n I. King a n d Ray Wilbur Johnson. T h e hosts at our March meeting w e r e B r o t h e r s Clifford Minton, and J. Albert Rutherford Brothers Glenn Johnson, and Dr. P h i p p s ved us in April at the beautiful residence of Dr. and Mrs. Phipps, Senior, in Hot Springs. All these meetings w e r e thorough enjoyable and highly edifying. Brother J. R. Booker, the "ol' maestro," was our spokesman for t h e "Education and Citizenship" movement. More about this later. Brother Dr. F . P. Lytes recently r e t u r n e d with Mrs. Lytes from Tuskegee where he u n d e r w e n t a period of rest and observation in connection with his health, reporting that he feels wonderful. His practice r e m a i n s in the capable hands of his colleague, Brother Phipps. With deep sorrow, w e m u s t r e p o r t that the Grim Reaper claimed Brother Attorney Myles A. Hibbler since our last writing and inscribed his n a m e on t h e rolls of Omega chapter. Our sympathies go out to the bereaved family. Back from the w a r s and seen recently at t h e Arkansas Extension Workers' recent formal: B r o t h e r s Bit! Barabin, of Hot Springs; Make note. Beta G a m m a ) ; M. F. Frida of Hope: and Ed Stockman, of Camden. In this, our Educational issue, it seems propitious thai we lake note of t h e retirement of Brother Isaac T. Gilliam after a long and useful career of service as an educator. Brother Gilliam, affectionately k n o w n to his friends as "Ike." is a Howardite who has given his whole life to his native Little Rock and the State of Arkansas. For many years, he w a s principal of Gibbs High School, w o r k i n g out from this position as an active m e m ber and officer in Municipal, state and national educational organizations. His retirement last J u n e w a s t h e occasion of n u m e r o u s testimonials, spiritual, and intrinsic, by our citizenry, in recognition of his past services. B r o t h e r Gilliam, an A. M. E.. a p r o m i n e n t Mason, and a m e m b e r of the Little Rock Boule, of Sigma P i Phi, has served Alpha well over t h e past score of years, either as chapter president, convention delegate, or state director of the "Go-to-High-School, GoTo-College" Movement; currently, he chairs our committee on equalization of educational opportunities. An orchid to you. B r o t h e r "Ike." and m a n y more years of health and happiness! Our failure to extend our felicitations to our officers in t h e Convention issue w a s an inadvertence, nothing more. To a man, they h a v e P i L a m b d a ' s confidence and h e a r t y co-operation. Likewise, our retiring officers w h o h a v e w r o u g h t so well h a v e our highest admiration and deepest gratitude. T h e r e is B r o t h e r J o e Evans w h o gave us one of his alloted t h r e e score and ten (and t h e p r i m e one at that). That, brothers, strikes m e as being some k i n d of record t h a t ought not pass unnoticed. This scribe was living in Atlanta as a r a w little u n d e r g r a d u a t e w h e n B r o t h e r Evans came back to us from Detroit as General Secretary. His well-known achievement in establishing

a solid fiscal basis for Alpha ought to r e m a i n green in our minds. And according to all report, B r o t h e r M a y b e r r y is the logical m a n to carry the baton. B r o t h e r Belford Lawson was also a denizen of Atlanta and a budding young professor in t h a t bygone era. We shall support him to t h e Ultima Thule. P i L a m b d a eagerly anticipates the forthcoming visit of Dr. Rayford Logan, w h o will have the last word to say to the class of 1946 at A. M. and N. College, J u n e the 4th, at ten o'clock. We plan to be present in a body to hear a n d honor this distinguished brother, especially inasmuch as the San Francisco Conference k e p t him from his engagement h e r e last year. And so, until n e x t time, from Pi Lambda, "Thirty." Fraternally, OLIVER E. J A C K S O N Associate S p h i n x Editor s

NEW CHAPTER SET UP AT ARKANSAS STATE Alpha P h i Alpha F r a t e r n i t y m a d e its advent on the campus of A r k a n s a s State College, f i n e Bluff, on m a r c h 22nd, when Gamma Delta Chapter was set up under supervision of S p h i n x Editor Lewis O. Swingler, who served as proxy for Southern Vice-President William H Gray. Eighteen neophytes took the oath of allegiance, and w e n t through all other necessary r e q u i r e m e n t s to gain t h e distinction of being c h a r t e r m e m b e r s of the new chapter. Brother Chester Hynes, instructor at Arkansas State College, had served as adviser for the g r o u p while it functioned as the Shield Club. He and other members of Pi L a m b d a Chapter, Little Rock, Ark., notably Brothers C. Franklin Brown and J. R. Booker, served with Brother Swingler in carrying out initiation ceremonies. T h e r e w e r e also present three other Memphis brothers. They w e r e Brothers Marvin and Charles Tarpley, and S. M. Smith, all m e m b e r s of Alpha Delta L a m b d a Chapter, Memphis, Tenn. Following ceremonies, the n e w brothers, a l o n g ' with their guests from Little Rock and Memphis, w e r e feted with an elaborate b a n q u e t at the home of B r o t h er Dr. and Mrs. F. P. Lytes.

BETA TAU CHAPTER Xavier University Brothers in Alphadom, Greetings:— The guidance of Beta Tau Chapter has been placed in the hands of Hargrove F. Wooten, junior in the department of Pharmacy, outstanding track and football player from Jacksonville, Fla. During the course of the war. the Army took away Neophytes Rudolph Crouch, and Marcel Trudeau. Other neophytes welcomed into the chapter were Charles Bell, Herbert Millings. Claude Organ, Clarence Jupiter, Manfred Rawles, Henry Wicker, Harold Lapesarde, and Lester Relf. James Robinson was the only remaining brother not a neophyte. Officers for the year are Hargrove Wooten, president; Lester Relf, vice-president; Clarence Jupiter, secretary; Manfred Rawles. assistant secretary; Henry Wicker, treasurer; and Claude Organ, assistant Sphinx Editor. Brother James Despinassee, track coach and assistant professor of Mathematics at Xavier, has been away all the year at Ohio University, working on his Master's Degree in Mathematics. Neophyte Bell, member of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, and


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Page 35

ALPHA POINTS TOWARD CHAPTER AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY

T h e S P H I N X CLUB at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, shown with several m e m b e r s of the F r a t e r n i t y , sponsored its first A n n u a l F o r m a l P r o m in University Hall, May 17th. S p h i n x m e n and brothers seated, from left, are: J a m e s O. P e r r y , vice-president; L e h m a n Adams, of X i leader of the Dean's Honor Roll for two years, was elected national Vice-President at the last convention of Alpha Kappa Mu. We were happy to welcome Howard "Bunk" Rogers, and Benjamin "Bltsy" Franklin back into the fold after spending some time in the Army. Brothers Bell and Wicker were members of the Dean's Honor Roll, both having an average over ninetythree per cent. On the school Honor Roll were Brothers Millings, Jupiter, Rawles, Organ, and Relf, who maintained averages over eighty-five. The chapter has been very busy during the past several weeks. The "Go-to-HighSchool, Go-to-college Week" was observed with the brothers presenting a unique program in the assembly Monday, April 8th. William Mitchell, local Y. M. C. A. director, and business man, was speaker for the occasion. During t h e program. Brother Wooten, on behalf of the chapter, presented to the Dean a donation of $25.00 toward the building fund. Beta Tau, during commencement week, will present its annual scholarship to a freshman who has been outstanding in his work scholastically. Contributions during the past year were made by the chapter to the Red Cross, War Loan VII, Christmas Basket Fund, and the Salvation drive. Brothers from Dillard University joined us In presentation of a "Stagg" earlier in the school year.

e Welch, of lota L a m b d a ; Boss Lawnes, Beta Gamma. Standing, from left: William Bradley, president; Charles Williams, corresponding secretary; Rosewell Bibb. treasurer; Claudius H. Hackett, recording secretary; G a r r e t t Cope, Othea P o r t e r , chaplain.

Much interest is being centered around the two main social events of the spring, the Alpha Dance, and the Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha Dance. Members of the chapter have united with members of the local A. K. A. Sorority Chapter as expression of their appreciation for the line examples the young women have set on the campus. Fraternally yours, CLAUDE H. ORGAN, Associate Sphinx Editor.

ALPHA RHO CHAPTER Morehouse College Greetings, Brothers: In keeping with the expressed ideals of ALPHA PHI ALPHA, and in order to perpetuate them in the minds of the students and citizens of Atlanta, Alpha Rho Chapter, conducted its annual "Educationfor-Citizenship" Program during the first week in May. Activities were carried out in the college chapel May 1st through the third. We brought to the student body three profound speakeres, who gave t h e political, economic, and social implications of the theme, "Education and Citizenship." The chapter expanded Its program in order t h a t it would embrace all segments of community life. This especially in view of the need for a strong voting public in

Atlanta. Placards, stressing the importance of voting, were placed in principal business establishments. An essay contest was sponsored in the David T. Howard Junior High School. The project was brought into direct focus with the activities of school students for reason of making them more conscious of the significance of first-class citizenship. Homage was paid to Brothers C. C. Walker, P. L. D., Sanford. and James T. Montgomery. These brothers were placed on the Dean's Honor Roll for outstanding scholastic achievements. Brothers of Alpha Rho also wish to acknowledge the return of Brother Edmund Kemp, Joseph Welcome, Jr., and John Turner, who have recently been discharged from the armed services. Six newly initiated brothers were welcomed into the arms of the chapter. They were Brothers Charles V. Willie, Otis Smith, Otis J. Henderson, James Jones, Melvln Hudson, and George Phillips. It was on March 11, 1946. t h a t these members first saw the light and tasted the food prepared by t h e gods of Alpha. After t h e traditional ceremonies, the neophytes were guests of the chapter at an elaborate banquet. Among the guests were members of Eta Lambda, and Alpha Phi Chapters. Our efforts are once more centered upon approximately fifteen Sphinxmen, who are


THE

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SPHINX

May, 1946

BETA SIGMA TAKES ON NEW LIFE AS VETS RETURN TO SOUTHERN

During the w a r m a n y B r o t h e r s of Beta Sigma Chapter, Southern University, w e n t into t h e A r m e d Service of the United States. Today they a r e r e t u r n i n g to Southern, after having served with the following units: Infantry, Engr. Quartermaster, and P o r t Battalions. F r o n t row, seated: Brothers H e n r y Bardell. Willie J. Hodge, president; Alvin Gray, T h e o d o r e R. Green. Standing, being prepared to enter t h e sacred portals of Alpha. Fraternally yours. JOSEPH WELCOME. JR. Associate Sphinx Editor. s

KAPPA CHAPTER Ohio State University Greetings: Kappa Chapter's Annual Installation Banquet was a great success. Everyone had a grand time. The menu was as follows: Turkey, sweet potatoes, peas, hot rolls. coffee, Alpha Phi Alpha punch. Ice cream and cake. Each had his lady guest. Each guest was presented with a corsage tied with a black and gold ribbon. Kappa Chapter took great pleasure in presenting three newly made brothers. They were Brothers Alfred Allen, Edward Poseys and Frank Thomas. We know these new brothers will do their part in keeping

left to right: Brothers Walter Austin, H a m p J. Williams, Felton Shamlin, Roy Moss, Soloman Carter, Frederick L. Manson. T h e following B r o t h e r s listed below recently discharged from the Service, a r e n o w continuing in the field of study: B r o t h e r s Walter Austin, Less Washington, Alvin Gray, E d w a r d H. Bouey, Solomon Carter, J a m e s Shepard, and F r e d e r i c k L. Manson.

Alpha Phi Alpha first, as we older brothers have tried to do and have succeeded in doing so. A party was given in their honor at the home of Brother Jack Mitchel. A grand time was had by all. On March 3rd a banquet was also held In their honor. That's all from Kappa Chapter for now. Until next time. I remain Fraternally yours, DARIUS M. WORSHAM Retiring Associate Editor. P. S.: Second report from Kappa, under new editor of Sphinx.

Baby Girl To Brother And Mrs. James E. Smith B r o t h e r J a m e s E. Smith, executive secr e t a r y of t h e West F e d e r a l Y. M. C. A., and m e m b e r of Beta Rho L a m b d a Chapter, Youngstown, Ohio, and Mrs. Smith received a "Blessed E v e n t " S e p t e m b e r 5,

1945. T h e n e w a r r i v a l was a beautiful girl baby, w h o has been christened J a n i c e Elizabeth. Mrs. Smith is t h e former Miss A r r i e Mae Battle. Members of the chapter extend congratulations.

Pan-Hellenic Council (From P a g e 12) sentative to t h e National P a n Hellenic Council, w h o m everyone regards as one "swell" guy. While you're reading this, Dan's probably a t his desk, t h i n k i n g u p new w a y s to m a k e Beta L a m b d a the "cream of t h e crop."

TENTH YEAR F o r B r o t h e r Cotton on S p h i n x O u r Congratulations.

Staff.


May, 1946

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SPHINX

Page 37

REACTIVATION OF BETA XI CHAPTER, LEMOYNE COLLEGE

Brothers of Beta Xi celebrated the reactivation of their Chapter with a formal Banquet held in the cafeteria of LeMoyne College, Memphis, Tenn. Pictured are, left to right: Brothers Elvin Calhoun, Samuel

ALPHA KAPPA LAMBDA Roanoke, Va. Members of Alpha Kappa Lambda Chapter met at the residence of Brother E. D. Downing and elected officers with results as follows: Brothers Dr. E. D. Downing, president: E. P. Nabors, vice-president; R. A. Coloman, recording secretary; J. W. Nabors, financial secretary; Troy Gorum, corresponding secretary; Dr. F. W. Claytor, treasurer; Dr. L. C. Downing, sergeant-atarms; Dr. J. B. Claytor, chaplain; and Brother H. Leslie Giles, Associate Editor of the SPHINX. The meeting was held under circumstances that would have warmed the heart and fired the zeal of every Alpha Son. The warmth extended by our genial host and loyalty inspired all to pledge DR. MOORE anew their support to Alpha principles. Brother L. C. Downing was appointed chairman of a committee to devise ways

Goodloc, Robert Wan-, Richard Warr, Malone Broome, Carl Poston, James Lewis, William Thompson, and Rufus Dewitt. Brother Vernon Hall is shown center.

and means to appropriately memorialize the late Brother Dr. George Moore. Throngs of people expressed in sundry ways the deep respect they held for the late brother. However, we who are yet on the scene highly resolved to carry on the high ideals and noble principles, that will make our brother live forever in the hearts of all who knew him. On April 11th the chapter sponsored a program at Addison high school. The theme EDUCATION FOR CITIZENSHIP was highlighted by a stirring address from the general president, Brother Belford V. Lawson. The chapter won first nrizo f$25.00) in the Sixth Annual Jabborwock held at Academy of Music Roanoke, Va. With renewed spirit under capable officers, the light of Alpha will become brighter with the years. Fraternally, H. LESLIE GILES. Associate Sphinx Editor. s

Alphas Resume Annual Costume Ball At Florida Suspended during the war years, the "Annual Costume Ball," a traditional social affair for members of Beta Nu Chap-

ter, was resumed in grand style on the campus February 9th. Theme of the ball, staged in the college gymnasium, was "A Night in the Sahara Desert." The palm trees, the stars and oasis were quite picturesque as well as the Sphinx and pyramids which could be seen in a distance on the desert under the bedecked sky. Alpha brothers were dressed as Arabian Sheiks and the Sphinxmen were attired as Nubian slaves. Costumes of the guests gave evidence of the careful selections that had been made. During the intermission three girls, Misses Rosa Sesselar, Helen Johnson, and Mary Frazier entertained the group with dances. They were under the training of Miss B. P. James. Members of the chapter are most grateful to Mr. C. B. Nasby. instructor of Art at Florida A. & M. College, who served as director of decoration; Miss James, and all others who assisted in making this renewed "Costume Ball" such an outstanding success.

Let Someone Else Read Your Copy of the Sphinx


SPHINX

May, 1946

LEAVES FOOTPRINTS ON "SANDS OF TIME'

in Kansas City with a position at Lincoln High School. Advanced training was received at Howard University where he received the A. M. degree, and Cornell University which awarded him the B. S\ degree. Brother Bluford gave many active years to Second Baptist Church where he served as chairman of the Trustee Board; and to the local NAACP Branch in which for an extended period he held the secretaryship. Fraternally he was one of Alpha's most sturdy "oaks;" a tower of strength for Upsilon Chapter of which he served for many years as a Trustee; and for Beta Lambda Chapter. Beta Lambdans counted him among their most loyal members, and (or a number of years elected him successively as chapter treasurer. Brother Bluford was constantly sought fdr cdiirisei and advice during the memorable triparte convention of 1940 during which time the Alphas, Kappas, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority joined hands in sponsoring one of the greatest gatherings of its kind in Inter-Greek letter circles. His daughter. Miss Lucile Bluford, managing editor of the KANSAS CITY CALL, was a leader of the Kansas City A. K. A's in the extensive preparations that were made for this fraternal triangle at Municipal Auditorium.

THE

Page 38

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity lost another one of its staunchest sons in the passing of Brother John H. Bluford, Sr., at his residence in Kansas City, Missouri, Saturday. March 23, 1946. As a pioneer in Alpha, and one of its greatest builders in the West. Brother Bluford was a living symbol of the Fraternity's educational aims, and nobility of manhood. For twenty-four years, he taught in the Kansas City, Mo., school system and in that capacity had the opportunity to help shape the lives of hundreds of young people who have gone forth as leaders of the race and nation. His success as a teacher was reflected in the success of those he tavight, including his own two sons, and daughter. Brother Bluford's own educational training began in Virginia, his native state, where until he was sixteen years of age he was a farm boy in Gloucester County. He was the first graduate of the Capahosic High school in his home county, and was directed by the principal of that school, the late William Weaver. to the home of Nathan Sprague, where he lived during the years that he worked his way through Howard. Following graduation from that institution, he went to St. Louis> Mo., later to North Carolina

| W :

BROTHER JOHN H. BLUFORD, SR. Agricultural and Technical College, Greensboro, N. C, subsequently settling

INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

Left to right: Brothers Carlos C. Bruce, co-captain; Little Brother Henry Holbert; Brother John A. McLeon; Little Brother Jack L. Feagins; Brothers Samuel R. Whitman; Cleve-

land C. Fisher, captain; Little Brother Alvin Sharp; Brother William (Bill) Bass; Brother Edward L. Mullins, kneeling is coach and manager of the team.


May, 1946

THE

SPHINX

Page 39

GAMMA DELTA CHAPTER, ARKANSAS STATE COLLEGE

Gamma Delta Chapter, Arkansas A. & M. & N. College, is the most recent Greek-letter society on the campus of this state institution. Members, shown reading from left to right front ow are Brother Rogerlene Johnson, McKinley Newton.Tyree J. Webster, secretary; 'Tommie L 'Love Frank R. Bryant, treasurer; Niles E. Smith; second row; Brothers Burgess Lawson Sam J Garner Joe W Wiley, associate Sphinx Editor, Seth Garner, John C Ingram; third row, S d S t o t o ^ A" Adair, parliamentarian; C. Louis Harris, vice-president;' Henry W. Pennymon. Dean of Pledgees'Calvin Freezel; ascending, S^ Albert Baxter, Anderson P. Perryman, president; and Edgar G Wesson letterTpag'e si. a T d T a g e ° f 3 4 C e r e m 0 n i e s f o r s e t t i n ^ UP G a m ™ Delta Chapter, see Pi Lambda Chapter Just one week before his passing, Sphinx Editor L. O. Swingler, while visiting in Kansas City, talked with Brother Bluford, and their final words were about Alpha Phi Alpha. Brothers of Beta Lambda Chapter served as honorary pallbearers at the funeral services. Among them were Brother Burt A. Mayberry, General Secretary, whose election to this high office in the Fraternity had brought a source of joy to Brother Bluford. Brother Bluford's footprints have been left on Alpha's sands of time, and will serve to guide us as we go forward to meet the challenge of a frustrated world. In the name of our Heavenly Father, Alpha Phi Alpha commends his spirit to Omega Chapter.

Alpha Rho Chapter Presents Faustina Hall in Concert

Message of Condolence

ALPHA BROTHERS AT HONOR SOCIETY Brother Dr. William Gray, Jr., President of Florida A. & M. College, Tallahassee, Florida, was one of the featured speakers at a special meeting of the National Convention of Alpha Kappa Mu, Negro Honor Society. Brother George W. Gore, Dean of A. & I. State College, Nashville. Tennessee, presided over the session as General President. Brother I. A. Dergibny of Tuskegee Institute was also present at this meeting.

lege, presented FAUSTINA HALL, celebrated soprano, in concert at Providence Baptist Church, April 17. The artist, a graduate of Spelman College, and a former student of Sherwood School of Music, has made rapid advancements in the field of music. Her interpretations of the classics and spirituals were well received by a large and appreciative audience. Such programs as this are presented by the chapter to create within the students and general public an appreciation for the esthetic values in life.

FAUSTINA HALL Alpha Rho Chapter, Morehouse Col-

Brother Belford V. Lawson, General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, sent the following message to Mrs. Alice Moore of Roanoke, Virginia, upon the passing of her husband, Brother Dr George Moore: "The men of Alpha Phi Alpha mourn the loss of our Brother Dr George Moore. Find consolation as we do in his devotion to his family, friends, his profession and his deep and unselfish concern for the public welfare." Brother Moore was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda, Roanoke, Virginia.


THE

ge 40

May, 1946

SPHINX

ALPHA WIVES BEHIND THE GREAT CHICAGO CONVENTION

While Alpha brothers are rapidly shaping up plans for the 1946 Convention in Columbus, Ohio this December, they still have fond memories of the great session in Chicago. Behind the host brothers in Chicago, planning a schedule of social activities for the entertainment and pleasure of their visitors, were these lovely ladies and Alpha wives. Mrs. Truman K. Gibson, Sr., served as Chairman of the General Committee, and she had associated with her Mrs. Carl G.

Roberts, Jr., Secretary; Mrs. Alvin H. Lane, financial secretary; Mrs. Byron Fauntleroy, and Mrs. Vernon S. Gordon, cochairmen, Get Acquainted Tea; Mrs. Howard B. Shepard and Mrs. Sydney P. Brown, co-chairmen, Reception; Mmes. Alexander L. Jackson, Sr., Nelson G. Glover, Laurence T. Young, and Oscar C. Brown, Ladies Night; Mrs. Thomas M. Clarke, Registration; and Mrs. J o h n C u g y e ^ U s h e r s . ^

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM MAJOR JAMES McLENDEN Brother James McLenden, who spent more than two years in the European Theatre of Operations as a member of the Judge Advocate General's Department, writes from Frankfurt (Main) that he has enjoyed his assignments in Paris where he has had opportunity to see all the best operas, follies, Casino de Paris, etc. Brother McLenden stated that about the time of his promotion to rank of Major Brother L. J. Conner, of the Judge Advocate General's Department, was likewise advanced to the same rank.

* **

FROM BROTHER J. R. LILLARD Brother J. R. Lillard, of Beta Lambda Chapter, Kansas City, Mo., and former schoolmate of the editor at Nebraska University, drops a line from Liverno, Italy that he is stationed at one of "our finest installations in MTO." He is serv-

ing as director of this American Red Cross installation. Since leaving the public schools of Kansas City, Brother Lillard has served in USO Military, with USO Industrial, and with' the American Red Cross. He has been overseas for the past two years.

* * *

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS An invitation from Psi Chapter, Philadelphia, Pa., to attend its Victory Relay Prom at the Bombay Gardens. Thanks, brothers of Psi. An autographed copy of THE AMERICAN, from the author, Brother Edwin E. Weaver, of Beta Chi Lambda Chapter, Muskogee, Oklahoma. This book of poems, presenting the American Negro, the American Indian, and the American White Man, is a refreshing approach in the field of race relations. There is the

vigor and spirit of the Southwest in every poem. Published by Exposition Press, New York, THE AMERICAN sells for $2.00. Some of the poems will be published in the Pictorial Number of the Sphinx, with the publisher's permission. Thanks for the copy. Brother Weaver. A copy of the March issue of the VIRGINIA EDUCATION BULLETIN, official publication of the Virginia Association for Education. Brother J. Rupert Picott, of Richmond, Virginia, is Editor of the publication. There are many fine articles, and features dealing with the various phases of education in this edition. and probably more will be carried in the May Number. Brothers interested in reference material on education should drop Editor Picott a line. He can be reached at 201 East Clay Street, Richmond. Brother Picott is also chairman of the Publicity Committee for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Thanks for the copy, Brother Picott.


69. BETA PI—Lane College, Jackson, Tenn.; President, Lewis I. Flowers; Secretary, Dalton W. Glenn, Lane College. 60. BETA KHO—Shaw University, Raleigh, N. C. 61. —BETA SIGMA—Southern University, Scotlandville, La.; President, Willie J . Hodge, Southern University, Box 928, Baton Rouge, La. 62. BETA TAU—Xavier University, New Orleans, L a . ; President, Hargrove Wooten, Xavier University; Secretary, Clarence Jupiter, 2431 Toledano, New Orleans, La. 63. BETA UPSILON—Ala. State College, Montgomery, Ala.; President. Atwood N. Burrell ; Secretary, William L. Kimber, Alabama State Teachers College, Montgomery 1, Alabama. 64. BETA PHI—Dillard University, Nsw Orleans, La. ; President, Lionel

A. Desbordes; Secretary, Louis J. Bernard, Dillard University, New Orleans 19, La. 65. BETA CHI—Philander College. Little Rock. Arkansas. 66. BETA PSI—Oxford, Cambridge. London University, London, England. 67. (IAMMA ALPHA—Texas College. Tvler, Texas: President, Johnie Hines; Secretary, J. C. Black well. Texas College, Tyler, Texas. 68. GAMMA BETA—North Carolina College, Durham, N. C. ; President, Mack W. Akins, Jr.. P. O. Box 367. North Carolina College, Secretary James D. Saddler, P. O. Box 452, N. C. College. 69. GAMMA GAMMA CHAPTKli Columbia, South Carolina. TO. GAMMA DELTA—Ark. M. & N. College, Pine Bluff. Ark. ; President, Anderson P. Ferryman ; Secretary, Tyree J. Webster, Arkansas M. & N. College, Pine Bluff, Arkai

CHAPTER OFFICERS—Graduate Chapters 101. ALPHA LAMBDA—Louisville, Ky. : President. Stenson Broadus, Box 271. Harrods Creek, Ky.; Secretary, L. C. Curry, 1702 Magazine St.. Louisville S, Kv. 102. BETA LAMBDA—Kansas City. Missouri: President. Daniel W. Lewis, 1201 Everett, Kansas City, Kansas; Secretary, Dowda! H. Davis, 2711 E. 23rd St., Kansas City. Mo. 103. GAMMA LAMBDA—Detroit, Michigan. 104. DELTA LAMBDA—Baltimore, Md. ; President. Dean Walter T. Dixon, Hi;.; McCuUon St., Baltimore 17, Md. ; Secretary. Dr. Frederick H. Dedmond, State College, Baltimore 12. Md. 105. EPSILON LAMBDA—St. Louis. Mo.: President. Daniel Bowles, 4218 Ave, Corr. Secretary, John D. Buckner, 4246 West North Market St.. St. Louis, Mo. 106. ZKTA LAMBDA—Newport News. Va.; President, H. W. Ridley, 2404 Marshall Ave.; Secretary. N. J. Pleasant. 13.1 44th St., New107. THETA LAMBDA—Dayton. Ohio. port News. Va. 108. ETA LAMBDA—Atlanta, Ga.: President, Jacob R. Henderson, 816 Play Lane, N. W.: Secretary, George L. Edwards, 162 Bailey St., S. W., Atlanta, Ga. 109. IOTA LAMBDA—Indianapolis. Intl.: President, Sparling Clark, 413 Wesi 21Kh St. ; Secretary, Wilbur L. Chenault, 2245 N. Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana. 110.KAPPA LAMBDA—Greensboro, N. C.; President. Dr. George Evans, 908 Salem St.; Secretary. Nicholas L. Gerren, 400 Stewart St., Greensboro, N. C. 111. MU LAMHI)\—Washington, D. C.; President. Berdie L. Robinson, 2803 13th St.. N. I-;.: Financial Secretary, C. C House, 2824 14th St., N. K.. Washington 17. D. C. 112. NU LAMBDA -Ettrick, Va. : President, T. Nelson Baker; Secretary Reuben R. MeDaniel, Va. Slate College, Ettrick, Va. H 3 . XI LAMBD 111.: Secretary. Thomas M. Clarke, 417 E. 47th i 16, Illinois. H4. OM1CRON LAMBDA—Birmingham, Ala.; President, Waymon C. Matherson, 412 li'th Avenue. North; Secretary, Charles L. Shepard, 18 10th Avenue, North. Birmingham. Ala. 115. PI LAMBDA—Little Rock, Arkansas ; President, Franklin C. Brown, 1019 Cross; Secretary, A. A. Arnold, 2224 Rock, Little Rock, Ark. 116. RHO LAMBDA—Buffalo. New York. 117. SIGMA LAMBDA—New Orleans, La.; President, Dr. Wesley N. Segre, 2326 Upperttne Street, New Orleans; Secretary, Walter E. Morial, 143:', Touro St.. New Orleans. 16. 118. TAU LAMBDA--Nashville. Tenn.; President, Aaron L. Allen, 1601 18th Ave.. N . ; Secretary. IS. F. Cox, 1812 Morena St., Nashville, 119. UPSILON LAMBDA—Jacksonville, Fla. ; President. T. M. Christopher. Harlem Pharmacy, Fourth and Davis; Secretary, Dr. Nelson W Spaulding 689 West Union Street, Jacksonville, Florida. 120. PHI LAMBDA—Raleigh. N. C. ; President. R. H. Toole. 1005 S. Perrin St. ; Secretary, W. C. Davenport. 909 East Hargett St., Raleigh, N. C. 121. CHI LAMBDA—Wilberforce University, VV:llierforce, Ohio ; President, O. K. Ward, 902 Xenia, Ohio; Secretary, Clarence Harvey Mills, Sr., Wilberforce. Ohio. 122. PSI LAMBDA—Chattanooga. Tenn. : President. Richelieu Strange. 1027 E. 10th St. : Secretary. Samuel W. Seals. 642 Maple St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 123. ALPHA ALPHA LAMBDA—Newark, N. J. ; President, Dr. Clarence S. Janifer, 208 Parker St.. Newark. New Jersey: Secretary, Arthur C. Williams, 158 Lincoln Street, Montclair, New Jersey. 124. ALPHA BETA LAMBDA—Lexington. Ky. 125. ALPHA GAMMA LAMBDA—New York, N. Y.; President, Robert T. Custis, 771 St. Nicholas Avenue: Secretary, Ernest F. Stevenson, 2106 Amsterdam Ave.. New York City. 126. ALPHA DELTA LAMBDA—Memphis. Tenn.: President, Lewis O. Swingler, 888 Beale Ave. ; Secretary, Abner B. Owen, Jr., 598 Williams Avenue, Memphis, Tenn. 127. ALPHA EPSILON LAMBDA—Jackson, Miss. ; Secretary, Dr. J. B. Dillard, Vicksburg, Miss. 128. ALPHA ZETA LAMBDA—Bluefiold, West Virginia. 129. ALPHA ETA LAMBDA—Houston. Texas ; President, Dr. John W. Davis. 2914 Nagle St. ; Secretary-Treasurer, R. W. Lights. 2611 Holman St.. Houston, Texas. 130. ALPHA THETA LAMBDA—Atlantic City. N. J. ; President, C. Morris Cain, 1711 Arctic Ave.. Atlantic City, N. J . ; Secretary, Austin J Martin, 128 W. Greenfield Ave.. Pleasantville, N . J . 131. ALPHA IOTA LAMBDA—Charleston. West Virginia: President, Felix Warren. Institute, West Va. ; Secretary, William J. L. Wallace Box 102, Institute, West Va. 132. ALPHA KAPPA LAMBDA—Roanoke. Va. ; President. Dr. E. D. Downing. 40 Centre Ave.. N. W. ; Secretary, R. A. Coleman, 312 Gilmer Ave.. N. W.. Roanoke. Va. 133. ALPHA MU LAMBDA—Knoxville, Tenn. 134 ALPHA NU LAMBDA—Tuskegee. Ala.: President, I. A. Derbigny • Secretary, H. J. Romm. Tuskegee Institute. Ala 135. ALPHA XI LAMBDA—Toledo. Ohio; Secretary, Charles R. Peoples Jr., B68 Avondale. Toledo. Ohio. 136. ALPHA OMICRON LAMBDA— Pittsburgh, Pa. ; President. Dr. McKinlev C. King, 603 Gearing Avenue ; Secretary. Wilbur C. Douglass 412 Bakewell Bldg.. Pittsburgh. Pa, 137. ALPHA PI LAMBDA—Winston-Salem, N. C. ; President, Dr. J. M. Walker; Secretary, A. P. Marshall, 616 West 24'4 Street, WinstonSalem. N. C. 138. ALPHA RHO LAMBDA—Columbus. Ohio ; President. Maceo Hill, 291 North 21st Street, Columbus 3, Ohio; Secretary, A. D. V. Crosby, 192 N. Monroe Avenue, Columbus 3, Ohio. 139. ALPHA SIGMA LAMBDA—Dallas. Texas; President. W. Barton Beatty. 2700 Flora Street: Secretary, R. L. Prince, 1823 Boll Street, Dallas. Texns. 140. ALPHA TAU LAMBD A—Tulsa, Oklahoma; President. Tollie W. Harris, 320 N. Greenwood; Secretary, James R. Ellis. 1100 E Pine Street, Tulsa. Oklahoma.

141. ALPHA UPSILON LAMBDA—Montgomery, Ala.; President, Dr. C. T. Simpkins. 311 Pelham Street; Secretary, J. M. Reynolds, State Teachers College, Montgomery, Alabama. 142. ALPHA PHI LAMBDA—Norfolk, Va. ; President, Dr. A. C. Fentless. 715 E. Princess Anne Rd.; Secretary-Treasurer, Thomas W. Young. 721 Chape] Street. Norfolk, Va. 143. ALPHA PSI LAMBDA—Augusta. Ga. : President. Augustus C. Griggs Haines School; Secretary. John M. Tutts, 1108 Phillips Street Augusta, Ga. 144. ALPHA PSI LAMBDA—Columbia, S. C. ; President. Robert W. Mance 1429 Pine Street, Columbia 16, S. C. : Secretary, Harry B. Rutherford, 1330 Gregg Street. Columbia 33, S. C. 145. BETA ALPHA LAMBDA—Jersey City, New Jersey ; President. Paul F. Sinclair. M.D.. ",70 Bramhall Avenue. Jersey City. N. J . : Secretary, Rudolph D. Wheeler. 364 Forrest Street. Jersey City, New Jersey 146. BETA BETA LAMBDA--Miami. Florida.; President. Dr. I. P. Dnvis, 1086 N.W. Second Avenue; Secretary. Charles L. Williams. 120(1 North Wesi 6th Avenue. Miami 36, Florida. 147. BETA GAMMA LAMBDA—Richmond. Va. ; President. Milton F. Hill. 2123 I-Vmk-'l Avenue; Secretary. W. H. Henderson, 9 West Clay Street, Richmond 20, Virginia. 148. BETA DELTA LAMBDA— Daytona Beach. Florida ; President, D o n William H. Hill. Bethune-Cookman College; Secretary, Dr. H. E-. Hartley, 667 Second Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. 149. BETA EPSILON LAMBDA—Wewoka. Okla. : President. I. T. And.'rson, 615 N. E. 6th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Secretary, L. G P. O. Box 217. Boloy, Oklahoma. 150. BETA ZETA LAMBDA—Fefferaon City, Mo.; President, Dr. Albert R. Maddox, 116H Main Street, West, Sedalia, Mo.; Secretary. James H. Seeney, Lincoln University. Jefferson Citv, Mo. 151. BETA ETA LAM nil A— Oklahoma City, Okla.: President. Dr. J. M. Littlepage, 1123 N. E. 8th Street; Secretary, Otis A. Freeman. Kelhnm Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 152. BF:TA THETA LAMBDA—Durham. N. ('. 158. BETA IOTA LAMBDA—Baton Rouge, La. ; President, Harrison R. P. O. H x 1691, Baton Rouge 2, L a . ; Secretary, Russe'l M. Ampey. P. O. Box 1691, Baton Rouge 2. La. 154. BETA KAPPA LAMBDA—CI i . C.: President. Dr. Winston W. Jones 423 King St.; Secretary, Dr. E. B. Burroughs. 35 Morris St., Charleston, S. C. 155. BETA MU LAMBDA—Salisbury, N. C. 156. BETA NU LAMBDA—Charlotte. N. C. 157. ? C ^ ? A X T X I LAMBDA—Omaha, Nebraska; President. Saybert Hanger, 191o No. 28th Street: Secretary, Robert L. Myers. 2413 No. 22nd Street, Omaha. Nebraska. 158. BETA OMICRON LAMBDA—Mobile. Alabama ; President. W. J. Carroll, Baldwin County Training School. Dephine, Ala.; Secretary, J e r r y n K 2fl t^n! ' Washington Place. Mobile 17. Alabama. 159. ,, PI LAMBDA—Albany, New York; President, William FL Brown, DDS., 146 South Pearl Street, Albany. N. Y. ; Secretary, Crispin C. Hall, 4-113th Street, North Troy. New York. 160. r„- A R H O LAMBDA—Youngstown, Ohio: President. Graham Lynch. •>-:, henmore Avenue; Secretary, James E. Smith, 2953 Karl Street Youngstown, Ohu. 161. BETA SIGMA LAMBDA—Hartford. Conn. 162. i ' J / T V ^ i ! LAMBDA—Fort Worth, Texas: President, C. T. Tins'ey V,V! v.'", S " ponding Secretary, H. Leonarde Thomp163 son. 1101 Verl ena Street. Fort Worth Texas BETA UPSILON LAMBDA-Jacks,,,,/ Ten,.:; p r e s i d e n t . P. M . Cori'. ,">"'Si'> J,'- i T ' : c "f»»P<">u'ns Secretary, C. A. Kirkendall II. 1. o . Box 467, Jackson, Tenn. 164. ET A PHI LAMBDA— 5 „ „ S a v a n n a h , Ga. ; President, J. W. Wilson. 720 J West Broad ^ v a n n a b , Ga.; Secretary, C. V. Clay, Georgia State College, Industrial College. Georgia. 165. F S H P H l ' L , A ^,il D A *~ M . U 8 k c , O K e e ' o k l a h o m a ; President. Dekoven A. Irt^Z^'l o." : l _ S w r e t e n ' . Emory H. Jennings, 906 Mar166. ket Street. Muskogee, Oklahoma. BETA PSI LAMBDA—Los Angeles, California; President, Dewey D. A r . l e l r V 1 o 2 , E - 4 6 t h ?*•. Los Angeles 11; Edward Strong, c/o A T P H A ^ T M P ^ 3 0 ^ J , e f f e r e ° n Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif" 167. GAMMA W^1?.M &P I H A A L A M B D A , — C h a r l o t t e s v i l l e . Va.; President, Dr. C. J. Waller. 318 N Augusta Street. Staunton. Va.; Secretary A W 168. r AeMMnA- »£+ M D - M a s s i e S t r « * - Lexington, Va B e c r e t a r y - A ' W ' 169. GAMMA BETA LAMBDA—Frankfort, Kentucky. GAMMA GAMMA LAMBDA—Greenville, S C 170. F A " M A « D E 1 L n T A LAMBDA-Beckley. West Va.: President. Dupont A. 1 0 2 4 :S e c r e t r Virginia® * y - Martin K . Austin. Box 21, Beckley, Wesi 171. £ A M M A E P S I L O N LAMBDA—Hopkinsville. Kv. 172. d r e ^ A 5 H E r A n t L r A , M A B D A ~ T a 0 m P a ' F I ° r i d a : * » - • * * C. Blythe Andrews, 1511 Central Avenue; Secretary, Rev. Eugene L Avery 1307 Lamar Avenue, Tamna, Florida ^ugei.e L. Avery, ia»t 173. E t ? * * , E T A LAMBDA-Austin. Texas ; President, C. Johnson, Box .1,12... Secretary, Alonzo L. Russell. 1806 East 12th Street, Austin.

174. GAMMA THETA LAMBDA—Wilmington. Del.; President John D Hopkins Jr., 1010 French St.; Secretary, George HTavlo92S French Street. Wilmington. Del ueoii,e a. laylor, 928 175. GAMMA IOTA LAMBDA—Brooklyn, New York • President sv„„l,i; Williams. 249 Decatur Street; Secretary Jessie PV G( n£e £ „ 1 £.'ank'ln g s Avenue. Brooklyn, New York. " - * Kingston 176. GAMMA KAPPA LAMBDA—Wilmington. N. C • President Ozrie T Faison. 11-CI, Mitchell: Corresponding &Secretary H T wL<oV . e c , e t a r y 306 N. 6th Street, Wilmington. N C ' B - T - Washington. 177. 178

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^ ^ - ^ ^ - I ^ ^ ^ t T ^ t u m

C C o ^ n t ^ V ^ n i ^ r S c h ^ r R ^ t b u ? " VaSW,etery' C" S ' * » " • — 179 GAMMA XI LAMBDA—St. Paul-Minneapolis. Minn President T„>,„ M. Patton. Jr.. 954 St. Anthony Avenue: Secretary Charted F R n i » r « 402 Metropolitan Ban!: Bufldinj, St. Paul, Mirln^oia. ^ '


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