The SPHINX | Winter December 1953 | Volume 39 | Number 4 195303904

OFFICIAL ORGAN

OF

ON TO DETROIT^ INC.

VOLUME 39

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DECEMBER 1953

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NUMBER 4

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, Inc. GENERAL OFFICERS General President: A. MACEO SMITH, 2011 North Washington Street, Dallas 4, Texas.

Southwestern Vice-President: L. H. WILLIAMS, 119 North Greenwood. Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Southern Vice-President: W. H. DUKE WILLIAMS, P. O. Box 1549, Jackson. Mississippi.

Midwestern Vice-President: WILLIAM A. SMITH, 2537 Madison Street, Gary, Indiana.

Eastern Vice-President: WALTER BOOKER, 14200 Hamlin Street. N. E., Washington. D. C. Far Western Vice-President: W. BYRON RUMFORD, 1500 Stuart Street. Berkeley 3, Caliiornia.

General Secretary: JAMES E. HUGER, 641 East 63rd Street, Suite 311, Chicago, Illinois.

General Treasurer: MEREDITH G. FERGUSON. 925 Eleventh Avenue, North, Nashville 8, Tenn.

Editor-in-Chief. SPHINX: W. BARTON BEATTY, Box 352, Phoebus, Virginia.

Director of Educational Activities: MILTON S. J. WRIGHT, Wilberiorce University, Wilberiorce, O. General Counsel: EDWARD C. MADDOX, 129 Third Street. Suite 411, Los Angeles, Caliiornia.

Historian: CHARLES H. WESLEY. Central State College, Wilberiorce, Ohio.

LAY MEMBERS, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MIDWESTERN—Jerry L. Blocker, 17905 McDougall, Detroit 24, Michigan • SOUTHERN- -Louis W. Sullivan. Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia • EASTERN—J. Douglass Sheppard. Jr., Box 318, University of Pennsylvania, Dorms, Philadelphia 7, Pennsylvania • SOUTHWESTERN— Otis D. Simmons, 1101 Mississippi Street, Lawrence, Kansas • FAR WESTERN—Borden B. Olive, 2332 Grove Street. Berkeley, California.

JEWELS Henry A. Callis, 2306 East Stieet, N. E., Washington, D. C ; George B. Kelley, 1 - 113th Street. Troy. New York; Nathaniel A. M ^ r a y , 2151 West 21st Street. Los Angeles 7. California; Eugene Kinckle Jones. 43-11 162nd St., Flushing. N. Y. DECEASED: Charles H. Chapman. Robert H. Ogle, Vertner W. Tandy.

CHAIRMAN. STANDING COMMITTEES BUDGET—Kermit J. Hall. 5000 Woodland Ave..

Philadelphia 43, Penna.

AUDITING—W. D. Hawkins. Jr., Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn.

PINS AND BADGES—Edward C. Maddox, 129 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, Calif.

SEMI-CENTENNIAL Commission—Milton S. J. Wright, Wilberfcrce University, Wilberiorce, Ohio.

OTHER CHAIRMEN—Chairman for the Election Commission and the following committees will be chosen later during the year: Housing, Programs and Recommendations, Charter Achievements and Awards, and Ritual.

REGIONAL OFFICERS SOUTHWESTERN JURISDICTION — L. H. Williams, Sr., vice-president. District Directors—J. S. Chandler, l l l ' / 2 S. Second St., Muskogee, Oklahoma; Alfred B. Grice, 1516 N. 28th St..

Omaha, Nebraska; Earl West, 2519 Gilpin, Denver, Colorado; A. A. Arnold, 2224 Rock St..

Little Rock, Arkansas; Marcus Neustadter, 1766 N. Miro. New Orleans, Louisiana; C. P. Johnson. 1173 Hargrove, Austin. Texas.

MIDWESTERN JURISDICTION—W. Alexander Smith, vice-president. District Directors—Julius C. Judkins. Jr., 240 Colonial Bldg., Richmond, Indiana; S. E. Broaddus, 725 W. Kentucky St., Louisville, Kentucky; Alfred D. Grayson, 527 W. 42nd St., Indianapolis, Indiana; Lonnie Saunders, 6427 Vinewood, Detroit, Michigan; Billy Jones, 1433A E. Broadway, E. St. Louis, Missouri; Rev. Robert B. Powell. 1019 Julian St., Parkersburg, Virginia; W. Wayman Ward, 638 E. Woodland Park, Chicago, Illinois.

SOUTHERN JURISDICTION—W. H. Duke Williams, vice-president. District Directors—Robert F. Jacox, Jr., Route 2, Box 149, Hennings, Tennessee; Nathaniel Williams, Jr., 1405 South Street, Nashville, Tennessee; L. B. Frasier, 2111 Duncan Street, Durham, North Carolina; Robert W. Anderson, Box 441, Greenville, South Carolina; Isadore H. Bumey. 1007 Mayson-Turner, N. W., Atlanta, Georgia; Emanuel A. Bertrand. Georgia State College, Savannah, Georgia; H. James Greene, 1539 W. 23rd Street, Jacksonville, Florida; H. Lovell Mosley, 12P4 1st Court W., Birmingham, Alabama; Dr.

R. W. Harrison, Jr.. P. O. Box 492, Yazoo City, Mississippi; Richard V. Moore, Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach. Florida.

EASTERN JURISDICTION—Walter M. Booker. vice-president. District Directors—Robert Lewister, 451 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. Massachusetts: Andrew Tyler. 225 Broadway, New York, New York: Richard T. Lockett, Artie Ave. YMCA, Atlantic City, New Jersey; Gregory Swanson, 119 Church St., Martinsville, Virginia.

FAR WESTERN JURISDICTION — W. Byron Rumford, vice-president. District Directors— Edward Addison, 2217 - 10th Ave.. Los An-

SPHINX STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF W. Barton Beatty, Jr. ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITORS J. Rupert Picott, W. Byron Rumford FUN EDITOR O. Wilson Winters EDITORIAL DIRECTOR—Milton S. J. Wright. ASSISTANTS—Hugh M. Gloster, Rayford W. Logon. Howard Long.

Frank L. Stanley. W. Wesley Whetstone, Thomas W. Young.

STAFF EDITORS—Edward W. Brooke.

Robert P. Daniel. John Hope Franklin, Jacob R. Henderson, Lionel H. Newso-i, J. Saunder3 Redding. A. Maceo Smith. Charlas V. Willie. Stephen J. Wright.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS—Carlton H. Lee. E. E. Alexander. Robert J. Anthony. Rufus B. Atwood. Waldo W. E. Blanchet. Oscar C. Brown. Archibald J. Carey. Felton G. Clark. Henry M. Collier. Jr.. Edgar Epps, William L. Fitzgerald. Nelson R. Freeman, Rudolph Henderson. George W. Hunter, Nelson C. Jackson, Francis J. Johnson, Francis A. Kornegay, Marcus A. Mahone. Horace W. Melvin, A. J. Polk, Ramon S. Scruggs, Clarence B. Shelton, C. E. Simmons. Jr., Leroy A. Simmons. Everett Singleton, Robert L. Smith. Walter D. Spann. H. Theo Tatum, J. G. Thornton.

geles 18, California; Charles P. Furlow, 1418 Carlton St., Berkeley 2, California; Carl Deiz, 9340 N. Portsmouth, Portland, Oregon.

Human Rights Council Wins Change Of Racial Regulation From Southern Railway Co. J. HE Southern Railway Company has revoked its racially restrictive dining car regulations as a result of a three year fight by the American Council on Human Rights. The new regulations, effective November 1, make no reference to race in seating patrons in dining cars and require that passengers be seated in the order of their entrance into the diner. Notification of the new regulation was sent by the company to Aubrey E. Robinson, Jr., general counsel of the ACHR, the cooperative program of six national fraternities and sororities.

The Council's action against the Southern Railroad was based on the Supreme Court decision in the case of Elmer W. Henderson v Southern Railway which outlawed discrimination because of race in dining car service.

Hnuman Rights. The new regulations, effective Novmeber 1, make no to its dining car personnel ordering that Negroes be seated with Negroes,

DEADLINE

DATE

January Issue—The Sphinx . . .

JANUARY 10, 1954

Official VOLUME XXXIX

Organ

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Incorporated

DECEMBER, 1953

whites be seated with whites, etc. This, the Council contended was a violation of the Henderson decision.

The Council sued the railroad before the Interstate Commerce Commission urging that body to revoke the regulations. The I.C.C. sustained the railroad in a five to four decision with a vigorous dissent. The dissent was concurred in the U. S. Department of Justice which has insisted on conformity with the Supreme Court's mandate of no discrimination. The Council then appealed the I.C.C. decision to the U. S. District Court in the District of Columbia.

It was thought when the Supreme Court spoke in the Henderson case that the matter was settled for all time. But this case indicates that Supreme Court decisions are not self-enforcing and those favoring prosegregation policies will devise many ways to avoid compliance with the law.

Attorney Robinson, a representative of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on the board of directors of ACHR called it a significant step toward the complete removal of Jim-Crow practices from the nation's railroads.

The Henderson case was filed against the Southern Railroad in 1942 by Elmer W. Henderson, director of the American Council on Human Rights. The case was supported by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the ACHR. The controversial section of the Southern Railway regulations that were finally revoked reads as follows: " (2) The steward shall seat diners so as to promote efficient service with comfort and satisfaction to the diners. For example, when practicable parties of two, three or four, will be seated together. When entering singly, women will be seated with women, men with men, young people with young people, elderly persons with elderly persons, white persons with white persons, and Negroes with Negroes. In following the above illustrations, stewards will bear in mind (occupied space permitting, white passengers should be seated from the buffet or kitchen end of the dining car and Negroes from the opposite end. (From the ends toward the middle). No passenger seeking dining car service during the meal hour shall be refused such service when there is a vacant seat in the diner."

The American Council on Human Rights is a cooperative program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Kapa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

DECEMBER, 1953

Alpha

NUMBER 4

y„u wu i m» Human Rights Council Wins Charge of Racial Regulations Inside Front Cover From The General Secretary's Desk 2 Program for the 1953 General Convention 5 About Raymond S. Scruggs 6

By Francis A. Kornegay A Brief Report on India (Second Installment) 8

By Bro. J. Saunders Redding, Hampton Institute Mr. Fiat Fun Goes to Detroit 14

By Dr. O. Wilson Winters "Days of Glory" 16

By Bro. Raymond Pace Alexander An Undergraduate Plea 19

By Bro. Charles Gibson Eta Chapter "The Spirit of Christmas"— A Christmas Sermon Inside Back Cover

By Dr. John Malcus Ellison President, Virginia Union Univ.

NEXT DEADLINE JANUARY 10, 1954 Publication Office: 1616 Church Street, Norfolk, Va. Address all news matter to Editor-in Chief: W. BARTON BEATTY, JR. Box 352, Phoebus, Va. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE — $2.00 PER YEAR Published four times a year, in February, May, October, and December. Entered as second class matter at the Post Office at Norfolk, Virginia, under the Act of March 3, 1879.

Acceptance for mailing at a special rate of postage provided for in Sec. 1102, Act of October 3, 1917.

Individual chapters will be billed for cost of engraving pictures submitted and used.

About the

Cover...

"A Merry Christmas" by Hans Peter Kahn, Chairman, Art Department, Hampton Institute, Hampton, Va. PAGE 1

^J~rowi tke (jenerJ

Secretary

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eyes are o n Detroit for Alpha's 39th General Convention—The time is almost at hand—Make your reservations early in order t o get w h a t you w a n t in t h e line of hotel accommodations.

Send in your registration form with $10.00 registration fee to: M R . LLOYD M. C O F E R

293 Elliot Street Detroit 1, Michigan Rates for the Hotels are: G o t h a m a n d Detroit-Leland $5.00 Single $8.00 Double $16.00 Suites Hotel T u l l e r $14.00-$20.00 Suites $4.00 Single $8.00 Double Fort Shelby S9.00-J10.00 Single $12.00-$13.00 Double Sheraton-Cadillac $11.00-$15.00 T w i n beds $23.00-$28.00 Suites Mark Twain $5.00-$7.00 Single a n d d o u b l e Some Hi-Lights of the Cuming Convention: (1) Action o n reorganization of the structure of Alpha Phi Alpha (2) Revision of the Constitution of A l p h a P h i Alpha (3) A full discussion on t h e structure a n d operation of the u n d e r g r a d u a t e housing p r o g r a m (4) R e p o r t of the N a t i o n a l H e a d q u a r t e r s C a m p a i g n activities (5) T h e establishment of a N a t i o n a l Founders' Day observance (6) Social calendar to include (a) O p e n Alpha Dance (b) All Greek Dance (c) Formal B a n q u e t a n d Closed Alpha Dance a n d many parties.

Membership W e are n o w well into o u r new pass card year—our records are not very bright to this moment—All brothers are urgently asked to become a committee of o n e to h e l p bring o u r m e m b e r s h i p rolls back u p . A full report of o u r status will b e m a d e at t h e Convention.

General Announcements R e p o r t s of t h e Reorganization Commission a n d the Constitution Revision C o m m i t t e e have been sent chapters for discussion, study a n d instruction of t h e delegates to t h e Convention. Please have delegates bring with them these reports with instructions.

W e requested in o u r Newsletter of 9 N o v e m b e r t h a t chapters send us what each brother is to pay in order that we might collect the chapter budget along with the G r a n d T a x from any b r o t h e r w h o comes to the Convention w i t h o u t his 1954 Pass Card. T h i s , again, is a n effort of the office to cooperate with t h e chapters.

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Leadership In High Esteem T A L L A H A S S E E , F l a . - T h e brothers of A l p h a P h i Alpha Fraternity, Inc. are c o n t i n u i n g to manifest the aims of scholarship, leadership a n d achievement at Florida A. a n d M. University where Beta N u C h a p t e r "holds its o w n " u n d e r the able presidency of Brother C. Wendell Austin, who is also President of the Student G o v e r n m e n t Association a n d Regimental C o m m a n d e r of the R . O . T . C .

(General Branch).

Like most Alpha m e n , Brother Austin is active in student activities, a m o n g them are Beta Kappa C h i Scientific Society, Scabbard a n d Blade National Military Society, the University Playmakers G u i l d a n d numerous others.

O t h e r officers of Beta N u Chapter are: R o b e r t Burke, vice-president; Willie C. Aikens, dean of pledgees; Samuel Washington, recording secretary; Stanley Broxton, financial secretary; L u t h e r Jones, corresponding secretary; T h o m a s J. C a l h o u n , treasurer; Joseph Jones, p a r l i a m e n t a r i a n ; R i c h a r d B. McGriff, assistant dean of pledgees a n d Sylvester L. Shannon, associate e d i t o r to SPHINX.

As usual the brothers "take the lead" in student organizations. Alfonso Broxton is president of the Men's Senate a n d holds office in Alp h a P h i Omega. Brother S h a n n o n is president of t h e J u n i o r Class, PreLegal Society a n d Sigma T a u M u Deb a t i n g Society. Brother Monroe W .

Mack is president of the University C h a p t e r of N.A.A.C.P., a n d president (Continued on Page 5)

RHO LAMBDA CHAPTER. ALPHA PHI ALPHA ENTERTAINS REGIONAL GUESTS OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI AND PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITIES AT A FORMAL AT KLEINGANS MUSIC HALL.

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THE

SPHINX

Mr. Alpha Phi Alpha''

DR. WALTER F. JERRICK

DECEMBER, 1953

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Sorrowfully we announce the death of DR. WALTER F. JERRICK on Friday, October 23. 1953 Funeral Services Thursday, October 29, 1953 at 1 P. M. at the First African Presbyterian Church 18th and Christian Streets, Philadelphia, Pa. Viewing at the Church Wednesday, Oct. 28. 5 to 10 P. M. Interment at Eden Cemetery Fannie C. Jerrick and Family

Eulogy of Walter F. Jerrick

By B R O T H E R B E L F O R D V. L A W S O N , Former

JK.NOWEST thou not that this day a Prince, a great m a n , has fallen in Israel?" H o w l , fir tree, for the cedar of L e b a n o n has fallen.

Forty-five years ago there came a y o u n g m a n from British G u i a n a to I lie majestic campus of Lincoln University.

Immediately h e was faced with the same choices as Valiant for T r u t h in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress —turning back, joining the thieves or going forward to the city. H e chose to go forward.

F o u r years pass. W e see young Jerrick trudging the long, dark way from across the sea "carrying in his bosom the seed of the free," the lonely hard years at the University of Pennsylvania Medical College, filled with heartbreaks a n d tears of si niggle.

T h a t seed took root at Lincoln University, in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Jerrick knew that "whoever plants a seed in the sod and waits lor it to break the clod, h e believes in G o d . " W i t h a song, a prayer, a dream in his soul, that seed sprouted and grew.

I come to bear testimony lor thousands of y o u n g m e n , whose hearts have been warmed by the prophetic fire which characterized his dynamic fellowship, w h o realize that out of his legacy of despair, sorrow, hope, courage a n d faith, out of the thread of yesterday, he wove a n d bequeathed to us the torch of tomorrow.

T h r o u g h the inspiration of ferrick, countless h u n d r e d s of young men of this generation have fought tyranny, injustice a n d the forces of cruel darkness to keep alive the vision of democracy a n d to keep b u r n i n g the PAGE 4

General

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flame of o u r ancient faith which is the pillar of freedom. His epic a n d heroic struggle a n d achievement were possible because his devotion a n d leadership rested on love of country a n d joy of duty. In the finest tradition of personal courage a n d intellectual independence, he transmitted to those w h o worked with h i m a passion for t a m i n g the wilderness of falsity and injustice a n d their knowledge was broadened, their thoughts disciplined, their faith renewed.

His felicitous phrase a n d action, his friendship, were free from every dogmatic imperialism. His devotion to y o u n g people, to high civic responsibility, to fraternity, to his profession, are bright a n d brilliant jewels in the crown of fifty r a d i a n t and reverent years.

Let us not be sad. Let us rejoice in his exemplary and inspiring career.

As Santayana said, " W e commit the blotted manuscript of o u r lives more willingly to the flames when we find its immortal text half engrossed on a fairer copy." T h e manuscript of Jerrick's life is deeply imbedded in the minds a n d hearts of countless thousands.

Like the mythical bird of P h o e n i x w h o died in the flames, while in her nest lay the fiery eggs of a new one ready to take wings a n d fly, covering a wider range of earth and sky, W a l t e r Jerrick's life a n d spirit represent a contribution of e n d u r i n g significance.

Mr. Justice Holmes, after ninety years of great endeavor and high achievement said, q u o t i n g the Latin poet, "Death plucks my ear a n d says,

live I am coming!" A n d so let us rejoice a n d have faith a n d pursue the u n k n o w n end.

"At the grave of a hero, we end, not with sorrow at o u r inevitable loss, but with the contagion of his spirit a n d courage a n d with a desperate joy, we go back to the fight."

•

MY BUDDY

By B R O . O. W I L S O N W I N T E R S Rho Chapter, Philadelphia, Pa.

SEVENTEEN

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Christmas N u m b e r of the SPHINX the first p a r a g r a p h of my column read as follows: "Caesar h a d his Herodotus; Samuel Johnson his Boswell; George Washington his R i d p a t h so Brother Doctor W a l t e r Fitzgerald Jerrick should not be surprised at this a m a t e u r biographer.'"

Events that followed in the intervening years have added to the superlatives in the article. Like Robert Emmitt, the great Irish patriot, my b u d d y might cautiously admonish "let n o m a n write my epitaph, for as n o m a n knows my motives, dares now vindicate t h e m . " T h e motives, ideals a n d spirituality of a great personality like W a l t e r Jerrick cannot be interpreted in the limited columns of a fraternity magazine.

T h e y encompass all the facets of humanity.

His family, his parents, his associates in club a n d church life, the butcher, the baker a n d the street urchins all become exposed to the dynamic force of his c h a r m i n g wit, altruism a n d beneficence.

Do you ask me what is found within the sanctuary of his personal life?

T h a t question can best be answered in the hearts of those people I mentioned. T a l e s will be told, experiences and dramatic situations will be recounted until they become legendary.

My b u d d y was the personification of fellowship, loyalty a n d reliance.

H e h a d the facility of intuitively appraising the people he met.

His likes, he loved a n d his dislikes, he hated.

H e sought pet lection and looked for failure only in dictionaries.

H e eschewed mediocrity. His was a p e n e t r a t i n g practical Christian religion.

His grace before meals in public dining places was traditional.

His phillipics on fraternal abberrations are still fresh in my ears.

I was his Director of Activities for ten years in the Pyramid C l u b of Philadelphia, b u t the creative imagiTHE

SPHINX

nations that made the C l u b famous came from Jerrick. Alpha has been good to me. I was the first Life M e m b e r in 1936 a n d have received many coveted honors but they were but the refulgence from the radiance of " M r . Alpha P h i Alpha." His eloquence, repartee, a n d perspicac iiv gave h i m an enviable superiority.

Brother Jerrick had three loves: home, fraternity and church. Yes, I was his buddy b u t only a concommitant predicated to an indispensable subject; a reciprocal synonym of an unmetered friendship.

Seventeen years ago the article ended with a poem from Sir W a l t e r Scott which can perfectly epitomize Sir W a l t e r Jerrick.

"And if thou sayeth he is not pee) To all the Lords in Scotland here Lowland or highland, jar and near Lord Angus', thou hath lied!"

ELCOME DH/VPHI-ALPHA TOUTY INC

BROTHER BELFORD LAWSON Brother Belford V. Lawson will introduce Brother Charles H. Wesley, who will give the convention address on Tuesday, December 29.

PROGRAM FOR 1953 GENERAL CONVENTION of the

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. December 27th-31st, Detroit, Michigan 39TH GENERAL CONVENTION THEME:: "First of All, Servants of All." SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 10:00 A.M.—Executive Council Meeting (General President's Suite—Gotham Hotel) 10:00 A.M.—Registration (Detroit Urban League—John R at Mack) 2:30 P.M.—Public Meeting (a) Presentation of Alpha Medal of Honor to Dr. Rufus Clement 7:30 P.M.—Social Affair (Alpha House—293 Eliot Street) MONDAY, DECEMBER 28 9:00 A.M.—First Business Session—Rackham Building Brother Walter Harmon, Convention Chairman, Presiding Invocation Brother Walter Molbon Welcome Addresses on Behalf of Host Chapters Gamma Lambda—Brother Ramon Scruggs, President, Gamma Lambda Alpha Upsilon—Brother Jerry Blocker, President, Alpha Upsilon Response and Keynote Address—Brother William Lovelace Greetings and Introduction of the General President Brother W. Alexander Smith, Mid-Western Vice-President Remarks—Brother A. Maceo Smith, General President Memorial Service for Departed Brothers Brother A. Wayman Ward Appointment of Convention Committees and Officials..The General President Report of the Rules and Credentials Committee. Brother Andrew J. Lewis, III Fraternity Hymn _ Brother Maceo Hill Adjournment The Convention Chaplain, Brother A. Wayman Ward 12:30-1:25 P.M.—Lunch 1:30 P.M.—Second Business Session Call to Order Brother A. Maceo Smith, General President Vice-President Walter M. Booker, Presiding 1. General President's Annual Report 2. Report of Regional Vice-Presidents and Lay Members A. Mid-western Region—Brother W. Alexander Smith a. Lay Member—Brother Jerry L. Blocker B. Far-Western Region—Brother W. Byron Rumford b. Lay Member—Brother Borden B. Olive C. Eastern Region—Brother Walter M. Booker c. Lay Member—Brother J. Douglass Shepperd, Jr. D. South-Western Region—Brother Lloyd H. Williams, Sr. d. Lay Member—Brother Otis D. Simmons E. Southern Region—Brother Walter H. Williams, Sr. e. Lay Member—Brother Louis W. Sullivan 3. Report of the General Officers A. General Secretary—Brother James E. Huger B. General Treasurer—Brother Meredith G. Ferguson

(Continued on Page 10) DECEMBER,

1953

Beta Nu (Continued from Page 2) of the Pastle and M o r t a r C l u b . Brother Joseph Jones is president of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. Brother Gerald Burke is president of Beta K a p p a Chi. Brother Earl R. Brooks is editor-in-chief of the Fanicean.

A newcomer to our chapter i-> Brother Benjamin Wilson, formerly at Beta O m i c r o n , w h o adtls much to the Famcean staff. Brother Richard McGriff is m a n a g i n g editor of the Rattler, the university yearbook and vice-president of the Chemistry C l u b .

Brother Stanley Broxton represents Beta N u in the Interfraternity Council a n d Brothers David Geiger a n d Sylvester S h a n n o n are on the Pan-Hellenic Council. Brother Samuel Washington is vice-president of the Junior Class a n d was elected " M r . Junior."

Beta Nu's leadership is "contagious" so men rushed to the chapter are "leaders of high magnitudes." O t h e r brothers are: Carlton Batson, Leroy Crawford, James Matthews, Earl McCrary, Louis J. Miller, Reginald Pasteur, an o u t s t a n d i n g tenor in flic University choir and Willie Bryant, president of the Business Guild.

Brother James H a r o l d Lovett, former lay member, Executive Committee and Brother John Dukes, Jr. are enrolled in the graduate school.

Notables a m o n g the probate-, are George L. Mims, president of the Y.M.C.A. a n d vice-president. Men's Senate; Earl V. Farrow, president of the Christian Federation; Charles T .

(Continued on Page 7) PAGE

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in the course of affairs of m a n was Brother Scruggs joining the Michigan Bell T e l e p h o n e Company. His high qualities of personal well being matched with his effective a n d proficient way of doing things has pleased top officials at Michigan. Because of this his ladder of success finds him constantly moving upwards.

He is at present Public Relations Stall Super visor. Equally i m p o r t a n t is the good example set by Brother Scruggs at Michigan Bell. T h e Scruggs story grows—today there are several hundred Negro males a n d females working at Bell in diversified occupations —Branch Manager, clerks, typists, stenographers, local and long distance operators, service representatives, installers, etc. T h e story continues to grow. Greater things are yet to come.

WORKING HARD ON CONVENTION PLANS Thi3 picture has been repeated many times during the past months. Shown are: Brothers Dr. Walter "Squawk" Harmon, Convention Chairman and Ramon S. Scruggs. Gamma Lambda President, working out some detail that will add to the success of the 1953 Alpha Convention in Detroit. This pair form a formidable team which can only mean that the 1953 Convention will be the best yet held by Alpha Phi Alpha. No detail is being overlooked by the host brothers. The cooperative spirit existing in the Convention planning committee is a beauty to behold in organizational dynamics.

About Ramon S. Scruggs Pres. of Gamma Lambda

By F R A N C I S A. K O R N E G A Y D E T R O I T , M i c h . - T h e life of an organization is like a business c y c l e lows, middles a n d highs.

Gamma L a m b d a C h a p t e r has seen all. During the last war Alphas of Detroit were riding high—the crest of the waves—moving on without everting too m u c h effort—just like a mighty river—Alphas kept rolling along. Inertia acts in both ways; on tilings at rest and at work. Soon signs appeared that the river of Alpha—Detroit group—was gradually losing w a t e r evaporating. T h e men h a d gotten on the receiving end but did noi give in equal measures. So the life blood almost died out and the good old Alpha spirit soon began to fall asleep.

It may sleep lor a season - a while— but Alpha spirit never dies. T h e lean years followed. Four years of it and it almost hit rock-bottom.

Something had to be done. Someone had to save it. For some time the major question was—"To whom shall we go?" Make no mistake about it—there is always someone who accepts the challenge.

Alpha eyes, heart a n d spirit t u r n e d to Brother R a m o n S. Scruggs. And on election night some forty votes were cast lot him. H e became our president.

W h y was Brother Scruggs chosen?

T h e answer is not difficult.

Ray PAGE 6

Scruggs by personality is likeable, c h a r m i n g in relationships, easy to know, u n d e r s t a n d i n g in dealings. gives the other person a chance to be heard; has a keen perception lor what is right; has a contagious sociability; is a lover of people—at the same time creates an atmosphere heavily charged with—"The job must be done. It must be d o n e together— as a team." flow did Brother Scruggs develop this enviable a n d affectionate good being? T h e r e are many events in his lull a n d busy life which weigh heavily in his h u m a n equation.

His own family life was one of balance and encouragement.

Fisk University, with its academic, religious, cultural and social influences is a part of his life cells. His emphasis in business administration at Fisk fitted him for his pioneering job with Ruinford Baking Powder C o m p a n y — in sales and public relations. So outstanding was his work with R u m f o r d that it set off a chain m a r k i n g an entry of Negroes into a new employment era as well as an area long closed to Negroes. From R u m f o r d Brother Scruggs joined the YMCA staff (St. A n ' o i n e Branch) giving his advice, counsel a n d help to Negro males a n d to the c o m m u n i t y generally.

O n e of the most dramatic a n d rewarding changes

After taking the presidency of (lam m a L a m b d a , Brother Scruggs carefully studied the situation — created new committees, re-activated old and standing committees — b u t ever selecting chairmen of connnittees who were busy men—chairmen who agreed to do the work. Such understanding a n d effort have produced teamwork on a clock-wise order.

To G a m m a Lambda Brother Scruggs gave a program. Some accomplishments are briefly listed: From 44 brothers on the night of his election we've reclaimed some 190 more, bringing the total to 234. T h e r e is always a cheerful giving to N A A C P , U r b a n League, U n i t e d F o u n d a t i o n .

U n i t e d Negro College Fund, Infantile Paralysis, a n d to needy at Christmas time. Even though two brothers were unsuccessful in r u n n i n g for officeG a m m a L a m b d a m a d e financial support as well as manpower.

An Alpha week-end was p l a n n e d which brought brothers a n d their wives from many cities a n d states. It consisted of a dance at Detroit's finest hotel—Sheraton-Cadillac. T h i s set a n all time precedent in using Detroit's best facilities. T h i s was followed by a cocktail party the following n i g h t only to be followed on the next night

by O p e n House.

T h e n came o u r d i n n e r dance at Latin Q u a r t e r . Never before or since has Detroit seen such a fabulous affair. It became the affair of affairs.

It will be legendary—a symbol of the Alpha way.

Alpha m e n gave a cocktail party the night before the Gay Northeasterners gave their swanky d a n c e - j u s t a n o t h e r way of saying that Alpha always arises to the occasion.

O n J u l y 27, 1953, Alpha again did it by giving an invitational boat ride u p Detroit's beautiful river.

This (Continued on Page 9) T H E SPHINX

Beta Nu (Continued from Page 5)

BROTHER JOSEPH C. SAUNDERS

Gamma PhiChapter Brother Visits India TUSKEGEE, Ala.-"Project India" is the n a m e of a tour sponsored by the University of Religious Conference in Los Angeles, California this past summer.

Brother Joseph C. Saunders was elected to represent T u s kegee Institute. H e m a d e the tour along with eleven other students from the University of California, Los Angeles.

T h e purpose of the t o u r was to learn about the problems, conditions, a n d contributions of students to free India a n d to b r i n g back to America the knowledge thus gained. Brother Saunders c o n t r i b u t e d actual manual labor at student projects, such as village projects a n d a school building in a refugee colony in Calcutta. H e stated, that when speaking to audiences in the colleges, many questions on all aspects of American life were asked.

T h e g r o u p cleared many misconceptions held by the I n d i a n s a n d explained thoroughly o u r stand on both domestic a n d foreign policies.

Brother Saunders, a senior in Chemistry, a n d whose home is in Meigs, Georgia, has brought much credit to G a m m a Phi C h a p t e r through his high scholarship a n d campus activities. H e is president of the stud e n t fire squad; president of Tuskegee's chapter of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity; vice-president of G a m m a Phi Chapter, Alpha Phi Alp h a Fraternity; secretary of the band a n d he is also a m e m b e r of Beta Kapp a Chi honorary society; N A A C P ; a n d Y. M. C. A. H e plans to enter (Continued on Page 9) DECEMBER,

1953

Maxwell, superintendent, S u n d a y School; a n d Brodes Hartley, presideni of the Sophomore Class.

Callivan " I r o n - M a n " Gladden of the Rattlers football squad is one of the twelve probates. Gladden is from Cincinnati, O h i o . O n e of the most p o p u l a r probates is Vernon M. Lee, hailing from Fort Pierce, Florida, who in spite of blindness seeks to cross the b u r n i n g sands this fall with an h o n o r roll average. M o m a n , Maxwell, and Hartley are members of the famous Florida A. a n d M. Marching "100."

All of the Alpha aspirants are sophomores with the exception of one.

George Mims, who is a junior.

M a i n t a i n i n g high scholarship is Brother Roscoe T r i p l e t ! of Alpha Kappa Mu H o n o r a r y Society. O t h e r brothers expecting to be " T a p p e d " d u r i n g the school year are Gerald C. Burke, Robert B. Burke, Monroe W. Mack and Richard B. McGriff, who earned three points d i n i n g a previous semester. Bringing " m o r e " scholarship into Alpha are probates McLain G. Garrett, Vernon M. Lee, and Willie L. Roberts.

Beta N u has formulated plans to

present its a n n u a l musical comedy on December 2nd. T h i s year's chapter production was written by the brothers featuring the p o p u l a r " D r a g n e t " as their theme. O t h e r aspects of the year's program include the a n n u a l Spring Costume Ball. Last year's ball was the most u n u s u a l on the campus and is yet being referred to for patterns.

Participation in the intramural program is a n o t h e r function of Beta N u although they finished the sixman football season with a three win to four lost record. Coach McGriff has already started shaping u p the chapter's basketball squad.

Joseph W o o d a r d a n d Joseph Watts were n a m e d on the first a n d second teams respectively of the All-Campus team that will play in the Six-man Football T o u r n a m e n t Aside- from Beta N'u's long range ol a< tivities the chapter has been able to develop "a well organized training g r o u n d for future campus leaders," according to Willie Aikens, dean of pledgees. D u r i n g the first m o n t h of school Beta Nn held its Annual Freshmen Smoker where Brother Lieutenant Albert C. Ferguson, former chapter president, spoke to a record number of Freshmen m e n on the subject " W h a t Is Alpha?"

ALPHA ZETA CHAPTER ROLLING ALONG The ladies are: Miss Serena M. Strother, Williamson, West Virginia; Miss Joyce B. Bush. Washington. D. C : and Miss Billie J. Coleman, Kansas City, Kansas. The Brothers are, from left going up and coming down: James W. Reed, Florida: Maurice Griffith, Cincinnati, Ohio; Luther W. Seabrook. Charleston. S. C ; Dallas C. Brown. Cleveland. Ohio; Young O'Hara Johnson, Jacksonville, Florida; Frank McNiel. Louisville. Kentucky; Russell Washington. Virginia; Harold Jackson, U. S. Trooper; Curtis Broughton, Cleveland. Ohio; Erskine Scott, U. S. Air Force; Louis Rice, Memphis, Tennessee; Steve Wisiker, Blueiield, West Virginia; Charles R. McClendon, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Acie McGhee, Welch, West Virginia, and James R. Heck. III. Philadelphia, Pa.

PACE

7

. / l Sphinx

cfeature

^Article:

A BRIEF REPORT O N INDIA EDITOR'S NOTE: This report on India is the second of three installments by Brother Sm/Âťders Redding, Professor of English at /lamp ton Institute.

Brother Redding recently completed a tour of India under the auspices of the United States government.

His duties during the tour were to visit and converse with persons of other national origins on the American pattern of life. Brother Redding spent three months in India carrying on! this assignment and serving as an ambassador of good will for the U. S.

J l H E questions bearing u p o n r a n relations in America have a wide range a n d indicate the misconcep dons, the ignorance, and the wilful distortions: " D i d not the American government o r d e r o u t soldiers to shoot down Negroes in the Peekskill incident?"

"Isn't it true that the H a i t i a n Ambassador to the U. S. must live in a ghetto in W a s h i n g t o n ? " "Aren't Negroes prohibited public education in America?"

"Weren't American citizens of Japanese descent interned in slave labor camps in America d u r i n g the war?"

"Don't all people who are not white in America have a certain place to walk in the streets?" " W h y has n o colored person held high office in America?"

Always there is the implication a n d / o r the declaration that American color prejudice is reflected in official American international policy and t h a t o u r international relations reflect o u r domestic order.

In some instances Indians indicated to me that some members of our technical aid groups and of our Foreign Aid G r o u p s are prejudiced against tin very people with w h o m they are supposed to work. H a v i n g perhaps some b e a r i n g on this was the question a n d a statement from the Assistant Director of All India R a d i o station in Gauhati.

"Isn't it u n u s u a l for your government to send you (a Negro) out here?

It is the general feeling in I n d i a that Negroes in your Foreign Service are conspicuous by their absence." T h i s is in line with the t h i n k i n g that Negroes (and also Jews') in America, n o m a t t e r what their abilities, are not only looked down u p o n but purposefully kept down.

T h e y ask, " D i d not the American government confiscate Paul RobePAGE 8

BROTHER DR. L. V. REESE WINS BRONZE MEDAL IN KOREA Captain Louis V. Reese, medical corps physician, attached to the 45th Iniantry Division, stationed in Korea, has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in con nection with military operations against an armed enemy. As a result of Captain Reese's superior performance and exemplary achievements under adverse conditions of the battlefield he was awarded the Bronze Star held by his wife, Mrs. Mary E. Reese, and observed by his two children, Louis V. III. and Ruth Norrie. Looking on with interest is Brother Dr. Aaron Brown. President of Albany State College and Gamma Omicron Lambda Chapter; Miss Daisy Brown, RN, Nurse at the college and Brother Dr. J. L. Shirley, acting college physician during the leave of absence of Brother Dr. Reese.

son's wealth, throw H o w a r d Fast in jail, and refuse DuBois a passport?"

3.) T h e Indian people believe that Anglo-American democracy is too slow, that its methods are too ineffective to meet an emergency, a n d that India is such an emergency, "when every m o m e n t is crisis." Therefore, democracy is to be questioned as the way for India. In support of this, they cite the instance of I n d i a n domination under British democracy.

T h o u g h freedom came suddenly, they point out that it did not come quickly a n d that u n d e r British democracy all sorts of subterfuges were allowable to keep the British from doing what in "democratic morality" they should have d o n e at least "a q u a r t e r of a century ago."

T h e y point out the slow unwinding and the frequent complete blocking of democratic processes in America. T h e y know, for instance, of the "filibuster," of the delays in legal cases affecting the fundamental lights of the people, of poll tax legislation, of democratic maneuvers employed to

delay liberal action. T h e y believe that the methods of "Democracy can be used and frequently are used to exploit and gull; that democracy is as m u c h a cloak for the unscrupulous as it is a morality a n d a principle of action for the honest a n d forward looking.

T h e argument is that in India's present economic a n d emotional situation there is no time for delays, that land reform cannot wait, that the curbing of exploitation cannot wait, that the industrialization of India cannot wait, that the dissipation of class distinction cannot wait, a n d that "democracy" delays these changes which are so immediately necessary.

My I n d i a n acquaintances point in the direction of H y d e r a b a d State and Madras State where certain villages have had communist revolutions a n d where land has been confiscated from the rich and given to the poor, the chimindars and money lenders driven out, a n d the material welfare of the villagers increased. T h e y hear, a n d (Continued on Page 10) THE

SPHINX

About Ramon Scruggs (Continued from Page 6) o u t s t a n d i n g social event furnished pleasant chatter for days a n d days that have followed.

It was prexy Scruggs who in a statement before the membership said: "I think it is time for Detroit to play host to our 1953 Alpha Convention."

Said he, "Because I think so, I want us to go on record to do everything in o u r efforts to get the convention here." Shall we say more.

Those who attended the 37th convention at Cleveland saw President Scruggs and his delegation in action — so became the slogan — "For thee, on to Detroit in '53."

W h i l e Brother Scruggs does well in many things—he finds time to serve on the Detroit U r b a n League Board as First Vice-President and Chairman of the Budget Committee; Board of Directors of Parkside Hospital; Committee ol Management St. Anionic YMCA; member, Booker T . Washington T r a d e s Association.

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY ISSUE SPHINX MAGAZINE JANUARY 15, 1954

GOOD NEWS IN DODGERTOWN B R O O K L Y N , N . Y . - B r o t h e i hood has been said to require the utmost of great minds. In a sense it requires m e n to have two visions: one of society as it might be and one as it is. T h e range between those points offers the o p p o r t u n i t y for the real test of mentality, courage a n d faith of all concerned.

In May of this current year, d u r i n g the testimonial d i n n e r given by all the chapters of the New York area for Jewel Brother Eugene K i n d l e Jones, a charter was given to what was then the newest u n d e r g r a d u a t e chapter of A l p h a Phi Alpha.

For over two decades—to be arbitrary, since the birth of Eta C h a p t e r in M a n h a t t a n the graduates and undergraduates of the borough of Brooklyn have been awaiting the emergence of a new Alpha life line. Possibly n o t h i n g has been more baffling to the Greek world of this area than the absence of an u n d e r g r a d u a t e g r o u p along the Gowanus canal.

Jewel Brother Jones saw in the struggles of early Alpha a symbol of Freemen in action. T h i s founder was able to stick fairly close to the core

Gamma Pi Chapter (Continued from Page 7) medicine after g r a d u a t i n g from T u s kegee.

O t h e r officers of the chapter are: Joseph A. Jones, president; Cornelieus Blount, secretary; William H .

T h o r p e , treasurer; Leon E. Bowles a n d James C. Jackson, deans of pledgees; E. DeVaughn Belton, parliamentarian; Lewis E. Driskell, chaplain; Amos T e r r y , Jr., editor to the SPHINX. of Alpha from its inception at Cornell to its present eminence a n d glory.

Because of tradition, a n d creative leadership in past a n d present decades Delta Chi has been able to draw from the array of legendary achievements represented in its Metropolitan Brother C h a p t e r which has been accumulating since the early days of Alpha.

I n doing this the following brothers from Eta C h a p t e r emerged as the founders of Delta Chi: Brothers, Willie W. Reece, Wallace E. Cowan, R i c h a r d B. Worrell, Arnold J. White, Arnct W. Conn is, Ira H . M u r p h y , R o b e r t Maxey, Stanton D. Callender, Stanley Taylor, Alvin B. Steele, Bernard C. Parris, Wendel A. Reid, T h e o d o r e L. Bell, Edward I,.

Weems, Claude L. Franklin, Jr., Ar(Continued on Page 11)

RHO LAMBDA CHAPTER WIVES ENTERTAINED THEIR HUSBANDS FOLLOWING THEIR ANNUAL FORMAL Front row, reading from left to right: William Skelton. Mrs. Russell Holland. William Denny. Mrs. Charles Campbell. Dr. Walter Holland.

Mrs. Russell Service. Lanness Turner. Mrs. Sidney Johnson. Dr. S. C. Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Brown. Second row: Mrs. Harold White.

Mrs. Robert Edwards. Mrs. Walter Holland, Mrs. Wesley Hicks. Mrs. Frank Caldwell, Mrs. Lanness Turner. Mrs. LaMonte Mitchell, Mrs. William Denny, Mrs. Theodore Dukes. Mrs. William Skelton. Mrs. A. D. Price. Third row: Robert Edwards. Dr. Wesley Hicks. Harold White. Dr. Russell Holland. Atty. Frank Caldwell, Russell Service. LaMonte Mitchell. Theodore Dukes. H. Hooper Councill. Charles Campbell.

DECEMBER,

1953

PAGE 9

Program For 1953 General Convention

Report On India

(Continued from Page 5) C. Editor of the Sphinx—Brother W. Barton Beatty, Jr. D. Director of Educational Activities—Brother Milton S. J. Wright E. General Counsel—Brother Edward C. Maddox F. Historian—Brother Charles H. Wesley 4. Report of the Executive Council—Brother James E. Huger, Gen'l Sec'y Fraternal Address Introduction of Speaker—Brother G. Alex Galvin Speaker—Jewel Brother George B. Kelley Fraternal Hymn—Brother Maceo Hill Adjournment—Brother A. Wayman Ward 10:00 P.M.—Social Affair (Veteran's Memorial Building Ballroom) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29 9:00 A.M.—Third Business Session Call to Order—Brother A. Maceo Smith, General President Vice-President W. Byron Rumford, Presiding Invocation—Brother A. Wayman Ward Report of Committees 1. Pan-Hellenic—Brother William C. Pyant 2. Public Relations—Brother William F. McKinney 3. Semi-Centennial—Brother Russell Service 4. Standards and Extension—Brother Frederic A. Jackson 5. General Secretary—Brother C. P. Johnson 10:00 A.M.—Workshop Session Workshop I—Undergraduate Problems, Relations and Participation 1. Leader—Brother Otis D. Simmons 2. Resource Person—Brother Harold Crosthwaite 3. Recorder—Brother Charles E. Duster Workshop II—Strengthening the Brotherhood 1. Leader—Brother Bindley Cyrus 2. Resource Person—Brother W. Wesley Whetstone 3. Recorder—Brother Horace Rodgers Workshop III—Chapter Housing 1. Leader—Brother M. Stewart Thompson 2. Resource Persons—Brothers Oscar C. Brown and Perry B. Jackson 3. Recorder—Brother Jerry L. Blocker Workshop IV—Reorganization and National Program 1. Leader—Brother Howard H. Long 2. Resource Person—Brother Harold R. Jones 3. Recorder—Brother C. C. House Workshop V—Providing Adequate Financing for Program Action 1. Leader—Brother Kermit J. Hall 2. Resource Person—Brother W. D. Hawkins, Jr. 3. Recorder—Brother A. A. Rayner 12:15 P.M.—Convention Picture 12:30-1:25 P.M.—Lunch 1:30 P.M.—Fourth Business Session Call to Order General President A. Maceo Smith, Presiding Report of the Workshop Sessions Report of Committees (Continued) 1. Reorganization Commission—Brother Howard H. Long 2. Constitutional Revisions—Brother John D. Buckner 3. Chapter Constitutions—Brother Billy Jones 4. Ritual Committee—Brother A. Wayman Ward 5. American Council on Human Rights—Brother Aubrey E. Robinson, Jr. 6. Music and Drama Committee—Brother Maceo Hill Convention Address Introduction of Speaker _ Brother Belford V. Lawson Speaker _ Brother Charles H. Wesley Fraternal Hymn „ _ _ Brother Maceo Hill Adjournment Brother A. Wayman Ward 10:00 P.M.—All Greek Dance — Graystone Ballroom WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30 9:00 A.M.—Fifth Business Session Call to Order..._ _ General President A. Maceo Smith Vice-President L. H. Williams, Sr., Presiding Invocation Brother A. Wayman Ward Report of Committees (Continued) 1. Achievement and Awards—Brother Tolly W. Harris 2. Undergraduate Relations—Brother Borden B. Olive 3. Audit Report—Brother W. D. Hawkins, Jr. 4. Housing Commission—Brother M. Stewart Thompson a. National Headquarters—Brother Oscar C. Brown b. Chapter Housing—Brother Perry B. Jackson 5. Recommendations—Brother Lionel Newsom Undergraduate Address Introduction of Speaker Brother Louis W. Sullivan Speaker Brother Myron H. Wahls (Continued on Page 18) P A G E 10

(Continued from Page 8) seem to believe, that the Communists in C h i n a have accomplished in quick order exactly those .things that cannot wait to be d o n e in India. T h e y say, " N o b o d y starves in China. Everybody works, has land, or gets a n education. Everybody is happy."

Since democracy is e q u a t e d with capitalism in the minds of my I n d i a n acquaintances, they charge both democracy a n d capitalism with delays, exploitation, a n d cynicism.

Indians have said to me (notably Mr. A. J. J o h n , Chief Minister T r a vancore-Cochin), in effect, "Maybe we should have a dictator here in India.

W e could get things d o n e quickly.

Afterwards we could get rid of him."

T h i s is not a n u n c o m m o n thought a n d linked with this is the belief that American democracy, especially as it expresses itself in political rule, is corr u p t . T h e Indians know of all the American political scandals, major a n d minor, from the G r a n t Administration down to the present period.

4.) T h e I n d i a n people believe that eventually they can take the best from C o m m u n i s m , the best from Socialism, a n d the best from Democracy a n d create something better for themselves, something peculiarly Indian. T h e y point to England as a n e x a m p l e of a country where such a n amalgam is or seemed to be until recently having success. T h e y point particularly to Yugoslavia, the "Social Welfare State" plus "Nationalization" plus "Free Enterprise" they believe to be a workable combination.

They point to C h i n a where they believe a " C o m m u n i s t Democracy" has come into being. Especially the professional intellectuals believe that this can be accomplished in India, b u t they do not say how.

5.) Finally, the I n d i a n people believe t h a t the Soviet myth is not a myth b u t indisputable t r u t h ; that inequalities have been completely abolished in Russia, China, etc.; that in these countries all are free a n d equal, except the convicted enemies of the State who nevertheless are treated with every consideration a n d given the chance to reform; that h u n g e r a n d u n e m p l o y m e n t do not exist; that crime has been abolished; that prosperity rules; that the fundamental freedoms are h e l d sacred a n d sacredly defended against encroachment; that Soviet leaders are all honest, strong, infallible men, a n d that they want, (Continued on Page 12) THE

SPHINX

LOOKING TOWARD GREEKDOM by way of Beta Nu Chapter at Florida A. and M. University are twelve potential Alpha men. The left file from top to bottom are: McLain Garrett. Willie L. Roberts. Joseph Woodard, Lawrence C. Moman. George J. Mims, and Edward Nolan. Beading. from top to bottom, on the right file are: Henry A. Collins. Brodes Hartley. Earl V. Farrow, Charles T. Maxwell and Vernon M. Lee. Not shown is Callivan Gladden, who is an outstanding Guard on the A. and M. Rattlers undefeated football squad.

Good News (Continued from Page 9) thur Q. Funn, Calvin Browne.

The simple word "integration" is all inclusive. The bringing together of all the traits and powers of an organization into one aim which responds as a whole to lofty group

ideals is the objective of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Life in Alphadom cannot be divided into parts, either from the standpoint of its founders or present day leaders; the integrated chapter can be developed and preserved through attentive coordinated activity. A top will spin on a delicate point

as long as it keeps whirling. So an individual chapter will keep coordinated as long as there are interesting, challenging and worthwhile activities to do. Without integrating forces derived from pursuing an objective the individual like the top, topples.

T o the young chapter, falls the responsibility of some clear thinking relative to the content of the program and its objectives.

We of Delta Chi, know we cannot escape life and its activities. Life may dissipate into sensation where fruitlessness is known at the time and where bitterness is at the core; where mockery even of pleasure, is known before the end. The symbol employed by Delta Chi is that life is a dance over fire and water. It is always a dance, the doing process, and always involves danger, the challenge. History offers people great challenges but once. Peoples who refuse, sink back into darkness. Time points out that if a challenge is refused, the offer is withdrawn. It is from this capacity of the individual to fix his attention upon an objective, to pursue it with vigor to give it idealistic qualities that man is able to establish a degree of self-direction and self-realization.

ATTENTION, ACTIVITY AND INTEGRATION FOR Delta Chi is the acme of new life and success for the new tree that now grows in Brooklyn.

Submitted by STANLEY TAYLOR

President, Delta Chi

FOR YOUR COMFORT AT THE CONVENTION Visiting brothers to the 1953 Convention in Detroit will have no need to spend any time between convention programs unpleasantly. The Alpha House of Gamma Lambda offers facilities for complete relaxation and enjoyment. Shown here at the left is a section of the first floor lounge area and at the right a section of the bar area. The bar at all times is well stocked with a beverage of your choice.

Twenty-three new items are being stocked on the bar to avoid the possibility of any brother's taste going unsatisfied.

DECEMBER, 1953

PAGE 11

One of Alpha Phi Alpha's All Time Greats R I V A T E services for Dr. Bert Andrew Rose, a Dayton, O h i o physician for more than 30 years, were conducted Friday, October 30, 1953, at 1 P. M. from his residence, 207 S. Summit Street. Rev. James I, Davis, pastor of T r i n i t y Presbyterian Church, was in charge of the service. Dr. Charles H . Wesley gave the Eulogy and Mis. J o h n Duncan directed the music.

Dr. Rose passed away at his home after a one year's illness. A native of O h i o , Dr. Rose received his early education in Mechanicsburg, O h i o public schools. H e received his medical degree from H o w a r d University a n d was awarded an honorary degree of Master of Science from Wilberforce University for His contribution to the

Science d e p a r t m e n t through lectures and moving pictures on scientific subjects.

I)t. Rose did post graduate work al the University of Buffalo and at the U. S. Public H e a l t h Service Clinic at H o t Springs, Arkansas.

H e served as an O h i o State Medical Examiner during the administration of former Governor George White.

H e was a m e m b e r of the original stall of Linden Center and St. Clair Public Health Clinics. He served on the Board of Directors of Inland Chorus at L i n d e n Center. A participant in community and church affairs t h r o u g h o u t his life, he was among those instrumental in the building of ihe West Side Branch Y. M. C. A. A

nation-wide figure in fraternal circles, he was Past National President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity a n d G r a n d Secretary of Sigma Pi Phi Boule.

Present for the funeral were Dr. G a r d n e r Downing of Chicago. Drs. L. C. a n d E. D. Downing of Roanoke, Va., brothers of Mrs. Rose.

Mrs. James M. Lee from Roanoke, Va., Miss D. S. Dent, D u r h a m , N . C , Dr. a n d Mrs. P. Blount a n d Dr. ami Mis. A. F. McCoy of Columbus, Ohio, and Mr. Leroy Pickett of Chicago. Friends from Xenia, Columbus, Cincinnati and Kentucky came to pay tribute to a fine physician, a medical pioneer a n d a great h u m a n i t a r i a n . He is survived by his wife, Letitia. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery.

T h e fraternal ritual was conducted by T i n -la L a m b d a C h a p t e r with Brother II. D. Poore as president.

Mrs. Rose presented T h e t a L a m b d a C h a p t e r the gavel the late Brother Dr. Rose used when he was national president a n d an expression of gratit u d e for the kind consideration of the brothers. â&#x20AC;˘

Report On India

BROTHER BERT ANDREW ROSE

P A G E 12

The Fraternity Mourns His Loss.

(Continued from Page 10) above all else, peace for their country a n d for the world. l i m e a n d time again, from university professors a n d from writers a n d journalists these questions have arisen: " W h y does America want war with Russia?'' " W h y does America not consider Russia's peace proposals?" " W h y does America reject Russia's proposal for control of Atomic Power?" " W h y does America refuse Russia's plan for disarmament?" " W h y do American publications tell lies about Russia a n d Red China?"

It seems obvious to me that excepting only n u m b e r four the one thing c o m m o n to all these beliefs, these " t r u t h s " as my Indian acquaintances see them, is that Communist propaganda supports all of them, inculcates all of them, a n d directs whatever modifications of them are necessary to serve the purpose of C o m m u n i s m .

T h e r e is a large firm core of Communist t h o u g h t a n d action in the Universities of India.

O r to p u t it a n o t h e r way: all but (Cotiiiniietl on Page 15) T H E SPHINX

INDIANAPOLIS ALPHA WIVES ASSIST HUSBANDS WITH PLANS FOR MIDWESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE FOLLOWING OUTSTANDING SECOND ANNUAL FASHION NOTES Seated at table, left to right: Mrs. Henry J. Richardson. Jr.. Program Committee Chairman, and Mrs. Clifton U. Scott. President . . . Standing, left to right: Mesdames Alfred Grayson, Theodore Simpson, W. C. Curry, Grant Hawkins, John Moore, Louis Simpson, James L. Cummings.

Alonzo Watford, John James, Charles Thomas, Arthur Roney, Robert Wright, Spurling Clark. Arnold Bannister. Clarence Woods, Theodore Randall.

Alpha Wives Second Annual Fashion Show A Huge Success In Indianapolis I N D I A N A P O L I S , I n d . - T h c Alpha Wives, auxiliary to Iota Lambda C h a p t e r of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, held their Second .Annual Fashion Notes Saturday, October 17, at Flanner House. In the midst of a n air of dignity and informality, twenty-five Alpha wives, adorned with corsages of large yellow chrysanthem u m s , ushered in approximately two h u n d r e d a n d thirty-five guests w h o anxiously awaited this year's unveiling of fashions.

After a quiet interlude of music rendered by Mrs. Leon Davaul, Mrs. Clifton U. Scott, president of the group, introduced Mrs. H e n r y J. Richardson, chairman of the Program Committee. Mrs. Richardson, in turn, presented Miss Martha Curry (commentator) a n d Miss Marylou Hurley (model) of the L. S. Ayres Fashion Department.

Assisting Miss Curry a n d Miss H u r l e y was Miss Angie Marshall, also from L. S. Ayres and Company.

Following a brief explanation of the day's program, the fashion repreDECEMBER,

1953

sentatives proceeded to delight their audience with n u m e r o u s hints and demonstrations of the best in fashion.

T h e program was highlighted by the presentation of a variety of children's clothes a n d imported accessories from Italy, France a n d England.

Perhaps the most striking revelation of the afternoon was that fashions are deviating from strict standards a n d are more a n d more becoming a personal and individual matter. T o d a y ' s welldressed woman is one whose attire is best suited to her personality and torso.

As a final touch to this " h o u r of charm," the guests enjoyed a "Coffee H o u r " graciously served by Alpha Wives in the beautifully decorated d i n i n g room of Flanner House.

T h e committee in charge of this affair was Mesdames H e n r y J. Richardson, R a l p h Hanley, J o h n James a n d Charles T h o m a s .

Members of the g r o u p have enjoyed the following speakers d u r i n g the past year: Mrs. Cecil Powell, "Living With Flowers"; H e n r y Bell, "American An-

tiques": Mrs. H e n r y J. Richardson's review of " T h e Man Called Peter"

by Catherine Marshall; Dr. Millorde Blackwell, " W h a t Price Mental H e a l t h ? " : Alfred Grayson, " T h e Responsibility of Alpha Auxiliaries."

Officers and members of Alpha Wives are: Mrs. Clifton U. Scott, president; Mrs. Roy Clinthorne, vicepresident; Mrs. Robert Wright, recording secretary; Mrs. A r t h u r Roney, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Theodore R a n d a l l , treasurer; Mrs. La Verne E. Newsome, reporter.

Mesdames T h e o d o r e Simpson, Clarence Woods, Mercer Maine, H e n r y J. Richardson, Jr., Clarence Sebree, G r a n t Hawkins, Joseph Courtney, Alon/o Watford, Spurling Clark, Harry Evans, Anderson Dailey, Arnold Bannister, Alfred Grayson, J o h n [anus, John Moore, W i l b u r Chenault, Louis Simpson, James L. Cummings, R a l p h Hanley, W. C. Curry and Charles Thomas.

Alpha Wives are m a k i n g elaborate plans with their husbands to entertain the Midwestern Regional Conference in May. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;MAENELL H. NEWSOME, Reporter

CONTRIBUTE TO THE N. A. A. C. P. PAGE

13

MR. FRAT FUN GOES TO DETROIT JT RAT Fun goes to Detroit with a heavy heart. The absence of one of the Alpha Gold Dust twins makes for loneliness and sadness. Brother Walter F. Jerrick has gone to keep his rendezvous with the eternal silence in the depths of Mother Earth. He will not be present to see the fraternal growth of one of our brightest neophytes, Brother Francis Komegay, whose levitation was performed one Sunday afternoon at the Pyramid Club in Philadelphia. Jerrick gave him nectar, I fed him ambrosia and the rest of Rho Chapter delivered the coup de grace.

In Detroit I shall need housing so I shall expect Public Relations Chairman Kornegay to see that I am domiciled in the manner the Twins have enjoyed at some twenty odd other conventions. I have no Cadillac so I don't rate the Sheraton-Cadillac Hotel. Perhaps my Chrysler-Imperial will make me eligible for the Statler-Chrysler or the Gotham-Buick or the Delta Home.

I have saved up enough cereal coupons, soap powder box tops and trading stamps to pay my registration fee. You may find my address in the Alpha directory. I used to be the Convention Parliamentarian, perhaps I still am. My Pass Card lists me as Alpha's first Life Member.

No Congressional committee has investigated me for suberversive activities nor perversive ones eitherâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or have they? I expect to arrive as soon as the freight train switches over to a siding. People don't stop often for hitch-hikers now a days.

Yes, by all means, get me an escort BROTHER O. WILSON WINTERS date. The age group will vary as the convention progresses. On Sunday and Monday make your selections from age group 20-30 or younger if Michigan laws permit. On Tuesday pick among the 30-40 group-closer to 40. After that, dig in the over 40 grab bag; much over 40, well into the "Hot flashes" range. That's the "peace of mind" a g e no telling, no yelling.

I am five feet three, weigh 148 strippedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;yes that's irrelevant. Isn't it?

However, you must take in consideration my date's attitude toward my height.

I don't mind height; it's her weight that would get me down. I also fail to see any mention of color harmony in your Escort Committee card. I don't think I should be assigned anyone darker than I am; do you? In fact, ycu don't run across them even that dark in these days of improved cosmetics.

My ideal date should have a 28 waist, 40 to 48 hips, 22 thigh, 14 to 18 calf, 8y2 ankle, bust range 34 to 46 upwards. I am a dentist so I am not prejudiced against false teeth wearing mamas. But I am very much partial to dimples.

Now about the Convention. I think the constitution could stand a parliamentary transfusion but it needs little amputation except in the black ball section. I can use a banquet ticket although I am not too enthusiastic about the gastronomic aspect. I am on a voluntary high protein diet and I don't like "chiddlings." An old fashioned banquet spiced with gay repartee and anecdotes will be a suitable divertissement for me.

The National Headquarters Committee could stand helpful advice. They have divided their gifts into attractive appellations such as Master Builders, Home Builders, Home Decorators and Home Furnishers according to the size of the generosity shown. All who give should be called Masters, B. M. Masters of Benevolence. Even those skeptics who withhold their bounties and wait with bated breath for the grand collapse of the movement are Masters too. The above sentence connotes their designation.

Attention Kermit Hall! Budgeteer-Comptroller, turn to page 2 PreConvention Issue of the SPHINX. Writing under an article entitled "Our National Headquarters or 'Home Sweet Home' " our president, Brother Antonio Maceo Smith said, "on the cold, bleak, 1952 Christmas Day while sit(Continued on Page 20) PAGE 14

Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Our Secretary, Brother Wilbur C. Douglass, looks a little gloomy these days and then on the other hand somewhat happy. Wilbur Jr., popularly known as "Stew" is in French Morocco, Africa, where he is working as a Civil Engineer for the United States Government. "Stew" ran and played ball for Peabody High School in 1941. He matriculated at Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, where he received his B. S. Degree. While at Lincoln, he was business manager of the Lincolnian, treasurer of the Y. M. C. A., treasurer of NU Chapter, and business agent for the school paper. "Stew" also has a B. S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He was also president of the Fellowship of St. Paul, an Interracial Youth Church Organization, a member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church and treasurer of his Church Usher Board.

"Stew's" mother, the former Kathleen Brown of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, is a graduate of Emerson College of Boston and an A. K. A. His lovely wife, Norma, his 314 year old daughter, Barbara Lynne, and 6 month old son, Wilbur III, are also with him in the Desert Sands. Wilbur III has already been tagged and fingerprinted for Alpha.

Brother Arthur T . Crockett an employee of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is now residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His departure will be a great loss to Alpha Omicron Lambda and definitely a gain for Philadelphia.

President Forrest L. "Buddy" Parr, Vice-President Charles Angell, Charlie Cuthbert and "Mai" Goode, are delegates to the 39th Annual Convention in Detroit.

Brother Dr. "Bob" Bolden, John Cundieff and company are making plans for Alpha Omicron Lambda's first Annual Cabaret Ball New Year's Day. We hear that it's going to be a gala affair.

THE SPHINX NEEDS COPY!!!

1. Feature Stories 2. Sports Features 3. Pictures THE SPHINX

Report On India (Continued from Page 12) a handful of the institutions I visited have directed at their hearts a steel spear of communism. The force behind this spear is supplied by the faculty. Student Communism is faculty directed.

Some members of our Foreign Service are convinced that these faculty people are paid agents of Communism. At one university. Communism is directed by the head of the English Department. At another university the head of the history and political science department is the Communist leader, having gone to China as a guest of the State in this capacity, and his son is a Communist leader among the students. How powerful Communism is in educational circles is anyone's guess.

I myself would say that, remembering among whom it existsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;students who will soon be out in the world as (Continued on Page 20)

Mrs. Lula Cotton, Mother of Eightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Beta Mu's Alpha Mother of the Year Mrs. Lula M. Cotton, Bardstown, Kentucky was named Alpha's Mother of the year by Beta Mu Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, at Kentucky State College.

Mrs. Cotton is the mother of Misses La Verne, Thelma and Anna Cotton, Mrs. Merrelene C. Ballard. Brother Jim Muir, S/Sgt. John Murrell, Sgt. Lowell and S/Sgt. Robert Cotton.

Brother William Martin presented Mrs. Cotton with a large bouquet of roses during the chapter's 19th Annual Mother's Day Program.

Mrs. Winona L. Fletcher, wife of Brother J. G. Fletcher, gave an inspir-

MAKE 1954 A BANNER YEAR FOR ALPHA PHI ALPHA

ing address. Although she paid a tribute to all mothers, she emphasized that we should make every day Mother's Day by directing our activities in such ways that would bring joy and happiness to our mothers. She pointed out that mothers seem to enjoy watching their children succeed in life.

Mrs. Fletcher challenged the young ladies of the audience to be prepared to take on the role of mothers. "One step in this direction," she said, "is to lead clean and virtuous lives."

The program included scripture and prayer by Brother Lintonia Burkes, a solo, "Mother" by Brother [antes Swearengen. Brother William Clark presented Mrs. Fletcher, and Brother Bennie S. Miller, presided.

FAREWELL FOR EVANS Members of Alpha Xi Lambda Chapter of Toledo, Ohio honored James Evans at a recent meeting. 'Jim,' Boys Work Secretary at the Indiana Avenue Branch YMCA, has accepted the Executive Secretary position at Walnut Hills Branch YMCA. Cincinnati, Ohio. Included in the picture are: First row, left to right: William C. Bryant, William Johnson. Second row sitting: Clarence Irby. Raymond Bester, Oscar Griffith. James Evans, Charles H. Williams, Dr. Woodrow Adams. Third row, standing: William Herman Miller, Charles L. Williams, George Brawner, Joseph Downey, Samuel Dorsey, Virgil Chancy, Samuel Strong, Alexander Richmond, Harold Strickland, William Thomas and Charles Peoples.

DECEMBER, 1953

PAGE 15

<A. Sphinx

cfeature

J'xrtic/e:

DAYS OF GLORY EDITOR'S NOTE: Brother Axelander gave this address at his high school reunion. Central High School, Philadelphia. Pa. We thought it might serve as an inspiration to \oulh.

\JflSiCE there was a beautiful mansion at the southwest corner of Broad a n d P o p l a r Streets in Philadelphia.

T h e lovely and picturesque house owned for many years by a distinguished old Philadelphia family, with its h u g e building and high columns on the front, s u r r o u n d e d by lovely lawns a n d a strong but nicely designed iron fence, h a d become vacant. It offered a n excellent playground for the youngsters in the neighborhood.

I

was one of them. I lived on a little street just in the rear of Broad Street with an uncle a n d a u n t who h a d taken five of us children to live with t h e m when we were left motherless.

Suddenly one day a big wrecking company came to our playground, \xvgan tearing down that fine old landmark, d u g u p the beautiful lawns, removed the giant poplar and walnut treesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and we h a d n o place to play.

I was but ten years old at the time.

It hardly mattered to me that our baseball d i a m o n d in m i n i a t u r e , or o u r winter football play-field, had been taken away; I was soon to be eleven, a n d I knew that the after-school selling of newspapers was to start for me any day. My uncle had told me that many times, because with his own daughter a n d five of us, plus his wife a n d sister, m a k i n g nine in all, I could

DR. STEPHEN J. WRIGHT Brother Stephen Wright, former Dean of Faculty, Faculty Hampton Institute, joined the ranks "Alpha College Presidents" when he became President of Bluefield State College.

P A G E 16

not be playing in the streets when I was all of eleven years old.

T h e fine old mansion gradually was levelled to the ground, amid the sorrow a n d tears of the kids in the neighborhood. All of us kids daily visited the demolition and bemoaned its passing. W h e n I say "kids" I m e a n "all God's children," Irish, Italian, Protestant, Jewish a n d colored. W e all lived and played together as one. N o one in those days talked of differences a m o n g people.

T h e n for the first time we learned t h a t an "opera house" was going to be erected on that site. Of course we now know that all of that h a d been front page news in the local dailies for perhaps a year. But who in our families in the lower economic a n d social g r o u p h a d ever heard of "opera?" W e kids only read the "funnies."

Suddenly we heard of the n a m e of Oscar Hammerstein, the great impresario who was the genius b e h i n d this movement a n d t h e producer of "grand o p e r a " on what developed to be a grandiose a n d truly magnificent scale.

Nearly two years passed, d u r i n g which I was selling my newspapers and developed a very big delivery route. I had to have a large wagon which I pulled t h r o u g h the streets, delivering more t h a n a h u n d r e d a n d fifty papers a day to various homes, many in the big Broad Street mansions, but always via the rear entrance.

I would go by my old playground and, with great wonderment, survey in my boyish m i n d the enormous change that had taken place, and reflect whether I would ever see the inside of "Hammerstein's dream."

I was not long to be denied this pleasure, for one day as I was pulling my wagon by the business entrance of the Metropolitan at Carlisle a n d Poplar Streets, a smiling a n d pleasantfaced m a n called out to me from the partly opened, heavily d r a p e d glass paneled door, " P a p e r boy!" I stop]>ed a n d looked with surprise. T h e r e was a m a n , not more t h a n twenty-five, short a n d stout, w h o wanted to talk to me. H e h a d noticed me selling papers a n d dragging that heavy daily load from house to house. I was thirteen, tall and rangy, but very t h i n today we in social work would say definitely on the "undernourishedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; neglected" side. But I never thought so. I admit I was very m u c h overworked, because from 6 in the morning u n t i l time to start my paper r o u t e at 4 P. M., I worked at the famous Dock Street Wharf, a n d on huckster wagons selling vegetables a n d produce from door to door. B u t I never T H E SPHINX

m i n d e d it, because I was the oldest boy in my family a n d h a d to help m\ sisters a n d brothers.

T h e m a n w h o called to me as " p a p e r boy" was Jack Beresin.

He h a d seen me daily. H e wanted to talk to me. I told him about my family, the death of my m o t h e r before I rould really know her a n d realize the value of a mother, a n d my working my \\;i\ t h r o u g h school a n d entering the wonderful old Central H i g h School at thirteen after being a student at the fine old John Hancock G r a m m a r School, of the now Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Edwin Adams, a n d the retired Abel J. Evans. Mr. Beresin became very interested.

He offered me a job that T immediately accepted, selling candy and serving water in beautiful silver trays and bright new "lily nips" (the first I had ever seen), to the splendidly "owned ladies and immaculately attired gentlemen in full dress suits and while ties (also the first I h a d ever seen).

H e told me this work would be m u c h less of a strain on what he thought was a frail body. I agreed that there was a marked difference between lifting heavy bundles of newspapers and produce, and the work lie w a n t e d me to do. H e took me inside a n d introduced me to a Mr. Edward L o e b a n d a Mr. Alfred Hoegerle. T learned to know and a d m i r e each of these gentlemen immensely. Mr. Loe b later became Jack's partner.

He was a very different m a n , very retiring a n d quiet. H e talked but little, b u t he was very kind to me. I mourned his death only two years ago and attended his funeral. Mr. Hoegerle was the Philadelphia business manager of the Metropolitan C o m p a n y a n d was, too, a quiet a n d serious business m a n . His recent passing, at the age of 82, was deeply felt by me.

Jack Beresin opened a new world for me. W i t h his help a n d that of his many fine employees, notably Henry Pizer a n d Alfred Aceta, w h o m I see every so often, I soon became their confidant in all d e p a r t m e n t s of " T h e Met." I sold librettos of the various operas a n d quickly leared the history a n d story of each opera. T h i s was n o little accomplishment a n d proved to be of the greatest value to me, as I shall later relate. I rented opera glasses for Jack a n d when they ran short of help in the cloak room, the smoking room, the lobby, or among the ticket takers, their call was to " R a y , " as the staff affectionately called meâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;quite a different nickname from that applied by the kids in o u r gang in the rear of the O p e r a House, DECEMBER,

1953

DR. LUTHER H. FOSTER Brother Foster was elected President of Tuskegee Institute after having served as Business Manager of the College.

w h o just as affectionately called me "Skinny."

It was t h r o u g h the reading and sale of librettos a n d the answering of questions of the foreign guests and patrons, many of whom could speak but little English, that my interest and studies in French, G e r m a n and Italian, in which three languages almost all the operas were sung, began a n d were pursued to this day. On h u n d r e d s of occasions Jack Beresin, and Mr. Loeb, a n d even the austere

Mr. Hoegerle, h a d me go behind stage for the autograph of some important visitor or some distinguished singerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; a great tenor such as Enrico Caruso, as Canis in "Pagliacci" or as Samson in "Samson et Delila," or a prima d o n n a such as Louisa T e t r a / / i n i , as Tosca; or Louise H o m e r , a beautiful voice, as Orpheus, in " O r p h e u s a n d Eurydice," incidentally the oldest opera in modern opera repertory.

(To be Continued in February, 1954 Issue.)

BROTHERS!!

Please Pay Your 1954 Grand Tax Now! PAGE

17

From the General Secretary's Desk

Continued Aid Pledged

(Continued from Page 2) SPHINX Manual and Trainer's Guide A copy each of the above has been mailed chapters. T h e y are $1.00 each. Please remit a n d order additional copies if desired.

Alpha Loan Fund.

T h e Alpha Loan F u n d is now in operation—lor information a n d Applications contact Dr. M i l t o n S. J. W r i g h t , Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio.

National Headquarters T h e campaign to raise funds for the purchase of a National Headquarters has been u n d e r w a y since J u n e . T h i s is an urgent appeal for those brothers w h o have not sent in a d o n a t i o n to d o so as soon as possible. Please make your check payable to: A l p h a Phi Alpha N a t i o n a l H e a d q u a r t e r s F u n d , 841 East 63rd Street, Chicago 37, Illinois.

For American Council

First Novel by Pulitzer

GREETINGS-

Prize Winner off Press

BROTHERS IN ALPHA

N E W Y O R K - T h e first novel by Gwendolyn Brooks, Negro Pulitzer Prize w i n n e r in poetry, was published this week by H a r p e r a n d Brothers of New York City. T i t l e d " M a u d Martha," the story centers a r o u n d a Negro daughter, wife and mother who lives in the Bronzeville section of Chicago.

B U F F A L O , N . Y. - R h o L a m b d a again regrets the absence of news for several issues. T h i s writing finds us u p on the b o l d e r of Canada, knee d e e p in plans for the 50th Anniversary—we are happy to report that things are slowly taking form. Again this year we won the first prize in the Delta Jabberwock—with the Alpha Wives w i n n i n g the second. T h e r e are some controversies in some families as to w h o really did win first place.

According to the publishers' statement, the novel tells in vivid, poeti< prose "the fear that underlies ever} moment—fear that beyond the safety of the n e i g h b o r h o o d world the person b o r n with a dark face will be looked u p o n as an i n t r u d e r . " Miss Brooks' first volume of poetry, "A Street in Bronzeville," was published by the same company in 1915 a n d in 1949 she won the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry for her second volume of poetry, " A n n i e Allen." T h e novel is h e r first book of prose, a n d sells for $2.50.

T h e a u t h o r was b o r n in T o p e k a , Kansas, and has lived in Chicago since infancy.

She was graduated from Englewood H i g h School in 1934 and from Wilson J u n i o r College in 1936.

After doing newspaper, magazine, and general office work, she married Henry L. Blakely in 1939. T h e y have a son a n d daughter.

She has received four Poetry Workshop Awards given by the Midwestern Writers' Conference (1943, 1 9 4 4 - t w o , a n d 1945). I n 1945 she received the Mademoiselle Merit Award as one of t h e ten women of the year. A thousand-dollar award by the Academy of Arts a n d Letters followed in May 1946 a n d two Guggenheim Fellowships in 1946 a n d 1947.

PAGE

18

W i t h the regional of Kappa Alpha Psi a n d Phi Beta Sigma fraternities convening in o u r city at (he same lime.

R h o L a m b d a entertained the fraters at a Formal at Kleinhans Music H a l l .

Following the dance the Alpha Wives tendered their husbands with a breakfast at the h o m e of the President, Dr. Russell H o l l a n d . It was a lovely affair with food galore.

Crossing the b u r n i n g sands into Alp h a d o m were H a r o l d W h i t e and Hen ry Richards. T h i s affair was followed by a smoker.

On Human Rights W A S H I N G T O N , D. C. - Cont i n u e d support for the great purposes of the American Council on H u m a n Rights was pledged by the board of directors of the American Council on H u m a n Rights at its semi-annual meeting on October 16 a n d 17 in W a s h i n g t o n , D. C. T h e u n a n i m o u s action of a re-affirmation came o n motion of A. Maceo Smith, General President of Alp h a Phi Alpha Fraternity, at the close of the two-day session. T h e resolution read as follows: " W e , the members of the board of directors of the American Council on H u m a n Rights, hereby reaffirm our allegiance to the great purposes for which ACFIR was founded, re-commit ourselves as m e m b e r a n d constituent organization and pledge our cont i n u e d support in the pursuit of the Council's objectives."

In a work-laden meeting, the board heard reports on the cooperative Greek-letter organization's activity by Mrs. Bertell Collins W r i g h t , A C H R president, a n d Elmer W . Henderson, director. Dr. H o w a r d H . Long, Dean of Central State College in O h i o and Dr. Paul Cooke of Miner Teachers College in W a s h i n g t o n , reported e n a five year study of the Council which Dr. L o n g is directing.

T h e b o a r d of directors of A C H R is m a d e u p of representatives of the six n a t i o n a l fraternities a n d sororities t h a t compose the Council: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha P h i Alpha Fraternity, Delta Sigma T h e t a Sorority, K a p p a A l p h a Psi Fraternity, Sigm a G a m m a R h o Sorority a n d Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

Program For 1953 General Convention (Continued from Page 10) Fraternal Hymn Brother Maceo Hill Adjournment Brother A. Wayman Ward 12:30-1:25 P.M.—Lunch 1:30 P.M. Final Business Session Call to Order General President A. Maceo Smith, Presiding Report of Committees (Concluded) 1. Place—Brother John A. Banks 2. Budget—Brother Kermit J. Hall 3. Election Commission—Brother H. L. Dickason a. Nomination and Election of Officers Fraternal Hymn...Brother Maceo Hill Adjournment _ Brother A. Wayman Ward 7:00 P.M.—Formal Banquet—Sheraton-Cadillac Hotel (a.) Brother Archibald J. Carey, Jr., Speaker 10:30 P.M.—Closed Alpha Dance—Sheraton-Cadillac Hotel THURSDAY. DECEMBER 31 10:00 A.M.—Executive Council Meeting (The General President's Suite—Gotham Hotel) THE

SPHINX

"AN UNDERGRADUATE PLEA"

By BRO. CHARLES GIBSON Eta Chapter, N. Y. C. My Brothers in Alpha: In just a few days the 39th General Convention goes into session at Detroit. The Commission on Reorganization is planning to recommend changes in our organizational structure; it is to those forward looking brothers that I direct this plea.

Anyone traveling through the country is struck with one phenomenon in particular. That is the passive position of the undergraduates in Alphadom. If our tradition is to be retained and preserved, Alpha faces an overwhelming reorganization task.

Of the many executive positions in the fraternity the office of "Lay Member" is the only one open to an undergraduate and that's on a regional basis.

Primarily we students are engaged in a struggle for survival for even the undergraduate chapters a r e governed by graduates generally.

We should cultivate leadership in everybody, you really haven't achieved the full potential strength of an organization until you have developed in each brother the best that is in him. That's the aim of Alpha Phi Alpha to challenge and compete with any other fraternal organization in America.

The dynamic usually prevails over the static, the active over the passive.

It seems as though the undergraduates are losing their purpose in Alpha, for we no longer play an important role in its local or national affairs.

We, like the opposition party in a parliamentary system, should serve a powerful role. We should be allowed to challenge our inarticulate major premises, indulge in self-examination and put light on our inconsistencies.

The problems of the fraternity require the pooling of many ideas and the exposure of different points of view, or the organization will lose its flexibility.

The strong society is one that sanctions and encourages equal expression and participation. Our real power is our spiritual strength and that spiritual strength stems from the youth in an organization.

At the 39th Convention we must evolve a program that demands greater undergraduate emerging into Alphadom. Moves must be made to preserve a tradition we all cherish so profoundly.

Hi-Lites of Beta Omicron N A S H V I L L E , T e n n . - Beta Omicron Chapter, Tennessee State University, recently elected the following officers for the school year 1953-54.

President, Ben E. Harris; Vice-President, David W a r d ; Recording Secretary, James Jones; Corresponding Secretary, Earl I n g r a m ; Treasurer, Van Spiva; Dean of Pledges, Samuel Carrington; Associate Editor to SPHINX, DECEMBER,

1953

WOMEN'S AUXILIARY CONVENTION CHAIRMEN Fictured above are the chairwomen of the Women's Auxiliary Convention Committee for the 1953 Alpha Phi Alpha Convention in Detroit, Michigan. Standing left to right are: Mrs. Mary Bell. Chairman of Cocktail Party; Mrs. Margaret Piper, Chairman of Noon-Day Brunch; Mrs. Alberta Bowman, Chairman of Information; Mrs. Thelma Hollis, Chairman of Mailing Lists; Mrs. Marion Saunders. Chairman of Women's Kits; Mrs. Grace Daniels, Chairman of Souvenirs; Mrs. Carl Shaw, Chairman of Hostesses; Mrs. Zeline Richards. Chairman of Bate ADate Night; Mrs. Frances Calloway, Chairman of Assembling Men's Kits; Mrs. Marcella Peterson. Chairman of Registration. Others not shown are: Mrs. Blanche Fowler. Chairman of Flying Squadron; and Mrs. Hazel Taylor. Chairman of Open Meeting Committee.

Ernest Buffington; Musician, Willie L a t h a n ; Chaplain, Percy Washington; Parliamentarian, Joseph L. .Anthony; Athletic Director, Elmer Maithews; Program Director, Robert C. Jackson; Sergeant-at-a r m s, Willie Thomas.

T h e new sweetheart of the chapter is pretty T h e l m a Plane, a senior of Evanston, Illinois. Miss Plane is affiliated with the Social Science C l u b .

Booster Organization, and the \ l p h a Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Brother Dr. B. Jackson of Fisk spoke at the a n n u a l smoker for the freshmen, new students a n d visiting brothers from Fisk a n d Meharry.

Beta Omicron can boast about two leaders that have the highest position o n o u r campus. Brother Van Spiva is the Student Council President, also he is a m e m b e r of the following organizations: Alpha Kappa Mu Honorary Society, Beta Kappa Chi Scien-

tific Society, " W h o ' s W h o Among American Colleges and Universities," Student Christian Association, Fast

Dorm Club, Mathematics Club and " W h o ' s W h o Among Student Leaders of America."

Brother Joseph L. Anthony, another outstanding Alpha on out campus, has been chosen editor of the Yearbook for 1953-54.

Brothers David W a r d a n d Reuben Davis are student council representatives for this yeai.

T h r e e former brothers matriculating at Meharry Medical College are Henry Lindsay, Charles Smith, a n d Curtis Washington.

Brother Charles Buckhaltcr, a June graduate, is studying at the Iowa State University.

T h e former brothers of Beta Omicron Chapter, T h e o d o r e Jefferson who is a t t e n d i n g the University of (Continued on Page 20) PAGE

19

Mr. Frat Fun Goes to Detroit (Continued from Page 14) ting in the observation car traveling with my wife to Cleveland—I became silent a n d began to muse myself. Shortly thereafter, 1 went to Brother McKinney's d r a w i n g room o n the same train a n d shared my thoughts with h i m . " H e was silent because h e couldn't get in a word edgewise.

Shame o n t h e Alpha presidential budget that confines o u r president to a roomette that forces h i m into the observation car for relief from claustrophobia. Observe, my friends, that Brother W m . F. McKinney was riding in a drawing room.

You capitalist!

Observe, also, Brother President Smith shared his thoughts with Brother McKinney b u t n o t h i n g was said a b o u t the B o u r b o n that Brother McKinney shared with h i m . Confucius say "you want lettuce for dinner; don't send rabbit to fetch it."

Last, b u t by n o stretch of even a n elastic imagination, the least—the Auxiliary. T a k e it from m e they are going to have some auxiliarying to do.

You Detroit fellows just cannot p u t pictures in t h e SPHINX showing 'is Mrs. Odalie H a r m o n ' s personality, the vivacity of Misses Maxine Lewis a n d Elaine Jones, or the homogeneity of Mrs. Edith E. W h i t e without obfuscating the percipience of a peruser like Frat F u n . Any time you plan a convention a n d set a t r a p of p u l c h r i t u d i n i t y like that you will find us purloining your bait every time.

You will see my p h o t o at the head of this column. Fee] lice to use it in filling my escort requirements. All entries will be the property of this columnist a n d some may n o t be r e t u r n e d .

Frat F u n Goes to Detroit b u t further requests will be forwarded to CoC h a i r m e n Brothers Drs. Junius Taylor, "Squawk" H a r m o n , a n d President R a m o n Scruggs, also to my friends, Percy Piper a n d "Dick" Bowman.

D E T R O I T ! H e r e I come.

—O.

"Hail to Thee

Old Alpha Zeta

//

I N S T I T U T E , West Va. - T h e brothers here at West Virginia State College are enjoying o n e of its most successful years. Committees are really functioning a n d t h e products are being well received by t h e brothers a n d t h e other members of the student body.

T h e c o m m a n d e r of t h e R . O . T . C . Unit, Brother Dallas C. Brown, is o n e of o u r own; T h e Presi d e n t of t h e Student Council, Brother James W . Reed, is a n Alpha Zeta m a n a n d n u m e r o u s other brothers a n d smaller brothers hold many a n office in t h e campus organizations. Last ycar we e n t e r t a i n e d a n d were entertained

by K a p p a C h a p t e r a n d Omicron Chapter. W e h o p e to renew that swell relationship this year a n d will extend a formal invitation to all A l p h a men when in the I n s t i t u t e - C h a r l e s t o n , W .

Va. area to d r o p in on the Brothers of A l p h a Zeta. O n October 23rd numerous brothers were o n t h e campus.

I failed to meet t h e m all b u t some of the visitors were Brothers Paul Redden, Hershel Cochran, Charles S. Sanders a n d Brother Cooper. T h e y were entertained by A l p h a Iota L a m b d a at the Peacock C l u b here at Institute, PAGE 20

WILSON

WINTERS

W . Va. T h e smaller brothers won the intramural football championship a n d t h e fraternity held a beerbustc i for o u r fine pledge club. T h e fraternity gave a chapel program which was titled "Drag-a-nickel" a n d the quiz-program was well received here at the college with n u m e r o u s congratulations by b o t h students a n d faculty members. T h e brothers arc now p r e p a r i n g for t h e fall probation a n d the coming intra-mural track and basketball activities. W e shall keep you i n f o r m e d t h r o u g h the SPHINX of o u r

efforts a n d results. Alpha Zeta Chapter w o u l d like to receive from t h e other chapters marching songs a n d / o r any other songs that you may let us have.

T h e address is Alpha Zeta Chapter, Alpha P h i Alpha Fraternity, Inc. P. O. Box, 208, Institute, W . Va. •

Hi-Lites of Beta Omicron (Continued from Page 19) W y o m i n g a n d William Franklin w h o is a t t e n d i n g the University of Minnesota, are both studying law.

Brothers James C a r u t h a n d Alex T u r n e r , w h o were J u n e graduates, are second lieutenants in the U n i t e d States A i r Force. T h e y are n o w attending Flight School.

Brother R o b e r t W a t t s , a former Beta O m i c r o n m a n is n o w studying medicine at H o w a r d University.

BETA NU'S PRIDE AND JOY!!

Brother Thomas I. Calhoun, from Jacksonville.

Florida is the National Intercollegiate Singles Tennis Champ. He is not only rating on the tennis courts, but he holds his own in the Science Hall with an outstanding average as a Pre-Medical student. Calhoun is Treasurer of Beta Nu Chapter at Florida A. and M. University.

Report On India (Cotninued from Page 15) journalists, politicians, teachers, civil service employees—it is not innocuous a n d without danger. A professor at Aligarh Muslin University said a very significant thing. " W e (Communists) d o n o t care about constitutional methods o r about constitutional show of strength."

C o n t r i b u t i n g to this danger are two very frightening elements. O n e : t h e absolute conviction a n d dedication of I n d i a n intellectuals to what seems to be a " h a t e America" campaign. T h e i r minds seem already closed b o t h to reasonableness a n d logic a n d to any word in the slightest way complimentary to America a n d the West.

(To be Continued in February, 1954 Issue.)

THE

SPHINX

Beta Gamma Chapter

PROGRAM

Has Very Impressive

FORMAL BANQUET

Sweetheart Crowning

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated

P E T E R S B U R G , Va. - Brothers oÂŁ Beta G a m m a continue to take the lead in t h e effectiveness of its activities o n Virginia State College's campus. Recently this was demonstrated with t h e Sweetheart Coronation ceremonies given o n the front campus, Wednesday evening, October 28.

M a k i n g h e r debut as Sweetheart of Beta G a m m a C h a p t e r for t h e year of 1953-54 is t h e lovely Miss J o a n Sanders, j u n i o r a n d a m e m b e r of the Alp h a Kappa Alpha Sorority. In a very impressive ceremony she was crowned by t h e chapter's president, Leo Brooks, with t h e assistance of brothers

December 30, 1953 BROTHER R A M O N SCRUGGS,

INVOCATION INTRODUCTION O F G U E S T SPEAKER

Toastmaster

Brother A. W a y m a n W a r d Brother Francis E. Kornegay

Guest Speaker, Brother Archibald J. Carey, Jr., Alternate Delegate to t h e Eighth General Assembly of the United Nations.

MUSICAL

SELECTION

PRESENTATION O F AWARDS

B r o t h e r T o l l y W. Harris,

C h a i r m a n , Committee o n Awards a n d Achievement INTRODUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF THE N E W GENERAL OFFICERS

Brother Raymond W. Cannon

ALPHA H Y M N

a n d m e m b e r s of t h e SPHINX a n d Ivy

Leaf Pledge Clubs as official witnesses. Climaxing a full week's activity Miss Sanders also gave h e r assistance to the chapter by being its central figure in the a n n u a l Homecoming Float.

O t h e r noteworthy news items of the chapter include t h e active participation of its brothers in campus affairs.

T h i s is being exhibited by chapter members as well as SPHINX C l u b members. Specifically, the chapter once again led the fraternities on campus by o b t a i n i n g t h e highest over all scholastic average for the 1952-53 school year. At the beginning of this school year, a smoker was given honoring a n d welcoming t h e newly arrived Freshmen. H i g h l i g h t i n g the evening was a p e p talk by a r e t u r n e d Prisoner of W a r , Major Brother J o h n H a r l o n .

Brothers of N u L a m b d a C h a p t e r also assisting included Brothers Walter Quarles, Samuel Gandy, a n d J o h n Sanders. T h e latter is advisor to the u n d e r g r a d u a t e chapter. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; B R O . GARLAND J. B u r r s

PLAY!!!

SANTA CLAUS To "ALPHA" GIVE $100 or $50 or $25 to the National Headquarters Campaign DECEMBER, 1953

Brother Frank R. Veal is Paul Quinn's new President and Brother H. L. Burks, the DeanRegistrar. Picture shows Brother Veal (right) and Brother Burks (left) with Bishop Joseph Gomez. Chairman of the Board of Trustees, discussing administration matters outside Howard Memorial Chapel on Paul Quinn campus. Brother Veal has just made his initial address to a student assembly. Paul Quinn College in Waco, is Texas' oldest Negro institution.

P A G E 21

PSI CHARITABLE GIFT In fulfilling its commitments to charity for 1953. members of Psi Chapter present a $400 check to Mercy-Douglas Hospital to be used for furnishing a room in the new hospital now under construction. Recipient of the funds is the Hon. Herbert E. Millen, Chairman of the Board at Mercy-Douglas, second from left. Others shown are from left to right: Walter R. Livingston. Jr., President of Psi Chapter; Robert Moose. Dance Committee Chairman; Robert Chapman. Co-Chairman of Program Committee; Brother Judge Millen; Robert Everly, Program Committee and Oscar Goss, Psi Chapter Treasurer. This is part of the proceeds from the Sweetheart Dance held last February. Earlier. $250 was presented to the Philadelphia Fellowship Commission.

school students on citizenship responsibilities, citizenship clinics in many parts of the city and a citywide Mass Meeting on citizenship.

The Mass Meeting, which culminated the week's activities was held in Wesley Chapel A. M. E. Church on Sunday afternoon, November 1st at 4:00 p. m.

Brother George R. Wooliolk, proHOUSTON, Texas - Citizenship Week was observed in the city of lessor of history at Prairie View A. Houston, Texas by the Alpha brothers and M. College, delivered the address living in this vicinity from October for the mass meeting. His topic "In Pursuit of Freedom"â&#x20AC;&#x201D;was han26th through November 1st. dled in a masterful way but at the The week's program was planned and carried out by a committee head- same time it was practical enough for ed by Brother Lawrence Cook with the least informed to thoroughly unthe able assistance of the chapter's derstand its import. As a result of president, Brother William H. Bell, Brother Woolfolk's talk, the citizens and the other members. Brother Bell of Houston have a new perspective of supplied the enthusiasm necessary to the responsibilities of all individuals give the inspiration for such a pro- in this respect.

Undergraduate Participnlion gram. His spirit was reminiscent of that of the early days of the citizenDelta Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi ship campaigns waged by Alpha 1*1 Ii Alpha Fraternity, celebrated National Alpha.

Citizenship Week, October 26-NovcmThe plans of the observance includ- ber 1, with publicity campaigns, a ed special talks by brothers to high panel discussion, a lecture by County

Alpha Eta Lambda

Chapter Observes Citizenship Week

PAGE 22

Judge, Robert Casey, and a voting clinic.

Posters were placed at strategic points throughout the entire campus, which stressed the importance of participating in political elections on a local, as well as on a national scale.

The Honorable Robert Casey was the speaker, Tuesday morning, October 27, 1953 in an All-University Assembly program.

Judge Casey stressed the importance of good citizenship and the moral responsibility of adhering to the principle of good government in regard to personal responsibility.

A student panel discussion with brother Lloyd Williams, ]r., as moderator, debated on the topicâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;"The Kind of Citizen I Would Like to See In My Community."

The County furnished a voting machine along with a demonstrator and students were pleasantly amazed at the simple procedure that is necessary in operating this machine.

In conclusion, the entire week was (Continued on Page 24) THE SPHINX

**

"M

GREEK LETTER HEADS AT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING OF THE AMERICAN COUNCIL ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN WASHINGTON. OCTOBER 17. 1953 Left to right: Dr. Howard H. Long, Dean of Central State College. Ohio; Dr. Paul Cooke of Miner Teachers College, Washington; Dr. W. Henry Greene. Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi, Treasurer, ACHR; J. Ernest Wilkins. Kappa Alpha Psi; Dr. Nancy B. Woolridge. Grand Basileus. Zeta Phi Beta; Miss Edna Over Gray. Alpha Kappa Alpha; Mrs. Sallie Nuby Edwards, Grand Basileus. Sigma Gamma Rho. VicePresident, ACHR; Aubrey E. Robinson. Jr.. Alpha Phi Alpha, General Counsel, ACHR; A. Maceo Smith, General President, Alpha Phi Alpha; Mrs. Bertell Collins Wright, Delta Sigma Theta. President of ACHR; Miss Evelyn B. Pope. Zeta Phi Bet.a Recording Secretary. ACHR; Mrs. Beatrice W. Fox, Sigma Gamma Rho; Elmer W. Henderson. Director. ACHR; Mrs. Emma M. Carter. Sigma Gamma Rho; Mrs. Julia E. Wilson.

Zeta Phi Beta; Mrs. Beulah T. Whitby. Alpha Kappa Alpha, Corresponding Secretary. ACHR; Mrs. Doretha Stewart. Office Secretary, ACHR; Miss Dorothy I. Height, National President, Delta Sigma Theta: Miss Patricia Roberts, Executive Director, Delta Sigma Theta . . . On motion of A. Maceo Smith. General President of Alpha Phi Alpha, the board of directors unanimously pledged itself to continue support for the American Council on Human Rights.

Coronation at Eta N E W Y O R K , N . Y. - H e a r Ye! H e a r Ye! all subjects of the Greek realm, be it k n o w n that o n the 23rd day, of the tenth m o n t h , in the year of o u r L o r d 1953, a new Q u e e n was crowned.

A m i d the p o m p a n d ceremonious splendor befitting an Alpha Coronation, Miss J e a n Richards was heralded in as Eta Chapter's Q u e e n for 195 I. As the Yorkville Casino's clock tolled the bewitching h o u r of 1:00 A. M., Miss Lovely Hill, Queen of Eta for 1953, was escorted to the t h r o n e by Brother J e a n Esquerre, president of Eta Chapter. W i t h a majestic wave of her h a n d , Miss Hill declared the C o r o n a t i o n Ceremony opened.

DECEMBER,

1953

Miss J u n e Brent, c h a r m i n g runneru p for the title of Queen, gracefully led the procession of attractive attendants, which boasted such lovelies as Misses Sylvia Strain, Carol J o h n s o n , Delores Devega, J e a n W h i t e and Gloria Smith, immediately followed by Misses Delores Grysby, W i l h c m i n a Seale, Eurita McDowell, Shirley Scott, Dorothy Brown a n d Grace Smith, the Queen's Ladies in W a i t i n g .

Anticipating silence cloaked the huge hall as the announcement prefacing the Queen's approach was m a d e . Picturesquely atop a small float d r a w n by seven felined adorned Sphinxmen, Miss Richards appealed, clad majestically in white.

W i t h the presentation of the crown

by Miss Hill, J u n e Richards of the Bronx, a sophomore s t u d e n t at H u n ter College, was hailed as Eta's Queen for 1954.

C l i m a x i n g an already auspicious evening, Brother T h o m a s E. Brown, whose organization supplied the musical background, stepped from the bandstand to dynamically direct the singing of the Sweetheart Song a n d Alpha H y m n by the participating Brothers.

Mr. B. Foote a n d his troupe of m o d e r n interpretive dancers rendered several n u m b e r s as entertainment for the Q u e e n .

At this particular point, Brothel Stan Taylor, formerly of Eta Chapter, now president of the newly formed Delta Chi Chapter in Brooklyn, presented Mr. Roosevelt T u c k e r , Jr. of Portchester, New York a scholarship award enabling him to further his studies at New York University.

T h e gayness of the occasion now being b u t an echo of the past, to the (Continued on Page 24) PAGE

23

-...-.

"JUST W H A T I W A N T E D , D A D " . . . A N D SHE M E A N T IT! Startling, men? Not a bit. It can happen . . . and it always happens when your gift is a United States Savings Bond.

And no wonder. Everybody wants Savings Bonds — your wife, your daughter, son, grandchildren — everyone whose future is important to you.

A Bond is the perfect gift—the gift that grows with the years.

You can't go wrong—no styles, sizes, or shades to worry about. No question of it. No question of whether they can use it. Savings Bonds make the future worth waiting for!

Your bank or postoffice is shopping headquarters for Bonds.

And while you're there, ask for the attractive new Savings Bonds gift folder that's free with every Bond you buy.

A Savings Bond is a share in America—a head start on happy, secure tomorrows. So for those important names on your gift list—the ones you really care about—make this a Bond Christmas. Give them the present with a future . . .

U. S. SAVINGS BONDS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF ALPHA UPSILON—Wayne University, first row, left to right: Jesse Tolbert. president; Dalmas Taylor, vice-president; Hoy LaMar, treasurer . . . Second row: Gerald Goldsby, recording secretary; Anthony Brown, chairman of Social Committee; and Gilbert Maddox. member at large.

Coronation at Eta ( C o n t i n u e d from P a g e 2 3 ) c o n c e r t e d e f f o r t s of B r o t h e r T h e o d o r e B e l l , c h a i r m a n of t h e Social C o m m i t tee, his m e m b e r s , t o g e t h e r with Brother Fred Aldridge, whose shoulders b o r e t h e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y of t h e C o r o -

n a t i o n , g o E t a ' s t h a n k s f o r t h e i r successful effort in k e e p i n g w i t h t h e h i g h t r a d i t i o n a l s t a n d a r d s for w h i c h A l p h a P h i A l p h a is k n o w n .

—JAMES

R.

STATEN

Eta Chapter E d i t o r to the

SPHINX

Alpha Eta Lambda (Continued from Page 22) a success f r o m a social as well as an educational standpoint.

It b r o u g h t t o t h e a t t e n t i o n of e v e r y o n e ; s t u d e n t s , visitors, a n d faculty m e m b e r s alike, t h e i m p o r t a n c e of e x e r c i s i n g t h e i r p r i v i l e g e of v o t i n g , a n d t h e i r r e s p o n s i b i l i t y i n p r e s e r v i n g t h e e t h i c s of g o o d citizenship.

SPRING NEOPHYTES OF BETA OMICRON CHAPTER Thirteen proved to be a lucky number at Beta Omicron Chapter, Tennessee State University. Brothers are from left to right: Joseph Williams, Leonard Ross, James William Isobel. Charles E. Laster, Theophylus Boyd, Earl Ingram, George Altman, Willie Thomas, Willie Carl Lathan.

Joseph C. White, Frederick Preston, Louis Owens and Willie Johnson.

PAGE 24

THE SPHINX

W$t Spirit of Cfjrtsitmasi

By B R O T H E R JOHN MALCUS ELLISON. President.

Union University, Richmond, Virginia "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men with whom

J|^ HERE is no day in the Christian Calendar nor any season of the year so productive of joyous feeling and that moves people to expressions of good will as the yuletide. Long before the the historic day arrives, humanity everywhere feels the sweep of life that hurries us along to the celebration of the Christmas season. Our music, in joyful perspective, already takes on a Christmas tone. We begin to hear again the joyful notes of angel's songs which seemed to have given the human birth of Jesus a fit accompaniment in the harmonies of heaven.

This song of the angels, as we used to read it, was a threefold message: the glory of Cod; peace on earth; and good will among men. But the better scholarship of the revised version now reads in the verse a twofold message. Instead of "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will toward men," Moffat's revision reads: "Glory to God in high heaven and peace on earth for men whom he favors."

In the revised version there is first "Glory to God"—worship, praise, adoration. Praises and adoration ascribed to him for his greatness and goodness. This ascription of praise to God is the keynote of the New Testament. It is the heart-throb of the Christian faith. "To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

T h e disposition to woiship, the call to acknowledge with gratitude the greatness and goodness of God is the supreme quality of the reborn soul. What sin is more hideous and destructive to comely graces than the sin of ingratitude or indifference1 What friend is there who would not be hurt—yea insulted to know that his gifts and bestowal of favors—merited or unmerited—are ignored and unappreciated! If we are moved to acknowledge an earthly or human benefactor, how much more must we be moved to acknowledge with gratitude the gifts and favors from our Heavenly Father from whom ALL our blessings come. Now, ascriptions of praise to God do not and can not add to Iris greatness and glory. For in His very nature He is inexpressibly glorious and holy. His greatness hath no limits. But the worshipper is blessed, edified and lifted up for having worshipped.

Worship turns our minds to God and helps us to make Him real in our experience. Having looked upon the expressions of His glory and acknowledged his greatness and holy beneficience, and committed ourselves to His providence—not once but over and over again—we are able to face the world and the exigencies of living more bravely and more hopefully. There comes over us an increasing feeling of security, nearness to Him, and warm fellowship with men.

In such a frame of mind men have good will. And there is always peace to the men of good will. That is to sav, those who have the good will in themselves will find peace on earth.

For peace is from within and not from without. Their unselfishness brings them personal happiness and inner peace. They give themselves in acts and expressions of love and service and so obtain peace. It is one of the fruits of good conscience.

That is the true spirit of the Christmas season. We all want happiness. We find it not by seeking it for ourselves, but by seeking it for others. We want to share with others our joyous feelings and elations. We want to share, too, our material blessings, that by so-doing somebody else may have some of the

he is pleased."

(R.S.V.)—LUKE 2:14

comforts of life. That is good will in action and it brings peace.

Peace is never a merely personal possession. T o be real and fully meaningful it is social. We cannot escape the human tics that bind us together.

Over and over again in these months of feverish scrambling for personal gain and advantage, men have sought peace and have not found it. But when they turn to this generous good will, the peace they sought comes itself. Many a man or w o m a n it may be that many a boy or girl—students in their ceaseless efforts and contacts in the past year have had their misunderstandings and grudges or quarrels rob them of their peace. But now as they put away these differences as unfit for the season of good will, the peace arrives and fills their life and radiates as far as their influences reach.

That is the paradov-of Christianity. He who seeks peace does not find it. He who gives peace finds it returning to him again. He who hoards his life loses it, and he who spends it finds it.

"Not what we give, but what we share, For the gift without the giver is bare; Who gives himself with his alms feeds three— Himself, his hungering neighbor and me."

This is the sweet and lingering echo of the angels' song. So Bethlehem, the Wise Men, the Star and Shepherds again become themes of our music. Christ brings peace to the anxious and fearful by helping them to believe in God, and by calling fourth a love and devotion whereby they are able to forget themselves in service to others. T h e peace which the angels' song pro claims is the peace of the heart at one with God. T h e Christmas spirit would make every man, great or humble, prouder of himself. There is no glow in the human heart so warming as that which comes from the knowledge of having been useful and having done one thoughtful and unselfish deed.

That, the giver always learns when he sees delight in the eyes of those his simple gifts have gladdened. That Paul understood when he counselled his followers: "Remember the words of the Lord Jesus when He said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'." Theseare days when we make gifts meaningful.

Christinas is not only a day for children; it is a day for all of us: for the lonely and saddened; for the young and for the old. It is good for the world, and I am sure it is good for me. "I am at my best at Christmas."

Yes. this happy season does something to the nature and spirit of mankind that no other day of the calendar can do.

Dickens knew it and proved it with his beloved "Christmas Carol." Under the influence of the Christmas Spirit grouches become pleasant people, hardened and toughened men of the world proved that they can be tender at times. A policeman reported: "I have seen tears in the eyes of fallen women at Christmas time as their thoughts turned homeward and to their cleaner and happier childhoods. Out of the prisons have gone greetings and gifts'to the loved ones the inmates have saddened and hurt and seemed to have forgotten and betrayed." So ihcre is no other day so heartwarming and good for both young and old. All classes and conditions are in this season recipients of a new hope and good cheer.

'A, \

and a

q%

^rrappu

r lew i/j^

* ÂŤ,#* <5t

ÂŤ

from all of the Sphinx Staff!!

S^7>

Adopt Our 1954 New Year Resolutions

...

More Reclaimed Brothers . . .

More Contributions to the National Headquarters Drive More Financial Brothers . . .

More Community Participation . . .

More support of the N.A.A.C.P.. the U.N.C.F. and Your Loccl Community Chest . . .

More Love and Spirit for Alpha Phi Alpha . . .

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