The SPHINX | Summer August 1956 | Volume 42 | Number 2 195604202

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THE

SPHINX

VOLUME XUI

MAY, 1956

NUMBER 2

PRE-CONVENTION ISSUE

HELP THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM JOIN THE NAACP

GENERAL PRESIDENT SPEAKS

BROTHERS GATHER ON STEPS OF MONTGOMERY COURT HOUSE

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF

General Convention Information Buffalo-August 7 to 11, 1956


ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, Inc. GENERAL OFFICERS General President: FRANK L. STANLEY, SR., Box 1558, Louisville Defender, Louisville 1, Ky. Western Vice-President: SAMUEL P. DeBOSE, 2671 Lacuesta Drive, Hollywood 46, Calif. Southwest Vice-President: J. S. CHANDLER, 111V5 South Second Street, "Muskogee, Okla. Midwestern Vice-President: C. ANDERSON DAVIS, 200 Jones Street, Bluefield, West Virginia Eastern Vice-President: J. RUPERT PICOTT, Clay Street at Fourth, Richmond 19, Virginia. Southern Vice-President: LEWIS O. SWINGLER, 546 Beale Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. General Secretary: JAMES E. HUGER, 4432 South Parkway, Chicago 15, Illinois. General Treasurer: MEREDITH G. FERGUSON, 925 Eleventh Avenue, North, Nashville 8, Tenn. Editor-in-Chief, THE SPHINX: W. BARTON BEATTY, JR., Box 352, Phoebus, Virginia. Director of Educational Activities: WILLIAM H. HALE, Clark College, Atlanta, Georgia. General Counsel: BILLY JONES, 342A East Broadway, East St. Louis, Illinois. Historian: CHARLES H. WESLEY, Central State College, Wilberforce, Ohio. Chairman, Audit Committee: W. D. HAWKINS, JR., Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee. Chairman, Budget Committee: KERMIT J. HALL, 5000 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia 43, Pa. ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENTS EASTERN—Frank DeCosta, Jr., Cook Hall, Howard University, Washington, D. C. • WESTERN James Johnson, 2532 Regent Street, Berkeley, California • SOUTHERN—Clarence E. Branch, Jr., East Dorm, Tennessee A. and I. University, Nashville 8, Tennessee • MIDWESTERN— William A. Lester, Jr., 6918 S. Michigan, Chicago 37, Illinois • SOUTHWESTERN—H. Rudolph Sims, Box 9414, Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. JEWELS Henry A. Callis, 2306 E. Street, N. E. Washington, D. C ; George B. Kelley, 1-113th Street, Troy, N. Y.; Nathaniel A. Murray, 2151 West 21st Street, Los Angeles 18, Calif. OMEGA: Charles H. Chapman, Robert H. Ogle, Vertner W. Tandy, Eugene Kinckle Jones. CHAIRMEN. STANDING COMMITTEES 50th ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION—Russell N. Service, 585 Michigan Ave., Buffalo, N. Y. SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION—Dr. William H. Hale, Clark College, Atlanta, Ga. BUDGET—Kermit J. Hall, 5000 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. AUDITING—W. D. Hawkins, Fisk University. Nashville, Tenn. PUBLIC POLICY—Dr. Charles H. Wesley, Central State College, Wilberforce, Ohio. GENERAL SECRETARY—Walter H. Williams. Sr., Box 1549, Jackson, Miss. RECOMMENDATIONS—Dr. Lloyd H. Williams, Sr., 119 N. Greenwood, Tulsa, Okla. ELECTIONS—Henry Luke Dickason, Morristown College, Morristown, Tenn. ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS—Tolly Harris, 326 North Greenwood, Tulsa, Okla. STANDARDS AND EXTENSION—W. Alexander Smith. 2537 Madison Street. Gary, Ind. HOUSING—Oscar C. Brown, 4649 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, 111.

Deadline Date August Issue The 50th Anniversary

Sphinx Advertising

June 15 Pictures, Other Copy

June 10

ALPHAS 1956 THREE POINT PROGRAM 1. 10,000 Financial Brothers by August 1, 1956. 2. 2,500 Brothers, with families in Buffalo, August 7. 3. Register and Vote.

SPHINX STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF W. Barton Beatty. Jr. ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOSS James E. Huger, Leroy Jefferiss Kermit Hall FUN EDITOR O. Wilson Winters EDITORIAL ASSISTANT—Milton S. J. Wright. ASSISTANTS—Hugh M. Gloster, Thomas W. Young. W. Wesley Whetstone. J. Saunders Redding, Frank L. Stanley, Robert F. Custis. STAFF EDITORS—Samuel P. DeBose. J. S. Chandler. J. Rupert Picott. Lewis O. Swingler, C. Anderson Davis. John Hope Franklin. Alonzo G. Moron. Ramon Scruggs. Theodore Tatum. Stephen J. Wright, Charles V. Willie. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS—Archibald J. Carey. J. M. Ellison. Felton G. Clark, Miles Graham. Rayford Logan. Belford Lawson, Wayman Ward. Ruius Atwood. Charles F. Lane. John Simmons, Robert J. Anthony, Oscar C. Brown, William H. Hale.

Is Your Chapter Planning a "Chapter Exhibit" at the 50th Anniversary Celebration! Why not place this on the Agenda of your next meeting? One picture is better than a thousand words! Pictures tell the story at a glance and the story of Alpha Phi Alpha can be told much more colorfully and effectively by the picture story of what Alpha Chapters are doing. How about telling the story of your Alpha Chapter through the media of a Chapter Exhibit Booth in the foyer of the Convention Hall at the 50th Anniversary Celebration this August: —Pictures of program projects your Chapter has sponsored over the past several years. —Copies of programs sponsored by your Chapter in the community —educational, social, etc. —Unusual "Pledge projects" or "Help Week" projects of the Chapter or individual Brothers. —Tell the biographical life story in tribute to "An Alpha Great" in your Chapter—with news clippings, photographs, citations, and letters. —Build a display around an unusual hobby of an outstanding Alpha Brother as an indication of the cultural interest of Alpha men— paintings, carvings, photography, etc. These displays will be open to the public and will not only be of interest to our wives and friends, but serve as a source of inspiration to Chapters everywhere who are looking for ways and means to improve their program and make a richer contribution to their College and Community. If your Chapter is interested, write in your request for space immediately, for such space will be limited and the best exhibition themes may have to be selected. Your material can be shipped to Convention Headquarters, insured, and will be cared for until your Chapter Exhibit Chairman arrives.


Official

Organ

of

Alpha

VOLUME XLII

Phi

Alpha

Fraternity,

Incorporated NUMBER 2

MAY, 1956

C^ditorial •ROTHER You Should be There ! ! ! Are you going to be there when the roll call is made at Buffalo August 7, 1956 in commemoration of Alpha Phi Alpha's fifty years of Brotherhood. You should be there and counted as a brother who is paying by his presence for the prestige and honor that was bestowed when the Fraternity accepted you as brother. You should be there to give blessings and appreciation for the great souls that have labored over the years so that Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. might not perish but have everlasting life. You should be there to walk with our three living Jewels over the campus of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York where Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity saw the light of day. You should be there to pay homage to Alpha Chapter from which all of our chapters in Alpha Phi Alpha have originated. You should be there for the sake of yourself — a brother in the bond — to help plan the course of the Fraternity's activities for the next fifty years. You should be there to light the torches of our undergraduate brothers with your spirits and techniques of leadership for they are to be our leaders during the next half century.

& on tents ten Page T h e General President Speaks

3

Portland Alphas to he Host to Far Western Regional Confab

4

Implication of the Current Social Revolution

5

By Brother E. Fretlrie Morrow General Secretary Huger Visits Blighted Southland

10

Eastern Prcxy Picon "Beams'' Alpha Spirit

12

Southern Vice-President Speaks

17

Lincoln University Honors Publisher <>1 Defender Report from Midwest Leadership Training and Planning Conference

20

F.ditor of Si-iuw Joins United Negro College Fund Staff

23

Fraternity Fun By Dr. O. Wilson

28

22

Winters

Brother Lawlah Elected Secretary -Treasurer of Jefferson County Medical Association By Brother Herbert H. Denton

31

T h e Keari Story

36

Stanley Urges Race to Continue Fight

41

Alpha Phi Alpha Headquarters and Furnishings By Brother C. Anderson Davis

42

Wardrobe to Fit the Weather By Mrs. Alfred D. Price, Pres., Buffalo Alpha

44 Wives

Undergrad — Grad Relationships By Brother J. S. Chandler

44

NEXT DEADLINE: JUNE 10. 1956

See You There ! ! !

About Our Cover ALPHAS DONATE S1.000 TO BOYCOTT FUND—Frank L. Stanley (center). General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, presents Rev. M. L. King, Jr.. (right) a $1,000 check. Other Alphas in this photo taken on the Montgomery Court House steps are James E. Huger. general secretary; Lewis O. Swingler, Southern vice-president; Attorneys Arthur D. Shores, Robert Carter and Jerry Hall, who, along with Attorneys Fred D. Hall, Edmund Rogan. Odell Billingsley, Charles Langford. and C. Eubank Tucker, defended Rev. King. Stanley has called upon Alpha's 250 chapters throughout America to "Give Dollars for Freedom" and make the fraternity's minimum contribution $5,000.

MAY. 1956

Publication Office: 522 East Bute Street, Norfolk 10, 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.

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Undergraduate Achievement Cup Winners' Activities N A S H V I L L E , T e n n . - B e t a Omicron wishes to express its thanks to the Genera] Organization for having been selected as recipients of the undergraduate Achievement C u p . As Brother Reuben Davis said in his acceptance speech at the convention, this was one of the chapter's happiest moments since it received its first c u p in 1952. W e shall do all within o u r power to make us worthy of the h o n o r by making this year even more successful by a d h e r i n g more closely to the principles set aside by Alpha. W e also wish to congratulate Brother Clarence Branch for having been selected as Assistant Vice-Presid e n t of the Southern Region. He wishes to express to the entire region his appreciation for their support and promises to represent them most efficiently, for inefficiency is as unknown in his vocabulary as it is in all Alpha. W e also wish to c o m p l i m e n t Brother Davis, president of the chapter, whose dynamic p r o g r a m of work en-

abled us to be n o m i n a t e d a n d recipients of the Achievement C u p . Brother Davis, is o n e of the o u t s t a n d i n g leaders on the campus. W e feel that with his personality a n d sense of responsibility lie will go far. Beta Omicron will forever be indebted to h i m for his great work, for an organization is n o greater t h a n its leader; we will indeed feel his loss when he graduates this spring. However, we feel q u i t e confident that a m a n of this calibre will lit easily in o u r Air Force with his 2nd lieutenant bars. W e are p r o u d to a n n o u n c e that Beta O m i c r o n is the first a n d only Negro chapter listed on the Foster Parent's plan for W a r Children. Under this plan, individuals and groups k n o w n as "foster p a r e n t s " contribute .$15.00 per m o n t h for at least a year toward the support of a child. Brothers recently a t t e n d i n g the play " O t h e l l o " were held spellbound by the excellent presentation. T h e cast included Brothers R. O. Davis, Morris T . G o d d a r d , D. Cox a n d Little Brother W i l l i a m Pryor. Besides having a p p e a r e d in campus productions

the four have acted semi-professionalWe here of Beta Omicron are in the preparation of launching a n d sponsoring the Nashville celebration of the 50th Anniversary of o u r renowned Alpha Phi Alpha. T h e date set for the occasion is April 12-14, 1956. In out repertoire of events we have scheduled Brother George Gore, president of Florida A. and M., as keynote speaker at the O p e n i n g Convocation, Brother Frank Stanley, national president, as the b a n q u e t speaker, a refined concert, featuring Miss Alpha Brawner of Spehnan College. W e also plan to have a formal dance a n d other treats which s u m m e d together equals what will be unforgettable. Beta O m i c r o n looks forward with both sadness a n d joy to the coming graduation. W e are sad because of the loss of many valuable members of Beta O m i c r o n : however, realizing that o u r loss is the world's gain we wish to congratulate the following brothers who will leave us this year. T h e y are as follows: R e u b e n R. Davis, president: Virgil V. McGee, Corresponding Secretary: fames Hull. T r e a s u r e r ; Robert H o u s e , Dean of Pledgees; Paul B. Mitchell, Musician: William Mason, P a r l i a m e n t a r i a n ; John T y u s , Director of Social Affairs; a n d Brothers [antes E. Armstrong, Clarence Bass, Paris Branford, R o l a n d Carey, Ronald O. Davis, Joseph Ervin, Albert George, fames Isabel a n d Lawrence Purnell. We welcome the following neophyte brothers whom we feel will gladly take their places. T h e y arc as follows: Brothers Melvin C. Beard, Wendell Collins, Eddie Cook, Bennie Crawford, Hoke Glover, French Hicks, Samuel Irby, Charles Jackson, William Montague, Rudell M o p p i n , Horace Orr, Donald Perry, R u b i n Perry, Flollis Porter, fames E. Smith, foe Willie Steele a n d Byron Williams. •

Beta Nu Sponsors Carmen Jones

BETA OMICRON UNDERGRADUATES WIN CUP Seated, left to right: Jewel Brothers George B. Kelly and Nathaniel Murray. Standing, leit to right: Brothers James E. Armstrong, Reuben R. Davis, and Clarence Branch of Beta Omicron. following the awarding of the Grand Achievement Cup by Brother Tollie Harris. Chairman of the National Achievement and Award Committee for Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc.

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T A L L A H A S S E E , Fla. - Beta Nu presented on March 8, 1950 Muriel Rahn as the original " C a r m e n " ol Carmen [ones. Miss R a h n needs no introduction. She has a p p e a r e d successfully in concert, opera, radio and television. Broadway was the scene of her greatest t r i u m p h as the sensational Carmen in Billy Rose's epoch m a k i n g production of C a r m e n Jones. Prior to her success in Carmen Jones she was featured in the L u n t - F o n t a n n e hit show " T h e Pirate", which achieved an o u t s t a n d i n g r u n at the Martin Beck T h e a t r e . T H E SPHINX


^Jhe Luenerai L O U I S V I L L E , K y . - W i t h i n a few short weeks, we shall gather at Buffalo and Ithaca in observance of o u r 50th Anniversary. Advance indications at the three regional conventions held lo date point toward a m a m m o t h attendance at the birthplace of o u r fraternity. Likewise, Brothers t h r o u g h o u t Alphadom are making definite plans to answer the call to participate in this significant celebration. O n e that will provide o u r most u n i q u e r e u n i o n opportunity in the environment of our first chapter and pay trbute to our founders a n d countless brothers who have so nobly pursued the great ideals of o u r fraternity. O u r 50th Anniversary is more than a convention—in t r u t h it will be unlike any previous gathering—for m a i n emphasis will be on inspiration, appreciation, fellowship a n d entertainment. Business will be reduced to a bare m i n i m u m with only time allotted to the necessary. All sessions, except two will be open to o u r wives a n d

f resident

sweethearts, with none exceeding two hours, but each highlighted with outstanding speakers. O u r host chapters a n d the various related committees have done a tremendous job of developing the fullest possible a n d most significant program in Alpha's convention history. Every a p p o i n t m e n t , facility and detail has been painstakingly woven into an agenda highly representative of Alpha. T r u l y this will be our finest hour and the highest point of o u r fraternal existence. Coupled with the serious moments will he a musicale led by Brothers Duke Ellington, Lionel H a m p t o n and Noble Sissle; a pageant depicting the beginning of Alpha enacted by undergraduates; choral music of outstanding Alpha voices, mostly undergraduate, featuring traditional Alpha songs. Every Jewel, past general officers, and in fact, each Alpha brother will be spotlighted and honored for contributions to our growth a n d o u r

r

S^peuk overall progress. Others outside of o u r fraternal b o u n d s who have rendered significant service to the cause of h u m a n dignity will be cited. T o say this is an occasion you cannet afford to miss is to p u t it tritely. Frankly, you nor any m e m b e r of your family will ever have this single opportunity again to join hands with the thousands who have made Alpha great and to share in the determination of Alpha's role in the next fifty years. Alpha needs every loyal son at Buffalo if this celebration is to have the attendance it deserves; if we are to utilize our every resource in preparing for o u r fateful future; if we are to justify our place u n d e r the sun a n d forge ahead, truly as the greatest of all. I exhort you, Brothers, one a n d all, to come a n d help us m a k e this anniversary worthy of o u r brilliant first half century a n d assist in engineering o u r next. W h a t we achieve at Buffalo will definitely depend largely u p o n your physical a n d spirit(Continued on Page 14)

ALPHA NAMED 'COACH OF THE YEAR' BY 100 PER CENT WRONG CLUB Brother Eddie L. Robinson, head coach of Grambling College, 1955 National Football Champions, was cited as Coach of the Year . . . Members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, present in Atlanta Friday, January 20 for the 100 Per Cent Wrong Club's All-Sports Jamboree are shown here gathered around their National President. Frank L. Stanley, publisher of the Louisville Defender. Mr. Stanley is standing fourth from the left, naxt to the William A. Scott. II, Memorial Trophy which was awarded to the Grambling College "Tigers" as Intercollegiate Football Champions of 1955 . . . From the left. Brothers Moss of Grambling College; Moss H. Kendrix of the Moss Kendrix Public Relations Organization; Marcus Neustadter, the Louisiana Coca-Cola Eottling Company; Frank L. Stanley; Coach Eddie L. Robinson; Dowdal H. Davis, general manager, the Kansas City Call, and C. C. Dejoie, president. National Newspaper Publishers Association and editor of the Louisiana weekly.

MAY,

1956

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Portland Alphas To Be Host To Congratulations Far Western Regional Confab

February 27, 1956

Portland's Epsilon Zeta L a m b d a chapter will be host for its first Far Western regional convention July 67-8. G r o u n d w o r k for the convention, to be held in P o r t l a n d simultaneously with the N a t i o n a l Education Association's national convention, has already been laid u n d e r the direction of H o w a r d Jacobson, claims representative for the social security agency. Probable speaker for the Far West regional convention will be Brother Byron R u m f o r d , California assemblym a n a n d pharmacist. Brother R u m ford is a former vice-president of the Far West region. T h e P o r t l a n d chapter, one of the newest on the west coast a n d one of two chapters in the Pacific Northwest, is headed for what looks to be its b a n n e r year of activity since its founding in J u n e , 1950. T h e chapter this year already numbers m o r e t h a n 20 active brothers, tops for the chapter. Very active in civic affairs, members have consistently co-operated with both the N a t i o n a l Association for the Advancement of Colored People a n d the U r b a n League of P o r t l a n d . Alpha names are commonplace on executive b o a r d lists of both these organizations. I n addition to membership to these civic groups, A l p h a names can be found on the membership lists of Portland's City club, YMCA a n d J u n i o r C h a m b e r of Commerce. G u i d i n g light b e h i n d Alpha's successful activity in P o r t l a n d is Brother Dr. DeNorval U n t h a n k . Dr. U n t h a n k was an active A l p h a m a n in P o r t l a n d before Epsilon Zeta L a m b d a chapter was chartered. His leadership in community, state a n d national activities has been an inspiration to his fellow brothers. T h i s year's president is Brother H . J. Belton H a m i l t o n , Jr., a n assistant attorney general for the state of Oregon. Brother H a m i l t o n is typical of the youthful leadership to be found on the P o r t l a n d Alpha roster. O t h e r P o r t l a n d Alphas w h o have been i n s t r u m e n t a l in the chapter's successful climb include Brother (Dr.) Walter Reynolds, medical doctor; William Milliard, staff writer for T h e Oregonian a n d Northwest regional director; Carl Deiz, statistician with the Bonneville power administration; Dr. Clarence O. Pruitt, dentist now serving with the Air Force; W a r r e n Washington, u n d e r g r a d u a t e student PAGE

4

Arthur D. Shores, Esquire NAACP Legal Counsel 1630 Fourth Avenue, North Birmingham, Alabama

Dear Bro. Shores: The brothers who assembled in Montclair, New Jersey, on Sunday evening, February twenty-six, representing Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity chapters of Northern New Jersey and New York City, (see names and addresses attached), have directed that I write you. We wish sincerely to offer our congratulations for your dynamic efforts in the Autherine Lucy Case. The fight which you are making to advance the causes of democracy and Christianity is known and appreciated in America and throughout the world. May God continue to bless you and your associates in this struggle for all people. We urge you to keep up the good work and ask how we may be helpful? BROTHER (DR.) DeNORVAL UNTHANK A For:lend doctor has been chosen as the ru'standing citizen of the Northwest by the IBPO Elks of the World. Dr. Unthank was chosen for the award because of "his contribution to the medical profession and his un•ol i >h participation in civic, religious and fra'.ernal organizations for the betterment of the community." the announcement said . . . Dr. Unthank. who has practiced medicine in Portland for more than 20 years, is a past president of the Urban League and the National 'association for the Advancement of Colored People. He also has been a board member of h.3 YMCA, the Oregon Tubercu'osis and Fea'th Association and the Family Counseling Service . . . Formal presentation of the award "-T be made at a banquet honoring Dr. Unthank in the Multnomah Hotel. June 3.

at Oregon State College; Gerald Perry, social worker, a n d H e r b e r t Williams, educator. O t h e r members of Epsilon Zeta L a m b d a chapter include: Brothers S. Chester Daniels, Paul Cook, Charles Williams, T h e o d o r e Burger, Wilson Walker, H a r o l d Gaskin, Galvin Irby, Bennie H a m i l t o n , Dr. J o h n Marshall, Neshell Ott, Harry Ward, J. Sidney Bowman, Curtis H. Deskin, Shelby Golden, Marvin McKinney, Jr., William S. T h o m p son, Jr., a n d Samuel Vaughn. T h e chapter has five men, E d w a r d Peterson, Leodis McDaniel, Samuel Whitney, William R u t h e r f o r d a n d Lewis M o n t a g u e active in its Sphinx club. Because of the many colleges in P o r t l a n d area, Epsilon Zeta L a m b d a chapter is a c o m b i n a t i o n of graduate a n d u n d e r g r a d u a t e brothers. The chapter has found this m i x t u r e to its liking a n d has gone steadily forward u n d e r this type of m e m b e r s h i p setup.

Fraternally, J. RUPERT PICOTT Eastern Vice-President Forrester A. Lee, Plainfield, New Jersey John S. Miller, Jr., Plainfield, New Jersey Frank L. Hailstalk, Brooklyn, New York Walter W. Scott, New York City J. Avery Smith, Brooklyn, New York R. Maurice Moss, Brooklyn, New York

E. L. Edmonson, Montclair, New Jersey Marvin A. Riley, New York City Collins E. Lewis, New Brunswick, New Jersey L. Maynard Catchings, Montclair, New Jersey Philip Hoggard, Newark, New Jersey Jerry L. Martin, Newark, New Jersey John H. Wheaton, Montclair, New Jersey Ferdinand D. Williams, Montclair, New Jersey Durward C. Archer, W. Englewood, New Jersey F. H. Thompson, Sr., Montclair, New Jersey Calvr'n A. Davis, Montclair, New Jersey Alfred S. Hugh, Rutherford, New Jersey J. Thomas Flagg, Newark, New Jersey Arthur C. Thornhill, Montclair, New Jersey Raymond A. Brown, Jersey City, New Jersey Paul Williams, Trenton, New Jersey George Shepard, Jr., Trenton, New Jersey THE

SPHINX


Implications of the Current Social Revolution By BRO. E. FREDRIC MORROW Administrative Officer, United States Government HAMPTON, Va.-If there is one thing that occupies my every conscious moment these days, it is that of making an objective analysis of the implications of the current social revolution going on in our country today. Through the miracle of legal and political force, we have come into an era when many of the barriers are down that have been blocking our way. And, events of the past few months, North and South, are powerful evidence upon which to base our hope that we are winning this fight against the forces of evil, intolerance, bigotry and social injustice. In this continuing fight of ours for first-class citizenship, we must be ever aware of the great responsibilities that will go with this new role in our national life. For example, we will have to learn new thought processes, new attitudes, new philosophies of life, new relationships, new standards of measurement for positive achievement. We will have to acquire a new toughness to fit us for the ruthless competitive spirit of survival that / characterizes American genius around the world. The point is that we've got to direct our minds and activities in a direction that will bridge successfully the gap between the old life of separate living, and the new one of integrated living. It is my considered judgment that the greatest hurdle to intelligent and comfortable adjustment in this modern-day society is the development and acceptance by Negroes—old and young—of a fundamental and durable sense of values by which to live. I would expect the untrained, the unlettered, and the unenlightened, to clamor, strive for, and acquire the things that are of the least value to us in our struggle to rise above the limitations of caste and class. I would expect run-of-the-mill individuals to worship and adore "things", rather than purposeful achievement and merit. But when this selfish and naive lust for the tinsel of life is the motivating force behind many of our university-trained professional men and women in their daily tasks; when the talented tenth of our race, as represented by many of the fraternities and sororities in the land, meet and act and, exist solely as excuses for social activity and personal publicity, we have reached a stage in our citizenMAY, 1956

BEOTHER E. FREDRIC MORROW. Admin'strative Officer to President Eisenhower, guest speaker. Hampton.

ship development that borders on mental, social, and economic incompetence. A year ago last December, when so many of our Greek letter societies were holding their annual meeting throughout the country, I was fascinated . . . yet indignant . . . over the news account of one prominent fraternity man in an Eastern city who was preparing to go to Atlanta to dazzle his brothers and the local citizenry with his wardrobe and automobile. The story revealed that he was having a half-dozen suits made for the occasion, costing over $150 each, and that he would be arriving in his white El Dorado Cadillac. It was the kind of story that left you just a little bit sick. In the first place, it was the kind of trash that passes for news in

our Negro press about our alleged "society" folk. It was the kind of tragic information about the pagan and childish sense of values of some of our people who have been exposed to a college education. It was the kind of news story that would hit the eye and the mind of status-hungry juveniles or adults, who would resolve that by hook or crook, .$150 suits and El Dorado Cadillacs are absolutes if one is to achieve and be recognized as successful, or as having "arrived." It is this kind of inverted sense of values that is robbing our race of economic responsibility and power in our surging fight towards national recognition and acceptance as full-fledged first-class citizens of this country. Last August at the Elks Convention in Atlantic City, I pointed out that the 16 millions of Negroes in this country had an annual income of more than 16 billion dollars, and that many millions of this income were spent on luxuries and frills of life. I bluntly suggested that we invest less money in the non-essentials of life and more in the fight for equal education and civil rights. As a result of that speech, I received threatening letters from the Ku Klux Klan for telling Negroes to invest less money in luxuries of life and more in civil rights; and other insulting letters came from Negroes who insisted that I had exposed an unfavorable side of Negro life to the public, and it would curtail outside contributions to Negro causes, and result in a loss of sympathetic white members in those organizations assisting us in our struggle for human rights. Despite this, I return again to that thesis tonight, that, if Negroes are able to become wholly free in this country, they must fashion their own freedom \

Big 50th Anniversary SPHINX TWO POSITIVE DEADLINE DATES JUNE 10, 1956

Pictures and Stories

JUNE 15, 1956

Advertising Copy

SEND PICTURES AND STORIES NOW! PAGE 5


NU LAMBDA CHAPTER DONATES $500.00 TO VIRGINIA NEGRO BAPTIST CHILDREN'S HOME Brother E. F. S. Davies presents a check of five hundred dollars to Mrs. Elijah I. Jones. Matron and wife of Mr. Elijah Jones (on Mrs. Jones' right). Superintendent of the Home. Looking on are Brothers who are members of the Special Projects Committee. This Committee in cooperation with the Nu Lambda Chapter presented a program, "A Preview of Tomorrow's Stars" which netted the money for the donation. Brothers from left to right, are: J. L. Lockett. C. C. Gray. III. J. B. Sanders. J. H. Christian. R. R. McDaniel. W. H. Quarles. Jr.. Chairman of Special Projects Committee. E. F. S. Davies. President of the Chapter, presenting check. S. A. Madden. E. W. Whitlow, R. H. Dunn. R. C. Howard and J. B. Cephas. F. N. Gatlin was not present when picture was taken.

by their own sweat and toil and sacrifices . . . and perhaps even death. Since this is a Christian country, we have on our side the true disciples of God, irrespective of color or race. But even God needs help in this continuing struggle against the inhumanities of man. And I expect no man, no matter what his position or wealth in life, to give more time, substance, or spirit to my fight for freedom than I am willing to give myself.

I speak out like I do because all lads indicate that we have reached the point in this centuries-old struggle for manhood status where the heavy fighting and financing will have to be done by us. It all boils down to the simple question of whether we should put a higher value on the luxuries of life or on those things that will enable us to walk this land with head high and body secure. Whether we stand on public plat-

The 5 0 t h Anniversary Sphinx BIG CONVENTION ISSUE AUGUST

1956

(Deadline Date June 10th — Pictures and Stories)

Dedicated To Our Seven Jewels SPECIAL FEATURES: • ALPHA PHI ALPHA, INC. ACHIEVEMENTS DURING PAST 50 YEARS • Recognition of Past Presidents and Officers • Personal Achievements of Brothers • Historical Information • Our Court Record for First Class Citizenship • Undergraduate Developments • 50 Years of Frat Fun • Contributions — The Field of Athletics • ALPHA PHI ALPHA LOOKS FORWARD - 100 YEARS AND MANY OTHER BREATH TAKING NOTES ON OUR FIRST FIFTY YEARS.

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forms and make these observations or not, the evidence and the facts cannot be hidden, and if we are to win this epic struggle for first-class citizenship, those of us who have been carrying this burden for a great many years must have the courage to stand up and call the shots as we see them. I feel that one of the greatest handicaps in our efforts to secure first-class citizenship is our emotional approach to the problem and the fact that very often any objective analysis of our own shortcomings is a difficult thing for so many to accept. However, until we are familiar with both the plus and minus sides of the situation, it will be impossible for us to move forward with any degree of assurance and intelligence. I repeat again that I am not against Negroes having the fineries of life. I understand too well the craving for these beautiful things that are supposed to indicate success and good taste. I can understand the big car parked outside of shacks and hovels. I can understand living in the ghettoes, because we are forced into them and not permitted to escape. I can understand that this craving for the good things of life is a natural desire to ease the stress and strain and pain of the second-class citizenship forced upon us. And in reply to my socialworker critics, I know the Negro is not alone in being guilty of not doing his all in the furtherance of social and democratic progress in the United States . . . and that the majority race do their part in the support of luxuries. And I likewise understand that if the luxury services available in ihis country were dependent upon the Negro for their support alone, they THE SPHINX


GENERAL SECRETARY DURING SOUTHERN TOUR Brother lames E. Huger. General Secretary of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., visited with Delta Phi Lambda Chapter, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on February 17, 1956 . . . The occasion, a part of Brother Huger's good will tour, proved very stimulating and helpful, both to our local program and to our national program. Out of the deliberations came many suggestions and recommendations which seemed to have some impUcations for enhancing the program on the national level. The discussion was confined primarily to the issues of Desegregation end Reclamation . . . First row, (kneeling and sitting) left to right: Brothers H. B. Jackson, Chapter Treasurer; S. B. McKinzer. President. Huger. Kimber. Second row. (standing) left to right: Brothers Sylvester Croom. Monroe Brown. H. B. Smith, Secretary; E. Plamore. Milton Williams. Jessie Anderson, J. L. Callins. A. F. Saville. and lapheth Hall.

would have long ago gone into bankruptcy. I understand and can explain all that, liut what I cannot understand and explain is, why, when the victor} lot a completely free a n d tinsegregated lite is so near, we cling to the (taxings lor "things" a n d the gewgaws of life, a n d let a corporal's guard of dedicated Negro lawyers fight with only their bare hands a n d strong hearts for the one thing in the world that makes life worth living . . . human dignity a n d respect. A lew weeks ago, 1 picked u p a respected Negro newspaper, and read in one prominent column this headline: "Swank Social C l u b spends $6,000 on week-end party . . ." I n an adjacent column was this headline . . . " N A A C P Pleads For Funds For Civil Rights Fight . . ." Every social column I read in the weekly press or monthly magazines, vulgarly publicizes the a m o u n t s spent by this g r o u p or that . . . this person or that . . . on parties a n d shindigs that give the impression of threering circuses. Everybody in attendance is rich a n d vivacious a n d famous a n d fabulous. And there is no indication that anyone gives a tinker's-dam about the millions of bewildered a n d benighted Negroes under the boot a n d heel a n d MAY.

1956

the gun in the Southern section of this land, who are looking N o r t h w a r d a n d Westward a n d Eastward for succor and help a n d brotherhood. Last week's papers carried a verbal blast leveled at me by the spokesman of a social organization because of my alleged attack u p o n that organization for a proposed pleasure t r i p by some members a n d friends to B e r m u d a . It was vicious in content because it was not factual, a n d while I d o not i n t e n d to make this occasion a forum to answer such an irresponsible bleat, I want to state this fact for t h e record. My statement given to t h e press con-

d e m n i n g such an e x p e n d i t u r e was in response to a query from five newsp a p e r m e n for comment on a hypothetical question. In my reply, I did not m e n t i o n the social organization by n a m e because I d i d n o t know it. I did not mention any costs, because the newsmen m e n t i o n e d the term "thousands of dollars." A correct reading of my statement would reveal t h a t it could refer to any social club, a n d that it stated a conviction, a n d was not a personal attack u p o n any individual o r organization. I conclude this chapter with this observation: I don't care how high

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you are in the economic scale; I don't care how much you spend on parties and clothes and baubles and trinkets; I don't care what kind of an education you have, or what your rank in the social scale . . . Until Negroes in this country in each of the 48 states win this right for first-class citizenship . . . until 14-year old Negro boys in Mississippi can sleep soundly in their beds at night without fear of being kidnapped and killed by a mob before breakfast . . . until Negroes all over this land can assume all the responsibilities as well as the privileges of first-class citizenship . . . all this lavish and stupendous display of "things" and this striving for recognition without the basic dignity of a free man avails us nothing, and are the actions of a frightened and defeated people. Several columnists and letter-writers have questioned why I, as a "high

government official" have seen fit to speak out on this explosive topic of "luxuries vs. civil rights". They have insinuated that I might better spend my time fighting biased officials rather than asking poor Negroes to give up the items of luxury that make second-class citizenship bearable. I speak out like I do because I am tired of having thrown in my face by responsibile citizens in and out of government, and representatives of other countries across the seas the fact that 16 millions of people, with access to 16 billion dollars a year, can, through collective effort and determination, do more than they are doing to obtain the ranks of first-class citizenship, and thereby walk this land and world in dignity and in peace. T h e very fact that I have a position in the Executive Department of the Federal Government imposes upon me a very demanding responsibility

GENERAL INFORMATION Concerning Scholarships and Fellowships offered by the General Organization of the A l p h a P h i Alpha Fraternity, Inc., 1956-1957 NUMBER AND AMOUNTS: There are four (4) scholarships of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) each for high school students completing their senior year. There are four (4) scholarships of four hundred dollars ($400) each, offered to students in undergraduate schools. There are four (4) scholarships of four hundred dollars ($400) each to students in graduate and/or professional schools, and one (1) of two hundred dollars ($200) for summer study. HOW SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS MAY BE OBTAINED: 1. Each student who applies for an Alpha Phi Alpha Scholarship or Fellowship must be a bona-fide student of a college or university. In the case of an applicant who is completing his or her senior year in high school, the school from which the student is about to be graduated must be accredited by the Department of Education of the state in which the school is located. Official evidence that he is properly registered in school must be sent to the Director of Educational Activities directly from the office of the registrar. An official transcript of his academic record must also be sent from the school. 2. Each applicant must have an above-average academic record. 3. Each applicant must submit, in his own handwriting (in ink), a well-written paper entitled, "My Life's Goal and Why I Need Assistance." This paper must be accompanied by the applicant's autobiography. 4. Each application must be accompanied by three letters of recommendation; one from a teacher or school administrator; one from some other prominent citizen of the applicant's home town (a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, if possible), and one from the applicant's chapter, hearing the official seal. Each high school student who applies must be sponsored by at least one member of Alpha Phi Alpha. An application blank will be furnished each applicant by the Director of Educational Activities upon request. APPLY AT ONCE ! ! ! DR. WILLIAM HALE Director of Educational Activities Clark College, Atlanta, Ga.

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to my race to speak out publicly at any time I am conscious of a situation that is impeding the progress of the group in any field of national endeavor. As long as I am permitted, I shall stand on the public platforms in this country and speak the things that my conscience tells me are important in this age-old struggle for human equality. Some people have asked me why I give so much time and consideration to groups like this. The answer is simple. I know of no other groups in the land better equipped to foster, promote and accept the severe responsibilities that have come to the Negro because of the revolutionary changes in the political and social philosophy of the American people. With your wide-flung chapters in every nook and cranny of this land, you are in an advantageous position to take the initiative and leadership in solidifying the gains already made in the field of integration, and paving the way for greater gains, and an intelligent understanding of the terrific responsibilities that belong to both the majority and minority group if we are to make our democracy a living, breathing reality for every man, woman and child under its jurisdiction. I am not suggesting that fraternities and sororities dispense with social life or activities. I should like to suggest, however, that these social affairs be put on a higher plane, and that the accolade of popular acclaim and admiration not go to the brother or sister who can get the drunkest, the most boisterous or most vulgar at our affairs. One society-columnist reporting on the recent formal of one of the Greek letter societies listed the vital statistics of the affair in these categories: who wore mink; number of Gadillacs observed; the "cute" people who came "high" after a champagne supper at Dr. so-and-so's house; and the countless number of empty liquor bottles piled in corners after the dance. The article ended by reporting that " . . . everyone left in a mellow mood . . ." Ladies and Gentlemen, here we are in the twilight of our period of oppression in this country. At this moment, we are trying to rally our meager forces for the last assault upon the crumbling Jericho-walls of prejudice and some of the forces we need most like the Hessian soldiers at the battle of Trenton, are drunk with the wine of the world, and reveling in the flesh pots of social life. Who will lead these battles in the countless cities and towns of this nation if the Greek letter men and women abdicate their leaderTHE SPHINX


ALL BUFFALO PLANS FOR YOUR ARRIVAL Buffalo's Mayor Steven Pankow reviews plans for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Alpha Phi Alpha with local Alpha leaders. Left to right: Brother (Dr.) S. Calvin Johnson. President. Rho Lambda Chapter; Honorable Steven Pankow, Mayor of Buffalo; Brother Russell N. Service. General Chairman, 50th Anniversary Committee; and Brother (Dr.) Walter B. Holland, Chairman. Social Activities Committee. Rho Lambda Chapter.

ship in community life in favor of the allure and notoriety of cafe society. I trust that in the months to come, not only Alpha Phi Alpha, but all fraternities and sororities will be occupied with, and talking about, fulfilling the American dream: the dream of merit finding its own level, the dream of a person's being able to rise in the world as far as his ability and ambition can carry him. That dream has never literally been fulfilled by any group, white or Negro, but its eternal quest has profoundly influenced the character of American society and it remains the norm, the standard, by which we judge social processes and institutions. There are difficulties enough to the realization of ambitions, even under the best of circumstances. T h e white boy striving to get ahead by no means always achieves his goal. Mistakes are easy, blind alleys frequent, and any final success always has a certain element of luck or good fortune about it. If, in addition to these pitfalls, color, ineptness, lack of training, and economic incompetence are handicaps, the difficulties are almost insurmountable. MAY, 1956

I trust you will go down from this meeting today, conscious of the great responsibility that devolves upon you as trained leaders during this critical period of revolutionary change in the social and political philosophy of the American people. Because you have been fortunate enough to acquire an education and to aspire for success in the professional life of this country, you have a deep moral responsibility to see to it that you do your part to prepare both white and black citizens of your community for the inevitable requirements of an integrated national life. This responsibility must be placed upon the leaders because we cannot depend upon the least privileged of any race or group to accept without question or struggle a necessary change in rooted attitudes, habits, philosophies, or conduct. T h e man devoid of social consciousness can only impede rather than help progress. He must be taught through example. A people whose lives have been controlled by custom, rather than by law over many generations, cannot suddenly overcome these customs by editorial

comment, or interracial teas. The approach must be positive, intelligent and active. It has been my experience that the white person who frustrated my dreams, hopes and aspirations most, was always the person whose own social position was in question. He blunted my hopes to bolster his own bitter failures and denials. If you can remember that, it will help you cope with intolerance in a more objective fashion. In our own group, we must concentrate upon two types of persons: the educated one with an inferiority complex who has found a heaven and a profit in a segregated life; and the completely neglected and downtrodden one who has grown bitter green around the edges of his soul, because of neglect by his own race, as well as oppression by others. It is a difficult task: it is part of the unfinished business of America. It should be our present assignment, to get on with the job. I would hope with all my heart that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity would, with solemn resolve, take over that job and get on with it. PAGE 9


KJenerui\^ecretaru

^hrucier

Visits d3liahteci

C H I C A G O , III.—I have just returned from a visit of Chapters in Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia a n d T e n n e s see—an experience I will long remember. I regret to say that this report will not make your hearts happy b u t I feel it my duty to give you a first h a n d review of the situation as I saw it a n d to r e m i n d each of you of the p a r t Alpha Phi Alpha must play to h e l p us reach total integration. In Montgomery I h a d the opportunity to talk with Brother M. L. King—a militant, intelligent, logical t h i n k i n g American w h o is willing to sacrifice everything for a cause. T h e pressure u n d e r which Brother King is living is enough to make the less determined person wonder "if anything is worth all this"—His h o m e has been bombed. His family is required to seek safety elsewhere. H e has been arrested a n d everytime possible is receiving threats against his life. Yet we find Brother King a n d almost every other Minister of color in Montgomery fighting for the right of Negroes to be treated like h u m a n be-

ings. Manx brothers a n d citizens of Montgomery are leading the way for a new recognition. We, regardless of where we might be, should feel the responsibility to help this cause, for n o w h e r e in our history can we find Negroes acting in concert as they are doing in Montgomery. It is the b i r t h of a New Negro. T h e s e people are magnificent in their effort. Tuscaloosa where I found that race relations have been good over the years is now the scene of Citizen Council meetings a n d other g r o u p action against the Negro because of the Lucy—Alabama I', case. One bright spot here is that almost 5 0 % of the Negro population is registered a n d exercises the light to vote, thanks to the very active leadership given this cause by the brothers in Tuscaloosa. Birmingham has its A r t h u r Shores. All Alpha is p r o u d of his wonderful record and c o n t r i b u t i o n in helping the Negro to attain First-Class Citizenship b u t few of us are aware of the s u p r e m e sacrifice Brother Shores must make in order to light lor a

The Cornell Memorial Scholarship N A T U R E A N D SIZE OF A W A R D 1. T h e scholarship will be known as the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Memorial Scholarship. 2. The scholarship will be first available to a freshman entering Cornell University in the fall term of 1956. 3. The awarding of the first scholarship is to be made at our Fiftieth Anniversary celebration on Saturday, August 11 in Ithaca, New York. 4. This first scholarship will carry an annual award of $1,000.00. It may be won by any applicant accepted for admission to undergraduate schools and colleges of Cornell University. It will be continued for the normal period of undergraduate study leading to the Bachelor's Degree providing the applicant remains in good standing with the University. HOW TO APPLY 1. Application for the scholarship is to be made directly to Cornell University. This might be done at the same time the application for admission is made. Cornell University, from its list of eligibles, will make the final selection. 2. Since Cornell's selection will be made with the "advice and recommendation" of the Fraternity, it will be well for the applicant to write the office of the Director of Educational Activities at the time the application is made to the university. 3. All brothers are urged to seek out promising youths who may be interested in attending Cornell and encourage them to make applications immediately. For further information write: DR. W I L L I A M H A L E Director of Educational Activities Clark College, Atlanta, Georgia

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cause. His life must be guarded. His family must be guarded. H e can't even have a telephone in his home in this land of ours where the Constitution states that all men are created equal. This, my brothers, is something we cannot understand and yet a brother must live like this because of his convictions. Brother Gray and the other brothers at Talladega are fighting to keep Talladega an interracial institution. Bro. Gray spoke at a white church recently a n d the c o m m u n i t y had the sad experience of a cross being b u r n e d in (he minister's yard. In Macon County where Tuskegee Institute is located there is not a board of Registrars to register the citizens. Negroes o u t n u m b e r whites, according lo tin papers, by 5 to 1. Some militant brothers there are working with other organizations to try a n d get this situation corrected for one representative in Alabama is interested in having an a p p r o p r i a t i o n of $375,000 cut off from Tuskegee if A l a b a m a U has to admit Miss Lucy. T h e s e are trying times throughout the South and again I say we must concern ourselves for this is o u r fight too. The advent of the white citizens council is just a n o t h e r method to intimidate the Negro. A new KKK? T h e y say no, but when you lead the "Declaration of Segregation" distributed as a h a n d bill at the recent meeting of the council in Montgomery where Sen. Eastland (D-Miss.) gave forth with his special b r a n d of hate one cannot help but wonder. This material is so vile it is difficult to believe someone would write it, yet, it is published for all the world to read. This organization is spreading all over the South like the m o r n i n g dew covers the ground. Its one purpose—to keep a segregated south at any cost. I have pointed out these instances to show that A l p h a Phi Alpha has a challenge to continue in its efforts to make total integration a reality. N o longer can we be satisfied to let the brother in Mississippi, Alabama. Georgia, or South Carolina fight his battle alone for his battle is our battle. Until the day arrives in which every m a n , regardless to where he might be, is free, none of us can consider ourselves free. Maybe A l p h a will have to start a m o v e m e n t to get Americans to give an hour's pay to the cause in Montgomery lor, as the editorial in the T H E SPHINX


LADIES OF ALPHA PSI CHAPTER Beauty and glamour abound on the occasion of the first anniversary meeting of Psi Chapter's Auxiliary of wives and sweethearts. Seated, first row: Vivian Jettison. Natica Moose. Jean Chapman. Victoria Marcos. Louise Reed and Oren Robinson. Second row: Nan Brown. Myra Mitchell. Grace Goss (President). Mariline Wilkins. and Alma Brown. Standing: Matilda Griffin. Searcy Williams, Gertrude Warrington, Adean Utterbeck, Inez Howard, Lavonia Clark, Sonia Brown, Vera Carter, Georgia Glenn and Rose Baker. Front and center is Pinky, the mascot.

Louisville Defender said this week, "Negroes in Montgomery will be able to hold the line only so long as sympathizers send dollars along with their prayers. Money is the answer! G I V E your dollars lor freedom. Give at least one hour's pay each week until victory is won." Send your contribution to T h e Montgomery Improvement Association, c/o Rev. M. L. King, Jr., Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama. Chapter Initiations C h a p t e r officers are again urged to observe the rules for s u b m i t t i n g Notice of Initiations to the Vice-Presidents. Some chapters arc guilty of holding initiations a n d then sending in the materials which means no representative of the Vice-President is present for the initiation. T h i s procedure is in violation of the rules of Alpha Phi Alpha. R E A D T H E INSTRUCTIONS LISTED ON T H E N O T I C E OF I N I T I A T I O N . Chapter Elections U n d e r g r a d u a t e chapters are to hold chapter elections the first regular meeting in April with the successful candidates taking office the first regular meeting in September. SEND CHANGES OF OFFICERS T O T H E O F F I C E O F T H E G E N E R A L SECMAY,

1956

RETARY. 50th Anniversary Convention Plans are well on the way for the 50th Anniversary Celebration in Buffalo, N . Y. August 7-11, 1956. For reservations now write: HOTEL STATLER, BUFFALO, NEW YORK. Brothers are urged to make hotel reservations now because space will be h a r d to get later. All sessions and most social affairs will be in the Hotel Statler. A M E N D M E N T S T O T H E CONS T I T U T I O N are due by June 1st, repeat, J U N E 1st. S O U T H E R N - M a r c h 30, 31 a n d

April 1, D u r h a m , N o r t h Carolina. S O U T H W E S T E R N - A p r i l 6, 7, 8, Austin, Texas. E A S T E R N - A p r i l 27, 28, 29, Newark, New Jersey. W E S T E R N - J u l y 6, 7, Portland, Oregon. M I D W E S T E R N - D e c e m b e r 28, 29, an 30, St. Louis, Missouri. Reclamation W e again urge all chapters to move forward in the area of reclamation. W e need your h e l p if we are to reach o u r goal of 10,000 active members by August 1956.

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Eastern Prexy Picott 'Beams' Alpha Spirit R I C H M O N D , Va. - Alpha men t h r o u g h o u t America a n d the world a n d particularly in the Eastern Region look forward to 1956 as the greatest period in o u r fraternity's history. T h i s year, o u r G o l d e n Anniversary, offers unparalleled o p p o r t u n i t y for service and growth. History records the great achievements in the past half century. So long as we are u n i t e d a n d dedicated to the p r o m o t i o n of brotherhood a n d Christianity, the years ahead will certainly be productive a n d fruitful. It is in this spirit that your Eastern Vice-President greets you. T h i s officer is grateful for the h o n o r which you have bestowed in again electing him to this position of leadership in o u r fraternity's activities. As in the past, you may be assured t h a t " n o stones will be left u n t u r n e d " a n d every effort exerted to push forward Alpha's aims a n d goals. Special General President, Brother Frank

L. Stanley, has set the keynote for Alpha activities everywhere. T h e fraternity's chief leader has urged t h a t we work for a total national membership of ten t h o u s a n d active A l p h a m e n this year. T h i s reclamation program must be given priority in o u r Eastern Region. T h e r e is also the hope that three t h o u s a n d brothers, their wives, children a n d friends will attend the 50th Anniversary Convention which will be held in Buffalo a n d Ithaca, New York, August seventh t h r o u g h fourteenth, 1956. Regional

Directors

Eastern Prexy thanks the Regional Directors of the Eastern jurisdiction. T h e s e brothers represent the various sections of the Region extremely well. Acknowledgment is herewith m a d e of their fine c o n t r i b u t i o n as the " h e a r t " of our c o n t i n u i n g program of improvement. T h e Eastern Vice-President will meet personally with representatives

Urgent, Act Now! Dear Fellow Chapter Officers: You have read, I am sure, the appeal of our General Secretary for aid to Alabama Negroes. I personally plan to be in Montgomery for the trials beginning March 19th. Alpha stalwarts are involved, and I feel it is my duty as your National leader to stand with them in this hour of peril. You are aware that we have asked the Executive Council to approve $1,000.00 for Montgomery assistance, but this is not enough. We should contribute no less than $5,000.00. I exhort you, therefore, to embark immediately upon a drive in your region to raise at least $1,000.00 each for this noble cause. Please urgently appeal to every chapter to contribute upwards of at least $50.00 to $100.00. Encourage them to sponsor money-raising projects now to be sent to you for reporting at the Regional Conventions. Note: In the case of Brothers DeBose and Davis I am requesting that their money be sent to the General Secretary's Office by May 1, 1956. Let us enter into "DOLLARS FOR FREEDOM IN ALABAMA" with enthusiasm. Alpha Phi Alpha has always been in the front on matters fighting for first class citizenship—We cannot afford to be silent in this matter. What better showing can your region make than a substantial contribution for the aid of our brothers in Alabama? Alphas are in trouble in Alabama solely because they dare to give leadership to human decency. Let's rally to their aid in typical Alpha fashion. Join me in Montgomery if you can—but raise your $1,000 now. Fraternally yours, FRANK L. STANLEY, General President

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of all chapters in the region. His plan calls for a series of D R I V E - I N C O N F E R E N C E S to be held in convenient locations. Some of these meetings with the Vice-President have already been held. T h e schedule for other conferences in the next few weeks includes Southern New Jersey in Atlantic City, N o r t h e r n New Jersey in Montclair (recreation room of the home of the illustrious Brother Dr. F e r d i n a n d D. Williams), Southern New York in New York City, UpState New York at Buffalo, New England-Connecticut in Boston, Western Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh, Eastern Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Maryland-District of Columbia-Delaware in Baltimore a n d Virginia in Richmond. National Headquarters T h o s e of you who attended the Christmas 1955 convention certainly must have been pleased with the progress which has been m a d e already in furnishing o u r National H e a d q u a r t e r s at 4432 South Parkway, Chicago. Your financial support is urgently needed to complete this project. Each chapter in the Eastern Region has been asked to give at least $25.00 for Alpha's national home. Please send your check today to Brother James E. Huger, General Secretary. If your chapter has already m a d e a donation, how a b o u t considering a n o t h e r gift for this purpose. Drive-In Conference As a n n o u n c e d earlier the Eastern Vice-President has e m b a r k e d u p o n a series of S U N D A Y D R I V E - I N C O N F E R E N C E S which within the next two m o n t h s will carry h i m to every section of the jurisdiction. T h e latest of these conferences was held in the Montclair, New Jersey h o m e of veteran Alpha b r o t h e r a n d leader, Dr. F e r d i n a n d D. Williams. Alpha chapter officers from N o r t h e r n New Jersey a n d from New York City sat down with the Eastern Vice-President, talked a b o u t a n d m a d e plans for the future of the fraternity in o u r region a n d everywhere. T h i s meeting was a five h o u r "give a n d t a k e " session in the best tradition of Alpha Phi Alpha a n d Democracy. Vice-President Picott wishes to t h a n k Brother Williams a n d the Montclair chapter for generous a n d gracious hospitality including a special thanks to Mrs. Williams for her many kindnesses. O u r appreciation is also expressed to each of the brothers who journeyed to this meeting, and, thereby, proved once again that the love of A l p h a is a n unparalleled m o t i v a t i n g force. T h e Eastern Vice-President met with the New York City a n d Southern T H E SPHINX


New York State chapters at the DRIVE-IN CONFERENCE which was held in our nation's largest metropolis on Sunday afternoon, March 18th. Special To Western Pennsylvania Brothers T h a n k s to Brother J o h n Cundieff, President, Alpha Omicron chapter, for the o p p o r t u n i t y given Brother Picott to meet with b: others of the Western Pennsylvania region in Pittsburgh, Sunday, March twenty-fifth. Baltimore Holds Meeting An almost full chapter membership honored the Eastern Vice-President in Baltimore on Monday evening, March 12th. T h e meeting which was held at the Civic Center on McCulloh Street also included brothers from Beta Alpha at Morgan State College. Dynamic Brother Frank J. Ellis, Delta L a m b d a President has inaugurated a thoroughly democratic chapter program of tremendous proportions. As with several other chapters in the Eastern Region, every m e m b e r of the

Baltimore chapter has been assigned to a n d is actively at work o n a chapter committee. Baltimore has several projects u n d e r way which are certain to make Alpha history. A m o n g others, these include the B I G A N D L I T T L E B R O T H E R ACTIVITY, A SOCIAL ACTION PROGRAM, T H E BALTIMORE ALPHA HOUSE EFFORT A N D AN I N T E R R A C I A L S C H O L ARSHIP AWARD MOVEMENT. T h e March twelfth session in Baltimore was a real Alpha meeting with discussions, fellowship a n d unusually excellent singing of the A l p h a hymn. Brothers of Beta Alpha at Morgan State College have renewed their activities in a most vital way. U n d e r the direction of Brother Rossie Wills, President, and Brother J o h n W. Collins, Secretary, the chapter continues to lead in many ways, activities planned by undergraduates. Norfolk

Chapter

Session

Virginia's largest city located on lamed H a m p t o n Roads is well known for hospitality. T h e meeting with

50th Anniversary

the Eastern Vice-President was held on T h u r s d a y evening, March eighth in the pine-panneled attic of the beautiful a n d spacious multi-thousand dollar home of Brother Dr. L y m a n B. Brooks, Director, Norfolk Division, Virginia State College. Brother Brooks' home overlooks the new campus of this college which has one of the largest enrollments of o u r institutions in the country. Alpha Phi L a m b d a is fortunate to have a large n u m b e r of brothers w h o are determined to continue Alpha's great tradition of achievement. T h e s e brothers and all Virginia A l p h a m e n are led by capable Regional Director a n d Physician, Alfred Fentress. T h e Eastern Vice-President talked a b o u t reclamation a n d many other items. Newport

News

Banquet

T h e Vice-President a t t e n d e d elementary a n d secondary schools, a n d later worked as a high school teacher, school principal and college professor in Newport News and H a m p t o n , Vir(Continued on Page 20)

Buffalo and Ithaca

PEACE BRIDGE Known as the gateway to Canada, connecting Buffalo and Fort Erie, Ontario, the Peace Bridge is the largest single point of entry into Canada. A magnificent bridge spanning the Niagara River just north of Lake Erie.

ALBRIGHT ART GALLERY Overlooking Delaware Park Lake. Will be the scene of the Alpha wives reception.

ASSEMBLY HALL Reserved for the Fiftieth Anniversary Concert and all-Greek dance. Seats 1800, stage, loud speaker system. Beautiful, comfortable, perfectly lighted and ventilated.

MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM Where the Anniversary Concert and All-Greek Dance will be held.

HEADQUARTERS: HOTEL STATLER.WRITE FOR RESERVATIONS NOW! MAY,

1956

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13


Morrow Is Alpha Week Guest Speaker At Alpha Chi N A S H V I L L E , T e n n . - A l p h a Chi cil of Foreign Economic Policy, head- acceptance of our invitation to speak at the Convocation. held its a n n u a l celebration of Alpha ed by Joseph M. Dodge; the offices of D u r i n g the Week emphasis was also Week from February 5th to the 11th. H a r o l d E. Stassen a n d Nelson A. D u r i n g this Week, special t r i b u t e was Rockefeller, Special Assistants to the placed on the impressive achievements paid to the o u t s t a n d i n g achievements President; and the office of Major of the Brothers of Alpha Chi. W e of Alpha men. Some of the events Genera] J o h n S. Bragdon, (U.S.A. might cite a few here: Five Brothers included an exhibit focused on prom- ret.), Special Consultant on Public hold offices on the Student Council. Eugene W h i t e is President, N o r m a n inent Alphas who have m a d e distinc- Works Planning. Prior to a p p o i n t m e n t to his present Hodges is Vice-President, Irvin Hentive contributions to the fields of art, science, and civic affairs; a smoker for position, Brother Morrow served o n derson is Secretary, H a r o l d Wilson is Manager, and Richard freshmen at which a program outlin- the staff of Commerce Secretary Sin- Business ing the development of the Fraterni- clair Weeks, as Adviser on Business T h o r n e l l is C h a i r m a n of the Calendar ty was presented; a n d an interchaptcr AH airs. Before accepting this post, he Committee. basketball game between Delta Xi was on the public relations staff of Five Brothers have been elected to the C o l u m b i a Broadcasting System, Who's W h o A m o n g Students in Amerand Alpha Chi. T h e highlight of the Week was a serving as a m e m b e r of the Employee- i c a n Colleges and Universities University Convocation, sponsored by M a n a g e m e n t Committee. Prior to this, (White, Hodges, Wilson, T h o r n e l l , o u r chapter, with o u r distinguished he was field secretary for the N A A C P . a n d T i m o t h y Donaldson). Brother Morrow was educated at Brother E. Fredric Morrow as guest Hodges was the first j u n i o r to be speaker. Brother M o r r o w was sworn Bowdoin College, a n d received his elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Both he into office J u l y 11, 1955, as Adminis- Bachelor of Laws degree from Rutgers a n d W h i t e have straight " A " avertrative Officer for the Special Projects University School of Law. ages. Brother Morrow gave a very inspirG r o u p in the Executive Office of T h o r n e l l was selected as a candidate President Eisenhower. H e holds the ing talk, a n d the campus c o m m u n i t y for the R h o d e s Scholarship. highest post of any Negro in the fed- viewed his visit as a great h o n o r to James Parrish, William Nowlin, eral government. I n his present Fisk. T h e Brothers of Alpha Chi were position, Brother Morrow is responsi- especially h o n o r e d in having him w h o and John Williams were selected as ble for the coordination of internal has such a distinguished record of exchange students to the College of m a n g e m e n t affairs in the Special Pro- achievement in civic a n d government- Wooster ( Ohio), W h i t t i e r College (Calif.), a n d P o m o n a College (Calif.), jects G r o u p which includes the Coun- al affairs. W e greatly appreciated his respectively. W h i t e , Wilson, a n d O r l a n d o Lightfoot are members of the world-ren o w n e d Jubilee Singers, the g r o u p which introduced the Negro spirituals to the world. L a r k i n Teasley a n d T h o r n e l l were elected to Beta K a p p a Chi H o n o r a r y Undergraduate Chorus of 50 voices under the direction of Brother Goins, Scientific Society, W h i t e a n d LawDepartment of Music at A. and I. University, Nashville, Tennessee and Brother rence Jordan are already members. Hall, Department of Music, Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Alpha Chi looks with pride u p o n Musical Alphacade 1906-1956 under the collaboration of Brothers Noble these significant honors accorded to its Sissle, Duke Ellington, and Lionel Hampton. sons who are dedicated to our FraInvited Speakers include, His Excellency Averell Harriman, Governor of New ternity's high ideals of leadership York State; Branch Rickey, outstanding humanitarian and famous for his leadera n d scholarship. T h e accomplishship in America's No. 1 sport—baseball; Thurgood Marshall, Legal Department, ments of Brothers like E. Fredric The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Dr. Phillip Davison, President, the University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky; Dr. Charles Morrow have served as inspiration to Wesley, President of Central State College, Wilberforce, Ohio; Dr. J. C. Evans, us. United States Armed Services, Washington, D. C , His Honor Theodore Berry, • Vice-Mayor, Cincinnati, Ohio; Attorney B. V. Lawson, Past President, Alpha Phi Alpha; and A. Maceo Smith, Federal Housing and Past President of Alpha Phi Alpha.

PRESSTIME FLASHES Regarding 50th Anniversary Convention

Gen. President Speaks

Witness the Awarding of Alpha Phi Alpha's Medallions to each of our JewelsJewel Brother Callis, Washington, D. C ; Jewel Brother Kelly, Troy, New York; and Jewel Brother Murray, Los Angeles, California. Walk with the Jewels on the campus of Cornell University our Birthplace. Each Jewel will speak during the Anniversary Celebration. Witness the Awarding of Alpha Phi Alpha's Certificate of Merit to all Past Presidents. Good News! No session begins before 11:00 a. m. No session is to extend longer than two hours. All sessions open to Brothers and guests with the exception of two business sessions on Friday. Be one of 10,000 Active Brothers during 1956—Get Financial before August 7, 1956 and pack up the old bag and Join Jewel Brothers Callis, Murray, and Kelly in Buffalo.

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(Continued from Page 3) ual contributions to o u r future program in this crucial period of forthright decisions a n d positive action. N o personal sacrifice is greater t h a n o u r need for your presence. Alpha P h i Alpha, America a n d the world are d e p e n d i n g on us for effective solutions to the problems that threaten to overturn h u m a n affairs a n d o u r very existence. You cannot afford to be absent in this era of u n l i m i t e d opportunities for service, the very foundation of o u r fraternity. T H E SPHINX


Delta Lambda Brothers Strive For Action B A L T I M O R E , M d . - A Slowing awarcncss of their social responsibilities has moved the Brothers of Delta L a m b d a to give full support to the chapter's newly-formed H u m a n Relations Committee, headed by Brother Alexander J. Walker of the Morgan State College [acuity. T h e committee is addressing itself to a n u m b e r of community problems, including the discriminatory policy of Baltimore's d e p a r t m e n t stores. T h e stoics for years have refused to accord try-on courtesies to colored customers, particularly women. T h e g r o u p also assisted the fight for passage of a FEPC by Baltimore's city council. A m e m b e r of the committee is Brother W a l l e r T . Dixon, who is also a m e m b e r of the city council. O t h e r members include State Senator H a m Cole. Jack Bond, Dr. G. Lake lines, H o w a r d M u r p h y , Cliff W. Mackay, Dr. Welfred Holmes, R. Grant Pinkett, Dr. Benjamin Quarles, Dr. Fur m a n T e m p l e t o n . Frank F. Walker and McQuay Kiah. Something Hew was tried on Friday, Feb. 10 when Delta Lambda staged a pre-valentine cabaret and dance at the Baltimore Coliseum for the benefit of their scholarship fund. Just to insure that everybody would have a rock and rolling good time, Gem Amnions a n d his orchestra was i m p o r t e d to provide music. Brother Joseph Braces served as chairman of i he affair. * * * * The Alpha Wives got in the act Friday, January 27 when they observed their 9th anniversary by entertaining their husbands. T h e affair was in the Blue R o o m of the York Hotel, b u t there was n o t h i n g blue about the festivities, the food or the1 fermented beverages the spouses of Baltimore's APA m e n served their guests. Mrs. Olivia Dixon, w h o is president of the Alpha Wives, greeted the guests, while Mrs. Mattie Connor, wife of Brother Dr. Miles C o n n o r , C o p p i n State T e a c h e r s ' College president, was c h a i r m a n of the affair. Also present to make their A l p h a husbands feel like they were "kings for the n i g h t " were Mesdames Catherine Adams, Eleanor Bracey, M a e Campbell, Audrey Davis, Louise Dennis, Margaret Driver; Also Ella Edemy, Lucile Fitzgerald, MAY,

1956

DELTA DELTA LAMBDA HOLDS INSTALLATION SERVICES Delta Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, West Palm Beach Florida, held its installation services at Payne Chapel A. M. E. Church on February 26. Guest speaker for the occasion was Brother Herman Edgecombe, brilliant young surgeon of Washington, D. C. Dr. Edgecombe gave an inspiring address. Officers installed were: Dr. Robert L. Smith, president; Edward Rodgers, Sr., vice-president; TJ. B. Kinsey. recording secretary; St. Elmo A. Greaux. corresponding secretary; Dr. Gartrell Gaines, associate editor to the Sphinx; Sgt. at arms, Warren Hawkins; parliamentarian, Russell Rayfield; chaplain. Linnie Coleman . . . Following the installation services, the guest of honor was entertained at the spacious home of the chapter's president. Dr. R. L. Smith. A delightful buffet supper was served and the Brothers enjoyed the informal wit of Dr. Edgecombe as much as they did his formal address . . . Delta Delta Lambda has repledged itself to a more aggressive program under the vigorous leadership of Dr. Smith and promises to make itself heard in the active circles of Alphadom.

Otyce Froe, Alma Gray, Hilda Hig gins, Maxine H i g g i n b o t h a m , Josephine Kimbers, Vashii Matthews, M. Francis Mackay: Also Mary Oliver, Mary Pitts, Rubye Walker, Jacqueline Watts, Hortense Winder, Grace Walker a n d Ellen Johns.

She's a junior at Howard University. # # # *

B R O T H E R DR. 1. B R A D S H A W H I G G I N S has been elected a delegate to the Interracial Baltimore City Med ical Society. A 'delegate', we are told, is comparable to a director or trustee. * * * # B R O T H E R W A L T E R G R A Y, B R O T H E R W A T E R S T H R P I N of mathemetician and statistician for the International Business Machine Co., Morgan State College, was his usual has been transferred from Poughkeepeloquent sell when he installed the new officers of Delta L a m b d a in their sie, N. V., to the concern's Washington offide, a move which greatly final meeting of 1955. pleases his wife. Alma, 31 miles away Brother Frank Ellis, in recent years in Baltimore. a familiar face at the national con* * # # ventions. was inducted as president, B R O T H E R J O H N J. O L I V E R , succeeding Brother T o m Hawkins. superintendent, Afro Others installed were Bruce Edemy, mechanical vice-president; Dr. Clifton Jones, cor- American Newspapers, attended a responding secretary; Dr. Frederic A. one week seminar of p r i n t i n g supervisors held by the American P u s s [ackson, financial secretary; Institute J a n . 2 9 - F e b . 4 at Columbia Also Frank Veney, treasurer; Cliff University, N. Y.C. \ \ . Mackay, associate editor to the # * # * S P H I N X ; Pierre Davis, sergeant-atB R O T H E R J O H N L. P R O C O P E ainis; Dr. Miles C o n n o r , chaplain; a n d Glendi Johns, member-at-large, exec- has resigned as superintendent of Baltimore's Provident Hospital to accept utive board. a similar position at the new Mercy* * * * B R O T H E R F R A N K W A L K E R , D o u g l a s s Hospital, Philadelphia. who manages the local branch of the Brother H o w a r d M u r p h y , Afro compN . C. M u t u a l Life Insurance Co., ac- troller, and president of the Provident companied by his wife, Rubye, a n d Hospital board, reported the institudaughter. N o r m a , m o t o r e d to Gran- tion d u r i n g 1955 m a d e its greatest ville, O h i o on Feb. 6 to enroll Norma progress, financially, in history. C L I F F W . MACKAY as an exchange student in Dennison Associate Editor to the S P H I N X University for the spring semester. PAGE

15


Beta Rho Is Ever On The Job R A L E I G H , N. C . - U n d e r the capable leadership of Brother Ivan Reynolds, President of Beta R h o C h a p t e r , we are looking toward a very successful year. Brother Reynolds is a member of the Pan-Hellenic Council, a Conner football a n d basketball player for the Shaw University " B e a r s " a n d a m e m b e r of the campus chapter of the N.A.A.C.P. We, the brothers of Beta R h o contribute largely to the leadership of the campus. Brother O t t i e West is President of the Student Council, vice-president of the Baptist Student Union, a m e m b e r of the Theological Fraternity and Men's Personnel Coun(il. a m e m b e r of the Student Christian Association a n d a m e m b e r of Who's W h o Among Students in American Universities a n d Colleges. Brother Frederick T e r r y is a junior in the School of Religion, a m e m b e r of the

Divinity C l u b a n d Theological Fraternity, a member of the Men's Personnel Council a n d former assistant to the Dean of Men, a m e m b e r of the track team, B.S.U., a n d the N.A.A.C.P. Brother Richie Cooke is a m e m b e r of the track team, financial secretary of the sophomore class, corresponding secretary of the B.S.U., a m e m b e r of the Student Council Constitution C o m m i t t e e , S. C. A., a n d a m e m b e r of the Journal stall and the University Chorale Society. Brother Paul W a r r e n is President of the Baptist Student U n i o n , Chaplain of the Stud e n t Council, President of the Junior Class, a m e m b e r of the Pan-Hellenic Council, a Junior Counsellor, a member of the State Student Legislature of N o r t h Carolina, social chairman of the Theological Fraternity, assistant to the Dean of Men, C h a i r m a n of Student Religious Life, Advisor to the

Student Council President a n d a member of W h o ' s W h o A m o n g Students in American Universities a n d Col leges. Brother W a r r e n has also been selected as T h i r d N a t i o n a l VicePresident of the Baptist Student Union and m e m b e r of the Executive C o m m i t t e e of the Ecumenical Conference of N o r t h Carolina. W i t h all these various positions, Brother Warten still finds time to serve o n three university committees. H e is a member of the committee on Chapel a n d Religious Life, counseling committee and the recruitment committee. Brother J o h n n y W a l k e r is a m e m b e r of the N.A.A.C.P., a m e m b e r of the baseball team a n d I n t r a m u r a l Basketball team. Brother W a l k e r also plays tackle for the Shaw University "Bears" along with Brother Comegys. Oilier members are: Brothers W a d e and Smith, H a r o l d M a r t i n , J. Logan, Oscar Fields a n d J o h n n y Moses. Beta R h o gazes with pride u p o n the achievements of Brothers W a r r e n a n d West w h o were n o m i n a t e d to this

CONVENTION HOTEL RATES SHERATON

HOTEL

HOTEL

Single Rooms $ 6 . 8 5 , $ 7 . 8 5 , $ 8 . 8 5 , $10.50 Double Rooms (double bed) $9.35 Double Rooms (twin beds) $10.35, $11.35, $12.35, $14.00 SUITES (Parlor and Bedroom) $12.00, $ 1 6 . 0 0 , $ 2 0 . 0 0 , $ 2 5 . 0 0 , $30.70 R O l t A W A Y BED, each $3.00 FAMILY PLAN (no charge for children under 14 w h e n accompanied by parent.)

HOTEL Single Doubles Twins Suite, Single or Double

LAFAYETTE $5.00, $ 6 . 0 0 , $ 6 . 5 0 , $ 7 . 5 0 , $ 8 . 0 0 , $9.00 $ 9 . 5 0 , $ 1 0 . 5 0 , $ 1 1 . 0 0 , $ 1 1 . 5 0 , $12.00 $ 1 0 . 0 0 , $ 1 1 . 0 0 , $ 1 2 . 0 0 , $13.00 $ 2 2 . 0 0 , $34.00

STATLER

TOURAINE

ROOMS WITH SHARING BATHS: Single Double Twin ROOMS W I T H PRIVATE BATH: Single Double Twin SUITES: Bedroom, parlor, bath Bedrooms, parlor, bath, 3 persons Bedrooms, parlor, bath, 4 persons

HOTEL

$6.00, $ 6 . 5 0 , $ 7 . 0 0 , $ 7 . 5 0 , $8.00, $8.50, 9 . 0 0 , $ 9 . 5 0 , $ 1 0 . 0 0 , $11.00 Double, with Tub and Shower $9.00, $ 9 . 5 0 , $ 1 0 . 0 0 , $ 1 0 . 5 0 , $11.00, $ 1 1 . 5 0 , $ 1 2 . 0 0 , $ 1 2 . 5 0 , $ 1 3 . 0 0 , $14.00 Twin Beds, with Tub and Shower $ 1 0 . 0 0 , $ 1 1 . 0 0 , $ 1 1 . 5 0 , $12.50, $ 1 3 . 0 0 , $ 1 4 . 0 0 , $ 1 5 . 0 0 , $16.00 Studio-Type Room — For one $ 7 . 5 0 , $ 1 4 . 0 0 , $ 1 5 . 0 0 , $16.00 For t w o - $ 1 4 . 0 0 , $ 1 5 . 0 0 , $16.00 More than t w o persons in one room: the Double rate plus $3.00 per day for each additional person. Suites — Living room. Bedroom, Bath — For one $24.00 For t w o — Double Bed, $ 2 7 . 0 0 ; Twin Beds, $ 3 0 . 0 0 , $37.00

$5.00, $5.50, $6.50 $7.50, $8.00, $8.50 $ 9 . 0 0 , $10.00 $12.00 $13.50 $17.50

STUYVESANT

Singles Twins Suites

HOTEL

$3.50, $4.00, $4.50 $6.00, $6.50 $7.50, $8.00

$8.00 te $11.00 $ 1 2 . 0 0 to $17.00 $ 1 8 . 0 0 to $25.00

Single, with Tub and Shower

HOTEL BUFFALO Singles, $4.25 up

Doubles, $ 7 . 5 0 up

Twins, $ 9 . 5 0 up

HOTEL

HOTEL LENOX

KENTON MANOR COURT Singles, $6.00 up

Doubles, $ 8 . 0 0 up

Twins, $ 9 . 0 0 up

PLEASE M A K E PAGE

16

RICHFORD

ROOM FOR ONE PERSON Without Bath (with Running Water) $ 3.25 With Connecting Bath (Shower) S3.50-3.75 with TV 4.25 With Private Bath (Shower) $4.25 (Radio-$4.50) with TV 4.75 With Private Bath (Tub and Shower) (Radio-$5..25J with TV 5.50 ROOM FOR TWO PEOPLE - DOUBLE OR TWIN BEDS Without Bath (with Running Water) No Twin Beds 5.75 With Connecting Bath (Shower) $6.75 with TV 7.25 With Connecting Bath (Shower), Twin Beds $7.00 with TV 7.50 With Private Bath (Shower), Radio $7.75 with TV 8.00 With Private Bath (Shower), Radio, Twin Beds 8.25 With Private Bath (Tub and Shower), Radio $8.00 with TV 8.25 With Private Bath (Tub Shower), TV and Twin Beds 8.50 With Private Bath (Tub and Shower), Suite TV (2) $9.50 (3) $11.00 (4) 12.50 ROLL-AWAY BED FOR ADDITIONAL PERSON 1.50 With Private Bath (Shower), TV, (3) $9.50 - (4) 11.50 FAMILY PLAN - CHILDREN UNDER 14 FREE

Singles, $6.00 up

RESERVATIONS

Doubles, $8.50 up

Twins, $9.00 up

DIRECT THE

SPHINX


year's edition of W h o ' s W h o A m o n g Students in American Universities and Colleges. T h i s is the second lime Brother West has been bestowed this honor. Along with Beta R h o ' s participation in campus leadership it has enforced new ideas here. T w o smokers were held; one for Freshmen and one for Upperclassmen. Both events were very successful. Also in the Homecoming parade, Beta R h o boasted having the prettiest float ever viewed in a H o m e c o m i n g P a r a d e here at Shaw University. A l t h o u g h n o awards w i r e given we were q u i t e sure we would have copped the first place award. O u r float was graced with the "Sweetheart of Beta R h o " , Miss Margaret Rascoe, w h o is a m e m b e r of the Alpha K a p p a Alpha Sorority and a senior of Windsor, N o r t h Carolina. Miss Eleanor Long, a j u n i o r of Charlotte, N o r t h Carolina and a m e m b e r of the Ivy Leaf C l u b also graced the float as the "Sphinx Sweetheart". T h e theme of o u r float was A P h i A . . . " T h e Light of the World." Beta R h o introduced four young men to the greatness of A l p h a d o m . T h e s e four m e n experienced a very successful probation. A l t h o u g h small in n u m b e r these four men possessed "good ole' Alpha spirit" a n d pi oduced five new songs. T h e s e four m e n are Brothers Paul Comegys of C a m d e n , New Jersey, Richie Cooke of East Orange, N e w Jersey, H a r o l d M a r t i n of Brooklyn, New York, and J o h n n y Walker, of Montclair, New Jersey. T h e pledge club of Beta R h o u n d e r the able hands of the Dean of Pledges and assistances from all the brothers n u m b e r twelve strong. W e boast having the largest pledge club on the campus. T h e s e S p h i n x m e n are all very active in campus activities. Brother Nichols is now an instructor at H o w a r d University, Washington, D. C , a n d working on his M. S. degree. Brothers Burke, Cherry a n d Savage are all teaching high school science a n d Brother Burke is doing g r a d u a t e work in the field of medicine. Brother Nichols served as President of b o t h H o n o r Societies; Alpha Kappa Mtt a n d Beta K a p p a Chi. N o w plans are being processed for our activities this year. Yes, Beta R h o is ever "on the j o b " in exemplifying manly deeds, scholarship a n d leadership. • Smack! A jeweler's absent-minded assistant was being married. When it came time to present the bride with the ring, he hesitated. "With this ring—" prompted the minister. "With this ring," said the bridegroom, "we give a written guarantee, reminding the customer that the price will be refunded if it is not as represented." MAY,

1956

Lovely Miss Karin H. Carpenter, 5933 Larchwood Ave.. Philadelphia, (including address Brothers) is given a bouquet of roses by Brother Frankie Dee. National Sales Representative lor Melrose Distillers Company. Miss Carpenter was crowned queen by Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity during their annual sweetheart dance at the Imperial Ballroom. Brother Dee is on the National Public Relations staff of Alpha Phi Alpha. Inc.. and is a life member of the fraternity.

Southern Vice-President Speaks P I N E B L U F F , A r k . - D e l t a Sigma L a m b d a chapter collaborated w i t h G a m m a Delta chapter in pausing to celebrate the birth of Alpha P h i Alpha. Early in the year o u r fine a n d faithful Brother Louis O. Swingler, of Memphis, served as our spokesman. His well-prepared address was delivered effectively a n d was well received, but h e was sorely missed in the evening as he was u n a b l e to effect satisfactory r e t u r n i n g connections hed h e r e m a i n e d for the smoker t e n d e r e d G a m m a Delta chapter in the evening. T h i s event proved so successful a n d the satisfaction expressed over it so general, t h a t it has been decided tp make it a p e r m a n e n t p a r t of o u r annual program.

Delta Sigma L a m b d a was recipient of a special invitation graciously ext e n d e d by Saint James Methodist C h u r c h to meet a n d greet Brother W . M. Clair, Bishop, Methodist Epis copal C h u r c h , at a social h o u r at the church. Brothers Jackson a n d Shepard b r o u g h t back a glowing account of the "doings in Chicago." It is o u r desire a n d intention to play adequately o u r role in the national program c u l m i n a t i n g in the golden jubilee in Buffalo-Ithaca. Despite losses in membership over the past year, we are sponsoring an earnest reclamation p r o g r a m , a n d have restored o u r membership to last year's figure. PAGE

17


Alphas

Observe

DAYTONA BEACH. Florida-Delta Beta C h a p t e r of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity observed Founders' Day on Sunday, December 4, 1955. The Brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha, the Bethune-Cookman College family, and the visitors present at the observance on Sunday w e n very fortunate to hear Brother Dr. T h u r m a n W. Stanback as our guest speaker. I know the critical readers of this article have already noted the use of the word " f o r t u n a t e " in the above statement. T h i s statement, however, is no error in thought or lack of analysis as could easily be ascertained by tin prolonged applause of his audience. "A Revitalized Philosophy for Man in the Hydrogen Age", Dr. Stanback's address dealt with the importance of true brotherhood. Not just brothel hood in a particular social or fraternal group, but brotherhood in the world making all men brothers. He illustrated how world unification <OIIId be achieved with the proper practices of love, understanding, and faith. T h e s e and any other qualities of b r o t h e r h o o d can only be manifested if the individual has a sincere desire for peace and harmony with his fellowmen. I b i s commendable address was concluded with a quotation which originated with o u r late dear Dr. Bethune. "You could never sink too low that I would not reach down a n d pull you u p ; you could never rise so high that I would not reach u p a n d push you higher." In conclusion of the Founders' Day

Founders'Day observance, the "Quizters' Show" was presented on Monday, December 5, with Arthur C. Eulin, president of Delta Beta, officiating as the Quizmaster of the enjoyable show. Highlights of the show included prizes for the contestants, flowers a n d loads of h u m o r streaming from the Quizmaster. T h e striving and loyal members of (he Sphinx C l u b became brothers in Alpha on November 17, 1955. T h i s was a very unforgettable occasion for Prince B. Oliver, Jr., T e d Nichols, a n d John T . Saunders. Filled with a burning desire and the fortitude of true Sphinxnien, these members, once in the club, looked neither backward nor to the right or left, b u t straight ahead toward the goal which they were seeking. W i t h this unfaltering stride they courageously reached their goal and are now brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. BROTHER TED NICHOLS Editor-to-Sphinx Warning Tired of being a widower, terrible-tempered Farmer Brown went to town, picked out a wife, married her, turned Dobbin around, and drove homeward. Dobbin stumbled. "That's once," said the farmer. A little later the horse stumbled again. "That's twice," said the farmer. When Dobbin stumbled again, he said, "That's three times." pulled out a gun and shot the horse dead. "You heartless brute", screamed the bride, slapping him hard in the face. He looked at her for a moment, then said, "That's once."

ZETA LAMBDA CHAPTER WELCOMES . . . From left to right, are: John T. Brown, instructor at Huntington High; Daniel L. Jordan, special agent of the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, and William T. Boykins. Manager of the Harbor Homes Housing Development, shown receiving their Shield from Frank D. Jackson. Chapter President. PAGE

18

Xi Chapter Begins Year With Annual Smoker W T I . B E R F O R C E , O h i o - X i chapter began its forty-fourth year with the a n n u a l smoker for freshmen and new students. A very enlightening speech was delivered by Brother (Dr.) Charles I.. Hill, president of Wilberforce University. A wonderful time was had by all. In i n t r a m u r a l football Xi chapter was undefeated. W e are now looking forward to intramural basketball a n d Softball. Xi chapter began observance of the semi-centennial of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity with a pre semi-centennial program. T h e speaker was the Midwestern Vice-President Brother C. Anderson Davis. As Wilberforce University is observing its centennial, Brother Davis wove the achievements a n d purposes of both institutions into a most interesting and inspiring address. D u r i n g the winter q u a r t e r the ranks of the Sphinx C l u b were swelled by twelve. T h e men of the Sphinx C l u b are promising future Alphas. Also d u r i n g the winter q u a r t e r the second a n n u a l " N i g h t of Stars" program was presentee!. T h e " N i g h t of Stars" is designed to present the cultural talent of Wilberforce University a n d vicinity. In effort to encourage scholarship Xi chapter will present certificates of h o n o r for scholastic a t t a i n m e n t to the highest r a n k i n g seniors of East High School, Xenia, O h i o . On the social order Xi is preparing for an all school dance in March a n d a joint ball with the AKAs in J u n e . Six members of Xi chapter are contemplating graduation this J u n e . Brothers Robert I,. Pruitt, a history major from Sheridan, Pa. is president of Xi chapter, a n d assistant pastor of the campus chapel. Booker T . T h o m as is a m a t h major from McRoberts, Kentucky. H e is vice-president a n d dean of pledges of Xi chapter, president of the G e r m a n Society, business manager of the Forcean Sear Book Staff, vice-president of the senior class, and a member of the Dean's special committee on student-faculty a n d personnel relations, and mathematics assistant. C. Ovid T r o u t h is secretary of Xi chapter, president of the Biology C l u b , soloist of the University Choir, chaplain of student council, chairman of the committee on r e c r u i t m e n t of the N A A C P , m e m b e r of G e r m a n Society, m e m b e r of the Dean's special committee, a n d chaplain of the senior class. T r o u t h hails from Jamaica, B. W . I. a n d is a biology major. I. V. T a l b o t of Chicago, 111. is a history major, chaplain of the student counTHE

SPHINX


Brothers of Epsilon Delta Lambda Chapter with their wives or sweethearts all in Talladega. Alabama.

cil, a n d a m e m b e r of the G e r m a n Society. Charles C. Collins of New Orleans, La., a theological student of Payne Seminary, is chaplain of Xi chapter, chaplain of the University choir, president of the Dramatics C l u b , a n d secretary of the senior class of Payne Seminary. Richard C. Bean of Cleveland, O h i o is a political science major a n d a m e m b e r of the Pre-Law Council. T o these o u r g r a d u a t i n g brothers, we w h o arc left to carry the torch of A l p h a P h i Alpha, a n d have been taught so nobly to d o so by you who are going forth into the world to cont i n u e its glow t h r o u g h service, we pay you this tribute in p r i n t e d words. "Fate ordains that dearest friends must part." " T o preserve a friend three things are necessary: to h o n o r h i m present, praise h i m absent, a n d assist him in his necessities." Men of Xi, Brothers of A l p h a Phi Alpha, with forty-four years b e h i n d us we march forth toward o u r fortyfifth year with this in m i n d . First of all, servants of all, we shall transcend all. Best wishes to all of o u r brothers, for a prosperous summer vacation, a n d we'll see you in Buffalo. H E N R Y R. R O S E M O N Editor-to-Sphinx

N e w Chapters DES M O I N E S , Iowa - Dr. J. S. Chandler, Southwest Vice-President, was here February 19 to officially present the charter to the members of Zeta K a p p a L a m b d a chapter. Brother C h a n d l e r b r o u g h t a stirring challenge to the m e n of Zeta K a p p a L a m b d a and left them with a keener MAY,

1956

insight into the position of Alpha Phi Alpha in the immediate c o m m u n i t y , state and in the world of today. The Alpha spirit was further typified by the presence of brothers from Beta Xi L a m b d a chapter of O m a h a , Nebraska. T h o s e present were Regional director Brother Grice, Brothers E. V. Brown, E. H. Brown, B o n n e r a n d Pierson. T h e program for the day included a closed meeting, a banquet for brothers and wives at one of Des Moines'

finest hotels followed by a social h o u r at which time the out of town brothers and guests from the o t h e r Greek organizations were entertained. C h a r t e r members of Zeta Kappa L a m d b a are Brothers: Lewis A. James, President; Everett Mays, Vice-President; M. S. Clinton, Sec.-Treas.; fohn H u n t e r , J. G. Mason, H e n r y T . M c k n i g h t , S. J. Williamson, William A. Anderson, LaVannes Squires.

The 5 0 t h Anniversary Sphinx BIG CONVENTION ISSUE AUGUST 1 9 5 6 (Deadline Date June 10th — Pictures and Stories)

Dedicated To Our Seven Jewels SPECIAL FEATURES: • • • • • • • • •

ALPHA PHI ALPHA, INC. ACHIEVEMENTS DURING PAST 50 YEARS Recognition of Past Presidents and Officers Personal Achievements of Brothers Historical Information Our Court Record for First Class Citizenship Undergraduate Developments 50 Years of Frat Fun Contributions — The Field of Athletics ALPHA PHI ALPHA LOOKS FORWARD - 100 YEARS AND MANY OTHER BREATH TAKING NOTES ON OUR FIRST FIFTY YEARS.

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19


Lincoln University Honors Publisher of the Defender JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.-Frank L. Stanley, Editor-Publisher of the Louisville Defender and General President ol Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., was given an award by Lincoln University for outstanding accomplishments in Journalism. The citation of merit foi contributions to better human relations was issued at the University's eighth Annual Headliner Week banquet, where Stanley was the principal speaker. Other citees were William O. Walker. Editor of the Cleveland Call-Post and Irving Williamson, Advertising Manager of the St. Louis Argus. Five publications and a news gathering agency were also honored: T h e St. Louis Post Dispatch, Redbook, Life Magazine, The New York Post, Reader's Digest, and The City News Bureau of Chicago. The citation presented to Publisher Stanley by Lincoln's acting president, Earl E. Dawson, read:

In recognition of his achievement as a newspaper writer, editor and publisher of the Louisville Defender, which he made into a formidable voice in behalf of under-privileged minorities in the state of Kentucky. For his enduring interest in the importance of combined newspaper strength in pressing for reform of the seamier side of American life, for a devoted concern with the education of the young and their adjustment to American life, and for stable organizational abilities and administrative skill that have led to creditable contributions to his own community, to the weekly press association, to the state, and to the nation. In accepting the award Stanley said, "It is with deep humility and great pride that I accept this coveted honor on behalf of my co-workers and loving family who are mainly responsible for this recognition. Earlier in addressing the integrated

Our President Selected for Journalism Award Mr. Frank L. Stanley, Editor Louisville Defender 714 West Chestnut Street Louisville 1, Kentucky Dear Mr. Stanley: It is my privilege to inform you that you have beeni selected by the Department of Journalism and the University Board of Curators to receive one of the fifth annual "Citations in Journalism" from Lincoln University. The award will be made at the annual Headliner Week Banquet, Wednesday, April 18, 1956, at 8 p. m. in the University Cafeteria. This award was established by the University "in order to encourage and recognize high achievement, high purpose, and exemplary practice in the field of journalism and in order to further the pursuit of high ethical standards in the profession." Each recipient of the award is to be "a journalist from within or outside the continental United States who has gained distinction in serving the public and in improving human relations, and shall be one who has made creditable contributions to the field of journalism." We feel you are deserving of this distinction and are proud to confer the award upon you. We would like to have you deliver the principal message at the banquet meeting, when you are to receive the award. Please let me know soon if you accept this invitation to be with us in April. Sincerely yours, Armistead S. Pride Chairman, Department of Journalism Lincoln University

audience of students, teachers, government officials, and representatives of press, radio and television, Stanley admonished. "Because no other medium is so possessively dear to people and none operates more closely to the fundamentals of life, our great American press must ever be concerned about the freedom and security of every American . . . and most articulate on the problems of our time." Stanley continued, "A m e ric a n Journalism is replete with famous warriors in the public's interest, who, true to their heritage of birth, in passion and protest dedicated themselves to the welfare of all people." Stanley charged the press with the responsibility of "seeing beyond its own social and economic oriental ion to the whole public in keeping the issue of social equality clear and refusing to let reactionaries cloud or hog the picture." •

Bro. Samuel F. Howell Honored With Trophy ATLANTA, Ga.-Brother Samuel F. Howell, Manager of the Tallahassee Branch of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, was presented a trophy lor the Regional "Manager Of The Year" at a Managers-Cashiers conference held in Miami, Florida, March 18-20. Brother Howell was initiated into Alpha Phi Chapter, Clark College, January 16, 1932. He was an instructor at a State School at Forsyth, Georgia for one year. He served as Assistant on the Tampa and Mobile branches. He managed the Daytona Beach and Tallahassee where he is presently employed. Except for the time he served in the army, 1942-45, he has been employed by Atlanta Life since 1935. •

Eastern Prexy (Continued from Page 13) ginia. You will understand, then, the joy which was his in accepting the invitation of Zeta Lambda chapter in< Newport News and serving as the speaker for the chapter's annual banquet held on Sunday afternoon, March eleventh. A feature of the banquet was the presentation of three new Alpha brothers who had been initiated the night before. The Newport News chapter is proud of the role it has served as "Mother chapter" for chapters which have been established in Hampton, Portsmouth and Suffolk. Brother Frank D. Jackson, an official of the Crown Savings Bank, Newport News, is the President of the chapter. THE SPHINX


Zeta Lambda Chapter Booms With Activity NEWPORT NEWS, V a - T h e praises of the many great men o# our fraternity are often sung but little notice is given the progress of the various chapters which are responsible for the successful continuance of those principles which have made Alpha Phi Alpha what it is today. Zeta Lambda is a graduate chapter. composed of brothers who represent many cities by virtue of their birth, many colleges and universities by their training, and a wealth of knowledge and experience acquired in the use of their skills and techniques in their respective occupations and professions. In the true spirit of Alpha, and in keeping with our national program we have sought to get many citizens of our city qualified to vote. It is our desire that the results of our efforts will reflect favorably in the coming councilmanic election to which Brother W. Hale Thompson is a candidate subject to the April Primary. At the General Convention we were represented by Brother O. H. Smith who vowed to never miss another Alpha Convention. On March 10th three new brothers were added to the fold: John T . Brown, Instructor, Huntington High School, Daniel L. Jordon, Spedial Agent of the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, and William T. Boykins, manager of the Harbor Homes Housing Development. Our thanks to the Brothers of Gamma Iota Chapter of Hampton Institute, Beta Delta Lambda of Hampton, and to Brother D e i JÂŁ C. Fentress of Alpha 1'hi Lambda, Norfolk, the Regional Director'of Eastern Division, who assisted us. On Sunday following the initiation a banquet was held in the Laurel Room, Cosmos Inn with J. Rupert Picott, Eastern Vice-President of the fraternity and Executive Secretary of the Virginia Teachers Association, as guest speaker for the occasion. Zeta Lambda Chapter was entertained with a Pie-Valentine Party by the Alpha wives in the Yacht Room of the Dochiki Club on February 12th. This was truly a treat to be long remembered. Plans are being made for the observance of Education for Citizenship Week, April 23rd to 30th. Brother Noel Pleasants is program chairman. To climax our social events for the year, we are planning a Black and White Ball in the late Spring. RONALD H. PRIDE Editor-to-the-Sphinx MAY,

1956

BROTHER EXCELS IN CHEMISTRY Brother John Mack Taylor, right, whose hometown is Louisville, Kentucky, is a senior at Central State College, where he has completed a cycle of thirteen awards in the last three years. This outstanding chemistry major's awards include those from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, of which he is a member, Kappa Alpha Psi. Omega Psi Phi, and an S800 scholarship from the National Science Foundation. Dr. E. O. Woolfolk. left, head of the Department of Chemistry and the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, is presenting the award to the outstanding senior in chemistry, given by the Dayton section ol the American Chemical Society . . . The grandson of Mrs. Beulah Taylor, Brother Taylor has exhibited his ability and versatility in participating in various campus organizations. While a member of Beta Kappa Chi and president of American Chemical Society at Central State, John also is an associate justice of the Student Court; and a distinguished military student. He also headed the ritual committee oi Delta Xi.

Big 50th Anniversary SPHINX TWO POSITIVE DEADLINE DATES JUNE 10, 1956

Pictures and Stories

JUNE 15, 1956

Advertising Copy

SEND PICTURES AND STORIES NOW! PAGE 21


Report From Midwest Leadership Training and Planning Conference C H I C A G O , I l l . - T h c meeting was opened with prayer by the R e v e r e n d Brother C. Anderson Davis, Mid-West Vice-President. Brother M e 1 v i n Brown of the Beta Eta c h a p t e r acted as Secretary. 11 chapters were represented. and we were very pleased witli the presence of our National President Brother Frank Stanley, a n d o u r General Secretary, Brother James E. H u ger. The Vice-President gave the o p e n i n g remarks of the meeting. H e said thai the purpose of the m e e t i n g was to examine the program a n d methods of the fraternity a n d to m a k e plans for carrying on a more active a n d vital program that would reach into the local c o m m u n i t y a n d each brother. H e further stated, that brotherhood and fraternity are sacred words and should be regarded by every brother of Alpha Phi A l p h a , a n d that unless the program and purpose of Alpha reaches the local c o m m u n i t y and is meaningful to the individual brother, it has no- need for existence.

Some Procedures for Best Results Brother H u g e r discussed some procedures for best results. H e asked that chapter secretaries identify the brothers in sending in grand taxes, send his initiation fees and card n u m b e r , as well as his present affiliation. He asked that the names of all brothers who are leaving the chapters be sent to the General Secretary with his new address, a n d chapter. Brother H u g e r suggested that all secretaries be more careful in filling o u t initiation forms, a n d that they be read more carefully, a n d that all probates be given a physical examination before initiation. T h e r e was a suggestion that brothers on g r a d u a t i o n from college should be given complimentary pass cards; this would help in keeping u p with the brothers who g r a d u a t e a n d take u p residence in other communities. It was suggested that the Regional C o n v e n t i o n give more time to discussion of problems arising in the Region

C. ANDERSON DAVIS Mid-West Vice-President

a n d that each Regional Director should point out the problems of his legion and make this the basis of discussion at the Regional Convention. T h a t each chapter be asked to send in recommendations for the General Convention, and that those recommendations be circulated to the local chapters for approval. Ritual

Editor of Sphinx Joins The UnitedNegroCollegeFundStaff N E W YORK, N . Y. April 2 5 - W . Barton Beatty, Jr., has accepted a p e r m a n e n t a p p o i n t m e n t to the fundraising staff of the U n i t e d N e g r o College Fund it was a n n o u n c e d today by W. J. T r e n t , Jr., U N C F executive director. Mr. Beatty, w h o has been on leave from his post as Public Relations Director of Hampton Institute, H a m p t o n , Virginia, has been acting regional director for the F u n d for O h i o and parts of Pennsylvania since March, 1955. H e will now direct this work on a p e r m a n e n t basis, with headquarters in Cleveland, O h i o . T h e United Negro College F u n d ' s 1956 campaign in support of its 31 member colleges has a goal of $2,000,000. A well-known figure in the public relations field, Mr. Beatty's backg r o u n d includes almost a decade spent with Young Men's Christian Associations in Dallas a n d Detroit, a n d h e brings to his new position a wide administrative knowledge of guidance and personnel. From 1938 to 1942, Mr. Beatty served as Boys W o r k Secretary of the

PAGE 22

St. A n t o i n e Branch, YMCA, in Detroit, a n d then joined the Mooreland Branch, YMCA, Dallas, Texas, as Executive Secretary, a post he occupied until 1946. In that year, he joined the staff of H a m p t o n Institute as Public Relations Director, remaining there for a period of ten years. W h i l e at H a m p t o n , Mr. Beatty served as Secretary of the Institute from 1951 to 1953. Mr. Beatty is a g r a d u a t e of Fisk University, one of the 31 member colleges of the United Negro College Fund.

Delinquency

Talk

C L E V E L A N D , O h i o - B r o t h e r Oscar W . Ritchie, Kent State University psychologist, will speak on the social science a p p r o a c h to juvenile delinquency. He addressed the Suburban Psychologists' a n n u a l d i n n e r meeting in Glendale Elementary School, Bedford. Ritchie is assistant professor of sociolog vat Kent State.

and Pledge

Week

Brother Alfred D. Grayson, Regional Director of the 10th District of Indiana lead a discussion o n the Ritual a n d Pledge Week. Excerpts of his remarks were as follows: "I believe that a brief study of the physical n a t u r e of the Sphinx of Gaza in Egypt and also an historical study of the Sphinx would qualify the candidate for a better u n d e r s t a n d i n g of o u r Motto. T h i s study should be made after the m a n or boy has been selected for m e m b e r s h i p i n t o the Sphinx C l u b . (See item on first page of Ritual.) " N o w let us briefly consider selection a n d pledging new members. Section 1, page 3, definitely states when we should approach, a n d who should interview prospects for the Sphinx Club. I believe, and recommend that we, in the Mid-West, should adopt a policy (to be sponsored by graduate chapters) of sponsoring a party or smoker, to acquaint graduating male students, who expect to go to college, on how to adjust themselves to college life a n d what is expected of them in college. T h i s in effect would live u p to a part of our M o t t o : SERVA N T S O F A L L . T h i s may h e l p to influence minds w i t h o u t coercion. "Section 3, page 3, gives the basic results desired of men w h o meet the prerequisites of Alpha. I believe, if my u n d e r s t a n d i n g is logical, the deT H E SPHINX


sired qualities of a m a n as far as the fraternity is concerned, are the same in Wisconsin as in West Virginia, in other words, positive answers when analyzed are based on the m a n primarily, not on where he lives or where he is from. T h i s , I believe, and recomm e n d a basic standard set of questions should be worked out to have candidates answer in writing in addition to an oral interview by three members of the R u s h Committee. Additional questions may be added to get a better insight on the candidate. Basic questions must be answered clearly and directly. At this point, personalities of the candidates must be carefully considered, since the membership must be satisfied, as well as the candidate when he becomes a bonafide member. T h e r e must b e a comm o n g r o u n d of u n d e r s t a n d i n g and an unselfish, purposeful aim if he (the candidate) is ever to grow in the Brotherhood by the spirit of the fraternity. " N o w let us review Section 7, page 4, Note C, in regards to the order of initiation. I believe a n d recommend that the oath of secrecy should be printed in Section 1, O r d e r of initiation page 5, not where it is now. "In Section lfi, page 9,1 recommend that incidents a n d lessons of the initiation should be clearly rewritten a n d inserted here. " I n Section 17, I recommend that the reading of the General a n d Chapter Constitutions should be read at the next regular meeting of the chapter. And in their place the entire Ritual should be read. "I recommend the reading of the 4th C h a p t e r of Ephesians to include the following: —"I beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. W i t h all lowliness a n d meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one a n o t h e r in love. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the b o n d of peace. . . . Let all bitterness a n d wrath, a n d danger, a n d clamour, and evil speaking, be p u t away from you, with all malice. And be ye k i n d to one another, forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Some Methods To Be Used In Our Program of Reclamation I. Social Programs, 2. Personal contact. 3. Appoint reclamation committee in each chapter. 4. Compile list of all inactive brothers in the community or on the campus. Send copies to the Regional Vice-President and the General Secretary. 5. W o r k o u t a plan whereby each active brother will be responsi-

MAY, 1956

li. 7.

8.

!).

ble for bringing in one or more inactive brothers. Send personal invitation to each inactive brother. T h e Auxiliary Wives' organization can help in renewing interest of inactive brothers—quite often the wife will be interested in having her h u s b a n d active so that she may participate in the Social activities of the Fraternity. Put the question before the brother asking him why he became a member of Alpha, and if he wants to be classed as a backslider. T h i s type of approach can be used on some brothers. Ask the brother if he knows that special recognition will be given to his chapter at the Buffalo Convention.

Public

Relations

Better Public Relations can help the inactive brothers. All information that is worth publicizing should be sent to (he General Secretary so that ii may be made available to the Public Relations Committee. Chapters should make more use of the Sphinx magazine. Every local chapter should work o u t its own m e t h o d of Public Relations, and by all means see to it that there is a good program. We have lost financial brothers in the Midwest Region for the last two or three years. Last year we lost 42 u n d e r g r a d u a t e brothers and 206 graduate brothers from o u r Financial Rolls. T h i s is appalling. We must do something to start our membership on the upward move.

50th Anniversary Convention Brothers in Alpha: The 50th Anniversary Convention is almost here—From all indications it will be the greatest ever held. Brothers from all over the world will be in Buffalo for the reunion of Alpha men—A review of the past 50 years and dedicated thinking and planning for the next 50 years. It is our hope that more than 3,000 Alpha men and their families will be present for this historic meeting.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS By authority of the General Constitution, Article IX, Section 6, I hereby announce the time and place of the 42nd General Convention (50th Anniversary Celebration) of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Time: August 7-11, 1956

Place: Hotel Statler, Buffalo, New York

By authority of the General Constitution, Article XVII. Section 2, I hereby announce that all proposed amendments to the General Constitution shall be filed with the General Secretary sixty (60- days before the next General Convention announced above.

RESERVATIONS Brothers are urged to return the preconvention survey card and to write directly to the hotel for reservations. The hotels are: HOTEL STATLER. Niagara Square: HOTEL BUFFALO, Washington and Swan: HOTEL LAFAYETTE. Washington and Clinton: HOTEL SHERATON, 715 Delaware Avenue: HOTEL TOURAINE. 274 Delaware Avenue; Kenton Manor Court. 2075 Shreidan Drive (Motel). AGAIN, PLEASE WRITE DIRECTLY TO THE HOTELS FOR RESERVATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

SPECIAL NOTE T O UNDERGRADUATES (Singers) We are seeking undergraduates planning to attend the convention who are in various singing groups—It is our hope to have an Alpha singing group made up of undergrads under the direction of an outstanding conductor. Chapters arc urged to send in such names as soon as possible in order that we might complete our plans in this area.

50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF T H E SPHINX lune 10th is the deadline for the materials for the Golden Sphinx to be in—Let us urge chapters to send in their materials as soon as possible in order that this special edition will be a success.

REGIONAL CONVENTIONS The brothers in Newark. New lersey did themselves proud in entertaining the Eastern Regional last weekend. Our hat is off to them. Come July 6th and 7th Portland, Ore., with all Alpha men, will be host to the Western Regional at the same time of the NEA meeting. Many educational brothers will be attending the NEA, therefore. Brother S. P. DeBose and his staff extend to all visiting brothers an invitation to enjoy the program of Alpha Phi Alpha in Portland.


receive the degree of Specialist in Education from that institution. The degree was awarded in 1954. . . . Brother Jeffress' numerous activities and accomplishments are outlined as follows:

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY

BROTHER EARL D. THOMAS Beta Lambda, Kansas City

BROTHER JAMES A. JEFFRESS Eeta Lambda, Kansas City

Kansas City Alphas Salute Two Brothers in Field of Education Beta Lambda Chapter ol Greater Kansas City proudly salutes two brothers in the Field of Education. T h e y are, left to right, Brother Earl D. Thomas, principal of Lincoln H i g h School a n d Brother James A. Jeffress, teacher of mathematics at Lincoln High. Brother Earl D. T h o m a s , principal <il the Lincoln H i g h School, was awarded the Doctor of Education degree at the University of Kansas in October, 1955. According to the director of secondary education for the Kansas City public schools, Dr. T h o m a s is the I it st principal of a senior high school in the history of Kansas City to achieve this distinction. Dr. T h o m a s is currently in his 37th year as a teacher a n d administrator in public schools. H e received his bachelor of philosophy and his master of arts degrees from the University of Chicago, going there after g r a d u a t i n g from Sumoei High School in Kansas City, Kansas. Brother T h o m a s began his teaching career in Springfield, Missouri in 1918. He came to the Kansas City school district as a teacher of industrial arts at the W e n d e l l Phillips School in 1921. H e organized the school at the [ackson County Parental H o m e in 1925, a n d was transferred to Lincoln High School in 1928. In 1933, the Kansas City school distt iit granted Brother T h o m a s a leave PAGE

24

ol absence to assist in organizing the Paul Lawrence D u n b a r H i g h School, in Dayton, O h i o , the first high school under Negro administration in the stan of Ohio. H e served as vice-principal of that school until called back to Kansas City in 1936 to organize the R. T . Coles Vocational a n d J u n i o r High School, a n d to become its first principal. H e became principal of the Lincoln H i g h School and dean of the Lincoln J u n i o r College in 1947. In addition to being a staunch member of Beta L a m b d a a n d Alpha Phi Alpha, Dr. T h o m a s is a director of the city-wide Y.M.C.A. and a m e m b e r of the committee of m a n a g e m e n t of the Paseo Branch Y.M.C.A. H e is a member of the Kansas City Commission on H u m a n Relations a n d a trustee of the Kansas City Museum. H e is a director of the Greater Kansas City Mental H e a l t h F o u n d a t i o n , a n d a director of the Kansas City Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. H e is also a m e m b e r of the Sigma Pi Phi and Phi Delta Kappa fraternities, and the Research Academy of Greater Kansas City. Dr. T h o m a s is the son of Mrs. Julia A. Thomas of Kansas City, Kansas. H e is m a r r i e d to the former A n n e Jenkins, a m e m b e r of the board of directors of the N a t i o n a l Y.W.C.A. He has one daughter, Mrs. A n n Elizabeth Carter, designer for Longee's, Inc., Brooklyn, N e w York. Brother James A. Jeffress is recognized by the University of Kansas as the first to

Corresponding Secretary, Beta Lambda Chapter, Past Chapter President, "Alpha Man of the Year" (1950), Educational Achievement Award (1954), General Convention Program Chairman (1940. 1950), Compiler of Alpha Songs (1948), Former Regional Director of Education, Chairman of Regional and National Committee on Recommendations (1951), Regional Director (1956). Y. M. C. A. Past Chairman of Committee of Management, Paseo Department; "Service To Youth" Silver Plaque Award (1953). BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA Skipper. Explorer Troop, Ship 5293, Past District Commissioner, Scoutmasters Key. Order of the Silver Beaver (1954), "Tribe of Mic-o-say" (1955). THE AMERICAN LEGION Past Commander, Wayne Miner Post No. 149, Sgt-at-arms, City Central Executive Committees (1950-53), Vice State Commander. Department of Missouri (1953-55). PROFESSION Head of Department of Mathematics, Lincoln High School; Past President, Secondary Teacher's Study Club; Former Delegate to City Cooperative Council and State Teachers Association; Member of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, NEA, etc. EDUCATION A.B. Degree, Tufts University, Massachusetts; M. Ed., (1950) and Sp. Ed. (1954) University of Kansas; Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity. CHURCH AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS Secretary, Brotherhood of St. Andrew; St. Augustine's Episcopal Church; Former Secretary of Urban League Board; VicePresident, Carver Neighborhood Center; Chairman, Greater Kansas City Research Academy; Former President, Soldiers Service Club; Member of NAACP, Fellowship House, etc.

BROTHER KERM3T HALL Budget Director Hall begins now to read the facts and iigures about the expense of the Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration. 10,000 active brothers would ease his blood pressure. THE SPHINX


Delta Tau ... St. Paul Campus Leaders LAWRENCEVILLE, Va. - The Brothers of Delta Tau Chapter are proud to report their outstanding contributions as leaders and scholars in (college life) campus activities. The chapter boasts the membership of nineteen Brothers. Brother James Scott, the chapter president, is the president of the Student-Faculty Association, a member of the Alpha Kappa Mu honorary society, and a senior in the Industrial Department. Brother Louis Taylor is the secretary of the Delta Tau Chapter, a senior majoring in Business Education, and is the' Secretary of the Dean of Men. Brother Joseph Jackson, Vice-President of the Delta Tau Chapter, majoring in Industrial Education, is outstanding on the varsity football squad. Brother Augusta Harmon, a junior, majoring in Teacher's Education, is the chairman of the Future Teachers Publicity Committee, and is a high scholastic student. Brother George McLaughlin, an advanced junior with a major in Teacher's Education, is the president of the Future Teachers of America, the campus' most outstanding student organ i/at ion, an outstanding member of the varsity football squad, and an honor roll student. Brother Leonard Jones, a senior majoring in Industrial Education, serves in the capacity of senior representative from his class to the Student-Faculty Association. Brother [ones has a high scholastic average. Brother Eddie Goode, the Treasurer of the Chapter, majoring in Industrial Education, is also an honor roll student. Brother Hawthorne Faison, a senior majoring in Teacher's Education, is outstanding as an assistant to the Director of Music, and a renowned soloist; he also has a high scholastic average. Brother David Rey, a senior majoring in Secondary Education, is editor of the senior yearbook, representative for the Student-Faculty Association and is an honor roll student. Brother Robert Bryant serves as Freshman counselor, scout-master for local boys, assistant to the Chaplain and is an honor roll student. Brother Raymond Banks is an honor roll student with a major in Industrial Education. Brother Leon Ragland is a member MAY, 1956

PRIZE WINNING HOMECOMING FLOAT Miss Frances Goodwin. Gamma Phi's Sweetheart, riding on the fraternity's homecoming float which won first place in the annual contest sponsored by the Student-Faculty Council. The float designed by Brother Robert Elder, with the aid of the entire fraternity, is a birthday cake representing Tuskegee Institute's Diamond Jubilee Celebration. 1881-1956. The float was captioned with the anniversary theme, "The fullest development for all with unrestricted opportunity to serve" along with the aims of Alpha Phi Alpha, "Manly deeds. Scholarship, and Love for all mankind."

of the Choral Society and an honor roll student. Brother Robert Meadows is an honor roll student, majoring in Industrial Education and is also an outstanding campus leader. Brother Garland Wesson is a member of the Future Teachers of America, a member of the Choral Society

and an honor roll student. Brother Thaxton Tucker is an outstanding scholastic student with a major in Industrial Education. Brother Eugene Anderson is an honor roll student with a major in electrical engineering. Although Brothers James Smaw, (Continued on Page 31)

Big 50th Anniversary SPHINX TWO POSITIVE DEADLINE DATES JUNE 10, 1956

Pictures and Stories

JUNE 15, 1956

Advertising Copy

SEND PICTURES AND STORIES NOW! PAGE 25


oncl year and was a d e p a r t m e n t a l lecturer in his third year. Brother Young is m a r r i e d to the former Miss Sadie Appleby, Director, Division of H o m e Economics, A. M. and N. College. He is a c o m m u n i c a n t of Saint Peter's Catholic Church, a n d holds membership in these organizations: Alpha Kappa Mu, Delta G a m m a Sigma, Association of University Professors, American Accounting Association, American Mathematical Association, National Education Association, a n d Alpha Phi Alpha. •

A Distinguished Alpha Brother P I N E B L U F F , A r k a n s a s - T h e interesting career of Brother H a r d i n g Bernette Young is one of which the Brotherhood generally may be justly il pardonably proud, a n d in which the younger brothers may find a rich and abiding inspiration. A native of Arkansas, he matriculated in the State Agricultural, Mechanical, and Normal College at Pine Bluff in 1940. H e distinguished himself scholastically by winning the Board of Trustees All-Expense Scholarship for three years, and being duly inducted into the Alpha K a p p a Mu H o n o r Society which organization he served as national vice-president d u r i n g his u n d e r g r a d u a t e days. H e was graduated at the head of his class in 1945. But Brother Voting is neither a boner nor a bookworm. Pleasant, jovial, an excellent mixer, h e was constantly sought as an office worker as an undergraduate- because of Ids skill with a typewriter a n d his pleasant bearing. H e also served the interests of interracial rapprochements when he served a well-to-do local family as a companion to its h a n d i c a p p e d child. \ l t i r graduation in the field of economics, the subject taught in the

Delta Upsilon Lambda Seeks Higher Heights BROTHER H. B. YOUNG

U n c o l n High School at Fort Smith, Arkansas, before he was recalled to his Alma Mater where his services have been of inestimable value. H e was granted leave for further study, first at Boston University d u r i n g his first year, where he was awarded the Master's degree, and the following two years at Harvard University, which con lei tccl upon him the degree of Docior of Philosophy in Business Administration, the seventy-ninth conferred by the School of Business. H e was appointed to the staff in his sec-

The 5 0 t h Anniversary Sphinx BIG CONVENTION ISSUE AUGUST 1 9 5 6 (Deadline Date June 10th — Pictures and Stories)

Dedicated To Our Seven Jewels SPECIAL FEATURES: • • • • • • • • •

PAGE

ALPHA PHI ALPHA, INC. ACHIEVEMENTS DURING PAST 50 YEARS Recognition of Past Presidents and Officers Personal Achievements of Brothers Historical Information Our Court Record for First Class Citizenship Undergraduate Developments 50 Years of Frat Fun Contributions — The Field of Athletics ALPHA PHI ALPHA LOOKS FORWARD - 100 YEARS AND MANY OTHER BREATH TAKING NOTES ON OUR FIRST FIFTY YEARS.

26

S H R E V E P O R T , L a . - T h e Great Father was most merciful to us during the past year, a n d with His blessing a n d guidance, we are going u p ward to higher heights a n d nobler deeds this coming year. O u r installation meeting was held the first Saturday in J a n u a r y , a n d those receiving the charge of duties given by Brother Jack Strong were: Brothers Alphonsc Jackson, President; James S. Holt, Vice-President; James C. Leary, Recording Secretary; W a l t e r C. Walker, Corresponding Secretary; Dr. C. O. Simpkins, T r e a s u r e r ; Harry Norris, C h a p l a i n ; J e r o m e Powell, P a r l i a m e n t a r i a n ; Local Editor to S P H I N X Magazine, Doyle J. Dugans. W e here at Delta Upsilon L a m b d a are strengthening the groundwork that we laid d u r i n g 1955 for full time citizenship. O u r plans for citizenship week and t h r o u g h o u t the year include ways a n d means of enlightening our less fortunate brothers of the responsibilities facing them since integration is here to stay; regardless! Spearheading the drive for more intelligent balloting and ways of screening candidates to be voted u p o n , we have Brother (Dr.) C. O. Simpkins. As always we stand 100% b e h i n d the aims a n d aspirations of the vigilant and m u c h needed N A A C P . W e ended the old year with a closed affair for visiting u n d e r g r a d u a t e brothers, wives a n d sweethearts. It was truly wonderful, dancing to the music of Stan Kenton, Earl Bostic, C o u n t Basie, (recording that is), ben e a t h soft lights a n d in between refreshing ourselves with the nectar of the gods. W i t h the passing of each day, we are eagerly awaiting the coming date of our spring affair, at which time we shall play host to the select of the N o r t h Louisana area. B R O . D O Y L E J. D U G A N S T H E SPHINX


2 >

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity—50th Anniversary Convention

•<

A u g u s t 7 to 11, 1956 — Buffalo

New York

PROGRAM OUTLINE

'•J\ ON

MON., AUG. 6 Registration, Housing 9 A.M. YMCA—585 Michigan Meeting of Executive to Council and An12 Noon niversary Committee Hotel Statler

TUES., AUG. 7

WED., AUG. 8

THURS., AUG. 9

FRI., AUG. 10

SAT., AUG. 11

Registration Hotel Statler

Open Period

Committee Meetings

Convention Business Session Committee Reports — etc.

Leave 8 A.M.

Opportunity to see Niagara Frontier

Convention Business Session Committee Reports — etc.

Lehigh Valley Station Cornell Pilgrimage Arrive 10:30 A.M.

Open Alpha Golf Tournament 1 to 5 P. M.

Opening Session Business Anniversary Program #1

Convention Session Anniversary Program #3

Convention Session Anniversary Program #5

Convention Session Anniversary Program #6

Leave 3 P.M. Arrive Buffalo 5:30

8 P.M. to 10 P.M.

Registration—YMCA Meeting of: Executive Council; Anniversary Committee Hotel Statler

Convention Session with Alpha Wives and Sweethearts Anniversary Program #2

"Musical Alphacade 1906 — 1956" Memorial Auditorium Program #4

Social Hour

Public Anniversary Program Kleinhans Music Hall Anniversary Prog. #7

Anniversary Banquet with Alpha Wives and Sweethearts Statler Ball Room (Closed — Formal)

10 P.M. U N T I L

Tour Niagara Falls Canadian View Illumination 8 : 3 0 — 11:30

9 : 3 0 — 12 Omega Hospitality Hour

"Dancing Under the Stars" Grover Cleveland Country Club 10 P. M. Until

Closed Farewell Party

Registration—YMCA 2 P.M. to 5 P.M.

12:30 — 3 A. M Alpha Lake Cruise

CONVENTION HEADQUARTERS Hotel Statler, Buffalo, New York

PRE-CONVENTION HEADQUARTERS

2 o m to

585 Michigan Ave., YMCA, Buffalo, New York Alpha National Office 4432 So. Parkway Chicago, 111.

Pan Hellenic Dance

Chapter Reunions Anniversary Dance Kleinhans Music Hall (Closed — Formal) Host: Rho Lambda Delta Epsilon

Luncheon at 12 Statler Club, Cornell University

Statler Ball Room

Special Alpha Show — Glen Casino 1 P. M. to 3 P. M. TO THE BROTHERS IN ALPHA EVERYWHERE . . . and to their Wives, Sweethearts and families, we extend a warm and urgent invitation to begin planning NOW to attend your 50th Anniversary Celebration, which will be centered in Buffalo and Ithaca, New York, August 7-11, 1956. Here, on this page, you will find the program outlined of the week long celebration which represents—in part— the work of your 50th Anniversary Committee and their co-hosts, Rho Lambda and Delta Epsilon Chapters. Every effort is being made to develop a program that will move along quickly and smoothly. from one high point to another, providing for you a memorable experience worthy of the significant occasion for which it was planned. For this reason,' we feel, it is deserving of your fullest support and participation and therefore earnestly request your cooperation in placing your own registration Early—as well as that of your wife and family. Please return your registration forms as soon as received in order that you might be assured of the most comfortable accommodations. Your spontaneous response will be a source of inspiration to your committee and strengthen assurances that this promises to be a "Birthday Party" for Alpha Phi Alpha that will not only reflect the glory of the past, but point the way to even greater heights in service to mankind in the promising, challenging future.


'pxctf&utitty 'pun DR. O. WILSON WINTERS, Editor

Yi

E olde Frat Fun editor salutes ye olde Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on its fiftieth birthday anniversary. No Mabel dear, I have not edited this column for fifty years, it only seems so. There are many brothers and other readers who probably remember my predecessor, Brother Elmer J. Cheeks of Pi Chapter, Cleveland, Ohio. I am inviting him to share the mirth and humor of this issue—wherever he is. * * * * The Sphinx XIV No. 5 December 1928 Frat Fun. Brother Elmer J. Cheeks, Editor. Thanks Elmer! Here are a few old ones of mine: Circa 1929-1956 Atlantic City, N. J.—(ANP)— Rev. John Helper preached a stirring sermon last Sunday on the subject, "Creation." Parson Helper said: "Dis ole world was created by the Great Creator. He stomped his feets five times and made de Great Lakes, each lake showing where he planted his feet down. He walked down the center of America dragging de toe of his boot and made the Mississippi River Valley. Hundreds of miles he drug dat toe until he got tired. Den he sot DR. O. WILSON WINTERS down and fanned hisself for a while. De imprint of his setting down made de Gulf of Mexico. His hot breath made de Gulf Stream and his fanning sent it flying up to de North. He sho' was powerful!" * * * * Non Freudian Philosophy If your wife laughs at your joke, it's either a darned good joke or you've got a darned smart wife. * * * * Nature gave us our relatives but thank God we can select our friends. A distant relative can be very distant when a fellow needs money. Fact is, rich relatives are the most distant relatives and the closest. * * * * Whiskey makes you beat your wives; whiskey makes your homes desolate; whiskey makes you shoot at your neighbors, said the temperance speaker. "Yeah," said the drunk, "and whiskey makes ye miss 'em too." * * * * "Are you sure you told nobody that we were newly weds?" said the groom to the bell boy in the large beach front hotel. "If they learned the truth they didn't get it from me," said the boy. "Well, did anyone speak to you about us?" "Yes sir, lots of the guests." "Well, what did you say to them?" "I said to them: 'No, indeed, they young folks aint no bridal couple— they're just a couple of chums'." * * * * Years ago there was a classic best seller among the popular music of the day. The song was entitled "Shuffle Off to Buffalo." It was indeed prophetic because this summer Alpha celebrates her 50th Anniversary at Buffalo and Cornell University at Ithaca, N. Y. And really it will be a (Continued on Page 38) PAGE 28

Dr. Bashful Gets Service Citation From Florida TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Dr. Emmett W. Bashful of the political science department at Florida A. and M. University, recently received a citation from the Florida Supreme Court because of the "fine service he has done for the State of Florida." The cilation was given in the form of a resolution after the Justices had had an opportunity to examine a copy of his dissertation, "The Florida Supreme Court. A Study in Judicial Selection." Dr. Bashful rejoined the A. and M. faculty in September following a year's leave as a Ford Fellow during which time he completed work for the Ph.D. degree at the University of Illinois. The resolution follows: Emmett W. Bashful, a member of the faculty of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, an alumnus of University of Illinois, has lately been awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by his Alma Mater. He chose as a subject for his dissertation for this degree "The Florida Supreme Court. A Study in Judicial Selection." The [ustices of the Court have been privileged to examine a copy of this dissertation with much interest and profit. It evidences much exhaustive and capable research on a subject not before undertaken and is a most valuable contribution to the political history of our State, so valuable, in fact, and so expertly done, that a copy of it should be made and deposited in the court library as a permanent reference book. The citation states: Therefore, be it Resolved, that the Justices of the Court warmly congratulate Dr. Bashful on the completion of a task expertly done; and be it Resolved, further, that a request be made to Dr. Bashful for a volume copy of this dissertation, if available, for the court library and that if a copy is not available that one be made by the court staff for such use; and be it Resolved, further, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded by the clerk of this court to Dr. Emmett W. Bashful as a token of the court's appreciation for the fine service he has done for the State of Florida, and that a copy be spread upon the min(Continued on Page 34) THE SPHINX


_ X r a a -y^fwau

We

S T . ALBANS, New Y o r k - O a r determination to translate Alpha's ideals and aims into living forces t h r o u g h o u t the world has activated the brothers in various worthwhile endeavors. The "Books-for-Africa-Campaign" goes forward! C a n we do less than duplicate o u r shipment (17,000 volumes) of last summer? O n a recent Sunday, Z E T A Z E T A L A M B D A assisted in a n o t h e r outgoing program, I n t e r n a t i o n a l Students' Day, held at the C h u r c h of the Master ( M a n h a t t a n ) where o u r Bro. James H . Robinson leads ably as pastor. T h e primary purpose of the "Day" was to afford these students from all over the world fuller, first-hand knowledge of Negro families in their home and community life. However, it also served to p r o m o t e a better understanding a m o n g the students themselves and afforded their hosts a glimpse, at least, of India, H o l l a n d , France, Israel, (etc.) as represented. Alter the non-sectarian church service, the audience was divided into groups to discuss the humanities, politics, education a n d juvenile delinquency. I n the latter group, the query of a Chinese student, simply a n d naively asked as to who was the head of the family in America, evoked rich a n d a n i m a t e d comment, as varied a n d colorful as the respective backgrounds. For the rest of the "Day" students were personal guests in the homes of their hosts. As different as the students were from one another, the lasting impression, is their simple sincerity a n d keen desire for knowledge a n d understanding. T h e C h a p t e r is indebted to Bro. R o b i n s o n a n d to o u r own H o l l a n d , Wallace, Coleman, Jordan, Weeks, a n d W h i t n e y for m a k i n g the "Day" a m a r k e d one in the lives of these young m e n a n d women aspiring to leadership in their respective lands. As appreciative as we are of food for thought, however, we recognize there must also be t h o u g h t for food. Alpha's need to sustain a n d fortify itself, to grow with the future, nationally, as well as the need for Alpha's support in alleviating conditions in the South were pictured for us by Bro. T h o m a s N . Coleman in his arresting, comprehensive report of the Miami Convention. T h e immediate a n d enthusiastic volunteering to Pres. Alfred F. Abramson's call for committees to study how the Chapter's fullest effort a n d resources can best be utilized, left MAY,

1956

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m r^l FATHER ESCORTS BRIDE—Dr. and Mrs. Henry S. Robinson announce the marriage of their daughter. Ellen Marie, to Charles W. Smith, son of Mrs. Lenoah B. Smith and the late Mr. Wharton B. Smith, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Washington on December 27, the 27th Anniversary oi Brother and Mrs. Robinson. Aiter a reception at the Alpha House, the couple left for a honeymoon in Carlton. Pennsylvania, the birthplace of Charles. After June they plan making their home in Morristown, Pennsylvania.

no d o u b t as to sentiment on these vital issues. II Winter ( o n u s , can Spring be- far behind? Evidently not! President Abramson advises that his committees are hard at work and thai tickets for o u r Scholarship Dance in April will soon be distributed. We do not know the secret, secret plans of the Alpha Wives lot the coming season, but we are assured of their whole-hearted participation in our first big affair. With their help a n d presence, we know the evening will be lovely. G E O . C. S A M P L E (Historian) ZETA ZETA LAMBDA St. Albans. Queens • "Gee!" said the roadhog as he slowed down for the first time in forty miles, and looked around at the grand scenery. "Don't you feel glad you're alive?" "Glad isn't the word." said his girl companion. "I'm amazed!"

Greetings! \I.BANY, Georgia—The brothers of G a m m a Omicron L a m b d a extend greetings to Alphas everywhere. O u r first meeting of the year was held in the beautiful home of Brother host f. L. Kirkpatrick, Dean of Men at Albany State College. G a m m a O m i c r o n L a m b d a is p r o u d of the outstanding achievement of two of its members d u r i n g the past year, the i n a u g u r a t i o n of Brother W. H . Dennis as President of Albany State College, a n d the r e t u r n to the Albany State College faculty of Brother Reverend Dr. T h o m a s J. P u g h who earned the doctorate degree at Boston University last summer. O u r reclamation project is in full swing u n d e r the guidance of brothers O. Kelley, R. Harris, a n d B. H a m p t o n a n d we are going all o u t to m a i n t a i n the high standards of A l p h a d o m here in Southwest Georgia. PAGE

29


Delta Alpha Undertakes Another Responsibility O R A N G E B U R G , S. C . - W i t h the knowledge that an Alpha should shoulder the responsibility of leadership, scholarship and love lor all mankind the brothers of Delta Alpha have undertaken another first on our College campus.

BROTHER ELLINGTON cuts his birthday cake, surrounded by brothers and w i v e s of Alpha Zeta Lambda.

T h e Gamma Phi Chapter Is Growing Bigger and Better T U S K E G E E , Alabama—During the month of December the following eleven members were initiated into Gamma Phi C h a p t e r at Tuskegee Institute: (atties Davenport, Union Springs, Ala.; Reuben Sherman, Houston. T e x . ; Lloyd M. Harris, Decatur, Via.; Waltet [ones, Longview, T e x . ; Alvin Reynolds, Houston, T e x . ; Joe Carl T h o m a s , Springfield, Tenn.; Carol Mcintosh, Kingston, Jamaica, B.W.I.; James Hanks. Atlanta. Ga.; [ a n u s Brown, Kingston, Jamaica, B. W . I.: Herbert Smithcrman, Birmingham. Ala.; a n d George A. Hylton, Ewarton, Jamaica, B.W.I. This group, all sophomores, represents the cream of the sophomore dass. lor Brother Reuben Sherman is the class president; Brother H e r b e r t Siniiliei man is Vice-President and Brother James Banks is T r e a s u r e r . Brother Carol Mcintosh is the class representative to the Student-Faculty Council and Brother Lloyd M. Harris is the chaplain. Others of the newlymade brothers have proven to be active in campus activities. Brother Joe Carl T h o m a s is Superintendent of the College Sunday Schools and Treasurer of the College C h a p t e r of N A A C P . Brother George A. H y l t o n is President of the foreign Students' Association. Later an initiatory b a n q u e t for the newly-made brothers was held in the spacious Pine R o o m at the Dorothy Hall Guest House on the campus. With Brother Peter Joseph, G a m m a PAGE

30

Phi's President, as toastmaster, this affair was a m e m o r a b l e one for all. The speaker for the evening was Brothet Timothy W. Jones, Dean of the School of Mechanical Industries and member of Alpha Nu Lambda, the graduate chapter. Also a d d i n g to the inipressiveness of the b a n q u e t were briei remarks by Brothers Howaid P. Carter a n d Booker T . Felder. Brother Carter is instructor of Biology at Tuskegee a n d Brother Felder is Head of the T a i l o r i n g D e p a r t m e n t and charter member of G a m m a Phi. T h e b a n q u e t reached its climax with the singing of the Fraternity H y m n . A most enjoyable occasion came to an end. W i t h wishes for success we salute Brother Clenith Rolle of Homestead. Florida and Brother George Hatchctt of St. Louis, Mo. as they end their college career. Brothers Rolle and Hatchctt, both majoring in commercial dietetics, are g r a d u a t i n g at the end of the first semester. T h e following brothers will be away on intern for the second semester: Brother R e m u s Rhodes, Building Construction; a n d Brother Horace Stevenson, Architecture, will intern in H o u s t o n , T e x a s and Brother Eddie W. Harris, architecture. will intern in Greensboro, North Carolina. G a m m a Phi men are going into many parts of the country a n d wherever they go, they will forever strive to keep the principles of Alpha Phi Alpha high.

Brother George W. G r a m b l i n I I I , an aggressive leader who is vice-president of Delta Alpha Chapter, was recently elected to " W h o ' s W h o in American Colleges a n d Universities: Bioi her G r a m b l i n is also a m e m b e r of the N. A. A. C P. Along with him was Brother Livingston Scipio, the president of the J u n i o r Class, president of the college A Capella Choir, treasurer of the Student Council, Dean of Sphinxmen and a m e m b e r of the N. A. A. C. P. Brother Omega F. Newman a n d Brother Spurgeon Glenn are members of many of the College organizations a n d hold positions in many, to list a few: Brother N e w m a n is a state representative of the Future Teachers of America, Oxford C l u b , C h u r c h School Staff, Methodist Student Movement Stall, C h a i r m a n of the membership a n d C a m p u s City Relationship Committee of the N A A C P , and Editor to the S P H I N X . H e recently addressed the college community on " T h e Roll of the Negro College Student in an Integrated Society." Brother G l e n n is also a state representative of the Future Teachers of America, representative to the Stud e n t Council, A Capella Choir, Band and Business Manager of the Junior Class. Brother McDaniel is doing a splendid j o b as president of the College' C h a p t e r of Music Educations National Conference; member Band, A Capella Choir. String Ensemble, N.A.A.C.P.; he is vice-president of the A Capella Choir. Brother W a l t e r L. Salters, Brother R o b e r t L a d d , Brother R o b e r t Gibson, Brother R o b e r t H u b b a r d , Brother Donald Robinson a n d Brother Billy M a r t i n are doing a wonderful job in the science d e p a r t m e n t , all of them being members of tho Science Club. Brother L a d d a n d Brother Salters recently received their burning candles as candidates for Alpha K a p p a M u H o n o r a r y Society. T h e y are also members of the N.A.A.C.P., a n d Brother Salters, the D r a m a t i c Club. Brother R o b i n s o n is a m e m b e r of the N.A.A.C.P., a representative to the Pan-Hellenic Council a n d the M.S.M. Brother M a r t i n is a m e m b e r of the N.A.A.C.P. THE

SPHINX


PHILADELPHIA BROTHERS AND SCROLLERS FROLIC

Brother John W. Heyward who is a Religious Education major will be leaving us this year to take up his studies at Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia. He is president of the Oxford Club, member of the Church School Staff, M. S. M. Staff, Senior Class, Business Manager, Annual Staff, and State Treasurer of the Youth Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P. We also have Brother C. Jasper Smith who is also majoring in Religious Education and will be going to Gammon in September. He is a member of the Oxford Club, Debating Team, M. S. M., vice-president of the fraternityWe have Brother Theodis Brown who is holding the torch high in the Social Science Department. He is a member of the Social Science Club and the N.A.A.C.P. In the sports' world we are represented by Brother Martin who made ALL- SEAC on the football team this year. Brother Robert Hubbard is an outstanding end on the football team and co-captain; he is also captain of the basketball team and one of the best on our college track team. This year the chapter completed a project which was started the past school year. This is the completion of a fish-pool which will hold approximately 1,000 gallons of water. We have undertaken a new project this semester which is in keeping with our motto. We are orientating the new students to college life and holding classes for those that need assistance. We are represented in every department of the college and have four capable Brothers on the faculty, they are, Brothers John H. Chadwell, J. K. Hilyard, Harold I. Roberson and Thomas Bacote. We were honored with the privilege of hearing our Brother Thurgood MAY, 1956

Marshall speak on our campus during a meeting of the City-Campus NAACP meeting recently. Brother Omega F. Newman and Miss Louise V. Williams of Charleston, South Carolina exchanged vows during a double ring ceremony which was held at Memorial Baptist Church, Charleston, S. C , December 24, 1955, 7:00 P.M. Miss Williams is a graduate of Claflin College, Orangeburg, S. C. and is now instructor of public school music at Whittemore High School, Conway, S. C. Miss Williams is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Alpha Kappa Mu Honorary Society. Brother Newman is a senior at Claflin College and excels in scholarship. Brother C. Jasper Smith was the best man at the wedding, Brothers James McDaniel and John Heyward served as ushers; the sister of the bride, Mrs. Dorothy Graham, served as matron of honor. Serving as bridesmaids were Miss Myrtle A. David of Bennetsville, S. C , a graduate of Claflin College and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, who is now working in the city school system of Orangeburg, and Miss Mary L. Crossin a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Preceding the ceremony solos were rendered by Miss Margaret Fordham and Mr. Edward Gibson. Miss Fordham sang, "I Love You Truly". She is a senior at Benedict College, president of the Student Council and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Mr. Gibson sang "O Promise Me". Mr. Gibson is a native of Charleston, S. C. During the reception which was held at Reed Center the couple slipped away to Florida on their Honeymoon. Brother James McDaniel and Miss Myrtle A. David were married in" a double ring ceremony at Bennettsville, S. C , December 31, 1955.

Zeta Upsilon Lambda Plans Big Program We in Zeta Epsilon Lambda have endeavored in the past months to present a program both educational and social to our community. With this Factor in mind we are in the midst of establishing a scholarship fund to some worthy student in the area. Zeta Epsilon Lamba is vitally interested in our civic enterprise and it has contributed liberally towards them. Many events of eminent importance have occurred within the confines of Zeta Epsilon Lambda during the past year. The Brothers are aware that the function of a chapter in Alphadom must be a dynamic and living process. Under the capable leadership of our President, Brother Lorenzo Harris, we will continue to be first of all servants of all. EUGENE R. BAITY Asso. Editor to the Sphinx •

Delta Tau (Continued from Page 25) Lionel Wharton, and Charles White are not outstanding in extra curricular activities, their names appeared on the Dean's List as being high scholars in their major fields of study. Out of the 19 members, we are proud to say that there are 16 members on the honor roll with high scholastic averages. We the brothers of Delta T a u Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha are proud to say that our overall scholastic average exceeds the honor roll requirements. It is our utmost joy and pride to uphold the things we have striven to become a part of, "the name." GEORGE MCLAUGHLIN Editor to SPHINX PAGE 31


and state-wide activities, particularly those which have to do with science and mathematics. He is a frequent contributor to scientific journals, and serves currently as secretary-treasurer of the National Association of Teachers of Science in Negro Colleges. Brother Dova Jones represented Beta Zeta Lambda at the National Meeting and reports that the meeting was highly successful, which beyond any doubt added to his knowledge of Alpha and his appreciation for the human dignities that Alpha men so thoroughly exemplify. Brother A. P. Marshall was elected president of Beta Zeta Lambda ChapPREVIEW OF TOMORROW'S STARS ter in November. He succeeds BrothFive college students who participated in a musical program presented by Nu Lambda er C. B. Taylor who very ably served Chapter of Petersburg. Virginia. Seated, left to right: Miss Juanita Burke from Aberdeen. two full terms of his own after comNorth Carolina, a junior at St. Paul's Polytechnic Institute. Lawrenceville. Virginia; Miss Joanna Owens, a native of Wilmington. North Carolina and a senior at Hampton Institute, pleting one for another brother. Hampton. Virginia; Miss Lenoris Witherspoon from Durham, North Carolina and a student Brother Marshall is currently Head at North Carolina College. Standing: Mr. George H. Harshaw. a graduate student. Howard of the Department of Library Science University. Washington. D. O. a native of Hickory, North Carolina; Mr. John Horace Lee. a at Lincoln. Elected to other offices senior at Virginia State College. Petersburg, Virginia, from West Point, Virginia. for the current year were: Vice-President. Beverly Foster, Principal, Hubbard High School, Sedalia; Recording Secretary, Gerald Andrews, Department of Biology, Lincoln University; Assistant Secretary, Arthur E. Pullam, Jr., Department of Biology, Lincoln University; Corresponding Secretary, Cyrus B. Taylor, Head of JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.-During of the American College instructors Department of Industrial Arts; Treasthe year Beta Zeta Lambda increased selected for the faculty of the Experi- urer, George H. Williams, Departits roster through the initiation of mental College for Teacher Training ment of Graphic Arts, Lincoln Unitwo new members. Brothers Beverly in the Virgin Islands. versity; Associate Editor to the Sphinx, R. Foster and Dova Jones, and the acWhile at St. Croix, Dr. Taylor Dova L. Jones, Capt. U. S. Army, and ceptance of Brothers Charles H. Leake i a tight courses in trade and occupa- Assistant PMS&T, R.O.T.C, Lincoln and Gerald Andrews from Undergrad- tional analysis, industrial technology University: Sgt. at Arms, James N. uate chapters, while several brothers and principles of trade, the students Freeman, Head of Agriculture Dereturued to the fold. During this were all in-service teachers. partment; Chaplain, Dr. A. R. Madtime the chapter lost one brother Brother A. R. Maddox, physician dox. through transfer, proving that Beta and surgeon of Sedalia, also a mem• Zeta Lambda and its surroundings ber of Beta Zeta Lambda, won first provide the type of spirit we love and prize in a city-wide Christmas decoraappreciate. tion contest. Beta Zeta Lambda continues its During December, Brother A. E. program of contributing to worthy Pullam, as chairman of the Lincoln community organizations and causes. University Athletic Committee, repreLANGSTON, Oklahoma-Our aim The chapter contributed to local sented Lincoln at the Mid-West AthNAACP, Scout, UNCF and commun- letic Association at Chicago, of which for making any Alpha function a ity associations at Marshall, Sedalia Lincoln is a member. On return "first" reigns true here at Beta Kappa; and Jefferson City, and also the Jef- trip Brother Pullam went to his home we have just given our annual Freshferson City Finance Committee to town, Kansas City, to be with his man Smoker which went over with a help foster the Missouri |75,000,000 parents on their Golden Wedding An- bang. Along with making our social functions a first, the brothers have bond issue of which Brother J. N. niversary. Freeman was a member. Brother Walter R. Talbot, a mem- taken this ultimate aim to the gridBrother Cyrus B. Taylor, past presi- ber of the Lincoln University faculty iron and classrooms. Brother Curtiss dent of Beta Zeta Lambda was award- since 1934, and a charter member of Clay, a member of Beta Kappa, was ed the Ph.D. degree by the University Beta Zeta Lambda is acting dean of chosen by his team mates as the years' of Minnesota in December. Brother the College of Liberal Arts and Scien- most valuable player, by the PittsTaylor heads the Department of In- ces for the current year. Because of burg Courier "All American" and was dustrial Arts at Lincoln University. the illness of Brother Sherman D. the chief yard gainer for the Lions A Hampton Institute graduate, Broth- Scruggs, President of the University, Team of '55-'56 with a total yardage er Taylor has taught at Lincoln Uni- Dean of the College, Dr. E. E. Daw- of 823 yards in 9 games. versity since 1938, having come there son, was elevated to the acting presiBrothers Julian Northington and from St. Louis where he was a public dency, thereby promoting Dr. Talbot Leon Gordon, president and treasurer school teacher. to the office of acting dean. Brother respectively of Beta Kappa Chapter, Last summer Dr. Taylor was one Talbot has long been active in local were recently initiated into Kappa

Jefferson City's Beta Zeta Lambda Completes A Fruitful Year

Langston's Beta Kappa Still Going Forward

PAGE 32

THE SPHINX


Delta Pi, a national honor society in education. The minimum qualifications for undergraduates are full junior collegiate standing; general scholarship of a grade above the upper quintile point of the institution, the total previous collegiate record of the students to be taken into account; work in Education completed or in process of completion during the current session to the extent of at least six semester hours if elected during the senior year; the indication that there will be a continued interest in the field of education; and a manifestation of desirable personal habits and leadership attributes.

Brother Northington is a senior majoring in Music Education with an emphasis on instrumental music. He is president and student director of the Langs ton University Band, leader of the L. U. Collegians dance orchestra, trumpeter in one of the combos on the campus, treasurer of the Senior Class, a member of the YMCA and the Music Educators National Conference. Brother Gordon is a junior majoring in Mathematics. He is also president of the junior class, a member of the YMCA, Mathematics Club and Beta Rho Tau, a chemistry club. Brother L. Edward Sanders is president of the Senior Class, chairman of

the student committee (student governing body while Student Council is being reorganized), and secretary of Beta Kappa. He is also Student Accounting teacher. Brother Charles E. Dillahunty has proven himself to be an outstanding asset to the Lion's basketball team; he is vice-president of the chapter and vice-president of the Senior Class. Brother Walter L. Burt is president of the Gamma Pi Upsilon tumbling team and a star performer. All the brothers of Beta Kappa avail themselves for any position on the campus that will help us maintain ">ur aim of firstness.

Features at the Hotel Statler, Buffalo, N. Y. Where Alphas Will Work and Play at the

50th Anniversary Convention AUGUST 7 -11, 1956

A COMFORTABLE BEDROOM—Here, when your day is done, you can relax and rest. The bed softly invites sleep; there is a free radio, offering a choice of programs; you'll have plenty of light, for every room has been checked and certified by lighting experts. In the bathroom you'll find plenty of clean towels, circulating ice water, sterilized and wrapped drinking glasses.

TERRACE DINING ROOM—When you're in the mood for eating or entertaining in the very finest surroundings, this great high-vaulted room with its perfectly trained personnel is just right for the occasion. Many of the famous Statler "lighter" meals and entrees, such as vegetables or salads, are prepared by women—usually college graduates—on the staff of Statler food specialists.

THE RENDEZVOUS—For dinner and supper dancing, this Continental style, richly decorated dining room, with its murals each depicting a famous rendezvous of history, features continuous dancing to the tunes of nationally famous orchestras.

CAFE ROUGE—This is our informal dining room. It is colorful, bright and cheerful. The service is fine—the menus less elaborate than the Terrace Dining Room, but the food is prepared in the same Statler style. This is a favorite room among Buffalonians as well as among our guests.

LIVING ROOM—In a Statler room you'll discover a pleasant combination of all the innovations which have made Statler hotels famous. Interior decorators constantly plan new arrangements of new furniture . . . which is why Statler rooms are always spacious and modern.

LOUNGE BAR—When there comes the pause that is known as the cocktail hour, the Statler Lounge Bar is Number One choice for those who seek relaxation. Soft lights, deep-cushioned chairs and fine beverages in tinkling glasses satisfy your mood for quiet entertainment.

MAY, 1956

PAGE 33


Bro. Lawlah Elected Sec'y-Treas. Of Jefferson County Medical Ass'n All Debutante Ball Highlights Little Rock Activities By B R O . H E R B E R T H . D E N T O N L I T T L E R O C K , A r k . - T h e December 28 D e b u t a n t e Ball presented annually by I'i L a m b d a C h a p t e r of Little Rock d u r i n g the Christmas Holidays was the highlight of the social activities here. More t h a n 2500 persons from all parts of Arkansas, together with many persons from both the east and west coasts and many nearby states, a t t e n d e d this gala affair at the R o b i n s o n A u d i t o r i u m . T h e presentation of eleven Debutantes was the feature attraction of the evening. Beautiful a n d talented Miss Lois Mothershed of Little Rock, a freshman a n d the first Negro student at Phillips University, Enid, Oklahoma, was the Alpha Sweetheart. O t h e r d e b u t a n t e s presented were: \ l i s s Billie R u t h Byrd, a freshman at Philander Smith College; Miss Nellie Cooper, a freshman at T a l l a d e g a College; Miss Ollie Darling, a freshman at Arkansas A. M. a n d N . College; Miss Rosalyn Finn, a freshman at T a l ladega College; Miss Lois Virginia Fisher, a freshman at P h i l a n d e r Smith College: Miss Bettye Sue Jones, a freshman at Langston University; Miss Jamie Mitchell, a freshman at Arkansas A. M. a n d N . College; Miss Jackye Talley, a freshman at T a l l a d e g a College; Miss Yvonne Sharpe, a freshman at Arkansas A. M. a n d N . College; and Miss Reba A n n W r i g h t , a freshman at Arkansas A. M. a n d N . College. Miss Mitchell is a native of Conway, Arkansas. T h e other debutantes live at Little Rock. More than 75 Brothers formed the circle with Miss Mothershed in the center when the Alpha H y m n was sung just before the intermission. Brother Dr. Clyde L a w l a h of Pine Bluff was elected recently to the office of Secretary-Treasurer of the Jefferson C o u n t y Medical Association. H e is the first Negro to h o l d the office. Recently Pi L a m b d a h o n o r e d its charter members with a testimonial and banquet. Pi L a m b d a was organized in 1927 u n d e r the brilliant leadership of Brother C. Franklin Brown. Others h o n o r e d at that time were Brother Dr. Leroy Williams a n d Bro. Dr. J. V. " J a c k " Jordan. T h e presentation of a 24 inch television to the D u n b a r C o m m u n i t y Center by our personable president, BrothPAGE

34

er Fred C. Byrd, on behalf of Pi L a m b d a was the highlight of o u r community service activities. Pi L a m b d a doffs its hat to the following Brothers w h o arc cited at this time for noteworthy c o m m u n i t y service: Brother President Fred C. Byrd who has been elected a Federal Civil Service Examiner, w h o heads the Little Rock Letter Carriers Association, which, a m o n g other things, did an excellent job in the Muscular Dystrophy Drive here, a n d is an active a n d effecthc executive of the Q u a p a w Area of the Boy Scouts of America; Brother President M. Lafayette Harris of Philander Smith College for his brilliant Leadership and influence both in the city a n d t h r o u g h o u t the slate. At present Philander Smith is taking the lead in a shim clearance project with municipal and Federal authorization; Brother Ozell Sutton who is the only Negro on a Little Rock daily newspaper —The Arkansas Democrat; Brother /. R. "Bob" Booker whose invaluable service in the practice of law is generally lauded, a n d who has become the "Expediter" in service to the

National Citizenship Campaign Dates: Sunday, October 21 through Sunday, October 28, 1956 Theme: Citizenship Begins At Home Here we have a two fold emphasis. First, the notion that the person needs to participate in the working of his government on the local as well as the national level, and second, the idea that our national government can more effectively disseminate our ideas of democracy to the rest of the world if we can show that it really works at home. Things cannot be left to chance. We must, therefore, direct our efforts toward helping build the good society. Now is the time to begin planning and working toward successful education and citizenship campaigns. Present these dates and themes to the brothers, discuss ways by which they can be activated, and immediately organize a committee to set the machinery in motion. Also keep this office informed of your progress. Let us know your plans—Send us releases on your programs. DR. WLLIAM HALE Director of Educational Activities, Clark College, Atlanta, Ga.

BROTHER AFROTC CADET REUBEN R. DAVIS Summer Training. Bergstrom AFB, Texas. He guided Beta Omicron to the undergraduate achievement cup.

chapter a n d the community. His o p i n i o n is widely sought a n d respected; Brother John Bridges who is doing an excellent job as manager of Little Rock's largest Housing Project, "Booker H o m e s " ; Brother Fletcher Muldrew w h o is executive secretary of the A. W. Young Y. M. C. A. of N o r t h Little Rock; Brother Perry Taylor, late of T a m p a , Florida, w h o is executive secretary of the Greater Little Rock U r b a n League; Brother Secretary Ray W. Johnson, w h o recently was elected for the fifth successive term to this office and is a model for secretarial efficiency; Brother Andrew Hunt w h o is a fifth year college student t h r o u g h a Ford Foundation grant in this state to college s t u d e n ts of brilliant scholastic achievement a n d high moral character; a n d the following Brothers w h o are holding Alpha's banners high as medical students at the University of Arkansas Medical School at Little Rock: Brothers Henry E. Cooper, Jr., Delmar Edzvards, and Samuel Koontz.

Brother Bashful (Continued from Page 28) utes of the court. EDITOR'S NOTE: Brother Bashful was initiated in Beta Sigma chapter at Southern University in 1939 and has since been affiliated with Beta Iota Lambda. Tau and Gamma Mu Lambda chapters. Hta is at present professor of political science and h~ad of the Department of Political Science at Florida A. and M. University.

T H E SPHINX


50th Anniversary Convention Hotels-August 7-11,1956

gote Mote}

Hotel Statler

Lenox

50th Anniversary Convention Headquarters

Write Now!! For Hotel Accommodations!! MAY, 1956

Request Written Confirmation PAGE 35


m

ever the

EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks to Brother Russell L. Stockard for the Research contained in this account of Brother Kean's life. NASHVILLE, T e n n . - T h e incomparable Henry Arthur Kean, Sr. never coached a team that entered a game as the underdog. Season after season, twenty-four (24) as a college coach, found "The Fox", so named by rivals for his deceptive style of play, compiling a winning record of 82.2 per cent. Such coaching immortals as Fielding (Hurry Up) Yost, Bob Zuppke, Dan McGugin, Howard H. Jones, and Dr. Jack Sutherland did not match this phenomenal record. And while the contemporary Tatums, Jeffersons, Wyatts, McCains, Wilkersons, Dodds, Guithers, Robinsons. Lewises, and Brennons may possess more attractive impressive records at this stage of their careers, who can foretell how 'future balls will bounce'? In thirty-four (34) years a Keancoached team never had a losing season. During this period, beginningwith Lincoln High School of Paducah, Kentucky. Coach Kean had winning seasons at Simmons and Central High Schools of his native Louisville, Kentucky. Simmons High School, Montgomery , West Virginia; Kentucky State College of Kentucky, and Tennessee State University in Nashville. While coaching at the Tennessee school, under its present beloved Pit sick tit Walter S. Davis, Kean fashioned imposing records that may rival tin school in their duration. As a collegiate athlete at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, Kean left records that have stood the test of time. Flis determination and desire to give all on each play, to the consternation of his opponents, earned him letters in football, basketball, and track. Kean is said to be one of Fisks all-time basketball players. His elusiveness as a broken field runner was responsible for his fellow teammates nick-naming him "Snake". It is said that a football team reflects the ideas, thoughts and plans of its coach. If this is true, Coach Kc an was undoubtedly inwardly perfect. His teams possessed dexterity and adroitness in their very nature. A rival coach, Dwight Reed, of Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri, and a member of the Midwester Conference, (in which Kean won title after title), no doubt voiced the opinPAGE 36

BROTHER HENRY ARTHUR KEAN

ion of a score of coaches with the following appraisal of "The Fox" and his teams: "A coach should never send a team against Kean without being fully prepared. He is one of the best in the business. The man is so thorough and his teams so well coached that it lakes a peak performance to beat him. We at Lincoln feel that a win over Tennessee State highlights any season." Other outstanding opponents and grid masters, in addition to Reed, felt just as keenly about beating Kean. Some of the aforementioned are William M. Bell, North Carolina A. and T. College; Arnett W. Mumford, Southern University; Alonzo S. "Jake" Gaither, Florida A. and M. University; "Zip" Gales, Langston University, Edward P. Hurt, Morgan State College; and Gaston F. "Country" Lewis, Central State College, to name only a few. The first of two heart attacks that proved fatal to the Tennessee State Athletic Director and Head Coach, occurred Thanksgiving Day, 1954. A mild attack before this had caused his doctors to caution him against any untoward physical exertion. This meant that the man who had devoted his life to coaching, not only building championship teams, but also, youth of strong character, must of necessity, retire. Reluctantly, he retired; and in doing so he exemplified evidence of the 'soldier discipline' that had earned him the rank of commissioned officer in World War I.

bjnderdo9

The second attack claimed his life on December 12, 1955. Ironically, this date is the birthday of his daughter. This immortal coach had no secret formula that gave him rightful claim to live mythical national football titles, two at Kentucky State, 1934 and 1937, and three at Tennessee State, 1946, 1947 and 1954. If the Kean technique or/and theory of coaching can be "put to music" it may well read like this: morale, material and fundamentals; no team or coach can be successful unless esprit de corps prevails in the ranks; fundamentals and morale are the captain of a teams fate, with morale, that old college try,' first. The affable Kean who prefered to be known as a 'teacher of football' instead of a coach, was a staunch believer in offense. He saw the necessity for a good passer early in the thirties. Coach Kean said on numerous occasions that "the best forward passing attack is a cross-eyed thrower who can and does pitch with either hand and a receiver who can catch." Nevertheless, not all of "The Fox's" attention was focused upon offense. He used this highly regarded coup de main as a defensive measure at the proper or most opportune time. When questioned as to the reasons for passing from behind his own goal on at least ten occasions during one season, Coach Kean replied, "we weren't gambling when we did that. We weren's expecting to complete all of our passes when we tried this offensive maneuver. But those that were incomplete broke up the defense teamwork on the line, made the defense cautious enabling us to kick out safely when we wanted to." In game situations that were nerve wrecking, and apparently all of them were, Coach Kean was a "violent man" with his sideline tactics and weird tintamarre. It was during this time that assistant coaches, players (as best they could), and friends would shy away from him. When in moments of less noticeable physical exertion, during a game, Coach Kean would smoke, chew ( and even swallow) a dozen or more cigars. His most familiar sideline comments were "oooooo somebody get him." This has been heard upon occasion while the opposing player (back) was running in the wrong direction for fear of his life. THE SPHINX


Once Kean's sideline comments entailed a fifteen yard penalty from the official, who was Frank L. Stanley, now editor of the Louisville Defender. Still not content that justice had been done, Kean shouted at lungs length how the officiating stunk. Stanley immediately paced off fifteen more precious yards. Then to the detestation of the riled coach the official turned and remarked "how does the officiating smell from here." It is likely that the winning percentage of the late Coach Henry Arthur Kean Sr. will be overcome in a few years by others so dedicated to the game. Yet it is unlikely that Kean the man, the strategist, and the teacher will long be remembered by the profession that utilized his original ideas, the spectator that thrilled to his entertaining and usually unbeatable teams, and the young men to whom a life was unwilling and unselfishly devoted. Brother Kean was an active member of Tau Lambda of Nashville, Tennessee. He served as an advisor to Beta Omicron at Tennessee State University•

Beta Alpha Brothers Make Record at Morgan BALTIMORE, Md.-Morgan State College. The brothers of Beta Alpha chapter wish to extend to all the brothers wishes for a happy and successful new year. The men of Beta Alpha chapter are still aware of their responsibilities and feel a strong sense of pride in their standing at Morgan State College. Brothers of Beta Alpha chapter are ever assuming their responsibilities of leadership in every phase of academic and social life at Morgan. Brother Douglas Sands is President of the Student Council and Brother Jack Cannon is vice-president. Brothers Rossie Wills and Allen Chandler are members of the Student Council also. Brothers George Covington and Charles Pollard are Presidents of the senior and junior classes respectively. Brother Charles Pollard and Jack Connor are judges in the newly organized student court at Morgan. Brother John Olney is president of the Beta Kappa Chi national scientific honor society chapter on the campus, of which several other brothers are members also. We have planned various activities for the coming year designed to promote better relationships with other graduate and undergraduate chapters. Our chapter queen is Miss Leah Catherine Hill. MAY, 1956

ALPHAS IN WEST AFRICA By a rare "happenstance" the first week in December 1955 found the three above "Apes" from widely different sections of the United States together in far away Ibadan. Nigeria, British West Africa. They are, from left to right: Gilbert Cruter. Delta Psi Lambda Chapter member. Denver. Colorado. 1949; John H. Thompson. Alpha Zeta Chapter. West Virginia State College. 1937; and Hilton E. Hanna. Alpha Beta Chapter. Talladega. 1933 . . . Shown in the living room of John H. Thompson. Public Affairs Officer. United States Information Service. Ibadan. each is holding a specimen of Nigerian art work; Cruter cradles a carved ebony head of a Fulani girl; Thompson holds his latest acguisition — an Ibo drummer carved of king ebony by the talented Benin sculpturer, Felix Idubor; while Hanna examines a bronze image of Shango. the African god of thunder . . . Cruter is in West Africa, i. e. Nigeria and the Gold Coast as a U. S. athletic specialist in track and field sports under the sponsorship of the United States Information Service. Hanna, a well-known American trade unionist (International Educational Representative—Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen with headquarters in Chicago), is on a 4-month good-will tour to meet labor groups in Nigeria and the Gold Coast; and Thompson is beginning a two-year tour of duty for the United States Information Service in Nigeria's Western Region. All seem quite "at home." Just the week before, another Alpha. Dr. Alphonso McPheeters. Dean of Clark College. Atlanta University Cen'.er. was also in Ibadan and guest of Thompson. Dr. McPheeters. Regional Cultural Officer. USIS. headquarters Accra. Gold Coast, is in West Africa on a year's leave of absence from Atlanta University, as educational specialist to help explain American educational characteristics to the peoples of the area. Both Dr. McPheeters and Gil Cruter returned to Nigeria from the Gold Coast after Christmas, while Hanna came back to the United States in time for the Christmas holidays . . . Most recently, a fifth "Ape" in the person of Mr. Claude Barnett. also paid a hurried visit to West Africa following his attendance to the inaugural ceremonies of Dr. William V. S. Tubman. President of Liberia. Mr. Barne'.t spent his time interviewing various Government leaders in the various regions before returning to the United States via Rome.

Display Your Unusual Chapter Or Fraternity Emblem at the 50th Anniversary Celebration To add color to our 50th Anniversary Celebration in Buffalo, the 50th Anniversary Committee is requesting all chapters who have unusual Chapter Emblems to send them to the Convention to be placed on display. A number of such emblems would do much to add to the fraternal atmosphere of the Convention. Chapters will receive full recognition for their originality and initiative in this area and their property can be fully insured against loss or breakage. If your Chapter would like to cooperate in this respect, won't you ask your Chapter Secretary to drop a note to the General Chairman, Brother Russell N. Service, 585 Michigan Avenue—YMCA, Buffalo, New York, and instructions covering the procedure to be followed will be sent to the Brother assigned to this responsibility. Why not discuss this at your next Chapter meeting.

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1955 In Retrospect 1956 A Challenge

CENTRAL COLLEGE INITIATES Probates oi Delta Xi Chapter who were initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha on January 13. 1956 at Central State College. They are (left to right) Jerry Mitchell. Cincinnati. Ohio; Jesse Pendleton. New York City; Robert Winfree, Alexandria, Virginia; Willie J. Bell. Jr., Birmingham, Alabama; Callrey Bartholomew. Memphis. Tennessee; Andrew W. Jones. Cleveland. Ohio. Photo by Jack Holland.

FRATERNITY

FUN

(Continued from Page 28) shuffle. 50 years of joy packed into a five day convention—in the summer time August 7-11 just at the time we usually go "native." There's Brother Russell Service with Brother Alfred Price, Walter B. Holland, G. Alex Galvin, Caivin Johnson, Ray Green. Mrs. Alfred Price, Mrs. Laura Holland, the Niagara Falls motorcade, the Cornell Pilgrimage, the Statler Hotel rendezvous, Escort bureaus and Baby sitter service and her Majesty, friend wife asking lis to prove our many statements we've made returning from other conclaves when we said "oh dear, we wished you were there." Don't wish any more, she'll be there this year, brother. How can you make your husband attend the convention at Buffalo? Read Aristophanes and see what Lysistrata did to her husband. He'll be there. So will I and Esther and Oliver, Jr. "Deo Volenti" and "pecunia permitta." * * * * They entered the club room at Churchill Downs race track, a man, his wife and nine year old son. "Set us up two straight Calverts," said the man. "Hey, pop," yelled the boy, "ain't Mom drinking?" * * * * A boy who wants to make the news Aspires to fill his father's shoes His sister aims for something better She hopes to fill her mother's sweater. * * * * It happened in Chicago at the office of Brother Oscar C. Brown. A large and corpulent woman of African lineage seeking to improve the family conditions said: "Ah wants to see Mr. Brown." The secretary said: "Mr. Brown is engaged just now." Mammy said, "Ah don't want to marry him, honey, I just wants to see him about a house." * * * * We wish to thank Brother Elmer J. Cheeks' column in the 1928 Sphinx issue,, assorted volumes of Frat Fun Column from 1929 my year of assumption and also Bridey Murphy of 1956 who supplied the idea of reincarnated articles. I'll join you "shufflin' off to Buffalo" August 7-11. O. WILSON WINTERS PAGE 38

PINE BLUFF, Ark - Dining the school year 1955, Gamma Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated did many things that it looks upon with pride. The first event of the year was the annual Wiener Roast. All prospective Sphinxmen and Sphinxmen are invited to the gala affair at which wc make' public announcement of our Sweetheart and her attendants for the school year. litis year wc were fortunate to have as Sweetheart, Carolyn Frazier, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Cozetta Hirsch and Dillie Wilkins, both members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, as attendants. A joint smoker with the graduate chapter in November proved to be the best "gab" lest in the- world. The brothers chatted about the strength of their fraternal bond and formula tion of jointly sponsored projects such as the- Founder's Day celebration which was very impressive in every way. The speaker for the Celebration was Brother Lewis O. Swingler, Editor of the Tri-State Times and Southern Vice-President of Alpha Phi Alpha. Alter the Founder's Day celebration turned the corner, the Brothers started plans for Probation Week. The Brothers decided to have a Closed Probation, which was very successful. Eight Brothers crossed the sand during the period. They are: Brothers Oscar Armstrong, Albert Harris, George Mitchell, Herbert Munn, Charles Piller, Carlton Vea/.y, George Walker, and Eldridge Williams. The "Hell" Week period was indeed "Help" week! The Sphinxmen cleaned the Cowan Rehabilitation Center for the Blinel and rendered other services which were beneficial to mankind. In the Student Government, three Brothers were elected to offices. They are Ralph Jacques, Vice-President: Charles McClinton, Treasurer; and Leroy Terrell, Editor of the Lion. Wc have three Brothers who are disc jockeys on one of the local radio stations. For this service, hats are off to Samuel Benson, Ray Harold O'Neal, and Charles Piller. As president of the Senior Class we have Brother Vernon Webb. Alphas on the campus are the only tobacco company representatives: Brother Charles McClinton represents the American Tobacco Company, while Brother Vernon Webb represents Reynolds Tobacco Company. THE SPHINX


In the field of sports Alphas have excelled on the campus. They won second place in the Intramural Basketball Tournament. For his outstanding performances Brother McKinley Nash was elected co-captain of the Football Team, and Sphinxman Eddie Burns was elected captain of the Basketball team. As for character and scholarship, Gamma Deltans have excelled. For the outstanding character, general service, and scholarship, the following six Brothers were selected to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities: Herbert Carter, Ralph Jacques, Grover Lewis, Charles McClinton, McKinley Nash, and Vernon Webb. Brother Simon Thomas was initiated into Sigma Rho Sigma Honor Society and Brother Grover Lewis was initiated into Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. On a mass scale the Alphas here have collected packages for CARE and waged a campaign for membership in the NAACP, after pointing to the wonderful service that this organization is doing where it is needed. Also, during Education Week, several chapter members made speeches at various high schools in Arkansas. Presently, we are anticipating the visits of Brother C. Franklin Brown, State Director, of Pi Lambda Chapter in Little Rock, Arkansas and Brother I. S. Chandler, Southwestern VicePresident. Plans are also being formulated for the Golden Anniversary Celebration. YES! At A. M. and N. College, the "Apes" are steadily moving forward in all fields of concentration, exhibiting high moral character, and rendering services which really make them great in the eyes of all. Brothers SIMON THOMAS and GROVER LEWIS •

Gamma Alpha Chapter Plans Spring Activities TYLER, Texas-With addition of the Neophytes, James Turner, a major in Biology, hometown in Houston, Texas: Gene P. Slayton, a major in English, hometown in Mineola, Texas; Donald Rhodes, major in music from Orange, Texas; Frankie McDaniel, major in Math from Jacksonville, Texas, the chapter has grown in number. The following are the officials and their scholastic ratings: Riley Johnson, Jr., President, 2.6; Charles Henry, Dean of Pledges, 2.3; Charlie Dean, 2.5; Eddie Guildbeaux, Treasurer, 2.7; Vendon Beck, Business MAY, 1956

HONOR WELL DESERVED Xi Lambda and Theta Chapters honor at banquet Brother Attorney Charles F. Lane, General Chairman of the Chicago 1955 Convention. Presenting plaque to Brother Lane, left to right: Toastmaster, Brother Attorney Archibald T. LeCesne; President, Xi Lambda, Brothers Charles D. Proctor and Charles F. Lane; Speaker, Brother Attorney Archibald J. Carey, Jr.

Nu Lambda Finishes Successful PETERSBURG, Va. - Nu Lambda Chapter under the leadership of Brother E. F. S. Davies has carried forward a very dynamic program in

Manager, 3.0; Clifton Williams, Reporter, 2.7. The graduate chapter is working closely to strengthen and direct Gamma Alpha Chapter. A high caliber of students is being developed on the campus because of the intense interest of each brother in maintaining and developing a high scholastic average. One of the most impressive and functional programs was rendered by Gamma Alpha Chapter in the Texas College Auditorium January 7, 1956. Brother Dr. Madlock, Bro. Kinniebrew, and Dr. Nelum, gave inspiring chats during the past meetings. Along with the spring events will be the Black and White Ball, the presentation of the chapter Sweetheart at a banquet before she leaves lor Dallas, where she will appear with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Gamma Alpha chapter is building a growing spirit among the students of Texas College. We are preparing to send a delegate to the National Convention in Buffalo, N. Y., in August. The members of both undergraduate and graduate chapters, Gamma Alpha and Epsilon Alpha Lambda are looking forward to the spring when Miss Mary Helen Stewart, the (undergrad) chapter sweetheart and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha •Sorority will be presented as soloist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Brother C. B. WILLIAMS, Reporter

Year

the true Alpha fashion. Not only has the chapter been active, but many individual honors and recognitions have been bestowed upon the brothers. Officers assisting Brother Davies in projecting the program of the chapter are: E. W. Whitlow, Vice-President; W. H. Quarles, Jr., Secretary; D. E. Carroll, Recording Secretary; J. H. Christian, Treasurer; R. H. Dunn, Associate Editor to Sphinx; J. V. Gibbs, Sergeant-at-Arms; T. L. Puryear, Chaplain and W. F. Taylor, MembcT-at-Large to the Executive Committee. The Special Projects Committee, under the leadership of Brother W. H. Quarles, Jr., in cooperation with the chapter, presented five college students in a concert "Preview of Tomorrow's Stars" at Peabody High School, Petersburg, Virginia on February 10,1956. T h e net proceeds of $500.00 from this program were donated to the Negro Baptist Children's Orphanage of Chesterfield County, Virginia. The Education Committee, Brother H. W. Roberts, Chairman, and the Public Relations Committee, Brother J. F. Nicholas, Chairman, planned jointly with Beta Gamma Chapter a public meeting which was held at Carver High School, Chesterfield County, Virginia on April 15, 1956. Brother Homer Brown, Judge of the Allegheny County Court, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, delivered a very timely and inspiring address on this occasion. The chapter, through the Education Committee, sponsored again this year the high school essay contest. T h e PAGE 39


winners had not been announced at the time of this release. Nu Lambda Chapter voted to take out a life membership in the NAACP. The purchase is to be made during the lull of 1956. Nu Lambda and Beta Gamma Chapters were granted permission to erect metal street signs on the campus of Virginia State College. These signs are being manufactured at this time and should be erected by September, 1956. The chapter welcomes back Brother Ma vol B. W. Carter and Brother Major Robert Hendricks. Both brothers have completed recently tours of duty in Europe and are stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia. At the January meeting Brother John Reinhardt was presented an engraved leather station-

ery case and received the best wishes of the brothers as he began a two year leave of absence from his duties as Professor of English at Virginia State College, for government service in Manila. Brother Roscoe Howard was busy handing out cigars in February, celebrating the arrival of the second potential Alpha man in his family. Brother Walker H. Quarles, Jr., has been elected the senior delegate to the Golden Anniversary Convention of our fraternity at Buffalo, New York in August. rhe chapter plans to close out the activities of the year with a social meeting entertaining the wives and lady guests of the brothers at the home of Brother John Dickson in Amelia County, Virginia.

Sigma Reports to Alpha BOSTON, Mass.—Sigma, Boston's undergraduate chapter, is meeting the challenge of civic and social responsibility! It is appropriate that in this, Alpha's Anniversary edition, Sigma give testimony to the pinnacle that Alpha Phi Alpha has attained and maintained throughout these past fifty years. Sigma Chapter, through a diligent reclamation program and a worthwhile and rewarding social and civic agenda, has become a moving force, civically and socially in the community of Greater Boston. More than anything else, we of Sigma are extremely proud of our civic program and our attainments in this area of endeavor. Our Civic Program Committee, generously staffed with Brothers John Wilks, Kenneth Simmons, Leon Haley, Lionel O. Lindsay, Jr., Ernest Savory, Alfred Johnson, and Melvin Miller has produced marvelously, to say nothing of the drive and coordinating efforts of our president, Brother John Bynoe. Included in our program to date have been; (1) Sigma's Monthly Forums. These forums, in the form of panel and open discussions have been very informative in many ways. They have been primarily directed at the teen-age high school students and undergraduate college students. Graduate students and authorities from our wealth of educational institutions in and surrounding Boston have been brought in to speak and answer the audience's queries. The topics discussed have included, "Africa, its people, its condition, its future", "Fraternities and PAGE 40

Sororities, pro and con", Integration, gradual or immediate", plus other pertinent current topics. These monthly forums have gained widespread popularity; (2) Allied with the Boston office of the National Urban League and other fraternities and sororities, Sigma has embarked upon a program of Vocational Guidance Clinics for the benefit of the high school students in the area; (3) The Sphinx Club of Sigma Chapter has undertaken a project of working with the children of one of Boston's many foundling homes, The Home for Little Wanderers. This project is under the direction of Brother Alfred Johnson who is professionally employed by this establishment; (4) Sigma's proudest effort this year in our minds was in support of Brother Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Improvement Association. (Brother King, incidentally, was made in Sigma Chapter). On March 23, Sigma Chapter, with the assistance of the Ministers Alliance of Greater Boston, sponsored, in Rev. King's absence, Attorney Fred D. Grey, principal counsel for Brother King in his trial in Montgomery, Alabama. Through this meeting and Attorney Grey's appearance, Sigma was able to send a considerably large sum to Montgomery to help financially in Montgomery's fight for freedom. These are but a few of Sigma's community activities, but indicative, we think, of the trends of the chapter's thinking and motivation. On the social front, our large winter dance, "House of Alpha", given at the Hotel Gardiner, was a great suc-

cess. Favors for the ladies, sparkling entertainment, good music and attentive hosts made for a well enjoyed evening. Also, there have been several informal parties given at the home of our president at which we of Sigma have partied "aplenty" in true Alpha style. At present our social efforts are being directed toward our "Black and Gold Formal" to be held in May for which all Boston lias been asking bids. Noteworthy also, is the fact that affiliated with Sigma this year are three brothers who are matriculating with the aid of Alpha Phi Alpha Scholarships. These brothers are Louis Sullivan at Boston LJniversity Medical School, Leon Haley, Graduate student in Government at Boston University, and Alonzo Connors, a Graduate student in Mathematics also at Boston University. As you can see, Brothers, Sigma, under the leadership of Brother John Bynoe, has been moving. We are looking forward to REUNION, REMINISCENCE, and SPECULATION at our Anniversary pilgrimage to our birthplace in August. We, Brothers of Sigma, hope to see you all there. •

The Alpha Light Shines at K. S. C. FRANKFORT, K y - T h e Beta Mu Squadron, twenty-three strong, has again been successful in establishing itself at the top in activities on the Kentucky State College Campus. According to the recent release of the first semester Dean's List, there were six brothers with averages of 2.20 or better and several others falling in the vicinity of 2.0. Alpha men at KSC hold eight presidential offices of the major student organizations, including the Student Council President, Brother Clarence W. Muse and Captain of the football and baseball teams, Brother Charles E. Glenn. Brother Muse is a senior, and hails from Paducah, Ky. He is a Business Administration Major and President of the Business Administration Club. Brother Muse is in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, a member of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, representative to the Pan Hellenic Council, and an active member of the McCullin Hall Club. He has served as chapter Dean of Pledgees, Dean and Registrar of the College on Student Administration Day 1955 and President 1956. He (Continued on Page 43) THE SPHINX


Stanley Urges Race To Continue Fight DURHAM, N. C.-Frank L. StanUrging Negroes to continue the ley, Defender publisher, expressed Eight for "first class citizenship", Stanhope here last week that North Caro- Icy said: "American democracy has lina could be counted upon to deseg- no room for the forces that deny votregate in spite of its recalcitrant neigh- ing privileges to Negroes through bors like South Carolina and Virginia. intimidation, murder and illegal Stanley said "In this present war of schemes; that expel a qualified Auideas, the army of love, tolerance, and iInline Lucy solely because she beChristian brotherhood has been open- longs to the Negro race and seeks legal ly and defiantly attacked by the pro- entry to her home state university; tagonists of hate, prejudice and self- i hat indicts wholesale Negroes who reishness. These forces are resorting to luse to be second class bus passengers; all sorts of nefarious tricks to preserve that impugns the established integrity their way of life which is contrary to of the U. S. Supreme Court by the all concepts of Christianity and juris- passage of interposition and nullifiprudence," continued Stanley. cation measures." The publisher, who is general presiMust Press Forward dent of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, was main speaker at a public He condemned "those who brand meeting at Mt. Vernon Baptist NAACP as subversive contrary to the Church. The fraternity held its opinion of the Department of Justice, Southern Regional Convention at the FBI, and several presidents of the North Carolina College. United States." He said the Supreme Mayor Present Court rendered "the only decision Mayor E. J. Evans welcomed the legally and morally possible" in the group to Durham; Dr. Alfonso Elder, public school segregation issue and Dr. R. K. Barksdale, J. S. Steward, urged Negroes "never to hold your and N. B. White, also brought greet- peace, for these wrongs (of segregaings from Negro business and civic tion) are ours to right. We have the groups in Durham. L. B. Frasier, enemies of integration confused, depresident of the host chapter of the moralized and in retreat. We must fraternity presided. press ever forward to total victory."

Tuskegee s Gamma Phi TUSKEGEE, Ala.-Having missed the February issue of the SPHINX, Gamma Phi Chapter at Tuskegee Institute thinks itself justified in making its news "big" in this issue of our magazine.

Chapter

Again Gamma Phi goes for the top. We brothers of Gamma Phi Chapter manifest our aspirations through achievement—achievement in all areas of college life. Certainly we gaze with pride upon the annals of our

glorious past, knowing well that to surpass it, only achievement in the imminent future, holds true to a greater future. T o lead Gamma Phi toward the accomplishment of its goals and objectives are men of dedicated purpose. Brothers Peter L. Joseph and Julius D. Washington serve as president and vice-president respectively. Brothers Joe D. Wilson and Johnny R. Law are corresponding and recording secretary respectively. Elected to the office of treasurer, dean of pledgees, parliamentarian and chaplain are Brothers Wesley Dade, Robert E. Elder, James Brown and David H. Nunally. Brother Connie V. Miller is Cha irman of the Rushing Committee and Brother Joe Carl Thomas is associate editor to the SPHINX. "Great Leaders are Made by Great Followers." This quotation is applicable to Gamma Phi Chapter. Brothers of noble achievement abound. There is Brother Julius D. Washington, president of the junior class, Institute Chapter of NAACP and student representative on the Tuskegee Self-Study Program. Brother Reuben Sherman serves as president of the sophomore class with Brothers Herbert Smitherman, James Banks, Lloyd M. Harris, and Carol Mcintosh as vice-president, treasurer, chaplain and student-faculty council representative respectively. Brother David H. Nunally is doing a swell job as president of the Student Red Cross which works in conjunction with the Tuskegee Veterans Administration Hospital. In the religious line, there are Brothers Joe David Wilson, president of the Y.M.C.A.; Julius D. Washington, Superintendent, Campus Hospital Sunday School; and Joe Carl Thomas, General Superintendent of Institute Sunday Schools; and also treasurer of the Institute NAACP. (Continued on Page 42)

VICE MAYOR BROTHER BERRY HONORED Speaker's table at Testimonial Banquet honoring Brother Theodore M. Berry. Vice Mayor of Cincinnati. Pictured, left to right: Brother Hannibal Hull. chaplaJn; Brother Thomas Walker, president of Alpha Alpha Chapter: Mrs. Brent Pendleton, president of Alpha wives; Brother Charles Anderson of Louisville, principal speaker; Mrs. T. M. Berry; His Honor <h.3 Vice Mayor. Brother T. M. Berry; Mrs. Charles Anderson; Brother •Willys Weatherly. president of Delta Gamma Lambda Chapter; Brother William McClain. who introduced the speaker; Brother Brent Pendleton banquet chairman. Not pictured is the General President. Brolher Frank Stanley who arrived later due to flying difficulties

MAY, 1956

PAGE 41


Alpha Phi Alpha Headquarters And Furnishings By B R O . C. A N D E R S O N DAVIS Mid-West Vice-President Report of the Committee on Funds to Furnish the Alpha H e a d q u a r t e r s . Probably one of the greatest single steps that Alpha Phi Alpha has taken in this generation was the purchase of our Alpha H o m e a n d H e a d q u a r t e r s in Chicago, 111. It is good that those directly responsible were strong enough in I heir convictions to move forward with the project in spite of much opposition. The National H o m e may n o t be all t h a t each of us would have it be; however, we should realize that perfection is not gained overnight nor even in a lifetime, therefore, we have the o p p o r t u n i t y of taking what we have a n d m a k i n g what we want. W h e n the C o m m i t t e e to raise funds was appointed, at the Miami Convention, it was given the responsibility of, 1. raising funds to furnish o u r National H e a d q u a r t e r s , 2. a n d to complete the work begun by the original Committee for National H e a d q u a r t e r s . T h e committee met in T o l e d o , O h i o , May 21, 1955 a n d drew u p plans for accomplishing the above stated purpose. It was agreed that o u r goal would be to raise $7,000.00. For the convenience of the regions, each region was asked to raise the following a m o u n t s : Western Region, $500.00; Southwest Region, $1,000.00; Midwest Region, $1,500.00; Eastern Region, SI.500.00; and the Southern Region, S2.500.00. T o date we have raised on a voluntary basis for the purpose of furnishing the National H e a d q u a r t e r s the a m o u n t of $2,675.32, just $4,324.68 short of o u r goal. A total of $6,517.00 was raised for the National H e a d q u a r t e r s prior to the 1954 Convention in Miami, making a total in gifts for both the National H e a d q u a r t e r s a n d Furnishings of $9,192.32. T o date there are 55 u n p a i d pledges, representing the a m o u n t of $3,810.00. Alpha P h i Alpha has a fine National H e a d q u a r t e r s b u t one of the sad features a b o u t o u r h o m e is this: W e have no arrangements for its u p k e e p a n d repairs, nor for future expansion, nor for refunding monies borrowed from the Fraternity's Reserve Funds. T h i s is no criticism on the part of P A G E 42

the Brothers who led this program, nor of o u r Fraternity, just a stated fact. Now, Brothers of Alpha, is the time for us to make plans to secure our investment. In the light of the above statements, your Committee submits the following recommendations for your consideration: 1. T h a t we make a serious a t t e m p t to collect the u n p a i d pledges. 2. T h a t each chapter which has not made a d o n a t i o n to our H o m e nor on its furnishings be urged to do so, to the e n d that every brother may have had a part, directly or indirectly, in this great project. 3. T h a t we continue to encourage brothers to c o n t r i b u t e to the Funds lor our National H e a d q u a r t e r s a n d that brothers at this convention be given an o p p o r t u n i t y to contribute. 4. T h a t each future brother may feel that he is an integral part of this great endeavor a n d may share in the responsibility of securing and maintaining o u r N a t i o n a l h o m e ; W e further recommend following this Convention that out of the initiation fee, an additional a m o u n t of $5.00 for g r a d u a t e brothers a n d $2.00 for intermediate a n d u n d e r g r a d u a t e brothers be sent to the National Office. T h i s a m o u n t shall be earmarked as follows: a. to replace the Reserve Fund used in purchasing the N a t i o n a l H o m e , b. for general repairs a n d upkeep and c. for future expansion, (no other purpose). We estimate that this would net the Fraternity approximately $2,000.00 per year. In a period of 20 years we should have refunded the monies borrowed from o u r Reserve F u n d a n d money enough to meet whatever the renovation a n d expansion needs are of our growing a n d progressive Fraternity. N O T E : T h e total a m o u n t of cash ami pledges received at the Chicago Convention was $3,270.00. Brothers a n d Chapters are urged to contribute to the Alpha P h i Alpha Building F u n d . A bronze p l a q u e will occupy an h o n o r e d place in the N a t i o n a l H e a d q u a r t e r s a n d shall contain the names of all Alpha Brothers w h o m a d e donations as shown below: $100.00 N a t i o n a l H o m e Builders

Beta Nu Is Runner-up In Intramural Football T A L L A H A S S E E , Fla. - Beta N u continued to cut bigger paths in the woods of competition as it produced a winning touch-football team. Coached by Brother James Cash, t h e Beta N u team fought its way to the top after eliminating every other team in the league. T h e team was sparked by Brothers R o b e r t Carrol, quarterback, a n d Clarence Griffin, left end. Although they were defeated in the finals by a score of 44-19, they played a n d fought with the true spirit of Alpha m e n . Now that the i n t r a m u r a l basketball season has rolled a r o u n d , Beta N u is expecting to duplicate the accomplishment. T h e basketball team is coached by Brother R o b e r t Carrol who also plays. T h e m a n w h o is expected to make most of the baskets is big 6 1" Brother Frederick H u m p h r i e s , w h o along with his basketball playing is an h o n o r student a n d junior chemistry major. 窶「

Tuskegee's Gamma Phi (Continued from Page 41) T o continue to e n u m e r a t e on the manifestations of leadership as exhibited by Alpha m e n at G a m m a Phi Chapter, Brother George A. Hylton serves as president of the Foreign Students' Association with Brother Joseph P r a t t as vice-president. Brother Charles N . Saunders is vice-president of the Interfraternal Council. T h r o u g h names G a m m a P h i brings news窶馬ames of Alpha m e n w h o are c o n t i n u i n g to keep the standards of our dear Fraternity high. Foremost a m o n g G a m m a Phi's yearly projects has been that of cleaning, p a i n t i n g a n d refinishing all fish pools on the campus. T h e C h a p t e r also has initiated a complete program of activities for the youth in Alabama's Industrial School for Negro boys a n d Girls. It is h o p e d that t h r o u g h this program these boys a n d girls will get the real m e a n i n g of life a n d will strive for what Alpha Phi Alpha aims for - M A N L Y DEEDS, S C H O L A R S H I P a n d L O V E for A L L MANKIND.

50.00 N a t i o n a l H o m e Decorators. 25.00 N a t i o n a l H o m e Furniturers. T H E SPHINX


Alpha Psi Sounds Like Texas—More Power J E F F E R S O N C I T Y , Mo. - T h e Mid-west region of Alpha P h i A l p h a Fraternity, Inc. has in its folds one of the finest chapters in Alpha Psi chapter. As of the fall initiation which brought into A l p h a d o m ten neophytes to increase Alpha Psi to 41 members it is the largest Greek-letter organization on the campus. The neophytes are Brothers Raydell Corsey, Jesse Gill, Melvin Emery, William Jeffries, R o b e r t FUowers, J o h n Britton, Larnell Wells, Floyd Coleman, Shelly Bowers a n d Gilbert L a n e . Twenty-six o u t of the 41 Brothers have student jobs; ten have won academic scholarships a n d five more are on athletic scholarships. Twothirds of the Brothers have frequented the Dean's h o n o r roll led by the consistency of senior Brothers A b r a h a m Bolden, W a r r e n Swindel, Carl Jason, and junior Brothers Bowers a n d J o h n Cults, the latter two being the winners of two academic prizes apiece. Alphamen hold the presidency over six organizations; three serve as vice-presidents a n d two more as treasurers (not c o u n t i n g chapter offices). O t h e r Brothers have placed themselves at the top as director of the University concert band, Brother Bolden; director of the University Collegians, Brother Reggie Jones; statistician of the football team, Brother W a l t e r Franklin a n d manager of the basketball team. Brother Sam Clark. A l p h a Psi commands the Student Council with President Brother Carl Smith; Vice-President, Brother Lawrence Cayce; Treasurer, Brother Robert Flowers a n d the senior a n d junior class representatives, Brothers Dickie T i m m o n s and Shelley Bowers respectively. Brothers spark the R . O . T . C . with a record of six 2nd Lieutenants a n d five sergeants. Brother Keener T i p pins is chief staff Intelligence Officer a n d he maintains the second highest average in the corps. T h e Black a n d Gold is supreme in the Senior Class with President Esau Taylor; Vice-President, Sandy Davis; a n d Carl Jason, treasurer. A l p h a m e n d o m i n a t e the J u n i o r class with President Joe Jenkins; a n d Vice-President, Bobby Daniels. Pan-Hellenic President W a l t e r FYanklin is also a Brother. C o m m e n d a b l e praise is due Brother Irvin Kennedy, (a January graduate), MAY,

1956

for n u m e r o u s achievements. In the R . O . T . C , Brother Kennedy held the highest rank, that of Cadet Major; he was one of three distinguished military students a n d he was a former drill team c o m m a n d e r a n d charter member. He was the first Negro to crack the local color barrier in organized baseball. In so doing, he was voted "Rookie-of-the-Year" in 1955. He was a student instructor in the U. print shop and in charge of production. Three Brothers have added to varsity athletics at Lincoln U. Brother Willie Scott (chapter president) has won two letters and he is seeking his third. He holds the record of 67 points in the 1955 varsity L three-day t o u r n a m e n t . Brother Larnell Wells finished one point b e h i n d Brother Scott. Wells is the only m a n to letter in two varsity sports—track a n d basketball. He is a d o u b l e winner in the high and low hurdles. Brother Dick Billingslea engineered the Lincoln Tigers to a 6-3 record in football as a quarterback. H e was the individual point and touchdown leader and the second highest g r o u n d gainer. His lour year record team record is 28-36. •

Eventful Year For Alpha Zeta Lambda B L U E F I E L D , West V a . - T h e year 1955-56 was one of the most eventful in recent years of Alpha Zeta L a m b d a Chapter. Observances of Educational Week, Citizenship Week, A n n u a l Founder's Day, the A n n u a l Sermon, and the awarding of m a n y scholarships lilted the name of Alpha in this area of the Nation. Annual

Sermon

T h e Annual Sermon was held at Kimball, West Virginia. Speaker for the occasion was Brother Reverend R. B. Powell, Brother J o h n H . Franklin presided, music for the occasion was furnished by the Kimball H i g h School Chorus. Annual

Spring

Formal

Dance

Bluefield was all agog with pleasurable excitement, when A l p h a m e n presented a n d highlighted the social event of the past decade a n d b r o u g h t to the m o u n t a i n city n o n e other t h a n

Brother Duke Ellington a n d his famous b a n d to entertain their wives and 500 guests who came to the affair from Ear and near to socialize with the musical a n d social celebs. T h e setting was near perfect—the congenial Alpha hosts—Duke's scintillating music—the beautiful a n d spacious Bluefield auditorium—comely a n d gorgeously gowned ladies—tux and tailed gents—lovely souvenirs a n d refreshments to please the taste buds of the most Fastidious, all added u p to make the evening a most " s c r u m p t u o u s " one. Naturally, the music c o n t r i b u t i o n of the Duke a n d his organization was the big factor in the over-all success of the affair. It was an evening of romance of music with hours of sheer pleasure and moments of toweling exhaltation. T h e D u k e achieved Finely adjusted balances between sections of the orchestra resulting in music which sparkled like a F o u r t h of July night. T h e "Rock a n d R o l l " r h y t h m of the internationally famous musical organization—a la E l l i n g t o n kept the brother Alphas, their wives and their guests, young or old. responding to happy feet t h r o u g h o u t the evening. Duke's

Birthday

T o make it a d o u b l e barrelled event, it was the Duke's birthday. Imagine the great b a n d leader's surprise as he raised his baton for the band to swing into the "A T r a i n " , only to hear the strains of " H a p p y Birthday T o You." Simultaneously, Dr. Ernie M a r t i n rolled in a h u g e birthday cake with an array of lighted candles a n d Joseph T u r n e r , Secretary of Alpha Zeta L a m b d a , m a d e the presentation to Maestro Ellington. T h e r e was enough cake for the entire b a n d and many of the guests as well as a happy Edward Kennedy Ellington, who enjoyed his 39th (Jack Benny) birthday.

The Alpha Light (Continued from Page 40) served as General C h a i r m a n of the recent Leadership Development Conference h e l d on the campus. Brother Glenn is a junior, serving as class president and hails from Lexington, N o r t h Carolina. H e is a major in the D e p a r t m e n t of History a n d G o v e r n m e n t a n d President of Beta M u Chapter. Brother G l e n n is a m e m b e r of the K C l u b , Veterans Club, McCullin H a l l C l u b a n d representative to the P a n Hellenic Council. Brother Glenn is a candidate for the President of the Student Council P A G E 43


for 1956-57, hoping to succeed Bro. Muse. Beta Mu is happy to congratulate and welcome Neophyte Brothers Emary Mclver of Detroit, Michigan a n d Donald Crutcher of Nicholasville, Ky. u p o n crossing the " B u r n i n g Sands" into Alpha L a n d . A b a n q u e t was u i \ i i i in h o n o r of the Neophyte Brothers a n d toasts a n d welcomes were extended to both from the brothers. Six pledgees were also taken into the Sphinx C l u b d u r i n g Spring probation. We are now looking forward to o u r

most extravagant a n n u a l affair, the " B L A C K A N D W H I T E B A L L " , at which time one of the lovely ladies of the Alpha K a p p a Alpha Sorority will be crowned chapter sweetheart. Beta Mu will conclude its a n n u a l activities with the A n n u a l Mother's Day Program on May 13. D u r i n g the "Sweetheart W e e k " of February, the Sphinx C l u b crowned Miss Alma Rita W e b b of Louisville, Ky., as their Sweetheart for 1956-57. Miss W e b b is a m e m b e r of the Ivy Leal C l u b of Alpha Kappa Alpha ,s irority.

Wardrobe To Fit The Weather... And The Program... For Your 50th Anniversary Convention Trip MRS.

ALFRED

President,

Buffalo

D.

PRICK,

Alpha

Wives

TLH E

Buffalo Alpha Wives, R h o l a m b d a , a n d Delia Epsilon Chapters, your 50th Anniversary Committee and the General Officers of Alpha Phi Alpha . . . yes, everyone concerned lias been lending all efforts toward m a k i n g o u r Fraternity's Anniversary Celebration a most memorable occasion for every Alpha Delegate a n d his family. In addition to comfortable and attractive housing, and well appointed and centrally located meeting facilities, the "City of Good Neighbors," in the heart of the World Famous Niagara Region, will oiler many opportunities for a lively, vacation week — with a heavy social calendar. But . . . a little thing like the weather can r u i n the best of plans unless we come prepared for the unpredictable! A G o v e r n m e n t meteorologist w h o has lived a n d worked in practically all sections of the U n i t e d States has staled i hat Buffalo weather has n o superior as an "All the year r o u n d "

proposition. T h i s merely means that summer days in August can range from 60 degrees to 90 degrees a n d evening temperatures can d r o p as low as 50 degrees — even in August. Rain can be heavy a n d winds strong. O n the other h a n d , a typical August week can be a series of warm sunny days with cool comfortable evenings. W i t h this as a background, a peep at the Social C a l e n d a r will find a n u m b e r of social events which might suggest to the ladies the type of clothes a n d accessories that might be needed. A m o n g the plans are a Boat Ride o n Lake Erie, formal a n d informal dances, a bridge luncheon a n d a reception. Very cool evenings might r e q u i r e a light w r a p ; For a tour of Niagara Falls, a plastic head scarf is the ideal thing to stick in your purse as a protection against the fine spray of mist on windy nights. A stole or light w r a p may make that Boat Ride more enjoyable. H e r e are just a few suggestions thai might be helpful in making your Buffalo Alpha "Anniversary" vacation a most happy one for all!

Undergrad-Grad Relationship By B R O . J. S. C H A N D L E R We, the Brothers of A l p h a P h i Alpha Fraternity Inc., all realize that the organization was originally an u n d e r g r a d u a t e institution. G r a d u a t e chapters were started because g r a d u a t e Brothers realized that some of the lessons learned in Alpha d u r i n g underP A G E 44

graduate days could well be applied after school. T o o , the graduates envisioned Alpha as a powerful force for the e n l i g h t e n m e n t of all m a n k i n d . So, o u r life is of necessity two fold: the u n d e r g r a d u a t e social life a n d the g r a d u a t e social action life. Between these two sides of Alpha, there need not be such a great chasm

as some of o u r Brothers would have us believe there exists. T h i s profound difference is the exception rather than the rule, I do believe. T h e r e are too many instances where h a r m o n y is typified for us to believe otherwise. W h a t about Beta K a p p a a n d the graduate Brothers of Oklahoma? W h a t a b o u t Beta a n d the graduate Brothers of Washington, D. G ? W h a t about Chi, Alpha Chi, Beta Omicron and the g r a d u a t e Brothers of Nashville, T e n n . ? W h a t about Upsilon and the graduate Brothers of T o p e k a , Kansas a n d Kansas City, Mo? I a m sure that many more examples of h a r m o n i o u s relationship can be found in Alpha. T h e problem, where it exists, can be m e t a n d successfully coped with. Recently, I h a d an u n d e r g r a d u a t e Brother ask me what was the difference between the graduate a n d u n d e r g r a d u a t e Brothers that seemed to raise so much ruckus. T h e answer is simple: J u s t a question of two or more years maturity. All Brothers, fundamentally, believe in the same tilings or else some of us would not be Brothers. H o w we achieve the aims is a different proposition a n d is e n c u m b e n t u p o n the reactions of each individual Brother or Chapter. B u t when some fundamental concept or belief of Alpha is discussed, there is no dissension. We aid one another—we love o n e another. W e all respect the tenets of o u r preamble a n d the Constitution. W e are united on the major issues of today's Alpha—We all owe o u r heritage to the same seven (7) Jewels. But, somewhere along the line, we differ. T h i s is as it should be, because each one of us is an individual entity a n d true individuality can never be copied n o r exactly duplicated. It is only when some new problem or concept arises that these seemingly boorish differences come u p , b u t what growing pains cause no trouble whatsoever? It is a mark of growth that some differences should arise. It is a healthy sign that g r a d u a t e Brothers have changed a little from the thinking of their u n d e r g r a d u a t e days—But, it is also a mark of A l p h a that these differences can all be reconciled when we sing—"Alpha P h i Alpha, the pride of o u r hearts"—So, my Brothers, let us n o t bemoan the fact t h a t there are differences; let us n o t talk of the stagn a t i o n of Alpha; let us n o t grow further a p a r t over some little difference of opinion, b u t r a t h e r let us gather together even m o r e firmly u n i t e d in the belief a n d knowledge that Alpha Phi Alpha is a dynamic, growing institution, that A l p h a P h i A l p h a is a worthwhile ideal that has withstood the test of time. T H E SPHINX


Interesting Facts and Figures About Buffalo AIRPORT—538 acres; opened for operations September 25, 1926. In January 1927, first regular airmail service between Buffalo and Cleveland. In March 1927, freight service inaugurated between Buffalo and Detroit. In 1950, planes arriving at Buffalo Municipal Airport were 25,757 arriving and 25,757 departing; passengers in, 416,753; out, 385,330. ALTITUDE—583 feet above sea level. AREA—42.67 square miles, enlarged less than one square mile since 1854. ASSESSED VALUATION — Within Citv of Buffalo in 1953-1954, $1,009,489,200 taxable with $29.27 per $1,000 tax rate. CHURCHES —419, representing 56 denominations, with more than 500 clergymen. COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES— Canisius College, D'Youville College (for women), State Teachers College, University of Buffalo, Cornell University Aeronautical Research Laboratory, New York State Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences. FLOUR MILLING—Buffalo is the greatest flour-milling city in the world; it passed Minneapolis in 1930; 25,999,419 sacks of 100 pounds were milled in 1952. GRAIN RECEIPTS — 150,048,138 bushels yearly average via lake during the past ten years.

STATLER HOTEL,

GRAIN ELEVATORS—31, of which 22 are on deep water. Total capacity, 53,308,000 bushels.

LIBRARIES—Buffalo Public Library with 18 branches and total of over 770,000 volumes and Grosvenor (reference) Library over 450,000 volumes, both a part of the Erie County Public Library System. MUSEUMS—Albright Art Gallery in Delaware Park; Buffalo Historical Museum built as a New York State Building of the Pan-American Exposition in 1901; Museum of Science built in 1929 at a cost of $1,000,000. PARKS—Ten public parks containing 3,000 acres including Delaware Park with 365 acres, including Delaware Park Lake. PEACE BRIDGE—Connects Buffalo with Ontario, Canada, across Niagara River. About 3,500,000 automobiles cross the bridge yearly. POLICE DEPARTMENT—More than 1300 members. POPULATION—580,132 in U. S. Census of 1950, Buffalo is second largest city of New York State and 15th in the nation. Erie County's population was 899,238 and eight-county trading area was 1,628,210. RAILROADS—12, with 2,350 miles of track in Erie County. Second largest railroad center of the United States. RECREATION—Nine outdoor and 14 HEADQUARTERS indoor swimming pools, 13 wading pools, 12 ice-skating rinks, 23 baseball diamonds, 57 tennis courts, 4 municipal golf courses, 11 football fields, 2 soccer fields, 3 lawn-bowling courts, 1 cricket field and 38 playgrounds. Buffalo has 6 town clubs, 4 boat clubs and 14 nearby country clubs.

c HALLS—MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM: 8424 fixed seats in the balcony; using movable seats capacity can be increased to 10,582 seats for hockey games and ice shows; 13,832 for boxing and wrestling exhibitions; 13,244 for conventions and concerts (dependent on size of the stage); maximum capacity for arena, with seats from wall to wall (excepting aisles and speaker's platform), is 15,000. Assembly hall on second floor will seat 1300 persons, 900 for dancing. There is a total of 128,566 square feet of exhibition space as follows: 55,296 square feet of exhibition space on the main floor, including alcoves in the corridors; 58,684 in four areas in the basement and 12,606 square feet in the rooms on the second floor. KLEINHANS MUSIC HALL—Maximum seating capacity of main auditorium is 2939; Mary Seaton Room has maximum capacity of 800; rehearsal room seats 75 persons. HOSPITALS—16, with a total of 8642 beds and 582 bassinets, including 1004-bed Veterans Administration Hospital. HOTELS—27 with 6059 rooms.

SCHOOLS—Buffalo has 82 elementary public schools, 75 parochial and private grade schools, 7 academic high schools and 9 vocational high schools and a State Technical Institute. Enrollment is approximately 100,000 pupils and 10,000 pupils in night schools. THEATERS—63 motion-picture theaters with a total of 63,790 seats and one legitimate, Erlanger, 1,416 seats. TRANSPORTATION—Buffalo is served by buses throughout an area 42 square miles, with -universal transfer system. TREES-^-More than 400,000 city-owned trees cared for by a city forestry department. ZOO—A $2,000,000 Zoo covering 23 acres, 20 main exhibit centers, about 258 mammals, 542 birds, 229 reptiles, 67 fish and 18 other vertebrates.

Compiled by the Research and Statistics Department of the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce


Jewel Henry A, C a l l i s 230o E S t . , N. . Washington, D« C.

CONVENTION /Itfrfa, ?>JU AlfrU FRATERNITY, INC. Buffalo, N Y - A u g u s t 7 through 11,1956 THE SPHINX

THE FRATERNITY Alpha

Phi Alpha

Fraternity,

Inc., was founded

A l p h a Phi A l p h a Fraternity, this year

December

celebrates

4, 1906 at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York by seven stu-

its Fiftieth A n n i v e r s a r y and is p u b l i s h i n g a Special

dents of the University.

Anniversary

This was the first College Fraternity

open to Negroes.

Issue of

the Sphinx M a g a z i n e .

The

Sphinx is the r e g u l a r l y p u b l i s h e d , and official organ

During the past fifty

years Alpha Phi Alpha has

grown

from a membership of seven (7) men to a present membership of more than 24,000 including some of the most outstanding members of both races. The Fraternity now has 110 undergraduate chapters located

of the f r a t e r n i t y , to

make

this

but no pains are b e i n g

issue

a great

and

contribution. The A n n i v e r s a r y issue of The Sphinx w i l l

at leading Colleges and Universities in America—There are 143

in detail

graduate chapters in 37 States, the District of

f i f t y (50) years, replete w i t h pictures and

Columbia

and

Bermuda, BWI.

the organization's

history

over

about the numerous chapters and its

Over the years Alpha Phi Alpha's program has been geared

spared

commemorable

cover

the

past

articles

outstanding

members.

to encouraging young people of America to take advantage of all educational opportunities — This has been done through the Go To High School — Go To College program and later

its

Education Week Observance — These programs have been backed with

more than

$125,000

in scholarships and Fellowships —

The Vocational Guidance program is fast becoming a vital part of the total program of the Fraternity. For the adults Alpha Phi Alpha has sponsored the Education for Citizenship Week and has increased its effort in this area within the last few years.

With

more

than

20,000

and circulated t h r o u g h o u t come

men

(professional,

copies our

to

be

printed

nation to high

business,

education, sports, etc.), y o u r advertisement or notice t h e r e i n , w i l l d e f i n i t e l y c o m m a n d attention. Also copies w i l l be placed in public as w e l l as college libraries f o r premanent

reference.

Advertising Rates and Specifications

Make all checks or money orders to

Page size, 8V2 x 11

Alpha Phi Fraternity, Inc.,

QUARTER PAGE

$ 75.00

HALF PAGE

125.00

FULL PAGE

200.00

INSIDE COVERS

250.00

BACK COVER

300.00

Deadline for receiving copy: July, 1956

in-

government,

and mail w i t h copy to: ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. JAMES E. HUGER, General Secretary 4 4 3 2 South Parkway Chicago 15, Illinois


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