VOLUME XLII
JULY, 1957
NUMBER 3
ATTEND THE FORTY-THIRD GENERAL CONVENTION
tovcJLo5 ~/inaele&,
L^aiifcomia
Please note: July, 1957 The cover and the title page of this issue say Volume XLII Number 3 but the other issues in 1957 say Volume XLIII
£
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, Inc. GENERAL OFFICERS General President: FRANK L. STANLEY, SR., Box 1558, Louisville Defender, Louisville, Kentucky. Western Vice-President: HAROLD R. JONES, 2831 Ellsworth Street, Berkeley 5, California. Southwest Vice-President: J. S. CHANDLER, l l l ' / i South Second Street, Muskogee, Oklahoma. Mid-Western Vice-President: REV. 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, P. O. Box 2031, DeSota Station, Memphis, Tenn. 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., 1229 Schofield Building, Cleveland, Ohio. Director of Educational Activities: W I L L I A M H. HALE, Clark College, Atlanta, Georgia. General Counsel: BILLY JONES, 342A East Broadway, East St. Louis, llinois. Historian: CHARLES H. WESLEY, Central State College, Wilberforce, Ohio. Chairman, Audit Committee: W . D. HAWKINS, JR., Fisk University, Nashville 8, 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— H. Adrian Isabelle, 658 54th Street, Oakland, California • SOUTHERN—Clarence E. Branch, Jr., East Dorm, Tennessee A. and I. University, Nashville 8, Tenneessee • MIDWESTERN—William A. Lester, Jr., 6918 S. Michigan, Chicago 37, Illinois • SOUTHERN—H. Rudolph Sims, Box 9414, Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. JEWELS Henry A. Callis, 2306 E Street, N. E.. Washing21st Street, Los Angeles 18, California. O M E G A : ton, D. C ; George B. Kelley, l-M3th Street, Charles H. Chapman, Robert H. Ogle, Vertner Troy, N. Y.; Nathaniel A. Murray, 2151 West W . Tandy, Eugene Kinckle Jones. CHAIRMEN, STANDING COMMITTEES SCHOLARSHIP A N D EDUCATION—Dr. WilSr., P. O. Box 1549 Jackson, Miss. liam H. Hale, Clark College, Atlanta, Ga. ELECTIONS—Charles W . Anderson, 608 W. BUDGET—Kermit J . Hall, 5000 Woodland AveWalnut St., Louisville, Ky. nue Philadelphia, Pa. ACHIEVEMENTS A N D AWARDS—Tolly Har ns, 326 North Greenwood, Tulsa, Okla. A U D I T I N G — W . D. Hawkins, Fisk University, STANDARDS A N D EXTENSION — Dr. Aaron Nashville, Tenn. Brown, Phelps-Stokes Fund, New York, N. Y. PUBLIC POLICY—Dr. Charles H. Wesley, CenHOUSING—William Alexander, 4272 Washingtral State College, Wilberforce, Ohio. ton Street, St. Louis, Mo. GENERAL SECRETARY—Walter H. Williams,
SPHINX STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF W . Barton Beatty, Jr. ASSISTANT M A N A G I N G EDITORS James E. Huger, Leroy Jeffries 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 D a v i s , John Hope Franklin, A l o n z o G. Moron, Ramon Scruggs, T h e o d o r e 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, Rufus Atwood, Charles F. Lane, John Simmons, Robert J . Anthony, Oscar C. Brown, William H. Hale.
OFFICE OF ENERAIL SECRETARY OPEN Brother Ernest Wallace has found it impossible to accept the position of General Secretary starting I September 1957, therefore, application for the position will now be received by Brother Walter H. Williams P. O . Box 1549 Jackson, Mississippi All applications should be in by 10 August and the applicants present in Los Angeles for the 43rd General Convention.
Official
Organ
of
Alpha
Phi
Alpha
Fraternity,
JULY, 1957
VOLUME XLII
NUMBER 3
B R O T H E R A . T. W A L D E N Brother Austin T, W a l d e n a practicing Attorney in A t l a n t a , G e o r g i a will deliver the Banquet address to be held in the Pacific Ballroom, H o t e l Statler during the General Convention in Los Angeles, August 21st - 24th, 1957- H e has distinguished himself in local and national activities. Brother W a l d e n is a graduate of Atlanta University and received his Law Degree from the University of M i c h i g a n . H e served as a C a p t a i n in W o r l d W a r I and has served for
BROTHER ( B I S H O P ) F R A N K M A D I S O N REID The Los Angeles 43rd General Convention will be honored by the presence of Brother Frank Madison Reid who will deliver the convention address. Brother Reid completed his secondary education at C e n t r a l H i g h School, Louisville, Kentucky; his college and theological training at W i l b e r f o r c e University with advance study at the University of Chicago and Union Theological Seminary of N e w York summer school. H e was elected to the office of Bishop of the
A B O U T O U R C
o V E R
35 years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the W h e a t Street Baptist Church, his other community activities includes 15 years as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Butler Street Y . M . C . A . , member of the C i t y Executive C o m m i t t e e of A t l a n t a , General C o u n sel for the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. Inc., and G e n e r a l Counsel for the Citizens Trust C o m p a n y . Brother W a l d e n was recipient of 2 honorary deqrees in 1950, one from Morehouse College and the other from Atlanta University.
A . M . E . Church in Detroit, Michiqan in 1940. H e has pastored the historic St. John A . M . E . Church at St. Louis, Missouri. Brother Reid has been cited by numerous organizations for his outstanding work in civic, community and religious activities. H e is now the presiding Bishop of the Second Episcopal District of the A . M . E . Church which includes the State of M a r y l a n d , District of C o l u m b i a , the State of Virginia and two ( 2 ) Conferences in the State of N o r t h Carolina.
The August issue of the Sphinx Magazine is dedicated t o Brother Frank L. Stanley, General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and his family. Brother Stanley is completing three ( 3 ) years of service in the office of President. His reign as the official head of the Fraternity has demonstrated more the need for Alpha men everywhere to support to a larger extent the total program of the Fraternity. In addition to his insight into the needs of the Fraternity, Brother Stanley gave leadership t o the development of our fiftieth ( 5 0 t h ) Anniversary which will always be an enrichment to be cherished by Brothers in attendance and the Fraternity at large. Brother Stanley has figuratively wore his shoes thin keeping up with the abundance of demands made upon him by graduate and under-graduate chapters which involved travel. H e has expended his energies and in many instances his finances far beyond the expected or expense report t o t a l . The Kentuckian has worn well the mantle of Alpha Phi Alpha and leaves behind him a pattern of activity for the best interest of the Fraternity t h a t will call for excellence on the part of his successor. In achieving the heights he has had the constant encouragement from his wife, Mrs. lone Stanley and their two ( 2 ) sons, Stanley, Jr., ( l e f t ) President of Tau C h a p t e r at the University of Illinois where he is a senior in the school of Journalism and Kenneth T. Stanley ( r i g h t ) a recent Jr. H i g h School g r a d u a t e . Brother Stanley has done much for Alpha Phi Alpha and mankind, therefore without further display of his talents and world achievements we dedicate the August issue of the Sphinx M a g a zine with the hope that he will continue to enjoy health, happiness and prosperity.
JULY. 1957
Incorporated
Publication Office: 4432 South Parkway, Chicago 15, III. Address all news matter to Editor-in-Chief: W . BARTON BEATTY. JR. 1229 Scofield Building. Cleveland 5, Ohio 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 Chicago, Illinois, 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.
PAGE 1
The General President Speaks E v e r y A l p h a is called u p o n t o give m o r e tangible m e m b e r s h i p w o r t h i n e s s LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Brother Charles H. Wesley, our eminent historian, has written in the newest edition of the ALPHA PHI ALPHA history that: "Our greatest progress has been made in the spirit which led to the realization that each of the brothers who has had an educational opportunity is responsible for those who are less fortunate and who have been placed in positions of subordination and under economic, political and social pressures in their local communities." This concept of progress as an organization of the chosen few for the benefit of the many, is not entirely new. It was in the minds of our JewelFounders in 1906. It has ben reiterated time and time again by the great men of Alpha who have striven to make it mankind's most serviceable organization. It was reemphasized at Buffalo last August on the occasion of our Golden Anniversary by Alpha Phi Alpha's Manifesto for Future Years, the introduction to which begins: "It is now apparent that not only a social revolution with profound implications is impending for the United States and its people, but it is also clear that our leadership is called upon to take decisive action as we confront today's issues. For the most evocative and acute of the issues in American life are now those which relate to desegregation and integration." Obviously, every true Alpha man stands agreed on these pronouncements. But the task does end with mere acceptance. We must face squarely up to the challenge before us. Truly we are all part of a great revolution which is not atomic science or global air travel. It is something much deeper and broader. It is the Negro's acute awareness of his full citizenship rights and his avowed determination to achieve them. Like the great revolutions of the past, this one is rooted in the mindstuff of the Negro people and is the fruit of their ideas and dauntless courage. In many instances it is neither visible nor dramatic because it is taking place out of sight, in the hearts and PAGE 2
minds of men who have made the choice for freedom. One of the requirements for tangible membership worthiness in our fraternity today is that every Alpha man, like our founding fathers turn his back on second class citizenship and make the choice for freedom. Only by so doing can Alpha survive and meet the test of the years ahead. For if we are to hold our place of leadership and serve mankind ever more effectively, we must write new and dynamic chapters to our history. Regrettably, our laurels of the first half century will not see us through. We cannot rest on our oars. To live and grow and achieve, we must add more worthily to our record. Our founders, fifty-one years ago, did not merely create another greek letter society. They established a special kind of fraternity -— one of men who regarded freedom as infinitely more than an academic phrase and who knew that to succeed they had to do more than just talk and write of the ingredients of a good life. They knew that the real value and durability of first class citizenship was to be found more in action, effort, and belief. It is significant therefore, that we endeavor to reinterpret the continuity of our heritage and reexamine our trusteeship and fraternal architectural designing as we approach our fortythird General Convention in Los Angeles, California. As we do this, let us remember that commitment does not stop with contemplation. It seeks issue in works, because performance is the product of purpose and capacity. A world unfinished and broken must be made whole. The responsibility for making it a place in which there will be no unimportant people, rests mainly on us. As we convene in the Far West for the second time in this decade, let us seek to understand more fully the true meaning of o u r fraternity and its proper utility in the world today, and with the greater awareness let us prepare ourselves for fuller acceptance of our responsibility as college men and thereby justify our existence.
Pretty Ruth Brown, sophomore at University of Southern California and daughter of Brother W i l l i a m Brown sends a friendly welcome to the men in papas fraternity. Ruth is lending a hand to the Los Angeles under grad brothers as they plan for the coming of the Ivy League Set August 21-24. JMNNMWWMMMAMMMMMIIMMWIMMMANMMMNMMIIM
. . . on
-Juguit
to Ji. -Jl.
21—24,
1951
The first president of Host C h a p t e r , Beta Psi Lambda, Dr. H o w a r d H . Allen is strong supporter of 43rd G e n e r a l Convention, awaits Alphas in August.
THE SPHINX
(^ctlifornia
d3rotn er5 an
JWt wes
. . . Make Plans Thing* to £ee . . . on your California Trip The Famous Golden Gate Bridge Fisherman's Wharf The High Sierras San Juan Capisterano Carmel by the Sea Lake Arrowhead The Redwood Forest The California Missions Miles and Miles of Famous California Beaches Chinatown Disneyland Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mount Wilson Observatory The Los Angeles Colosseum Santa Catalina Island Hollywood Park Racetrack
L. A. ALPHA HOUSE UNDERGOES REDECORATION The Alpha House at Los Angeles is being completely redecorated for Convention activities. Brother Charles Bailey, house captain points out needs to Brother Edward Addision, house manager.
Symphonies under the Stars (Famous Hollywood Bowl) Greek Theatre Baseball (Wrigley Field and Gilmore Stadium) Olvera Street Knott's Berry Farm Ghost Town Famous Sunset Strip Marineland of the Pacific Famous Rosebowl Griffith Parle Radio and Television Studios— Movie Studios
HI^H^w*. Jl^^^/f^W
U WeJnX-J. Are You Financial ?
' JH^ f
H^^
L A. ALPHA WIVES PLAN FOR ALPHA WIVES!! Key members of Alpha Wives convention committee review plans with their president. Left to right Madams: Thomas Robinson, Morris Hampton, LeRoy Brown, (president) Delia McDonald and Alfred McMichael.
JULY. 1957
Have You Voted? ... then pack u p your bag and hurry to California ! August 21-24,79 57 PAGE 3
Chastern
meaionct tconvenuontli 9
PHILADELPHIA, PA. — T h e meeting w a s opened promptly at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 11 in the North Gold Room of the Broadwood Hotel by Brother J. Rupert Picott, Eastern Regional Vice President, as scheduled. Brother Harry Brown offered the opening prayer. Brother Paul Vance of Psi chapter was introduced by Brother Picott, who in a few well chosen remarks, greeted the brothers of the convention. Brother Vance was followed by Brother Waddy who also warmly extended fraternal greetings to the delegates and visitors. Brother Picott commenced the Regional Convention Reports with statements respecting the approaching election of the Eastern Regional V i c e President and the Eastern Regional delegate to the Los Angeles convention. He elaborated on the present spiritual and physical conditions of the Chapters in the Eastern Region. With great concern and with eloquent language, he talked of the immediate need for a spiritual feeling of fraternal togetherness and further extended this philosophy of spiritual awareness to the need for planting the embryo of counselship in the brothers of Alpha with the idea that they go out and locate or corral promising young college students and urge them through active financial and moral support to pursue technical courses of study not offered in many of our segregated colleges. Brother Picott further emphasized strengthening the number and calibre in the younger membership of Alpha Phi Alpha and reiterated with strong conviction that the younger brothers afford the life-line of the fraternity. In closing o u t his report, Brother Picott assured his support to the future Eastern Regional Vice President in a spirit which evidenced his loyalty and fealty for all of Alphadom. Continuing the session, Brother Picott recognized and thanked several of the brothers who aided him during his administration as Eastern Regional Vice President and suggested that a motion be made and seconded that the order of business as outlined in the business program be followed for PAGE 4
&
II h epor r
GENERAL SECRETARY HONORED DURING EASTERN REGIONAL Brother Huqer, qeneral secretary, receives placque of appreciation from Brother Hall at Eastern Regional Convention in Philadelphia. Looking on are: Brother Winters, parliamentarian; Brother Picott, Eastern vice-president; and Brother R. Allan Durrant, committee chairman.
expediency sake. Said motion w a s stated by Brother Kenneth Jones and seconded by Brother Robert Smith and approved by the body. The meeting was continued with the introduction of the Regional Directors. Subsequent thereto, Brother C. Morris Cain presented an inspiring report on behalf of all of the Regional Directors. Upon the conclusion of Brother Cain's report, Brother Picott introduced Brother James E. Huger, General Secretary of Alpha Phi Alpha, who relayed Brother President Stanley's regrets at having to leave the convention because of illness. He then announced his resignation from the office of General Secretary effective after the General Convention and further stated that the remainder of his term of office will be served by Brother Ernest L. Wallace of Dallas, Texas. Brother Huger expounded on t h e necessary qualities of an efficient and successful General Secretary. He also elaborated on the particular mechanics of the selection of the candidates to date and the progress of the election thus far. In concluding his remarks, he summarized the existing condition of the membership followed by a statement of the need for an extension and revision in the membership drive ef-
forts and indicated by figures that while there is an increase in the number of graduate members, there is a corresponding decrease in the undergraduate membership. As an aside, he implored the brothers in attendance to act as spearheads in the fight for freedom in all areas of American life. CLINICS HIGHLIGHT REGIONAL Brother Maurice Moss of Gamma Iota Lambda chapter introduced Leaders and Assistants of the two clinics dealing with techniques in attracting undergraduates to the fraternity, and, responsibility of the graduate to the undergraduate chapter. Brother Frederick A. Jackson of Delta Chapter led a brief forum on the "techniques" and stated that good young men in integrated schools are attracted to former segregated fraternities. He stressed further that our job was one of attracting good young men by offering them a program of action, that is to say, fraternity houses should be on every college campus so that prospective members could have the opportunity to sit down and discuss the advantages of becoming Alpha men. He declared, moreover, that programs in these houses could be instituted embracing information about the work of (Continued on page 7) THE SPHINX
J4od
THE 1957 CONVENTION CALL T o All Brothers In Alpha P h i Alpha Greetings: In compliance with Article VII, Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Constitution of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and as your General President, I hereby issue the official call for all Alpha men to assemble in Hotel Statler, Los Angeles, California August 21-24 1957 for the purpose of conducting the business of our great Fraternity through the 43rd General Convention. Our 50th Anniversary Convention, being inspirational in nature, did not afford us too much time for business, therefore, the 43rd General Convention must consider many business items coming before us and plan for the next 18 month period which will expire before our 44th General Convention. The theme of our Convention "The Challenges and Responsibilities of Integration" will set our trend of thought and give direction to our deliberations in order that we will remain "First of All, Servants of All." All things possible are being done by the local brothers to make this one of the most fabulous conventions in the history of Alpha for you, your family and friends. Fraternally yours
Frank L. Stanley General President
<=LoS ^Mnqelei
Lyour California
J^)tatie
^Afeadquaneri
^Juaud 21-24, 1957 JULY, 1957
Regional Host, H a r o l d Jones of Berkeley, C a l i fornia who is W e s t e r n Vice-President issues an official invitation of welcome. H e expects you at the 43rd G e n e r a l Convention.
Delta Phi Chapter Progress JACKSON, MISS. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Delta Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in the heart of Mississippi's capital city has made unprecedented progress this school year. The chapter began its school activities with a smoker at which time fraternal fellowship was renewed among the returning brothers and little brothers. The second event of the year was an "Alpha Meet Freshmen" party held at the home of Brother Myles N. Hubbard; other social affairs included an Alpha Freshman Ball sponsored in collaboration with Alpha Kappa Sorority, a neophyte banquet and an Alpha picnic. "Help Week" found probates collecting items for CARE. These items included clothing, shoes, soaps, and money. Delta Phi Chapter also sponsored several worth while cultural activities for the college community including a series of discussions on pertinent campus issues, a quiz program, and rendered services at a college vesper program. The chapter's membership has been at a record breaking high this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; eleven Alphamen and twenty Sphinxmen. Members are known for their high ideals of Alpha, scholarship, leadership and character. PAGE 5
Christian Home A Passing Institution Says Veteran Educator "The Christian home seems to be a passing institution," Brother John W. Barco, Vice President emeritus of Virginia Union University, observed as he looked back on a half-century of service as a college professor and administrator. A member of the first graduating class of the college (1902) Dr. Barco served the school for 50 years before retiring in 1952. He will be honored at a testimonial service in Coburn Hall 7 P.M., Sunday, March 31. The service is sponsored by the John W. Barco Chapter of Virginia Union University Alumni Association. Noting the vast changes in education during his long career, Dr. Barco expressed concern over the "very great shortage of people preparing themselves for full time work in Christian education." The spry, bespectacled educator blamed this on the failure of parents. "Not enough children are being brought under the influence of the church," he explained, "there was a time when parents thought the most desirable thing for boys was to prepare them for the ministry, but today the emphasis is on the material rather than the spiritual values." "The welfare of nations is bound up with the problem of religious leaders. Our church schools may help by recruiting students for Christian education, but there must also be an effort made in the home." Though concerned with the present plight of the church supported college, Dr. Barco expressed optimism for the future. He said he is "not discouraged" at today's trend away from spiritual values and predicted that there would be "another renaissance" and that people would eventually return to Jesus' way of life. Born in Shiloh, North Carolina, June 25, 1877, he came to Virginia in early life and lived near Portsmouth where his father was a minister. "My father was born a slave and never went to day school in his life, but he was an inspiration to me, he was always reading and studying," Dr. Barco reminisced. He came to Virginia Union as a (Continued on page 19) PAGE 6
K E N T U C K Y STATE H O N O R S
BROTHER
KING
The historical Kentucky State C o l l e g e during its 69th Commencement conferred upon Brother M a r t i n Luther King an Honorary Degree. Brother ( D r . )
(Dr.)
Frank L. Stanley, Sr. ( l e f t ) who introduced
Dr. M a r t i n Luther King is accompanied (on the right) by Brother ( D r . )
Rufus B. A t w o o d , President
of
President
the
college.
Brother
King
was the
house
guest
of
the
General
and
Mrs.
Stan-
ley who had a reception in honor of the f a m e d and distinguished American.
HOST
COMMITTEE
Brother Samuel DeBose maps plans with Los Angeles brothers as they plan Alpha's greatest convention August 21-24 at the Statler H o t e l in Los Angeles W a u g h , Clayton
M o o r e , and
Seated left to right: Brothers;
Alva Joseph who is president
of G a m m a
Xi Chapter
at
George U.C.L.A.
Standing are Leroy Brown and Convention C h a i r m a n DeBose.
THE SPHINX
Washington New Prexy Of Utica Institute
r*\
JACKSON, MISS. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Walter Washington, Principal of the large Consolidated High School at Clinton, was elected President of the Utica Institute Junior College March 29, 1957. Brother Washington brings to the office of President a rich background of training and experiences. He headed both his high school and college student governments during his high school and college days-. As a student at Tougaloo College, he was a leader of student life. Following his graduation, he has served as President of the National Tougaloo Alumni. He was the Founder and President of the State PanHallenic Council. He is now, first Vice President of National United Negro College Fund Alumni Association and State Director of his Fraternity. He is a member of the five-year study of large high schools conducted by Dillard University. He is a member of the faculty of the Saturday Division at Jackson State College, a position he has held for six years. He is President of the Eight Educational District of the Mississippi Teachers Association and a member of the Executive Board of the Mississippi Teachers Association. Before he was asked to accept the Principalship of Sumner Hill High School, he served as Dean at Utica Institute Junior College during which time he helped to organize the Junior College and was appointed its first Dean. Brother Washington is nationally JULY, 1957
known and admired. He has traveled widely in the United States, Canada and Caribbean Area. This travel has enabled him to participate in more than a hundred Civic and Educational Conferences. He holds the following degrees: A.B., Tougaloo College; Masters in School Administration, Indiana University; a certificate in Alcoholic Studies, Yale University. He will receive the Ed.S degree this summer from George Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee where he is working toward the Doctor's Degree on a Southern Educational Foundation Fellowship granted through the Mississippi State Department of Education. Last summer at Peabody College, Washington w a s initiated in Kappa Delta Pi Honorary Society for high scholarship. He is a native of Hazelhurst, Mississippi and is the son of Rev. and Mrs. Kemp Washington. He is married to his college classmate, the former Miss Carolyn Carter of Canton, Mississippi who is a teacher in the Home Economic Department at Sumner Hill High School.
Eastern Regional Convention (Continued from page 4) the organization, and the prospective brothers could be invited to stay overnight in the houses in order that they might feel and experience an awareness. Brother Huger then remarked for clarification that the National body has a housing treasury of over $20,000.00 and that said money is available to supplement local undergraduate campus houses provided the local graduate chapter shows adequate financial responsibility to pay back the loan and to maintain the mortgage indebtedness. Brother Alfred Fentress, Regional Director, informed the group that each local chapter should create a committee to call upon high school seniors monthly or have meetings in the homes of graduate members to inform and educate the youths as to the virtues of Alpha. He indicated that it is not recruiting as such, but rather is geared to public information. Brother Aubrey E. Robinson of Mu
chapter led the other forum on graduate responsibility to the undergraduate. As mentioned above, the two clinics then went into session and subsequently made reports to the full body. The business meeting was continued with reports from the various committees. Brother Maurice Moss, Chairman of the Resolutions and Recommendations Committee, in his report motioned that a vote of thanks be tendered to the officials of the Broadwood Hotel for the hospitality extended, to the convention. Brother Moss made another motion following his recommendation to the body that each Chapter in subsequent years be given equal representation in endorsing the Eastern Regional Vice President. (1) The Recommendations a n d Resolutions committee in its third proposal suggested that Eastern Regional conventions in subsequent years assemble on alternate years from that of the National Convention. (2) Brother Moss motioned further in the form of a proposal that progress reports be sent by the Eastern Regional Vice President to local chapters as to the progress being made on the recommendations. Brother Jerry Martin, Chairman of awards Committee, with the endorsement of his committee proposed recognition to outstanding Eastern Regional men or brothers named by him. The meeting ended by the unanimour endorsement of Brother Charles A. Broaddus to serve as Eastern Regional Vice President, subject to August Los Angeles general convention. The Brothers convened again for the formal banquet at 7:00 P.M. at which time Brother O. Wilson Winters was toastmaster. Outstanding moments at this fellowship were the remarks of Brother Pictott, the presentation of a plaque to Brother Huger, General Secretary, for his untiring service upon his announcement of his early retirement and the inimitable as well as brilliant speech of Brother Belford V. Lawson. The convention concluded with an impressive closed dance at the Broadwood Hotel whereat many old friendships were cemented and varied new friendships were activated. PAGE 7
PROGRAM
43rd
General
Convention of
Alplja pjt Alplja 3Fratmtitgf Inr. AUGUST 21 • 24. 1957
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA HEADQUARTERS —
HOTEL STATLER — 930 Wilshire Blvd. — THEME —
^Jne L^nallanaei Tuesday August 20th —
Registrations
ana r\e5poniibititie5 —
Alpha House — 2116 South Western Avenue 8:00 A . M . Tee O f f Breakfast —Fox Hills Country Club 9:30 A . M . G o l f Tournament — Fox Hills Country Club 7:00-10:00 P.M. Chuck W a g o n Dinner — Redondo Beach, California 10:00- 2:00 A . M . Delta Sigma Theta's Spanish Fiesta — Redondo Beach, California (Swimming)
Wednesday, August 21st 9:00 A . M . Registration — H o t e l Statler — Wilshire Room 10:00 A . M . Executive Council Meeting — The General President's Suite 1:00 P.M.
First Business Session — Sierra Room Brother Samuel P. DeBose, General Chairman of the Convention, Presiding; Invocation — Brother A . W a y m a n W a r d , Convention Chaplain; Welcome Addresses on behalf of the host chapters. Graduate — Dr. Edward H. Ballard Undergraduate — Brothers Chester Edwards, Alva Joseph Musical Selection — Introduction of Keynote Speaker — Brother Maurice Hardeman Response and Keynote address — Greetings and introduction of General President Brother Harold R. Jones, Western Vice President Remarks — Brother Frank L. Stanley, Gen. Pres. Presentation of Jewels, General Officers — A p p o i n t m e n t of Convention Committees and officials Report of the Rules and Credentials Committee Brother Andrew J . Lewis, III Showing of two films 1. 50th Anniversary Celebration of Alpha Phi Alpha 2. Israel and the Middle East Announcements — Brother Samuel P. DeBose Musical Selection — Memorial Service to departed Brothers — Brother A . Wayman W a r d , Chaplain Fraternal Hymn — Brother Maceo Hill Adjournment — Brother A . W a y m a n W a r d
5:00- 9:00 P.M. Alpha Wives Salute to Visiting Alphas — 705 S. Serrano
PAGE 8
of
~yntearatiion
9:00-10:00 P.M.
Open House — Los Angeles Homes
10:00- 2:00 A . M . Alpha Kappa Alpha's Tropical Dance — Deauville Club, Santa Monica, California (Swimming)
Thursday, August 22nd 9:30 A . M . Second Business Session — Sierra Room — Hotel Statler Call to order and presiding — General President Frank L. Stanley, Sr. Invocation — Brother A . W a y m a n W a r d 1. Reports — Regional Vice Presidents and Assistant Vice Presidents A . Western — Brother Harold R. Jones a. Assistant Vice President — Brother Adrian Isabelle B. Midwestern—Brother C. Anderson Davis b. Assistant Vice President — Brother William Lester C . Southern — Brother Lewis O . Swingler c. Assistant Vice President — Brother Clarence Branch D. Southwestern — Brother J . S. Chandler d. Assistant Vice President — Brother H. Rudolph Sims E. Eastern — Brother J . Rupert Picott e. Assistant Vice President — Brother Frank DeCosta 2. Fraternal Address — Introduction — Brother E. L. James Speaker — Jewel George B. Kelley 3. Reports of General Officers A . General Secretary — Brother James E. Huger B. General Treasurer — Brother Meredith G . Ferguson C . Editor of the Sphinx — Brother W . Barton Beatty, Jr. D. Director of Education — Brother William H. Hale E. General Counsel — Brother Billy Jones F. Historian — Brother Charles H. Wesley 4. Report ofthe Executive Council — Brother James E. Huger, General Secretary 5. General President's Annual Address Fraternal Hymn — Brother Maceo Hill Adjournment — Brother A . Wayman W a r d
THE SPHINX
43rd GENERAL C O N V E N T I O N 12:30 P.M. C O N V E N T I O N
O F A L P H A PHI A L P H A
PICTURE
12:45-1:45 P.M. Lunch 2:00 P.M.
3:15 P.M.
2:00 P.M.
Sierra Room — Hotel Statler Call to order and presiding — Brother Lewis O . Swingler Assignment of Committee Hearing Rooms A . Budget — Hartford Room B. Recommendations — Dallas Room C. Reorganization — St. Louis Room D. Undergraduate Housing — Sierra Room E. Standards and Extension — Foy Room Reassemble in General Session — Sierra Room — Hotel Statler
Brother Aaron Brown Undergraduate Relations — Brother Clarence E. Branch, Jr. Achievement and Awards — Brother Tolly W . Harris Undergraduate Speaker:
Guest Speaker — Brother Bishop Frank Madison Reid
Fraternal Hymn — Brother Maceo Hill Adjournment — Brother C. Anderson Davis 8:00 P.M.
Call to order and presiding — Brother J . S. Chandler Invocation — Brother A . Wayman W a r d Final Budget Report — Brother Kermit J . Hall Report of Workshops: Workshop # 1 — Brother Clarence E. Branch, Jr. Workshop Brother Workshop Brother
Coronation Ball — Hollywood, California
9:30 A . M . Fourth Business Session — Sierra Room — Hotel Statler Call to order and presiding — Brother C . Anderson Davis
JULY, 1957
#11 — Charles F. Lane #111 — Charles H. Wesley
Report of the Committee on Recommendations Brother L. H . Williams Fraternal Hymn — Brother Maceo Hill Adjournment — Brother A . W . W a r d
23rd
Report of Committees A . Election Commission — Brother Charles W . Anderson B. Pan-Hellenic — Brother Aubrey Robinson C. Preliminary Budget Report — Brother Kermit J . Hall D. General Secretary — Brother W a l t e r H. Williams E. Reorganization Commission — Brother Raymond W . Cannon F. Undergraduate Housing — Brother William Alexander G . Constitutional Committee Brother John D. Buckner Fraternal Hymn — Brother Frank Maceo Hill Adjournment—Brother A . W a y m a n W a r d
24th
9:30 A . M . Sixth Business Session — Golden State Room — Hotel Statler
Formal Theatre Party — Hollywood, California
Friday, August
Public Meeting — University of Southern California
Saturday, August
W O R K S H O P III—Social Action for Integration Leader — Brother Charles H. Wesley Resource Person — Brother Maceo Tolbert Recorder — Brother Marshall Bennett
10:00 P.M.
Fifth Business Session — Sierra Room — Hotel Statler Call to order and presiding — Brother Harold R. Jones Report of Committees continued: Human Relations — Brother Charles H. Wesley A u d i t — Brother W . D. Hawkins, Jr. Standards and Extension — Place — Brother Brent Pendleton
Convention Address: Introduction of Guest Speaker — Brother C. W . Howard
8:00 P.M.
INCORPORATED
12:45-1:45 P.M. Lunch
Third Business Session —
Workshop Sessions Brother J . Rupert Picott, Supervisor W O R K S H O P I — Undergraduate Relations Leader — Brother Clarence E. Branch, Jr. Resource Person — Brother H . Adrian Isabelle Recorder — Brother Frederico A . Ivey W O R K S H O P II — Strengthening the Brotherhood Leader — Brother Charles F. Lane Resource Person — Brother Raymond W . Cannon Recorder —
FRATERNITY,
12:45 P.M.-1:45 P.M. Lunch 2:00 P.M.
Final Business Session — Golden State Room — Hotel Statler Call to order and presiding — General President Stanley Unfinished business Nomination and election of General Officers Fraternal Hymn — Brother Maceo Hill Adjournment — Brother A . W . W a r d
7:00 P.M. Closed Formal Banquet and Dance — Pacific Ballroom — Hotel Statler Sunday, August
25th
10:00 A . M . Executive Council M e e t i n g — General President's Suite
PAGE 9
"Southern Regiona Convention A Constructive Venture The
PAGE 10
Southern
Regional
Convention
held
at
LeMoyne C o l l e g e , Memphis, Tenn. during the 1957 Easter season was inspiring to all Brothers in attendance. The program planning on behalf of the two ( 2 ) local chapters gave the regional meeting a seriousness which projected many techniques for continuing the onward march of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The workshops and speeches were objective in scope and offered in content a challenge for Brothers to do more in their local communities on behalf of
better government, better housing and improve,d educational opportunities. Brother Lewis O. Swingler, Southern Vice President presided and aided greatly in making brothers attending the convention comfortable and welcome. The above "cut-outs" depict the mood of the convention, serious thinking on the part of the group sported in the upper left hand corner where Brother W i l l i a m H . Hale, Director of Educational activities and Brother Swingler are participating.
THE SPHINX
U p p e r center we caught Brother M e r e d i t h G . Ferguson, G e n e r a l Treasurer giving one of his thought provoking talks to the assembled delegates. In the upper right hand corner is a picture of Brother Fred Miller of M t . Bayou, Miss., Brother Miller is a past General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. His appearance a t the convention was a tremendous inspiration. In the center we find General President Stanley with Brother M a r t i n Luther King. Brother King
JULY, 1957
gave the regional convention's address. To the left of the center position, Brother Lafayette Harris, President of Philander Smith C o l l e g e is participating in a panel discussion of which Brother Duke Williams, seated to his right, is also participating. In the lower left position we spot Brother Leland Atkins who was the moving factor in planning the entire week-end. Brother Atkins was the Host in the trae sense of the word. To complete the pictorial spread,
we have in the lower right position other panel leaders including Brother Rodney Harris of A t lanta, G a . , and Brother Aaron Brown, Chairman of Alpha's C o m m i t t e e on Standards and Extension of New York C i t y . The convention's theme was "Fifty years of service througk Alpha with suggested next steps for the f u t u r e . " G r a d u a t e and undergraduate Brothers agreed that this regional convention was really a general convention regionalized.
PAGE 11
CHAPTERS PRESENT BROTHER KING Brothers at Alpha Beta and Delta Epsilon Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity gathered together after the Forum where Brother Martin Luther King was the principle speaker.
ALPHA POST CONVENTION TOURS H O N O L U L U — W A I K I K I — 7 Days Discover the magic of Hawaii — The traditional Orchid Lei Awaits your arrival. Tour cost include; transportation round trip Los Angeles, Hotel, Transfers and Sightseeing. $285.86 plus $27.04 Tax
M E X I C O — 7 Days Visiting Mexico — Taxco, Xochimilco, Pyramids and Schrine of Guadolupe and Cuernavaca, a Bull fight. Tour includes transportation round trip Los Angeles, Hotel, Transfers, and sightseeing. $223.50
GRAND C A N Y O N TOURS Let us plan your trip to Los Angeles to include North West Circle: Canada — Banff, Lake Louise, Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco to Los Angeles back via Grand Canyon.
TOAST C H A M P A G N E CONVENTION Shown at center in champagne toast to Alpha coming convention is stately Cozetta, pretty wife of Clayton Moore, chairman of the convention Golf Tournament. Mrs. Moore is surrounded by a bevy of Los Angeles beauties.
IMPORTANT NOTICE Genera/
Matte all of your Reservations through Brother Jake Henderson (Former Southern Vice President)
Chairman
Brother Samuel P. DeBose 2671 LaCuesta Drive Hollywood 46, California
Convention
Headquarters
Hotel Statler 930 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, California
Registration August 20. 1957
HENDERSON TRAVEL SERVICE 854 Hunter Street, S. W . Atlanta 14, Georgia
Alpha House - 2116 South Western Ave.
Nfl
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity House
August 2 1 , 22, 23, & 24th
Address-
2116 S. Western Avenue
Hotel Statler - 930 Wilshire Blvd.
City
_Sfate_
Registration Fee — $10.00
I Am Interested ln_ There Will Be
PAGE 12
Jn
My Party
For wives or lady friends attending the banquet — additional — $6.00
THE SPHINX
Pledge Exchange Makes History . . . DETROIT, MICH. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Alpha was first in making another great stride towards racial understanding and total integration. Alpha Upsilon chapter of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan was part of a history making pledge exchange with a white fraternity also on campus. As far as is known, this was the first type of exchange ever carried out in the history of the university (present enrollment 18,000 approximately). Ten Sphinxmen were exchanged for the pledges of Kappa Nu for a period of two days. During this time the Spinxmen were treated as Kappa Nu pledges while the brothers of Alpha Upsilon had 22 Kappa Nu aspirants to treat as Spinxmen. The ceremony of exchanging respective pledges was carried out in the main dining room on the university campus at the noon lunch hour on April 16 where considerable attention w a s attracted
among the student body and faculty. Following the ceremony both pledge clubs continued to perform the usual duties of running errands for the actives and reciting fraternity history. The idea was received of jointly by Brother John Johnson, our chairman of the Rushing Committee, and Gene Konstant, the Pledgemaster of Kappa Nu. Both agreed that there were many similarities between the two pledging systems and this would be a good opportunity to eliminate a lot of racial and religious misunderstanding. The entire exchange turned out to be a highly successful affair. Both the brothers of Alpha Upsilon and Kappa Nu were greatly impressed by the caliber of men in each organization and the manner with which they carried themselves around campus. When the idea was originated there was no thought of using the trade for its publicity opportunities. However,
the school newspaper, The Wayne Collegian, and the Detroit daily newspapers printed articles on the occasion. Favorable comment came from many sources including an editorial which appeared later in the Collegian. The pledge exchange was just another event in the improving of relations between this chapter and Kappa Nu. The Friday before the pledge trade, the Kappa Nu's were guests of the chapter at a party given at the Alpha fraternity house. The following Friday Kappa Nu played host to the brothers at a barn dance. It has been planned to make the pledge exchange an annual affair in order to further the goodwill already established between the two chapters and to establish a precedent among all of the other Greek organizations on campus.
HISTORY IN THE M A K I N G Brother Johnson, chairman of the Rushing Committee of Alpha Upsilon, on right, and Gene Konstant, Pledgemaster of Kappa Nu, on left, exchange pledges with a shake of hands. This was the first exchange of this kind in the history of Wayne State University.
JULY, 1957
PAGE 13
W e s t Virginia Takes Aggressive Step served as an abstractor and attorney for the State Road Commission. A veteran of World War II, he has a total of 51 months' Army service, including 24 months in the Southwest Pacific theaters as a field artillery officer. He was discharged with the rank of captain. He is a past commander of the Col. Charles Young Post, No. 57, of the American Legion and member of the board of Child Care Center, Inc.
G. H O W A R D MITCHELL
INSTITUTE, WEST VIRGINIA— Alpha Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has experienced a new serge of pride in two recent achievements affecting members of the chapter. Dynamic Brother President George Howard Mitchell was recently named as Assistant Attorney General by Attorney General W. W. Barron of West Virginia. On another front the chapter rose in statute in the eyes of those who observe social progress when members of Alpha Iota Lambda and their wives and friends attended a dinner at Hotel Frederick in Huntington, West Virginia. This highlight event of the social season was staged to honor Brother President Mitchell and his official chapter family. Mitchell is believed to be the first Negro ever named to this state post. He is president of the Young Negro Democratic Voters League of West Virginia. Elected to City Council in 1955, Mitchell's term expires in 1959. The possibility of his resignation from Council before the end of his term will be studied, Barron said. Mitchell, 38, a native of Welch, received a B.S. degree in physics from West Virginia State College and a law degree from Ohio State University. He has been practicing law since 1950. He is a former chief of the division of food services in the local Federal Office of Price Stabilization and has PAGE 14
Those attending the dinner at Frederick Hotel on April 5 were: Mr. and Mrs. Felix Warren, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jeffries, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Carter, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Harlan and daughter, Barbara; Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Armstead, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Prewitt, Mr. and Mrs. G. Howard Mitchell, Captain and Mrs. Neil B. Dunson, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Garrett, Mr. and Mrs. Smith Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Calloway, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. James, sr., and (guest) Mrs. Lucia Moore Bacote of Atlanta, Ga.; Mr. John L. Copeland and Miss Ruth Jamason, Dr. Simpson A. Smith and Miss Pauline Fairfax and L. A. Toney.
GOLF TO
MOUNTAIN
See You in Good "ole I. A." The 43rd General Convention hand —
is almost
at
Several new items have just come
to our attention in this ever expanding program
as follows:
Remember
August
21-24.
Brother Leroy Jeffries of Ebony will have a Hospitality Suite courtesy Ebony and Chrysler
replete
with
hostesses, f o o d , gifts
and
what have you. Brother Moss Kendrix will have all the cokes the brothers can drink while in Los Angeles.
SPECIAL
NOTE
The first fifty ing
TO
(50)
UNDERGRADUATE:
undergraduates
at the Convention
repeat,
FREE
register-
will be given
HOUSING.
The
free,
remaining
undergraduates will be given housing at price. Brothers are asked to pass the
'/j
word
so that it will reach all undergraduates.
The
Deltas
and
AKAs
are
giving
beach
parties for the visitors — A swimming party has been arranged for the wives and dren for Thursday —
A trip to
chil-
Disneyland
has been planned for Friday and the Alpha W i v e s luncheon on Saturday.
CLIMBING
ALL I N
L
A.
From atop snow capped M t . Baldy in picturesque Southern California, they say come on out for the convention. Left to right Brother Alva Joseph, president of G a m m a Xi C h a p t e r with l i e t t a Rhae and Joyce Taylor of U.C.L.A., join Brother G e o r q e Beaubian of Long Beach State in a California greeting.
THE SPHINX
NASHVILLE CHAPTER PLANS "TREK" TO CALIFORNIA Officers and members of Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity are shown at a recent meeting after an election of officers. Sated (from left to right) are newly elected officers: Brothers Myron B. Towns, Treasurer; D. Conrad Gandy, Vice-President; Haio Cartr, Serqeant-at-Arms; Newton S. Holiday, Jr., President; Isaac H. Miller. Jr., Secretary and I. L. Moore, Chaplain. Standing are members: Brothers, J . Lewis Powell, Nathaniel A. Crippens, Nathaniel H. Williams, William G. D. Henderson, B. Lamar Mitchell, Cecil Ryan, John H. Tisdale and Luther Hill.
Southwestern Regional Makes History In Omaha OMAHA, NEB. — On April 26, 1957, the Southwestern jurisdiction of Alpha Phi Alpha met in Omaha, Nebraska for the Regional Convention. History had already started because this was the first Southwestern Regional held this far north. On Friday, April 26, 1957, with the Blackstone Hotel as official convention headquarters, the convention officially got under way with innovation, a shake-down talk of the Regional Officers, General Officers and Undergraduate Brothers. This was for the purpose of finding a basis for discussions on the next day. Out of this, grew a harmony of thought and action never before thought possible. The Southwest highly commends such a conference to the other jurisdictions. The public meeting was held at the St. Johns' A. M. E. Church with an address by the General President, Brother Frank L. Stanley and a guest appearance of Brother William A. Booker, Asst. State Attorney from Illinois. The Brothers in the Omaha area promoted a very good turn-out for this event. The speeches were soulsearching and inspiring. The Convention moved into high gear on Saturday, April 27th with the first business session opening at 9:00 A.M. The Convention theme was "Integration — the Outlook on the Newlook." Workshops were scheduled with the following subjects: JULY, 1957
1) Integration—Its e f f e c t s on and Housing. 2) Integration—As it affects the Undergraduates. 3) Integration—Its Social Implications. The central idea developed in all of the Work Shops was that there is a great need to gird our loins and meet problems head-on. We have passed the point of turning back. It was brought out that hither to fore—Alpha was competing only against three other Greek letter organizations. Now, the competitive field has widened with the advent of Negroes into the formerly closed white colleges. Alpha's program must be of such a nature that it will draw all men. Rounding out the business sessions was the nomination of officers to the General Convention. Brother Dr. T. W. Cole of Wiley College was t h e unanimous candidate for the office of Vice President. We believe Tom Cole will continue in the vein of Brother A. Maceo Smith, L. Hume Williams and other far-sighted Brothers of the Southwest. The Convention approved t h e candidacy of Brother Norman Hanley of Beta Kappa at Langston University for Asst. Vice President. Noteworthy Brothers taking part in these deliberations were Brother General President Stanley, Brother General Secretary Huger, Brother General Counsel Billy Jones, Brother Wayne
Chandler and Brothers Tally Harris, Tom Cole, Welcome Bryant, Hugh Sharpe, Vernon Foshee, L. G. Ashley, Paul Strong, E. L. Wallace, Dr. Claude Organ and all the other Brothers who traveled to the Beef Capital. The Social side was the best yet with a Friday nite Cocktail party at the home of Brother Kenneth Myers and a Banquet and dance Saturday nite. T h e Banquet speaker was Brother Walter H. "Duke" Williams, former Southern Vice President, present Chairman of Committee on General Secretary. His address was the epitomy of common sense, direct and in such a vein that there was no doubt left in the minds of Brothers present but that Duke Williams was certainly "Mr. Alpha" that night. To the Brothers of the convention, Brother L. H. Williams made a few remarks in his frog-like croak commemorating the birth of Beta 30 years ago on the campus of the University of Nebraska. The Undergraduates made well of the occasion. As a lifting finale, Brother F. E. Wesley gave a breakfast Sunday morning for all Oklahoma Brothers. Fifteen of the Okies trecked north for this meeting. Weary, satisfied and contented, Brother Vernon L. Foshee flew me home. Hats off to Omaha where Alpha made history. PAGE 15
Old Man River Chapter CHATTANOOGA, TENN. — It has been many a moon since we have made an official report to you on the happenings in Psi Lambda. Yet, like Old Man River, "she just keeps rollin' along." For the past six years we have awarded a one hundred dollar scholarship to a deserving senior from each of our local high schools. From time to time we sponsor vesper services and other forms of mass media for interpreting our Education for Citizenship Program. Moreover, we observe our old "Go to High School — Go to College" slogan by speaking to the Junior and Senior High School assemblies during that week, and offering prizes for essays at the Junior High level. Assuming our share of the responsibility for promoting the cultural growth of the community, last spring we presented the Broadway production "Carmen Jones," starring Muriel Rhan, and staged and adapted by Brother Dick Campbell. On the social side, once in a great while we come through with a dance; but for the most part, we like the closed affairs with our wives a n d sweethearts. Pictured above is the group who attended the last one. It was held in the assembly room of the College Hill Courts, managed by Brother Booker T. Scruggs. A highlight of this social gathering was the installation of officers for the fiscal year 1956-57. After quite sometime we are beginning to get some new blood, young men fresh out of school, and it's doing us a lot of good. Our spirits are high and our hopes are set on a future warm with fellowship and high with achievement and service. So long for now, and may God go with you, every one.
Lt WeJnJ.^4. PAGE 16
Brothers Entertain Wives
Brothers in Psi Lambda tain their wives.
Pictured
Chapter, left to
Chattanooga, right,
each
Lewis, J . C . Brown, B. T. Scruggs, A . M .
Tennessee hold informal " g e t - t o g e t h e r "
brother
with
his wife,
are
R.
W.
to
Strange,
Miller, Amos Kirk, Ernest BuFfington, W a l t e r
enterR.
D.
Evans,
W.
L. Harney, and G . W . James.
\Jn
^Jo oL.
M. In, ^Aruavtst .
Schedule of Social Events 43rd
GENERAL
CONVENTION
Hotel £tatief Los Angeles, California A U G U S T 21 - 2 4 ,
1957
TUESDAY, A U G U S T 20th 8:00 A . M . 9:30 A . M . 7 : 0 0 - 10:00 10:00- 2:00
Tee O f f Breakfast — Fox Hills Country Club Golf Tournament — Fox Hills Country Club P.M. Chuck W a g o n Dinner — Redondo Beach, Calif. A . M . Delta Sigma Theta's Spanish Fiesta — Riviera Beach Club, Redondo Beach, California (Swimming)
WEDNESDAY, A U G U S T 21st 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Alpha Wives salute to visiting Alphas 9:00 P.M. 10:00 P.M. O p e n House — Los Angeles Homes 10:00 P.M. 2:00 A . M . Tropical Dance with A K A s as hostesses — Deauville Club, Santa Monica, California (Swimming) THURSDAY, A U G U S T 22nd 12:00 Noon — Swimming Party for Wives and Children 8:00 P.M. Formal Theater Party — Hollywood 10:00 P.M. Coronation Ball — Hollywood FRIDAY, A U G U S T 23rd 9:00 A . M . 8:00 P.M.
Trip to Disneyland for Wives and Children Public Meeting — University of Southern California
SATURDAY, A U G U S T 24th 12:00 Noon — Alpha Wives Luncheon — Golden State Auditorium 7:00 P.M. Closed Banquet and Dar :e — Pacific Ballroom — H o t e l Statler
THE SPHINX
California Brothers Set For Champagne Convention CONVENTION CITY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Alpha Phi Alpha's 43rd General Convention will convene August 21 - 24 in the plush Statler Hotel, dowstown Los Angeles, California, and glamourous Hollywood will be utilized for the major social events. Much of the piquant flavor of old Mexico and many of the intriguing persuasions of the "49 Gold Rush Days" are captured in the detail planning for this convention in colorful California. It will easily be the greatest convention in all of Alpha's history. The calm tone, dignity and historical honor that characterized the 50th anniversary celebration in stately Buffalo will give way to the festive theme of California living. The convention committee has appropriately dubbed this Alpha's Champagne Convention. The host chapters for the convention are: Alpha Delta at the University of Southern California, Gamma Xi at U.C.L.A. and the graduate chapter Beta Psi Lambda. Samuel P. DeBose, former western vice president is chairman for the convention. His committee of fifty brothers include: Edward Addison, Artis Calhoun, William Dailey, John Herod, Damon Lee, Alfred McMichael, Perry Parks, James M. Robinson, Jr., Tommy Robinson, Maceo Tolbert, Eugene Walton, and scores of others. The Host Committee, a special subcommittee to the General Convention Committee, is headed by Brother Rodger Q. Mason, prominent Los Angeles, Alpha, business a n d civic leader. Brother Mason announces that arrangements have been completed for the comfort and entertainment of the throngs of brothers and their families who will converge on Los Angeles in August for the Champagne Convention. According to Brother Mason, detail plans have been made for every brother from the time of his arrival in Los Angeles until he leaves the land of sunshine, milk and honey, not to forget orange juice. The Host Committee is arranging to set up a 24-hour office call center at the Alpha House with complete information about Los Angeles a n d vicinity. Tours, luncheons, parties come within the scope of the Host Committee. JULY, 1957
GAMMA
IOTA LAMBDA CHAPTER
PRESENTS S C H O L A R S H I P
FUND TO
COLLEGE
During the Fraternity'ss National Education W e e k , G a m m a lota Lambda C h a p t e r , Brooklyn and Long Island G r a d u a t e group of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., presented for use of Brooklyn College students a $1,500 scholarship fund. The scholarships, open to each of two sophomores a t $250 a year, will be awarded without regard to race, religion or sex, choice of the winners being based on performance, character and need. The fund will be administered by a joint faculty and fraternity committee.
Shown in the picture, made at the time of the presentation, are chapter members and college officials. First row, left to right: Brother Myles A . Paige: Aaron Brown, C h a p t e r scholarship chairman; Dr. Harry D. Gideonses, president of the C o l l e g e ; Brother Frank L. Hailstolk, chapter president; Dean of Students H e r b e r t Stroup, and Brother A l b e r t A . Edwards, chapter vice-president. Second row, left to right: Professor W i l b u r Valentine, Brothers Stanley Taylor, chapter president of Delta C h i C h a p t e r ; H e r b e r t Quick, Joseph N . Thomas, Mark Parks, of the college faculty and chapter; G r a n t S. Shockley, Lyndon H . Caldwell and Dean A b r a h a m G o o d h a r t i .
ALPHA
PHI
ALPHA
ANNOUNCES High
School
1957-58
EDUCATIONAL
AWARDS
Graduates
Joyce Bickerstaff 12660 Saywell Avenue Cleveland, O h i o
Milford Green 102 Chestnut Street, N . A p t . 218 Atlanta, Georgia
Melvin G r a n t 1224 Portland Street W y l a m , Alabama
W.
Undergraduate Richard English 664 Symon Avenue W i n t e r Park, Florida
James Scott 118 H i l l Top Circle, N . Atlanta, Georgia
M o n r o e Freeman 1711 Stratford N e p t u n e , N e w Jersey
W.
Graduate H e r m a n Bostick Fort Valley State C o l l e g e Fort Valley, G e o r g i a
Louis W . Sullivan Boston University Boston, Massachusetts
Eddie Jordan Langston University Langston, Oklahoma
Horace W a r d 5130 Drexel Avenue Chicago, Illinois
William
H.
Halo, Director,
Office
of
Educational
Activite.
PAGE 17
£ixtk PaAt Present £uccumfa Dr. Henry L. Dickason sixth President of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., entered Omega Chapter, Saturday, April 6 1957. At the time of his death he was serving as President of Morristown College, Morristown, Tenn. Prior to coming out of retirement, Brother Dickason was President of Bluefield State College, Bluefield, West Virginia from 1936 to 1952. Brother Dickason was an inspiration to thousands of young people who had the opportunity of being associated with him during his teaching days in High School and College. He not only was a brilliant teacher in the fields of mathematics and physics but demonstrated equal efficiency in various areas of college administration. Brother "Dick" as he was known in Alpha circles served as Registrar of Bluefield State College for 10 years and 12 years as Dean before becoming President in 1936. All of this experience in the field of education made him understand with ease the problems confronting young people. His tender devotion to their problems was steeped in the christian life that he not only lived but practiced. His prime concern for his own existence was to aid in the preparation of young people who could adequately fill positions and give leadership to the increasing demands of the times.
HENRY L DICKASON
that he played in the development of organizations. In addition to being past President of Alpha Phi Alpha he was p a s t President of Mercer-McDowell Roundtable, past President of the West Virginia State Teachers Association and was a member of the Committee that compiled the first Teacher Training Bulletin for West Virginia. He represented West Virginia 6 times at the National Freedom Day Program in Philadelphia, (appointed by 2 Governors). He was a member of the Draft Board (Selective Service) and its secretary from 1940 to 1952. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the Community Chest Fund of Bluefield—1942 to 1952.
Brother Dickason represented in Brother Henry Lake Dickason was our fraternity a symbol of interest a Methodist by choice. He served as that was always active in planning and Steward and was on the official Board projecting areas of thought that would of John Stewart Methodist Church. perpetuate and advance the causes of He was a delegate to the Jurisdictional Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. His coun- Conference 3 times and to the Gensel and advice to officers and assem- eral Conference in 1956. He was apbled Brothers whether in convention pointed by the General Conference or in local chapters carried a crystal Commission on Christian Higher Educlear objective that made all of us cation 1956-1960. He was a member understand that he was a man whose of the Methodist Church 1956 to spirit was humble in approach but 1960. Chairman of the Conference effective and strong in the analyses Board of Mission's of East Tenn. of a given situation. Conference. He was Vice President Brother Dickason always found the of the Baltimore Area Council. Brother Henry Lake Dickason will time to participate in civic and communittee activities far beyond the call long be remembered by Alpha men of duty. He embodied in his philos- everywhere as one of the torch bearers ophy of life the principle "that a truly •of our noble fraternity. He is survived busy man always finds time to do one by his wife Mrs. Flossie Mack Dickaadditional thing". He therefore was son who resides at Lindside West an example of a person who wanted Virginia, a beautiful estate that Brothto help where good could be accom- er Dickason had planned to enjoy with plished. In this vein it is significant his family upon finishing the job he to note some of the important roles undertook at Morristown College. PAGE 18
REQUIES IN PEACE Brother Dowdal H. Davis joined Omega C h a p t e r on Friday, June 21st in Columbus, Ohio. Funeral Services were held in Kansas C i t y , Mo., Monday. June 24th a t 8:45 A. M. with burial in Independence, Kansas. M e s s a g e s s h o u l d be sent to Mrs. Dorothy Davis, 2836 West Paseo, Kansas C i t y , Missouri. Note: Full coverage on Brother Davis will be in next issue.
POLIO VACCINE? [JUST FORGOT"
GET YOURS NOW! THE SPHINX
Kecent
^Jjidcussion
S^eiiion
^rretd
Letter to the Editor
~Jfn ^ v f nca r
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; diet 6 ^Melp !
Top
Row Left to
Mugarra.
Right: Dr.
Second
Row
Left
Byaruhauga, to
Right:
Nyckane
(secretary to the delegates)
Muiinga
(the chairman)
Dr. Akiki
Nyabonga,
L^leveiand
Mr.
Rubombobora,
Nkunira Prince
Katama
M r . Dingle Foot B. C .
Mr.
Downs
^Ml
Miss Joyce Bickerstaff, was awarded one of the
(Rukurato
Solicitor)
L/raduate
Assistant Principal
Brother E. C . Collins ( r i g h t ) , President of Delta
of
the
Rugurato,
Owisaza C h i e f
Recipient
1957 Alpha Phi A l p h a ,
Beatty, Jr., Editor of the Sphinx and Regional
Baguma,
driver,
Owis
chief
( I n t e r p r e t e r ) . Third Row Left to Right:
lawyer
16 year old June g r a d u a t e
Brother Joseph D. Smith ( l e f t )
Mr.
Aslcari, M r . Balinda, M r . W u i y i , M r . Kasoma,
of
John
Brother
Mr.
Prince
Rusoke.
of
Hay
Owek.
Mr.
J^>diolarsL
High
School, C l e v e l a n d ,
Ohio
Inc. Scholarships. Joyce is being congratulated by at John
Director Alpha
Hay
of. the Lambda
High United
School, Brother W . Negro
Chapter,
College
Barton
Fund
C l e v e l a n d . Miss
and
Bicker-
staff participated in student activities during her secondary training which included Student C o u n cil,
Main Office
H e l p e r and President of her H o m e
dancing and athletics. She plans to enter
JULY, 1957
Kent
Room. Joyce
lists as her
State University in September.
hobbies,
sewing,
April 27, 1957 Mr. W. Barton Beatty, Jr. 1229 Schofield Bldg. Cleveland, Ohio Dear Brother Beatty: I have received the enclosed photograph from Prince Akiiki Nyabongo, who is one of our Brothers. On the back of this picture are the names of the persons who are in the picture. He has returned to his country, Toro Uganda, East Africa, and is engaged at the present at working on a Constitution. He states that this group in the picture is representative of the English and the Africans, and that at the present time they are at a deadlock over certain issues. These issues are described by him as follows: " 1. That there should be established in Toro a ministerial system of Government involving a council of ministers with collective responsibility, the Katikiro (Prime Minister) selecting his own colleagues as ministers. 2. That the Toro Rukurato (Parliament) s h o u l d be divided into upper and lower chambers; the upper chamber consisting of official, exofficio and appointed members and the lower chamber entirely of elected members sitting with the Katikiro. 4. That the District Commissioner's title should be changed and that his functions and powers should be defined and reduced. He also states that they need help in the form of blankets and sheets, kitchen equipment, X-Ray unit, and hospital equipment. He closes his letter with: "What can we do? I know it hurts me to tell you all these problems I have to face but a good brother like you is able to understand. I wish the Alphas could do something for us." I thought that some information like that placed in the next issue of the Sphinx might bring some responses from our Brothers and perhaps some movement can be initiated to culminate at the next General Convention, through which we might be able to (.Continued on next page)
PAGE 19
the financial backing to go to college. It is up to our group to put more money into scholarship funds. . .nothing will yield greater returns than an investment in youth." During his career at Virginia Union, Dr. Barco has served as manager of the summer normal school, dean of the graduate school of Religion, dean of instruction, counsellor to graduate students, and as vice-president.
Letter to the Editor
T W E N T Y - F I V E YEAR
RECOGNITION
I
Brother H o m e r T. W i l l i a m s of G a m m a Z e t a Lambda Chapter, Tampa, Florida receives the twentyfive year certificate from Brother Richard Pride, Secretary as President Dr. M . R. Silas looks on. Brother Williams is very active in the chapter and has not missed a meeting since becoming active with this chapter, in spite of the 200 miles travel from his home in Lake Placid, Florida t o meetings in Tampa and St. Petersburg. H e was initiated into X I C h a p t e r , W i l b e r f o r c e University in 1921. O t h e r brothers who received the 25-yr. certificate, not shown are C . Blythe Andrews, Sr-, who was a charter member and first President of Alpha Pi C h a p t e r , A t l a n t a University in 1922 and Dr. P. A . Ervin who was initiated into C h i C h a p t e r at Meharry in 1919.
Christian Home (Continued from page 6) sophomore in 1899 and was graduated in the first college class in 1902. He taught a class there during his sophomore year. He is the sole survivor of the four-member class. He continued his studies at Newton Theological Seminary and at the University of Chicago, where he specialized in Hebrew, Greek and Latin. After serving briefly as pastor of First Baptist Church, Salem, Virginia, Dr. Barco was "persuaded" to come to Virginia Union University as a teacher in 1903. In the ensuing years he was offered the pastorate of several churches but remained at Virginia Union because "I felt I was doing what God wanted me to do." Dr. Barco's students recall the thoroughness of his teaching techniques and exacting requirements. Many of them regarded him as a perfectionist and affectionately referred to him as "Syntax." His intellectual prowess was evidenced not only in the area of languages, but also in the broad field of history, political science, and philosophy in which he taught at various times. His former students include seven college presidents, among them, Dr. J. M. Ellison, chancellor and Dr. S. D. Proctor, president of Virginia Union. PAGE 20
(Continued from page 19) send some assistance to this part of Africa where one of our Brothers is at work. I should be very pleased to have your full reaction. Fraternally yours, CHARLES H. WESLEY Historian
Free Housing
Dr. Barco talks freely about the problem of finance which has long plagued private colleges. He said: "The day of philanthropy is over, we must do more for ourselves. Negroes who have been trained in Christian schools and have been blessed to earn more than their benefactors â&#x20AC;&#x201D; their teachers, must realize they have a responsibility to share a n d share sacrifically with the school. More and more, our schools will have to depend on their alumni." The noted educator pointed out the need for scholarship funds, saying: "Some of our brightest jewels lack
For Undergraduates The - f i r s t f i f t y (50} undergraduates registering at the Convention will be given free, repeat, FREE H O U S I N G . The remaining undergraduates will be given housing at '/ 2
price. Brothers
are asked t o pass this word so that it will reach all undergraduates.
Calling All 9rieh<{j WE INTERRUPT YOUR PROGRAM TO ANNOUNCE THAT: Dr. O. Wilson Winters Mrs. Esther Winters Oliver W. Winters, Jr.
have moved from Lafayette Hill, Pa.
Their new address is 6666 Lincoln Drive Philadelphia, Penna. The telephone number is GErmantown 8-1605 Signing off: Station
W-E-L-C-O-M-E
THE SPHINX
Beta Upsilon Enjoys Successful Year Brother Charles Bowling, Editor-tothe-Sphinx. MONTGOMERY, ALA. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Combining high fraternal spirit with a zeal for work, Brothers of Beta Upsilon are currently enjoying one of their best years and have set a record of which they can well be proud. In all campus activities this year which have involved all-Greek participation, Beta Upsilon has emerged on top. During the street solicitation for the March of Dimes, Brothers raised more t h a n $300 to win the first place trophy. A skit "The Negro State of Ghana" won first place honors in the local Jabberwock competition. In February, three young men "crossed the burning sands into dear Alphaland." They are Brothers Philip Davis, Samuel Dickerson and William Hudson. Recently initiated into the "Mystic Realm of the Sphinx" were John Brown, Solomon Cox, Oliver Hodge, Julius Hope and George Patterson. Several Brothers are now serving their country in the Armed Forces. They are Brothers Thomas Gaston, Alfonso Powe, William Beavers, and Alexander Davis. Beta Upsilon salutes
A I D T O Y O U T H FOR STUDY I N I N D I A Rho L a m b d a ; the Buffalo, N.Y. C h a p t e r ; rallied to provide financial assistance that will enable a Buffalo youth, to go to India as an exchange student. The President Brother ( D r . ) S. Calvin Johnson presented Frederick Hinton with a check of $200.00. Frederick left June I for Poona, India, there he will study liberal arts for a year at the University of Poona. The purpose of the trip, will not only be beneficial to young Frederick, but will help foster better American relationships. H e will be able to give the natives of Poona a living example of the life of young Negros in A m e r i c a .
these men. Activities planned for the reAnniversary and our annual "Education for Citizenship Week." During this week, Brothers of Beta Upsilon
mainder of the year include our observance of Beta Upsilon's twenty-first will be featured as speakers in each of the four high schools in Montgomery. Brothers who will be graduating this year include Brothers Ira Avery, Charles Bowling, Alfred Van Bens, McDonald Comer, Frank Brown, William Hudson, John Foster, Lewie Ramsey, John Leonard, Sam Grace, Ervin Thompson, Carl Western and Alfred Young. Brother Young h a s served as president of Beta Upsilon and has been an important factor in the success of the Chapter this year. As Beta Upsilon marks the completion of its Twenty-first year of service to the College community and begin its Twenty-second year as an occupant of "The House of Alpha," its members pledge and rededicate themselves to the high ideals of Alpha Phi Alpha.
on to N A T I O N A L C H A P L A I N VISITS C L E V E L A N D Brother A . W a y m a n (center) of Chicago recently conducted a revival at St. James A . M . E . Church in C l e v e l a n d . During his visit time was available for a reception at Karamu House under the direction of the local chapter. W h i l e at Karamu he was an interested inspector of stage properties used by the Karamu players. H e is shown in the above picture with Brother Elmer C . Collins, C h a p t e r President at the firing end of the cannon and Brother Rolland Jackson near the mouth of the cannon. They all look as if a shot might be discharged.
JULY, 1957
Los Angeles August 21-24, 1957
PAGE 21
43rd GENERAL CONVENTION of Alplja ffJjt Alplja Jraterttttij, Inr.
AUGUST 21 - 24, 1957
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
•~J4e ad
quarter
HOTEL STATLER 9 3 0 Wilshire Boulevard
Theme: *-Jne (^kaiienaei
and f^eiponsiblUUei
of
Jryitearation