AD843-S39-4-007-jpeg - University of the Witwatersrand

spirit of cooperation dominating.
The Chapter is sponsoring an Essay Contest among
the senior high school students of eight schools located
in this community, offering a FIRST PRIZE of $10 and
a SECOND PRIZE of $5 for the best ESSAYS on the
topic: “THE SIGNIFICANCE OF COLLEGE EDUCA­
TION TO THE NEGRO.” Awards will be made at the
commencement of the winning students.
On Saturday, April 3, 1937, Professor John C. H ar­
lan, instructor in Government a t Shaw University, was
initiated into Phi Lambda. We welcome Brother Harlan
and believe that he will make a definite contribution to
our fraternity.
We were happy to greet Brother Doctor Charles H.
Wesley, president of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,
upon his recent visit to Raleigh, N orth Carolina, to
speak to the North Carolina Negro Teachers’ Associa­
tion in convention assembled. Bro. Wesley delivered a very
forceful and eloquent address on “ Second Emancipation
of the Negro.” He was praised highly for the inspiration
and enthusiasm which he brought to this gathering.
Brother Doctor Robert P. Daniel, president of Shaw
University, has brought much enthusiasm and inspi­
ration to Phi Lambda as a result of his rich experience.
He is very active in our deliberations and our meetings
are made more interesting by his presence.
The Officers of Phi Lambda Chapter are as follows:
President..............................................................Mack W. Akins
Vice President.................................................Houser A. Miller
Recording Secretary..................................H. Cardrew Perrin
Financial Secretary and E d ito r... .W alker H. Quarles, Jr.
T reasurer....................................................... Reginald L. Lynch
Chaplain..............................................................James W. Smith
Sergeant-at-Arm s...................................... D. A rthur Williams
H istorian........................................................... Roger D. 0 Kelly
Beta Sigma C h a p t e r S o u t h e r n U n i v e r s i t y
Members and faculty advisor of the newly organized Beta Sigma Chapter at Southern University are pic­
tured above. This is Louisiana’s second undergraduate chapter of Alpha, and they hope to contribute their bit
to the entertainment of the Brothers when they invade the Delta State as guests of Sigma Lambda in New Orleans
for the Xmas conclave. They are (front row, left to righ't): Hugh Thornton, James Peters, Henry Dumoui,
Charles Guthrie, John D. Davis, president (2nd R.), Edgar Thornton, James Christy, Othneil Thompson. (Back
R.) Earl W alter, Wm. H. Gray, Jr., advisor, and George David.
We welcomed also to Raleigh, the Reverend Brother
J. Raymond Henderson, pastor of the W heat Street Bap­
tist Church of Atlanta, Ga., who conducted a series of
Spiritual Rededication Services on the campus of Shaw
University. Brother Henderson is an able minister and
pastor, and his messages were very helpful and uplifting.
Fraternally,
WALKER H. QUARLES, JR.
BETA TAU CHAPTER
New Orleans, Louisiana
1937 CONVENTION CITY
Beta Tau Chapter celebrated its second initiatory ban­
quet on the night of February 6, 1937, at the sm art Tick
Tock Tavern. This affair climaxed a week of hard mental
and physical effort in order to smooth the road to Alphadom for eleven Neophites who for the first time saw
the light of truth and friendship in all of its glorious
brilliance. The Neophites are Brothers Bloom, Weber,
Brown, Pearson, Morial, Rhaney, Hall, Llado, Hamilton,
Bennett, and Sloane. Brother Pearson is assistant track
coach at Xavier University. Brothers Rhaney and Hall are
active members of the Dillard University Dramatic Club.
They have appeared in programs at both of the New
Orleans universities and at Tuskegee Institute since their
advent into the Alpha fold.
Brother Crawford, the student director of the Dillard
Choir, and Brother Miller, also a member of that group,
are making a tour of South America w ith the Dillard
University Quartet.
Brother Rhaney’s father passed away soon after his
son saw the greatest light on earth. It is the chapter’s
wish that the father has experienced a similar joy in the
Land where light is eternal.
Convention enthusiasm mounts to a fevered pitch in
gay old New Orleans, the “Host City” to the next A.
Phi A. conclave. So be prepared to enjoy unparalleled hos­
pitality and “bienvenu” in America’s most interesting
city. The Vieux Carre awaits you with arms outstretched;
the palms whisper their welcomes in swishing accents, for
both know that the way we treat our guests is an edu­
cation in itself.
VIEUX CARRE
,
By Brother Peter W. Clark
I love thy verdant palms and ferns,
Thy strong and sturdy oaks;
I love thy shutters—gray with age,
Thy quaint, old iron-wrought urns.
I love thy rails of Spanish lace,
Thy threadlike alleyways;
I love thy sheltered patios,
Thy old world charm and grace.
I love thy shapely steeples high,
Thou treasured rendezvous;
I love thy narrow winding stairs,
Thy glamour cannot die.
RHO LAMBDA
Buffalo, New York
From Buffalo, Queen City of the N iagara Frontier,
Rho Lambda Chapter sends greetings to brothers in
Alpha. While no word has come forth from us for an
extended period, our silence has not been due to inactiv­
ity. So far are we from the seat of any other active
chapter that only through the pages of the Sphinx can
our activities be made known to our brothers.
The membership of Rho Lambda Chapter is composed
almost entirely of brothers who first saw the light in
chapters far afield. The absence of promising material
in the University of Buffalo and neighboring colleges
has been the chief factor in the continued small member­
ship of the chapter. That situation, however, has its com­
pensatory features in that every man in the chapter is
thoroughly imbued with desire to hold high the banner
proclaiming us worthy of the true Alpha heritage. We
point with pride to our financial membership of seven­
teen men out of eighteen known Alpha men in Buffalo,
N iagara Falls and vicinity. Your scribe was recently wel­
comed into the ranks of this chapter and wishes to inform
his form er associates in Beta, Mu Lambda and Alpha
Gamma Lambda that they will find a true Alpha welcome
whenever they venture into Rho Lambda territory.
Our activities got under way this year with the annual
election of officers. The meeting was held at the home
of Bro. Dr. Charles B. Hayes in N iagara Falls. The offi­
cers, all re-elected by unanimous vote, are Bro. Alfred
D. Price, president; Bro. Dr. Charels B. Hayes, vice pres­
ident; Bro. James L. Robinson, secretary-treasurer. We
have been fortunate this year in having with us as vis­
itors some of our most accomplished brothers. On Feb.
14, Bro. Charles H. Houston who was speaking here for
the local branch of the N. A. A. C. P. was our guest at a
smoker. Feb. 24 our general pres., Dr. Chas. Wesley, spoke
at the annual dinner of the local Urban League. The
brothers of Rho Lambda with their wives and friends
occupied a table near the speaker. Following the dinner
the chapter held a smoker. Bro. Wesley spoke at length
on the policies and activities of the national organiza­
tion and of the problems confronting Beta and Mu Lambda
chapters. This was the first visit of a general president
to our Chapter and was a gratifying occasion to every
Price on April 1, and what a party! With Bro. Aubrey
A closed party was held at the home of Bro. A. D.
man present.
Tobin holding forth as impromptu master of ceremonies,
Jewel Bro. George Kelly lending dignity, the wives and
girl friends adding charm and beauty, ’twas a grand oc­
casion. Our spring formal will be held April 7 and by
the time this issue is in print Rho Lambda shall have
added another page to its already well filled record. We
are planning as well for a summer outing in Canada
" hich we hope to make an annual affair, sufficiently a t­
tractive to bring many of our brothers to our city on the
N iagara Frontier.
Fraternally,
ROBERT A. BURRELL,
Associate Editor.
ALPHA MU LAMBDA
Knoxville, Tennessee
April 5, 1937.
Greetings, Brothers:
A t the time of this writing we are just finishing a
season of basketball activities designed by our Activi­
ties Committee for the purpose of promoting good fel­
lowship among the different fraternities. I might add here
that the three other organizations participated—and to
condition ourselves for our everyday work I can truth­
fully say that our aims have been most successfully ac­
complished, not to mention the fact that our more cor-
pulent brothers have developed figures along more sym­
metrical lines.
Our activities this year required more uniforms, since
more of our brothers have become interested in this form
of recreation and we have also added a few other mem­
bers to our roster since last season.
We are now on the eve of our citizenship campaign
and we have hopes of giving the citizenry here an
earful as well as an eyeful.
The recent organizing here of the Pan-Hellenic coun­
cil has done much toward establishing a respect for and
acquainting the populace with fraternal organizations.
Brothers Henderson and Seals are our representatives
and are doing fine work, especially in seeing the desires
of Alpha Mu Lambda satisfied.
I might also add that Bro. Seals is very active in edu­
cational circles and on April 3 he was present at the
conference in Cincinnati of the National Association of
Teachers in Colored Schools, and spoke on the subject.
“After School—W hat For Our Negro Youth?”
He is also to attend the annual convention to be held
in Philadelphia in July from the 27th to the 30th.
We are reviving our camp activities which will take
place in September and will last two weel^s. We are in­
viting any brothers who might happen to be passing
through Knoxville at that time, to drop in on us and
have a meal of wild game and barbecued pork—there
is nothing like it.
Hoping you will be with us, we are,
Fraternally,
ALPHA MU LAMBDA CHAPTER,
OTTIS T. HOGUE, Scribe.
ALPHA CHI LAMBDA
Augusta, Georgia
Hark! Alpha Chi Lambda sends greetings from Au­
gusta, Georgia, the Garden Spot of Dixie.
Bearing testimony of having had one of the best years
in the history of the chapter and joyous over its very
successful accomplishments, Alpha Chi Lambda hoping to
do even greater things, chose its roster of officers for the
ensuing year as follows:
President.......................................... Brother A. Murray Carter
Vice President........................................ Brother John M. Tutt
Secretary.............................................. Brother E. Yerby Lowe
Editor to The Sphinx...............Brother Augustus C. Griggs
Treasurer........................................Brother S. Marcus Jenkins
Chaplain...................................................Brother W. D. Woods
Parliam entarian............................Brother Robert L. Lockett
Sergeant-at-Arm s...............Brother Clairmont A. Williams
In December Alpha Chi Lambda celebrated the anni­
versary of the 30th year of the founding of the frater­
nity with appropriate exercises at which time Brother
Rayford W. Logan, Director of Education, was the main
speaker. B r o t h e r Logan, a keen thinker, a brilliant
scholar and a gentleman of rare experience brought to
Alpha Chi Lambda and to the entire citizenry of Augusta
a very forceful and logical address which wrought a m ar­
velous mosaic of sound doctrine and rare oratorical per­
fection to his hearers. In the afterglow of tim e this mes­
sage will continue to ring out the courageous deeds and
aspirations of our race.
Greetings were brought to Alpha Phi Alpha from
representatives of the other fraternities of the city and
sororities as well.
We are now preparing for the celebration of our “Edu­
cation For Citizenship” week.
Cherishing our dear A. Phi A., the PRIDE OF OUR
HEARTS, we bid you adieu.
AUGUSTUS C. GRIGGS,
Editor to The Sphinx.
ALPHA ZETA
West Virginia State College
WEST VIRGINIA STATE COLLEGE INSTITUTE
WEST VIRGINIA
Greetings, Brothers:
Alpha Zeta wishes to express its feelings of fellowship
and good cheer to all of its brother chapters for a most
successful and progressive year in the field of service and
uplift for mankind. Resuming activities after the holi­
day season, Alpha Zeta has dug right into the core of
action for the carrying out of its yearly program.
At the most recent meeting of the chapter it was re­
vealed that graduate Brother Matheus had, with the col­
laboration of Professor Riverton of Miner Teachers College,
just completed a text book for French classes. Brother
Matheus’ book is just off the press and will be ready for
use in the immediate future. It is pleasing to note that
Brother Matheus was also a delegate to the meeting of
Social Science and Modern Language Professors which
convened at Virginia State College last fall. Also grad­
uate Brother P. E. Posey was a member of this delega­
tion as a representative of the Economics Department.
During the Christmas vacation period, Brother Posey a t­
tended the meeting of the American Association of Po­
litical Economy at Chicago and his report on the develop­
ments was very thorough and interesting.
Brother Curtus Senior, who is professor of agriculture,
is preparing his agriculture club for the annual judging
contest which is to be held some time in the early spring.
The team will include Brother Herman Bailey, who hap­
pens to be president of the club, as well as a mem­
ber of the W est Virginia Players (Dramatic) Club.
Our President, Brother John Thompson, seems to be
the only man on the campus of a presidential caliber.
He is president of the N. A. A. C. P., the student branch;
president of the John Dewey Educational Society and
president of the Senior Class. He is also an assistant
in the Department of English.
Brothers Clark Smith and James Kidd are laboratory
assistants in the department of physical science; the for­
mer in Chemistry and the latter in Advanced Biology.
Brother Theodore W itcher from Omicron City is the man­
ager of the college book store, and Brother Bill (B. B.)
Caves, another student in the department of Business
Administration, is the manager of the Student Loan Fund
Association.
Our chapter brother, William “Cokey” Robinson is sec­
retary of the W est Virginia Players Club and also of
the Y. M. C. A., and a representative to the Men’s Senate.
Brother H arry Alston, who was assistant trainer of the
football team this year under the supervision of Brother
James Napper, the head trainer, is also a member of
the Men’s Senate. Brother Clarence Morgan sings a mean
baritone on the Glee Club, and Brother George Jackson,
who happens to be a transfer from Beta Gamma, has
brought along some of the good spirit from that chap­
ter and jumped right into activity. He is a cub reporter
on the Yellow Jacket, the student newspaper, and a mem-
May, 1937
ber of the Tri Sigma Math Club, of which graduate Bro.
Crawley is the guardian.
Our good Brother Bickett, who is the political strate­
gist of the fraternity, is president of the Mechanic Arts
Guild of the Trade and Technical Department, and is
also the treasurer of the Student Council. He holds the
distinction of being the only member on the Council to
be serving his third consecutive term. He is also a rep­
resentative to the Men’s Senate. Brothers John Redd and
Clarence Hill are two of the active neophytes in the Me­
chanic A rts Guild. Brother Carlyle “Tank” H arris is back
from home in Parkersburg, where he went to recuperate
from an attack of appendicitis. He is still able to -beat
out some mean syncopation on his bass- viol in the school
jazz orchestra when he is not playing some classical num­
ber with the school symphony. When not engaged in mu­
sical activities, he is going through his routine as a
member of the gym team, which is composed of Physical
Education majors and of which club he is a member.
Yours truly is trying to serve in the typical Alpha Zeta
fashion. Being assistant correspondent to Brother James
Kidd, and a neophyte, this is my first attem pt to serve
as the correspondent to the good old Sphinx magazine.
For the benefit of Brother Bill Gray a t Southern and
Brothers Horton at Meharry and Sloe Joe Thomas, it
pleases me to tell you that Alpha Zeta is on a par if
not above our good brother chapter in Bluefield, Beta
Theta.
So it is with a fond farewell and a most sincere fra­
ternal wish for the best of luck and success that Alpha
Zeta bids you write often to us in order that we m ight
retain the fraternal progressiveness. As this goes to
press we are making preparations to again win the Delta
Sigma Theta cup for putting on the best skit in the an­
nual Jabberwock, which is to be held some time in March.
Fraternally and sincerely yours,
RICHARD M. PITT SMYTHE,
Assistant Correspondent, Alpha Zeta Chapter,
Institute, W est Virginia.
BETA ALPHA LAMBDA
Jersey City, New Jersey
Brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha:
The history of Beta Alpha Lambda says that we are
ONE YEAR old this month. We have had the fun of be­
ginning again. The entire year has been a most brilliant
one—especially in organizing, planning and setting up a
permanent workable organization. The powers behind
the barrage have been the penetrating keenness of Broth­
ers Branch and Frazier. Both brothers are men of excep­
tional character who have the courage of their own con­
victions. Under such strong leadership, with men who
plan and execute, Alpha men of Jersey City again live
in the sweetness of brotherhood and real fellowship.
Our Chapter Constitution has been written and adopted.
Some brothers say that it is “slightly tight”—but most of
•us think that it is as elastic as a steel spring. For this
reason the wick in the lamp has already begun to flicker
with two of our Charter Brothers. However, these broth­
ers may be reinstated a t any time as our Constitution
most beautifully provides for such measures with the
payment of a CASH $5—reinstatem ent fee.
SPRING IS HERE! The air is cool and crisp. It seems
that the BROTHERS are “raring” to GO. Our RUSHING
COMMITTEE has been as busy as a BEE and now claims
that it is READY to feed the brothers NEW BLOOD
and FRESH MEAT. This committee consisting of Broth­
ers Randolph, Henderson and Bill Carpenter, recom­
mended that SEVEN men see the “Light of the World”—
provided they are able to transcend the depth of the Sea,
enjoy the sweetness of a torrential breeze and bask in the
soothing sands of an African desert. Let us again hope
that ALPHA TRANSCENDS ALL.
Since this is our Educational Number, we would like
to say that our Chapter is now offering a scholarship of
$100 cash to the Colored High School Graduate who has
the HIGHEST 4-year average.
On account of the recent DEPRESSION, our Chapter
Funds are not as liquid as they should be. However, for
the month of April we were able to span the country
and present Brother S. R. Redmond, of St. Louis, Mo.,
as our guest speaker.
For one hour and ten minutes the Chapter Brothers
and Neophytes sat tense with enthusiasm and interest as
Brother Redmond outlined the legal battle of attack in be­
half of our race a t the doors of the University of Mis­
souri. Undoubtedly Bro. Redmond is a lawyer of marked
ability, as well as a man of character, dignity, force and
ease of manner. The Chapter voted him a million Thanks
in the Bonds of Brotherhood, and extended Greetings
to EPSILON LAMBDA of St. Louis.
FLASH—FLASH! To the many Brothers who have w rit­
ten to our Chapter on both sides of the river—let. us say
that the Sphinx made a typographical error in stating
that our fees are $5 per year. The true fact is an annual
fee of $50 payable every September.
Fraternally,
RICHARD L. MARTIN,
Associate Editor.
MU CHAPTER CELEBRATES SILVER
ANNIVERSARY
April 6, 1937, marked the existence of Mu chapter of
Alpha Phi Alpha for a quarter of a century. The found­
ers of Mu, as foresighted as they were, could hardly have
visioned the Mu chapter of today. The fact that Mu s
founders were imbued with fundamental ideals which they
believed advantageous, and which they sought to make a
functional part of the life of Negro youth, enabled them
to make such a contribution. That the principles were
accepted, adhered to, and built upon is equally remark­
able. Before the eleven founders assembled at the Uni­
versity of Minnesota on March 11, 1911, there was no
fraternity accessible to Negro youth; there was no one
that a Negro student could call Brother. Doubtlessly, there
was a spirit of fellowship, but there was no ritual, no
meanful ceremony. Today we are enjoying the fruits from
the seeds planted 25 years ago by the founders of Mu
Chapter.
In order that the reader may get an insight of the early
formation of Mu Chapter, a few excerpts from the min­
utes of Pi Alpha Tau, the organization which preceded
Alpha Phi Alpha at Minnesota are enclosed. We also feel it
fitting that a few of the achievements of Alpha brothers
of Mu be included at this point.
March 11, 1911
“Eleven of the colored students, in response to a call
from Mr. Gale P. Hilyer and Mr. Jas. L. Titus, met with
Mr. Titus at 300 W ashington Ave., S. E. to consider plans
for organizing a men’s club among the colored students
of the university. Those present were: James L. Titus,
Wm. H. Godette, Benj. F. Bullock, Fred L. Parker, Ham­
mond Turner, Nelson D. Ricks, R. C. McCullough, Ray­
mond W. Cannon, Geo. E. Butler, Jasper Gibbs, Jr., and
John H. Hickman, Jr.
On April 15, 1911, the name Pi Alpha Tau (meaning
first letters of Greek words, “the ambition of the Ethi­
opians for Glory) was adopted. The following officers
were elected: President, Jas. L. Titus; Vice Pres;, Ham­
mond Turner; Secretary, Benj. F. Bullock; Asst. Sec.,
Raymond W. Cannon; Treasurer, Fred L. Parker; Sergt.at-Arms, R. C. McCullough; Parliam entarian, Gale P. Hilyer.
On April 6, 1912, Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha was
established, succeeding Pi Alpha Tau. A fter much labo­
rious correspondence with the national organization ex­
tending over a period of months. The organization took
place at the residence of R. C. McCullough. Bro. C. C.
Middleton, senior medical student of Eplison Chapter, Ann
Arbor, Michigan, and now a practicing physician in New
York, came to Minnesota as the one delegated by the
general president, Charles H. Garvin, to set up Mu Chap­
ter. The charter members of Mu and the officers were:
Consul, Gale P. Hilyer; Pro-Consul, R. C. McCullough;
Scriptor, Fred L. Parker; Treasurer, Jasper Gibbs; Glad­
iator, Louis Valle.
Achievements of Individual Members:
James L. Titus became instructor in dispensing in
the University Free Dispensary, and was also on the
faculty of the College of Pharmacy.
J. H. Redd conducted the clinic in internal medicine in
the out-patient department of the University Medical
School.
George Lark was assistant to Dr. E. L. Newcombe,
head of the department of pharmacognosy, in research
work. He was until recently professor in pharmacy at
Meharry, Nashville, Tenn.
Howard B. Shepard was a member of the University
band. (1919).
William T. Francis (deceased) became U. S. Minister
Resident and Consul General to Liberia.
Horace Bell was an outstanding player on Minne­
sota’s 1936 National Champion Football Team.
Mu Chapter has twice held first place in scholarship
in the annual rating of all fraternities. The Chapter has
given a number of scholarships to winners of essay con­
tests in connection with the “Go To High School, Go To
College Campaign.”
Brother Cannon has brought the following honors to
Mu:
General President, 1924-25-26-27.
Director of Education, 1928-29-30-31.
Second Vice President, 1923.
General Vice President, 1913-1914.
First Editor of The Sphinx.
The following events took place in the commemora­
tion of Mu’s Silver Anniversary:
Sunday, April 11, 1937, at Pilgrim Baptist Church, a
Founders’ Day program was given. Greetings from Kappa
Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, and A. K. A. and Phi Beta
Sigma were given by their representatives.
On April 12, a formal dance was held at the Hallie
Q. Brown House, where approximately six hundred per­
sons danced to the music of Bruce Patterson and his
Blue Serenaders.
On April 17 the celebration was climaxed by a de­
lightful and impressive banquet at the Phyllis Wheatley
House.
HENRY ROBERT THOMAS,
Assistant Editor to The Sphinx.
BETA CHAPTER
Washington, D. C.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Dear Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha:
Time, good fortune and hard work have all joined
hands in allowing me to feel that Beta Chapter has made
good in its boast of being “Tops” here in Washington,
D. C. One big, grand and glorious affair made this pos­
sible. The Roland Hayes Recital is the affair of which I
speak. Let us scan a few of the details that made it
the huge success th at it was.
Bro. President G. Frederick Stanton, who was the
Chairman of the Recital Committee, gathered around
him such hard working brothers as J. Wesley Robin­
son, Luther G. Foster, Curtis G. Elliott, Belford V. Law­
son, Dr. Ferebee and others and really set in to work.
W hatever success is given the recital is due directly to
these brothers.
The recital was one of inter-fraternal aspects, neces­
sarily so because the person appearing in the recital was
not an Alpha Brother. Then, too, such fine points as
having each Fraternity and Sorority send two represen­
tatives as ushers brought about such a feeling of cooper­
ation between Greek Letter organizations that has sel­
dom been seen here at Howard.
The night of March 12 was one that brought pride and
smiles to the heart of every Alpha man in Washington.
A house full of immaculate men and beautifully gowned
ladies was a sight to assure even the most disinterested
that Alpha Phi Alpha in W ashington was really going
places and doing things. Sorry we can’t send papers to
every brother so that he may share with us the nice
things that were w ritten in every newspaper in and out
of town.
The next big event or rather events that are to take
place are the Spring Prom and the Joint Banquet of Beta
and Mu Lambda Chapters. W ith the Beta-Mu Lambda
Corp. behind these events as they were behind the recital
there is no doubt but what there will b<e lots and lots
more to brag about next time.
Continuing to look for and find “new and young blood”
to infuse in the Chapter brings me back to the fact that
eleven probates are now in “the dust of the arena,” wait­
ing for the shade of the olive tree. We know you wish ,
them luck in their trip across the hot, hot sands.
A new pledge club is being formed at this time to
take the places of the probates and again we have skimmed
the cream of the crop.
Brothers from out of town often ask: “How is Beta these
days?” Heretofore the answer has been rather evasive,
but the Brothers of Beta and Mu Lambda want the Al­
pha world to know th at they are back on the map and
to stay. Much can be said and written to prove this, but
suffice it to say the election of Bros. G. Frederick Stan­
ton and James P. Browning as president of Beta and Mu
Lambda chapters respectively has more than a whole lot
to do with the revival of spirit and brotherhood. These
two Brothers shall stand out as being the main cogs in
machines that prevented Alphadom in W ashington from
being a possible collapse. Regular meetings, payments
of budgets, successful projects, forums and the like
have proven to the world at large and inactive brothers
in particular that Alpha men can come back and come
back hard. The obstacles were many, the road was rocky
but both Beta and Mu Lambda are again on the road
to the peak and to really make Washington Alpha “con­
scious.”
Beta had the happy occasion to welcome back an old
brother in the person of Lawson Veney, better known
to Brothers as “Bull.” Brother Veney has been holding
the Alpha torch high down in Virginia, where he has
been working on a Negro Resettlement Project at which
he was very successful. Right now Bro. Veney has come
home to camp and hold down his job in the Juvenile
Court of the District.
For the Brothers at Wilberforce, I hope to see some
of you at R. 0. T. C. Camp this summer, as Howard is
sending pretty near an Alpha Battalion there.
To all Beta extends best wishes and good luck to you
that make Alpha Phi Alpha the honored and revered
fraternity that it is.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
JOHN C. ROBINSON,
Chapter Editor to The Sphinx.
BETA ZETA CHAPTER
Austin, Texas
Greetings:
Beta Zeta Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha F rater­
nity, Inc., is making extensive plans for their Annual
“Education for Citizenship” campaign to be observed in
the month of May. New plans have been decided upon
for the conduction of the campaign this year. We are
grateful to Brother Ora H. Elliott for his interest and
timely advice in the campaign activities of the chapter,
although his duties as bookkeeper for the college require
most of his time.
Brother Stanley E. Grannum, La VON Smith and
Jackson D. Smith have returned to Sam Huston College
after extensive travels in California and Arizona, for
the specific purpose of meeting old friends of the col­
lege and forming the acquaintance of new ones. Broth­
er Grannum has given his time and energy untiringly
as a college president, to the maintenance of an accred­
ited institution, thus far he has done exceedingly well.
Brothers La Von Smith and Jackson D. Smith have as­
sisted in making friends thru the rendition of musical
programs, with the aid of other members of the College
Octette. They report unusually pleasant fraternal rela­
tions in all of the places they have appeared. Their
praises of Brother Bert McDonald’s hospitality blended
with that of other members of Alpha Delta Chapter
has no bounds.
This Chapter wishes to acknowledge, receipt of the fra­
ternal greetings of Brothers Karl E. Downs and Charles
Warren, graduate brothers of this Chapter, who are
now doing specialized study at the University of Boston.
Also Brother Clifton Jackson, Real-Silk Hosiery Com­
pany manager of the Houston, Texas, division. The broth­
ers of this chapter are proud of the fact that they rank
first in scholastic achievements against any other fra­
ternity on the campus.
Four brothers are candidates for graduation in June,
namely: George Blair, Terry J. Burley, Eugene Owens
and Robert Fields.
For continued efficiency in the Chapter’s activities,
the following officers have been installed:
Jackson D. Smith, President; Eugene Owens, VicePresident; Thomas Manning, Secretary; Ora H. Elliott,
Treasurer; T. J. Burley, Sphinx Editor; Robert Fields,
Sergeant-at-Arms.
Other members are: Charles Hines, George Blair, LaVon
Smith and Stanley E. Grannum.
ALPHA BETA
TALLADGA COLLEGE
Though Alpha Beta has been silent for some time,
she has been by no means inactive and inefficient in
carrying out to the maximum extent a program that
is both creditable and sincere in scope for Alpha Phi
Alpha.
Through the inspiring and effective leadership of Bro.
Roy Jones Gilmer, now ex-president of the chapter, we
were piloted through last year’s program ’ with a vast
amount of success. The work of our ex-president en­
couraged us to begin this year on a more extensive pro­
gram in order to receive more signal honors for this or­
ganization.
In October we gave a smoker for all the new men on
the campus. This smoker was followed by a Halloween
party in Callanan Gymnasium for all new students on
the campus. The scheme and purpose of these affairs
were carried forth to the fullest extent.
We were indeed proud to initiate into Alpha’s fold, the
first quarter, Brothers Edward W. Jacko, Stanley Ish,
Herbert Pegues, Granville Lewis, and Ellis Toney. These
brothers were given a breakfast in their honor at the
home of Brother William H arris, A ssistant Professor
of Chemistry.
To guide and direct the program of the chapter for
this year, the following Brothers were elected as offi­
cers: Edward W. Jacko, President; Herbert Pegues, Vice
President; Granville Lewis, Secretary; James A. Hill,
Corresponding Secretary, and Associate Editor to The
Sphinx, Jerome Bryant, Treasurer; Isaiah Terry, Sergeant-at-Arms, and William Bryan, Advisor to The Sphinx
Club.
In accord with the National Citizenship program, Al­
pha Beta plans its annual week-end celebration begin­
ning with chapel at noon on Friday, April 23, and ex­
tending through Sunday, April 25. On Friday noon our
own Brother Capps, who is college scholar in the De­
partm ent of Chemistry, is to be our speaker. On Saturday
evening in Callanan Gymnasium we are to give our an­
nual fraternity dance, with decorations quite in accord
with our plan—“A Garden of Paradise.” On Sunday
evening, April 25, we expect Brother H. Council Trenholm, President of Alabama State Teachers’ College, as
our principal speaker, after which a tea will be tendered
in his honor.
This serves each year as a climax to Alpha Beta’s
program and this year we expect to contact more people
in order to make our program more effective.
Our roster for this year includes the following Broth­
ers: Jerome Bryant, William Bryan, John Capps, Con­
stance Dejoie, Roy Gilmer, Andrew Harris, James Hill,
Stanley Ish, Edward Jacko, Christopher Jeffries, Gran­
ville Lewis, Wallace Moore, H erbert Pegues, Samuel
Rodgers, Earl Seabron, John Selden, Isaiah Terry, Ellis
Toney, and Lawrence Washington.
Due to the vacancy left by Brother I. A. Derbigny,
Ph. D., who has taken the position as Dean of the Ad­
ministration at Tuskegee Institute, we have Brother Wil­
liam J. Knox, Jr., Ph.D., succeeding him as Professor
of Chemistry. In addition, we have Brother Reid E. Jack­
son as Assistant Professor of Education.
Alpha Beta is still forging ahead with the banner of
Alpha Phi Alpha in the spirit of true brotherhood.
JAMES A. HILL,
Editor to The Sphinx.
BETA KAPPA CHAPTER
Langston University
Brothers of Alphadom:
Beta Kappa celebrated its fifth anniversary with one
of the most superb and astounding Founder’s Day Pro­
grams ever witnessed by Langston University, and in
the history of the chapter. We were favored with the
presence of a very large student body, and many of oui
Graduate Brothers, who came to help us celebrate, and
to hear and observe the high type of work that is being
carried on under our new set-up, which is headed by our
very capable president, Brother Paul L. Strong.
Our history was related by Brother Theodore Person,
Chapter Historian, who is now compiling a new edition
of The History of Beta Kappa Chapter from the years
1932 to 1937. The principal speaker was none other than
one of our ex-general presidents, Brother Lucius L.
McGee. The subject of his speech was “Quo Vadis”, “Where
Are You Going.” The entire campus was startled at such
a speech.
As usual, Beta Kappa is making its annual contribu­
tion to the University. We are presenting a clock to be
placed in the dining room of our new $250,000 building.
Since our Go-To-High School, Go-To-College campaign
last year was such a success, the high school principal
has given us permission to rendter our program each
Senior Day. Our Education for Citizenship program will
close on Senior Day, May 7. It is running over time be­
cause all the high schools in the state are having here
what is known as Senior Day in Oklahoma. There will
be hundreds of visitors and seniors of high schools pres­
ent. We feel it our duty to present to this group of vis­
itors our combined programs which we know they will
be benefited by.
Fraternally yours,
HENRY L. PARKER,
Associate Editor to Sphinx.
P_ s.—As usual, the check up on the grades of all
Greek Letter Organizations, on the campus showed that
Beta Kappa was still the most outstanding in scholarship.
DELTA LAMBDA
Baltimore, Maryland
March 30, 1937.
The 1937 edition of “News Items” in and around the
Monumental City, are hereby released.
FLASHES!
Bro. Miles Connor receives Doctorate from New York
University.
Bro. Thurgood Marshall holds the name of APA high,
by moving to the legal staff of the N. A. A. C. P., in New
York City.
Bro. Robert L. Young, leading mortician of the city,
recently installed an electric console in his chapel.
The late Bro. George Hall, who enjoyed the distinction
of being one of the city’s leading physicians, was no less
prominent as a civic influence, and played a very impor­
tant part in the constant progress of Delta Lambda.
Bro. “Sec.” C. C. Jackson, as director of Baltimore’s
Playground Athletic League, moves into his new down­
town offices.
Bro. R. H. P. Ryans receives M aster’s degree from Cor­
nell University.
Bro. “Coach Bill” Taylor (L, U.) is off to University
of Michigan to get his M aster’s.
Brothers Harold Derry and George Mosby recently
appointed co-managers of Baltimore’s leading drug store.
Bro. W. Q. Bland appointed educational advisor C.C.C.
camp.
Bro. W. T. Dixon, dean of Cortez-Peters Business School
with branches in W ashington and Baltimore, reports prog­
ress in his field.
Bro. Clinton Knox has completed residence requirements
for his Doctorate, at Harvard University.
Bro. James Murphy promoted to circulation manager
of the Afro-American newspaper.
The official family of Delta Lambda includes the fol­
lowing brothers: Furm an L. Templeton, president; Rob­
ert L. Young, vice president; C. C. Jackson, secretary,
Miles Connor, treasurer; W. T. Dixon, chaplain; David
Whitfield, editor to the Sphinx.
Mile stones in Delta Lambda’s achievements follow:
Bro. F. D. Patterson’s speech launching our 1936 Educa­
tion for Citizenship Drive.
The recent petition sent to our Congressman voicing
our disapproval of some of the provisions of the Harrison-Black Education Bill, with recommendations.
The continued effort to get a “F rat House” for Delta
Lambda.
The alertness of our Education for Citizenship Com­
mittee in its efforts to make everybody in Baltimore
a registered voter.
The return from time to time of our prodigal brothers.
Without boasting, Alpha men here are very much in
evidence in the agencies which mark Baltimore as a pro­
gressive city. A glance at our Occupational Directory
establishes this fact.
Top hats, white ties, and tails will be in evidence at the
annual ALPHA PROM, the first Friday in May.
Delta Lambda extends to fellow fraters the world over
greetings and best wishes for continued success in the
various fields of endeavor.
Fraternally yours,
DAVID WHITFIELD, Associate Editor.
ALPHA TAU LAMBDA
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Greetings:
A few nights ago I had the pleasure to be in a meeting
of a group of men. These men were graduates from dif­
ferent colleges and universities. Several have their master
of arts degrees. As the evening passed I noticed that
there were several questions of interest passed here and
there. The meeting progressed along in fine spirit until
one individual felt that these efforts and the doings of the
meeting had become antiquated. Another said, “W hat
we are doing is not at all antiquated, but that we at'e
exercising our privilege and perogative. He says fur­
ther, “that every man who is present has a right to follow
the discussion, if he so desires, and no one is at liberty
to question or investigate his right or privilege.” Time
passed on until at last about two p.m. we find ourselves
face to face with the names of five men to be initiated
into the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. These men, accord­
ing to records, are Vernon E. McCain, head coach football
and basket ball, Wewoka, Oklahoma; Francis Harold H ar­
ris, Douglass High School, Wewoka, Okla.; F. R. Tillman,
principal, of Page Junior High, Wewoka, Okla.; William A.
Dobson, principal, Lima, Okla.; and Clifford Harvey John­
son, teacher in Carver high school, Tulsa, Okla. These
men, though weak and frail and through the help of some
brothers, crossed over into the Promised Land. The land
of service and usefulness to Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
We welcome you, brothers, into the fold of Alpha Phi
Alpha. We commend you to the brothers of Alpha Phi
Alpha fraternity.
Before the initiation took place we were faced with a
very interesting problem. The problem involved whether
or not a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha should be permitted
to attend the initiation and banquet after the initiation
without a 1937 pass card. Considerable debate pursued.
Finally a decision was reached, “that no brother shall
participate in . the affairs of the initiation or banquet
afterwards unless each brother presented a pass card for
1937.” One point of view expressed by Brother J. T. A.
West, the w riter passes on: “If a brother can belong to
Alpha Phi Alpha and enjoy all of its privileges without
paying, I shall do my part beginning immediately.”
Another event of interest of which the w riter feels you
should know. Brother Noble Sissle and Benjamin of the
Noble Sissle band were our guests during the initiation.
Brother Sissle participated in the initiation of the five
brothers. We were mighty glad to have these brothers in
our meeting.
Brother A. J. Lee recently spoke over KVOO radio sta­
tion of Tulsa. The Booker T. W ashington High of which
Brother E. Q. Woods is principal and Brother Lee, a his­
tory and science teacher, gave a thirty-m inute program of
Negro songs, poems and accomplishments. Brother Lee
was assigned to give a ten-minute lecture of the history
and accomplishments of Negroes in America. Brother
Lee’s address covered the time since the Negroes have
been free in America until now. All that could have been
said could not be said because of the time limit. We can
truthfully say that he gave his assignment thorough con­
sideration. Brother Lee can rest assured that there are
very few persons whether Alpha or otherwise, can do
a creditable piece of work as was done on this occasion.
Brother Lee, we look forward with great anticipation and
pride for the many more outstanding accomplishments you
will make.
The State Tournament of Negro High Schools and
Junior High Schools was held in Tulsa, Friday and Sat­
urday, March 19 and 20. Alpha Tau Lambda chapter
presented the outstanding senior basketball player a small
trophy. It was very attractive and was presented at
the close of the tournament. The young man, a student
of Booker T. Washington, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is Reubin
Mimms. He will graduate this June.
Plans are under way for an elaborate educational cam­
paign and citizenship program. Those who have charge
of the plans of the program are Brothers E. W. Woods,
chairman, J. T. A. West, Jessie Lee, Greadington, W. D.
Combs, and Robert L. Fairchild.
Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, brothers of Alpha Tau
Lambda do not acclaim to be the best graduate chapter in
this section, but they think this graduate chapter is the
best they have seen in many moons. Summer will be here
shortly, many of you will be traveling west and south.
Give Tulsa and Alpha Tau Lambda the once over. You
will find a very interesting visit, and a splendid group
of brothers. The address is 101 N. Greenwood Street, and
the telephone 2-2952. Good luck, brothers, and I will be
seeing you.
Yours fraternally,
ROBERT L. FAIRCHILD,
Associate Editor of Sphinx.
TOO LATE FOR PUBLICATION
Beta Mu Chapter News.
Beta Theta Chapter News.
ALPHA ZETA LAMBDA
Blueiield, West Va.
Greetings, Brothers:
Alpha Zeta Lambda Chapter held its second meeting
of the year at Kimball, W est Va., in the reception room of
the County American Legion Building. In all probability
the only one of its type in the United States, one that is
used for all occasions by civic organizations, Legionnaires,
fraternities and clubs as well as the extra-curricular
activities of the schools located near by. Manned for and
by Negroes. A unique monument for those that served so
gloriously for the cause of democracy nineteen years ago.
The new officers elected a t the last meeting held in
Bluefield were auspiciously installed in a manner that lent
more than casual dignity to the occasion. The installation
officer for this unusual moment was none other than the
past president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Brother
H. L. Dickerson, newly elected president of Bluefield State
Teacher’s College. W ith sincere expression and righteous
appeal to the uplifting side of those brothers present
and especially to those newly elected, he cherished hope
that this year would be a banner one guided by the new
administration and that Alpha Zeta Lambda Chapter
would go forward making greater progress, carrying out
the principles so ardently honored and held ideal by us
all. Greeting each new officer and wishing him much
success as well as giving him a word of advice in the per­
formance of his duties of that particular office, he con­
cluded in a general expression of greetings and wishes
for huge success to all for the ensuing year.
Brother Dr. P. R. Higgenbotham’s inaugural address
was one which his successors in office will have to shoot
at for he reached heights in his declamation and his aims
for the benefit of the chapter were inspiring, so much so
that the ovation given to him at the conclusion of his
speech was tremendous. It was more than well received.
This chapter plans in the future to take a more active
part in civic affairs and make itself felt and known in
this wide community. As a starter, it went on record
stressing objections to the Miner’s Bill now before the
State Legislature which makes it mandatory for all miners
to take an examination before a board for a certificate
in order to be able to work as a miner. This particular
piece of legislation, in the minds of most Negroes, is de­
scribed as discriminatory in nature. Amendments may be
offered and have been, as came later in the week, to
change the situation more favorable to the Negro occu­
pied in this particular occupation.
Education and Citizenship Week has been set aside by
the organization as of April 26 to May 2. A constructive
campaign is to be launched under capable direction and
an intensive drive made to reach each and every Negro
citizen in this vast community.
Brother Dr. P. G. Howard of Keystone entertained
E tta Moton, the star and guest of the Alpha Kappa Al­
phas—his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Howard, is a soror of that
organization, on Sunday afternoon. The chapter editor
missed this one due to being out of town, but a fine time
was had by all who attended. We all know him as Brother
“Pike.” A tried and true Alpha brother.
Well, so long till next edition and here’s a load of
black diamonds from the brothers in the coal fields—
literally speaking of course. We even have to pay for it,
only not as much as you brothers so far, far away.
DR. D. T. MURRAY,
Chapter Editor.
WILEY COACH
Brother F. T. “Big
Coach” Long and his
able assistant, Bro. An­
drew Patterson, have
just closed a glorious
basketball season bycopping the Southwest­
ern championship. Bro.
Long came to Wiley in
’23 from which time he
started the growth of
a great reputation as
a coach. He is the or­
ganizer of the South­
western conference and
is heralded as the Dean
of Southwestern coach­
es. Bro. Patterson, the
south’s greatest Negro
basketball player grad­
uated from Wiley in ’35.
are seven, on this campus.
The college honored its student body (Feb. 10) in bi’ing-ing to us as one of our season’s guest-speakers, the re­
nowned historian and general president of Alpha Phi
Alpha, Dr. Charles Wesley, who addressed the student
assembly for sixty minutes on “History and Propoganda.”
In the later evening he spent an hour with the brothers
of Alpha Sigma. Following Bro. Wesley came Bro. Elmer
Carter who is the editor of OPPORTUNITY MAGAZINE.
Bro. Carter spoke to the student body on “The Question
of Economics and Race-Relation.” We were happy and
equally proud to have these brothers brought to our in­
stitution and feel that their visits were pleasant, and we
take this opportunity to ask them back at any time.
ETA LAMBDA
Atlanta, Ga.
It shall not last forever
No more than earth and skies;
But he that drinks in season
Shall live before he dies.
—Houseman.
“Big Coach” Long
ALPHA SIGMA
Wiley College
Wiley C o lleg e— Greetings, brothers. Once more we greet
you from the heart of the Southwest, from the cedargrove wherein Wiley, our home, stands. Alpha Sigma is
still doing things in a big way. We are now sixteen strong,
since our late addition of three neophyte brothers: Curtis
Sprott of Beaumont, Texas; Willie Hall of Houston, Tex­
as, and Harland Osborne of Guthrie, Okla. We have in
our fold honor students, the campus’ most outstanding
athletes of football and basketball seasons past, and
veteran track men who promise to reflect glory on Alpha
Sigma.
We were happy to welcome to our campus during the
past quarter brothers from Dillard, Langston, and South­
ern Universities representing their schools in basketball
and dramatics.
On February 20th we, jointly with Phi chapter of Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, gave our annual Desert Dance.
It was a strictly formal affair and the Prairie View Col­
legians furnished the music for the evening. It stands
unchallenged by any other given this year and has a
reputation of being the campus’ most beautiful dance yearafter year. For the spring the Greeks are, on this campus,
looking forward to the Inter-fraternal Ball which will be
sponsored by the local undergraduate organizations, which
During the month of February the chapter held the
first of two social meetings intended to break the mon­
otony of heavy business sessions. It was decided that
business would be confined to thirty minutes in each
meeting and the April and May meetings would be given
over to plans for the Educational campaign, spring prom
and sundry proposals to increase our value to the com­
munity of Atlanta.
Brothers Wood, Birch, Thomas and Cabiness at the
first social meeting brought forth a floor show that will
be long remembered.
At this meeting brothers W arren Scott of Edinburg U.
and regional director of the Emergency Peace Campaign
and Brother Brown of Atlanta University discussed the
Emergency Peace Campaign and asked for the coopera­
tion of Alpha in Peace—Peace, Brother, ’tis truly won­
derful.
During the month of March several members of the
chapter were quite prominent in various ways. Brother
Reginald Johnson was instrumental in securing employ­
ment for a number of workers with WPA in light of his
previous connection as Assistant National Director of
the White Collar Project. As this goes to press he is work­
ing feverishly, planning the fifth annual National Voca­
tional Opportunity campaign that is sponsored by the
National Urban League. He is also a member of the Tran­
sient Committee, with your scribe, appointed by the Geor­
gia Conference of Social Work to study and make recommendations on problems of Transiency.
The Harrison Fletcher Education Bill has been given
careful consideration and brothers Harvey and DuBois
went to Washington to be present at the hearings. Con­
gressmen and Senators have been written in an effort to
have the bill amended to protect the rights of Negroes in
the states where compulsory separate school systems
exist.
Brother Fred Maise added a few Easter trimmings to
his store that all the brothers should see.
Coming events often cast their shadows before. Brother
A rnett G. Lindsay, recently of St. Louis and former ed­
itor of the Sphinx has returned to Atlanta where is is
general manager of the Mutual Building and Loan Asso­
ciation. E ta Lambda is very happy to welcome Brother
Lindsay, a former native son.
Brother Dr. Bussell Brown and Raphael E. Tisdale of
Tuskegee and Brother Dr. John Lawlah of Provident Hos­
pital, Chicago, stopped in Atlanta. Old friends were very
happy to see them. Brother Channing Tobias was in the
city to speak recently.
Brother Pliny Jenkins can now be reached at Alexander
and Company Insurance Agency where he is a staff mem­
ber. The phone number is Main 6808.
Brother “Jake” Henderson is the accountant bookkeeper
at the PWA project, University Homes. This is a recent
appointment. E ta Lambda congratulates these brothers.
When the spring season leaves it will take with it
Brother Frank Wood, who will journey forth into the field
of Social Work and further accomplishments for Eta
Lambda and Alpha Phi Alpha. We wish Brother Wood
much success.
Fraternally yours,
NELSON C. JACKSON.
BETA SIGMA
Southern University
SCOTLANDVILLE, LA.
For the first time the members of Beta Sigma send
greetings to all Alphadom. We feel an inexpressible de­
light to have fallen in line. Already we feel the unusual
warmth of group consciousness the fold affords us, and
are better for the feeling. We are cognizant of the fact
that Alpha’s program is to do constructive good; and
we have already begun to pursue this program down here
in the deep South, where “good” needs to be done.
There is the inspiration of a number of outstanding
brothers about us who have impressed us with their
achievement and have thus held up the light of Alpha.
In important positions at Southern University: Bros.
Drs. J. S. Clark, President of the institution; F. G.
Clark, Dean; R. C. Francis, Director of the N. Y. A.
and Social Science Dept.; J. Lorraine Jones; Instructor
in Biology and head of the Science Dept., C. W. W aller;
Veterinarian of the Ag. Dept., Profs. J. S. Redding; head
of the English Dept., R. W. Smith; Physics and our Spon­
sor, Brother Wm. H. Gray, Jr., who is doing unusually
commendable work in the Extension Dept. Bro. Gray’s
active and diligent work in this department has effected
one of the most efficient Extension Schools in the South.
He has written two books that were accepted for general
use by the State Board of Education, and with the coop­
eration of Brother Ralph Metcalfe, he has engineered a
most modern athletic program for the high schools of
the state.
The under graduates, who are chartered members are,
too, occupying conspicuous places here on the campus.
We have Brother John D. Davis, editor-in-chief of the
school paper and vice president of the International Cir­
cle. In Dramatics we have Brothers Otheneil Thompson,
Earl L. Walter, James S. Peters and George A. David. In
football we have Brother Charles Guthrie, ’36, “All Amer­
ica,” George A. David, varsity quarter back, and James
S. Peters, varsity tackle. In basketball Brother David
and several Sphinxmen were outstanding.
Amoilg our outstanding little brothers, who are starr­
ing here, are: Wymon Vaughn, Edward Alston, James
Leary, W ilbert Mouton, George Armstrong. We are proud
of our Pledge Club, for every member has something
to offer. There can hardly be any event on Southern’s
campus without Alpha being a tangible part—quite well
for youthful Beta Sigma.
We have set out with an impressive program. Our in­
stallation was the most gala affair to ever grace the cam­
pus. Brother Jos. H. B. Evans was present and left a
lasting impression upon the campus. On March 9, we amaz­
ed the Freshmen with a spread. This broke a precedent at
Southern, in that the entire Freshman class was invited.
Graduate Bros. J. L. Jones and R. W. Smith and under
graduate Bros. J. D. Davis and E. L. W alter gave short
talks on Alpha. Bro. Dean Clark was ill at the time, but
we knew his thoughts were with us. He is up and meet­
ing with us again.
Our interest is centered upon making the “Go To High
School, Go To College” and “Better Citizenship” week the
most impressive week of the year. We have invited Bro.
Dr. Rayford Logan to speak for us. We also plan to cam­
paign extensively in the city and nearby communities,
giving an award of achievement to the Negro who is the
outstanding citizen, evidenced by material contribution
towards the race’s advancement. We are pleased to an­
nounce that we have fully cooperated with Alpha in its
fight to amend the Educational Appropriation Bill.
Beta Sigma has formally announced the awarding of
two scholarships which are to be given away next fall.
One is the “Clarks Alpha” scholarship and the other is
the “Gray Alpha” scholarship. These scholarships are
named in honor of the Clark family and Bro. Wm. H.
Gray, who leaned to the plea of Alpha aspirants two
years ago. The aforementioned have been an inspiration
to us in carrying on the program and making progress
for A. Phi A.
Beta Sigma has and is living up to do constructive
good.
Fraternally yours,
EARL L. WALTER,
Vice President.
TAU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Nashville, Tennessee
Brothers of Tau Lambda greeted the approach of spring
with a banquet and dance on the night of March 12.
Their wives and sweethearts were invited and all en­
joyed an evening of most pleasant entertainment. Two
brothers who have never been known to do so before—
at least publicly—tried waltzing. One was fairly success­
ful. Brother Alexander and his Committee must be con­
gratulated for the excellent program.
As m atters of educational interest, we note the fol­
lowing:
Brother R. Hernandez, Vice President, has recently pub­
lished “A Laboratory Manual of Microscopic Anatomy.”
Brother Hernandez has also passed the examination given
by the American Board of Phychiatry and Neurology and
has been certified as a specialist in these branches of
medicine. He is the first and only Negro in the United
States to qualify for this certificate.
Brother M. J. Bent recently published “A Laboratory
Manual of Bacteriology,” and is continuing his splendid
work in the interests of health education among Negroes
of Tennessee.
Brother Lloyd E. Alexander published in The Journal
of Experimental Zoology, Vol. 75, No. 1, January, 1937,
“An Experimental Study of the Role of Optic Cup and
Overlying Ectoderm in Lens Formation in the Chick Em­
bryo.” It is a pioneer work in this field. He has set up new
equipment at Fisk University and is making additional
studies in experimental embryology.
Brothers Charles S. Johnson, H arry (“Hiram”) Walker,
and Mark Watkins attended the meeting of the Southern
Sociological Society at Birmingham, Alabama, on April
2nd and 3rd. Brother Johnson presented an excellent paper
on “The Present Status and Trends of Negro Families
in the South.” It easily ranks as the best paper presented
at the meeting.
Other members of Tau Lambda are busy in educa­
tional and scientific fields. We shall be glad to tell of
their work in later issues of the Sphinx.
MARK HANNA WATKINS, Associate Editor.
NU LAMBDA CHAPTER
Va. State College
Doctrate by Brothers of Nu
Lambda:
Brother James H. Johnston
received the degree of Doc.
tor of Philosophy in Social
Science on Thursday, March
16, from Chicago University.
Brother Johnston, Dean of
Virginia State College, is
the son of Dr. James H.
Johnston, a form er President
of the college. Brother John­
ston’s research problem was
Race Relations in Virginia
and Miscegenation in the
South (1726-1860). Brother Johnston received the A. M.
degree in History from Chicago University in 1925.
Brother Reuben McDaniels, professor of mathematics
at Virginia State College, received the Erastus Brook
Scholarship for further study at Cornell University for
June, 1936-37. b ro th er McDaniels received this scholar­
ship because of the outstanding work he has done at Cor­
nell. He is now working on his Ph.D. degree in mathe­
matics at Cornell; he received the M. A. degree from Cor­
nell in 1931. Brother McDaniels is a Phi Beta Kappa from
Rutgers. He is now spending his spring vacation at Vir­
ginia State College.
Brother John Locket was on the campus for a few days
from his study at Rutgers University. Brother Lockett,
the Director of the Division of Agriculture at Virginia
State College, is working on the Ph.D. degree at Rutgers.
Brother Thomas Cotman, who is supervisor of Students’
Boarding Department is also spending his spring vaca­
tion at Virginia State. Brother Cotman is doing a year of
work in Hotel Management at Cornell University.
Nu Lambda has taken out a membership in the N. A. C.
P. As a member of the Petersburg Voters League Nu
Lambda has been instrumental by financial and moral sup­
port in bringing Congressman Mitchell to Petersburg
as a speaker. In cooperation with the Petersburg Voters
League Nu Lambda has launched its Education For Citi­
zenship Campaign. This campaign continued until April
1, when the Petersburg Voters’ League, Beta Gamma,
Virginia State’s Undergraduate Chapter, and Nu Lambda
pooled their efforts in a final attem pt to increase the
number of qualified negro voters in Petersburg.
We take our seat beside the stage of life until next
issue.
Fraternally,
C. H. TOWNES, JR.,
Editor to The Sphinx.
BETA BETA CHAPTER
Nebraska University
Brothers:
The passing of the Spring Vacation finds all of the
Beta Beta men back for work—fresh from their visits to
Kansas City, Omaha, St. Paul, and points east. We are all
looking forward to the continuance of our work in Alpha
during this, the final period of the school year.
Beta Beta takes no small amount of pride in the return
to the Dental College of our charter member, Brother
Claiborne Hill. Brother Hill has, for a time, been asso­
ciated with Mu Chapter in Minneapolis. He is the only
Negro Student in the Dental College where he is en­
gaging now in advanced practice work. We are proud that
it is an Alpha man who is opening the way for others of
our race in this field.
We are pleased to announce the pledging of Brown
Lee, of St. Louis, who is enrolled as a student in Teachers’
College.
Our Spring Initiation is planned for April 24th. Those
eligible at present are Sphinxmen Theodore Williams,
Roswell Coger, and Alvin Wilkes.
Fraternally,
MERLE HERRIFORD, Secretary.
ALPHA TAU
Akron, Ohio
Greetings, Brothers:
Alpha Tau played host to a great athlete, Brother and
personality in the person of Brother Jesse Owens, when
he filled an engagement in the city.
Brother R. Lewis
and wife were per­
fect h o s t s , having
a s k e d the chapter
out to their beauti­
ful country home in
Copley, Ohio, a sub­
urb of Akron. This
spot was ideal for
such an h o n or e d
guest. The atmos­
phere was so home­
like and private. The
group e n j o y e d a
wonderful chicken
dinner with all the
trimmings, fit for
Jesse Owens
a king. Hot rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, celery,
olives, pickles, coffee, ice cream (brick form ), with ini­
tials, J. O., in gold in the center. This brought quite an
expression from Brother Jesse Owens as he carved all
around his initials, saving them until the very last. He
was called upon for a short discussion of his trip abroad
with the U. S. Olympic team and graciously obliged the
brothers. We finally decided that every story has two
sides, and in many instances found this true. After lis­
tening to Brother Owens, the group had an open discus­
sion and had it not been for his engagement, I hardly
think Brother Owens would have gotten away.
Those who attended were Bro. Owens, Norman Chest­
nut, president of the chapter; Dr. C. R. Lewis, Rev. G.
Morgan, Dr. John W. Dunbar, Dr. George Dunbar, A t­
torney Emmer M. Lancaster, Attorney Artee Fleming,
Attorney Luther R. Johnson, Raymond Nunn, John Sneed,
Mdy, 1937________________________ ________THE S P H I N X
Rev. David Thomas, Raymond R. Brown, Leon Love, and
Henry C. Sparks, editor to The Sphinx.
Future events being planned are as follows:
Symposium at Wesley A. M. E. Temple, and Spring
Formal.
At the Symposium will be discussed the topic of citi­
zenship. Brothers Rufus L. Thompson, Atty. Artee Flem­
ing and Dr. John W. Dunbar are in charge.
Brother Charles Nunn reports that the Spring Formal
will be a success. He has gone to considerable trouble,
treking to Cleveland and other nearby cities in search
of a good orchestra.
' Congratulations to Brothers Rufus L. Thompson and
Norman Chestnut upon the!* recent appointment to po­
litical posts. Brother Thompson is in the Auditor’s Of­
fice in Cleveland, and Brother Chestnut is surveyor in
the Summit County Engineering Department.
At our last meeting our good friend and brother, Rob­
ert Black, dropped in unexpectedly to greet us as well as
make announcement of his coming m arriage to the win­
some Miss Mary Waples, of St. Louis. It will take place
June 6th in St. Louis.
Brother Black has the well wishes of all Alpha Phi
Alpha brothers. He was brought into the fold back in 1925.
When he attended the Convention that year, he was recog­
nized as the baby delegate from the baby chapter, for Al­
pha Tau had just been recently organized. I know his
scores of friends and brothers will be happy to hear of
this. Among his closest are Brothers Bill Bell, now head
coach at Florida A. and M. College; Dr. William S. Ran­
dolph, member of the Executive Council; Charles “Ludian”
Jones, form er New York University and football and track
star. Good luck, Brother Black.
Fraternally yours,
HENRY C. SPARKS,
Associate Editor.
p
..
BETA ALPHA CHAPTER
Morgan College
Greetings from Beta Alpha to Brothers everywhere:
We sincerely hope that all chapters, collectively and
individually, are enjoying the highest measure of success
in carrying out the program of our dear fraternity.
The last publication of The Sphinx found Beta Alpha
Silent. But I may truthfully say that this above-mentioned
silence was not due to inactivity on the part of the chap­
ter. Beta Alpha has been holding her regular meetings
throughout the year. These meetings are held twice a
month a t the homes of the various brothers who reside
in the city of Baltimore. Brothers Carrol, Cephas, Hite,
Bryant, like true sons of Alpha, have been most coopera­
tive in opening their home to the chapter. These regular
meetings have been interspersed with numerous called
meetings on the campus of our Morgan College. It is our
purpose to do something definite and constructive at each
of these meetings.
The pledge club of Beta Alpha includes the following
men: C. Reginald Audrick, Pres.; Randolph Meyers, Broaders Whims, Knighten, Teachle Landsay, Edward Yearwood. Thus far these men have shown nothing but zeal
for the goal toward which they are working. Beta Alpha
Will Hold her spring initiation during the latter part of
April.
Beta Alpha is proposing a . Sunday Service on our Col­
lege Campus some time during the month of May, if the
schedule here permits.
As a member of the Pan-Hellenic Council of Morgan
Page 31
College, Beta Alpha is helping to stimulate better scholar­
ship by contributing to the purchase of a plaque which is
to be awarded each semester to the highest ranking Greek
Letter organization at Morgan College. Beta Alpha has
cooperated with all the worthwhile movements on the
campus. Such as aiding student delegates attend the re­
cent Richmond Student Conference.
Beta Alpha mourns with Brother James D. Browne who
lost his mother recently. Brother Browne, a graduate of
Morgan and former secretary of Beta Alpha, is now en­
gaged in graduate work at Atlanta U. We hope him
much success.
We have had the pleasure of being host to visiting
brothers of other colleges who have been here with teams,
dramatic clubs, etc. Hoping that we all may continue to
hold the standard of Alpha, on behalf of Beta Alpha, I
remain,
Fraternally yours,
WILL V. LOCKWOOD,
UPSILON CHAPTER
Kansas University
Greetings, Brothers:
Upsilon’s Formal Dinner Dance was “the” affair of the
winter season. Our dance was held in the dining room of
the Memorial Union on the campus of the University of
Kansas.
Upsilon started the Kappa’s conventional off in fine
style by defeating the local chapter of K. A. T. in a bas­
ketball game in Kansas City, Mo.
An Alpha Sphinxman was defeated by a close decision
in a race with 12 white men for six men’s Student Coun­
cil seats. Gilbert Alexander was winning on the same
ticket th at placed Brother Cordell Meelso as the first
negro student to be elected to the council in the history
of Kansas University.
Upsilon is well represented by candidates for degrees
this spring.
Brother Prentice Townsend is a candidate for the Bach­
elor of Law degree.
Brothers A rthur Pullam, John Bluford and Hamilton
Perkins are candidates for the degree of Master of Sci­
ences.
Brothers Ralph Rodgers,Francis Herndon, Cordell Meeks
Maurice Abernathy, Ezia Greer and Joe Spots are grad­
uating seniors.
Sphinxman John Hodge, Phi Beta Kappa, is a candidate
for the m aster of science degree. Upsilon extends con­
gratulations to Xi on having passed 25 successful years,
and we hope you many more.
WILLIAM SPEARMAN,
Associate Editor of The Sphinx,
ALPHA DELTA
Los Angeles, California
Alpha Delta has been forging ahead, our enrollment
has been increased and the members seem more interested
than ever b,efore. There has not been one dull moment
in the activities of the chapter since the officers were in­
stalled March 7. A very interesting program was arranged
by Brother Fred Spann. Services were conducted at the
Church of Samuel M. Beane.
Bro. Bert McDonald, City Deputy Atty., retained his
office as President; Bro. Percy Parks, Vice President;
Bro. Rufus Norman, Sec..; Bro. Frank Maswell, Treas.;
Bro. J. B. H. Felix Isaac, Sgt. Chaplain; Bro. Reddell Scott,
Sgt.-at-Arms; Bro. E. C. Strong, Associate Editor.
Collection Number: AD843
XUMA, A.B., Papers
PUBLISHER:
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Location:- Johannesburg
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