READ IT, SAVE IT, COPY IT, FILE IT, FORWARD IT, DISCUSS IT AND BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF THE FRATERNITY VOL. 1. NO. 14 - TUESDAY, MAY 4, 1999 Her gift was the use of her fingers to make melodious music and to teach others how to master the piano. Rosa Daniel Kinckle was born in Lynchburg, Virginia in 18 She attended the public schools of Lynchburg until she went to Washington in 1877 to attend Howard University where she graduated from the Normal Department in 1880. Afterwards he taught in the public schools for a period of time. A trained musician since childhood, Rosa Kinckle Jones had a voice of "unusual compass," and could perform the most difficult classical pieces. Mrs. Jones took a course in harmony at the New England Conservatory of Music. She taught both vocal and piano music at Lynchburg and at Hartshorn Memorial College in Richmond, where she served on the faculty for many years. On June 22, 1882, Rosa Daniel Kinckle married Joseph Edom Jones, a dashing young college professor. Together, they were the parents of two sons, Joseph Endom Jr., Eugene Kinckle (our beloved Jewel). Mrs. Jones exact date of death has not been found, however she was alive at the time of her husband's death in the 1920s. US Federal Census, Virginia 1880, 1900
Don't forget Sunday is Mother's Day. Have you mailed your card, ordered flowers..." A NAME YOU SHOULD NEVER FORGET!
When the decision was made to compile the history book under Raymond W. annon's administration, letters went out to the brotherhood requesting material. Brother Giles who had served as the second General President responded generously. He sent to Dr. Wesley then at Howard, the following original material: 1. A rough draft of the first Ritual by the General Organization, together
with the historical background for the ritual. (He noted that the research
was done mostly in the Library at Cornell).
In his letter, he said "I consider most of this material priceless and I am intrusting it to you(Wesley) with the request that you return it intact, to me. You may consider yourself at liberty to use any of the material personally or otherwise, in any way that you may see fit." Well, brothers if you look in your history book, you will see items reflecting what Brother Giles had so preciously saved and generously shared. In the preface to the first edition printed in your history book, Brother Wesley acknowledges Giles, whom he says "had assembled some material in preparation for the history of the early years." Now you know exactly what he shared. The tragedy is that none of these items exist today. In Part Two of "The Unsung Hero: Roscoe Giles" on tomorrow, find out
what caused him to make this statement in 1940:
I AM LOOKING FOR THE BROTHER (I believe his name is Fred Jackson) WHO FORWARDED ME THE EMAIL ADDRESS OF BETA FOUNDER GEORGE LYLE'S GREAT GRANDSON. I ACCIDENTALLY DELETED. PLEASE SEND IT TO ME AGAIN. THANKS!! THOUGHT YOU'D LIKE TO KNOW:
FROM THE LIPS OF A JEWEL:
FROM THE LIPS OF A PAST GENERAL PRESIDENT:
FROM SKIP'S LIPS:(as shared to him)
SKIP'S FAVORITE BORROWED QUOTE:
Skip,
At any rate, last night, I went into the attic to clear it out ... and
I did not seem to think that I found anything relevant or historical.
There were a ton of books; however, there were some from the early 1900s
that I speculate belonged to Just. I pulled those books aside.
At any rate, you can now claim that it took an Alpha to buy the Omega Founder's
house and rehabilitate it to living condition. I expect to be fully
renovated by September. And of course, as always, you may stay at
the house, provided my dog doesn't mind. :) CCJ
A MEMORABLE HEADLINE
Fraternity Politics Elects Howard Football Manager Student Claims Omega Assistant Manager Was Thrust Aside and Trainer Who is An Alpha, Was elected. (Did we do that...... ON THE BOOKSHELF You have asked about books either by Brothers or that reference the Fraternity; I have a good one for you. Brother Sam Fulwood III wrote Waking from the Dream: My Life In The Black Middle Class. In Chapter Four "Carolina Blue," Brother Fulwood talks of his experience at UNC and how he first balked at the idea of fraternity life. He then goes on to discuss his experience at a smoker, Gus Witherspoon, and becoming a member of the Charter Line at UNC. It is a pretty good read, also. Brother Thomas Tatum LETTER FROM THE BRUHS(Email slang for brothers) Brother Mason: Thanks for the information. I have a question. Is there any linkages between Alpha Phi Alpha and the Boule "Sigma Pi Phi?". I was in a discussion with a gentlemen who stated the Boule is the first black Greek fraternity. My argument, is this may be true, but Alpha is the first black Greek fraternity for College Trained men. My "sparring" partner disagreed. Could you prove the Brotherhood some "light" on this? Thanks.TDA Skip's Response- I am planning to do an article on Sigma Pi Phi and Alpha next week. You are correct, however, Alpha is the first African-American fraternity for college men but Sigma Pi Phi was founded in 1904 in Philadelphia for professional men who had gone to college and graduated. There is a distinct difference and their purpose for organizing was somewhat different then ours. I hope this brief tidbit will help, I will elaborate some more next week. Brother Skip
Bro. Mason, The comment from the Omega regarding the exclusion of women struck me. I have heard that they (the Omegas) pledged one woman after overhearing their initiation ceremony. In honor of her, I understand that one of the pearls they wear is larger than the rest. Have you come across anything to confirm this? Skip- No I have not. Have any of you brothers heard of that? ***************************************************
. . . when great men are made, Alpha shall make them, and they
too shall walk
It is remarkable how you enlighten us about our Fraternity and its great men and at the same time weave African American History in the story. You are truly a great man! Greg Carter
I just
wanted to express my gratitude to you for taking the time and making the
effort to provide these "Historical Moment" articles to the brotherhood.
Your research and writings make us all stick out our chests a little bit
more. I've forwarded your articles to every brother I could think
of. I've heard the General President's criticism of your efforts.
Obviously, he is not aware how popular and inspiring your work is to the
brotherhood. Please know that your work is also aiding reclamation.
Well Bros., I must say that if nothing else, Bro. Mason's historical moments have certainly made Bros. wake up and start the process of critical thinking. As to the discussion of dues and the importance of finance, I'd like to throw in my 2 cents. First of all, when in grad. school, I could not afford to pay chapter dues. However, I explained that to the Bros. of Theta Lambda (the Dayton, OH Bros. who won the Natl. Step show in 91 ), and told them that I would still like to attend meetings so I would not fall out of the loop. Those Bros. not only allowed me in the meetings, but made me feel like a Bro. They involved me in chapter projects (as well as other grad students who could not pay dues) and even went into their own pockets to make sure we were not left out. I understand not all chapters are as fraternal, yet often, we have not because we ask not. Secondly, isn't it interesting how we pay for what we want, but can never find the $ to fulfill our commitments? I can't tell you how many of these "I-can't-afford-these-dues" gripe sessions I've attended over a $20-25.00 meal at Applebees or Fridays or as we shopped for new silk ties or new 3 piece suits. Alpha was founded on sacrifice, not excuses. If you want to pay your dues, give up a few meals with the fellas at lunch, save a staggering $7 a week, and "wa-lla," you have chapter dues and your grand tax (in most cases ). Finally, we ought to be ashamed that we have so much more materially than our foreparents ever had, yet, we seem unable to overcome such little obstacles. Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church saved $2000.00 as a slave to purchase his own freedom, then saved enough to purchase his brothers freedom, and still started the first Christian denomination for African Americans before he was 28 years old. Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot. He was probably only able to do that because he did not have to pay chapter dues. My bad. ...I know Bros. have told you over and over, but I must echo the sentiment. I have not felt so strongly about Alpha in years. I don't know if you really know the full impact of this daily moment. I can see it being the most effective reclamation tool used to this point. Please know it's not falling on deaf ears. Fraternally,
************************************************
I am Marcus Turk, a Spring 1999 initiate of Nu Mu Lambda chapter of Decatur, Georgia. I have been enjoying the journey through history that your "Historical Moments" has taken me. I am a part of a Jewel Line. I am number six. When I read your "Moment" about your visit to meet Ms. Helen Ogle Atkins, I was both elated and inspired. The brief history that was mentioned about Jewel Ogle revealed to me a great thing. Often times we refer to the Jewels in alphabetical order. With this being the case, Jewel R. H. Ogle is number six. Again so am I. Jewel Ogle's date of birth is April 3 and guess what, so is mine. I was so excited to find that I share something with the kindred spirit of our dear Jewel, Robert Harold Ogle. Thanks for the message and thanks for the messenger. DEAR READERS OF SKIP'S HISTORICAL MOMENTS:
Let's shower the only known living daughter of a Jewel with cards for Mother's day. I know that she would be thrilled to receive them. The intake clusters in Atlanta have written letters to her and she has read most of them. Let's make the Jewel's daughter, a 91 year old mother and grandmother feel special by her boys in Alpha. A FEW MORE LETTERS FROM THE BROTHERS:
Fraternally,Darren C. Allen
It is indeed a pleasure reading your e-mail. As a former historian for E-Chapter, I'm reminded how involved I was with preserving this great history we have in Alpha! I would like to order your book. I'll have to remind myself on how to do this with the other e-mail you've sent. The pilgrimage idea is wonderful. Now I have something to do when my job is done in October. I have a question for you. Do you know of any brothers in the entertainment industry? I'm trying to connect with the brothers in LA(I've been here 5 months). One day I'll get by the house. Its in the history book, I believe. Well, keep up the good work. If there is anything I can do to help, let me know. Your spirit reminds me of why I pledged Alpha. Carry on! Brother Rob Silver
Brothers
Fraternally,
Brother Battiste has forwarded an important list of viruses:
The viruses are:
Please forward email addresses to be added to the list. The list is growing by leaps and bound. Send your Questions, queries, comments to hmason1906@aol.com
DISCLAIMER: This page is not affiliated with the National Organization.
I am not the Historian of the fraternity, just a brother who is and has
always been thirsty for more knowledge on this organization. The information
provided has been thoroughly researched and documented and is brought to you
with all the fraternal love and spirit I possess. Sources are available upon
request.
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