From the Desk of Herman "Skip" Mason   hmason1906@aol.com   Iota Chapter, Spring 82(Morris Brown College/Atlanta, Georgia)   Eta Lambda Chapter since 1984   Historian, Pastor, Author, Entrepreneur and Lecturer

Had it not been for Anna Evans Murray, there would not have been public kindergarten in Washington, DC She was a pioneer fighter for education. Her revolutionary spirit was inherited from her family. Anna Evans was  born in Oberlin, Ohio in 1857.  She was the daughter of Henry Evans, a free man in North Carolina. When the state of North Carolina took away the right of suffrage from all African-Americans, her father traveled on horseback to Oberlin, Ohio where he found work as an artisan crafting cabinets and as an undertaker. In 1858, Henry Evans defied Fugitive Slave Laws of Ohio and was arrested and imprisoned with 18 others in Cleveland. He and his wife Henrietta Leary, the daughter of a French woman, Juliette Anna Meimorial, educated all thirteen of the children (including Anna)  at Oberlin College. Anna Evans great-grand father  Lewis Leary befriended abolitionist John Brown and was shot during the insurrection at Harper's Ferry in Virginia. Another cousin John Anthony CopelandJr., hanged with John Brown.  

Anna Evans Murray mother was Henrietta Leary Evans. Her father and  Murray's great grandfather Matthew Nathaniel Leary, born a free man in North Carolina, worked as a harnessmaker and as an apprentice before branching out into his own wholesale harness and saddling business. Leary employed many youth in Fayetteville, North Carolina and worked until his eyesight failed and hired a white man to oversee the business. Leary purchased a large plantation for his family. His political affiliation was with the Whig party until the war erupted and he became a Republican. Matthew Leary was a staunch abolitionist and became a well known philanthropist giving freely of his time and money to advance the cause of freedom. It has been noted that he often gave money to slaves to buy their times from their masters and assisted them in securing their emancipation. A member of the Protestant church, he organized the St.Joseph's Episcopal Church of Fayetteville and directed the choir. Matthew Leary married Juliette Meimoriel, a woman of French descent who was brought from the French West Indies to what was then Cross Creek, now known as Fayetteville, North Carolina. They were the parents of seven children including Matthew, Jr., a manufacturer and politician in Washington, DC, Libby, Sarah, and Lucy,( who were all school teachers  in Fayetteville). Other children were John, Lewis Sheridan, Sara and Henrietta who married Henry Evans, Nathaniel Murray's grandmother.  Her sister Sara married the brother of Henry,  Wilson Bruce Evans.  
   
Murray's mother Anna Evans Murray graduated from Oberlin College  in 1876. During her marriage, she taught  music at Howard University and at the Mott School.  She dedicated her life to establishing free kindergartens and training kindergarten teachers throughout the District of Columbia.  Mrs. Murray chaired the Education Committee of the National League of Colored Women(NLCW) in Washington and the State Federation of Colored Women's Club. In 1898, she successfully lobbied for a twelve thousand dollar federal appropriation to establish kindergarten classes.  Mrs. Murray published "On Behalf of the Negro Woman" an article in the Southern Workman in 1904.  She was an early advocate for child welfare and for children getting a start early with their education. With her vast contacts, including the wife of a California Senator, she helped to secure a second appropriation from congress  in 1906 for the inclusion of a kindergarten teacher training course at Miner Teachers College in Washington. In 1934, then in her late eighties, she presented a plea at a Congressional hearing for the establishment of a health center in an area where a high percentage of tuberculosis deaths occurred. Very respected in all circles in Washington, Anna Evans Murray was a  renaissance kindergarten advocate, clubwoman, educator and civic leader. She conveyed to her children the philosophy of her mother who said "Education is a pearl of great price by which you will be able to set yourself free in your environment, whatever that may be."  

She married the Assistant to the Librarian of Congress on April 2, 1879, and they were the parents of seven children including Nathaniel Allison Murray.  She died on 1955 at the age of 98.  

Sources:  
Smith, Jesse Carney. Notable Black American Women Book II 
Pittsburgh Courier, May 5, 1955  

The Papers of Daniel Alexander Payne Murray, University of Wisconsin  

Don't forget Mother's Day is Sunday. Take care of your business!  

PART TWO:  
Dr. Roscoe Conkling Giles: An Unsung Hero in Alpha  
by Skip Mason  

In 1940, some 34 years after the fraternity was established, Brother Roscoe Giles, Alpha's Second General President and a well known and established  medical doctor in Chicago, sat down and painfully drafted a letter to Brother Charles Harris Wesley citing some concerns that he had but "had never  spoken." It was his belief that the general organization of Alpha Phi Alpha  had ignored him. He said,  

"When the first history of the Fraternity came out it contained many claims on the part of men, some of whom are now dead, who did none of the things the credit for which they took unto themselves. In fact some of them were not even in school nor in the town of Ithaca, for that matter"  

Giles further stated in his letter that time would substantiate that he wrote the constitution  and the first ritual and supplied all the Greek for the same.  According to the letter, he served as General Treasurer, traveling to  and from conventions at his expense. Giles was a member of the Pin Committee, set up the chapter at Yale, Columbia University, and Harvard, where he said" I paid out of my own pocket."  He went on to say that he was responsible for the admission of Michigan University and when he served as General President, he delegated Henry Arthur Callis to set up the chapter. After setting of Eta Chapter, he served as its president for three or four years.  Dr. Giles commented on how he had to walk sometimes from 28th Street to Second Avenue to 135th and Lennox to hold chapter meetings in Mr. Thomas's undertaking parlor. "On several occasions I walked from there to Brooklyn  until Mr. Thomas found out my plight and gave me enough carfare on which to get home. "  

What caused him to write this letter is not really known, though a feeling of being overlooked is mentioned.  Giles celebrated his 33 year in the fraternity having been initiated on October 26, 1907, into Alpha Chapter with James P. Boags, Frank V. Plummer, Frank B. Wilson and John Eliot Smith, He  became the first African-American to receive the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Cornell and was elected as the President of the National Medical Association.  

SKIP'S NOTE-Why have I shared this story with you? What causes a brother to feel that he has been omitted from due recognition from the fraternity. Personal differences, omission of contributions to the organizations are just a few. Even though there are 21 citations of Giles in the History book, his dismay comes from the recognition from the body as a whole.  I simply think that we must take time to pay tribute and remember some of the "pioneering brothers in our chapters and communities who gave so much to the early development of our organization. These "old and wise brothers" have so much to share. My love for Alpha is the result of the nurturing that I received from some of the giants in the fraternity (Raymond W. Cannon, Charles Wesley, Lionel Newsom, Sidney Jones, Moses G. Miles,  Henry James Charles Bowden,  Andrew J. Lewis and others with whom I sat listened and learned about the Fraternity.  If some or all of these names are not familiar to you, then I must make it so.  I am 37 years old brothers and have been in the fraternity 17 years. I have spent those 17 years reading, researching, collecting and ciphering material so that I could have a better understanding and more pride. Many of you have written and asked for more about me. I have been reluctant to share because I want to devote these pages to the history. My website will be up very soon and you can go their to learn who this Skip Mason is. I knew in my heart that there was more to our beloved Seven Jewels and the fraternity history that had been shared.  And yes,  my brothers, there is!  

We must constantly seek new light and ask questions.  The primary purpose of  Skip's Historical Moments and my book "The Talented Tenth is to bring some additional understanding of our founders and Past Presidents. Over the last 15 years I have utilize many resources including the papers of Wesley, of Callis both at the Moorland Spingarn Research Library. I have traveled to Washington, New York to use the papers of  the Library of Congress, the Schomburg Center.  I have viewed more rolls of microfilm and periodicals than you can imagine and have gone through more books and collections. Such is the nature of research and of being a historian and I have done it at my own expense and have enjoyed and thank God for every opportunity. I do not think that it was Brother Wesley's notion that his book would be the definitive study on Alpha Phi Alpha nor that we should not question and analyze various facets of our history.  As one past Editor to the Sphinx told me, "Wesley was under great pressure to just stick to what happened in the minutes at at the convention." In an upcoming issue, I will share with you the saga of what it took to even get the first book written. It was drama personified in Alpha. General President Raymond Cannon had the fight of his life. It was a book that was almost not written.  

Guess what I found today while going through the microfilm at the Auburn Avenue Research Library?  A picture of George Biddle Kelley and his new bride at their wedding in 1934. Over 500 persons attended, but no guest list was offered. Was hoping to see if any of his fellow Jewels were present. I am hoping to get to my publisher to include in the book(don't want to delay it  any more). By the way, Kelley was almost 49 when he married. Who says love  
doesn't wait?  

FROM THE LIPS OF A JEWEL:   
"We must put service before self and put aside all petty differences and undertake to meet the needs of our  race...according to the demands of the times.  
Jewel Nathaniel Allison Murray, c. 1956  

FROM THE LIPS OF A PAST GENERAL PRESIDENT:   
"As Christmas is approaching, I have just been wondering when will the Fraternity remember me, or is a life that has been spent in service of my Race to fail of recognition by the organization to which I have given the best part of my life. I have not been as active in the general organization in past years because, very frankly, I  have been keenly disappointed by their    failure of recognition."  
2nd General President Roscoe C. Giles, c. 1940  

SKIP'S SCRIPTURAL QUOTE  
"If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.  
Psalm 37:23-24  

SKIP'S FAVORITE QUOTE FOR TODAY   
"History is much more than facts.  Real history to me answers the questions: "Why did it happen?  What was going on in the fraternity? the world?  Why should we care that it happened?"  
Bro. Samuel J. Eaves, II  

LETTERS FROM THE BRUHS(email slang for Brothers)  

Bro. Mason,  

Your emails are great....If you don't already know Brother Andre Weathers (Spring '99 Alpha Rho) had an opportunity to meet a Morehouse Graduate and Alpha Brother from 1928. Thats right! Alpha Rho was chartered on January 5, 1924. Therefore he must have been made by at least one of more of our illustrious charter members. The chapter will be taking a trip soon to meet the 95 year old Alpha and Alpha Rho legend.  Looking forward to your next articles. You have set yourself up now . . . Brothers are expecting these articles daily. If you miss a day you'll be in trouble. Hold up the light as I am sure you know that your work is igniting the flame of brothers worldwide. One of the parts of the moments that I like the most is the dialogue from other brothers through emails. The comment by the Omega offered me a perspective from the other side that I never even imagined. That is good because I wonder about the other organizations and what their claim to "fame" is.  

Peace  
Albert Sanders  
Alpha Rho Fall '98  

Skip's Note- We must get college brothers excited about the history of the fraternity and their chapter.  

Bro. Mason,  
    I think it is a wonderful idea to send Mrs. Helen Ogle Atkins a Mother's Day card.  I also think it would be a great idea if she was invited as an honorary guest to the National Convention this summer in Dallas.  I do not know the specifics egarding her health, but if she is physically and mentally able to make the trip I think she would be a big asset to the Convention.  I know there are a lot of Bros. who would love to meet her.  I don't know the correct procedures to make this happen; however, I feel it should be given serious consideration.  
Bro. Robinson  

Skip:  
The brothers of Sigma Chapter have been playing "historian" for any info about the Fraternity and the chapter... They actually were able to get one of Dr. King's line brothers to speak at their MLK program and were able to get a copy of his application for initiation ... it's kinda cool to see his name listed along with his line brothers....  
Brother Jonathan Mooty  

Dear Skip:  
I have just recently come into the knowledge of what a great man Paul Robeson was in American History.  He was the man in theater/sports/law/politics/etc.  I did not know he was an Alpha until you mentioned it.  That makes him all the more greater.  I am graduating in may with an engineering degree and a science degree and I just took my first college level history last semester (history of W. Africa), this semester I am taking African American History until 1865.  I am falling in love with Black History period.  Sometime later I would like to discuss your thoughts on Africa and how we should apply some of that ancient knowledge to our present lives.  
Brother Percy McIntyre  

Brother Mason,  
I think what you are doing is incredible, and I thank you for all of us brothers that are to "busy" or lazy to gather the important information that you have so diligently gathered. You too are a Jewel  

Thanks again,  
Dorion Morgan  
Spr '89  

Skip's Response-I've been called many things, but never a Jewel. Okay Brothers give me a break, I smiled when I read that. Hmmm Jewel Mason. Nah. back to the computer.  

Dear Skip:  
I wanted you to know that I am very proud of you for taking the time to provide this information to those who really don't know from whence they have come.  Keep up the good work, and remember that the only thing we should do behind a person's back is pat it.  

Peace,  
Anthony Coleman Spring 1989  

Greetings Brother Mason,  
My name is Kinard Alston I pledged at Nu Kappa Chapter, University of Maryland Baltimore
County(UMBC). I would like to congratulate you on the newsletter.  This is something that has been needed for a long time and I'm glad that a historian in our fraternity has stepped up to the plate and went to work on something like this. I would personally like to see this all the time. Brothers should ask themselves a few questions. How come "real" history of our fraternity is not in the "cluster" or "intake" process sanctioned by the fraternity?  Why has none of this wealth of information been brought to us at conventions?  Is the current process effective in teaching new aspirants the "real" history?  Are the officers that are now in place doing what they can to preserve the true spirit of Alpha Phi Alpha?  With the now constant push to annihilate the college chapter and the true spirit of Alpha are we going to let it happen or we going to work towards revolution?  Hotep Brother Mason. And keep it coming.  

A BROTHER WANTS TO KNOW:  

Dear Skip:  
I am suprised to see you respond so fast to my mail.  I imagine you receive tons of emails.   Harley and I was wondering the history of the Alpha hand sign where did it come from? From who?,etc. and do you know the significance of another organization's hand sign.  And what is the history of the ape representing the mascot of the frat?  

 Skip's response- See below the next question.  

ON THE "SO CALLED BOND BETWEEN AKA AND APHIA,  A BROTHER WRITES:  
Bruh, I have a question for you?  Do you think that the bond between AKA and A PHI A is really overrated?  I ask this because I look at the way that AKA's  and Alphas relate to each other today and it seems that that brother and sisterhood in many areas of the country has diminished.   Especially on the undergrad level.  I think many of us have forgotten our history. What do you think? This is in response to your historical moment No. 2.  I am not debating you but trying to find out what other bruhs feel about this subject.  

Romia  

Skip- I'd be happy to share responses to this thought. hmason1906@aol.com  

Dear Skip:  
I took special interest in your section "A PASSING THOUGHT," where you talked about    making "a "Jewel Pilgrimage" to Lexington, Kentucky where Tandy's father built homes      including his birthhome".  I am here in Lexington, and I'm sure none of the Brothers in my  chapter knows where Jewel Tandy's birthhome is.  Would you send me the address or     directions.  

I do have a burning question also.  General President Wallace spoke this month at the Midwestern Regional Convention, and one of the things he said was that the hand sign many Alpha's use to symbolize our fraternity (the three middle fingers pressed into the palm while the thumb and little finger are extended) is meaningless and has no officialty.  I would agree that this hand sign has no official meaning, but there must be some historical justification for why so many Alpha's us it.  Furthermore, every Black Greek organization has its own hand sign and call & response.    Please tell me what you know about this.  

 Fraternally,  
 Bro. Wrensey Gill  

 Skip's Response: Looking into the origin of the unofficial non ritual handsign.  

FROM THE PAN HELLENIC ARCHIVES   
Did you know that in 1950, Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi and Delta Sigma Theta held a convention together at the same time in the same city in Kansas City, Kansas.  

Did you know that Alpha Kappa Alpha was the first sorority to induct white women as honorary members in the 1920's according to an article in the Baltimore Afro-American, c. 1929. The writer mistaken credited to the Delta's and they wrote the editor and said that they take only "NEGRO WOMEN" :-)  

Did you know that Sigma Gamma Rho was established at the Butlers Teachers College in Bloomington, Indiana, the same city as Kappa Alpha Psi? Could that explain why they are sometimes linked together as sisters and brothers.  Perhaps. Maybe we will explore.  

 Well, now you know!  
   

VOTE FOR REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING, DR.  
Time Magazine is allowing us to vote for Time Magazine's Person of the Century, which will be in their December 1999 issue. It has been proposed that we vote for our Brother Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Each of us knows at least one person with e-mail. Pass this on to everyone you know.  Let's start a wave of votes For Dr.  King, for his outstanding leadership and dedication during the Civil Rights ovement.  Today African Americans have been blessed with so many pportunities because of his guidance and trust in God that one day who all will be equal. To vote go to  

http://www.pathfinder.com/time/time100/toppersonmain.html

Believe it or not, Aldof Hitler is ranking #1 on the list as person of the century. I know that if all of us pulled together we can put our Brother Dr. King in that slot.  Please take the time to visit the Time Magazine site to cast your vote.  This is your opportunity to make your mark in history.  

The winner of the poll will be pictured on the front of Time Magazine December 1999 Issue. This was shared by Bro.  Jerrell L. Saddler*  
*Fort Valley State University "Always aim to make a Difference"  

COMING UP FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEK:  
Thursday- Mrs. Ellen Ogle (Jewel Ogle), Mrs. Emma Brice Tandy (Jewel Tandy)  
Friday-The Ithaca Mothers: Mrs. Annie Singleton, Mrs. Clara Nelson, Mrs. Edward Newton.  

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.