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

To the Brothers in the Metropolitan Atlanta area, you are cordially invited to come and greet Dr. Melanie Atkins Brown, the granddaughter of Jewel Ogle on Thursday, June 10th, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Alpha Community Center in  East Point. For further information (or directions) contact me (Skip Mason) at (404) 627-7799  or email me at hmason1906.aol.com.  Dr. Brown is a delightful person, a soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a distinguished college educator and a beautiful spirited person.  She is looking forward to meeting 
the brothers and has a special poem her mother (Jewel Ogle's 91-year-old daughter) wrote for the brothers that she will share. Brothers, please come out and let us welcome her in good old Alpha style. We plan to present her some yellow roses.  Would you pass the message along to other brothers?  Skip's Note- To my out of state readers, I will share a copy of the poem in  Tuesday's Historical Moments. 

LETTER FROM THE GRANDSON OF JEWEL ROBERT HAROLD OGLE 
June 3, 1999 

Brother Mason -- 

I am deeply appreciative of your fine work.  You have a wonderful writing style!  You have enriched our family with your fine efforts. Unfortunately, I knew/know so little about my Grandfather. I will share this information with my children.  If I can help you in any way, let me know. 

Incidentally, I think that from my mother's stories about him he has shaped my life in many ways.  In the mid-sixties, I was the founding chairperson of the first student group for students of color at the University of Pennsylvania, the Society of Afro-American and African Students (SAAS) where I did my undergraduate study.  That organization has evolved and survived, but ironically it was formed for reasons similar to those seminal to the formation of Alpha Phi Alpha. 

In Brotherhood, 

Julian Conway Wilson, Jr. 

Skip's Note --  To those brothers who are Dallas bound, I am working on having Brother Wilson with me in Dallas to attend my book signing on that Saturday. I will keep you informed of the place, time and other plans. 

A HISTORIC MOMENT ON JEWEL OGLE 

At the opening session of the 20th General Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, in December of 1928, General President Raymond W. Cannon presented Jewel Ogle to the brotherhood.  Vice President Elmer J. Cheeks exchanged the Fraternity Grip with Ogle, emblematic of the fraternity's honor, love and gratitude for 
the founder who had not been at a convention in several years.  Later that evening, Ogle gave the Annual Founder's address in what the Sphinx described as a "heart to heart talk, directing attention to some fundamental prerequisites for the future progress of Alpha Phi Alpha." 

SPECIAL FEATURE 
BY BROTHER GREGORY SCOTT PARKS, GUEST COLUMNIST 

                        "The Lighter Side of Alpha" 

"When Alpha Phi Alpha was founded, we foresaw the day when it would include others besides those of strictly Negro heritage; and the word 'Negro' did not occur in the Constitution limiting membership nor in the 
ritual." 
-- Jewel Henry Arthur Callis 

     In the spring of 1996, before I was ever an Alpha, my brother-in-law invited me to a get together he and several other Alphas were having.  It proved to be an interesting night, and I met a myriad of individuals who I grew to respect, admire and later call brothers.  Among them was a brother named Mike, who was a recent initiate to one of the undergraduate chapters in the Washington, D.C., area.  Mike was very affable and down to earth.  He talked to me at great length about my budding interest in Alpha and was more than willing to extend himself to me if I needed someone to talk to.  Everything about Mike's persona was consistent with that of what I believed an Alpha Man to be.  However, one thing struck me as peculiar: Mike was White. 

     I had all sorts of questions about his motives for seeking membership.  What would drive him, and others like him, to join an African-American fraternity?  Considering Alpha's Afro-centric thrust, what would make him desirous of being part of this brotherhood we call Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.?  What are some of the reactions that he gets from other Alphas, friends and family?  Questions similar to these have stuck with me over the past several years.  Hopefully now I have more answers than I have questions. 

    When discussing the integration of our fraternity, we look to the year 1940.  It was during that General Convention in Kansas City, Mo., that it had been decided that Alpha Phi Alpha would open its doors to all races of men.  In "The History of Alpha Phi Alpha: A Development in College Life" on page 328, Brother Charles Harris Wesley indicates that it was during this time that "the word 'Negro' was authorized to be removed from the Membership Clause of the Fraternity's Constitution." He went on to state that "[t]his was the first official action which opened the doors of the Fraternity to all youth who were qualified and this action 
followed the recommendation of the then General President [Brother Wesley]."  However, it is apparent that no action was taken, for in 1945 the General Convention again decided by unanimous decision to remove the word "Negro" from the Membership Clause of the Constitution.  Finally, at the General Convention of 1952 in Cleveland the Constitution was finally amended by deleting the word "Negro." 

   On Friday, June 21, 1946, Brother Bernard Levin was initiated as the first non-Black member of Alpha Phi Alpha.  He was pledged through Theta (Pledge Master's name was Brother William Jones) chapter at the 
University of Chicago along with four other gentlemen -- Brother Spencer Hardy, Brother James Gaither, Brother William Rhetta and Brother Hershel Wallace.  At the time, Brother Levin was a 22--year-old 
Chicago native, studying dentistry at the University of Illinois.  His interest in Alpha had been sparked by one of his friends at DePaul University, as well as his belief that Alpha Phi Alpha engages in constructive community, national and international activity.  In addition, he felt as though "the other fraternities had nothing to offer except social affairs."  Thus, Alpha was the only logical choice for a fraternity.  It is interesting to note that a 1946 article in Ebony on Brother Levin provides several pictures of him and his line brothers performing various tasks for big brothers -- shining big brothers shoes, cleaning trophies won by Theta chapter, cleaning the front of the chapter house, getting 150 brothers signatures on a large cardboard "A," and being paddled.  What may be more interesting is that Brother Levin's initiation takes place prior to 1952 when the word "Negro" was allegedly stricken from the Constitution for the final time. 

    Several years after Brother Levin was initiated, Brother Roger Youmans became the first White brother to speak at a General Convention.  Brother Youmans was initiated into Upsilon chapter at the University of Kansas, and his address was during the Fortieth General Convention (1954) in Miami.  Eleven years later, during the Fifty-first General Convention (1965)in Chicago, Illinois, Hubert Horatio Humphrey -- Vice President of the United States -- was made an Honorary Life Member by General President Lionel Newsom.    He was given a metal pass card and a copy of the Alpha history book.  It is noted on Page 454 that Brother L. Howard Bennett  pinned the Alpha pin on him.  Additionally, a plaque (the General President's Distinguished Citizens Award) was presented to him. 

    Though they are still far and few between, recent decades have brought more White brothers into our fold.  Conventions and issues of the Sphinx magazine bear witness to this.  In the 1994 summer issue, a White 
brother by the name of Andrew J. Zawacki was featured as an Alpha On The Move.  He had been made at the chapter located at the College of William and Mary.  In the article, Brother Zawacki recalled his interest stemming from friendship he developed with two of his track teammates who were Alphas.  He stated that he 
"admired them and what they did."  Though not sure of what he was getting himself into, he became increasingly interested in Alpha.  And, in time, became a brother, stating: "It's been great. There are no 
disadvantages." 

    Reflecting upon this history may make one wonder what the experiences of our White brothers are like as members of this august body of men.  I have heard countless stories of White brothers being ignored, shaded, insulted, harassed and beaten up because of the color of their skin.  This may be more of an issue for undergraduate brothers as opposed to older alumni brothers.  One of the more interesting tales I have heard is from a brother in New York who recounted a story about a White brother who had pledged his chapter in the '70s.  Once crossed/initiated, this brother did [much] to hold the Light high.  He had stellar grades, was involved in many different organizations on campus, and was a shining example of what an Alpha should be.  Over time, he was desirous of being chapter president.  According to the brother who told me the story, this brother was not elected because the brothers of the chapter did not want him to be the chief representative of Alpha on that campus.  Though a definitive example of an Alpha Man, this brother was not elected because he was White.  As a result, he was devastated and eventually discontinued his activity with the chapter and the national body. 

To be continued.... 

Skip's Note -- On Thursday, Brother Parks shares an interview with several of the White brothers he interviewed. 
 

SKIP'S HISTORICAL NOTE ON WHITE BROTHERS 

In 1964, the first integrated chapter of the fraternity,  Epsilon Sigma was chartered at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. The charter members consisted of  seven white men and eight African-American men. It became the 316th chapter of the fraternity. 

THE FIRST SIGHTING OF THE USE OF A LINE NAME 

"As a tradition a nickname is given to every line because of the personality of the line it was assessed the title "The Naughty Nine."  .....This line possesses the qualities of Alpha men who want to aspire to great heights. 
The Sphinx, 1963 

FROM THE LIPS OF A JEWEL 

"The ultimate fulfillment of the social purpose of our organization is threatened only by our own narrow, selfish vision. " 

Jewel Henry Arthur Callis, 1953 

FROM THE LIPS OF A GENERAL PRESIDENT 

"Though great has been the achievement of this organization, its work has, nevertheless, just begun. Like every other enterprise, it has to combat evils from within as well as evils from without. " 

General President Howard Hale Long, 1917 
 
SKIP'S FAVORITE QUOTE FOR TODAY 

"Faith is knowing that in the darkness, if you take a step,  that there will be solid ground beneath you or that you will learn to fly."  
- Author Unknown 
 

SKIP'S FAVORITE SCRIPTURAL QUOTE FOR TODAY 
For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me. He shall set me high upon a rock. 
Psalm 27:5 

THE BROTHERS RESPOND: 

ON THE LATIN WORDS USED IN THE OLD SPHINX CLUBS PROGRAMS 

Upon each program was inscribed the mottos of the "Sphinx Clubs: "Dum vivimus vivamos" and "Ad finem esta fidelis." 

-- Skip, I took four years of Latin in high school but I'm now a junior in college, so don't quote me on these. Loosely translated "Dum vivimus vivamos" means "When we live, we are alive" and "Ad finem esta fidelis" 
means "We will be faithful to the end."  In reference to the Sphinx Clubs I think these are two very appropriate mottos. I really do appreciate the knowledge you drop with you Historical Moments, so keep up the good work and congratulations on your book! 

'06 
Stephen Villavasso  svillav@learnlink.emory.edu 
Mu Alpha (Emory U.) Spring '98 #1 <--"Always the first, always the best!" 

********************************************************** 
Skip, 
I would like to thank you once again for all the insight into the frat that you are providing brothers. I checked out the site, and it looks great. I was greatly impressed to read some of your many accomplishments. In today's Moments you mentioned the initiation banquets.  My chapter (Monster Alpha Gamma) stills has a semiformal cabaret every spring that serves as a "coming out" ball for newly initiated brothers. Over the years entertainers such as Chris Rock, The Last Poets and comedian (and frat) Dante Carter have performed at the cabaret.  It serves as a nice way of welcoming brothers into the frat.  I still have very found memories of my line's cab. Thanks once again for the knowledge, and the memories. 

Fraternally, 
Shondell Mance 
#4 Fall '94 Alpha Gamma 
 
 

FROM THE PAN HELLENIC ARCHIVES 

Some Noted Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority 
 
Zora Neale Hurston, writer and anthropologist (deceased) 
Esther Rolle, Actress (Good Times, Rosewood) deceased 
Sarah Vaughn, Jazz Singer (deceased)
Tonea Stewart, Actress (The Heat of the Night, A Time to Kill, Mama Flora's Family) 
Grace Bumbry, Opera Singer 
Dionne Warwick, Singer and Psychic 
Minner Ripperton, singer (deceased) 
Jan'et DuBois, (actress)Willona from Good Times 
Sheryl Underwood, Comedianne 
Towanda Braxton, singer(sister of Toni Braxton) 

NOW YOU KNOW....... 

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BOOK ORDER FORM: 
THE TALENTED TENTH: 
THE FOUNDERS AND 30 GENERAL PRESIDENTS 
OF  Alpha 
By Skip Mason 
Foreword by Brother Andrew Young 

Published by Four G's Press, c. 1999 
Winter Haven,  Florida 
480 pages; 28 cm, 100+ photographs 
ISBN: 1885066-63-5 
$25.00 (soft back) 
$32.50 (hard back) 
To be released in June '99 (hardbacks in July) 
ORDER FORM, PLEASE PRINT, FILL OUT AND MAIL . 
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To order, send order form, check or money order made payable to Skip Mason to: 
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Skip's Historical Moments is a twice weekly newsletter used to dialogue and discuss issues of historical importance to men of Alpha. This newsletter is sent to over 3,500 brothers.  If every brother 
would send this to ten brothers this communication would reach a network of 30,000 or more. If you don't want to forward, please forward to me email addresses and I will add them to the list.  The list is growing by leaps and bounds.  Send your questions, queries, comments to hmason1906@aol.com. 

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DISCLAIMER:  THIS PAGE IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION. ALL COMMENTS ARE THOSE OF THE EDITOR.  SOURCES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.  APOLOGIES IN ADVANCE FOR ANY SPELLING ERRORS.