Two years after the decision to publish a journal, The Sphinx appeared — edited by Vice President Raymond W. Cannon andpublished by The Printing Committee chaired by Brother J. C. McKelvie. Although the masthead declared that thejournal would be published eight times per year ("monthly from October to May"), practical considerations had already forced a delay in the debut issue from February to March — and a quarterlyplan was soon adopted as more feasible.
It is obvious that, from the very start, plans for the expansion and improvement of The Sphinx were envisioned. In his first editorial, Brother Cannon states "Brothers, this but a modest little sheet, but remember it is but a beginning. Help us!"
With that entreaty, the first fraternity journal was launched. On the following pages, we have displayed the first edition of The Sphinx in its entirety. Brother Cannon notes that, in the original, pages 3 and 4 were printed "loose" — sideby-side and folded into the magazine. With that exception,we here present an authentic replica of that first issue.
THE SIXTH ANNUAL CONVENTION.
The Convention convened at the seat of Beta Chapter, Howard University, Washington, D C, December 29, 30, and 31, 1913 The following chapters answered to the roll call: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Epsilon, Zeta Theta Iota, Kappa, MH, Nn Xi Omicron Alpha Alumni of New York City, and Alpha Lambda Graduate Chapter of Louisville Besides, there were present several of the founders and men prominent in Alpha Phi Alpha
There arc now between four and five hundred members of the Fraternity inch: ,ng our honorary members many of whom are anion'.,' the most influential of the Race
.Men from all sections of this country gathered for a common purpose -the general uplifting and beiterintr of an organization which stands for the uplifting of a race
There were several very eloquent addresses delivered before the ('invention by members of the Fraternity An address of welcome on behalf of Howard University was delivered by Bro Lewis B .Moore Dean of the Teachers Co'leijv Pie-;. James W, Barker welcomed the Ccnvcntion in be-
half of Beta The annual address was delivered by Bro Dwight 0 W Holmes, honorary member of Beta The annual alumni address was delivered by Bro Roscoe C Giles, ex-general president They impressed the Convention that it was necessary to work as a unit and Alpha Phi Alpha and its aims would spread
At the banquet Bro George William Cook, Secretary of Howard University, made an urgent appeal for the members of the Fraternity to assist the N. A. A. C. P. in its noble work of curbing prejudice against the race
The meetings of the Convention were held in the amphitheatre of the beautiful Science Hall All business was transacted in a fraternal and business like way.
The following officers were elected for 1914: Henry L. Dickason (Kappa) President; Raymond W Cannon (Mul Vice President: Roscoe W. Ross (Alpha) Secretary: Howard II Long: (Beta) Treasurer
The Convention was adjourned by the brothers joining hands and singing "Blest be the tie that binds." and "God be with you till we meet again." The Convention adjourned to meet December 29 30 and 31, 1914 at the seat of the Theta Chapter. Chicago. 111
Vol I MARCH—1914 No. I
The Sphinx
Volume I No. I March 1914
was reprinted in the Spring issue of 1984 Volume 70,Number 1
It is that reprint that is represented here.
"For a long time many Alpha Phi Alpha men have felt strongly the need of a means by which more of the Alpha Phi Alpha spirit — embodying all of its ardor, zeal, integrity, and loyalty — might be instilled into the minds of our somewhat passive members. "
THE SPHINX
THE SPHINX
Published Monthly from October to May by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
EDITORIAL STAFF :
EDITOR IN CHIEF The Vice President Associate Editors in each Chapter
BUSINESS STAFF
The Printing Committee 2347 Georgia Avenue, N W J. C. McKelvie, Chairman
T. C. Brown
H. O. Stratton
Subscription SO cents per year
This publication is intended for members of Alpha Phi Alpha Frateraity only
Address all Communications to the Editor in Chief
DIRECTORY :
GENERAL OFFICERS
H L Dickason, President i:M0 Summit St. Columbus, ')hio
R W Cannon, Vice President 34t>0 Oakland Ave.. Minneapolis, Miss
R W Ross, Secretary, H2H/4 Stewart Ave , Ihaca, N Y
H. II. Long, Treasurer, 2347 Georgia Ave. N \V Washington. I). ('.
MARCH, lit 14
EDITORIALS
For a long time ninny Alpha Phi Alpha men have felt strongly tilt need of a means by which more of the Alpha Phi Alpha spirit embodying all of its ardor, zeal, integrity, and loyalty might be instilled into the minds of some of our somewhat passive members. Necessity was clearly perceived that all Alpha Phi Alpha men should be drawn closer together and that each one should be made to feel himself an important factor of our great organization, and as such recognize his duties rnd responsibilities.
For some time also chapters have been exceedingly anxious to learn of their sister chapters, their progress, etc This is natural Being kept within the narrow confines of their own spheres throughout the year, excepting when delegates were sent to the conventions, and being almost wholly out of touch with each other unless indirectly through the General Organization the chapters at times exhibited marked signs of curiosity toward each other.
As the Fraternity had reached such large proportions in the las! two or three years the future advancement and progress of Alpha Phi Alpha was given serious consideration in the last Convention Heretofore definite steps along the lines decided upon could not betaken because our finances were not sufficiently elastic; but, after ai! expenses for 1913 had been paid there were sum' ient funds above those required to meet current expenses to warrant the publishing of a journal until the subscriptions were received Consequently it was decided to issue monthly during the school year a Fraternity .journal to be known as Tin: SPHINX and which should be the official organ of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
!t was further provided by the Conventirn thrt in addition to the general fa- of #1.00 levied upon all but lienor:ry members that each member be fayed 50 cents p»r ye-ir as his s'.ibvriptien for Tl'E SlMTlNX, making the general t;:x $1.50 per vear for each member. Ilenoravv
"Brothers, the success or failure of The Sphinx in its purpose liesin the ands of each and every Alpha Phi Alpha man. Will you give it your support, contribute to its columns, manifest an intense interest in it, andfoster it in its infancy, or will you merely stand by and see it succumb to the terrible stings of indifference. M
THE SPHINX
membersmay receiveTHE SPHINX for 50cents per year.
By means of THE SPHINX we hopetostimulateandarousetheinterest of all our Alumni brothers; wewanttobetteracquaint chapter with chapter, individuals with individuals; we want to reach all whohavebecomeoutoftouch with the Fraternity, all whohavenever attended a Convention, and thus bring them back within the fold
THE SPHINX willtell what isbeing done,the present scopeof workof the Fraternity, the magnitude of the organization and its future plans, and will thus urge and inspire every delinquent brother to redeem his former good standing and assist a worthy movement
Brothers, the success or failure of THE SPHINX in its purpose lies in the hands of each and every Alpha Phi Alpha man Will you giveityour support, contribute to itscolumns,manifest an intenseinterest in it and foster it in its infancy, or \<ill you merely stand Iiy and see it succumb helplessly to the terrible stings of indifference! Remember that weaie settingan example before our youngermembers;they watch with keen interest everything we do; if we have much vim and energy they will heimbued withthesamequalities. but if we are indifferent. alas! Think then ofyour progress rnd advancement
Think now of your tri'e Alph:i Phi Alpha spirit and cf your loyalty toold Alpha Phi Alpha; and youasAlunmi especially lookback uprn the times when you literally
thrust your whole soul into the great and noble work Are you doing, your duty nowt Does every Brother remember the night of that solemn occasion on which hetooktheoath of fidelity tosupport Alpha Phi Alpha in all of itsundertakingsf
Brothers,shall westand still or advance? Shall THE SPHINX fail or prosper and fulfill its purpose? LeteachAlphaPhiAlphamandecide for himself
Brothers, this is but a modest littlesheet,but remember it is but a beginning Help us! We shall takeallcriticismsfraternally. This isanew field for us and weneed yourhelp Weshalltry and publish everything sent. Make your articles brief and pointed What we can't publish in one issue we will in the next.
THE SOCIAL SIDE OF THE CONVENTION
The Beta Chapter did everything within its power to insure the enjoyment of the visiting brothers Every detail was planned with exactness
On the eveningof December 20 a theatre party was given at the Howard Theatre, after which an informal "Smoker" was held at thebeautiful Chapter Home Here true fraternity spirit ran high. There were renewals of aequainti'liees new acquaintances made "stag-dancing," heart-to-heart talks pud general good fellowship
On the xe.-ond evening a iceep-
'' The annual banquet was held on the last evening in the dining room of Miner Hall. The tables were arranged in the form of a large "A " and the walls were decorated with pennants of the many schools represented. This is the largest banquet ever held and the Fraternity and the Spirit were equally at large. "
THE SPHINX
tion wasgiven at the Odd Fellows Hall Here the visiting brothers had an opportunity to meet the charming young ladies of Howard University and Washington.
Theannualbanquet washeldon thelasteveninginthediningroom of Miner Hall The tables were arranged in the form of a large "A" and the walls were beautifully decorated with pennants of themanyschoolsrepresented This is the largest banquet ever held by the Fraternity and the Spirit was equally as large College songsandyellswererendered with great enthusiasm.
The following toasts were respondedtoafter abrief addressof welcome by Pres. James W. Parker.ofBeta:"The Oldand New," J R Fugett (Alpha);"The Graduate Members," W S C Payton (Alpha Lambda); "The Active Members." C. M. Cain (Nu), "Our Problems," Nuna P G Adams; "The Honorary Mem hers," Geo \V Cook (Secretary Howard Univ.); "The Alumni Members." Geo B Kelley (Alpha;"TheOfficers," Raymond W Cannon (Mil); "The Outlook," Harry L. Diekason (PresidentElect). General President Garvin wastoastmaster Besidestheregular toasts all of the alumni and honorary members present were called upon for short addresses.
Thework ofthe N A A C P was brought before the banquet by Bro Cook and every member pledged support.
As the bells tolled the old year out the men departed, carrying
with them alasting and great impression of the magnitude of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity OnNewYear'sDay,BetaChapter was"at home"inhonorofthedelegates The delegates were enabled to meet 300 or more of the representative Washington folk
WHA T OF THE ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNTY?
(By Henry L Diekason, Pres.)
I amsure that thisquestion has been asked, by most of us, many atimeand deepdown inoursouls atthat Wecanbestansweritby a little reflection and future consideration. Since Alpha Phi Alpha means a race of men united for a great purpose, no doubtwe^ can narrow it by askingthe question: What is man? The Holy Scripture asks the question more; fully when it asks:"What is man that thou art mindful of him?"
Byalittlereflection Imightsay^ aswe,from primevalsavagery,discomfits and disadvantages, stride; up the ascending scale of humau civilization, we find a fraternal spirit existing between us which is indefinable. It has often been said and isvery largely axiomatic that "blood runs thicker than water." The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is a bond—very strong,>» union—very endurable, a harmony —very perfect and an id?alism— veryethical,isanorganizationbased on fraternal ties of blood and race. It isnotanorganization existing somewhere in the land of might havebeen:but it isthat or-
"The Sixth Annual Convention levied a general tax of one dollar ($1.00) upon every active alumnus and non-resident member. To this is added fifty cents(SO cents)for a schoolyear's subscriptionfor The Sphinx, theofficial organ of the Fraternity. "
THE SPHINX
ganization trying to answer the vital questions of the present day demands, working for future possibilities, and laboring for the greatest purpose that can animate the conscience of man; that is, to try to lessen the painful achings of the souls of black folk—discriminative prejudice
Again let me ask: What of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity? Honestly I feel free to say that it is no superficial organization blowing the pipe of rumor and conjecture; hut it is that organization founded, in 190G, at Cornell University by seven patriotic young men, in order to cultivate a love for the true, to further the science of the beautiful, to cherish a reverence fne the good, to lay a basis. for ethics and to promote matters vital to humanity, whose faith was fair and hope was sure and who had brains to conceive and energy to accomplish the great and imperative need of humanity—enual justice
OEXERAL TAX INCREASED
The Sixth Annual Convention levied a general tax of one dollar ($1.00) upon every active alumnus rnd nnn-resident menibsr To this is added fifty cents (50 cents) for a school year's subscription for TllK SPHINX, the official organ of the Fraternity. This makes a to tal of onedollar rnd a half ($1.50) Honorary members- may receive THE SPHINX for fifty cents (50 cents) per year
The t<ix is due April 1 1914
The siib'.eiiption for TH E SPHINX is also due at that time, l'erin to
send your taxes and subscriptions in immediately Do not wait until the last minute. The General Organization needs funds to carry on its work At the present time we are working with a balance left over from the last administration It will take nearly all of this to issue THE SPHINX between now and the first of April See to your general tax at once Active members and non-resident members pay their taxes to their respective chapters; alumni members pay their taxes to the alumni committeeman of their chapter Chapters and alumni committeemen send all taxes and other funds to the office of the General Secretary All remittances for THE SPHINX are sent directly to the General Secretary All subscribers will kindly semi names and addresses with all remittances
A W O R D FRO M T IT K POl'X U KKS
One of the greatest problems today confronting the General Organization and the respective chapters of the Fraternity is the problem of reaching the Alumni members who in many cases are out of touch with their brothers To my mind THE SPHINX will fill a long felt want in this direction Tt is the rifrfit thin1 : in the right place and is a step upward toward a greater unificatiiu between Alumni and i rhe work of the Fraternity as a whole T trust each and every Alumni and undergraduate chapter iVlll lend their hearty support to
"Bro. James B. Clark, of Alpha Alumni, who in college won the gold medal of the Association of French Professors of America, started yesterday on his duties as teacher of Spanish and German in the Commercial High School of New York City. He is the first Negro to attain that honor."
6
THE SPHINX
the editors and subscribe to such a worthy cause.
N A MURBAY
MARRIAGES
Dr D L Brown (Kappa), of Gratto, W Va., 0 S A '12,and MissBlanchM.Harriswereunited! inwedlockinColumbus,Ohio,January 14
Bro. Percy Ward (Gamma), whose marriage to Miss Florence Taylor, of Richmond, hasbeen recently announced, and Bro R P.* Watts (Epsilon), who recently married Miss Ada Celeste Albert, of Washington, D C, have our best wishes for continued happiness.
ABOUT OUR ALUMNI
Dr. Gordon Jackson, Theta, has offered spacious apartments tothf Theta Chapter,asachapter house withthefirstsixmonth'srent tree
WORK OF MR. VILLARD.
On the 26th of January, 1914. letters were sent by the various chaptersto Mr Oswald G Villanl thanking him for hisefforts in behalf of the Colored People.
With this first issue of Tnrc SPHINX I wish to appeal- to our Alumni the <••.:.itrywide to rally rothe support of the General Organization Theattainment of the objects for which weexist and the preservation of our ideals rest ultimately inthehandsofthe AluittIi whose influence isso far-rc:ieliing. It affords me threat pleisiue toannouncetothe Fraternity tint
Bro James B Clark, ,of Alpha Alumni, who in college won the gold medal of the Association of French Professors of America, started yesterday on his duties as teacher of Spanish and German in the Commercial High School ot New York City He is the first Negro to attain that honor It shows what the character, intelligence, and persistence of members of the Fraternity will do ROSCOE C GILES, Ex-General President.
BRO. J. L. BROWN PASSES FROM OUR MIDST
Bro.J. Brown, Cornell '11,and a member of Alpha Chapter, died of the white plague in Columbus Ohio, Saturday, January 10. No communications from relatives could he obtained It was up to Kappatoshowhermakint• Thefuneral serviceswereheldon Tuesday evening, all the brothers of Kappa Chapter attending in a body The services were carried on in a most sincere manner President Dickason reid the obituary. The funeral services were conducted by Rev Smith, of St Phillip's Episcopal Church Bro. Brown was buried in the Union Cemetery
Stephen Lane Folger
Official Jeweler to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
180Broadway, New York iClubandCollege Pinsand Rings
