Opportunity Magazine discovered and promoted the work of young AfricanAmerican artists, poets, and writers. Two major black newspapers were published by Alpha men: the Pittsburgh Courier (1910–1930) by Robert Vann and the Baltimore Afro-American (1922–1961) by Carl J. Murphy, who also served as editor of The Sphinx magazine.18 The Sphinx magazine promoted the study of African and African-American history with a regular column in the 1920s written by Bro. William Leo Hansberry, professor of history at Howard University. Bro. Hansberry introduced the first course on African history taught in the U.S. The General Convention meeting in Philadelphia in 1917 agreed that each chapter should pursue research on the early history of Africa. The Sphinx magazine would emphasize negro history with special attention to ancient Africa. Each chapter was asked to appoint a chapter historian to undertake such work.19 The Scottsboro Case in 1931 drew national, indeed, international attention. Nine young black men, ages 14–20 years old, were convicted for allegedly raping two white women on a freight train in northern Alabama. Eight of the Scottsboro boys, as they were called, were condemned to death, and one was given a life sentence. Indignation rallies were held around the globe over the injustice of the case, especially after one of the white women recanted her story. There were trials and retrials that lasted for 5 years, as well as appeals that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The state of Alabama agreed to drop the charges against the youngest defendants, while the others received sentences ranging from 20 years to life. At the 1933 Alpha General Convention, the fraternity contributed $300 to the Scottsboro Defense Fund. Alpha Zeta Lambda Chapter of Bluefield West Virginia voted to send that portion of its budget allotted for social activities to the Scottsboro Defense Fund and urged other chapters to do likewise.20 Bro. P. Bernard Young, editor and publisher of the Norfolk Journal and Guide newspaper in Norfolk, Virginia, was one of only two black reporters allowed to attend the Scottsboro trials. In 1976, Clarence Norris, the last surviving Scottsboro boy, received a pardon from the state of Alabama based on the research and recommendation of Bro. Milton C. Davis, future 29th general president, to Alabama Attorney General Bill Baxley.21 18 The Sphinx Magazine, Summer, 2000, pp. 27–30. 19 The Sphinx Magazine, Feb., 1963, p. 3 20 The Sphinx Magazine, Dec. 1933, p. 29 21 Robert L. Harris, Jr. The History of Alpha Phi Alpha: A Tradition of Leadership and Service. Vol. II. Baltimore: The Foundation Publishers, 2014, p. 127.
11 ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC.