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!
Dr. Roscoe Conkling Giles: An Unsung Hero in Alpha.
He was physician, historian, archivist and the 2nd General President
of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
By Skip Mason
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).
2. Two histories of the fraternity by Eugene Kinckle Jones
3. One History by Robert Harold Ogle
4. Two histories by Henry Arthur Callis
5. An early history by Charles Garvin (who served as the first historian
of the fraternity)
6.A history compiled by Giles (including interviews, letters)
7. Some original correspondence as the Secretary of Alpha Chapter
8. One of the first ritual test
9. A copy of the first series of Shingles
10. Applications for chapters at Ohio State university, University
of Toronto
11. The second Initiatory Banquet program
12. A copy of menu served at the banquet in honor of the first convention
in 1908.
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:
"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"
Dr. Roscoe C. Giles
__________________________________________________
I THOUGHT YOU'D LIKE TO KNOW:
A Neophyte Brother Kelley Smith went to a job interview last week and
told me that the young lady interviewing him after finding out he was an Alpha
told him that her grandfather too was an Alpha. His name: LEMUEL GRAVES,
one of the first initiates into Alpha Chapter with Eugene Kinckle Jones
and Gordon Jones. You don't even have to ask me brothers!
Of course I am on the case. Got her number and email address so look forward
to a "Whatever Happened to" column soon.
"THE NEGRO IS HIS OWN WORST ENEMY...NEGROES SHOULD TEACH THEIR CHILDREN
TO THINK THEY ARE SUPERIOR"
Jewel Eugene Kinckle Jones, 1934
(addressing the St. Marks Congregationalist Church in Boston)
"Jesus Christ could not make Alpha Phi Alpha today; they would blackball
him because He was not 'hot enough.'
Attorney Belford V. Lawson, 1933
16th General President
IN A STRANGE TWIST OF FATE:
(read this brothers)
Skip,
I am just now receiving these historical notes and I think they are
fascinating. I would like you to send me the ones on Delta and Ques.
You will be amazed to know that I just purchased a new house, in historic
Le Droit Park (in Washington, DC), that just happens to be the house of
Ernest (or Everett) Just--a famous biologist and founder of Omega Psi Phi.
The house is literally on the campus of Howard University.
I didn't realize the house was historical until the previous owner told
me that Omegas will sometimes drive by in cars or buses to take a picture
in front of the house and that I should be prepared.
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
(From the January 19, 1929 edition of the Baltimore Afro-American)
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)
Regarding the Omega letter in yesterday's issue,
a brother wrote:
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?
*********
Skip,
. . . when great men are made, Alpha shall make them, and they
too shall walk
among the stars!"
Author Unknown
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
Gamma Iota '92
Life Member #7474
***********************
Dear Brother Mason:
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,
Bro.Rev. Tyler
F'87 A Phi
************************************************
Brother Mason, I have been traveling constantly
and unable to read your daily insights until today. They have filled me
with the love of the fraternity and an eagerness to read more. Your writing
style and the content of the letters are extremely interesting and insightful.
Thank you for including me in your e-mails. I look forward to more.....and
the book. Take
Care my brother! JM (Japan)
************************************************
Brother Mason,
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:
When you are out buying a card for your mother, grandmother, aunt or
wife, would you buy one and send it to:
Mrs. Helen Ogle Atkins
c/o Dr/ Melanie Brown
823 C. Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
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:
This newsletter is, indeed, divinely inspired (or as the theologians
say "God breathed"). I am immensely proud of your work, as it encourages
each brother, and other, who reads it to strive for the same level of excellence
displayed by those who came before us. My heart overflows with wanting
anticipation for each issue. Maybe this newsletter will be the catalyst
to inspire some young college and alumni brother to re-claim for themselves
the Alpha attitude and spirit of excellence. I wish to see Alpha
as the first of the BGLO's to redefine itself to face the current struggles
of the society. Yes, segregation is "officially" gone, yet the flame
of unity has been left untended by BGLO's. But we have a great opportunity
to again make BGLO's culturally and politically significant. Remember,
"Be not weary in well doing, for in due season you will reap if you faint
not."
Fraternally,Darren C. Allen
*********************
Brother Mason,
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
(IF YOU KNOW OF ANY BROTHERS IN THE LA AREA THAT CAN HELP THIS BROTHER
EMAIL ME AND I WILL FORWARD IT TO HIM)
Brothers
Be sure to catch an article in the May 99 edition of Emerge Magazine
on our own Brother Harry Evans III, creator, host and executive producer
of the cable TV talk show, "That Show with Those Black Guys." The
show can be seen in cable markets throughout the country. Some of
the guests interviewed include, Bro. Michael Jackson, Ravens wide receiver,
Mr. Kweisi Mfume, former congressman and head of the NAACP, Mr. Tavis Smiley,
host of BET Tonight and singer/song writer Mr. Howard Hewett, just to name
a few. Also be sure to WRITE IN to the editor! This is very
important! If you have comments or questions about "That Show..."
send them to thatshw@aol.com.
Fraternally,
Bro. Ajani
5KPhiL91