Brothers, 
 I just returned from a trip to Valdosta, Georgia, where I met with my publisher for about seven hours as we wrapped up the final changes for the book. I must tell you that this has been the most grueling process in which I have been involved in a long time. But to see the cover, the text, the images all together looking like a book was exhilirating. To God be the Glory just for getting to this point. I am sharing the pains of this process with you because there are those of you who are writing, have written, want to write and you need to know that first, if you commit your works to the lord, he will order your steps. I know this to be true.  
I am very pleased with the finished product. Because I am in the middle of that process, today's issue of Skip's Historical Moments will feature some of the numerous letters that I receive each day. The questions  that brothers posed invoke great curiosity. I thoroughly enjoy reading the letters and meeting brothers through this form of technology. Chapter brothers, line brothers and friends have been reunited through this newsletter. God is so good to us. What a joy it is to be highly favored under his mercy and grace(See Skip's Quote if you don't know the difference) .  Like you my readers, there is this simple desire to know more about the organization and to celebrate our brotherhood. Can't imagine not being an Alpha. Can you?   
Brother Rodney Cohen stated it best in a recent letter to me:

"I think it's very important for us to discuss, as a fraternity, the lack of formal participation from brothers worldwide, but, the high interest and love that brothers continue to have for the fraternity. I think this is evident by the responses that you are getting from brothers that are probably not active.  Why?  I'm sure you know better than most brothers why this phenom exists. I just had a similar conversation with some Clark (Atlanta University) alums about the lack of alumni participation at black colleges. Why?
One of the reasons is simply, just like the fraternity: Our black organizations and institutions have failed to stimulate and maintain the sentimental love and interest of their sons and daughters -- example, many of the white colleges I've been to and worked at do an excellent job on lore; example, Notre Dame with the hour horsemen and Knute Rockne, it brings tears to your eyes. We've failed to highlight those greats such as Brother Raymond W. Cannon, Brother Belford V. Lawson or for that fact even the Jewels. Much of what we do today is sterile and unsentimental. What you have done and are doing is bringing back the essence, that which sets Alpha apart from any organization...black or white. When the total story is told, as you are doing, that which my father(an ALpha) told me years ago will hold true -- that "Alpha is indeed the greatest organization int he world."

Skip's Note-Brothers, what are your thoughts? Share them with the Internet brothers and readers. Let us in a very special way, divinely led and inspired by God, reignite that spirit of brotherhood. For some it has never left, others it has waned, and for a few it is gone. I have had some brothers of Alpha who had emailed me and told me not to take them off of the list. They are not interested anymore, they just don't have the time....enjoy the letters and see you on Tuesday.  Skip

SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND:

 Hat's off to the gallant three brothers of Beta Chapter who located the grave of Jewel Ogle. They are:
 Bro. Roderick E. Thompson, 11-B-99, who actually found the plot
(though we were all close)
 Bro. Faheem W. Majeed, 10-B-99, who drove us out there and then bought us lunch afterwords.
 Bro. P. Kobina N. Yankah, 3-B-99, the organizer of the expedition and Beta Historian.

 A BROTHER WRITES ABOUT JEWEL KELLEY'S GRAVE

 Skip,
Jewel Kelley's Grave is located in Troy, New York, near the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  Pictures of the grave can be found on my website back at school.  I've graduated from RPI, but I still maintain the website.
'06
 -Kirk Riley
 Fall '93 
 Omicron Upsilon Chapter
 http://www.rpi.edu/~rileyk/Kelley.html
<http://www.rpi.edu/~rileyk/Kelley.html> 

Skip's Note: Brothers, you owe it to yourselves to access this page and see the pictures. In its on way, it is very moving. Seeing that headstone as I have shared in the research of his and the other Jewels lives, lets me kow that they existed, they were real men  with human qualities. Let me know what you think.

"I am writing all of the other founders today, asking that they make a special effort to attend the convention in in Richmond. There is at least one question which should be solved immediately--that is , the names of the  founders. There has always been some question about the name of the seventh man..."
Jewel Henry Arthur Callis in a letter to George Biddle Kelley, November 9, 
1926.

Have your reserved your copy of the book "The Talented Tenth" to  see who Callis really wanted as the seventh Jewel. You might be surprised.

"If fraternity membership is to be based on an agreeable exterior, a winning smile, a sleek dresser, a smooth talker, a good athlete, a social satellite, a fat pocketbook, or a color of skin...we are doomed to failure"
Belford Vance Lawson, 1929

Skip's Favorite Quote for the day
Justice - When you get what you deserve
Mercy - When you don't get what you deserve
Grace - When you get what you don't deserve

FROM THE GRANDDAUGHTER OF ALPHA'S FIRST INITIATE: LEMUEL GRAVES

I shared several issues ago about the divine occurrence that happened when a neophyte Brother Kelly Miller Smith from Alpha Rho sat down to be interviewed for a summer internship. The interviewer was the granddaughter of Eugene Kinckle Jones' "sands" or "line brother"  Lemuel Graves.(of course those terms were not used then.)  Brother Smith,  who was a former student of mine at Morehouse asked and received her email and shared it with me. After contacting her, I received two beautiful letters(one which is reprinted) from  Grave's granddaughter on his life. Last week, another granddaughter forwarded me a photo of him, which I have included in the book. Read the letters and learn about the man whose name we had to memorize as part of knowing about the first three initiates of Alpha Phi Alpha Society.  
  
Dear Mr. Mason,
I am also a granddaughter of Lemuel Graves.  My mother, Eleanor G. Mask, was one of his daughters.  Lemuel and Louise had three children: Eugene, Eleanor and Dorothy.  My grandfather Lemuel was a professor and taught at Florida A & MUniversity in Tallahassee, FL, where my mother was born.  Shortly
after her birth in 1916, the family moved to NC where I believe my grandfather was a professor on the faculty at NC A & T for a brief time (though I am not absolutely sure of the A & T part) before starting a real estate and insurance business. They lived in Raleigh, NC, for many years.

In the 1930s the family moved to Harlem, NY, where he continued in real estate business and in insurance.  They were members of St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Harlem.  I remember my grandfather had a great sense ofhumor and was a very independent thinker.  He loved to travel, as Bunny said, was a sharp dresser and fond of cigars. He used to send me to the store to buy cigars for him when he and my grandmother came to visit on Sundays.  He always gave me too much money so that I could buy myself a cookie or piece of candy.  I think he died in 1957 and was 75 or 77 years when he died. He owned real estate in Mt. Vernon, NY, at the time of his death.

 My grandfather was the son of Eleanor Hinton and Mr. Graves (whose first name escapes me at the moment; perhaps it was Willis). My grandfather had 4 siblings.  One, Willis Graves, was an attorney in Detroit.  Willis brought the famous restrictive covenant case, Sipes v. McGhee, in state court in Michigan.  The case was subsequently argued on appeal by Thurgood Marshall at the US Supreme Court.  The US Supreme Court's favorable decision in that case made any use of language in real estate deeds barring the sale of property to Blacks and others based on race unconstitutional and therefore illegal.

Another brother, George, was a talented carpenter who built show rooms for Helena Rubenstein in NY and I suspect other stores.  My grandfather had two sisters:  Martha and Christine, I believe.  Both of them died very young in life from illness. Unfortunately, because they died so young, little is known about them, though I do own a beautiful ring that originally belonged to Christine and was passed on to me from mother. None of my grandfather's siblings had children.

This is what I recall from stories told over the years and from the family gatherings we had.  I appreciate your interest in my grandfather.  He was a delightful man and my grandmother was a very special woman.  They made a great team.  My other cousins might have other memories that can expand or clarify some of what I recall.  I would love to see the article you write and hope this message arrives in time to make your deadline. 

Sincerely,
Susan Mask

Brother Skip...Thanks so much for the valuable information.  About the Delta connection, there are nine (9) Deltas in my immediate family, this include my wife and two (2) daughters.  Yes, all of them love Alpha Men.

Another question:  The founder of Atlanta Life Insurance, Herndon...was he an initiated Brother?...Walter White, how about his choice?

A. J. Garth
Advisor to Eta Phi Chi Chapter
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Skip- Nine Delta's, my,my, my. Herndon was an exalted honorary member made in 1920 and Walter White was not a member of any fraternity to my knowledge.

WHERE ARE THE OLDEST LIVING ALPHAS?

Brother Mason,
Do you have any records on the oldest living brother to date? 
Fraternally, Sean Hall

Skip's Note: BROTHERS, SEND ME THE NAMES OF THE OLDEST BROTHERS IN YOUR AREA. 
I'D LIKE TO COMPILE A LISTING OF THEM. THIS IS WHERE THE REAL ALPHA KNOWLEDGE IS. Perhaps we can compile a list and pass it on the Historical Commission.

ANOTHER ONE ON THE DUKE

Skip,

What's up.  This is Phil W.W.D.  I received a lot of letters and such from the brothers at Bluefield on this situation regarding Duke Ellington and his initiation into Alpha. It was more than interesting in that we now  cherish the fact that he is an Alpha, but back then, hell would have frozen if he been truly accepted until the latter part.  Duke had received his associates degree, but not the full 4 year. Vast letters from the Midwestern Regional Vice President informed them not to make Duke, but they did anyway.  The next person to jump in on this was the National Executive Secretary and then ultimately when he started becoming the "sh-t" they gave in. If you want, I can look up the brothers name who sent me this information.

Most Fraternal, 
Phillip W.W.D. Rodgers, 

A BROTHER RESPONDS: BROTHERS IN THE NFL

Skip,

If you're still looking for assistance in identifying brothers in the NFL, contact Brother J. Wayman Henry. He may be able to assist you as he is VP of Sports & Entertainment Inc. [SEI], which is owned by Bro. Michael D. Jackson [formerly/currently of the Baltimore Ravens] 
http://www.bigplayentertainment.com

Brother Mills

Skip- Thanks for this information. I know Brother Henry and will contact him on this list.  With the Superbowl in my hometown of Atlanta, Brother Henry is  the "man."  I ain't heavy, I just want some good seats to the Superbowl.

Bro. Mason,

Greetings, goodwill is the monarch of this house! My question is similar to one posed earlier. I have been told that Terrell Davis (Denver Broncos) is Frat. Do you know if it's true? Where and when? It always seems as if the Omegas get all the athletic credit, but I know we have many Bruhs representing!  If you could verify any of these it would be great for other Brothers', who are sports fans, to know who to really root for!

Terrell Davis, Carnell Lake
Bobby Phills, Chris Mills, Chauncey Billups
I'm sure there are others out there.

Fraternally, 
Chris Brown

Skip's Note: I will wait for a ruling from Brother Henry. So look for it soon. 

ZORA NEALE HURSTON AND THE LOVE OF HER LIFE WAS AN ALPHA:

A journalist friend of mine is writing an biography of Harlem Renaissance literary figure Zora Neale Hurston, who was member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She was initiated at Alpha Chapter at Howard University in the 1920's. The  writer of the biography Valerie Boyd is looking for information on Zora's  love interest, a man who was also a member of the fraternity. Here is her  note to me:

Dear Skip
 
Thanks for your message. That reminds me that I was going to tell you more about the Alpha man I'm looking for. As I mentioned before, this was the man Zora had a major romance with--the man who inspired Tea Cake. His name was Percival McGuire Punter. He graduated from City College of New York in 1934 and received a Master's from Columbia in 1935. In 1967, according to a  newspaper clipping, he was working for the U.S. Labor Department, and living  with his wife and daughter in Queens. He died, I believe, in the early 1980s,  but I'm just trying to find out if there is any more information on him. Is his daughter still alive, for instance, and where  might she live? Did he have other kids? What else might the  Let me know what you find -- and if you need more info from  me.....

Brothers  from New York are you familiar with the name, the chapter, etc. Let me know. 

 LETTERS FROM THE BROTHERS:

Thanks for the update....Skip there is nothing that NATIONAL can do to stop you from your ALPHA MINISTRY to us...If what you were doing was not wothwhile, then they would not have reacted. Always remember this:"WHATEVER CHECK GOD HAS WRITTEN OUT TO YOU, NO ONE
ELSE CAN CASH IT." Keep your hands on the Alpha plow and keep plowing.....

Skip not only have you been called to preach, but what you are doing with the Frat's history is a ministry and to hell with the people who don't see it that way...JESUS NEVER STOPPED PREACHING BECAUSE THE PHARISEES AND SADDUCEES WERE AGAINST HIM....IN FACT HE PREACHED EVEN HARDER!!!....

Peace and joy from me 2 U!!!
Bro. Rev. Kenneth Walker
ETA Alpha
SPR '86

Skip's Note- By the way, my brother and friend Ken(above) one of Atlanta's movers and shakers and a mighty preacher,  will be getting married in August to a soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Miss Tiffany Cochran, who is a television reporter and weekend anchor in Atlanta. Ken  will become the son in-law of 
Tiffany's Kappa dad, the legendary "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit" Attorney Johnnie Cochran. Ken has asked me to organize the brothers who will be present to serenade his bride in song with the singing of the traditional Alpha hymn during the wedding reception. Look for it Jet or Ebony in the fall. I gonna try to get in on some pictures.  SMILE

**************************************************************************
 Skip,
One month ago,  when you asked of me to forward you my email listings of the brothers I had on file for insights you planned to produce about our fraternity's history. I never imagined it would become so enlightened and, yes, so "ADDICTIVE." I can vouch for myself and I am sure, as well as many other bruhs who receive the historical moments, that each morning seems too long to get here to read another exciting part of our history. Each week I continue to receive requests from bruhs  to have their names added
to  the list or mention that they have requested by you to be added. I say this to thank you for the wonderful knowledge, spirit, enthusiasm and most of all for the fraternal insights that you have been able to give to us. I  only wish you the best of luck and I wish for the success of your book and the historical moments.  From day one you have had my support and you will most defiantly continue to have it. May God Bless You.

Fraternally Yours,
Bro. Montrell Dobbins
Spr. 96' S.S.O.M
 
ICE ICE BABY, TOO COLD, TOO COLD
 
Thank you, for renewing my interest in the history of this great fraternity. I have the newsletters from issues 9-15.  How can I obtain the back issues? At the time I pledged (Spring 1988 Pi Kappa Chapter) we would yell with pride "Ice Ice Baby."  After a certain rapper made that chant a part of his hit song, this chant was no longer said with pride or at all on my campus.  I have been off campus for several years now and I've often wondered if brothers still use this chant and more importantly are there any other Alpha traditions that have disappeared over the years?
Brother John Dokes

Skip's Note: Well Jewel Vertner Woodson Tandy did say in 1937 at the convention in New Orleans, "We(Alpha's) must fight till hell freezes over and then fight on the ice! (The full text of that speech is in my book, "The Talented Tenth) I don't know whether or not it is still being used. Is it brothers let me know.
***************************************************************
 Bro. Mason,

I am a neopyte at Beta Chapter and I just wanted you to know that your historical insights to the fraternity have filled me with so much pride and love for as I have not known before.  I am one of those people who
was attracted to Alpha for the rich heritage it had and your articles make me so proud to be a brother of Alpha.  I am too new in the 'hood to understand the party politics behind your situation with the general organization but I wish you the best.Your insights are easily the rival of beloved history by Most Noble
Lord Charles Harris Wesley.

Please keep all your writings coming and if you can, send me a copy of the issue featuring the conection between A Phi A and DST.  My sister is a Delta and I would like to share that one with her.

Fraternally,
P. Kobina N. Yankah
3-B-99/ Osei
******************************************************
Bro. Mason,

I want to commend you for the task performed.  We all should realize that such a monumental effort deserves the support of every brother proud to proclaim his involvement with this fraternity.  Comprising information to chronicle our existence will only enhance our present posture.  Your work is a testimony to , "First of all, servants of all, we shall transcend all."

Fraternally,
Lloyd T. McGriff
 

Bro Mason;

Thank you so much for these daily historical moments!  The service you are providing to the Brotherhood is immeasurable!  There is so much about our history that we don't learn in our processes, and I
am so thankful that a Brother has taken it upon himself to enlighten us all. These insights are fascinating.. you are doing an amazing job. Keep 'em coming!

Fraternally,
#2 TLD Notorious Nu Mu
Dane A. Elliott-Lewis
Aerospace Design / Development Engineer

ALPHA'S INTER-RACIAL HISTORY BEING SOUGT:
Brother Mason,

First, I must tell you that your historical insight is an inspiration.  You are truly a blessing to the brotherhood. All I want toknow is when will you step up to the post of National Historian and revise the history book? I would like to know if you could tell me how much the hard backcopies of your book will be?  I ordered the paperback already.  Also, Iam still working on my piece on white brothers.  However, I can not seem to find Bernard Levin (first white bro) nor Roger Youmans (first white bro to speak at a convention).  Do you have any leads?

Fraternally,
Bro. Greg Parks

Skip's Note- Brother Parks is phenomenal brother. He organized a group of brothers he knew and asked them to gather every email address of an Alpha they could get their hands on. Did I say they sent hundreds from all over the country. I am so grateful to him and the others who did this not for me but for the opportunity to share SHM with a larger body. Greg is  working on an article on the white brothers of  Alpha, which I will contribute to. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, please email me at hmason1906@aol.com

HE JUST COULDN'T HELP IT!
Bro. Mason,

It was good that you could reply. I pledged Delta Delta, Albany State University in Albany, Ga. Sebastian, my older brother pledged Iota Eta, Mercer University. Olu, my cousin also pledged Iota Eta.  Another cousin of mine, Shelton, is about to pledge at Livingstone College.  I couldn't help but to pledge Alpha. It's not a family thing. To me the Fraternity is life and it brings new meaning to a part of me in the diaspora.   I look forward to hearing from you.

Until then...
Paul
 

FROM THE PAN HELLENIC ARCHIVES

Check out Jet (May 31, 1999) with Mariah Carey on the cover. Inside is a photo of Keshia Knight Pulliam(remember Rudy from the Cosby Show) holding her Delta Sigma Theta Pillow. I indicated a few issues ago that she was recently initiated into the chapter at Spelman. I last saw her supporting the brothers at the Alpha Talent show at Georgia Tech last semester. Rudy's all grown up and will be a junior this fall. Wonder if Bill Cosby being an Omega had anything to do with that. No. Keshia has aunts  who are Delta's. They came to Atlanta to pin her according to the article.

FOR YOU BROTHERS WHO ARE MARRIED TO SORORS OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA, I AM PLEASED TO INFORM YOU THAT THE FOLLOWING JEWEL AND GENERAL PRESIDENTS WERE ALSO MARRIED TO THOSE PHENOMENAL WOMEN OF THE PINK AND GREEN:

Jewel Henry Arthur Callis and his wife Myra
6th GP- Henry Lake Dickason and his wife
16th GP -Belford V. Lawson and wife Marjorie
20th GP William Hale and his wife Larzette(former Supreme Basileus)
21th GP- T.Winston Cole and his wife
22th GP - Lionel Newsom and his wife Maxine
24th  GP - Walter Washington and his wife Carolyn
25th GP James Williams and his wife Cathy
29th GP Milton Davis and his wife Myrtle
30th Adrian Wallace and his wife Alice

In tribute of this relationship,  I reprint this poem written by Soror  Keisha Moore
Theta Gamma Chapter /Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
 
I AM ALPHA

In 1906, 7 young men from Cornell. 
Shared a vision that could never fail
Their vision was made a reality
Creating for all others, an opportunity
The first black Greek organization was created
A brotherhood never to be duplicated
A selective union, allowing only a certain type of man
An ALPHA man strong , intelligent and proud
That type of man who stands out in a crowd
Emphasizing service and unity
A model which others would soon see
They were the founding fathers who led the way
And then from ALPHA came AKA
Created by 20 precious pearls 
1908 was the year of the pretty girls
The first black Greek sorority
Holding true values of  unity,
Scholarship, and service to all mankind
The model woman for all womankind
With this the first family is now complete
Accept the truth and bow before our feet
Don't deny your history, for it is the truth
You should never deny me, you must respect your roots
I am your mother
I am your father
I am
ALPHA_PHI_ALPHA_KAPPA_ALPHA_PHI_ALPHA_KAPPA_ALPHA_PHI_ALPHA

Soror Keisha Moore
Theta Gamma Chapter
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
  

I NORMALLY WOULD NOT INCLUDE THIS, BUT THERE MAY BE A BROTHER WHO IS 
INTERESTED. SO IN THE SPIRIT OF JEWEL CHARLES HENRY CHAPMAN WHO LOVED 
ANIMALS, READ ON:

Do you know of a minority student whose dream is to be a veterinarian? The University of Pennsylvania has asked for assistance in identifying two minority students meeting the credentials to enter the veterinary school. If you know of anyone interested please forward their name to Dr. McConnell. They will fund two students for four years. Normal price for one year is over $30,000.00  PLEASE RESPOND DIRECTLY TO: Irving W.McConnell, D.V.M. President, The McConnell Group, 3670 Morrison
Way Doylestown, PA 18901. 215-230-5531/215-230-9469 (fax)/ E-mail: 
Irvingmcc@aol.com 
<mailto:Irvingmcc@aol.com>
<mailto:Irvingmcc@aol.com>
<mailto:Irvingmcc@aol.com> 
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
BOOK ORDER FORM:
THE TALENTED TENTH:
THE FOUNDERS AND 30 GENERAL PRESIDENTS
OF  Alpha
By Skip Mason
Foreword by Brother Andrew Young
 

Dust Jacket comments from:
Brother Lenny Wilkens, Coach, Atlanta Hawks,
Brother Maynard Jackson, former Mayor of Atlanta
Brother Dennis Kimbro, author of "Think and Grow Rich" and "What Makes the 
Great Great?
Brother Dr. Thomas W. Cole, President, Clark Atlanta University

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 .
_________________________

$25.00 (Soft back)                  $32.50 (Hard back)
This is still pre-publication price. So get it while it last!

ORDER FORM
Please send me ______ copies at  ___________. Total enclosed: $____________
(add $3.20 for shipping for each copy/ 6% sales tax each copy)

Ship books to:

NAME_________________________

ADDRESS_________________

CITY STATE ZIP____

email address______________

INDICATE IF YOU WANT BOOK INSCRIBED AND TO WHOM_______________

____________________

To order, send order form, check or money order made payable to  Skip Mason to:
Skip Mason/The Talented Tenth    564 Blake Avenue, SE  Atlanta, Georgia 30316

__________