Atlanta University Bulletin Published Quarterly by Atlanta L Niversity ATLANTA, GEORGIA

The Atlanta University Bulletin Published Quarterly by Atlanta L niversity ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Series III JULY, 1938 No. 23

THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Entered a* second-claj matter February 28. 1935. at the Pont Office at Atlanta. Georgia. under the Act of August 24. 1912. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in the Act of February 28, 1926, 588, P. L. & R. Page 2 THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY RULLETIN July, 1938

A Tribute to the Memory of James Weldon Johnson

A soul-stirring poem set to equally soul-stirring music, ONtragicSunday,accidentJune in26th,Maine,of thewepresentlost oneyear,of thein aforemostsudden this is undoubtedly one of the lasting contributions of James Americans of our generation. Weldon Johnson. Born some 67 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida, James To literary America his best known verses are the seven Weldon Johnson had at the age of 23 been graduated from Negro sermons published under the title of “God’s Trom¬ Atlanta University with the class of 1894. That he had com¬ bones.” In these he has immortalized the old-time Negro pleted his work with honor at this time was an indication of preacher and his message. what He wrote might be expected from this most talented man. the lyrics of many of the popular songs of a The years of his life encompassed a career so rich and generation ago—one of these, “Sence You Went Away,” was varied that one now hesitates in naming the field in which sung by Amato of the Metropolitan Opera Company, later he made the most noteworthy contribution. recorded by John McCormack with a violin obligato by Mr. Johnson might well be classed with the American Fritz Kreisler, and more recently has been included in the men of letters. His fictitious “Autobiography of an Ex- program of Paul Robeson. Colored Man,” his striking account of his own full life James Weldon Johnson will be remembered as a diplomat entitled. “Along This Way,” his last book, “Negro Ameri¬ and a statesman of the first rank. Although in the service of cans, What Now?” constitute a literary trilogy in which the the United States government he was never listed higher social history of these United States from 1880 to 1935 is than Consul at Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, in life he rose clearly mirrored. In the field of poetry his contributions to the high place of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister are perhaps better known, due largely, I believe, to the Plenipotentiary of the Negro to the courts of the world. In verses what James Weldon Johnson wrote which were set to music he said, in what he did, in what he actually was, Mr. by his talented brother, J. Rosamund Johnson, which to¬ Johnson was a continuing revelation of the unlimited pos¬ gether have come to constitute what is familiarly known as sibilities of the individual—even though that individual be the Negro National Anthem and as such is sung by black a black man. With dignity and with courage he presented and white audiences alike in these United States. Originally the handicaps and the disadvantages under which darker written for a school celebration in a Florida city on the America lived. As an officer of the National Association for the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, it has found its Advancement of Colored People, as a lecturer on a way into the most select folio of our national music. Mr. thousand platforms he challenged this country to prove its Johnson recalls his surprise at once having heard it sung claims to democracy. at a Bryn Mawr College Summer Session; less than two Mr. Johnson might also be grouped with the educators of weeks before his death, I had the surprise and pleasure of our day. During the vacation period between his freshman hearing this song coming from the throats of more than and sophomore years at Atlanta University he served his five hundred of the finest young white students of the South, apprenticeship in the classroom as an instructor in a small representatives of the leading colleges and universities of rural school in Georgia. At the time of his death he was their section. dividing his time between Fisk University in Nashville, The words of this poem are so beautiful, the theme is so Tennessee, where he Avas Professor of Creative Literature, lofty, the imagery of it so descriptive of the struggles and and New York University, where as Visiting Professor in hardships of all early American life and so expressive of the Department of English, he was one of the most popular the hope and faith and ideals which are America of today, members of the staff. that I am bold enough to suggest the possibility of this As a member of the Board of Trustees of Atlanta Univer¬ becoming one of the great national anthems of all the people sity continuously since 1924, James Weldon Johnson was of our land. one of those in the transitional period between the old and Every real American can thrill to the lines of the final the new Atlanta who, by clear and impartial thinking, made stanza: it possible to launch a greater institution while at the same time God of our weary years, seeing that none of the fine traditions and great work of the old were lost. God of our silent tears, A few short days ago-—only yesterday it seems—I re¬ Thou who has brought us thus far on the way, ceived a note from him in which he expressed regrets at not Thou who hast by Thy might being able to attend the annual meeting of the Board; he Led us into the light, begged to be excused, he was scheduled to speak in Spring- Keep us forever in the path, we pray, field, Illinois, and to place a wreath at the tomb of the Great Lest our feet stray from the places, our God. Emancipator. Today, Atlanta University pays its where we met Thee, tribute, lays its wreath at the new' fresh grave of Mr. John¬

son, one of its most sons. . . . Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the distinguished Tomorrow? tomorrow, God willing, some remembering relative or friend world, we forget Thee, will honor you and me in some such simple solemn fashion. Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May each of us but hope that when we are called to appear May we forever stand, before the Great White Throne of God we may feel as did True to our God, true to our Native Land. (Continued on page 4, column 1) July, 1938 THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY BULLETIN Page 3

JAMES WELDON JOHNSON A Biographical Sketch James Weldon Johnson, illustrious graduate of Atlanta l niversity in the class of 1894, and for the past fourteen years a member of the board of trustees of his alma mater, died on Sunday, June 26, 1938, in a tragic automobile ac¬ cident at Wiscasset, Maine. His wife suffered a severely fractured skull and other injuries in the same accident. The Johnsons were returning to their summer home at Great Barrington, Massachusetts, after visiting Dean George E. Payne of A ew York University at his home in Pleasant Point, Maine, when their car was struck by an eastbound Maine Central railway train. Death for Mr. Johnson uas instantaneous. Funeral services were held in the historic Salem M. E. Church in New York City. The deceased teas buried, as he had requested, in his working clothes of a lounging robe and formal morning trousers, with a copy of “God's Trombones” in his hands.

Native of Florida Born in Jacksonville, Florida, James Weldon Johnson achieved eminence as an author, lecturer, diplomat, and professor. He was successively a high school teacher and principal, and later practiced law in Jacksonville. In 1901 he removed to Neiv York City to collaborate with his brother, J. Rosamund Johnson, in writing popular songs.

Appointed to Diplomatic Service During the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, James Weldon Johnson was appointed United States Consul at Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, and later he served at Corinto, Nicaragua, succeeding amazingly well at both posts.

Author of Note JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Dr. Johnson next turned to writing and made a sensation . . . wreath at the new fresh grave” with his book “The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man.” He also published “Fifty Years and Other Poems,” “Self- Determining Haiti,” “The Book of American Negro Spir¬ Editorial Comments Following the Death of ituals,” “Cod's Trombones,” “Black Manhattan,” and “Negro Americans, What Now?' Mr. Johnson was a con¬ James Weldon Johnson tributor to many leading magazines including American Few lives are so rich in various experience and accom¬ Mercury, Century, Harpers, The Crisis, and the revised plishment as his, so tragically ended. Teacher of pupils edition of the years was Encyclopaedia Brittanica. For he whose tuition fee was 5 cents apiece, lawyer, editor, poet, the able secretary of the National Association for the Ad¬ maker of songs that were in everybody’s mouth, a consul vancement of Colored People, and since 1930 he had been who won the confidence of American naval officers and com¬ professor of creative literature at Fisk University. For two manded a detachment of sailors in a Central American revo¬ years to was prior his death he visiting professor of litera¬ lution, a politician with Roosevelt and Harding, he was to ture at New York University. become one of the foremost of Negro leaders. His efforts to Received Many Honors end lynching—once he came near being lynched—and his unflagging zeal as an officer of the National Association for Dr. Johnson received many honors during his lifetime. the Advancement of Colored People are enough to maintain He uas awarded three honorary degrees—the M.A. degree his memory. from Atlanta University in 1904. and the Litt.D. from Tal¬ But it is as the writer and the educator and fosterer of ladega College in 1917 and Howard University in 1923. writers that he was most noteworthv. His autobiography, He was the president of the National Advisory Council of “Along This W ay, is full of humor and curious incident. Delta Phi Delta, honorary journalistic society, a director of His two collections of “Negro Spirituals give us the strange, the American Fund for Public Service, and a member of impressive rhythm and music of these folk hymns or chants. the Ethical Society. In 1923 he received the Spingarn Aw ard The titles of some are poems. The words paint the scene for outstanding achievement and service to the \egro race. with the vividness of hallucination. In “God’s Trombones” The deceased is survived by his wife, the former Grace he translated into poetry the religious passion of Negro Nail, of New York City, ami his brother, the well-known preachers. composer, J. Rosamund Johnson. Continued on next pofte) Pape 4 THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY BULLETIN July, 1938

A student of origins, he reverenced the “black and un¬ Recent Publications by Members of the known bards of long ago." We can imagine what pleasure he must have had in the appearance a few years back of University System geniuses like Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen, and A new edition of other artists of the Negro Renaissance. “Our Lady’s Choir,” a book of poetry —Editorial, New York Times, June 28, 1938. written by Catholic Sisters and edited by William Stanley Braithwaite, literary critic and poet and professor of creative writing and literary criticism at Atlanta University, has James Weldon made Johnson, who was killed Sunday in a its appearance on the shelves of book stores through¬ grade-crossing accident in Maine, was, by whatever measure, out the country. an extraordinary man. It probably is not too much to say “Country Life Stories,” a publication by Elizabeth Perry that he was the most distinguished in Negro the United Cannon, of the Department of Education at Spelman College States. A man of great personal dignity, he fought over the and Atlanta University, and Helen Adele Whiting, super¬ long years—never reason¬ extravagantly but always with visor of colored elementary schools of Georgia, is making ableness—for the just race. recognition of the black He available for the first time in the history of education in believed in the ability of the American Negro to produce this country a book written by Negro educators to meet the genuinely original art and literature, and he wrote and specific educational needs of children and teachers in the spoke persuasively of the contributions of the black man, rural Negro communities in the South. The first copies was a were on particularly in the fields of poetry and music. He display at the National Education Association meet¬ shrewd politician, and rebelled at the idea that the Negro ing in Atlantic City. should be used as the catspaw of any one political party. The Colored Division of the National Youth Administra¬ Negroes everywhere, as well as every white American, have tion in Atlanta has issued a brochure entitled “The Secre¬ every reason to be proud of this long and useful life. tarial Eield as a Career for Negro Boys and Girls.” This To he sure, he had unusual talents. He had many “firsts brochure contains much to his credit—the first interesting information which Negro college student to pitch a curve should be ball, the first especially helpful to anyone seeking points of Negro to gain a place on the faculty of New correctness before York going into the secretarial field. It was University, and so on. He could write popular songs, written by Castella Janet Clark, secretary to the registrar but he also could write moving poetry and a clear and force¬ of Atlanta University and Morehouse College. ful prose, and he was the author of that hymn which has In the issue of the Romanic come to be known as the Negro national anthem, “Lift February Review, a publica¬ tion of Columbia Ev’ry Voice.” He and his highly gifted brother, Rosamund University in New York City, is an article by Dr. Mercer Cook, chairman of the Johnson, were popular and familiar figures in Tin Pan Department of French at Atlanta University. The article is Alley almost forty years ago. But James Weldon Johnson entitled, “Ampere and Sainte-Beuve—the was much more than that. He had been editor, diplomatist, Study of an Influence.” lecturer, educator, reformer. There was nothing cringing or apologetic in his make-up: likewise, there was nothing brash. He was a scholarly gentleman whose name will be remem¬ bered as long as there are records of the romantic and Faculty Notes always poignant story of the black man in America. He understood this story, this struggle, in all its sadness and At the June commencement, Harvard University awarded all its the doctor of bravery. philosophy degree to William H. Dean, Jr., a —Editorial, New York Herald Tribune, June 28, 1938. member of the economics faculty at Atlanta University. A portion of Dr. Dean’s dissertation will be published by the Harvard University Press for classroom use. A Tribute to the Memory of Janies Weldon Johnson John Hope, Jr., also a member of the economics faculty (Continued from page 2) at Atlanta University and the manager of the University James Weldon Johnson when, in thinking of the end of life Book Shop, matriculated at the University of Chicago in some thirty years ago, he wrote: January, where he is working toward his doctor of philos¬ So when my feeble sun burns out, ophy degree. Mr. Hope, who is the younger son of the And sounded is the hour for my long sleep former president of Atlanta University, was the recipient Shall I, full weary of the feverish light. of a General Education Board award. Welcome the darkness without fear or doubt, The department of mathematics has been And. heavy-lidded. I shall softly creep strengthened by the Into the quiet bosom of the night. appointment of Dr. Joseph A. Pierce, an alumnus of Atlanta University, and formerly professor of mathematics James Weldon Johnson, author, educator, statesman: at Wiley College. Dr. Pierce, who on June 18 was awarded shining example of the sacredness of the individual: firm the degree of doctor of philosophy by the l niversity of believer in the rights of all men; happy warrior home from Michigan, is co-author of Introductory the fray; Alma Mater salutes you! God rest you, now and College Mathematics, a freshman forever more. college textbook. He holds full membership in Sigma Xi, national honorary scientific society. (An address delivered by Dr. Rufus E. Clement, President, Atlanta Dr. Rayford W. Logan, for the past five years a member University, Atlanta, Georgia, in Cleveland, Ohio, on the “Wings Over of Atlanta Jordan'’ program, Sunday morning, August 14, 1938. Columbia University’s history department, resigned his post Broadcasting System.) in June to join the history faculty at Howard University. July, 1938 THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY BULLETIN Page 5

Summer School Ends Largest Session With Students of the Dance at Spelman College Give 786 Enrolled in College and Graduate Courses Demonstration

The American Association for Health and Seven hundred and eighty-six men and women were en¬ Physical Edu¬ rolled in the 1938 session of the Atlanta University Sum¬ cation, which held its annual convention in Atlanta during the week of mer School, which opened on the campuses of the affiliated April 17, invited Spelman College to partici¬ schools on June 13, and closed on July 22. These students, pate in the activities of the Section of the Dance. taking advantage of approximately 130 college and graduate Under the direction of Miss Florence M. W arwick. who conducted the courses in art, biology, chemistry, economics, education, demonstration, a program was given in Howe Memorial Hall on the afternoon of English and dramatics, French. German, history, home eco¬ April 21. in which dance nomics, Latin, mathematics, music, physical education, phi¬ techniques were shown, and a dance of the Negro, which was an losophy. and sociology, represented the wide area of 22 original composition of the director, was exhibited. Music for the latter was states, the District of Columbia, South America, South Af¬ written by Willis Laurence James, a mem¬ rica. and the Virgin Islands. One hundred and fifty-eight ber of the Spelman College music faculty. children were enrolled in the progressive education demon¬ stration school, and twenty-seven ministers and religious workers attended the ministers institute. Life Work of Dr. John Hope Reviewed The record-breaking enrollment during the past session may be attributed to the wide scope of the University’s pro¬ The life work of Dr. John Hope was reviewed in a memo¬ gram, which had been designed to care for almost every rial service held by the students of Morehouse College on educational need that students and teachers in this section February 21 in Sale Hall. The principal speaker at the of the country are confronted with at the present time. exercises, George W ashington, 38. of Corsicana, Texas, was Largely attended the curriculum laboratory, in which recalled the life of the great educator, who was the first teachers from all parts of Georgia and many other southern Negro president of Morehouse College, and who for more slates studied the technique of curriculum-building. Other than a quarter of a century was connected with the institu¬ features included a school for teacher-librarians, which was tion, first as a teacher and later as its president. conducted in cooperation with the American Library Asso¬ Describing the greatest achievement of John Hope’s life ciation. and in which beginning and advanced students were as his success in bringing together the several institutions enrolled; an institute for teachers in rural schools, where in Atlanta, the speaker declared Dr. Hope's first and greatest during a ten days’ intensive period, programs of life-related interest to be the education of Negro youth and the upbuild¬ instruction in the rural school were studied by 161 teachers ing of Morehouse College and later, Atlanta University. He and 14 states; an career principals from southern institute in divided the of the great educator into three categories; health conducted by a representative of the American Red first as a tremendous stimulus and an advancement to the Cross; and a school of the theatre, which offered for the sec¬ educational life of the American Negro; second as an ex¬ ond season summer courses in acting, directing, speech, body ceptional aid to the betterment of interracial relations; and movement, and arts of the theatre to students interested in third as an advancement to the general social development fostering dramatics in their own schools and communities. of the life of the Negro people. Significant during this session was the work of 32 Jeanes Just before the close of the services, a supervisors and high school principals from the state of large photograph in color of Dr. Hope, which was made during the time that Georgia, who gave full time to the development of programs he was president of Morehouse was which can he to College, unveiled by adapted various types of schools through¬ Edward E. out the state. Holt, 38, of Atlanta, with the words: “The

memory of a man who won and influenced friends ... a The summer school, since 1933, has been operated by man whose personality and character were sufficient to make \tlanta l Diversity in conjunction with the six other institu¬ his fellowmen follow him. ... Dr. Hope’s leadership would tions of higher education for Negroes in Atlanta—More¬ not have been as beneficial had he set his house goal toward College, Spelman College, the Atlanta School of materialistic rewards that would have been buried with Social Work. Clark University, Morris Brown College, and him." Gammon 1 heological Seminary. I his year 251 men and exercises in Hall assem¬ women carried graduate work in 10 departments. Following the Sale Chapel the blage led by the senior class in academic garb, marched to the grave of Dr. Hope on the campus of Atlanta l niversitv. Here a wreath was placed on the grave b\ two members of Indiana School Renamed for John Hope the class, and the pledge of perpetuation b\ which the stu¬ dents of Morehouse solemn!\ declare to hold forever sacred The “John Hope School” is the new name bestowed on tin* ideals of the institution as conceived and taught b\ Dr. School No. 26 in Indianapolis. Indiana, one of the largest Hope was repeated in unison by the sponsors. The singing and best equipped public schools for Negroes in the Middle of the Morehouse hymn concluded the exercises. West. The school was renamed on April 15 b\ the Indian¬ The memory of Dr. Hope was honored again during the apolis Board of School Commissioners in honor of the great year on \pril 2. when the \tlanta Bo\ Scouts held memorial educator. services at the campus grave. Page 6 THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY BULLETIN July, 1938

Atlanta School of Social Work to Be Affiliated With Atlanta University

THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Program enriched and strengthened

spects as the School of Social Work of the University and ONEtheofhistorythe mostof thesignificantAtlanta Schooland progressiveof Social changesWork willin will be called the Atlanta University School of Social Work. take place on September 1 when this institution will Members of the faculty of the School will become members become affiliated with Atlanta University. of the faculty of the University, and the operations of the Graduates to Receive Master’s Degrees School shall be in accordance with the requirements of the statutes of the Students entering the School who satisfactorily complete University. the prescribed two-year course will be awarded the Master The program of the School will be largely enriched and of Social Work degree by Atlanta University. This is in strengthened by this affiliation, and its educational and gen¬ accordance with the modern trend toward coordination of eral curriculum, as well as the standard and rating which it educational programs and with the recent agreement of the has consistently maintained over a period of years will member schools of the American Association of Schools of remain substantially unaltered. The close relationship with Social Work that all member institutions become affiliated active social agencies, both through formal field work proj¬ with some university. While all the member schools but one ects and through more informal cooperation in the develop¬ now have university affiliation, not all are able to award ment of the School’s educational objectives and methods, master’s degrees because not all are offering two years of will be consistently maintained as a decisive factor in the post-graduate work, as is the case in the Atlanta school. upbuilding of its program. Retains Separate Corporate Existence The offices of the School, as well as classrooms, will Retaining its separate corporate existence and financial remain at their present location, 247 Henry Street, South¬ responsibility, the School will operate in all essential re¬ west, Atlanta, Georgia. July, 1938 THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY BULLETIN Page 7

The Rural Institute Morehouse and Spelman Colleges Hold Founders Day Celebrations mer session at Atlanta University, recently closed its The Rural Institute, held for ten days during the sum¬ The founders of Morehouse and Spelman were honored most successful season since a reorganization of the Institute’s program in 1933. Until five years ago, it had by these colleges during the months of February and April. been the established policy of the Institute to provide as Morehouse’s 71st anniversary on February 18 was at¬ many speakers and topics as the short period would allow, tended by students, alumni, and friends of the College. The and each year the same type of lecture and discussion was speaker on the occasion was Edward Swain Hope, 23, super¬ repeated. intendent of buildings and grounds at Howard University, When Benjamin F. Bullock, who conducted the first in Washington, D. C., who was selected in the traditional courses in rural education at Spelman and Morehouse Col¬ manner of leges, was appointed director of the Rural Institute in 1933, inviting an outstanding Morehouse man to make he began his job by making a study of the Negro rural the address. An older son of the late Dr. Hope, the speaker schools. His findings revealed that the rural Negro was was born in Graves Hall, one of the two dormitories on the sliding backward in the scale of society, and it was apparent campus. After his graduation from Morehouse, he con¬ that the rural school was one of the chief factors in causing tinued his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Tech¬ this decline. nology, Realizing the need of inspiration to the rural teachers, where he received the degree of bachelor of science in 1926 and the master and finding a lack of the specific information that these degree of of science in civil engineer¬ teachers should possess in making richer and fuller lives ing in 1927. for the people with whom they would come in contact, the From 10:30 to 12:00 noon on Founders Day, there was new plan was carefully worked out by the director in order a regional meeting of the alumni in District No. 1, and at that the Institute might offer a program that would provide 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon, a basketball game was played for the study of definite problems each year, or for different between teams representing Morehouse College and Fisk phases of the same problems. It was the director’s idea to Liniversity, in the College gymnasium. continue the programs over a or period of five six year9, At and through this plan the rural teacher could return to Spelman College, the celebration was held on Monday, summer school each year and look forward to a gradual April 11, on the anniversary of the 57th birthday of the growth in the knowledge and spirit that should be possessed College. Students thrilled to the address delivered by Miss in the building up of a desirable rural community. The Fannie C. Williams, nationally known educator and prin¬ appeal of the new program may be seen in the enrollment cipal of the Valena C. Jones Practice School in New Orleans. figures, which have increased from 26 in 1933 to 161 in On the 1938. morning of Founders Day, the students of the Physical Education Department presented a demonstration In the initial year of the experiment, the Rural Institute directed a special study of “Home Poultry Production.” In by the Dance Group and a series of mimetic exercises on the 1934 the project was confined to “Home Vegetable Gar¬ center campus. This was followed by a brief service in dening,” and in 1935, “Bee-Keeping for the Farmer” was Howe Memorial Hall, in which gifts to the support of the the subject worked out. College by alumnae, friends, faculty and students were an¬ In 1936 the work of the Institute centered around the nounced, and wreaths were hung on the plaques which problems of “Integrating Education with Life in the Open memorialize the services of the founders of Spelman College, Country,” and during this study special attention was given Miss to the problems of making surveys of the communities to Sophia B. Packard and Miss Harriet E. Giles. determine the needs, of selecting and analyzing those to be worked on during any year, and of meeting the needs through the school program. Morehouse Graduate Conducts Own The following year students attending the Institute worked Symphony out a procedure for organizing the rural community for gen¬ eral improvement. Special attention was given to the matter At the Fourteenth Annual Recital of Compositions in the of making improvements in health, recreation, culture, Larger Forms of the School of Music at Indiana University civics, and religion. on June 11, Herbert F. Mells, Morehouse 32, conducted the During the 1938 session, the theme of the Institute was piece which he had composed as a part of his master’s “Life-Related Instruction in the Rural School.” Attention thesis—“Symphony No. 1, in D Minor (Fourth Move¬ here was centered upon the true meaning of the term, and ment) .” the problems of working out a life-related program for the Mr. Mells during the last two years of his career at More¬ rural school. Special types of lessons from three of the house served as pianist for the College orchestra and glee basic aspects of living (health, earning a living, expression club and also as chapel pianist. Significant of his ability of aesthetic and spiritual impulses) were worked out for is the fact that three grade levels. during his first summer at Indiana l Diversity he was one of a small group of students from l Diversity At the close of this session, the Institute sponsored a model the selected to supply the music at a manufacturers' convention community picnic on a large farm in Douglas County, that was (Continued on papr IS, column I) meeting in Indianapolis. Page 8 THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY BULLETIN July, 1938

A SCENE FROM “DIVINE COMEDY”

Work of a young playwright

Summer Theatre Closes Fifth Successful Season Bound, which had the most unusual and beautiful setting of any play presented during the five weeks’ season. The Atlanta University Summer Theatre, which the Stage Most impressive of the Summer Theatre productions was magazine has listed as one of the outstanding dramatic the third play of the season, “Divine Comedy,” which had organizations in the country, recently closed its fifth suc¬ its premiere at the Yale University School of the Drama in cessful season with Maxwell Anderson’s gripping, romantic February, 1938. A modern verse drama in two parts, tragedy, “Mary of Scotland.” First presented at the Alvin “Divine Comedy” was written by Owen Dodson, a member Theatre in New York by the Theatre Guild, “Mary of Scot¬ of the Atlanta University Summer Theatre school staff. The land ' starred in the title role, Helen Hayes. In the campus style and type of production seen in “Divine Comedy” were production, this important part was played by Miss Billie new to Atlanta theatre audiences. The main character of Geter. a member of the Spelman College faculty. the play was not an individual but a chorus of fifteen men and women The season at Atlanta University opened on Tuesday who, with choral speaking and group action, evening, June 21. with the sparkling play “Dulcy,” the first told the story of man s search for a practical religion. comedv of the famous playwrights, George Kaufman and For the fourth week, the Summer Theatre staged “Three Marc Connelly. The following week, beginning June 28. Faces East,” an exciting story by Anthony Kelley, staged the offering was Sutton Vane’s mystery play, “Outward against a background of war, spies, and intrigue. July, 1938 THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY BULLETIN Page 9

Cultural Programs Fill Great Need in University puses a professional group of entertainers—sometimes mu¬ sical. other times theatrical—for the benefit of the com¬ Community munity as well as the student body and faculty. On Feb¬ ruary 19, in keeping with this plan, Robert Emmet Sher¬ Considerable emphasis was placed during the year on the wood’s witty satire, ‘‘The Queen’s Husband, was performed cultural development of the University and the community, by members of the American Repertory Theatre in Howe with the offering of exceptionally fine attractions that might Memorial Hall. Sponsored by such prominent names in the appeal to every type of taste. theatrical world as George Abbott, the successful director of “Brother Rat.’ and on In the field of art, a number of exhibits were on view in Pauline Frederick, famous stage the Exhibition Gallery and in the Foyer of the University and screen, the American Repertory Theatre group included such Library. Some idea of the scope of these exhibits can he players as Ezra Stone, who will be remembered for bis seen by observing the schedule for the year: performance in Eugene O’Neill’s “Ah Wilderness," Barbara Benedict, of the Provincetown Playhouse, Gregory Deane, of October 9—Living American Art Broadway fame, and Lauren Gilbert, of “Private Lives,” and “Death Takes a Holiday.” 15—Japanese Woodcuts Legitimate stage entertainment made its appearance four 30—African Negro Carvings more times at the campus theatre during the season when the November 6—Works of Hale Woodruff University Players brought Elizabeth McFadden's thrilling melodrama. "Double Door, a program of Theatre Arts, 30—European Manuscripts and Booth Tarkington’s three-act comedy, “The Intimate Strangers. Before the final curtain of the season, the December 11-—-Biographical Material of Prince Saunders Players were seen in a bill of three one-act plays, one of which. “Arctic Glory,” was the February 5—-Works of Negro Artists winning play of James D. Browne in the 1938 playwriting contest. Other plays on the —Photographs of African Sculpture bill were “The Seer," by James W. Butcher, and “The Same 11—Portion of \ ast Collection of Henry P. Old Thing,” by Roi Cooper Megrue. The tradition Slaughter. Bibliophile of Washington, D. C. of presenting annually a play from the pen of William Shakespeare by the students of Morehouse Col¬ March 3—French Lithographs and Drawings by lege was revived on April 29 and 30 with the dramatic Honore Daumier vehicle, "Henry the IV—Part I. Considered as the greatest of historical plays written by this author, “Henry the IV” 3—Drawings by Old Masters (from permanent was produced in modern dress and on bare boards, but collection of the University) without emending the text so as to mar the original Shake¬ speare. 27—Negro in Colonial Period May 1—Mexican Art Five 8—Alexander Pushkin Laboratory High Students Receive Awards

Five students in the 11—Seventh Annual Exhibition of the Students Atlanta University Laboratory High School won honors for achievement of Atlanta University, Morehouse College, during the year. Three of this number, Helen Elizabeth Nash. Mary Alice Robinson, and Spelman College and Doris Ada Blayton, were admitted into membership in the Ware Chapter of the National Honor Society of Sec¬ In the realm of music, two accomplished pianists were ondary Schools. They were elected on the basis of scholar¬ beard in Sisters Chapel during the month of February. On ship, leadership, character, and service. the 11th of the month. Josephine Harreld, a graduate of The other awards came from the Spelman College in 1933, was presented under the auspices Georgia Tuberculosis Association. In the State of the Spelman College Alumnae Association, and on the Essay Contest for Negro High 25th, Julian de Gray, of the music faculty of Bennington Schools, in which there were 4,086 entries, two pupils from College, was heard in a brilliant recital. the Laboratory High School received the highest awards. First As a climax to the music season on the campuses, the prize of fifteen dollars went to Edith Henry, daughter of Harreld String Quartet presented a program of exquisite Attorney and Mrs. 1. J. Henry, both of whom are alumni chamber music in Sisters of Chapel on May 15. Ihe ensemble Atlanta I Diversity, and the second prize of ten dollars is made up of Kemper Harreld, director of music at More¬ was won by Eleanor Bell, daughter of President and Mr>- house and W. A. Bell of Miles Me Spelman Colleges, first violin; Willis Laurence •morial College. I hese voung ladies James, of the music were faculty at Spelman College, second members of this year's graduating class at Laboratory violin; Richard Durant, graduate student in Atlanta l Di¬ High, and both were awarded scholarships to Spelman Col¬ versity. viola; and Geraldine Ward, Spelman College junior, lege for next year. Interesting is the fact that they began ’cello. The numbers played gave the artists an opportunity their training in the kindergarten of the Atlanta l niversitv to display their skill on stringed instruments to advantage. Elementary School, have gone straight through the twelve Because of a definite lack in legitimate stage entertain¬ grades in the school, and in the fall will continue their edu¬ ment in Atlanta, the colleges occasionally bring to the cam¬ cation in the Atlanta l niversitv svstem. Page 10 THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY BULLETIN July, 1938

Mathematics: Madelyn Cornelia Commencement Activities at the Affiliated Gray, Atlanta; Carrie Julia Leigh, Atlanta. Schools Sociology: Lottie Louise Bailey, Atlanta; Charlotte Alma Earl, Mobile, Alabama; Marie Gertrude Freeman, Camden, South Caro¬ Hundreds Turned Away at Baccalaureate Service lina; Ruby Pearrena Funchess, Orangeburg, South Carolina; Mae Thelma Harris, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania; Charles Radford Lawrence, Jr., Vicksburg, Mississippi; Martiel Averial McCray, Pensacola, when hundreds of Florida; Callie Mae Montgomery, Atlanta; Etta Julia Rowe, Orange¬ people vainly sought admittance burg, South Carolina. Commencementinto Sisters Chapelweekto washear openedthe combinedon Sunday,baccalaureateJune 5, sermon to the 1938 graduates of Atlanta University, More¬ The degree of master of science was conferred on the following: house College, and Spelman College. Long before the serv¬ Biolocy: Sylvester Virginia Bell, Montgomery, Alabama; DeLoss ices were scheduled to begin, every available seat was filled, Woodson Berry, Baltimore, Maryland; Otis William McCree, College and large numbers thronged the aisles and portals of the Park, Georgia. Chapel to hear Dr. Charles Nathaniel Arbuckle, pastor of Mathematics: William Nichols Jackson, Chattanooga, Tennessee; the First Baptist Church in Newton, Newton Centre, Mas¬ Homer Benjamin Scretchings, Dawson, Georgia. sachusetts, deliver the sermon to the graduating classes. Advising the graduates that they must not expect too much For the first time since its affiliation with Morehouse Col¬ of education. Dr. Arbuckle declared that knowledge was not lege and Spelman College in 1929, Atlanta University con¬ to enough. The important thing, he said, is know what to ferred an honorary doctor of laws degree. This honor was do with knowledge and how to apply it. The application of accorded to the University’s famous professor, Dr. W. E. B. knowledge is wisdom, he said, and this he advised his lis¬ DuBois, by President Clement, with the following citation: teners to get. “Alumnus of Fisk and Harvard Universities, student at the The services were opened with the Triumphant March University of Berlin; one-time director of Conference and from “Aida” by Verdi, which was followed with an organ professor of economics and history at Atlanta University; selection from Handel's “Arioso.” The Atlanta-Morehouse- scholar, who made the first scientific study of the urban Spelman Chorus sang two numbers, the Prayer from “Caval- Negro; authority on the life and history of this racial group; leria Rusticana” by Mascagni, and “Except the Lord Build one of the organizers and for many years an officer of a the House” by Gilchrist. Reverend Ellis Adams Fuller, pas¬ militant association working for the advancement of Negro tor of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta, gave the Scrip¬ people, and leader of the movement to unite the darker races ture reading, and the Prayer was offered by Reverend D. H. of the world; champion of the rights of man, brilliant editor, Stanton, Division Secretary of the American Bible Society. sharp critic of hypocrisy and sham; author, who has con¬ tributed to the finest literature of the nation; distinguished 45 Receive Master’s Degrees at Atlanta University professor of sociology at Atlanta University.” At Atlanta University’s 69th commencement on June 6, Morehouse Awards 65 Degrees 45 received their master’s degree from President Rufus E. Clement, who was completing his first year as the second On June 7, the occasion of Morehouse’s commencement, president of the new Atlanta University. The exercises were 54 received the degree of arts, held in Sisters bachelor of and 11 the degree Chapel, and the commencement speaker was of bachelor of science. An honorary degree of doctor of the dynamic Dr. Edgar Wallace Knight, professor of educa¬ laws was conferred on John Jacob Starks, president of tion at the University of North Carolina. Benedict College, who is a graduate of Morehouse in the The degree of master of arts was conferred upon the fol¬ Class of 1898. The commencement address was delivered by lowing 40 persons, who are listed by departments in which Charles Henry Haynes, professor of history in Talladega they did their major work: College. Economics: George Cletus Birchette, Asheville, North Carolina; Spelman Graduates 48 Darwin Creque, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; Ben Ingersoll, Phenix City, Alabama; Mary Ellen Barnes Johnson, Little Rock, Arkansas; Harry Lee Pettrie, Cincinnati, Ohio. Forty-eight students were graduated from Spelman Col¬ lege on June 8 at commencement exercises that brought to Education : Gertrude Alston Alexander, Elizabeth City, North a final close their four Carolina; Frances Juanita Brock, Pasadena, California; Margaret years of activities in this institution. Isabelle Carter, Providence, Rhode Island; Clinton Nathaniel Cor¬ Dr. Frederick K. Stamm, pastor of the Clinton Avenue nel], Atlanta; Coy Emerson Flagg, Tutwiler, Mississippi; Pinkie Community Church in Brooklyn, New York, was the speaker Louise Gordon, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Eula Mae Muckleroy, Tex¬ on this occasion. To 37 candidates went the degree of arkana, Texas; Juanita Beatrice Terry, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Bazo- bachelor of arts, and to 11, the line Estelle Usher, Atlanta. degree of bachelor of science. Six students finished with honors. English: James Douglas Browne, Baltimore, Maryland; Rosa Carolyn Latimer, Atlanta. 29 Certificates Awarded to High School Students French: Sarah Harris Cureton, Atlanta; Emma Carolyn Lemon, Savannah, Georgia; Bernice Cornelia Oubre, New Orleans, Louisiana. For the eighth consecutive year since its organization as History: Carl Elrod Devane, Raleigh, North Carolina; Emmette a demonstration school, the Atlanta University Laboratory Leslie Henderson, Tuskegee, Alabama; Elizabeth Mae Jackson, Joliet, High School on May 27, held annual commencement exer¬ Illinois; Frances Ethlynde Johnson, Atlanta; Butler Alfonso Jones, cises. Dothan, Alabama; Ruby Mae Jones, Atlanta; Gladys Olga Shirley, TwTenty-nine boys and girls were presented with cer¬ tificates Dawson, Georgia; Charles James Wartman, Ettrick, Virginia. of graduation by President Clement. Eight of this number received honors, and seven were awarded scholar¬ Latin: Lennie Carl Green, Atlanta; Naomi Shocklin Smith, At¬ lanta. ships to Spelman College. July, 1938 THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY BULLETIN Page 11

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REGISTRATION DAY. ATLANTA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

“ this convenient arrangement”

University System Conducts Joint Registration Lecturers on Far-Eastern and International Situation Bring Informative Discussions Seeking to eliminate the unnecessary loss of time involved in Several opportunities to the Far-Eastern situation conducting registration on the three campuses in the hear discussed by men who have lived in the Orient, and who Atlanta I Diversity system, a new plan of registration was from close range have been able to view the policies of the inaugurated on January 31, 1938, when registration for the warring countries, have been provided at Atlanta University this second semester was held. year. On January 18, two ‘‘friendly enemies. Dr. Yutaka Minakuchi of Japan, and Dr. No Yong Park, of The spacious main reading room of the l Diversity Library Manchuria, met in one of the most unique and informative debates that has ever been held on was selected as a central location, and here all teachers in the campus. Dr. Mina¬ kuchi, one of the foremost the colleges and university were stationed. representatives of the Christian Japanese and the onl\ Japanese pastor of an American con¬ \\ ith this convenient arrangement the confusion usually gregation in this country, and Dr. Park, author, lecturer, and prize-winning student on international relations, were attendant on registration days in previous years was avoided. introduced to the large audience by Mr. Ira De A. Reid, of More than 800 College and l diversity students registered the Atlanta University faculty. At their request the audience during the day. (Continued on next pope) Page 12 THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY BULLETIN July, 1938 joined in tlie singing of two Negro spirituals and the Na¬ of 45 pieces under the direction of Kemper Harreld. Assist¬ tional Negro Anthem before the discussion was opened. ing were Willis Laurence James and Mrs. Naomah Williams Maise. I hree student soloists further first-hand information from the Far East was appeared on this program. brought to the students and faculties of the affiliated institu¬ Sixteenth century masters were featured in the first half tions when Dr. kiichi of the Miyake, professor of botany at Tokyo program when the chorus sang “Oh, What a Flood of l diversity in Tokyo, Japan, gave his version of the present Dazzling Light” by Palestrina, “She Is So Dear” by Prae- Sino-Japanese controversy at a University Convocation in torius, and "To Lovely Groves’ by Tessier. In the final Sisters Chapel on March 23. group, the director introduced interesting innovations with combinations of instruments. The first number was the On May 5, three noted speakers, who were in Atlanta under the auspices of the l nited States Office of Education, Prayer from "Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni, for violin and chorus by Noble Cain. This was followed spoke to the members of the University system on current by Liebe- straum international, social, and economic problems. Dr. Fred by Franz Liszt, for chorus, flute, ’cello, and piano, with solos Ingvol stad, authority on international relations, world trav¬ arranged by Noble Cain; and Inflammatus from “Stabat Mater by Rossini, in which the eler and author, spoke on "Dictators on the Way Up or soprano solo was on the Way Out ’; Dr. Joseph S. Kornfeld, director of the sung by Mrs. Naomah Williams Maise. Department of Public Recreation in Columbus, Ohio, spoke The large orchestra especially delighted in the playing of on "When We Are Educated, and Dr. H. Clarence Nixon, the spiritual “I’m Coin’ Home. Other selections rendered professor of history at Tulane University, discussed “The were the lovely “Under the Linden (from Scenes Alsa- South and Education.” ciennes) by Massenet, in which the duet by ’cello and clar¬ inet was A discussion of international affairs was heard in an All- beautifully performed, and the “Blue Danube Waltz” by Strauss, which was University Assembly on February 3 in Howe Memorial Hall enthusiastically rendered. when Harrison Brown, British journalist, lectured for the A group of spirituals, the arrangements of which had Institute of International Research of New York City. been previously unheard in Atlanta, was keenly enjoyed by the audience. They were, “Oh, What a Beautiful Other speakers heard on the campuses of the affiliated City,” arranged by William L. Dawson, “1 Couldn’t Hear schools were Henry P. Slaughter, of Washington, D. C., Nobody Pray, and “I Heard the possessor of one of the most remarkable and extensive col¬ Preaching of the Elders.” lections of works by and about the Negro; Lionel E. Taylor, botanist and explorer, of Vancouver Island, British Colum¬ bia, who was heard during the month of March in “12,000 Miles in a Caravan in South Africa,” and Dean Herbert Dr. Arthur H. Compton To Inaugurate Edwin Hawkes, of Columbia University, who on April 19 stressed the value of mathematics as one way to bring about John Hope Memorial Lecture Series a rational awakening in an individual’s life. on November Eighteenth

The first of the John Hope Memorial Lectures, a new milestone in the progress of the University, will be given Musical Organizations Hold Annual Programs on the eighteenth day of November, 1938, with Dr. Arthur H. Compton, of the University of Chicago, as the speaker. The twenty-seventh annual spring program by the More¬ Of wide repute as a physicist, Dr. Compton has won house Glee Club and Orchestra in Sale Hall Chapel on much acclaim for his great contributions in the field of sci¬ April 1 was given before a large audience that filled to ence. A few of his accomplishments include the making of capacity every available seat in the auditorium. The musical the first wave-length measurement of hard gamma rays, a genius of the director of this male ensemble, Kemper Har- discovery of a change in wave-length of X-Rays when scat¬ reld. is still unquestioned by the many people who heard tered, and a discovery of total reflection of X-Rays. the group render the difficult selections with much ease and The famous scientist is the possessor of many effectiveness. The 40 male voices were rich in tonal quality, degrees. From Wooster and the 28-piece student orchestra offered with precision College in Ohio, he received the bachelor of and beauty its several selections. science degree, and from Princeton he received the master of arts and the doctor of philosophy degrees. He also was The concert in Howe Memorial Hall on April 12 by the awarded the latter degree by Cambridge Spelman College Glee Club and Orchestra revealed this University in Eng¬ land. Three times Dr. Compton has received the honorary group to be one of the most delightful and proficient en¬ sembles in the history of the organization. The program degree of doctor of science; once from the College of was arranged with characteristic good taste, and the director, Wooster, another time from Ohio State University, and Will is Laurence James, succeeded in uniting his singers into again by \ale University. Washington University has con¬ a unit which sings with admirable sensitivity and artistry. ferred on him the degree of doctor of laws. Climaxing the annual concerts of the colleges in the affilia¬ The John Hope Memorial Lectures, which will be pre¬ tion was the 11th annual concert by the students of Atlanta sented annually by distinguished individuals, are made pos¬ l niversity, Morehouse College, and Spelman College on the sible out of a special fund contributed by friends of the first Friday evening in May. Participating on the program late president of Atlanta University. They will be scholarly were a large chorus of eighty-five voices and an orchestra discourses covering the major fields of knowledge. July, 1938 THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY BULLETIN Page 13

Atlanta University Summer Theatre and the University Players

greatest theatrical figures in The Return of Peter Grimm by and AtlantaMorehouseUniversityColleges,and its areaffiliatedamongschools,the outstandingSpelman David Belasco, Fantasies such as Children of the Moon by schools in the south in the field of dramatic instruction Martin Flavin, Mrs. Moonlight by Levy and Outward Bound and production. These institutions maintain and support by Sutton \ ane have mystified and charmed their audiences. two producing organizations—the Atlanta l niversity Play¬ America s two greatest modern writers, 0 Neill and Maxwell ers and the Atlanta University Summer Theatre. The latter, Anderson, have been represented by The Emperor Jones and as its name implies, functions during the six weeks’ summer Mary of Scotland. Daughters of Atreus, The Goose Hangs session, while the former has its scope of activity limited High, Hotel Universe, The Enemy, Double Door, The Inti¬ to the regular winter session. mate Strangers, and Names in Bronze have been the offer¬ 1 he object of these organizations and of the University ings of different modern American writers. is not only to provide entertainment for a theatre-starved Negro drama by both white and Negro authors has been public, but also to make that public conscious of the good exemplified by the productions of The Broken Banjo by W things in the theatre. Consequently much time and thought illis Richardson, The Seer by James W^. Butcher and are given to the selection of plays for production. The fact Mighty Wind’s a Blowin by Mrs. W are. Original work has been that a play was a success on Broadway does not necessarily sponsored by the University in the productions of John mean that the University will produce it. but the patrons of Henry by Ira de A. Reid, Eestus de Fits’ by Erostine the University theatre can be assured that each standard Coles, Marginal Man by Hazel Washington, Toussaint I Ouverture play produced has had a modicum of success during its pro¬ by John Young, and Arctic Glory by James Browne. fessional production. The young playwright is encouraged These by the l niversity and to that end a play-writing contest is plays and many others are indicative of the fact that the dramatic held every year under the auspices of the University Players. policy of the University is more than a The winners of these contests receive their reward in seeing casual one. The physical aspects of production are care¬ their plays in production. fully considered and are handled by groups of specially trained students. 1 he types of plays produced are many and their periods The dramatic activities the vary. Antigone by Sophocles has been the classic specimen. during regular school session are Many of Shakespeare’s histories, comedies and tragedies participated in by almost one hundred students who not only act in but take have been presented. The 18th century in England has been charge of the designing, building, paint¬ ing, rigging and represented 1>\ Sheridan’s The Rivals. The 19th century in lighting of the plays. The acting personnel for each play is different. A number of these students are France, which showed the change from classicism to roman¬ enrolled in the production courses offered by the affiliated ticism. was successfully shown by a production of Mary schools while the others are interested volunteers carrving Tudor by \ ictor Hugo. This play was of especial interest on an extra-curricular to the departments of English, French and History. Fashion activity. The Summer Theatre offers a different situation. The act¬ by Anna Cora Mowatt has been the only early American ing is more play to be produced. personnel drawn from the accomplished mem¬ bers of the University Players and members of the faculty. While American playwrights have been in a majority, At least twelve people are retained through the six weeks’ those of other nations have not been slighted. The Live summer school as a resident company, and this is aug¬ Corpse b\ Tolstoi and The Cherry Orchard l>\ Tchekov have mented when necessary by interested and talented students represented the Russian Theatre. A. A. Milne’s \Ir. Pim who give their services for the play at hand. The production Passes By, a specimen of English high comedy, pleased a stall consists of two directors, a technical adviser who has Summer School audience and was repeated for the benefit charge of all technical matters, a scene technician, two stu¬ of the students of the regular session. Lady II indernere’s dent stage carpenters, and a property and costume mistress, Fan by Oscar W ilde represented England's 19th century l ive plays in six weeks is their program, each plav show¬ \ ictorianism. Louis Parker s Disraeli showed a French¬ ing three nights a week. man's idea of England's great prime minister, while G. B. Shaw s Candida was the contribution of England's greatest The School of the Theatre playwright of contemporary times. The Twelve Pound Look Connected with this Summer Theatre is a School of the is the product of the whimsicality of Sir James Barrie. Theatre in which teachers, communit) workers, social work¬ American folk drama has had its day in the production ers and other interested individuals are trained in the of Lulu \ olmer's Sun l p and Paul Green - Man II ho Died various arts of the theatre. There are courses in elementar\ at was Twelve o'clock. Honor clone to one of \rnericas (Continued on (nine 15, column 2) Page 14 THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY BULLETIN July, 1938

Atlanta University Honors Dr. W. E. B. DuBois On His Seventieth Birthday

DUBOIS CONVOCATION

Celebrating three score years and ten

Tribute was paid to Atlanta University’s most noted pro¬ which institution he had received the degrees of bachelor fessor on February 23, when the faculty and students, joined of arts, master of arts, and doctor of philosophy. Presented by hundreds of friends, gathered together to pay homage to to Atlanta University by his friends was a life-size portrait Dr. W. E. B. DuBois on the occasion of his 70th birthday. bust in bronze of Dr. DuBois, which was executed by the Convocation exercises were held at 11:00 o’clock in the noted sculptor, Alexander Portnoff. The presentation speech was made morning in Sisters Chapel at which the guest of honor was by Dr. Rayford W. Logan, of Atlanta Univer¬ the principal speaker. In his subject, “A Pageant in Seven sity’s department of history. Decades,” Dr. DuBois discussed among other features of his Notables Speak at Banquet life, relations with Booker T. Washington, his estimate of Marcus Garvey and his program, and his controversy with The day's celebration was climaxed by a formal banquet the N. A. A. C. P. Officially representing Fisk University, in the evening in the spacious dining hall of the Atlanta from which Dr. DuBois was graduated in 1888, was Dr. University Dormitories, at which Mrs. DuBois and Mrs. Charles S. Johnson, and representing the N. A. A. C. P. was Yolande DuBois Williams were among the special guests. its president, Colonel J. E. Spingarn. Dr. Rufus E. Clement Speakers during the evening were two long-time friends and presided at the exercises. He read messages from the Lni- associates of Dr. DuBois, Colonel J. E. Spingarn, of New versity of Pennsylvania, where Dr. DuBois had served as York, and James Weldon Johnson, professor of creative assistant instructor, and from Harvard University, from literature at Fisk University, both of whom paid glowing July, 1938 THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY BULLETIN Page 15 tribute to the renowned guest of honor. Written in honor The Atlanta University Summer Theatre of his friend's anniversary and read on this occasion was a and the poem “For the Seventieth Birthday” by the well-known University Players writer, William Stanley Braithwaite, who is also a member of the faculty of Atlanta University. Many congratulatory (Continued from page 13) messages wrere read from friends who were unable to be present at the celebration. Ira De A. Reid, chairman of the and advanced acting, directing, and speech; playwriting, committee on arrangements, acted as toastmaster at the ban¬ play selection, and theatre arts and laboratory, which is quet. To Dr. DuBois was presented a Chippendale mahogany the course for technicians. All students of this unique pillar desk, old world finish, as an expression of the high school are required to work on productions of the Summer esteem in which he is held by his many friends throughout Theatre. For the satisfactory completion of two summers the country, by whom the celebration was sponsored. work in the School of the Theatre, the University offers a Certificate of Accomplishment. The staff for this school is young, enthusiastic and com¬ petent. For the 1938 summer session it consisted of: For the Seventieth Birthday of Miss Anne M. Cooke, the director of the Summer Theatre William Edward Burghardt DuBois and the School of the Theatre, a graduate of Oberlin Col¬ lege, who has done graduate work at Iow'a, Columbia, and I the Vale Department of Drama. Miss Cooke taught both courses in acting, and the course in play selection. As Shakespeare shone the sun among the stars John M. Ross, the assistant director and technical adviser In the high firmament of poets, so of the Summer Theatre and School of the Theatre. Mr. Ross His name and fame and works combine to glow is a In this our age, when a dark problem mars graduate of Morehouse College and holds the master of fine arts The hope of justice with a hate that bars degree from the Yale Department of Drama. He Fulfillment of the State that man would know' taught both courses in directing, and the course in techni¬ cal work. Here in the West, where Brotherhood could show Democracy erasing human scars. James W. Butcher, who was the scene technician, is direc¬ tor of dramatics at Howard His People were confined within a Veil, University. He is a graduate of Shut from the Light of Liberty and Chance: the University of Illinois, and has done advanced work at His dreams, mystic with visions, saw the Grail, the University of Iowa. Mr. Butcher taught elementary And his hot passions shaped a piercing lance speech and technical work. Rending the Veil, to set the spirit free Owen Dodson, who is a graduate of Bates College and Of Black Folk winging to Equality! who is now engaged in graduate work in playwriting at the Yale Department of Drama, taught advanced speech, play¬ II writing and play selection. And we shall honor him today as one The School of the Theatre has just finished its second suc¬ Who gave the Cause a power born of grace, cessful season. During the first season there w'ere twenty-nine For he has proved that Beauty knows no Race. people taking its courses; the second season found sixty- His soul, immersed in springs of Helicon, three enrolled. Possessed the gifts to turn what had been done This Summer Theatre and Summer School of the Theatre By human ills and wrongs into the wrays are direct proof that both are needed, the latter to train Of golden speech whose rhythmic visions trace young Negro workers in the Theatre; the former to a The dim and distant goals where Truth is won! show standard and a “Oh, bone of the bone and flesh of the flesh variety of production. Of them that live within the Veil!" he cried. Their wrongs he showed, their hopes he set ablaze: He patterned one in literature afresh— The other his art made luminous with pride— University Receives Negro Folklore And now at Seventy abides our praise! —William Stanley Braithwaite. Records From General Education Board

To further research and study of Negro folklore at \tlanta University and the affiliated colleges, the General Education The Rural Institute Board made a gift of approximately sixty phonographic (Continued from pope 7) records of authentic Negro spirituals, jubilees, work songs, shout songs, sermons, love songs, folk tales, comedy sketches, twenty-five miles from Atlanta. In addition to its recrea¬ and personal narratives of elderly Negroes in the South, tional features, this picnic demonstrated how rural teachers some of whom are former slaves. The recordings, which are might plan and successfully conduct seasonal celebrations said to be the most songs for their communities. More than 250 men, women and comprehensive collection of the and laments of the American Negro, were made by \\ alter children participated in this affair which was planned and C. executed by a committee of students. Garwick, of Rye, New York.