Spelman EDITOR Jo Moore Stewart

COPYEDITOR Janet M. Barstow

GRAPHIC DESIGN Garon Halt

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Eloise Abernathy, C’86 W. Christopher Cason Trisa Long Paschal

WRITERS Fleda Maskjackson, C’73 Patricia GrahamJackson, C’73 Taronda Spencer, C’80 Angela Brown Terrell

PHOTOGRAPHERS By Invitation Only J.D. Scott Bud Smith

COVER KEY 17. Recording - The - 34. Spelman Seminary pennant Morehouse-Spelman Chorus, 35. Clemmie Darden The 1. Spelman Legacy Poster, featuring Mae Belle Finch, 36. Poems of Elizabeth Barrett Spelman Messenger is published design by Jo Moore Stewart, Soprano, C'46 Browning, Volumes 1 & 2, twice a year (Summer/Fall issue and Win¬ 1998 18. 1863 Recording - The Atlanta- ter/Spring issue) by , 350 2. A Legacy Continues: The Morehouse-Spelman Chorus, 37. Diary and Expense Book - Manley Years at Spelman featuring Mattiwilda Dobbs, Harriet E. Giles, 1907 Spelman Lane, S.W., Atlanta, College, 1953-1976. Albert E. Soprano, C'46 38. Spelman College Class of 303144-4399, free of charge for alumnae, Manley, 1995 19. Mattiwilda Dobbs as Queen 1934 3. Spelman Messenger, Vol. of Shemokhan in Le Coq d'Or donors, trustees and friends of the College. 100, No. 1, Spring, 1984. "Let 20. Recording Master - Negro Sample copies will be mailed free to inter¬ her first step be towards Spel¬ Folk Songs from the Willis CREDO ested persons. Recipients td man" photo by Jo Moore Laurence James Collection of wishing Stewart, 1983 Negro Folk Music change the address to which the Spelman The Spelman Messenger, 4. Spelman Messenger, Vol. 26, 21. Spelman Seminary students Messenger is sent should notify the editor, No. 6, March, 1910 with Misses Packard and founded in 1885, is 5. Spelman Seminary Seal Giles, 1886 giving both old and new addresses. Third- 6. Sisters Chapel Fan 22. Spelman College Class of dedicated toparticipating class postage paid at Atlanta, Georgia. 7. Spelman: a centennial cele¬ 1929 Patch Publication No. 510240 bration, 1881-1981. Beverly 23. Mr. and Mrs.(formerly Dora in the ongoing education of Guy-Sheftall and Jo Moore Jackson, HS '89) A. B. Murden our readers Stewart, 1981 24. Spelman Seminary Certificate through 8. Illustrated Sewing Primer in Printing awarded to with Songs and Music for Frankie Quarles, 1899 enlightening articles School and Families. Louise J. 25. Giles Hall, ca. 1920 designed topromote lifelong Kirkwood, 1881 26. Diary - Harriet E. Giles, 1909 9. The Story of Spelman College. 27. Spelman Messenger, Vol. 111 learning. The Spelman Florence M. Read, 1961 No. 1 Summer/Fall 1996 cover 10. Diary - Harriet E. Giles, 1883 art "Lifelong Learning"( Col¬ Messenger is the alumnae 11. Sophia B. Packard, Founder, lage Series 1996) by artist Spelman College Varnette Honeywood, C'72. magazine ofSpelman 12. Harriet E. Giles, Founder, 28. Spelman College Yearbook, Spelman College 1952 College and is committedto 13. Diary-Harriet E. Giles, 1882 29. Spelman College in the snow educating, serving, and 14. Sheet music from the Willis 30. Spelman College centennial Laurence James Collection of time-line, 1881-1981 empoweringAfrican Negro Folk Songs 31. Allen 15. Spelman Songbook, 1925 32. Spelman Seminary students American women. 16. Lapel ribbon, Academic in front of Union Hall, 1883 Department, Spelman 33. Bible — Harriet E. Giles Seminary, 1902 2 Voices Founders Day Address by Deborah Prothrow-Stith, M.D.

4 Stats & Studies COVER The Spelman Archives Seepage 8. 6 Books & Papers

Features

8 The SpelmanArchives Books & Papers by Patricia Graham Johnson, C’73 Seepage 6. by Taronda Spencer, C’80

16 Alumnae Notes

24 Reunion ’99 ArchivesSpelman Founders Day Eleanor Lutia Ison Franklin, C’48 Seepage 2. (1975photo) 32 Talk. Back See In Memoriam page 19. The Spelman Archives Seepage 8. Lyda Ruth Larkins Stivers, C’49 See Alumnae Newsletterpage 16.

Now: Miss Marguerite Simon, C’35, hugged by Delores Posey Harris, C’49, Golden Girls, Class at Reunion 99. of1949 Reunion 99 Seepage 24. Then: Miss Marguerite Simon, C35, participating in the 1951 Read Hall dedication. 1 Founders Day 1999 In the TFue Blue Tradition

Preserving leaders anda legacy through ordinary people dreaming ‘we’ dreams

by Deborah Prothrow-Stith, M.D., C’75

o my sister Audrey Manley: your leadership. The first thing is some suturing on anesthetized I have to say thank you. that leaders are ordinary people. patients in the operating room. Dr. Audrey Forbes Manley If you look at the news — the This was the first time I was work¬ is a sister in that true blue tradition. recent scandal of our presidency ing on a patient who was alert, I know her as a colleague. I know her and people in history, what you awake and talking to me. I was ner¬ as someone who gives great advice learn is that leaders that make sig¬ vous and it took me about an hour — she gave it to me when I was here nificant contributions to improving to put in the two stitches that this as a student and she continued to this world are, in fact, ordinary peo¬ young man needed. give it to me throughout my career. I ple. They are imperfect, yet they get I told him I was a student and know her as a Spelman sister. a commission to serve and they get competent at this but it would take Let me personally and profes¬ a passion about that commission. me a little longer and it did. But we sionally thank you. I know we can They dream we dreams not just me had a great conversation. I told him count on her to keep the charge. dreams. Just ordinary people like us about being a medical student. He This is a great time at Spelman can make that kind of contribution. told me what happened. He said, “I because we have alumnae running You don’t have to be perfect. You went to a party. I danced with the College — the president and don’t have to be the smartest. Some another man’s girlfriend. We got the board chair. This is a great time of you are graduating summa, into an argument. The crowd egged with great expectations. I bring you some magna, and some thank you this whole thing on. We got into a greetings from Tanzania where my Now: Deborah Prothrow-Stith, M.D., lardy. I understand that. You don’t fight and that’s how I got cut.” husband is the U.S. ambassador. have to be the smartest, the I finished C’75, Founders Day speaker and pretti¬ putting in the stitches Our son will be having an exchange est, the best, or the and the senior resident came back in Doctor ofScience honorary degree brightest. Ordi¬ student at Morehouse next and said I had done a recipient. year and nary people can provide leadership great job. The our is and as a woman Then: Deborah Prothrow, C75, daughter, who graduating Spelman that is patient was ready to go and was on from his Spelman student. high school has just learned your charge. way out of the door, and he turned she is coming to Spelman and can’t to me and said, “Look, don’t go to wait to get here. In addition, I bring A Lesson On Passion bed — cause the person who did this you greetings from Harvard and the Learned from a Fight to me is going to be here in about an New England area where our roots I tell this story about violence for hour. You are going to get all the are planted through Miss Packard obvious reasons. I was a third year practice you need in putting in and Miss Giles. medical student when I was in the stitches.” It was interesting because I This morning I want to put forth emergency room assigned to work think he was planning on contribut¬ a charge to you. A charge to all of all night long. It was three o’clock ing to my medical education. my Spelman sisters and friends and in the morning when a young man But what struck me immedi¬ families of this came in college. The charge needing some stitches over ately in that situation — having is keeping and extending the legacy his eyebrow. The senior resident learned that homicide is the lead¬ of Spelman with your leadership. sent me down to put in the stitches. ing cause of death for young black We think about leaders and we I was nervous. I had had some prac¬ men —was that my response was think about these extraordinary tice in putting in stitches but I was to laugh with him since he said it as people. I want to tell you a few nervous. I had practiced on oranges a joke. My response was inadequate. things about leadership and about and leather and I had actually done You see if I had treated someone

2 SPELMAN MESSENGER a great story about a boyfriend and ioners and they love you back. It’s girlfriend. They were sitting out on a pretty easy.” swing on a porch on a beautiful So she went off to this first visit night courting. The boyfriend was and got to the house of this parish¬ saying all sorts of romantic and ioner and the mother of the church lovely things and then he said this, was standing in the door waiting on “You know I wish I were an octopus the pastor. She goes in and because I would have eight arms says, “Good morning, Ma’am.” | and with those eight arms I could The mother of the church said, f just hold you so tight.” “I’ve baked a cake and I have some The response,I thought,was tea. Would you like some?” The 1999 Founders Dayplatform (pictured left to right) are Dr. June Hopps, C’60, really appropriate: the girlfriend pastor replied, “Yes Ma’am.” So she sits down and the elder chair ofthe Spelman College Board ofTrustees, Isabella McIntyre Tobin, C’45, looked up and said, “Well, why Founders SpiritAward recipient, Deborah Prothrow-Stith, M.D., C’75, speaker don’t you use the two you’ve got?” woman goes back and gets some I cake and coffee and tea. The minis¬ and honorary degree recipient, PresidentAudrey’ F. Manley, C’55, Ambassador say that to say this — we come Aurelia Brazeal, C’65, honorary degree recipient, Major General MarceliteJor¬ from different places. Some of you ter is looking around the living room and she dan Harris, C’64, and ZaretAlamde, C99, president ofthe Spelman College have had wonderful family lives, thinks, this is amaz¬ Student Government Association. wonderful childhoods — some of ing. The walls are clean but then

you have not wanted for anything. they turn dirty — almost a line of who had made a suicide attempt and the hare and that perseverance Some of you have witnessed violence demarcation from where they are clean. She was mesmerized who said, “Don’t go to bed. I’m is the key. Let me tell you something in your families. Some of you have by this been victims of violence. We come when the woman walked back into going to go home and take some about perseverance because it is the room. The elder more pills. I’ll be back in this emer¬ hard to stick to the task at hand. But from different places. Don’t worry said, “What are gency room in about an hour,” I when you are dreaming we dreams about what you don’t have. Use what you looking at?” And the minister would have responded very differ¬ and not just me dreams, it gets eas¬ you’ve got because you know what? said, “Oh noth¬ ently. I had been trained in preven¬ ier. You know when you get the car There are children who are victims ing Ma’am.” And the elder tion on most of the things I was the color you want, that me dream is of violence who would love your said, “You know learning to treat except this thing satisfying for the moment. But then insight — your leadership — your you’re lying, plus I saw you looking about violence against others. We you might want another car. You suggestions about protocols. It is not at my walls, and you know you’re a minister and were stitching people up and send¬ might want another color. If you are about being extraordinary. It’s you don’t have to lie. Shame on ing them out. dreaming we dreams, that passion about being ordinary and serving. yourself. Let me tell you.

— It’s about I used to I was challenged by that story that mission — will carry you having those we dreams keep a very very clean

— house and I still do but I can’t and by that experience. Some when the rest of you is a little bit using what you’ve got. You’ve get on a ladder. I’m old and I don’t months later my son was bom — a tired — that dream of service. got all you need and we expect great want to break young black baby with all that Our president said it in her inau¬ things of you. any bones so I just It’s the true blue tradition to wash potential. And all of a sudden there gural address. “Neither fame, for¬ up to where I can reach and take a little bit or half as much and then I’m done.” was a passion in me to do something tune nor status will write as large on one’s do some And then the elder of the church about this problem — to change legacy and on the hearts of great things— that is your men women as one’s ser¬ my discipline — to do something. and will legacy. The charge is to keep it — added, “but I think that is all God Something different emerged. I was vice.” One’s service will help you to extend it. requires of me — to keep it clean I’m as not the top of my class at Harvard write large and will help you extend going to close with this story high as I can reach.” Medical School. I did what I needed this legacy. You don’t have to be about a young woman who was a You don’t have to be perfect. You to do. I did well, but what I’m saying perfect... preacher. She had been appointed to don’t have to be the best. You don’t her first church and she was have to be to you, if you have a passion in you going extraordinary. But what Don't on her first visit to one of the elders to serve — to right a wrong — it Worry About What you have to say is “This true blue or mommas of the church. She was tradition is mine. This will carry you a long way. If you You Don't Have. Use What Spelman women’s dream we dreams and not just me You've Got very nervous. Her daddy was a legacy is mine and I’m dreams, you’ll go far. The last thing I want to share with preacher and she called her daddy going to keep it clean as high as I can reach.” you is about your leadership. When and said, “I need some help here God bless Dream Those We Dreams living up to this legacy, you’ve got to because I don’t know what to do.” you. and Not Just Me Dreams use what you’ve got and not worry And her father said, “Look it’s You know the story of the tortoise about what you don’t have. There’s not so hard. You love your parish¬

SUMMER/FALL 19 9 9 3 Test Results: Spelman graduates of Agnes Scott College and graduates from the Atlanta Women Are At Risk University Center (including Alumnae measuredfor Spelman College) coincided with the national data stress and birth outcomes indicating that we are at greater risk for having (Editor’s note: The following report adverse birth outcomes. Indeed, contains the results of an extensive Spelman women are at risk. research project designed by Drs. While constellations of fac¬ Fleda Jackson, C’73, and Mona tors account for the poor repro¬ Phillips, C’76, to measure stress in ductive outcomes that black black women. These alumnae were women experience, a defini¬ featured on the cover of the Messen¬ tive explanation as to how ger, Volume 110/Number 2, for the these factors impact preg¬ article ’Totally Stressed Out’ by nancy continues to elude the Rebecca Poyner Burns, editor of health community. Stress has been Atlanta magazine. The first part of implicated in a number of chronic around 80 Spelman women and other this ongoing study resulted in a Sep¬ conditions such as heart disease, participants have informed the devel¬ tember 1998 one-day conference on hypertension, and cancer. Therefore, opment of a pilot stress measure which Spelman’s campus entitled Calming it is reasonable to explore its impact will be administered to women in sub¬ the Waters/Holding Back the Storms: on pregnancy outcomes. But doing so sequent investigations. The combina¬ A Conference on Stress, Reproductive is complicated by concerns over how tion of voices and the responses to the Health and Health Promotion stress is measured and if existing pilot stress measure confirmed and Among African American Women. measures capture the plethora of con¬ expanded the understanding of stress The conference was sponsored by the ditions in the lives of African Ameri¬ and its impact on the lives of African African American Women’s Pre-term can women that assault our health American women.

Delivery Project, and well being. The report revels that race matters and the Office of Alumnae Affairs of Since 1994, Dr. Fledajackson, in the lives of black women in ways Spelman College.) C’73, and Dr. Mona Phillips, C’76 that are intertwined with personal with support from the Pregnancy and and collective histories associated Infant Health Branch, Centers for Dis¬ with gender and class. Despite an ease Control, in collaboration with Dr. awareness of the oppression this group research investigators reported Carol Hogue, an epidemiologist, have would likely encounter as African Duringthis findingthe that1980scontinueshealth been in pursuit of answers. They Americans and as females, Spelman to baffle health researchers and began their research by talking with women have ventured in the world practitioners: African American col¬ Spelman women throughout the outside of Spelman believing that lege-educated women experience dis¬ country, but mainly Spelman gradu¬ they could exceed the accomplish¬ proportionately higher rates of adverse ates living in the Atlanta metropolitan ments of their foremothers. Their birth outcomes in the form of pre¬ area. Through interviews and focus great expectations and accomplish¬ term delivery and low birth weight. As groups that took place in restaurants, ments in the presence of unrelenting compared to our white counterparts, homes, shopping malls, and barriers have come at a price. African American women are three to churches, alumnae shared stories of One of Spelman’s ‘Golden Girls’ four times more likely to give birth to the triumphs and challenges in their revealed this about her experiences in babies born too soon and too small. lives. More importantly Spelman the workplace: ‘Well, I was in situa¬ This discovery was the result of analy¬ women defined stress and identified tions where I was sometimes the first ses of data collected throughout the support as they experienced within black. There were times when I elected country including the metropolitan the context of their day-to-day lives. not to take a job if they didn’t have Atlanta area. In the Atlanta study enti¬ At the end the first phase of the another black person. ...I had to listen tled Preterm Delivery andLow Birth their study, they had interviewed nearly to things that were not true.... Once I Weight among First-Born Infants of five hundred African American women was very combative. I was talkative. Black and White College Graduates, from all walks of life who collaborated I fought back...another stage I took it data comparing the outcomes of in their research. The responses from and that was worse.’

SPELMAN MESSENGER Equally disturbing was that more take care of the newborn infant of a recent graduates shared comparable fellow Spelmanite who had to care experiences as singletons in their for her convalescing mother. Another work settings. As one Spelman gradu¬ shared with us how her Spelman ate of no more than ten years revealed ’sister’ living in a different state took about her experience working in the her vacation time to come and stay corporate sector: I’ve always been the with her during a major crisis. only black in my group.... That was Overwhelmingly, those inter¬ pressure. Job opportunities, promota- viewed proclaimed that their belief HOLDING BACK THE STORMS bility... I had the same credentials, in a higher power was what carried pretty much neck and neck for the them over turbulent waters. Their promotion or the new position. And faith in their mothers and fathers you know oftentimes I felt like it’s continued to be central in their lives. been racism that had not allowed me As one of the collaborators shared: to get the position. T have the faith that my mother While we celebrate those pioneers and grandmother had. God has been among African American women, there for me, always has been and the recycling of black women as the always will be.’ first, only women and one of few on Other issues in our lives as the job, has not always resulted in revealed by the responses to selected Conference creators (pictured left to right) were Selma Morris, director of the widespread inclusion of African items on the pilot instrument from Grady Hospital Breast Health Clinic, Carol Hogue, investigaterfor the Stress American women and men in cer¬ the majority of the participants for and Strain Project, Ama Saran, C70, consultant, Ama Saran & Associates, tain workplace settings. The Spel¬ the study were: Fleda MaskJackson, C’73, investigatorfor the Stress and Strain Project, Carla man woman (about one fifth of the • At least 55 percent of the women Robertson, study collaborator, andMona Taylor Phillips, C’76, investogator total interviewed) shared how the indicated that they have the major for the Stress And Strain Project. experiences in work settings where responsibility for the financial they are not necessarily the minority responsibility of the household. • Twenty-four percent indicated and to simply take time out to renew in terms of gender and race are • About 76 percent said that they that the African American com¬ ourselves. equally problematic. Strife between could withstand great pressure. munity had provided little support Where does the project go from African American women and • Although 45 percent said that they for them. here? African American men in the work¬ were happy with their relation¬ During the next phase of this place and elsewhere was a recurring ship, almost 50 percent said it was In keeping with their commit¬ work, the investigators will focus focus of the discussions during the difficult to depend on a man. ment to a participatory research their efforts on determining more focus groups and interviews. • Almost 88 percent said that we process, last fall the research team precisely the link between stress and Unquestionably, a sense of bur¬ were losing our black men. reported their findings during a day¬ adverse birth outcomes. This will be den was core to their stressed out • Seventy-two percent of the collab¬ long conference held at Spelman. accomplished by encounters with feeling. Having to do too much, for orators agreed that African Ameri¬ The event, entitled Calming the African American women through¬ too many, too often was an experi¬ can youth are more likely to have Waters/Holding Back the Storms: A out the courses of their pregnancies ence described by the majority of the negative experiences with law Conference on Stress, Reproductive to document their experiences. Addi¬ collaborators. As one Spelman grad¬ enforcement. Health and Health Promotion tionally, the researchers will be talk¬

• uate expressed: Sixty percent, the majority of the Among African American Women , ing with women who have given ‘I’m always there for everyone collaborators polled, said that in was co sponsored by the Office of birth to premature and low-birth-

else. ... You’re like a barrel and if it order to receive equal recognition, Alumnae Affairs. The conference was weight babies to gain their insights never rains for you, you’re going to they have to work harder than a day of celebration, relaxation, and on factors that might have con¬ get empty.’ white women. reflection. The title of the event was tributed to this outcome. How do black women persist? • Sixty percent of all of the women the brainchild of Milini Turner, C’92, If you are pregnant or have given The support of family, husbands, polled claimed that African Amer¬ and the planned activities for the birth to a premature or low-birth- partners, friends and colleagues was ican heritage gave them the moti¬ day, under the direction of Ama weight baby, you are invited to par¬ cited as a source for our resiliency. vation to perform at the job. Saran, C’70, were in response to evi¬ ticipate in this phase of the research. We heard stories of how the Spelman • About 52 percent indicated that dence that was gathered indicating Contact Dr. Fleda Mask Jackson sisterhood works. One woman the women in their community the need for African American at 404- 727-4775 or by E-mail at shared how she left her family to and family provided role models. women to dialogue with each other [email protected].

SUMMER/FALL 19 9 9 5 include the 1986 Spelman Com¬ “No, because the}’ hadn’t taken Book Reviews mencement during which he urged the body out yet. You think it was bad taste?” Angela Brown Terrell parents who had suffered finan¬ cially and mentally through their “Didyou step on her?” offspring’s four college years to “Oh, ofcourse not. You ’ve got to Congratulations! “come on up and walk with this show respect. ” child this morning” as she gets her “Andyou didn ’t kill her by any Now What? diploma. chance?” A Bookfor Graduates by The author has a unique way of “No, but it is an apartment to . (Hyperion) poking fun at serious events with¬ killfor. ” out offending, but delivering a loud You can count on “The Cos” (Dr. and clear message just the same. In Dr.Cosby covers how to dress for William H. Cosby, Jr.)to tell it to you one essay, for example, he writes a job: straight,whatever it is. This slim about the “grim reality” of finding (130 pages) volume takes college that first apartment. “Now, however, you are suddenly throum into a world where students down on a trip down mem¬ groom¬ ory lane and warns them of what is “Jill and Ijustfound an apart¬ ing refers to more than horses, ahead in the Real World. It is ment on the East Side!” a young where it will be helpful to have a packed full of wisdom, humor, com¬ friend told me recently. few suits, to have hair that doesn ’/ “You beat block mon and plain sense as is the everyone to the obitu¬ your view ofthe interviewer, author himself. aries, "I said. and to have a nose that isfreefrom Dr. Cosby earned his doctorate in “No, everybody uses the obitu¬ costumejewelry. ” education from the University of aries, ” he said. “That’s a dead end. Massachusetts while working in We got the place because a class¬ And, how to network: show business and with his wife mate of mineworks in a funeral home and he called me. It was a “And Camille, raising a family of five so, even ifyou can’tfind children. We can assume he drew woman ofninety in two rent-con¬ your diploma, get a copy of the much of the material in this collec¬ trolled rooms. What mixed emo¬ alumni directory, find a graduate in some tion of essays from the more than tions, Bill! Ifelt wonderful about profession that won’t 100 commencement addresses he the apartment, of course, but I demand too much ofyou, and must has given over the years. These confess that Ifelt a little give him a call, which he will return funny too. ” after his handball game. ” “Because you got the apart¬ mentfrom a woman who ’djust Only Bill Cosby can make us passed away?” laugh at our ridiculous selves and come away the wiser.

safe

! I 1986Spelman Commencement—Spelman Messenger, Vol. 103 No. 1

6 SPELMAN MESSENGER “It helps greatly to relieve In addition to family lore from announcing to thefamily that I stress and uncertainties on its roots in New Orleans, the book was coming into my own. In her parents and significant oth¬ contains a lot of helpful informa¬ usual style, Granny smiled, agreed ers in guiding and directing tion such as setting up your first andstartedgetting things ready. their children,” Mrs. White kitchen, a glossary of cooking meth¬ Makingyoufirstpot ofgumbo writes that while schools are ods and an appendix of measure¬ is no smallfeat. Much preparation not allowed to promote reli¬ ments and cooking definitions. goes into creating this wonderful gion, they can set time Accompanying each chapter is a soup. Granny and I were alone in aside to teach about basic wealth of recipes and their histories, the kitchen. She carefully guided moral values and behav¬ including mouth-watering red me through the process... Once she ior, cooperation and beans, jambalaya, dirty rice and examined it and tasted it, I was expected conduct. The screamin’ greens. For desserts guar¬ given the okay to lower theflame book notes: “According to anteed to make you bust your gut, and let the gumbo cook down. the four religions,except check out the banana pudding, A few minutes later she for supreme love of God lemon meringue pie or pralines. announced, uDeedee made the and trust in Him, the other things One poignant tale of family gumbo and it tastes good. ” My that please God bring one again to togetherness is excerpted from Chap¬ mama finally came into the What Shall We Tell one’s fellow man. God wants us to ter Eight, “Coming Into Your Own.” kitchen. My uncle took a picture of The Children About love and to do unto each other as Ifyou grow up in the kitchen, me standing next to myfirstpot of we would love and do for ourselves.” there is a point in time when you gumbo. It was and still is a God? Aid to Spiritual Certainly, these are principles come into your own. Families moment I treasure. and Moral Guidance worthy to promote to live in a civi¬ have all types offormal and infor¬ In 1996, Ms.Guion’s grand¬ lized society. mal rites ofpassage. In ourfamily, mother passed away. From that by Priscilla Williams WhiteA.C.S.W. This book, revised in 1996, is it is making the gumbo! point, Ms.Guion writes,the book (Riverside Press) officially out of print, but informa¬ During Christmas break ofmy became “a tangible expression of tion can be obtained by writing the junior year atSpelman College, I love and affection that is timeless.? With headlines screaming at us publisher: Riverside Press,P.O.Box arrived at Granny’s house “As keepers of our culture, it is almost daily about the lack of spiri¬ 2443, Detroit, MI 48202. announcing that this year I would our responsibility to keep family tual guidance in the lives of today’s cook thefamily gumbo. There I traditions alive — to keep alive the youth, as evidenced in suicides, stood looking and acting grown family.” mass murders and shootouts in schools, suicides and all manner of Grandma’s Hands: other brutal crimes, this book seems to offer some of the answers the The Heart and Soul of nation is frantically seeking. New Orleans Cooking Mrs. White, C’42,a retired social worker, a churchwoman and a by Deirdre T. Guion. long-time student of religion,offers (Cap Publishing & Literary Co.) a wealth of information on how parents and communities can teach It may not be a new idea to tell your, children to love and respect God, family history through the kitchens, themselves and others. but it is a winning way — and deli¬ Included are detailed chapters cious. Deirdre T. Guion, C’86, a mar¬ on how different people worship keting specialist and entrepreneur God, explaining not only Christian¬ based in Winston-Salem, North Car¬ ity but Islam, Buddhism and olina, began this project in 1995 as Judaism. From this,readers can a way “to preserve some of our fam¬ gain a greater understanding of ily history and traditions” and to those who may be different from keep her grandmother feeling use¬ Angela Brown themselves. The book focuses on ful after a disabling fall. After all, it Terrell is a features the commonalities of religions was Granny who kept the family book editor at Gan¬ rather than the differences. cooking and trained the novices. nett News Service.

SUMMER/FALL 19 9 9 7 Messenger

In the True Blue Tradition:

An alumna discovers a story behind eachphotograph and a legacy shaped with every word.

in the trash bin. However, since I have been exposed to real life to the bone, non recovering “packrat.” I archival standards and procedures, I know now that there collect everything, particularly if it has the word is more to protection than simply collecting something. Yes,SpelmanI admitassociatedit. I am a self-professed,with it. I can’tunadulterated,be blamed, though, for loving Spelman nor the “packrat” behavior. I A Future Linked to the Past came with this tendency very honestly from my father I know that Spelman’s future is very much linked to her who was a professed packrat as well. His objects of atten¬ past. Every story is connected to an event and every event is tion were pieces of history from Clark College, Gammon connected to a life and every life has a story. Every story is Theological Seminary and the African American United significant and proof of the dynamic life of Spelman Col¬ Methodist Church. Indeed, I could tell his collecting lege. I very much want to protect, preserve and promote interests by the gathered piles. To the lay person, these Spelman for the future. Remember, I am a“non-recovering piles looked like piles of trash. However, as a fellow pack¬ packrat.” I can exhibit the symptoms at any time. Now, I do rat, I knew differently. My father’s piles of stuff were in fact not apologize nor will I ever apologize for my behavior. I pseudo filing cabinets, not organized chaos. just simply love Spelman College and her history. This packrat obsession served me well at Spelman You could assume that volunteering in the Archives, where I managed to collect a different aspect of Spelman compared to fundraising for the College, would be a calm¬ memorabilia in each of my positions. While employed in ing, sedate experience. Admittedly, my work in the Archives the Office of Admissions, I kept every publication, trinket, does not require the hustle and bustle of deadlines, finan¬ Now: Taronda Spencer, C’80, button or brochure that the Office cial Spelman College archivist. pro¬ goals, solicitation or high school appointments, trav¬ duced. When I moved to the Office of eling, typing, calling, writing, faxing, planning,

Alumnae Affairs, I collected reunion organizing and meeting — all reminiscent of my years in and special events materials and the Offices of Institutional Advancement, Alumnae Affairs mementos. By the time I became a or Admissions. Compared to the excitement of a recent Planned Giving officer, I collected major multi-million fundraising campaign, what possibly paper. Specifically, every article or could be exciting about old papers and photographs? I was brochure that discussed planned giv¬ right in my assumption and at the same time very wrong. ing that I could get my hands on Although one’s current activities can be exciting, the emo¬ l became a part of a collection. I am a tion evoked while experiencing them is one-dimensional. | volunteer in the Spelman Archives. I Yesterday’s events also cause emotion, and can be just as I am truly in “hog heaven.” I am powerful because of the added benefit of past wisdom and surrounded by all things related to future implications. In short, one’s exploration of history Spelman. While the compulsion-to-collect symptom has elicits a multi-dimensional response. Then: The Spelman College Board somewhat subsided, a new symptom has surfaced — the of Trustees during President compulsion to protect and preserve. I think that this Reliving Spelman's History Albert Manley’s administration latent impulse was brewing right below the surface all the For example, one day as I identified a photograph of the (1953 to 1976). time. In my mind, “protection” meant it did not end up 1970 Morgan Hall fire, I remembered a phone call from my

SPELMAN MESSENGER classmate Rita Benton Gibson who had excitedly called me in New York to tell the news that Morgan Hall had burned down to the ground. After writing the words “Morgan Hall Fire, July 15, 1970” in the photograph log, I flipped through the pages of The Story) ofSpelman College by President Florence M. Read (president of Spelman College Then: 1927 to 1953) to satisfy my curiosity Morgan Hall (1900-1970) for more information. It said: “Mor¬ gan Hall, dedicated in November 1901, was built as a dormitory and a dining hall for 70 students.” I immediately mulled over this information and processed the sig¬ nificance of only 70 students when in 1970 we had at least 300 in my entering class. At that time, I had wondered if anyone had been hurt and where we would eat since the dining hall was in Morgan Hall. A sense of loss came over me when the finality of the situa¬ Baptist Seminary, a dream tion was clear. The beautiful ornate structure named Mor¬ apparently started through a gan Hall was gone — burned to the ground. The students simple prayer voicing concern who had entered Spelman College in 1969 and who were for our nation. living in Morgan Hall would be the last ones to live there. As I continued to read from the diaries and the book Since the fire occurred when the College was not in ses¬ The Story ofSpelman College, I learned more about Spel¬ sion and employees on campus had been safely removed, man’s beginnings. A singular entry in the diary of Harriet Spelman had been blessed with no loss of lives or other E. Giles on April 11,1881 simply records the founding buildings. However, the fire did cost Spelman a loss of a with the words “commencedschool with eleven scholars. ” piece of history remembered now only in pictures. I noted that Miss Giles used the word scholars, not “TheMorgan Hall Weeks later,I began a new volunteer archival assign¬ Negroes, not students, not girls, not women but eleven ment which involved preparing the founders’ diaries for a scholars. Her expectations for academic excellence was fire did cost microfilming project. As I paused to read the dairies, my high from the very first day. After quoting these words, thoughts wandered to a time and place that I would never President Read wrote that after the Civil War, there were a know personally. I was fascinated with the words from a few opportunities, little money and certainly no books for Spelman loss of diary of that New England woman, Sophia B. Packard. Negroes. However, Sophia Packard and Harriet Giles a Her entry for April 14,1861 noted her fears and read as braved many obstacles to travel from New England to the piece ofhistory follows: “Fort Sumpter is taken. Report is in circulation South where they met Rev. Frank Quarles, also known as that it was on fire last night. May it be true that our Father Quarles, an influential Negro pastor in Atlanta. remembered country may be saved. ” Together, they embraced the vision. Father Quarles encour¬ Miss Packard was not immobilized in fear by the sub¬ aged other Negro pastors to support the dream and to now only in sequent Civil War. The War well may have been a catalyst encourage Negro women and girls to come. He provided for her to consider her role in bringing the nation together. space in the basement of Friendship Baptist Church for A chance meeting with Harriet E. Giles, who was 20 years classes. President Read wrote, “Armed with a collective pictures. ” her junior, helped form a powerful dream that the two mission and a Bible, teachers and scholars huddled would share and pledge their lives to implement. This bold together in a damp basement. ” I might add to her vision, a dream dared to be dreamed and a mission not to description that they started the school with humility and be denied all led to the beginning of the Atlanta Female hope but without fanfare.

SUMMER/FALL 19 9 9 9 "Will the Seminary Grow? What Are Archives? What Are the Spelman Archives? Are You Going to Stick?" The Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary started but could it Archivists help make the connection between what was, grow? Father Quarles traveled to the North to solicit what is and what could be. money for a building. Although he died before the build¬ By Taronda Spencer, C’80, Spelman College Archivist ing was a reality, his dream for the growth of the institu¬ tion would not die. An article printed on November 15, A rchives are records of enduring value that are permanently saved. These may 1881 challenges supporters to honor the efforts of Father j\ have been produced by an individual, organization, or institution in the course Quarles as shown in the caption: “Let us renew our r"\ of activity over time. They come in a variety of physical forms such as letters, efforts. ” Many Negro mothers had dreams for an educa¬ JL JL diaries, meeting minutes, reports, financial and legal documents, pho¬ tion for themselves and their daughters. Church women’s tographs and memorabilia.However, it is their content that serves as the determining organizations united with others from the community in factor for preservation.Archives document our human experience and serve as our col¬ response to the call. Today, five generations of the Quarles lective memory. family have attended the Institution, starting with Father The records which comprise the Spelman College archives are the most tangible Quarles’ wife Selena Quarles. evidence of Spelman’s history and activities.They provide the officers and staff of the The Founders’ diaries and other letters state that in College with material necessary to understand and interpret the evolution of College 1882, Miss Packard and Miss Giles traveled to Cleveland to policies and procedures.They support the ongoing development and traditions of the secure funds. At the invitation of Rev. G.O. King, the College community, and they provide scholars and other researchers with essential founders appealed to the congregation of the Wilson information of how Spelman has carried out its mission as an institution dedicated to Avenue Baptist Church philanthropist John D. Rockefeller the education of African American women for more than a century. was in attendance. Hearing their story, Mr. Rockefeller Since its founding in 1881, the Spelman College community has demonstrated an emptied his pockets into the collection plate. He asked the ongoing commitment to the preservation and documentation of the institution’s his¬ question are you going to stick? The answer was yes and tory and that of her constituency. The evidence of this commitment is manifested in he pledged $250.00 to their cause. John D. Rockefeller’s the vast and varied collections that comprise the Spelman College Archives. generous gifts were instrumental in securing the land and As the official repository of the College, the Archives’ primary mission is to provide buildings so that Miss Packard and Miss Giles could con¬ the academic community and other researchers with primary source material that tinue their work of educating Negro women and girls. In documents the history of the College.However, the diversity of our collection also 1884, the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary was renamed allows the Archives to provide information relating to the history of African American Spelman Seminary in recognition of Mrs. John D. Rocke¬ women, their roles and work in the United States, particularly the American South, feller’s parents. John D. Rockefeller’s generous gifts were and around the world.Spelman is among a growing number of historically black col¬ instrumental in the establishment of the school as a leges and universities that have organized archival programs. school for women. A component of the Women’s Research and Resources Center, the Archives serve Spelman not only would stick but thrive. The original faculty, staff, alumnae, the Atlanta University Center, scholars, researchers and the 11 students grew to 80 within three short months despite a general public. Inquiries and reference requests come via letter, telephone, electronic sentence contained in the early application materials mail, and in person.Generally the requests are for information about alumnae, for which clearly and proudly proclaimed: “Lazy students scholarly as well as genealogical research; there are also inquiries related to subjects need not apply. ” Those who held the vision to serve kept such as African American educational institutions, educating women, Southern his¬ coming, and by 1885, the student population had grown tory and the Civil Rights Movement. to 200 and to 464 by 1891. The Archives facility is a modern well equipped with a state-of-the-art monitoring system which controls fluctuations in temperature and humidity thereby creating a Spelman Messenger Becomes a Key stable environment for the papers and other material.The Archives include 2, 500 Resource of History square feet of workspace: the reference area which accommodates as many as eight The founders believed in the message of Spelman. The researchers; the processing room, where collections are prepared before storage; and story the stack area, which at present has the capacity to store 2,000 linear feet of material. of the College would be documented for future gen¬ erations The material in the Archives consists of administrative records, departmental and through The Spelman Messenger, first printed in 1885 as a programs records, publications, photographs and other material relating to the history quarterly by students and edited by various fac¬ and administration of the College.There are personal papers of faculty, staff, alumnae ulty members. The Messenger, which now publishes twice and noted African American artists and authors. Additionally, the Archives contain a year with a circulation of over 14,000, has been in con¬ tinuous circulation since 1885. This publications from other institutions in the Atlanta University Center and a collection of publication repre¬ sented periodicals and monographs, some rare, relating to African American history, women’s Spelman’s commitment to promote and to spread

the vision of the — history,literature, sociology, education, feminism, music and art. founders the message. The Messenger Continued onpage 15. helped to share with the greater community a bird’s eye-

70 SPELMAN MESSENGER Early Campus Scenes

view of the Spelman community through photographs, news and stories. The Messenger continued to be a rich resource for historical research. The Archives document the Spelman culture and seeks to capture every aspect of Spelman life. Traditions were fashioned as a reminder that each student would know her purpose. The seal of the College reinforces the during annual rituals. For example, the intellectual, spiritual and industrial aspects of life entering freshmen class of 2002 inherited the through its motto: Our Whole School For Christ. Not to colors and emblems from the graduating class forget service as the root of one’s efforts, students regularly of 1998. At no time are the above-mentioned sang the Spelman College hymn. The hymn directed stu¬ colors, emblems or values absent from the gen¬ dents to ascribe to high standards (“standards and eral student population. They are recycled and honor raise”), be faithful {“forever bind our hearts to reinforced between classes and between genera¬ thine”), work hard {“through years oftoil andpain ”) tions. This ritual has existed for almost one hun¬ and continue to strive {“undauntedby thefight”). dred years. As a final reminder to the students before they depart Then: Spelman College trustee Spelman's color blue represents wisdom to serve as alumnae of the College, senior students partic¬ and actor LaTanya Richardson deeper than the spoken word ipate in Class Day and the March Through the Arch. The Jackson, C’74, appeared on the During one of my volunteer days in the Archives, my Ivy Oration is an opportunity for the valedictorian to voice cover ofa Spelman Messenger daughter Johnson, C’02, visited me wearing a T- “the message” to classmates in an address during Class (Winter 1980-Vol. 98, No.2) in shirt that had been distributed to freshmen during Spel¬ Day. The highest achievers are honored by being the pro¬ her man’s Freshmen Orientation Week. The T-shirt had an gram participants. The ceremony ends with the March Lady in Red rolefor the eagle on the front with the words: “Spelman 2002 Soar¬ Through the Arch ceremony which is a processional led play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/when ing toward thefuture on the wings ofthepast. ” and on by the oldest alumna present. The line is comprised of all the back these words: “Eagles are not afraid tofly alone the alumnae present in class order with seniors at the end the Rainbow is Enuf.” The cover above the clouds.” This message would probably be seen of the procession. As parents and friends bid the seniors alsofeatured Spelman’s April 6, as a singular commentary by some. However, to alumnae, well, emotions are high and this prayer for the graduating 1881 newspaper notice with the this T-shirt is representative of treasured traditions, a part students is whispered: “Seniors, you are ourfuture. We headlines: “Colored Women of a whole. Spelman’s social customs were not happen¬ will supportyou as you continue the Spelman legacy. and Girls. ” stance. A moving ritual occurs annually when the gradu¬ You are now ready to leave thisplace to serve. ” ating seniors ceremoniously convey selected colors and Each interaction with the archival materials rein¬ emblems to the entering class. The sphinx and the color forces one’s ancestral memory and appreciation for Spel¬ yellow represent progress, obedience, honesty, ethical man. While handling a photograph of the March rules, manners and unselfishness.The owl and the color Through the Arch, I stared at the faces of each person in blue represent a wisdom deeper than the spoken word. The line and realized that each item in the Archives represents lamp and the color green dispel the darkness as classmates a life or an event. The Archives is the place where one can strive to send forth their light. The eagle and the color red really see the mission of Spelman come to life. Although, inspire knowledge and urge followers to heights of noble I give my time to Spelman as a volunteer in the Archives, achievements. All messages and values are emphasized I receive much more as a result of the experience.

SUMMER/FALL 19 9 9 11 The Archival Trail American philanthropists who believed in the value of The Archives did not magically occur. There were people historically black institutions and considered this Center who took great care to preserve the history of Spelman. We as a tangible manifestation of that belief. know that the custodian of the Granddaughters The Archives had finally become a destination for Club was usually the archivist of the College. There researchers to explore the Spelman legacy of educating ArchivesSpelman are those presidents Sophia B. Packard and Harriet African American women. Brenda Banks, C’71, Assistant E. Giles who meticulously prepared daily entries in Director for Reference and Preservation at the Georgia diaries. There is the Spelman Messenger that was Department of Archives and History, was the consulting first published in 1885 by various faculty and later archivist for Spelman from 1986 1996. She was inti¬ by Ernestine Erskine Brazeal, C’28, Alumnae Secre¬ mately involved in the planning of the Archives facility tary, who was the Messenger editor from 1953- and noted, “The design of any archival space must 1976. Of course, there was Mexico Hembree address the environmental issues relative to the storage of Micklebury, C’38, Spelman librarian from materials, processing and reference space. It is rare, par¬ 1943 to 1981 who collected and protected ticularly for a historically black institution, to commit Spelman materials as well as Beverly Guy- such resources to preserving its history. Spelman’s Sheftall, C’66, Director of the Women’s Center archives is a good starting point as a beginning effort. I and Jo Moore Stewart, editor of the Spelman am confident that alumnae can be depended upon for Messenger since 1978 who reviewed hundreds additional support for expansion as physical needs and of photographs and documents to produce the programmatic activities increase.” Through the use of the )ook Spelman: a centennial celebration Archives, Spelman can share her historical lessons of suc¬ '881-1981 which documents Spelman’s first cess with others. century of history. There is a new generation of Spelman women who were inspired to pur¬ An Environment Designed for Preservation sue archival management as a career: The Archives is not just an office. It is a specially designed Dorothy Fields, C’64, Brenda Banks, C’71, environment to protect the holdings from disintegration Cynthia Patterson Lewis, C’73, and Taronda and damage in order to prolong life and long-term use¬ Spencer, C’80. Spelman’s newly appointed fulness. The maintenance of an Archives requires con¬ archivist,Taronda Spencer, remembers, “As a stant monitoring. The temperature must remain around student, I worked with Mrs. Brazeal who 68 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity must be con¬

assigned me the responsibility of identifying trolled at around 30 — 40 percent. Low, high or fluctu¬ materials in the archives and preparing an ating humidity will accelerate deterioration. High Dr. Lois Moreland, political science inventory of the materials which had just been relocated temperatures may damage photographs. Staff and professor and director ofthe Inter¬ to the third floor of Rockefeller Hall.” researchers must use gloves since tears, abrasions and nationalAffairs Center, retired this However, it is a miracle that the holdings survived the stains may result from improper handling. Salt contained spring after 39 years ofservice to 118-year trek through history, given the various places in human perspiration may damage photographic mate¬ Spelman. She is shown in the that the archival holdings have “lived.” Each stop on the rials. Special equipment is necessary to conserve materi¬ above archive photos (top to bot¬ archival trail from the third floor of Rockefeller, to the art als. For example, a fumigation chamber is used to kill tom) teaching a class, in the sixties department of Giles, and to the Quarles Library in Giles mold or other organisms that damage papers. signing her book White Racism and Hall, has been a challenge. Each move exposed the hold¬ the Lawfor her student, Jeanne Special containers and files are used for storage. There Terry (now Dr. Jeanne Meadows, ings to mold and mildew, contaminants from paint gas, are special precautions taken to limit access to the C’64, associateprofessor and chair pest infestation, temperature fluctuations, light and water Archives. An access keypad, strategically located on the ofthepolitical science depart¬ damage. Each move threatened the integrity of the hold¬ doors, signals access or denial to the Archives. The ment), and receiving Spelman’s ings through possible damage or loss. Administrative Archives environment itself, secure storage and approved 1998 Presidential Distinguished records were housed in basements, offices and off-campus conservation procedures and materials all contribute to Service Award from President storage facilities. There was not a central place to locate the protection of the holdings. Each step is taken for the Audrey Manley. In 1989, or retrieve information. Clearly it was time to preserve, ultimate puipose of preserving important collections. Dr. Moreland received Spelman’s conserve and consolidate the Archives. The trek would Please be advised that an archives is not a general Presidential Awardfor Excellence finally end and the holdings would find a permanent dumping place for “stuff” while clearing out an attic or in Teaching. Apparently, it was home in 1996 when the records were relocated to Room well deserved since her student, garage. An Archives is a repository that meets the particu¬ 200 of the Camille Olivia Dr. Meadows, just received the Cosby Academic Center. The lar collecting interest as defined by the mission of the 1999 Presidential Distinguished Cosby Academic Center was made possible by the vision museum or archives. For example, the Martin Luther ServiceAward. and philanthropy of Drs. Bill and , African King Center collects information on Dr. King, specifically,

12 SPELMAN MESSENGER and the Civil Rights Movement It is a miracle in general. The Archives at the Atlanta university Center’s that the holdings Woodruff Library collects mater¬ ial relating to African American survived the education, and African American arts and letters. The Auburn Avenue Research Center collects informa¬ 118-year trek tion specifically on Black Atlanta. through history, Spelman College focuses on the administrative records of Spelman the various and the people associated with the his¬ tory of Spelman. that the

Are You a Preserver, archival Donor or a Packrat? holdings Time 1929. After of the reading this article, a trip to a base¬ Signs have “lived. ” ment or attic may cause excitement for the “packrat” because of the possibility that something valu¬ able may be revealed. The packrat may finally be vindi¬ cated or even be called a hero/shero for saving those valuable items that heretofore were seen as simply junk. An interested donor must be cautioned. It may not be as simple as just “rescuing” and sending the items to your favorite museum or archives. The first and most impor¬ tant question to be answered is “Who really owns the item?”Just because something is in your basement does not mean it is owned by you. Cynthia Patterson Lewis, C’73, archivist and director of the Martin Luther King Center cautions, “We typically attach possession to owner¬ Another point of clarification between the ship. That does not work when you are trying to deter¬ donor and the archives is the definition of what mine who has the right to convey ownership.” is considered historically valuable material. For example, a family member finds some papers in his The value of the materials may be in a body of materials basement and decides to donate his brother’s personal rather than individual items. It is important for donors to papers. refrain from rearranging, weeding or In preparation for the donation of the personal discarding individ¬ Dr. Joyce F. Johnson, who has papers, an ual records. Materials do not necessarily need to be old or appraisal is prepared. The daughter discovers been a member ofSpelman’s that the related to fame to be papers are valuable and wants to auction the historically valuable. A trip to the musicfaculty since 1953, papers. The uncle feels that since he found his brother’s library for the Directory of Archives and Manuscript received the College’s 1999 Fan¬ papers, they belong to him. Who owns the item and who has Repositories in the United States can help prospective nie Lou Hamer Achievement the donors to right to donate the papers? A clear statement document¬ identify the collecting interests of museums or Awardfor community service. archives with the ultimate ing personal holdings may well prove helpful in a dispute of goal of matching the intended ProfessorJohnson, the organist property rights. Ms. Lewis continues, “Literary rights, prop¬ item with the appropriate archives. A subsequent discus¬ for the College and chair ofthe erty rights and heir rights can be negotiated and protected sion with the appropriate archivists may reveal “trea¬ music department, isflanked through the very important donor agreement.” sures” unbeknown to the donor. in the above centerphotograph Consider the copyright issues. Usually the copyright by Dr. June Hopps, C’60, and rights belong to the creator of the papers or photos and Patricia Graham Johnson, C’73, a partner of Howell & PresidentAudrey F. Manley, can be legally transferred to others. But the ownership of Johnson, a firm specializing in the inventory of private C’55. An archivephoto shows the copyright is a separate issue from the ownership of the collections, is currently working on a book manuscript on Dr. Johnson with the late Profes¬ item itself. Archivists ask that donors give them the items the life of her father, the late Reverend John H. Graham. sor Kemper Harreld, former and the copyright rights associated with them. This allows Formerly, Ms. Johnson served Spelman for fifteen years as Spelman Glee Club director, researchers to quote from the papers without fear of legal an acting director of admissions, the director of Alumnae noted composer andAfrican repercussions. Affairs, and a planned giving officer for the College. American music scholar.

13 SUMMER/FALL 19 9 9 Profiles of Alumna Archivists tration and the other in library science, she was set for a career in senior management in archival administration. Ms. Banks is the Assistant By Patricia Graham Johnson, C’73 Director (Reference and Preservation), Georgia Department of Archives and History since 1989- She is responsible for planning, directing and implementing the public reference and preserva¬ tion program for the State of Georgia. Ms. Banks’ reputation in the archival field is f important contributions to history, collections and memora¬ legendary. She has held archival consultancies at bilia. Archivists are real life scientists who are the preservers of a number of historically black colleges and uni¬ Fkhistory.ackratsManyare arearchivistwell trainedwannabeesin librarywhosciencebelieveandthatholdtheycertifi¬make versities, Atlanta’s and the Martin cates or degrees in archival administration. Archivists organize the col¬ Luther King,Jr., Center for Social Change Archives. lection so interested researchers can retrieve information easily. She was a member of the Clinton-Gore transition Remember, the ultimate goal is to preserve, conserve, protect and orga¬ team for the National Archives. Ms. Banks was the nize historical information for future use. co-author and co-director for the grant received. Spelman has produced four alumnae archivists: Dorothy Jenkins from the National Endowment for the Humanities Fields, C’64, Brenda Banks, C’71, Cynthia Patterson Lewis, C’73, and (NEH) that formally established the archives pro- & Taronda Spencer, C’80. All have undergraduate majors in history or gram at Spelman College in 1987. She was the political science. Spelman archival consultant from 1986 to 1996 and was responsible for the planning the move of the Dorothy Jenkins Fields, C'64 archives from Giles Hall to the Cosby Center. Upon graduating from Spelman in 1964, Dorothy Jenkins Field, Ph.D., began what ultimately became a 30-year career with the Dade County Cynthia Patterson Lewis, C'73 Public Schools. Though educated at the University of Northern Col¬ Cynthia Patterson Lewis’ focus has been in specialized orado, Emory University and from the Union Institute in Public Policy library programs and collections. She holds a master’s in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she earned her Ph.D., Dr. Fields did not have degree from University7 of New York, Albany, in African and 4 to look far to identify her life’s work. A native of Miami, Dr. Fields gath¬ Aro-American Studies, 1978, and a Masters in Library Sci¬ Brenda Banks, C71, ered the history of African Americans in South Florida. Her dissertation, ence from Atlanta University, 1974. After pursuing another Colored Town, Miami, Florida, 1915: An Examination ofthe Manner Master of Arts in African and Afro-American studies with a in Which the Residents Defined Their Community in this Era ofJim specialization in research methods and urban politics, Ms. Lewis’ career Crow, was one of the ways Dr. Fields documented the “real” history of followed the traditional route as media specialist for an elementary that thriving community. This historical quest ultimately led to the school and as a social studies teacher. However, after working as a con¬ establishment of the Black Archives Foundation, a manuscript and pho¬ sultant for the Department of Atmospheric Science and as a research tographic repository. She is the founder and a member of the board of scientist for the New York Division for Youth, her direction and sights directors for the organization. were set on research and specialized collections. Dr. Fields’ determination to bring history “in front” of the people Ms. Lewis held several positions at Jackson State University. However, inspired the Historic Overtown Folklike Village, a learning center for the she drew on all of her areas of interest, expertise and skills to establish the literary, visual and performing arts in the spirit of the Harlem Renais¬ archival program there at the Margaret Walker Alexander National sance, located in a two-block area in midtown Miami. She developed the Research Center. Ms. Lewis’ contribution was particularly valuable due to Black Heritage Trail which connects historic sites throughout Florida to her skills in appraisal, accession and applied archival management in the the rest of the states and the Western Hemisphere. A renowned researcher preservation of historical materials relevant to the African American expe¬ forJulia Daughters, a local history book on women, she was requested rience. Ms. Lewis was a project manager for a special project that was to write the state curriculum framework for African American history. funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission Dr. Fields serves as the president of the Miami-Dade Chapter of the that identified, located and appraised privately held personal, organiza¬ Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History. tion and business records relevant to the African American experience in Mississippi. In that position, Ms. Lewis was able to promote the value and Brenda Banks, C'71 role of African American archival primary source materials. Ms. Brenda Banks knew her calling was in archival management. In In her current position as Director of Archives for the Martin Luther fact, her first position was as a preservation technician at the Georgia King, Jr., Center since 1993, Ms. Lewis manages historically significant Department of Archives and History in Atlanta. However, after attending materials from major civil rights organizations. Her knowledge and appre¬ law school and completing two master’s degrees, one in public adminis¬ ciation for African American archival materials is well respected in the field.

14 SPELMAN MESSENGER Taronda Spencer, C'80 What Are Archives? Continuedfrom page 10. As a second-generation archivist, Taronda Spencer arrived at her deci¬ The sion to become an archivist as a teenager. She grew up in the Amistad Spelman Archives on the second floor of the Camille Olivia Hanks Research Center in New Orleans where she learned from her mother, Cosby Academic Center contains more than meets the eye.The holdings of the Archives include: the records of the Office of the President that docu¬ an assistant archivist at the Center, the importance of preserving origi¬ ment the administrations of nal material. She said, “The first time I saw an original Langston Sophia Packard, 1879 -1891, Harriet Giles, 1891—1909, Lucy - Hughes letter or read the court transcript of the Amistad Incident, I was Tapley, 1910 -1927, Florence Read, 1927 1953, Albert Manley, 1953 Donald Stewart, -1987 and Johnnetta Cole, hooked. I knew archives would be my life’s work.” She explained that -1976, 1976 1987 -1997; records from the Spelman College Board of Trustees, and she got to Spelman from the Amistad Research Center. “The Dobbs other records from offices and departments of the college such as the family were guests of the Center during the opening of theJohn Wesley Office of the Academic Dean/Provost, Office of the Registrar, Office of Dobbs Papers. I was introduced to Mrs. Millicent Dobbs Alumnae Affairs, Office of Publications, McVicar Hospital, Quarles Library Jordan. In the course of our conversation she suggested and the Women’s Resource and Research; the Spelman College Photo¬ that I consider Spelman as a choice of colleges. I graph Collection which includes nearlylO, 000 images of faculty, staff, promised that I would send for a catalog. I did and the students, alumnae, visitors, the physical plant and campus events; the rest is history.” As a student at Spelman, Ms. Spencer was Spelman College Publications Collection which includes catalogs, bul¬ | a student assistant assigned to the Spelman College letins,pamphlets, brochures, yearbooks, Spelman Spotlight, Spelman Mes¬ Archives. As a result of her firsthand knowledge of the senger and other publications produced by the College.The Archives also I Archives, she was hired as the research assistant for the house collections of personal papers such as: Cynthia Patterson Lewis, C’73 book, Spelman: a centennial celebration 1881-1981 (1) 10,000 photographs dating back to (10) Selma Burke Papers — including printed for the 1880s (2,500 have been identified to date). personal papers, photographs, sketches, The photos include graduating classes, extensive collection of the artwork of an Spelman centen¬ Founders Day processionals, the March honorary degree recipient. nial in 1981. Through the Arch on Class Day. (11) Harreld-Love Collection commemo¬ Ms. Spencer (2) Diaries of Sophia B. Packard and Har¬ rating a family which includes Claudia riet E. Giles with entries as Harreld holds a Master of early as 186l. C’01, one of the two first college (3) The Florence M. Read Collection graduates of Spelman Seminary. This col¬ Arts in history including photographs, research notes for lection includes letters related to her mem¬ and archives the book The Story of Spelman College, bership on the Board of Trustees of the administration. personal correspondence and memorabilia Gate City Nursery Association and the a Leonard Street Home. Her employment and personal book collection. (4) The Willis Laurence James Collection (12) Ellen Hamilton Papers — expertise has Taronda Spencer, C’80 featuring a faculty member whose collec¬ a collection of letters donated by a focused on orga¬ tion includes music, lecture notes and Spelman faculty member. nizing collections so they can be used by researchers. She has worked research on African American folk songs. (13) Spelman Messenger — the official (5) Emma at the Historic New Orleans Collection in New Orleans and at the Wal¬ Delaney, Class of 1894 — college and alumnae publication pub¬ letters from this alumna who was an early lished from 1885 to present. ter P. Reuther Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs at Wayne State Uni¬ missionary to Africa. (14) Spelman Reflections — the student versity in Detroit. In 1991, the African American Educational Archives (6) Dobbs Family Collection featuring clip¬ yearbook published from 1951 to the pre¬ sent Initiative was adopted by Wayne State University. Because of her expe¬ pings of the singing career of Mattiwilda except for 1990 (missing i960) Dobbs, C’46 and the political career of (15) Campus Mirror — student publica¬ rience in collection descriptions, Taronda was asked to become a Pro¬ Josephine Dobbs Clement, C’37, and other tion published from 1926-1950 ject Archivist for the component of the Initiative surveying the archives Dobbs family members including a (16) Spelman Spotlight — Student news¬ of historically black colleges and universities. In 1997, when the Coop¬ national article on the Dobbs family in an paper published from 1951 to the present. erative HBCU Archival Survey Project moved to Spelman, Ms. Spencer issue of LOOK magazine published on December 2,1969. All that said, there is a wish list for cer¬ came back with the Project. However, when she was appointed (7) Audrey Lorde Papers This closed (cur¬ tain types of material. In increasing archivist of the College in 1998, the Project hired new personnel to rently closed to researchers) collection numbers, researchers are asking for continue its work. In addition to her work as the archivist of the Col¬ including poems, correspondence and material like scrapbooks, photographs, other lege, she is the archivist for the National Alumnae Association of Spel¬ writings, lecture notes and pho¬ diaries, journals and material —gener¬ tographs of this African American feminist ated by individual students and student man College and the Atlanta Chapter. Her first major task as writer. organizations — that highlights student

Spelman’s archivist was to compile an inaugural photo exhibition (8) Pinkie Gordon Lane, C’49 - a collec¬ life and activity on the Spelman College highlighting the history and achievements of Spelman’s eighth presi¬ tion of poems papers from the poet laure¬ campus. Also, the archivist is interested ate of Louisiana in dent and first alumna president entitled In the True Blue Tradition: collecting scripts of the original (9) Margaret Nabrit Curry Collection — plays and songs, lyrics and music, pre¬ Audrey Forbes Manley. comprised of books on dance and the arts sented by the classes during the from the collection of this former faculty Founders Day rallies. member and alumna.

SUMMER / FALL 19 9 9 15 Sister to Sister: Banquet, Pearline Adamson received an honorary degree from Davis, C’58, president of the Spelman on Founders Day. pelman continued to cele¬ National Alumnae Association of So you want to hear about true brate its 1998-99 academic Spelman College (NAASC) deemed blue traditions? Well I suggest you year in the True Blue tradi¬ this group of Golden Girls “gutsy,” talk to a Larkins sister. You can take tion. Inspired by the True much to their pleasure, as each was your pick of any one of the five, all of Blue theme of the inauguration of presented with a special gift from the whom are Spelman alumnae. We our first alumna president, Audrey were fortunate to have two of the five F. Manley, the prevailing energy as 1999 Golden girls, Josephine and spirit remained with us through¬ Larkins Pattillo and Lyda Ruth out Family Weekend, Founders Day, Larkins Stivers. Sister Jacque¬ Breakfast at Tiffany featuring the line Larkins Crook, C’48 was on Alumnae Achievement Awards, and hand to welcome them into the illus¬ Reunion ’99- As alumnae, we bal¬ trious Golden Girl Circle, and they anced our reverence for tradition were supported by sisters Otha Anne with our excitement surrounding Larkins, C’54 and Shirley Larkins possibilities for the future. The Spel- Green, C’58. What became an edu¬ man tradition of leadership and cational tradition among the service is dependent upon our com¬ Larkins sisters has been embraced by mitment to this true blue spirit. 1 their daughters and nieces, with a As you read the Alumnae Notes in | family member having graduated as this issue, you will be awed by the Eloise Abernathy, C’86, Director of recently as 1996. We must personal and professional achieve¬ AlumnaeAffairs, shares a moment uplift our true blue tra¬ ments of Spelman alumnae as during the Reunion Banquet with dition now more than ever before as demonstrated by those honored this Andrea Harris, C'94, newly hired we move into the coming age. As year. Alumnae like Isabella McIn¬ Alumnae Programs Manager in the alumnae, we must accept the charge tyre Tobin, C’45, a career educator, Office ofAlumnae Affairs. Ms. Harris to know and better tell our unique world traveler and philanthropist and Ms. Abernathy, along with Anna stories. And there is no better place to who received the Founders Spirit Scott, Administrative Assistant (not document those stories than in our Award. It is through such deserved pictured), complete the Alumnae magazine—The Spelman Messen¬ recognition that we continue to tell Affairs Office staff. ger. Please send all pertinent infor¬ our story with greater depth and mation and official photographs to intensity. Spelman women continue Association. Also to their credit was the Office of Alumnae Affairs, 350 to stay on the cutting edge of their the rare presence of “sisters among Spelman Lane, SW, Box 304, Atlanta, careers as demonstrated by our the sisters,” with dual sets of sisters GA 30314-4399, or e-mail me at moviemakers and musicmakers in among the class roll, both sets hail¬ [email protected]. We look our mini-feature columns. And they ing from an impressive lineage of forward to being the premier conduit bring their remarkable lessons and Spelman alumnae. This year of through which alumnae are her¬ stories home to share with current “double the gold” found us in the alded. Spelman students during convoca¬ presence of Elise Dunn Cain and tions and vesper services. Eloise Dunn Warwick, affection¬ In sisterhood, In the midst of true blue, all that ately called “The Dunn Twins,” who, glitters is gold. Reunion 1999 only weeks prior to their golden brought us the latest assemblage of reunion, were on campus to cele¬ women to obtain the enviable status brate with their cousin, Major Gen¬ Eloise M. Abernathy, C’86 V- of Golden Girls, the Class of 1949. In eral Marcelite Jordan Harris, Director of Alumnae Affairs a formal tribute during the Reunion USAF (Retired), C’64, who

16 SPELMAN MESSENGER Alumnae Notes Musicmakers 1938 Spelman alumnae are making melodies in a variety ofmusic genres. Dovey Johnson Roundtree In 1956, Mattiwilda Dobbs (Janzon), C’46, Kathleen Bertrand, C’73, was the featured per¬ Personal Achievement: Keynote Speaker for debuted at the former for the Reunion Founder’s Day at Bethune-Cookman College on Metropolitan in New York. Half 1999 Spelman-Morehouse October 5,1998 a century later, this retired opera singer and music Soiree. That same week, she held a release party for 1942 professor has a new compact disc to her credit. The her debut compact disc, All at a Georgia Dickens recording, Mattiwilda Dobbs sings Arias and ofMe, Personal Achievement: Member of the Board of Songs, is a re-release of the two LP records she popular Atlanta jazz Directors of Women Looking Ahead. 1944 Del Egan Jupiter Professional Achievement: Received the 1998 NGS Quarterly Award for Excellence. The award was given in recognition of the article “From club. Ms. Bertrand Augustina to Ester: Analyzing a Slave Household for Child-Parent Relationships” which was pub¬ co-wrote eight out lished in December, 1997. 11 songs—which 1950 display her three-octave range—for the project. Jacqueline Creed Archer The CD covers a variety of music styles, from jazz Personal Achievement: Was inducted into Keyport and rhythm and blues to the spoken word. Kathleen High School Hall of Fame in 1998. She graduated Bertrand has from Keyport High School in 1945. opened for such artists as BT Express, recorded in 1953 (see original recordings among Roy Ayers, Jeff Lorber and Sounds of Blackness. I960 the archival items featured on The Messenger Marian Wright Edelman Kristine Anderson-Jones, C’91, is described as Personal Achievement: The Children’s Defense cover). The compilation was produced by @ Testa¬ Fund celebrated its 25th anniversary. She is presi¬ ment 1999 (catalogue number SBT 1137). the girl with the golden voice and the million-dollar dent and founder. style. She has performed 1963 Laura English-Robinson, C’69, instructor of for U.S. Presidents Jimmy at Carter and Ronald Rea¬ Brenda Hill Cole music Spelman, was cast in the leading role of Professional Achievement: Appointed as judge on Zabette, an opera in three acts by Curtis Bryant, gan, Bishop Desmond the Fulton County State Court by Georgia Gover¬ composer and Mary L. Bullard, librettist. This story Tutu and other national nor Zell Miller in September of 1998. of a woman of mixed race, set in 19th-century Geor¬ and international digni¬ 1964 gia, premiered at the Rialto Center for the Perform¬ taries. Her first recording Justice Bemette Joshua Johnson ing Arts at Georgia State University. Spelman effort, Tenderness, has Professional Achievement: Was an honoree at the was one been produced by J-Town Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement College of four Atlanta colleges and univer¬ Awards Luncheon on August 2,1998 at the ABA sities that offered resources and faculty to this pro¬ Records, a division of The Annual Meeting in Toronto. ject, making it the first collaborative arts project Malaco Music Group. 1965 among the five downtown schools. An Ruth A. Davis evangelist, teacher and Personal Achievement: Featured in the August psalmist, Laura Juhan Pickett, C’78, began to issue ofJET. She serves as president for the Thurs¬ sing and play the piano at an early age. Today, she day Luncheon Group, black diplomat group. Secre¬ uses her talent as a tary Madeline Albright attended the luncheon and ministry of music, spreading was the guest speaker. the gospel through song. She has served numer¬ 1966 ous churches and recorded various music pro¬ jects, a compact Phoebe L. Bailey her latest being disc entitled / Professional Achievement: Appointed by Governor Give You Praise with the Capitol View Zell Miller to a second three-year term on the United Methodist Church Voices of Praise. Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The She co-wrote, on 18 member commission is an official, profes¬ produced and performed sional, public, lay, business government agency the project, which led to her being chosen as charged to represent the teaching profession and the 1998 Best Female Vocalist by Atlanta by base decisions on the welfare of children, youth the Atlanta and society at large. Was also reelected as Vice Gospel Choice Awards. Chair of the Commission for the coming year.

SUMMER/FALL 19 9 9 17 1968 1974 1986 1990 Veronica Biggins Karen Kyle Crockett Beth Carter Anjanette Belt-Latimore Personal Achievement: Member of the Board of Professional Achievement: Was recognized as Education: Completed medical residency program Professional Achievement: Joined the staff of Preci- Directors of Women Looking Ahead. Teacher of the Year 1999 at Walker Elementary, in Family Practice Medicine in June and began a sionMed, Inc. as a Clinical Research Coordinator Broward County School Board, Florida. She cur¬ medical fellowship for one year in Occupational & in July of 1998. Clare Ann Earls rently teaches at Deerfield Beach Middle School in Environmental Medicine at Wayne State University Married: Raphaeel (Ray) Latimore on October 24, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. and the Detroit Medical Center. 1993. Professional Achievement: Appointed as one of the Birth: 1998 Vacation Bible School Teachers at Turner Anjanette Latimore on January 18,1998. Monumental A.M.E. Church where she serves as 1977 Stephanie Wilks Perdue one of the associate pastors. Vicki Renee Bernard Birth: Kendall Sara Catherine Perdue on Septem¬ Suyah Monae Loud Education: Graduated from Saint Louis University ber 23,1998 in Fort Worth, Texas. Education: Received a Medical Degree from with the Jane E. Smith degree of Doctor of Philosophy, with a Meharry Medical College in May 1999- Personal Achievement: Received the Distinguished major in education. Allyson Young Alumnae Award at the Atlanta Birth: Kelton Alexander Adrienne Lance Lucas Chapter of the 1981 Young on June 1,1998 in NAASC Annual Scholarship Brunch on Saturday, Nashville, Tennessee. Birth: Kenyatta Keno Lucas, II, on November 15, October 3,1998. Joisanne Andrea Brown 1998 in Atlanta, Georgia Married: LeRome Cordell on Saturday, September Kim Jackson Young 5, 1998 at Providence Missionary Baptist Church Elizabeth Spraggins Birth: Jordan Elise Young on October 6,1998 at 1991 in Atlanta, Personal Achievement: Participated in the College Georgia. Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Terraine Bailey Fund/UNCF Second Annual Salute to Appollo Jazz Education: Recently graduated from Ohio North¬ & Blues Legend held on Sunday, February 28, Julia Bernice Rainbow 1987 ern University’s Pettit College of Law. She received 1999 at Center Birth: Noah the Stage Theater. Rainbow-Douglas on December 26, Melanie Jones degree ofJuris Doctor. 1997 in Atlanta, Georgia. Birth: Connor Austin Jones on March 31,1998. 1969 Cherry A. Collier Bonnie Bohannon Gissendanner 1983 Donna Thompson-Bennett Education: Received her Ph.D. in psychology from Education: Received the Masters of Library Science Lisa Harris the Kelly Personal Achievement: Spoke at the Women’s University of Georgia in June 1998. degree from Clark Atlanta Professional Achievement: University in May, 1999- Appointed by Clinton Ministry of The Kingdom of God, 1st Annual Area of specialization is media specialist for public administration to the position of Special Assis¬ Women’s Conference, College Park, Georgia on 1992 schools. tant/Speech Writer for the Assistant Secretary of the Friday, September 18,1999- Alecia M. Alexander U.S. Department of Labor. Professional Achievement: Program Director, Birth: Gave birth to 1970 Myles Astoria Kelly on Febru¬ 1989 Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Barbara ary 26,1997 in Washington, D.C. Johnson Hawkins Sonja Gale Arnold Chicago Department of Public Health, July, 1998. Professional Achievement; Named Dade County Married: Earl Cameron Mitchell, III on May 18, Public School’s 1998 Principal of the Year. Altomease M. Lucas Chantice Marbet Fowler 1998 in Montego Bay, Jamaica on Saturday, June Education: Received a Bachelor of Science Married: William degree 20,1998. Gregory Cotten on October 18, 1973 in occupational therapy from Florida A&M Uni¬ 1998 at Pilgrim Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. Kathleen Bertrand versity in August, 1996. Professional Achievement: Kupenda Auset Personal Achievement: Featured in the Employed as an occu¬ Stacey Johnson February Personal Achievement: On Saturday, March 20, issue of The pational therapist for HealthSouth Rehabilitation Education: A first year medical student, has been Georgia Bulletin, the newspaper of 1999 she appeared at the Mutana Afrikan Collec¬ chosen as one of the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta. She is pictured Hospital of Central Georgia in Macon, Georgia. eight Presidential Scholars at tive, reading and signing her new book, Time with her twin daughters, Chinela and Chioma, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Change: New Life' ’ Poems who are students at the Lady of Lourdes. Bertrand 1984 herself attended Lourdes from 1957-1965. Partici¬ Dominique J. Simpson Milton 1993 A. Giselle Jones-Jones pated in the College Fund/UNCF Second Annual Birth: William J. Milton, III, on September 8,1998 Cynthia P. Blasingame Baker Education: Received her Masters of Arts in English Salute to Apollo Jazz & Blues Legends held on Sun¬ in Charlestown, South Carolina. Married: W. Todd Baker on April 11, 1998 in from A&T State University in day, February 28,1999 at Center State Theater. May Annapolis, Maryland. of 1992. Paula Bluford Rainer Married: Ronald Jones on October 15,1995. Maricia D. Bennekin Adrian Davis Birth: Christina Jean on December 20,1998 in Birth: Gave birth to Ashley Madison Jones on Professional Achievement: Was elected Professional Achievement: Joined the law firm of vice-presi¬ Reston, Virginia. She is married to Stuart A. March 24,1997. dent for the 1999-2000 Sabel & Sabel, Montgomery, Alabama, in January year for the National Rainer, a 1983 Morehouse alumnus Professional Achievement: Is currently teaching Council for Social Studies (NCSS). Davis will be of 1999. English at North Carolina A&T State University. NCSS president-elect in 2000-2001 and president Mitzi Slack in 2001-2002. She is the first African American Lisa Holder Daily Married: Delroy Reid, a native of West Moreland Birth: Gave birth to Nia Christin on woman to hold this office. Her appointment is Angela F. Sims July 18,1998. Jamaica on July 11,1998 at Progressive Commu¬ Married: Vem Cameron of effective Pembroke Pine, Florida July 1,1999- nity Church in Chicago, Illinois. on February 14,1998 in Nashville, Tennessee. Stephanie Hawkins Education: Received Ph.D in clinical Rita Gibson psychology 1985 from Howard Professional Achievement: Stacey M. Walker University. Appointed to the Suzanne Wilson Davis Education: Received the Professional Achievement: as a Atlanta Fulton Public Degree of Master of Working clinical Library Board of Trustees. Education: Received the Master of Science Degree Science in Administration from Central Michigan psychology post-doc at Stanford University. Swearing-in ceremony was held on Wednesday, in Public Relations from the New House School of September 23,1998. University in May 1998. Public Communications, Syracuse University, Tarshia L. Holder (Garnett) May, 1998. Professional Achievement: She and her husband, David Holder have started their own ministry, New Bernice King York Covenant Church, in the New Rochelle area. Personal Achievement: Was named as one of the Education: Became a full-time candidate for a 100 most fascinating black women of the 20th master’s degree as a reading specialist at Teachers century in Ebony Magazine. College, Columbia University in September, 1998.

18 S P E L M A N MESSENGER She was known In Memoriam 1930 among her teachers and 1951 Elizabeth P. Whitehead classmates as the young woman with the Rhea Saulter Harris True Blue does not fade. This is Died: October 29, 1998, Southwest “unusually pleasing voice.” That voice Died: August 13,1998 returned to evident in the passing of alumnae Community Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia Spelman throughout the Service: August 19, 1998, Freeport United years, the most memorable time being her Methodist who left us with the rich legacy oftheir Service: November 5, 1998, Morehouse Church, Freeport, New York visit as unconditional lovefor Spelman. College, MLK, Jr. International Chapel speaker for the Founders Day Convocation in 1976. 1953 Betty Janye Blasingame 1942 Dedicated teacher, peacemaker for kids. Nora M. Patrick Was principal of Whiteford Elementary Died: September, 1998 School for eleven years. She initiated Service: September 22, 1998, First the first comprehensive pediatric clinic in Congregational Church, Atlanta, Georgia an Atlanta public school. Died: February 26,1999 1944 Service: March 2, 1999, Ben Hill United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia Lavada Stokes McKinney Missionary, former teacher 1956 Died: Saturday, November 21,1998 Katherine T. Glass Service: November 25,1998, First Corinth Kelly Died: October Irene DobbsJackson, Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia 28,1998 Class of’29, is shown Bertha McGuire second row, center. Patmon, C’56 1929 1946 "l)„ Cut Thy Via Os The Died: August 28,1998 Gussie Turner Steele Irene Dobbs Jackson 1935 Service: September 4, 1998, Radcliffe Professor, activist, mother of Died: June 7,1998 Maynard Fannie Louise Allen Presbyterian Church, USA, Atlanta, Georgia Jackson, City of Atlanta’s first black Died: April 1,1999 1948 Upon her graduation in 1956, Bertha mayor. Graveside Services: Oakland Cemetery, Died: McGuire Patmon naturally progressed January 19,1999 248 Oakland Eleanor Lutia Ison Franklin Avenue, Southeast, Atlanta, from her role as student to that of loyal Memorial Service: January 23, 1999, Died: October 1,1998 Georgia alumna. She gave of her time, offered her Friendship Baptist Church Service: October 8, 1998, Dunbarton talents and shared her treasure. She truly 1936 Chapel, , Washington, believed that the future of Spelman Irene Dobbs graduated from the Spelman D.C. High School in the Class of 1925 and was Augusta Mae Holiday College depended upon her support. valedictorian of the Died: College Class of 1929. October, 1998 Dr. Franklin began her work experience Service: October 22, 1998, Scott 1964 Upon graduating from Spelman in 1929, United as an instructor in the biology department Irene Dobbs Methodist Church, Pasadena, California Andrea L. Harris began teaching high school at Spelman....A willingness to accept Died: French at Spelman Seminary. In 1930, responsibility and the magnitude of January 23,1999 she Service: Herschel Thornton Mortuary, began teaching college courses in 1937 respect for her among alumnae French, piano and Latin and continued to Atlanta, Georgia Emily America Copeland ultimately led Eleanor Franklin to a serve over the course of the next 30 years. Died: February 8,1999 pinnacle of Spelman servitude. In 1972, Even as her sisters successively followed in 1967 Service: February 13,1999, Strong & Jones she was elected president of the National her Spelman footsteps in the 19 years after Alumnae Association. Her four-year Wilma Lucile Curry Jackson her Chapel, Tallahassee, Florida graduation, she did not allow their tenure speaks to seasons of critical Service: January 9, 1999, Hartford time at Spelman to suffice as the ultimate as as Memorial Baptist Church, Detroit, 1938 planting, well gathering the harvest. Dobbs-Spelman experience. She set the She ushered in changing the name of the Michigan alumnae standard for Dobbs women, and Helen Bernice Norton Association clubs to Association chapters; Interment: January 13, 1999, Lincoln for Spelman women all. In a 1938 letter Died: March 19,1999 and she laid the foundation for Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia which Service: March accompanied a gift to the College, 24, 1999, Saint Paul’s incorporation. Dr. Franklin initiated the Irene Dobbs Jackson wrote, “Please find Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Georgia nomination process for the alumna 1971 enclosed a small check to be used as a gift trustee, and made Spelman history as the Loretta Blackwell Darling for Spelman on its Founders Day. The 1939 first alumna representative on the Died: October 3,1998 amount in no way indicates the extent of Berthlyn Henry Spelman Board of Trustees, serving for six Service: October 8, 1998, Shiloh Baptist my interest in Spelman.... My prayers and Died: February 25,1999 years. Her exemplary leadership on behalf Church, Dalton, Georgia best wishes for the College’s continued Service: March 2, 1999, Timothy A. Davis of the Alumnae Association, and her growth and service ... serve to complete unselfish commitment of time and Funeral Home, 1973 the New York, New York gift.” resources as an alumna led to her serving Wilhelmeta “Willa” Johnson as National Alumnae Campaign Julia Williams Palmer Gaulden 1922 Chairperson from Died: April 8,1999 Died: December 24, 1998 at Methodist Annie Laurie Day Hutchinson 1972-1976. She | Hospital of Indianapolis Died: October 4,1998 I encouraged alumnae Esther Rolle, Alumna Service: January 2, 1999, Providence Service: October 23, 1998, Sisters Chapel, to “give new life and Missionary Baptist Church, Atlanta, Spelman College (attended 1941-42) assured growth and We celebrate the life of Esther strength” to Georgia Rolle, Spelman’s “mission 1925 accomplished actress and dedicated humanitarian. of preparing women 1976 Gertrude Emily Ketchum Foster Spelman College is especially leaders and scholars.” Diane Cecilia Burnette Day Died: April 6,1999 humbled that this legendary Died: October 4,1998 in Houston, Texas Service: Crerar Memorial Presbyterian woman passed through our Esther Rolle, F.S. Service: October 9,1998, Big Bethel A.M.E. Church, Chicago, Illinois gates. Ms. Rolle spoke fondly (1941-42) Church, Atlanta, Georgia of her Spelman experience.

19 SUMMER/FALL 19 9 9 Moviemakers

True Blue does not imitate or reflect other colors ....As society takes a serious look at thefilm industry) and its role in magnifying often con¬ troversial messages and images, it is good to know that there are Spel- man women behind the camera using bold creativity to tell new and different stories. We arepleased to highlight alumnaefilmmakers:

Henri Norris, C’70, is the founder of New Millennia Films, formed to promote films that reflect the values, images and issues of people of color that are absent from the mainstream of cinema. The company was started in 1996, specifically to distribute Follow Me Home, a defiant, humorous, poetic tale exploring race and identity in America, starring film star Alfre Woodard, Ms. Norris is also executive producer of NakedActs, a feature film by debut filmmaker Bridgett Davis, C’82 (see profile on this page). An attorney and former owner of TransCultural Communica¬ tions, Inc., Ms. Norris spent ten years of her career on multi-billion dollar product liability litigation. She previ¬ ously co-produced Dateline Copen¬ hagen: A Woman’s View, and produced the first video short of Bridgett Davis, C’82 took a screenwriting course in 1991 out of curios¬ ity and soon found herself immersed in the genre. Several years and Cto OAcikVv the internationally filmmaking courses later, her first feature-length film, NakedActs, was acclaimed a capella released in the fall of 1998. The drama explores a young woman’s jour¬ singing group, Sweet ney toward accepting the body she once despised. An Associate Professor Honey in the Rock, Parties^lo^elor of English at City University of New York’s Baruch College, Ms. Davis with group founder teaches TV & Film Writing, Journalism and Fiction Writing courses. She Valentine’s weekend Bernice Johnson is currently working on her next feature film project. Reagon, C’70. by Cathy Gardner . , been in Ilbunc'fTA'leCIndS Steak Musical thrilled ante for the ABJ Actress/Binger Melba " preview of her P®”° Bobby Rush Monday night, ,veokend. House Monday during Klhis weekend. U.S. KeP-

Peggy Hayes, C’86, is an independent film¬ by a variety of musical > > h Edition. weekend: A jam- maker who sharpened her skills as an intern packed farewell salute on the CBS series In the Heat & Tony’s. jam of the Night. In 1992, she founded Night of the Black Indepen¬

of dents, an Atlanta organization which produces ^mantle an annual film festival to showcase filmmak¬ T^ialrieandnerivojkM ers of African descent. Ms. Hayes’ first feature . M/jpt Greet &

Eat at U1C Regency film, Nandi, is a suspense-thriller set behind TT„'tT''Hy?tt( v i Wackcr the scenes of an upscale magazine for African- American women. Following its screen release, 13. Na?tdi aired on WPBA Channel 30, a public broadcasting station in Atlanta. Ms. Hayes DolondorWlctor Scott ^„!nW7«”™'On.rfsions, tu< Dennis hopes to develop the film into a dramatic series the— events of i lb®,cntin(,Bvaie»Mi‘v“ Aifre Woodard (second, S5 SS for television. admission ^ ; Dance wrUer/director of " h wfre stars), 1>rC;Bnnd Ve^s Style review toW Me Home, (in wh ^ M,„ennla party and P* „me. Satur- Henri Norris, Esq. - -rimes movie *f day,foUFcblh14SF®b- Ladies, you F(,ms and CbfC(frt following a screen- da^, With Den- critlc Roger Ebert;'kend, during the

20 S P E L M A N MESSENGER Lori Y. Paschal Janet C. Scott Education: Received a Master of Arts degree in Early Education: Received her Master’s degree in middle Alumnae in Sisters Chapel 1998-99 Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University grades education from Mercer University in May of in December, 1998. Is currently a kindergarten 1998. teacher with the Atlanta Board of Education. and Conjie Mackeeba Turner uplifting responsibility, they prove that at Spelman Betrice Scott Education: Completed the Master of Science we do what we say we do — educate women as leaders Education: Received Juris Doctor Degree from Degree in Technology Management from Mercer who serve. Every time a student sees an alumna before Emory University School of Law in May 1998. University, Atlanta, Georgia in May 1998. When alumnae come home, bearing accomplishment Married: Don H. Scott on March 14, 1998 in her — in the classroom or an administrative office, serving as Atlanta, Georgia. Sandra Elaine Waite chair of the Board of Trustees, president of the College, or sitting on Education: Received the degree of Juris Doctor the Angela Celen Thomas Supreme Court of the State of Louisiana — she is reminded from the University of Virginia, School of Law in Personal Achievement: Recently became engaged that all are May of 1998. things possible. to Trenton Devon Meredith, a Morehouse gradu¬ ate from the class of 1994. The wedding date is set 1996 Convocations for August 7,1999 at Greater Travelers Rest Bap¬ tist Church in Decatur, Georgia. Sababu Chaka Barashango Thursday, September 24,1998 Married: Lenora Jones at Wheat Street Baptist Hosted Tiffany Townsend Church in Atlanta, Georgia. by the Spelman Student Government Association (SSGA) Education: Received Ph.D in clinical psychology Speaker: Elisa Tory, C’92 from George Washington University in Washing¬ Holly Covington SSGA Presidential Advisor, 1992 ton, D.C. in August, 1998. Professional Achieve¬ Professional Achievement: Recently began work¬ ment: Is currently working as an Assistant ing for Qwest Communications International, a Professor of Psychology at Penn State University provider of Broadband Internet Communica¬ Thursday, January 28,1999 in State College of Pennsylvania. tions. She is a financial analyst responsible for Hosted by the Office of Alumnae Affairs planning and forecasting the full P&L for the 1994 company’s consumer segment. Speaker: Justice Bernette Joshua Andrea Harris Johnson, C’64 Professional Achievement: Joined Spelman Col¬ Ashaki Nicole Sloan Louisiana Supreme Court Judge lege, Alumnae Affairs, as Alumnae Programs Man¬ Married: Lionel Angelo Means on Saturday, Janu¬ ager in May 1999- ary 2,1999 at Miles College Chapel in Birming¬ ham, Alabama. Thursday, February 25,1999 Alayna Joseph Kennedy Sponsored by the Economics Education: Recently received the degree of Doctor 1997 of Podiatric Medicine from the Pennsylvania Department Roslyn Comer College of Podiatric Medicine (PCPM), in Lisa Education: Received a master’s degree in public Speaker: Cook, Ph.D., C’86 Philadelphia. Dr. Kennedy was one of 103 administration from Georgia State University in Development Associate students in the College’s 32nd graduating class. December, 1997. Harvard Institute for Erika Sandra Vanputten International Development Sidnee N. Paschal Education: Graduated from Penn State College of Justice BernetteJoshuaJohnson, C’64 Education: Pursuing a Masters degree in Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania with a Doctor of Public at Georgetown Medicine degree (M.D.) on May 17,1998. Profes¬ Policy University, Washington, D.C. Worship & Vesper Services sional Achievement: She is the recipient of Penn Sunday, January 10,1999 State Medical College Outstanding 1998 Student 1998 Delta Sigma Theta Founders Week Worship Service Community Pediatrics Monetary Award. She is Karen Kenrick presently completing her pediatrics residency at Personal Achievement: Senior class president, Speaker: Rebecca Gorden Jackson, C’57 Pennsylvania Geisinger Health System. gave a free verse speech and ended with an a Atlanta Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. capella rendition of the spiritual “I’ll Fly Away,” Tara Tenitra Williams demonstrating the flair, talent and drama she Married: Willie Joe Hart, Jr. on Saturday, Septem¬ hope will take her to a career on Broadway. She is Sunday, October 11,1998 ber 19,1998 at Williams Memorial C.M.E. Temple headed for a graduate degree in acting at the Uni¬ Spelman-Morehouse Homecoming Worship Service in Shreveport, Louisiana. versity of Connecticut. Speaker: Rev. Mitzi Bickers, C’88

Rebecca Paschal Young Lorraine Newton Pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church Birth: Daughter, Summer Paschal Young, bom on Education: Was selected as the 1998-99 Textro Atlanta, GA January 17,1998 and Amber Young, born on Diversity Scholarship recipient. She is a first year December 3,1998. law student at Roger Williams University in Bris¬ tol, Rhode Island. Sunday, April 25,1999 1995 Year-End Vesper Service Erica Darlene Mcghee 1999 Speaker: Rev. Martha Randall, C’62 Education: Received Master of Science Degree in Chekesha Bradford Biochemistry from Vanderbilt University and is cur¬ Married: June 5,1999- Pastor, Warren Temple United Methodist Church LaGrange, Georgia rently in a doctoral program in biochemistry and molecular genetics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

21 SUMMER/FALL 19 9 9 Breakfast At Tiffany Alumnae Achievement Awards

Arts/Entertainment (CTW). Ms Foster is an accomplished television/stage actress having 1999Founders Day Week culmi¬ Novelist Tina McElroy Ansa, C’71, (unable to attend) St. appeared onAs1 the World Turns, LA. nated with Law, Knot’s Landing, The Doctors, In the TruebreakfastBlue tradition,at Tiffanythe& Simons Island, Georgia, is the Our Life to Live, andAmen. She was Co. in Atlanta and with the author of three novels, Baby of the presenta¬ chosen to stand Family (1989), Ugly Ways (1993), by for Leslie Uggams in the New York tion of the sixth annual Alumnae and The Hand I Fan With (1996). production of The Old Settler. She was featured in Ms. Ansa is currently working on her Achivement Awards. Over 300 alum¬ NBC’s The fourth novel, You Know Better. She Cosby Mysteries and nae gatheredfor breakfast and the is collaborating with her husband, appeared with Phylicia Rashad in The People CouldandStill Do at the film maker Jonee Ansa on the awards ceremony. Awards were screenplay for Baby of the Family Apollo Theatre. issued by PresidentAudrey F. Manley and with award-winning actress Business/Law/Government Alfre Woodard to bring Ugly Ways to in the categories arts/entertain- of the screen. Before her retirement, Harriet ment; business/law/government; Mitchell Murphy, J.D. ,C’49, of Stage and Film Actress Marie Austin, Texas, was a City of Austin communications; education/non¬ Thomas Foster, C’63, Newark, (TX) municipal court judge for 20 profit; science/medicine. This year's NewJersey is the founder of The Pep¬ years. Prior to this appointment, she permint Players, a teen repertory of practiced law for eight years awardees were: the Children’s Theater Workshops and was Head of the Government

22 S P E L M A N MESSENGER Department of Houston Tillotson College for six years. The first African American woman to be appointed to a regular judgeship in Texas, she is featured in the History Archives of the Texas State Bar. Harriet Mitchell Murphy, J.D. ,C'49 Isa Patterson Williams, Ph.D., C’71 Business management consultant and entrepreneur Terry Cornwell Rumsey, C’75, of Washington, D.C. was selected to participate in the President’s Commission for Execu¬

.. Marie Thomas Foster, C'63. tive Exchange and served as Special Assistant to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. In 1993, she was appointed by Presi¬ dent Clinton as Director of the Office Ruth Scott Simmons, C’37 of Science, Education and Techni¬ Upon her mother’s dealth, Mrs. Sim¬ cal Information. Currently she is mons took over as treasurer, an office the principal and managing part¬ she held until she retired in 1998. ner of TRE Associates, a business Education/Non-Profit management consultant firm. Professor and scholar Margaret Communications Carol Lee, Ph.D., C’76, of Wash¬ Virginia Davis Floyd, M.D., C'73 NBC News Bureau Chief Frieda ington, D.C. has distinguished her¬ Williamson Morris, C’66, (unable self in the areas of international, economy to attend), Atlanta, Georgia, has been political and African stud¬ Margaret Carol Lee, Ph.D., C’76 bureau chief for NBC News since ies among other areas of specializa¬ tion. The author of two books, 1979, a position which has taken her to Tel Aviv, Chicago, Moscow, London numerous papers and book reviews, Dr. Lee is and presently to Atlanta where she sought after as a presenter has been since 1988. This world trav¬ and lecturer for national and inter¬ and Korea for the purpose of exam¬ eler has also been a news writer and national conferences, a fact which ining women’s lives and the struc¬ has taken her to over 15 countries ture of women’s studies programs. producer for WMAQ-TV in Chicago Lela Lewis, D.D.S., C’75 and and a news writer for WMAQ-NBC republics, including Egypt, News Radio. Ghana and . Dr. Lee is cur¬ Science/Medicine The treasurer emerita and a rently a Visiting Associate Professor, Virginia Davis Floyd, M.D., C’73, member of the Board of Directors School of Foreign Service, George¬ is currently the director of the Dental entrepreneur Lela Lewis, for [he Atlanta Daily World, Ruth town University, Washington, D.C. Human Development and Repro¬ D.D.S., C’75, of Atlanta received a Scott Simmons, C’37, is the ductive Health at the Ford Founda¬ D.D.S. from Meharry Medical Col¬ youngest of nine children born to Isa Patterson Williams, Ph.D., tion, New York, the world’s largest lege in 1979. In 1984, she opened Procare Dental Service parents who owned and operated a C’71, is the founding director of the independent private foundation. making it the printing company in Jackson, Missis¬ Atlanta Semester Program in Prior to this appointment, Dr. Floyd largest black-female-owned sippi. After her father died, the family Women, Leadership and Social was the director of the Family facility in the city of Atlanta. By moved to Atlanta where her older Change at Agnes Scott College in Health Branch (Maternal and Child 1994, over 10,000 patients had been served at Procare. Dr. Lewis is in the brother, W.A. Scott, II, owned a print¬ Atlanta. The holder of a Ph.D. in Health) for the Georgia Department ing plant and published the Atlanta sociology and in Women Studies of Human Resources, Division of process of enlarging the West End Daily World newspaper. In 1941, from Emory University in Atlanta, Public Health, with budget respon¬ facility to include PCD Dental Mrs. Simmons worked at WeAtlanta her dissertation was entitled sibility of $240 million dollars. Her Clinic, allowing dentures to be delivered in one Daily World as a bookkeeper in the ‘Father/Daughter Relationship: professional experiences range working day. She is also at the core of a movement to accounting department. Impact on Achievement and Career from medical center director to deliver dental health care to the During World War II, she Choice.’ Dr. Williams was selected as principal investigator to assistant underserved in West Africa. became the advertising manager. a faculty delegate to travel to China professor.

SUMMER/FALL 19 9 9 23 Reunion Luncheon TRue Blue Lesson Learned

Rolonda Watts, C'80

Ms. Watts discovered much to her dismay that Watts, C‘80, visited with Pearline Davis, C‘58, there were no Cliff Notes on The Invisible Man. There¬ Formerpresidenttalkof theshowNationalhost andAlumnaeactressAssociationRolonda fore, she stayed up all night to read at least the first of Spelman College, prior to her keynote speech dur¬ chapter, entitled “The Battle Royal,” and decided to ing the Reunion ’99 luncheon. Ms. Watts, who had a bluff her way through the book report. She remem¬ successful four-season talk show “Rolonda,” is now bered every detail of that moment of truth, even that acting in Hollywood. During her speech, she recalled her professor was wearing her favorite green ultra these true blue memories: suede dress. When it was her turn, Ms. Watts gave what “I learned an important lesson from my Spelman she thought was the performance of her life for her English professor Millicent Dobbs Jordan. As a fresh¬ classmates and professor by praising Ellison’s writing man, I soon learned it was not what I expected from style as presented in the first chapter. When she fin¬ Spelman but it was what Spelman expected from me. ished, Mrs. Jordan asked her fellow classmates what I thought I was a super woman. During my senior they thought of her report and they said they enjoyed year, I was editor-in-chief of the Spelman Spotlight, the her presentation. The professor dismissed the class but main character in a drama, the campus coordinator retained Ms. Watts. Mrs. Jordan simply asked her, for Maynard Jackson’s reelection campaign for mayor, “Miss Watts did you read The Invisible Man?” and of course I was dating a Morehouse man. Ms. Watts responded that she had just given an oral “I had procrastinated on a book report for an report on the book. African American English literature class until the Mrs. Jordan replied, “I know you read” The Battle afternoon before the report was due. Professor Jordan Royal” but did you read Ralph Ellison’s The Invisible had given me the assignment to read Ralph Ellison’s Man?” The Invisible Man.” Finally, Ms. Watts had to admit that she had not read the whole book.

Professor Jordan simply said, “How dare you cheat Ralph Ellison.” Ms. Watts explained, “Here was a man who had to be invisible so that one day I could be seen. Here was a man who had to write so that one day I could talk on televi¬

sion. Here was a man who had to make sure that some¬

one passed on his story and the bittersweet lessons so that someday he could make a visible difference from his invisible world. He was counting on me. “It took Ralph Ellison, Millicent Jordan, Spelman College, God, and my parents to remind me that I had a responsibil¬ ity for my visibility. I had to be part of a tradition to pick up where my ancestors left off.”

24 SPELMAN MESSENGER SmithBudPhotos: mi mi 1939 Row 1: Lula B. Pierre, Anne Thomas Braxton, Dorothea C. Jackson

1944 Row 1: Dorothy Hood Oliver, Carolyn Taylor Thomas Row 2: Lula Lundy Whatley, Rudean H. Riggins, Opal Jones Edwards, Norma Payton Reid, Marguerita Pearson Chambliss

26 S P E L M A N MESSENGER 1949 Golden Girls Row 1: Mildred Rogers Madry, Lavaughn Force Elkins, Sue Perteet Morris, Harriet Mitchell Murphy, Barbara Youngblood Seymour, Sarah Washington Richardson, Evelyn Willis Chisolm, Eloise Dunn Warrick Row 2: Jacqueline H. Bryant, Dolores Posey Harris, Elise Dunn Cain, Muriel Gassett James, Emmalynn Jenkins Deal, Mary Johnson Willett, Muriel R. Ketchum Yarbrough, Virginia D. Hawkins-Stephens, Elizabeth Yorke Holloway, Lucile Logan Nix, Eunice Guy Weston, Marymal Morgan Dryden, Bettye Roberts Campbell, Row 3: Henrene Ellington Smoot, Emestein Walker Baylor, Theresa Smith Pickens, Mary Lois Young Gerald, Margaret S. Bums, Margaret A. Robbins, Emma Stone Jeffries, Rubye Singleton Cooke, Marjorie A. Ricks, Eua Gaines Yates, Doris Thompson McCullum Row 4: Bessie M. Watts, Sara Penn, Ruby Woods Carter, Doris Perry Carter, Dixie Hardy Moon, Annie Lundy Wynn, Gwendolyn Fields Halls, Elizabeth C. Williams, Melba Moore Carter, Senella Thomas Rawls, Pinkie Gordon Lane

1954 Row 1: Juel Pate Borders-Benson, Emma Jean Jackson Bell, Christine Dixon Jones, Gwendolyn Walker Garrison, Mildred Powell Stephens, Ovida Jordan Whitfield Row 2: Catherine A. King-Cummings, ;Dorothy Gulley Greene, Gloria G. Rosemond, Phyllis Dansby Fisher, Ruby Handspike Clay, Ora Sterling King Row 3: Ossie S. Tuggle, Lucia Bacote James, Otha Anne Larkins, Emily Davis Stinson, Gloria Price Bryant

27 SUMMER/FALL 19 9 9 1959 Row 1: Jean Gaskin Jackson Moore, Reslyn Washington Sylvester, Frances Glover Weaver, Ara Ann Yates Patridge, Lillie Dennis Hobbs, Roslyn Elizabeth Pope Row 2: Roedean Strong Anderson, Eva Stroud, Minnie Alderman Bames, Dorothy Coleman Peay, Jamie Johnson White, Ola Kinsey Crowder, Eva Thomas Kinsey Row 3: Barbara Garlington Farrier, Carolyn Crawford, Helen K. Hall, Dorothy Robinson Tucker, Jacquelyn Smith Demons, Julia Martin Gilmore, Arminta Partridge Owens

1964 Row 1: Margaret Hampton, Willenor C. Sheftall, Annease C. Jones, Mary Reeder Abrams, Edwina Palmer Hunter, Joyce White Mills, Joyce Hawthorne Nottingham Row 2: L. Virginia Morgan, Bemette J. Johnson, Janice Craig Hartsfield, Deborah Darsey Mitchell, Malinda Clark Logan, Vera Norman Whisenton, Eleanor Hinton Hoytt, Annette Jones White, Carolyn Wyatt Drakeford Row 3: Ida McCree Hilliard, Lucia Holloway McSley, Dores Young Strawbridge, Charlotte Mize Johnson, Virginia L.Griggs, Billie Pitts Williams, Elizabeth Parnell Warrick, Louisa Jackson Williams, Wendolyn Murphy Harding, Jacquelyn Dennis Wilder, Jo Ann Henderson Berry

28 S P E L M A N MESSENGER 1969 Row 1: Yvonne Robinson Jones, Bonnie Bohannon Gissendanner, Pamela O’Bryant Wells, Jaan Yvette Thomas, Lydia A. Wynn, Scherryl Jefferson Harrison, Avonia Lemons Ray, Evanda Alexis McDowell Row 2: Efia Nwangaza (a.k.a. Margaret M. Mills), Marilyn Hunt-Lewis, Jacquelyn Burton Jackson, Mary Susan Parker Wheeler, Madeleine Cooper Taylor, Agnes Griffin McLinton, Wonda Henderson, Wanda Long Matthews, Daisy Smith, Joyce Ricks Drayton, Sharon V. Pierro Row 3: Bernice M. Jones, Nonna Jenkins, Delores Hudson Garrett, Courtney Allen, Barbara Edwards, Amita “Mitchelle" Smith, Jane Jelks Jones, Mildred Ingram Singleton, Ann lanier Washington, Maurine Akua McDaniel, Carolyn Jones Cartwright, Beverly Y. Simons Row 4: Cynthia A. Lemon, Mae Carter Danzy, Sonia English-Duncan, Alicia Arnold Spencer, Aundrella Bunyan Hamed, Bettianne Childers Hart, Marchuria Chase Williams, Yvonne Beauford Oliver, Carolynne Grant Williams, Carolyn M. Brown, Freida Glover Perry

1974 Row 1: Lynn Vick, Jerodene P. Johnson-Scott, Denise Trimier Glanton, Paula Caruthers Renfro, Diane Powell Murray, Mamie Phillips, Denise Moody Lane, Quintella Ragland Row 2: Sylvia Glenn Simmons, Sharon Ingram, Brenda Bryant Holness, Arietta Brinson, Valencia Carter Kenner, Florence A Bankston, Irene Derry Gibson, Donna L. Martin, Yvette Toles Slaughter, Audra P. Pender, Deborah A. Robinson Row 3: Gail Stallworth-Lang, Fronzetta Webb Sutton, Beverly Branton Lamberson, Meletta 0. Clayton, Carol Thomas McClendon, Janet Smith weathers, Terry Williams, Gloria Cameron, Gayle Davis Edwards, Wynelle Washington ScottMalole L. Millner, Lisa Henley Hyde, Minnie McGlothan Row 4: Doris Nicholson Shields, Janice Franklin Bess, Shiela Smith Butler, Patricia Williams Davis, Karita Stroud Evans, Denise Champion Bell, Linda Sills Hodges, Carolyn McLendon Thompson, Beverly D. Hawes- Alien, Dedra B. Partaidge, Diane Moseberry, Beverly Colwell Admas, Mattie P. Hall 1979 Row 1: Renee Willis, Phyllis Edwards Daniel, Sheila Johnson Garvin, Elizabeth S. Stewart Smith, Phyllis Diane G. Bland, Inga Kennedy, Mayela Allen, Tanya M. Lewis Row 2: Crystal Wiley-Brown, Vicki Crawford, Therose White-Bowen, Goldiaree Johnson, Sharon V. Jordan, Beverly Bevineau, Sheila James, Sheila Jackson, Sheila Coleman Natalie Vannessa Bryant, Clorinde Watson Miller, Robin D. Barker, Marsha Archibald Hicks, Veronica H. Moore Row 3: Kathy Carter, Kathy Carter, Anne Wright Tolbert, Sherry McNeil, Charlene Wilburn, Constance Taylor Davis, Kay Belk-Dailey, Sharon E. Kirkland, Sharon E. Kirkland, Sharon K. McGahee, Valerie Y. Jones, Damita R. Killian Row 4: Karen Reddick-Little, Joanne Jackson-Jones, Sibyl Avery Jackson, Sarah R. Matthews, Janice Sistrunk Carlton, Anna Davis Ivery, JoAnn Smartt-Gaither, Cheryl Tyler-Smiley, Ava McDaniel Hines, Cheryl R. Williams, Gail Phillips Merritt, Rhonda Benjamin Bland, Angela McClendon Parker, Carmen Kelly Row 5: Malrey F. Head, Chamelle Holloway, Daralis Lippett- Simms, Shelley Queen, Carol Kirby McElderry, Marcia Riley Steele, Ouida Bridges-Johnson, Brenida Porter-Berry, Novice D. Johnson, Jo-Ann Howard-Cannon, Antoinette Stevenson, Penny Modry-Johnson Row 6: Iris Fonzie Rafi, Mari Ladson Perkins, Mia-Lon Walton Washington, Terri Lowe Anderson, Keva Wright Berry, Cynthnia M. Flint, Hollye Hudson Goler, Verbena Brown Cummings, Jerri DeVard, Fay Brown Johnson, Robin Harmon Henry, Sharon Alexander Holt, Arienne Vinson Forstall, Felisa Cooper Johnson

1984 Row 1: Rosalind G. Brewer, Venise H. Richardson, Yolanda L. Gilmer, Connie F. Smith, Preness Meckens Lowery, Mitzi Dease Paige, Charlotte T. Hunter, Cynthia C. Carson Row 2: Renee Chube Washington, Regina Lennelle Fuller, Vida Letitia Avery, Gana Castleberry Wood, Lori Head Prince, Khadija C. Cabey, Deborah Dennis Perry, Patrice P. Lewis, Tonya West Strozier, Thea A. Johnson Row 3: Lisa McCorkle Morris, Helen W.C. Barrow, Deidra Armstrong Fryer, Jayne Midddlebrooks Jimenez, Sandra Battle Thompson, Sonya Malunela Lampley, Jacqueline Johnson Milligan, Adrienne Y. Lewis Row 4: Lillian Lewis, Emily J. Jackson, Tawann Jackson, Danielle Butler Simmons, Jenni L. Doggett LaPoint, Sophia Lewis Bums, Lori Dicjerson Hill, Christel Jones Jackson, Valjeanne Estes Row 5: Carolyn R. Sims, Stacy Smith Bailey, Georgia A. Hayes, Cecily M. Spaulding, E. Genell Bolton, Dominique Simpson Mitton, Jerrelli M. Copeland, Cynthia Whitehead-LaBee, Diane M.Bell, Mitzi R. Slack Reid

30 S PE L M A N MESSENGER 1989 Row 1: Adriane K. Keepler, Alonia Parks Jemigan, Sherri E. Franks, Madrica L. Nettles, Charrette Evans, Rita Robinzine, Andrea R. Chambers, Tomika DePriest, Heather Hawes Row 2: Rada Noss, Darralynn D. Hudson,, Josette Sam, Tanya Rates, Kenji Vorise- Collins, Paula Canty Cobb, Cathy Hampton, Rostine Patterson, Ellen Hill, Tazha Buckner-McCurdy, Christine Rudolph, Tyedanta McLean-Mosaky, Wendy G. Johnson, Beverly A. Freeman, Stephanie Stephens, Monica McCoy-Purdy, Toni L. Henderson, Sarah A. Boswell, Courtney Townsend, Trina C. Smith, Kyra Stinson Harvey, Sheron Dobson Row 3: Kimberly Nichols, Andrea R. Williams, Nichelle ‘Nicky’ Jones, Gerri Davis, Edith L. PCookie? Dean, Dana S. Smith, J. Michele Strickland, Cheryl M. Mann, Millicent Green, Dawn Evans Cromer, Carmen Shirley, Gina Pete, Kimberly D. Davis, Mia McClendon-Ellison, Jacqueline Bazy, Marcie A. Wynn, Lorena M. Craighead, Tania Perry, Belynda Thomas, Simone Baxter-Whitmore Row 4: Crystal Hargralf, Terri Davis, Belinda Samuda, Kim Al, Lisa M. Gardner, Leslie Bowie Wells, Leslie Roberts-Jones, Alesia L. Hilliard-Smith, Chalanda Williams, Judith B. Phillips, Rashidah A. Rashid, Andrea Wair-Davis, Angela Cameron, Brigitte Catchings-Owens, Michelle S. Townsend, Lauren K. Smith Row 4 1/2: Jamine Gray Wilson, Angela D. Middleton, Joyce R. Lewis, Theodora Riley, Patrice Gayden, Kelly Millsap, Deborah Anderson, Ronique Bostick, LaTanya Hammonds-Odie Row 5: Andrea Perry, Carolyn Ross-Lee, Kimberly Heshima White, Christine M. Givens, Kimberly Y.S. Davison, Dianne Marsh, Karen Y. Hamilton, Philathea Hornsby Row 6: Kupenda Auset, Joette Harland Watts, Wanda G. Jones, Nikki D. Bellamy, Kimberly B. Gillespie, Nichelle A. Randolph, Regan A. Perry, Lisa C. Tolbert, Shelley Johnson, Stephanie Howard, Regma Hasan Amao, Karen Williams-John, Beverly D. Banks-Greene, Karen Peay-Clemons Row 7: Stacey M. Walker, Kim Smith Olushola, Stephanie S. Scott, Sharon Estes=Carson, Charitsa Brown, Charisse Cox, Nicole Benton, Cathy Fletcher Rollins, Nichelle Holliday, Felecia Syphoe Row 8: Annissa Lambirth-Garrett, Sheronda Youngblood-Minton, Cheri Cannon, Miriam Upchurch Berry, Myra Ingram-Alien, Dorothea Hunter Carter

1994 Row 1: Alicia D. Johnson, Vera B. Jordan, Chrystal A. Green, Ranae M. Murphy, Nadra Daniel, Dineo A. Brinson, Tara L. Jones, Dara Ware Allen Row 2: Veta J. Byrd, Chrystal Joy Stokes, Meka Brumfield Ward, Zeina Salaam Jones, Iliana Amparo Quader, Nikki A. Lee- Weldon, Aqualyn Laury, Cherell M. Carr, Teki Kareem Hunt, Nikki A. Johnson-Tucker, Christina Regina Joseph, Raven C. Warren, Catina Whitley-Bell Row 3: Ericka D. Jones, Velencia N. Dyer, Charlita Mays, Curtrice M. White, Kimberly R. Jacob Arriola, Kimberly Michelle Coleman, Erika Nicole Gates, Wendy Alison Feldman, Tawaina Turner, Darlene McGhee, Aisha K. Jackson, Lisa N. Herring, Marla F. Frederick, Erica Stovall Row 4: Vanessa L. Pryor, Ayanna Van Sluytman, Karen M. Jordan, Malaika Dowdell, Andrea Harris, Lynn Jollirette Simmons, Shanna Smalling, Cecily D. Jackson, Felecia Alberta Hart, Christine R. Crawford, Raveen A. Seaton, Keisha Smith Cook, Kelly Irene Bankin, Monique A. Sharpe

SUMMER/FALL 19 9 9 31 This is My Story and Spelman Legacy

“My name is toil, my mother is strength, myfuture achievement, my goal ispride. ”

Aurelia Erskine Brazeal, C’65 Ambassador and Career Minister ofthe Senior Foreign Service Honorary Degree Recipient: Doctor ofHumane Letters Excerptsfrom her Founders Day 1999 acceptance speech:

....In thinking about what to say power of positive change, today, my heart and mind said, “Go support for expanded civil back to your roots at Spelman.” As a rights in an attempt to live diplomat, and ultimately as an up to America?s promise, ambassador, I have frequently technology advances, med¬ reflected on my days at Spelman and ical breakthroughs, and the end of Celebrating Founders Day 1999 in how valuable they were to me. Here, the cold war but also an increase in the True Blue tradition (left to right) and at home, I received knowledge polarization among groups and in were AmbassadorAurelia Erskine about and an appreciation for hate crimes, a backlash against civil Brazeal, C’65, PresidentAudrey F. African American culture. It has con¬ rights and self absorption. You stu¬ Manley, C55, and Ernestine tinued to be a source of inspiration, dents sitting here today are now also Brazeal, C’63■ The Brazeal sisters are motivation and strength as my work part of a generation that recently the daughters ofErnestine Erskine unfolded. One song in particular, suipassed the baby boomers in size. Brazeal, C’28, thefirstAlumnae Sec¬ Done Made My Vow, by African Amer¬ You are not really part of a genera¬ retary ofthe College who served Spel¬ ican composer Adolphus Hailstork is tion that recently surpassed the baby manfor more than 23 years. particularly meaningful. Our par¬ boomers in size. You are not really ents? generation relied on the text of part of generation X; you are actu¬ have been, women are the agents of this spiritual and many others to get ally part of what some call Genera¬ change. Why? Because women can them through difficult times. How¬ tion neXters. Because there are so think beyond self, beyond individ¬ ever hard the times were, their total many Generation neXters, you too ual. She thinks of her child, the next and complete message to us as we can be expected to decide tremen¬ generation and of family and is will¬ grew up was that we must persevere dous changes to the United States ing to make changes that promise to to achieve our goals in life, no matter and globally. You not only will have benefit the group. She is inclusive, how difficult it seemed. In my life to decide whether to be a force for working to spread the benefits of experiences, I have drawn upon the positive change but also what might change broadly with an awareness spiritual and emotional ties to my be those changes. You have the his¬ that even if she does not benefit, the culture as an African American. I am tory of this special place behind you, larger body will. Because she is usu¬ still guided by the inspiration of my together with your parents? hopes, as ally not in a privileged position in formative years in the home, church, well as the hopes of generations past. her own society, she does not nar¬ school and the community at large As Spelman women you have a rowly think to hoard privilege just and to the text, PDone made my vow responsibility to go see what the end for herself. Because she is inclusive, to the Lord; I will go, I shall go, I will be. she works with other like-minded shall go to see what the end will be. When President Clinton was persons, leveraging the impact of My name is toil, my mother is elected to his first term, there was a change. If she is an African Ameri¬ strength, my future achievement, my poster saying “It’s the economy, stu¬ can woman, she also brings her goal is pride.? pid.” You all remember that expres¬ awareness of the history of black I graduated in the class of 1965, sion. Well, for the 21st century, “It?s people in America and in the world. part of the baby boomer generation. globalization, stupid.” Put that on a When she does reach the position of A generation with wondrous and not bumper sticker and keep it in mind. rulemaker, she listens with an ear to so wondrous changes to the United Where then do you come in? In most avoid the arrogance of power, having States: a passionate belief in the countries of the world in which I been on the receiving end of arro-

SPELMAN MESSENGER She values her uniqueness, relishes her Dr. Grace L. Hewell, C'40. received the NAASC Hall role and is the welcoming face to all ofFameAward 1999 during the Reunion 99 banquet seeking this same enlightenment. presented by MitziDease Paige, C’84. Dr. Hewell’s life Spelman has a long tradition of as an educator andadministrator was having an international orientation recently exem¬ and connection. This orientation sup¬ plifiedduring a celebration in Washington, D.C. hon¬ ported the impulse to send college oring her 80th birthday andher legacy ofcaring and students and graduates abroad, even commitment tofostering human betterment anda back near the turn of the century, to be teachers, missionaries and sup¬ just society. To mark this occasion, the Dr. Grace L. porters of positive change. When I Hewell EndowedScholarship in Environmental Health went to as ambassador, I found Sciences and Technology was launchedand the Dr. Spelman graduates there to help Grace L. Hewell Collection, which includes documents, introduce me to their society. This is what we mean by the living sister¬ letters, andphotographsfrom heryears ofnational

hood — wherever you go there may and internationalpublic service, was established. be a Spelman sister to give support. In the 21st century, or any century for that matter, is how to get those in power to share power with those who The Spelman baccalaureate service held in the Cathe¬ have none. You have to embrace this dral of the Holy Spirit in Decatur, Georgia was especially challenge to your generation. You must be ready to be a rulemaker. You meaningfulfor Patricia Jean Butts, C’99, shown here with have to make your vow, “I WILL go, I her parents. Herfather, Reverend Dr. Calvin 0. Butts, III, SHALL go see what the end will be. My senior minister ofAbyssinian Baptist Church ofNew York, name is toil, my mother is strength, New York, was the my future achievement, my goal is speakerfor the occasion and her mother, pride.” Patricia Reed Butts, C73, teas thefirst to welcome another This is my story; this is my song. Spelman woman into thefamily. What will be yours?

Dr. Grace Boggs Smith On March30,1999, duringfuneral services heldatFriendship Bap¬ tist Church in Atlanta, the Spelman community andalumme cele¬ brated the life ofbeloved musicprofessor Dr. Grace Boggs Smith, 81. Dr. Smith, who taught atSpelmanfrom 1955 until her retirement

in 1983, served as senior class adviserfor manyyears and never really stopped teaching. She came to Spelman after a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship allowedher to complete a doctorate in music education at Columbia in 1955. During the 1967-68schoolyear, she receivedthefirst "Teacher ofthe Year'’ awardgiven by Spelman. Following her retirementfrom Spelman, she continued to direct the senior choir atFriendship Baptist Church and in 1988founded the church’s retirees ’ choir whichperformedDr. Smith’s signature arrangements ofNegro spirituals. In a 1969 Class Day archives photo, Dr. Smith ispictured being honored by the senior class. ArcdhivesSpelman SUMMER / FALL 1999 33 ■*ru.YTt. iswen,

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