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PAGE 2 THE PANTHER DECEMBER, 1944 tk panther A Journal of Negro College Life Published by the Students of Clark College Vol. 1 Atlanta, Ga., December 1944 No. 3 STAFF Editor in Chief William E. Thompson ’46 Associate Editors Ora Jeanne Bohannon ’45 Anna Marie Rice ’46 Feature Editor Marcella Cain Janes ’47 Sports Editor Jack Bell, ’48 Literary Editor.... Genevieve K. Ferguson ’46 Associate Literary Editor.. Mason Wilkes ’47 Gossip Editor Peeping Tom 19?? Art Editor Cynthia Perry ’46 Associate Art Editors Emma Jefferson ’47 Jackie Adams ’48 Exchange Editor Benjamin F. Bradford ’46 Associate Exchange Editor Ruth Jones ’48 Business Manager Calvin H. Johnson ’47 Secretary To Editor Thelma Barnhart ’45 Staff Typist Katherine Johnson ’46 Advisors To Editor Ora Jeanne Bohannon Marcella James Calvin H. Johnson George C. Allen Faculty Advisors Mrs. Stella Brewer Brookes (Leave of Absence) Miss Cecil C. Posey Subscription $1.00 per year Published Monthly Editor’s Note Attention has been called to the fact that much club and organizational news has been omitted. The Editor wishes to remind all readers of the “Panther” that the paper is a student publication without partisan thoughts. The staff will not assume the responsibility for any news which does not appear in print, given to any staff member other than the Editor. All news should either be left in the Staff Office or given to the Editor. Before blaming the Staff for neglect see your reporter first—perhaps they forgot to give it in. Dedication The third and Christmas issue of the “Panther” is dedicated to the fighting Panthers who held the Clark banner high during the past football season, the Band, Majorettes, Pantherettes, and the entire student body for parts played in the Homecoming Event. “The Panther” is also dedicated to Miss Perry (Miss Clark), her attendants, Misses Anna Rice and Portia Thomas, and the Fraternity Queens, Misses June Daniels and Virginia Cage, for the excellent showing at the Homecoming Game. An Editorial What has become of the Negro spirituals—the Negro’s outstanding con tribution to the development of a culture? Have they become obsolete with the advancing of new ideas and thoughts or are we as Negroes ashamed to sing them because of the past which we try to forget? The Negro spirituals had an important development for they were born when our forefathers in America were fighting for the right to live. Today in our churches and schools they are something almost unheard of; it seems the only time they are sung is, when white visitors are around. Have we become so amalgamated that we feel to continue to sing these spirituals will prevent our complete adjustment? Do we feel they remind us of a dismal past covered over by the thoughts of slavery and persecution ? The spirituals represent faith, hope, determination, and patience of our parents who died to give us freedom. It is our responsibility and duty to our posterity to pass on the spirit expressed in “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” or “Deep River.” The Negro has made one contribution to society which still remains his—the Negro spirituals. Arise, o’ ye modern generation of youth, and sing forth in this new day the songs that brought hope to an oppressed people. Christmas Editorial The story is told of an artist who had completed a painting for exhibi tion. His friends reminded him that his picture depicted Jesus Christ with a lantern in one hand and knocking on a door without a latch with the other. In reply to his friends’ question—the artist reminded them—that was the door to the human heart. The idea presented by the artist is summarized in the thought—that unless we open the doors of our hearts, Jesus cannot enter. Another Christmas Season advances to bring on the time when the early story of Joseph’s search for a lodging place will be retold in our Christian Churches. As Joseph struggled with his wife, Mary, astraddle an ass he went from place to place in the city of Bethlehem seeking for a lodging place. After being refused he was finally given a place in a barn and there amidst the cattle Jesus Christ was born. The doors of the inn were closed to Joseph and his wife because they could not afford the price of the room. Today that child born in a manger roams throughout the hearts of men everywhere for a lodging place. Just as the doors were locked to Joseph so are they locked to Jesus, for we find the world which boasts of Christians divided by war, hatred, jealousy, and discrimination. Jesus stands knocking gently to come in to bring into our hearts the message of peace and good will as proclaimed by the angels. Christmas is the time for Santa; it is the time to exchange gifts; it is the time of mince meat pie, Christmas carols; but more than any of these it is the celebration of the birthday of “Him who has come that'we might have life.” No greater gift could we receive this year than the gift of the Son of God. Through the acceptance of this gift we joint with the angels in singing, “Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth, good will toward men.” Amen The Staff wishes for the administration, faculty, and student body a Merry Christmas and expresses the wish that the New Year will prove to be a momentous one. i From My Chapel Seat Genevieve K. Ferguson Dear God, as we young men and women pace these sacred walls to enter into your Blessed Sanctuary each day, make us realize that such meetings are to draw us closer to you and that our education will be of little use if we cannot let the light of Christianity shine through that knowledge which we do have. Summary of Chapel Programs for the month of November: Nov. 1-6: President Brawley deliv ered a dynamic kick-off speech for the beginning of Homecoming week; Mr. Gideon, principal of David T. Howard High School, re-emphasized the meaning of the word, “Spitzer Rinctum,” as it must apply to the Clark Panthers; “Miss Clark,” Cyn thia Perry, challenged the Fighting Panthers to defeat the Maroon Ti gers. The attendants of Miss Clark. Portia A. Thomas and Anna M. Rice were introduced. President Brawley climaxed all Homecoming activities with a final victory speech to the undefeated Panthers and all mem bers of the Clark family in diligent ly working toward this victory. Nov. 7: The Reverend G. Murray Branch, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Madison, New Jersey, ana a worker with students utider D. Wartime Emergency Service of the Student Division of tthe Y. M. C. A., visualized the many achievements Negro students can attain through Christian organizations such as the Y. M. C. A. and the Y. W. C. A. Nov. 8: National Education Week, having been set aside some 24 years ago, was reawakened in the student group by Dean A. A. McPheeters and Mrs. Ann Cochran, Prof, of Ed ucation at Morris Brown College, a specialist in the field of elementary ana secondary education, and a lead er m the State Health program n secondary schools and many colleges, mrs. Lochran spoke on “Teachers Are Needed.” The Father J. Hyde rerry, St. Mark Episcopal Church, Birmingham, Ala., gave remarks, out ot wliicn was, “Young men and wom en, education and intelligence are the two most important weapons which must be used in combating racial dis crimination and segregation.” Nov. 9: The Negro Youth Congress was represented by Mr. Louis E. Burnham, organizational Secretary o± die Southern Negro Youth ooii fc ic UI tor the past three and one-half years. His address centered around the im portance of registration and voting m breaking down class distinction. Students showing interest in the youth Congress are Rosalyn Tonsil, Bortia Thomas, Alton Adams. Nov. 10: Clark College Beta Ps, Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Frater nity was presented in National Achievement Celebration, at which cime Calvin Johnson led devoid. Dr. J. J. Dennis introduced the speaker, Dr. B. R. Brazeal. Nov. 13: Dean McPheeters read, “From Young and Fearless Propn- ets,” after which he talked on mid term examinations and their sigma cance. The football victory over Ten nessee State was commented on by President Brawley and Mr. Wright. Nov. 15-16: Days set aside for clubs and their activities. The Ohio State Cfub, under the direction of Mr. Curtis V. Holland, presented its first program for the year. Miss neo Parker, the club speaker, chose for her subject, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our oGd.” Miss Mae V. Simpson sang, “None But the Lonely Heart,” and the officers were introduced uy its director, Mr. Holland. Nov. 22: Reports from the Paine Conference were given by Miss Thel ma Barnhart, Miss Ogust Delaney and Mr. Benjamin Bradford. Nov. 23: The Home Economics Club, sponsored by Mrs. Flora Grn- fith, gave opportunities to the student body to ask questions pertaining to nutrition or health after having heard the helpful talk of its sponsor. Clark Receives Gift Clark College became the recipient of one thousand dollars when the es tate of the late Mr. Edward H. Greene was settled a few weeks ago. This amount was made available to the College through the will of the deceased, his interest in Clark Col lege having begun when Mrs. Lottie Carraway, a niece of Mrs. Greene, was a student at Clark. Mrs. Carraway, who now resides in Chi cago, lived with Mr. and Mrs. Greene and became their foster-daughter. She graduated from Clark in June, 1926. In appreciation of what Clark College did for Mrs. Carraway, Mr. Greene made this bequest to aid worthy stu dents in attendance at this Institu tion. Make Them Remember This Xmas Somewhere In the Pacific Dear Mom: It sure seems funny to be writing a Christmas letter with the sun beat ing on my helmet and the smell o* the jungles across the clearing all warm and green and deep. Looking out from my tent I can see the roll ing turbulence of the Pacific and the dotting of palm trees. It’s funny how it takes actual travel to make you realize how dear home is. Right now I can close my eyes and see every one of you at home just as clearly as though thousands ol miles and several oceans weren’t be tween us. I can see Bonnye with her pigtails just clearing her shoulders, .laving one of her tantrums because you wouldn’t let her play “tab” foot- oall with the guys down the street. Brice was such a young sprout , nen I left home that I still think of his panting because he couldn t have a paper route, but by now he's probably bringing in enough money m buy his own Christmas presents this year. And Grandma—I can see ner wheedling Dad into letting me nave the car on Saturday nights, am. whenever I dream of Sunday dinner at home I think of those canned peaches she puts up every fall. I can see Dad sitting in his old chair smoking (or does he smoae now?) and reading the editorials. He is a great guy, Dad is! And I can see you sitting in iront oi tne fine- place, sewing buttons on the shirts, telling Dad to turn on the radio be cause it’s time for “FiDber McGee aim Molly.” I’m not remembering these things because I’m homesick or scared u. anything, but because I want to ask you to do sometnmg lor me that s kind of hard to explain. it's an mixed up in my mind with Uhrisi,- mas at home, the war, and how i want to be there but can't be. Ana men i got this idea about how I couiu be with all oi you—almost, anywa,. There’s a fellow out here that 1 call my buddy. He’s a heckava swell guy. His name is—Joe—Joe Perry, xie likes to hear me talk about an oi you. I guess right now he Know 0 as much auout you as I do. He comes irom Chicago and hasn t a laiuny, so he’s kind of adopted mine. Well, anyway, Joe is leaving tor the States in a lew days because ne got a eui let wound m his leg irom a Jap snip er and is discharged until it heals. Now, Mom, this is it, I’ve told him he should spend Xmas with you. He won’t be a stranger because he knows all about our iamily. And I figure mat having him there m my place would be just as though I were with you myself. But it's important that you do everything just tne way we have always done it, and at the same time. You don’t know how much that will mean to Joe, and to me out here who will be thinking of it on Xmas Eve. He’ll do everything just as I used to do. He won’t be a bit shy with you and there won’t be any hurting of hearts about my not being there, because I will be. And then, at 10:30 I’ll look at my watch and I’ll know that it’s time to start lor church. The pavements will be crusty with ice and the kids will be sliding a little and pelting each other with snowballs. After the children say their “speeches” and you all sing Yuletide carols, everyone will feel good and hungry. After you get home Bonnye will play with her new brown doll while Brice is busy setting up his train. Dad will bring his new globe over near the window and Joe will show him the tiny dot where I am. And then before you know it, dinner will be ready. Do you understand what I mean, Mom? Don’t you think it’s a good idea? I’m going to be with you every single minute of that day and it’s going to be a happy Xmas for all ot us. For you and the family, because you’ll like Joe so much. And be cause, in a real sense, Joe will be me, home with you. For Joe, because he will have for his own the kind of a family he’s always wanted. And for me, because everything that Christmas means to me will be here with me in the thought of all of you doing those things together. A few days after you get this let ter Joe will be opening the gate. You’ll know him because he limps a little. Merry Christmas, Mom—and thank you for everything. —Bill. (Written by Ora J. Bohannon; In order to perpetuate the memory of Mr. Greene at Clark College, and to help a large number of students, a revolving loan fund has been es tablished from which each year a few needy and worthy students may borrow and return within a short pe riod so that others might be aided. This part of the administration of the will was executed in the Office of the President of the College a few days ago by Mr. Albert E. Jones of Atlanta, a business man and a life long friend of Mr. Greene. Mr. Jones is the Executor of the estate of the deceased, who passed December 3, 1943. Attorney Rachael P. Herndon of Atlanta served as the legal admin istrator. MISS RUTH TAYLOR SPEAKS AT VESPER (Continued From Page One) destructive and constructive reform. Reformers in most instances would work to destroy the conditions which they dislike. Reform, she believes, really means reshaping; control. She advises the building of walls of un derstanding to hold hate out. “Mutual understanding,” she pointed out, “leads to mutual trust, and in trust there is no hate.” Floods of hate, she suggested, can and must be damned back with education. The Y. W. C. A. By Genevieve K. Ferguson The Young Women’s Christian As sociation having successfully carried out its membership drive in October, is proving that universal brotherhood, through Christianity, can yet be at tained. The Clark College branch of the Y. W. C. A. has for its officers this year: President, Marcella James; Vice-President, Katherine Johnson. Miss Coffin, the traveling agent for the World Student Service Fund, a graduate of the University of Maine, held an informal discussion with the Y. W. C. A. immediately after chap el at which time questions were raised on ways through which the Y. W. C. A. can assist in giving «..a to the unfortunate students all over the world. Miss Coffin ended the dis cussion by saying, “Due to the fact ihat we are to be the leaders of our people and are fighting as brothers lor one common cause, we, therefore, as Christians, should help each other.” The cabinet of the Y. W. C. A. was entertained at the James Cafe on Saturday night, November 25. Dr. Ethna B. Winston and Miss R. E. King were the two faculty members who enjoyed the dinner with the cab inet. On Sunday night, November 26, the Y. M. C. A. of Morehouse Col lege cordially greeted the Y. W. C. A. members of Clark College to one of their social meeting hours. Prayer Meeting in Davage Auditorium Lolita Guinart ’48 One light in the northeastern cor ner of the auditorium, one speaker on the rostrum, one solemn hymn call ing to worship the weary soul heavy with the cares of the foregoing day, and finally one silence permeating the enormous room, which immediate ly served as a driving force and an incentive to prayer, praise, and hu miliation before our Divine Redeem er. Yes, it was prayer meeting in Dav age Auditorium. The one time during the week of hurrying and scurrying which was truthfully conducive to profound prayer, repentance, and to ask the forgiveness of our ever- mounting sins. As the chords of “Sweet Hour of Prayer” softly, sweetly, serenely rang forth through the silence and stole cunningly into every soul, tears slow ly came into my eyes; my heart beat quickened and a great lump closed my throat. Yes, I was remembering the minutes, the hours, the days, the years I had spent in vain folly, fol lowing life around like a vagabond and gambling with the sordid store of earthly manifestations as they pre sented themselves. “Breathe through the hearts of our desires, Thy coolness and Thy balm” . . . that wonderful, that so very beautiful and timely hymn, overflowing with the truth of gootf Christian living, overflowing with ex amples of the brighter, finer phase of life. Oh, if it had been my time to go, if I had been next in those mo ments, it appeared then to have been a matter of merely stepping across to Hallowed Ground. I had been lift ed high above the stormy blast of human conflict into a stratosphere of celestial beauty and comfort beyond human imagination. Now, the time for prayer, silent prayer; afterwards a six or eight- sentence prayer beseeching Almighty God to enlighten us, to bless us, keep us and protect us, to give forth that understanding which passeth all knowledge, to show us His tender mercies and loving kindness. Another hymn, the last hymn, even more impressive than the first, and finally going back home with an eye, a heart, a soul better fit for living in God’s World! The Seniors Speak! We, the glad Seniors, of the class ’45 pride ourselves in the knowledge of two prominent distinctions that differentiate us from all the senior classes that have gradauted from Clark. We were the first freshmen to enter school here on its new site; hence in June we’ll be the class that spent the first four years on the new location in the University center. I recall quite vividly a statement from the President’s address to us, when we were freshmen. President Brawley said that he was a freshman too— that year 1941 marked his first ex perience as President. Yea, Dr. Braw ley was a “fresh president,” and Dr. McPhetters was a “fresh dean” and we were “fresh college students.” Would you or would you not say these are distinguishing facts? In October 1944 the class organized under the effective leadership of alert Bernice Miller as president. We are proud to say that Miss Miller’s scho lastic and executive abilities aid in making her our efficient class leader. We have selected Dorothy Payne as our vice president; Hariette Bailey, secretary; Inell Brown, assistant sec retary; Eula Williams, treasurer; Lloyd Middleton, business manager; Thelma Barnhart, reporter. This year we have numerous re sponsibilities before us; we have be gun making tremendous financial and other necessary plans that will make this, our last year as students on the campus, a successful one. Our high objective is to continue doing things that make a class “second to none,” so that we will be considered as one of the best senior classes in the his tory of Clark College. Thelma Lucile Barnhart.