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SPELMAN
THE VOICE
OF BLACK WOMANHOOD
SPOTLIGHT
VOL.XLI No. 3
DECEMBER 1973
Feeling The Energy Crisis At Spelman
by Yolanda Jones
Even though some of us may feel secure
within the gates of Spelman College, we are
not immune to the changes which affect
society. The most recent change plaguing our
nation is the energy crisis and we may be
wondering how the crisis will affect us here
on Spelman campus.
Ms. E. R. Romer, in charge of housing for
Spelman’s Building and Grounds Department,
doesn’t foresee any restrictions for dormi
tories to comply with national and state
orders to conserve energy.
‘There is no organized plan as yet,” she
said, “to alter our regular program in the
next couple of months.”
Ms. Romer added that there will always
be a sufficient amount of heat because
Spelman obtains heat from the Atlanta Uni
versity Power Plant located near the Atlanta
University Library. She also said that the
electric generators used to supply energy to
the school are controlled by the Georgia
Power Company.
She did reveal Dr. A. E. Manley’s concern
about the energy crisis and its effect on
Spelman students.
Although Ms. Romer does not believe that
Spelman could face a real crisis, she did note
that wood from trees trimmed around campus
is being stored and not given away in case it
is needed in the event of a critical shortage
of energy later in the year.
Another precaution that Buildings and
Grounds is using to conserve energy is to
have the heat controls corrected in Manley
Hall and Howard-Harreld Hall. Ms. Romer
said that controlmen have been hired to
correct deficiencies in heating systems that
have never been heated before.
Students shouldn’t depend on Buildings
and Grounds or government legislators to
remedy the energy crisis.
Although there is an adequate (or over-
adequate) amount of heat in dormitory
rooms, other conveniences dependent upon
energy sources may soon be absent.
Conserving energy is at the touch of your
fingertips - if you turn unnecessary lights off.
While this article was geared toward the
energy crisis and how it may affect Spelman
College, we shouldn’t turn a deaf ear toward
government proposals to conserve energy
and alter our lifestyles.
At the writing of this article, states were
lowering speed limits to 50 m.pJi.; Nixon
was asked by legislators to construct a plan
for rationing out gas; and banning driving on
Sunday may become a reality.
Public services such as taxi cabs and public
transit will be affected if gas is rationed and
will have to cut their working forces and
schedules. If you tried to get a flight out of
Atlanta for Thanksgiving, you know how
public transportation being cut can incon
venience you. Imagine that hassle—everyday.
Christmas ’73
by Helena Humphrey
The Christmas season at Spelman College
is one of which the Spelman community is
doubly proud: first, because of the tradi
tional Christmas Carol Concert, and second,
because of other activities that manifest a
homogeneous spirit of joy, anticipation, and
good will. This year will mark the 92nd
Christmas at Spelman College and the 46th
annual Spelman-Morehouse Christmas Carol
Concert, which is held on three consecutive
nights and enchants its audience with more
than 100 voices pouring out the Christmas
message in song.
During Miss Florence M. Read’s presidency
at Spelman, the impressive “Lighting of the
Yule Log” was held by Spelman students
who remained on the campus during the
holidays. The ceremony, held in the Fire
place Dining Room of Morgan Hall, con
sisted of singing Christmas carols, placing a
festively decorated log on the andirons of the
fireplace and lighting the fire, into which
representatives from each class threw sprigs
of holly after making a wish.
While there are constant arguments on
who is to blame for the energy crisis, one
fact is certain — it is here and we must find
a means to deal with it.
There is another fact that is always in
evitable in a crisis — the poor are those who
are affected the most. If gas prices go up, the
poor will not be able to buy gas.
Businessmen are already feeling the pinch
of the energy crisis. Many have cut Christmas
shopping time as much as two nights weekly.
One contemplates how long it will be
before Spelman students feel the realities of
the seriousness of the energy crisis. Let’s
hope it is before they have to resort to
carrying candles to substitute for electricity.
So why not turn off the lights — NOW!
MERRY
CHRISTMAS
Last year, one of the festivities was the
Lighting of Morehouse Hall. A candle was lit
in every window of the dormitory after which
each of the three floors sang a traditional
Christmas carol.
One of the most popular and best-loved
traditions of Spelman College is the biffer
sister program. The students exchange names,
acquiring a biffer sister for one week of
secretly making her life a little brighter. On
the last night of the biffer week, there is a
party and “secret pals” identify themselves.
Visiting Spelman during the Yuletide
season, one can experience the joy and love
that dominates the campus at this special
time of year.
