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Spelman Spotlight December io, a s., ‘ALL YOURS’ The Literary Section A Photoetry Essay me institution of “Christmas gift” survived the 1870’s and lives on into the recent past, into the 1920’s and 1930’s and even, in some cases, beyond. Even after it had died away in the towns, it con tinued in the country areas; on farms or remnants of plantations, the whites were still waked by the cry and the smiling demand. As late as the mid-1940’s when I spent Christmas at a friend’s plan tation, I emerged from my room to the accompaniment of four or five simultaneous shouts of “Chris’mus gift!” But on my return, less than ten years later, only one attendant, the elderly cook who was the last of the former helpers, called it in a muted voice and somewhat shamefacedly. Three other house servants, newly arrived from town, appeared hesitant to echo the words. Finally, I broke the ice. “Don’t you want a Christmas present?” With smiles that spread from one to the other, they fell in with the spirit as we recalled the old custom. But when I go back the next time I feel certain that this tradition will be gone completely. Harnett T. Kane 'Christmas in the Black Community" Compiled by Michelle Denise Dacus Literary Editor Spelman Spotlight THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IS... Snow on Christmas day, It’s cookies in the oven, And children out at play. Christmas is Santa in his sleigh. It’s the carols children sing, It’s the warmth of grandma’s hugs, It’s the scent of a fresh cut tree, It’s gifts for you and me, But most of all it’s the time for LOVE And the time to keep loving. Have a very Merrv Christmas Everyonell By Victoria McMillan CHRISTMAS By Tyrone L. Crider a time of love, peace, and joy. a time of sharing for every man, woman, girl, and boy. a time of reunions, communions, and rededications, a time of hallowed songs heard throughout the nations, a time of bells ringing, choirs singing, spreading the Good News. a time of caring awhile, sharing a smile with whosever you choose. BUT MOST OF ALL The most important thing about Christmas Day is that long ago God stepped in, in His own mighty way. And by His spirit a Child was bom of the Virgin Mary and as a sacrifice, the sins of this whole world He would carry. I esus came that we might have an abundant life and power to resist temptations and to endure pain and strife. I know to some, this story may seem odd, but to those of us who believe Him, and as many as receive Him, He gives us power to become Sons of God. THE PEPPERMINT CANDY MARCH The peppermint candy march Went gaily up on the street, All dressed in white and red, Each with a lime-drop head, And bonbons like brown shoes fore feet. Each band man blew a little coil Made of the silver wrapping foil. I hope they got far on their way, Because at ending of the day, I’m sure there isn’t any doubt The hungry mice would all come out. By Effie Lee Newsome UNDER THE MISTLETOE I did not know shed take it so, Or else I’d never dared: Although the bliss was worth it so. She stood beneath the mistletoe So long I thought she cared; I did not know she’d take it so, Or else I’d never dared. For the Christmas feasting and revelry were only one phase of the slave’s Christmas; the other was the devout, plain faith of the people. As J ohn Esten Cooke saw it, Christmas was to them “what it was in the pious Middle Ages-a solemn mystery as well as a joyful reality. With the rejoicing of the season is inseperably connected in his mind what this rejoicing arises from.” By Harnett T. Kane . * to- 1 : .••V* / \ t Vif 'if' • r*». ON A CHRISTMAS NIGHT In Bethelem on a Christmas night All around the Chils shone a holy light. All around His head was a halo bright On a Christmas night. ‘We have no room,” the innkeeper called, So the glory fell where the cows were stalled, But among the guests were Three Kings who called On a Christmas night. How can it be such a light shines here In this humble stable one cold and drear? Oil, iiic ‘CiiiRi iiaa cumc io oring good cheer On a Christmas night! And what is the name of the little One? His name is J esus-He’s God’s own Son. Be Happy, happy, everyone On a Christmas night! Langston Hughes “THANK YOU, MISTER” Hey Mister! Don’t let me forget to tell you ‘Thank you’ for your love As real as the color green And as light as spring’s new air. Oh... And thank you for your big, strong hand' That often hold my world. Thank you for that big, wide grin And your shinning eyes that reflect mv ,v Thank you for loving all of me From my soul to my mind to my nose Thank you. Mister, for thanking me I love vpu. J ;;!: By Countee Cullen