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183 Days from the Centennial!
Voice of Black Womanhood
Vol. XXIV. No. 2
Atlanta, Georgia—Spelman College
October, 1980
Judge Dismisses Charges
Spelman Student Arrested at FNB
By Cynthia Williams
Senior Reporter
While attempting to cash a counter
check at First National Bank of Atlanta
West End Branch, Spelman senior
Helena J. Wright was arrested and sub
sequently charged with criminal tres
passing. The incident occurred Septem
ber 2,1980 approximately 3:35 PM
According to statements given by
Helena, the situation initially began
when a bank teller at the express win
dow refused to cash a counter check
presented by Helena without a 24-hour
Tillie card Helena gave further details by
saying, “I don’t know if the teller had just
had a bad day or what, but I’ve cashed
other counter checks without a Tillie
and have the canceled checks with me.”
Helena, at the date of incident, had not
yet received her personal checks or Tillie
card from the bank. Checkinq with a
female bank official, it was discovered
that the usual procedure for cashing a
counter check does not require a Tille
card, but just some form of identification.
Helena expounded more by saying, “I
showed the teller my Georgia driver’s
lisence and my student identification
card and told her 1 didn’t understand
why she couldn’t cash it since Fd done it
so many times before.” Helena was then
instructed by the bank teller that she
would have to get the check approved
by Mr. Daryl Swain
Helena from that point proceeded to
the area of the bank used primarily for
opening new savings and checking ac
counts. Helena first approached a
female bank official and inquired if she
was able to approve her check. The
female official responded by telling
Helena she would not assist her until
she had stood in line and her name was
called. Catching sight of Mr. Swain near
his desk, Helena explained what had
happened and again inquired about
Photo by Yolanda Adams
Spelman Student Withdraws Money to Close Account as Protest of Treatment Given Helena Wright.
having her check cashed Mr. Swain in
structed Helena she would have to
register her name at the desk and again
stand in line Helena responded by
saying, “Well, I don’t think its fair for me
to have to stand in line twice when I’ve
done this before with no problems.” Mr.
Swain is then quoted by Helena as
saying, “Either stand in line or leave the
bank.” Helena then responded by saying
she would leave the bank after cashing
her check. Mr. Swain there upon threat
ened to call the bank police officer, Offi
cer Taylor, and have Helena Phsically
removed. Mr. Swain, according to
Helena, then said he would not discuss
the matter any further. “Are you going to
get in line, leave the bank or will 1 have to
call the police?” said Mr. Swain as
quoted by Helena Minutes later Police
Officer Taylor appeared and Helena
stated, forget it, Fll qet back in the line.”
While waiting in line for a chance to
have her check approved to be cashed
Officer Taylor walked to Helena and in
formed her it was too late and she was
under arrest,
Helena explained the events by
saying, “The police came up and pulled
me out of line. He told me it was too late
and I was under arrest. He grabbed me
by my arms, hurting them, and pulled me
to the back of the bank. The policeman
then called a paddy wagon and had me
taken to the police headquarters near
Georgia State.”
It was at the police headquarters that
Helena was booked on charges of
criminal trespassing, fingerprinted and
photographed for police records. Helena
was detained at the police headquarters
for more than six hours. During this time
span, Helena was seated near a room
holding approximately fifteen new male
prisoners.
Helena explained the situation by
saying. “It was the worst ordeal. The men
kept coming out making lewd remarks.”
After being detained and booked,
Helena was released on her own
recognizance. Her bond was set at one
thousand dollars.
Helena retained Attorney
Thomas G. Sampson, who
handled her case on Sept. 24.
Charges against Helena were
dismissed by the judge.
INSIDE TODAY
Helena Wright’s
Ordeal
P-4
SGA President
Discusses Plans .'
P-5
Black College
Day Events
P-6
Final Exam
Schedule
P-7
