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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