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THE MONIT OR I
' ■ A WEEKLY NEWSPAPER DEVOTED PRIMARILY TO THE INTERESTS A
< > OP OOLORBD AMERICANS
' ' PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY AT OMAHA. NEBRASKA, BY THE 4>
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( | Omaha, Nehrasfea. under the Act of March 3. 1879.__ X
I ' T«T* HEV. JOHN ALBERT WILLIAM*--. Editor *f
‘ ' W. W. MOSELY, Lincoln. Neh _-- Associate Editor V
|| LgClWOA W. WILLIAM* -----.— ——*B— MdWfdr
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< > Address, The Monitor, Postoffice Box 1204, Omaha, Neh.
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«C"X-XK^^XK*X-XK~X~X~X~X“X~X~X~X~X~X“X~X“X"X-H~X*<~X“X
JUST PEOPLE
Just people, that’s all. Cul
ture, wealth, position, influ
ence may be added, but after
all we are all, black and white,
high or low, rich or poor, just
people, feeling the same joys
and sorrows, the same hopes
and fears. Just people with
tremendous possibilities for
good or evil, each one account
able for the use he may make
of his opportunities.
GO FORWARD
As we enter the New Year
can we not all firmly resolve,
and carry that resolution out,
to be a little more considerate
and thoughtful of others; to
blame less and praise more; to
magnify our neighbor’s good
points, rather than his bad
ones; to be less critical and
more charitable. To cultivate
a healthy and health-giving
optimism rather than a sick
ening enervating pessimism?
Really this would be a good
thing for us all to do. “The
Golden Age” is before us, not
behind us, if we will only have
it so. Look forward hopeful
ly—go forward courageously,
and do your part.
FIGURE IT OUT
Sun cooling scientists tell
us that the sun has reached
its highest point of solidifica
tion or something like that and
has begun to lose heat and
energy at the rate of 2,400,
000 tons a second. Figure out
how long it will be before the
planet earth will be too cold a
spot on which to live, without
paying heavier toll to the coal
dealer.
McGILL FEEDS HUNGRY
That was the right spirit
shown by Eugene McGill of
the McGill and Davis Restaur
ant, South Side, when on
Christmas Day he gave dinners
to over 400 men whom peo
ple speak of as “down and
outers.” McGill gave welcome
to all, irrespective of race, col
or or creed, and it was a great
and motley crowd that enjoy
ed his hospitality. McGill has
done his same thing before,
but it didn’t get into the news
papers. McGill is a Negro and
it is gratifying to know that he
has both the will and the abil
ity to do so generous a deed.
SOME SIDELIGHTS ON
AFRICAN HISTORY
The Hematic League
John James Audubon.
It will come as a great surprise to
many students of American history
to know that John James Audubon,
the great naturalist and author of
that magnificent work, “The Birds of
America,” was a Negro. Francis Ho
bart Herrick’s work, “Audubon, the
Naturalist,” gives us the facts in full.
Jean Audubon, father of John
James, met at Les Cayas in the West
Indies a brown skinned Creole by the
name of Mele Rabin. To them was
born John James, referred to in the
early documents as “Jean Rabin,
Creole de Sainte Dominique.” Later
a daughter was bom. When their
father later left the Indies and re
turned to his wife at Nantes, France,
he took his children with him. Mme.
Audubon had no children and adopt
ed the illegitimate children of her
husband. Later they came to Louis
j iana. At the death of the father,
the property was left to the children,
but his nieces, Mme. Vageon of Nan
tes, and Mmes. Lissabai and Domen
I ecia of Bayonne, tried to have the
I will set aside on the ground that the
children were illegitimate and of Ne
i gro blood. Because of this, John
James broke with his family, and
moved north, to settle in Pennsyl
I vania.
The chief reason why the United
States did not hail Audubon as a
genius was because he was of Negro
blood, but later, after Europe re
ceived him with open arms and went
wild over his great work, naturally
the United States fell into line and
tried to hide the fact of his Negro
ancestry.
SPRIGGS WINS SUIT
Two diamond rings, valued at $150
each, were stolen May 29, 1926, from
the residence of Calvin H. Spriggs
and were sold by the thief to the
Brodkey Jewelry and Loan Company
for $50.00. When the goods were lo
cated by the police and demand made
therefor, the holder refused to sur
render the property, claiming owner
ship by reason of their purchase and
his having complied with the penal
ordinance governing pawn shop pur
chases.
Suit was brought against the Brod
key Jewelry and Loan Company in
the municipal court, which awarded
plaintiff, C. H. Spriggs, $300 and
costs. The defendant appealed to
the district court, where judgment
was awarded the plaintiff in the sum
of $308.75. Pending a motion for a
new trial, defendant decided to com
promise case and settle it out of
court, stating satisfactory terms to
Mr. Spriggs and his attorney, W. G.
Morgan, who was opposed by the
; well known law firm of Weaver and
GiUer.
Mr. Morgan, who is a young Negro
attorney, received congratulations
for the ability with which he handled
! the case.
i -
“PARISIAN FLAPPERS”
Scintillating and smart is the ver
dict bestowed upon the “Parisian
Flappers,” announced for presenta
tion at the Gayety Theater, Sunday,
January 2, when Stella Morrisey and
Flossie DeVere will appear with all
their vivacious attributes, and show
us just how a burlesque can be put
together and successfully operated
and projected by women. Stella
Morrisey will be remembered for her
magnificent appearance, her well
modulated singing voice and her
wealth of stunning gowns. She has
been upon the local stage upon sev
eral occasions, each time adding ad
ditional prestige to her reputation as
an artiste and each time adding to
her long list of personal admirers.
Flossie DeVere, the fascinating little
nymph with the tantalizing smile, is
another perennial visitor who has
been associated with many of the
most successful burlesque offerings
in the past, and who, it is said, at
this time has made the most distinc
tive success of her career, and Frank
Anderson, a tramp comedian, are ac
credited with giving a most laugh
able account of themselves in the
various scenes entrusted to their
care. Maurice Perry, a Hebrew co
median, Chickie Wells, George Stel
la and Dick Richards are also includ
ed in the funmakers, in addition to
the chorus which is said to be just a
little better than the average lot of
girls seen around here this year.
ARTHUR SPINGARN WILL BE
PRESENT AT "WHITE PRI
MARY” CASE ARGUMENT IN
SUPREME COURT
New York, N. Y.—It has been an
nounced at the offices of the N. A,
A. C. P. that Arthur B. Spingarn,
prominent New York attorney and
chairman of the National Legal Com
mittee of the Advancement Associa
tion will go to Washington on Jan
uary 3rd for the argument in the
U. S. Supreme Court of the case of
Nixon vs. Herndon. This important
case, involving as it does the validi
ty of the disfranchisement of Ne
groes in Southern states by means
of the so-called “white primary"
system, has been carried to the
country’s highest tribunal by the
N. A. A. C. P. A favorable decision
will mean another great victory in
the N. A. A. C. P.’s long fight against
denial of the ballot to Negroes in the
South and will take its place with
the victory in the “Grandfather
Clauses” which the N. A. A. C. P.
was instrumental in gaining in 1915.
The Advancement Association’s
attorneys of record in this case are
Moorfield Storey of Boston, James
A. Cobb of Washington, and Fred C.
Knollenberg and R. J. Channel of El
Paso, Texas, the point of origin of
the case.
TIGER FLOWERS
Probably one of the most unusual
films of the season, or many seasons,
will be shown in Omaha next week.
Manager Bill Bergman of the New
Lake Theater, is more than pleased
to be able to offer to his patrons
Theodore (Tiger) Flowers, former
middle weight champion, in “The
Fighting Deacon,” for three days,
commencing Tuesday, January 4.
According to Mr. Bergman, “The
Fighting Deacon" is universal in its
appeal and will please the young and
old. Flowers is supported by an all
all-colored cast in the production.
Flowers is noted throughout the
land for his fairness in everyday life
and in the ring.
“The Georgia Deacon,” as Flowers
is sometimes called, reads three verses
of the Bible daily, never trains on
Sunday, and never uses tobacco or
intoxicating liquor. These facts alone
accounts partly for the success Flow
ers has enjoyed. The film was pro
duced under the personal supervision
of Walk Miller, Flowers’ manager.
“The Fighting Deacon” will come
to “The Lake” direct from the Lin*
coin Theater, Nashville, Tenn., where
it is playing this week to standing
room only, according to reports from
there.
We are informed that on account j
of the high production costs there j
will be a slight advance in admission. I
Adults’ seats will be 25 cents, while
the children's admission will remain
the same.
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA
J. T. Wright spent Monday with
his mother at Omaha.
Miss Zurreta Doty, now of Atchi
son, Kan., spent several days with
friends here during the holidays.
The ladies of the M. A. Club en
tertained their husbands at a beauti
fully appointed dinner December 26,
at the beautiful home of Mr. and
Mrs. M. E. Williams, 1215 North
23rd street. The house was adorn
ed in gay Yuletide colors. Those
present were: Mr. and Mrs. Ben
Brown, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Houston,
Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Allen, Mr. and
Mrs. Louis Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. i
Lester Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Crews, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Dorsey, Mr.
and Mrs. Felix Pope, Mr. and Mrs.
John Irving and Mrs. Virginia Lewis.
Out-of-town guest, Mrs. E. G. Huff
of Chicago.
Amaranth Chapter No. 3 and Prin
cess Happeatha Chapter No. 8 held
a joint installation at Masonic Hall
December 21st. Following is a roster
of officers: Amaranth No. 3'—Wor
thy Matron, Mrs. Laurence Dorsey;
Associate, Mrs. Ada Holmes; Treas
urer, Mrs. Alice Thomas; Secretary,
Mrs. V. Lewis; Conductress, Mrs.
Anna Smith; Associate Conductress,
Mrs. Lulu Burks; Warderer, Mrs.
Jennie Edwards; Sentinel, Mrs. L. J.
Gordon; Ada, Mrs. Belle Collins;
Ruth, Mrs. Marion Duncan; Esther,
Mrs. Gordon; Martha, Mrs. Evelyn
Knowles; Eleetra, Mrs. Lulu Colley.
Of Princess Chapter, they are: Wor
thy Matron, Mrs. Sarah Saunders;
Associate Matron, Mrs. Leona Dean;
Treasurer, Mrs. Elnora Evans; Sec
retary, Mrs. Mayme Todd; Conduct
ress, Mrs. Opal Westberry; Associate
Conductress, Mrs. Anna McWilliams.
The funeral of Mr. Zach Johnson,
who died last Monday, was held in
Mount Zion Baptist church last Wed
nesday at 3:30 p. m. Rev. H. W.
Botts preached, and was assisted by
associate pastors. The G. U. O. O. h.
had charge of the services. A con
course of friends was in attendance.
The floral offerings were fine. The
body was shipped to his old home at
Junction City, Kan., for burial, and
was accompanied by the widow, son
and daughter.
Comhusker Lodge 579 I. B. P. O.
E. of W. made numerous kiddies hap
py on Christmas day when they play
ed Santa Claus at a Christmas tree
in Masonic Hall.
Mrs. Jennie Johnson, daughter
Lorice, and son, A. A. Johnson, re
turned from Junction City, Kan., on
Monday, after burying the husband
and father, Zack Johnson.
Out-of-town guests at Lebanon
banquet were: Mr. and Mrs. Robin
son, Mrs. M. Scott, Miss Maybe]
Scott, Mr. Charles and Henry Scott,
Mr. Pinkett and Mr. Duncan, all of
Beatrice.
Rev. H. W Botts and Mrs. Mayme
Griffin are in attendance at execu
tive meeting of New Era Baptist As
sociation at Omaha.
Lebanon Lodge No. 3, A. F. and
A. M., held their eighth annual ban
quet in the dining hall of Quinn
Chapel A. M. E. church, on Monday
night, December 27th, in celebration
of St. John’s Day. A large concourse
of Master Masons, wives and friends
were in attendance. After an in
formal reception in the auditorium of
the church, all were ushered into the
dining hall, where spacious tables
were laden with eatables. After in
vocation by Rev. I. B. Smith, and
singing of “America,” all enjoyed
the repast and listened to the pro
gram at intervals, which consisted of i
addresses, solos and instrumental mu
sic. P. G. M. R. H. Young, after a
lengthy talk, presented P. M. George
B. Evans with a P. M. Jewel as an ;
appreciation of his work while in 1
office as W. M. of Lebanon Lodge
No. 3. May this event be ever cher- ,
ished in the hearts of the Master i
Masons of Lebanon.
W. W. MOSLEY.
ANNUAL SURVEY OF
THE ASSOCIATED NEGRO
PRESS FOR 1926
(Continued from Page One)
cerns that are quietly and gradually
lifting Negro employees to skilled la
borers and foremen.
Agriculture
The Negro farmer, as an equation,
is neither comprehended or heard
much about in the North. He is an
important factor in all parts of the
South, both as a workman and a pro
ducer. The subject is big, and af
fording many tragic facts in the form
of leased lands, as well as penal con
ditionsi n some districts. Neverthe
less, there are many large owners of
Negro farms, and there are hundreds
making a success of leased ground.
The U. S. government, and individual
states, are helping conditions by the
co-operation of qualified men and
farmer’s conferences. Yet, there is
much to be done.
Politics
The Negroes’ influence in politics
today, nationally, is less potent than
at any time since enfranchisement.
The reason comes from Southern dis-1
franchisement which condition makes
it impossible for black people to vote
their wishes, and thereby have repre
sentation in Congress. No people in
a republican government can have a
voice without representation, nor can
there be either much consideration
or respect. Until that day again ar
rives where Colored America has rep
resentation in Congress, his position
politically, in a national way, will be
circumscribed and precarious. Mem
bers of Congress from the North, ex
cept in the districts closely contest
ed, where the Negro vote is the act
ual balance of power, are slow to lift
their voice for rights involving the
Negro.
Colored America’s political power
is confined to certain municipalities,
and, in a measured degree, to some
states. Chicago and New York show
the highest attainments, in order
named, and by opposite parties. In
I hose locations where there are mem
bers of councils and legislatures,
(here is not only better understand
ing but less friction. The thinkers
of Colored America exclaim: "Taxa
tion without representation cannot
long endure!”
Organisation
“Organization” is the middle name
if Colored America along some lines.
He is strongest organized fraternally.
There are more Negroes who belong
to one or more "lodges” than to any
other organizations. These lodges
have been noted for "taking care of
the sick and burying the dead.” They
have captured popular interest by
pass words, grips and regalia. That
day is passing. Like a child with
Christmas toys, Colored America, is,
tired of the mere spectacular, and
now seeks something more funda
mental. Therefore, those organiza
tions that are doing constructive
work, are the ones that are making
progress today. The investment in
properties, the opening up of fields |
of employment in insurance and
otherwise, and the meeting of the
everyday needs of the people, are ap
pealing forces in the new idea of or
ganization.
There is need of stronger organi
zation in business, local, and national,
and of organization that will create
ways of absorbing the services of the
thousands of Negro youths who are
fitting themselves for life, by educa
tion. This is an acute and all-absorb
ing problem at this time. Co-opera
tion between black and white forces
dealing in commodities used by the
race, and organizations with creative
programs are regarded as essential.
Business
The Negro is going forward in bus- ’
iness, but not by leaps and bounds.
When it is understood that the Negro ,
has had to find his way into the com
mercial world, without much help or
encouragement, it is wonderful that
he has come thus far, and with as few
failures. In our most substantial
businesses, banking and insurance,
the Negro has begun on his nerve,
with all too little knowledge of the i
lields, and only a kind Providence, I
in some instances, has sustained the
efforts until, through mistakes and
by perseverance, sufficient knowledge
lias been attained to develop accept
ed standards. That day is passing.
Competent men aer now trained in
these various fields who know how
to deal with the intricate fractions of
dollars, and the percentage of profits
on investments, equal to any others.
The Printed Word
Negro newspapers are an accepted
force and factor in racial life. They
now occupy a unique and strong po
sition. They are not only furnishing
information and education, but they
are furnishing employment for scores
of men and women. Next to the in
surance field, the Negro newspaper
is employing the largest force of
trained workers. The number in
creases constantly. The field broad
ens. Advertisers are discovering the
Negro publication—and “discover
ing” is a good word. The big adver
tisers of America are yet ignorant of
the possibilities of the almost untried
field. When the awakening comes,
the field of Negro journalism will
electrify the consciousness of all ’
America
Magazines are finding their de-1
lightful new day and place; books, of
many descriptions, arc fallipg from
the different printing presses; and
the Negro artist has found his place
in beautifying all these outputs, for
the delectation of thousands, black
and white.
White writers, and publishers, are
beginning to discover this world.
They are scratching their heads and
pens, writing about our world, and
hastening to the bank to deposit their
dividend checks.
Music
If, after all, there is only one gift
to the Negro, it is that of music.
Music fills his soul, in every field of
it. With the natural gift he is train
ing, and mastering. By voice and
instrument, Colored America is get
ting a hearing these days, all over
the world. The intensity of develop
ment, in this one field alone, to say
nothing of the intensity of present
day accomplishment, promises to
make the future of the Negro in the
field of music, second to none any
where in all the world. There are at
this moment, men and women, sacri
ficing and training, here and abroad,
to give to the world the benefit of
their gift and training, and they will,
by all hazards, find their place and
be heard. That will be a great day
for Colored America.
Amusements
Theatrical producers are discover
ing the world of Colored America
anew. They are gesturing and ex
perimenting. They are trying every
thing from burlesque to grand opera.
They are failing and succeeding, but
they continue to try and try.
Sports
Colored America continues to dem
onstrate several things in sports.
Equal to any others where given a
fair chance. Will tackle any game,
and make a real showing. The peo
ple of white America, in the field of
sports, as in some other things, are
not really good sports. They keep
the door shut all they can, in base
ball, football, boxing, and other pro
fessional and amateur lines, including
tennis. The Negro has delivered,
where given a chance, and he not
only furnishes entertainment, but a
spirit of good cheer.
Inter-Racial
W'hat are known as “Inter-Racial
movements,” North and South, are
helping to acquaint white America
with Colored America. Colored
America has always known white
America in every field except com
mercial. The commercial field has
been our Gethsemane, Wat erloo and
Gibraltar! We will enter when the
awakening comes and the discovery
is made—by white America. There
are present indications of this awak
ening, and discovery. The spirit of
! hate dissolves into the spirit of Good
i Will, where there is understanding.
1 The coming year portends a lurger
understanding and a finer desire for
I co-operation.
Inter-National
Travel and contacts broaden vis
ions. As quiet as it is kept, Colored
America is traveling. There are some
countries that it is difficult to get
into, but somehow, we are getting
into them, und we are seeing and
knowing. We are traveling in our
own country, first of all. Going from
one corner to the other is a common
occurrence. We are going by auto
mobile and train, and we are getting
facts, helpful facts. We exchange
thoughts and figures. We promote
our cause. We are interested in the
Virgin Islands, Haiti, Liberia, and
Africa at large. We are concerned
about Hawaii, the Philippines; and
Japan, China, and the South Sea Isl
ands. Every country in Europe we
urc touching by our students, per
formers, business folks, and tourists.
The influence of our own 200,000
Negro hoys who went to France, and
traveled in other countries, has reach
ed even the baby child. We have
world knowledge and world vision.
We are measuring the United States
of America, our own very lot, by the
lot of other Colored Peoples through
out the world. We know what they
are thinking and doing, by our own
eyes—we are not being told. We
arc forming friendships, and we are
looking to a new, better and more
glorious future, right here in this
“land of the free and home of the
brave.” We know our heritage, and
we know the heavy price of injustice,
and “man’s inhumanity to man.” We
know the trend of world and Color
conscience, within and without, this
and other nations.
We have never failed America;
and America has never failed us, in
a crisis. Colored America now faces
a new day, in a new way, with faith
und good-will, but with fixed knowl
edge and determination. We could
not be Americans without determina
tion.
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
The annual pariah meeting of the
Church of St. Philip the Deacon will
be held in the Guild Room, Wed
nesday night, January 6, for hear
ing annual reports and for.the elec
tion of wardens and vestrymen and
delegates to the annual Council. AH
members of the parish are urged to
attend.
Why Is the Lincoln Market
Always Crowded?
ASK YOUR NEIGHBOR
1406 No. 24th St. Web. 1411
I THE SENSATION OF THE ACE
USER FLOWERS in “The Fighting Deacon”
The Life Story of the Greatest Colored Fighter in the World
New LAKE THEATRE, 3 days commencing Tues. Jan. 4, Adm. 10c and 25c