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NEBRASKA’S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF COLORED AMERICANS
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THE REV. JOHN ALBERT WILLIAMS, Editor.
$2.00 a Year—8 Cent, a Cop^ OMAHA, NEBRASKA, FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1927 Vol. XIII—No. 4 Whole Number 626
MANY NEW BOOKS BY AND ABOUT
NEGROES ARE BEING PUBLISHED
From the early announcements of
publishers there are gathered a num
ber of distinguished volumes of
verse, fiction, biography, drama and
art by and about Negroes which will
be published within the next few
months. The number and quality of
this output will doubtless serve to es
tablish even more firmly the reputa
tion of Negro artists and add to the
esteem in which many of them are
now held. The list given here docs
not claim to be all inclusive, but it
does give an imposing number of
books whose publication has definite
ly been annuounced.
On July 29th, Harper and Broth
ers, New York, will publish the sec
ond volume of verse by Countce Cul
len, whose first book, “Color,” has
long been a best seller. Mr. Cullen’s
new book will bear the title “Copper
Sun,” which is taken from his own
poem, “Heritage.” He will also ap
pear again on the Harper list on Oc
tober 6th, when his anthology of
verse by Negro poets, “Caroling
Dusk,” will be published. A third
volume bearing Mr. Cullen’s name
and the Harper imprint will appear
in December. This will be a de luxe
edition of Mr. Cullen’s well known
“Ballad of a Brown Girl.” Harper
will publish simulatneously with the
trade edition of “Copper Sun” a de
luxe, autgraphed edition of 100
copies of this new book in verse.
In October the same firm will pub
lish a first novel by Claude McKay,
another noted Negro poet, who
has been living abroad for a num
ber of years. Mr. McKay’s novel
will be called "Home to Harlem” and
is receiving much favorable advance1
comment as to its excellence. Mr.
McKay is widely known for his vol
ume of verse published in 1922,
“Harlem Shadows.” Perhaps his best
known poem is his widely quoted “If
We Must Die.”
On August 19th Alfred A. Knopf
will publish in that firm’s famous
Blue Jade Library, James Weldon
Johnson's “The Autobiography of An
Ex-Colored Man.” First published
anonymously in 1912 by a Boston
firm which went out of business dur
ing the war, this novel by Mr.
Johnson has long been out of print
and eagerly sought after by collect
ors. Mr. Carl Van Vechten has done
an introduction to the Knopf reprint.
The Blue Jade Library is made up of
distinguished books of lasting value
which have attained the position of
being semi-classics.
Also, in September, a book of par
ticular interest and importance to
colored readers will be brought out
by the Viking Press. This is “Por
traits in Color” by Mary White Ov
ington. Miss Ovington’s book is
made up of biological and critical es
says on the lives and accomplish
ments of twenty colored men and wo
men. The list includes Robert Russa
Moton, George W. Carver, Scipio A.
Jones, Ernest E. Just, W. E. B. Du
Bois, James Weldon Johnson, Louis
T. Wright, Roland Hayes, Paul Robe
son, Walter White, Lucy Laney, Mag
gie L. Walker, Langston Hughes and
several others as well known. This
volume is certain to be widely read
and discussed.
Drama will be adequately repre
sented by "Plays of Negro Life,"
edited by Montgomery Gregory and
Alain Locke, which Harper and
Brothers will publish during the fall
season. Practically every play about
Negros by white and colored authors
will be included. The volume will
contain between 25 and 30 plays,
ubout one-third of them written by
colored playwrights.
Knopf will publish on October 21
a book of interest made up of the
Negro drawings of Miguel Covarru
mbias, the talented Mexican urtist
whose work has appeared mostly in
Vanity Fair. Mr. Covarrubias’ pic
turization of Negro types has done
much to attract attention to the la
tent possibilities in the arts of Ne
groes.
Knopf publishes on October 6th
“Stuffed Peacocks,” by Emill Clark.
This is a volume of short stories laid
in Virginia, some three or four of
them dealing with Negro characters.
Miss Clark is a member of one of the
oldest families in Virginia and was
editor of The Reviewer. She is one
of the growing number of white peo
ple in and from the South who arej
deeply interested in the Negro and
particularly his artistic development.
This same firm will publish next
April a first novel of great beauty
and distinction. The writer is Mrs.
Nella Larsen Imes of New York and
l er novel will bear the title of “Quick
Sand.”
There are probably other books by
Negro authors and about Negro life
not yet announced, hut the list given
is an imposing one. It gives further
indication that the position of the Ne
gro in the artistic world is being more
securely fixed by excellent work and
that the fears of some that the in
terest in things Negro is a passing fad
are largely unfounded. These books,
along with others recently published,
like James Weldon Johnson’s notable
“God's Trombones,” E. C. L. Ad
ams’ "Congaree Sketches,” and simi
lar books of note, are significant and
encouraging signs of progress. Ru
dolph Fisher, considered by many as
the best writer of short stories of Ne
gro life, is at work on a novel, and
Langston Hughes is spending the
summer in Memphis, New Orleans
and other Southern cities gathering
material for his next book. Walter
White sails with Mrs. White and two
chile ren for France, where he will
spen 1 a year writing two books; and
othei i as yet unknown are writing.
The i atlook is distinctly hopeful for
a coi 'in»ation of excellent writing
by Ne took.
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due The Monitor.
MISS GENEVA MABRAY
New York Public School Teacher Is
Visiting Mother
Miss Geneva Mabray, who resided
in Omaha with her mother, Mrs. Eliza
Mabray, for many years during her
vacations from Fiske University, is
now living in New York City, where
she is a teacher in the public schools
in that part of Greater New York
now called Brooklyn, where she has
been employed for the past two
years.
The school building in which Miss
Mabray teaches contains 48 rooms,
and the teaching staff consists of a
principal, a vice principal and 44
teachers. Each room has an average
of 44 pupils.
Teachers are appointed on a civil
service basis, and it was through com
petitive examinations that Miss Ma
hray won her appointment. And each
year the teachers take examinations
and are thus kept progressive. It is
the rule, also, for teachers to pur
sue special courses at some of the
universities in New York. Miss Ma
bray has done special work at New
York University and is planning to
take some work at Columbia Uni
versity next year.
Miss Mabray is a graduate of
Fiske University and is an example
of what it is possible for a prepared
person to accomplish, even in the
metropolis of the nation.
Mrs. Dan Desdunes is Miss Ma
bray’s sister.
ENTERTAINS AT TEA
Mrs. A. D. James entertained at a
very pleasant tea at her home, 4421
South Twenty-sixth street, on Tues
day afternoon from 2 to 6, in honor
of her sister, Mrs. Thomas S. Riggs,
formerly of Omaha, now residing in
Chicago. Mrs. T. Slayter, of Atlan
ta, Ga., u cousin of Mrs. James, and
Mrs. H. R. Roberts, formely of Oma
ha, but now residing in Seattle, were
also guests of honor. Seventy ladies
attended. Mrs. James was assisted
by Mesdames J. F. Smith and C. F.
Smith and the Misses Ruth Adams
and Elaine Smith.
EDITORIAL
‘ Well, well, what a jolt! And we are wondering how many
more jolts of various kinds our beloved city of Omaha, and her
magnanimous citizens will be able to stand! Last year it was
discovered that the expenditures of the school district so far
exceeded the income that an enormous deficit, approximately
three-quarters of a million, had arisen. So serious was the sit
uation that immediate retrenchment was imperative. This re
trenchment fell heavily upon the teachers, about 150 of them
being laid off, within a short time of the reopening of school,
giving those thrown out of employment no opportunity to seek
positions elsewhere. This was unoubtedly a great injustice to
the teachers, unavoidable perhaps, when the deficit wai dis
covered, but for which some person or persons were respon
sible. We do not presume to fix responsibility, w'e simply state
the fact. Somebody or some bodies had not guarded expen
ditures.
Six members of the Board of Education were elected on a
platform of economy. The new board has undoubtedly con
scientiously tackled its big task. It does not desire to cripple
the schools and yet there is the problem confronting th m, to
make the garment fit the cloth. They have employed a school
manager, who has the reputation of being a far-sighted, clear
headed business man, to carefully scrutinize expenditures to
the end that every dollar may count. So far, so good.
Now comes another jolt, the rather startling report, in the
light of last year’s deficit, that—
1. Omaha schools cost more per pupil than in any
other city except one, the exception being Des Moines,
Iowa, of 24 comparable cities.
2. The average teaching load, i. e., the number of pu
pils per teacher in Omaha is lighter than in any but
two of these 24 cities.
This is according to the finding of Dr. Walter Siders of
Pocatello, Idaho, an educational expert and statistician, who
was employed by the Omaha Teachers’ Forum to make a sci
entific survey of the educational situation here.
The full report of the investigator has not yet been given
to the public, but Edwin C. Miller, head of the budget commit
tee, frankly admits that the figures submitted by Dr. Siders
show these facts.
It seems that these findings are quite contrary to those ex
pected. Indeed, one member of the Teachers’ Forum, G. F.
Knipprath, is quoted by the daily press as indignantly protest
ing that “the Omaha public has been given an imperfect pic
ture of the situation, entirely misleading and misinforming.’’
How does he know?
Was Dr. Siders employed to juggle figures or to get the
facts? Those who employed him evidently believed that he
had the ability to get the facts. Because the facts do not con
form to some preconceived theory or plan and are a reflection
upon rather than a glorification of some individual or indi
viduals is not the fault of the investigator. It is admitted that
the expenditures for the Omaha public school system have ex
ceeded the income. What all citizens are interested in is an
honest investigation of the situation in order that if mistakes
have been made they can, as far as possible, be corrected.
If there has been too great expansion, then there must be com
mensurate retraction. If in our civic zeal to outstrip other citi
zens in the same class in educational facilities we have ex
ceeded our ability then there is no humiliation in admitting it.
It may be a jolt to somebody’s pride; but jolts are valuable
in awakening people and communities and getting them out of
ruts. Omaha needs the very best school system she can afford
and she can afford an excellent one. But this does not mean
foolish extravagance.
OMAHA DISTRICT SUNDAY
SCHOOL CONVENTION WILL
MEET AT ELWOOD, KAN.
The Omaha District Sunday School
and Allen Christian Endeavor League
will meet at Elwood, Kan., in Bethel
A. M. E. church, the Rev. William
Bell, pastor, on July 27-31. An in
teresting program, combining serv
ices, instruction and recreation, has
been prepared to keep delegates and
visitors busy during the entire ses
sion. There will be morning, after
noon and evening sessions. The con
vention sermon on the morning of
the first day will be preached by the
Rev. S. D. Rhone, B. D., pastor of
Allen Chapel, South Omaha, and the
annual sermon on the evening of the
same day will be delivered by the
Rev. John Grant, D. D., pastor of St.
John’s, Omaha. The convention ser
mon of the A. C. E. L. will be preach
ed by the Rev. T. W. Kidd, D. D.,
pastor of Bethel A. M. E. church, on
Friday morning. Among other speak
ers will be Prof. A. T. Walker of St.
Joseph, Mo., Rev. M. C. Knight, Rev.
J. E. Brewer, Miss Eva Johnson, Mrs.
Shane of Wathena, Kan., Rev. J. W.
Baker of Troy, Kan., Rev. W. S. Met
calfe of Omaha, and Rev. John Ad
ams, D. D., presiding elder, Omaha.
HAVE RETURNED FROM
GRAND LODGE MEETING
A. M. Harrold, C. G. M. of the
Knights and Daughters of Tabor, of
Kansas and its jurisdiction, and other
Omaha delegates, have returned from
attending the grand lodge of the or
der at Leavenworth, Kan., said to be
one of the most harmonious and suc
cessful sessions in the history of the
organization. Reports showed the or
der to be in excellent financial condi
tion and steadily growing. Practical
ly all of the grand officers were re
elected. Mr. Harrold was re-elected
without opposition for the eighth suc
cessive time. Among other Omahans
elected were Mrs. Lenora Gray, V.
G. P.; C. C. Cutright, G. D. M., and
Mrs. Bessie Kirby, Special Grand Sec
retary.
The Wilson Guards of Omaha won
first prize in the competitive drill,
und the Princess Guards, not to let
the men outdo them, captured the
first prize in their competitive drill.
Alarge delegation was present from
Omaha.
NEGRO INSTRUCTOR
IS INITIATED INTO
A PSYCHOLOGY FRAT
Lawrence, Kan.—William E Grif
fin, summer school student, and in
structor in mathematics and psycho
logy at Lincoln high school, Kansas
City, Mo., was initiated into Beta Chi
Sigma, national honorary psychology
fraternity, Thursday, July 7th. Mr.
Griffin, who has attended summer
school here since 192B, working on
his master’s degree, was invited to
join the fraternity—the invitation
being extended “for profound study
and research.” Mr. Griffin’B election
is the second one among Negroes at
Kansas University. Anthony Hill, a
colored student of St. Joseph, Mo.,
was elected to the society this spring.
Be honest. Pay your subscription
due The Monitor.
GIRL GETS $65,000
FOR THE LOSS OF LEG
New York—One of the largest
sums ever awarded in a damage suit
for personal injuries was granted a
seven-year-old colored girl Thursday
for injuries suffered when she was
run down by an automobile.
The girl, Hilda Morris, received a
verdict of $65,000 in the supreme
court, Queens, before Justice Mitchell
May. The judgment was awarded
against A. H. Hewes company, pot
tery makers of Brooklyn.
REV. WILLIAM F. BOTTS, D. D.
Who celebrated the seventeenth
anniversary of his pastorate at Zion
Baptist Church, Omaha, last Sunday.
COLORED WOMEN'S CLUBS
HOLD STATE CONVENTION
AT BEATRICE, NEBRASKA
The twenty-second annual conven
tion of Colored Women’s Clubs of
Nebraska convened at Beatrice, June
28 and 29. The sessions were held
at St. Paul’s A. M. E. church.
The business of the convention was
transacted in an able manner, the
sessions being presided over with un
usual executive ability by Mrs. Ada
Holmes of Lincoln, State President.
The programs were interesting and
consisted of music and addresses by
by some of the best talent in the
state. Among the interesting num
ber was an address on “Citizenship,”
given hy Mrs. Earl Kleppinger. She
touched on the value and importance
of citizenship, race adjustment and
prohibition and law enforcement in
the United States.
The president’s annual message
was given, which was very good. She
urged all women to live up to our
motto: “Sowing for Others to Reap.”
On Tuesday evening a reception
was given for visiting delegates and
friends at the home of Mrs. Robert
Scott. Ices, cakes, candies and nuts
were served by the club ladies.
Officers elected as follows:
President, Mrs. Ada Holmes, Lin
coln; vice president, Mrs. Laura John
son, Lincoln; secretary, Mrs. Rheiva
Harold, Omaha; treasurer, Mrs. Daisy
Gordon, Beatrice; chaplain, Mrs. Car
rie Robinson, Beatrice; chairman of
ways and means committee, Mrs. Jen
nie McGovern, Omaha; chairman
child welfare and music, Mrs. Mayme
Griffin, Lincoln; parliamentarian,
Mr. Paul Moore, Lincoln. Trustees:
O. J. Burckhardt, Lincoln; H. W.
Botts, Lincoln; F. W. Botts, Omaha.
Be honest. Pay your subscription
due The Monitor.
ENTERTAINS IN HONOR
OF BRIDAL COUPLE
Mrs. A. Hanger entertained at a
largely attended reception at the
home of her grand daughter, Mrs.
Marion Hale, 2623 Ohio street, on
Thursday evening, July 14, in honor
of her son, Saybert, and his bride,
who were married June 29 in St.
Louis, Mo. One hundred friends re
sponded to the invitation to meet
and welcome to our city the bride
and to wish her and the groom many
happy years of happy married life.
Mrs. Hanger was assisted by Mes
dames Hale, Pegg and Lowry.
PROMISING YOUTH
IS DR AFTER
RESCUING COUSIN
Lewis S. Smith, Seventeen-Year-Old
Nephew of J. Frank Smith of
Omaha, Gave His Life
To Save Another
(Special to The Monitor)
Sea Cliff, L. I.—Gloom was thrown
over this community Sunday after
noon by the tragic death by drown
ing of Lewis S. Smith, jr., aged 17,
only son of Lewis W. Smith of 761
Marcy avenue, Brooklyn, and grand
son of Mrs. Ursuline Smith, widow of
the late W. H. Smith, who has main
tained a summer residence here for
nearly half a century. Lewis was
drowned in Hempstead Harbor while
assisting in the rescue of his cousin,
Miss Mabel Smith, also of Brooklyn,
who was bathing and in danger of
drowning. Smith was in a row boat
with another cousin, Dr. William
Warrick, jr., son of Dr. William
Warrick, when Miss Smith shouted
for help.
Dr. Warrick and young Smith im
mediately plunged in to aid her, and
Dr. Warrick succeeded in bringing
her to shore. Smith had become ex
hausted by his efforts in assisting in
the rescue and sank. His body was
j recovered a half hour later by Jack
1 Rider, a local life guard. Smith is
survived by a large number of rela
(tives in New York and vicinity. An
uncle, J. Frank Smith, resides at
3027 Manderson street, Omaha, Ne
braska.
PASTOR OF GROVE
M. E. CHURCH IS ILL
The Rev. T. V. Orville, pastor of
Grove Methodist Episcopal church,
Twenty-second and Seward streets,
has been confined to his home by ill
ness since Sunday. He is able to sit
up and hopes to be able to be out
Sunday. Sunday night Attorney H.
J. Pinkett will deliver an address at
Grove at 8 o’clock.
ENTERTAINS FOR VISITOR
FROM LOS ANGELES, CAL.
Mrs. Leonard Owens, 2403 North
Twenty-ninth street, entertained
eighteen guests at her home, Thurs
day evening, July 14, complimentary
to Mrs. Alice Howard of Los Angeles,
Cal. Other out-of-town guests pres
ent were Mrs. C. A. Stewart and
daughter, Evangeline, of Wilming
ton, N. C. A delightful luncheon
was served and an excellent musical
program rendered.
MRS. GEORGE ALLEN
SUCCUMBS TO LONG ILLNESS
Mrs. Alice Allen, aged 66, wife of
George T. Allen, died Friday night
at the family residence, 3219 Frank
lin street, after a protracted illness.
Mrs. Allen is survived by her hus
band, three sons, and several other
relatives. The funeral was held on
Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock from
the Hulse & Riepen chapel. The
Rev. John Albert Williams officiated.
Interment was at Forest Lawn.
RESIDENTS OF OLD FOLKS
HOME ARE GIVEN OUTING
The residents of the Colored Old
Folks Home were given an outing
and picnic July 12th through the
kindness of Mr. Harry Leland. They
were taken to Elmwood Park in an
antomobile loaned by Mrs. Harry
Frazier, where a chicken dinner was
served. The soft drinks, a case of
Coco Cola, wer donated by Mr. Dave
Morrison.
WASHINGTON NOW HAS
NEGRO LITTLE THEATRE
Washington, D. C.—There has
been organized here during the past
winter season The Krigwa, Negro
Little Theatre. This is a direct out
growth of the New York Krigwa, and
has for its object the promotion of
art and the giving of a sympathetic
and correct portrayal of Negro life.