ACTIVITIES AMONG NEGROES

By Delilah L. Beasley

James A. Mundy, outstanding Negro musician of Chicago, had the distinction of directing a chorus of over a hundred well trained singers of his race who sang Spirituals as a part of the musical program at the rededication of the tomb of the immortal Abraham Lincoln by President Herbert Hoover, on Wednesday afternoon in Springfield, Ill. The nucleus of Professor Mundy's chorus was composed of part of the members from his Chicago chorus which won the choral contest of the Chicago Tribune, held last summer in Soldier's field in that city. The remainder of the singers represented part of his "Liberty Chorus" who were also trained and sang under his direction at the centennial of the state of Illinois in 1928. Professor Mundy has the distinction of having served as the director for the Chicago Symphony orchestra at an evening concert in Chicago, the first of his race whose musical ability had been so recognized by such eminent musicians.

BOOK REVIEW

"The Negro Looks at His South" is the subject of an article appearing in current issue of Harper's magazine, by Horace Mann Bond, who for the past two years has been released from his duties in the Department of Social Science at Fisk university in Nashville, Tenn., to make a study of the Negro elementary schools of the south on behalf of the Julius Rosenwald fund. This study has taken him into the back country of this section which he claims as his own. His observations in the Harper's article are shrewd, and his viewpoint unique and refreshing he begins by stating: "In the south the white man is the southerner, the Negro--well a Negro.” His analyzes as only the scientific sociologist can, the culture of the old south, the social order of the reconstruction and points to evils of the present order by stating: "By far the most detestable crystallization of these uncharitable characteristics of the new southerner is to be found in the white northerner come south to settle and to live." But Horace Bond is neither discouraged nor bitter, he loves his south, and he concludes his article with this hopeful note:

“These white people, these black people are southerners, but what is more, they are intensely human. And so long as the Negro southerner can still laugh and sing and see visions he will get along. But if a need be enunciated that prime necessity for all of us who are southerners, white and black alike, in my opinion it must lie in the appearance of more genuine southern white gentlemen. Some there are of course, and there have been in the darkest days. The Interracial movement of later years has found the type here and there in increasing numbers. These men come to their human relationships with sufficient gentility and assured statue as not to be ashamed to be decent where Negroes are concerned."

LOCAL NOTES

Members of the Maria Baldwin chapter of American War Mothers were the guests Sunday morning of the Cooper A. M. E. Zion church, at which time they observed national flag day. War Mother Mrs. Mary Starr, acted as mistress of ceremonies over a well-balanced program. Opening number "Star Spangled Banner” followed by prayer, and "Pledge to the Flag”, by members of the chapter and congregation. A paper was then read by Mrs. L. Starr, on the history of the American flag, followed with a solo sung by Mrs. Alice Ford, after which Mrs. Hettie B. Tilghman, past-president and state historian for California chapter of War Mothers, delivered an address of appreciation on the noble stand of Madam Schuman-Heink in regard to Negro children singing in the chorus of children who were participating in a similar affair at which she was serving as guest speaker and singer.

Mrs. Mary Starr then introduced several members and officials of the chapter followed by the lifting of a collection which would enable them to carry cheer to disabled war veterans in the several hospitals around the bay district. The Battle hymn of the Republic was then sung after which Rev. W. J. J. Byers, pastor of the church, delivered an eloquent address on "The Present Challenge to the Negro Race and Its Spiritual Significance."

JUNIOR BRANCH DEBATE

The Oakland junior branch N. A. A. C. P. held its regular Sunday afternoon in Filbert street Y. M. C. A. with Miss Dorothy Gray presiding. The meeting was opened by singing National Negro anthem, followed by reading of minutes, by Miss Esther Lee, piano solo by Miss Esther Haywood. Miss Gray then announced that part of the organization were meeting with the San Mateo branch, at which they were debating the affirmative side "Resolved, that Co-education is a Detriment to the Youth of today.” The program for Oakland meeting included two addresses delivered on "Origin and Purpose of Trade Unions.” The first speaker was Miss Dorothy Gray, who told in a most interesting manner the history of trade unions, showing much careful research. Miss Esther Lee played a piano solo "The Maiden's Prayer," after which the next speaker, Howard Gould, spoke on "Trade Unions and the Negro." This address was well received and demonstrated the speaker was a deep thinker with an analytical mind. Miss Gray then called upon Delilah L. Beasley for remarks. She emphasized the Value of Preparedness, for any kind of a position adding "Find a way or make one, but do not allow your color or race to stand in your way for success."

Since this meeting word has come from San Mateo that the Oakland debaters won the debate, which was held in the Colored Women's clubhouse.

CHURCH CHOIR CONTEST

The frat contest between the Junior choirs of First A. M. E. Zion church of San Francisco, and First A. M. E. church of Oakland, was given before a large audience Wednesday evening in First A. M. E. church of Oakland. The program consisted of spirituals, folk songs, and classical numbers, Dr. F. M. Nelson acting as master of ceremonies. The musical directors were Mrs. Gertrude S. Johnson, director of Oakland singers, with Miss Ruth Dean, organist, and Miss Irene Sears, pianist. For San Francisco, Mrs. Magdelon Love, organist; Mrs. Mable Richardson, director. Judges were Roy Harrison Danforth, Mabel Hill Redfield of First Congregational church, Berkeley, and Mrs. Mary McGladden, from girl's high school, San Francisco. The results of this friendly contest will not be known until after the program is repeated on the evening of July 1 in First A. M. E. Zion church of San Francisco.

LETTER CARRIER RETIRES

Jake Derrick, a member of one of the pioneer and highly respected Negro families of California, after serving faithfully as a letter carrier for 39 years, from the San Francisco post office, was recently retired. He received upon this occasion many complimentary letters from former persons on his route as Special Delivery carrier, and also much fine press comment. His parents came to California in the days of the covered wagon and all of their children have made marks of honor for their race.

CHURCH BENEFITS

The members of North Oakland Baptist church, in an effort to raise funds with which to pay the indebtedness of their newly erected church, and thus occupy the same, have conducted during the past week a financial drive with the following entertainments that the general public might assist them. Monday evening they had the Piney Woods Cotton Blossom singers in concert; Tuesday evening Mrs. F. Bolmer gave a playett; Wednesday, the choir, Trip Around the World, and Thursday, benefit dinner by Mrs. Raymey.