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NEGRO 



WHO'S WHO 



IN 



CALIFORNIA 



1948 
Edition 



imUTYPE 

BY 

flEIVE \. HEWLETT 

MAX J. WILLIAMS 

LITHOGRAPHED 

BY 

WM.WESTERFIELH 



N6\^ - 



RSFERENCe 



Copyright applied for by 
'Negro Who's Who in California" Publishing Co. 



FOREWORD 



ORE and more various editions of biog;rai)hical histories published as Who's 
I Who in the particular field covered are being accepted as accurate and com- 
prehensive sources of inforniatiorr on the civic and s<)cial contributions, achieve- 
ments, successes, and i)opular recognition of outstanding men and women. 

Thinkiiig jjeople everywhere are alive to the iniportance of biography in i)Iot- 
ting and inlerjjreting growth and progress; not only the biographies of the re- 
nown, "but of all those who achieve success and recognition in law or medicine, in 
press or i)uii)it, in art or in music, in business or industry, in social or civic endeav- 
or, or in any legitimate activity of life. N'or need the attainment of the individual 
be nation-wide in its acclaim. It is important so long as in its material affect and 
interest it commands the resi)ect and admiration of his fellow citizens. 

Throughout the country a search of juiblic, school, and university libraries, 
of ,s(«ial and research agencies, and of private collections indicate in many States, 
a definite need for a Who's Who designed to record and present the Negro 
in the light of his achievements and recognition in those fields of activity which are 
measures of his advancement and his contributions to the growth and progress of 
the community and State in which he lives. 

The Negro Who's Who in California has as its purjiose the recording bf bio- 
grajjhies, which Carlyle ('eclared, "are the essence of history, and which because 
of the greater complexity of modern life, we need to have written more than in any 
previous period". E.xtreme care has been exercised by the Editorial staff to make 
this volume accejitable at the highest level as a dependable source of biographical 
data of i)rominent Californians. 

In the preparation of our work we have attempted to divide the volume into 
.sections representing a cross-section of community life: there has been no idea 
of balancing one against the other ; no setting up of better or best. We have re- 
lied upon committees selected on the basis of their broad acquaintance and wide 
knowledge of the community and the field in which they are active. 

In the preparation of this first edition of Negro Who's "Who in California 
we received aid from many sources. We wish to express our acknowledgement of 
the cooperation and assistance given us by the various committees who have giv- 
en their time and impartial consideration in selecting those who warrant inclusion 
in this volume. We are happy to acknowledge the advice and support given us by 
so many who are cognizant of the need of this type of publication. 

I 



DEDICATION 



This volume is dedicated to the 
Negro Pioneers of California. 
To their untiring efforts, their 
belief in freedom and the will to 
moke for this generation, and 
generations to come; a more de- 
mocratic place to live. 
To these untiring men and wo- 
men, who have carved out a pat- 
tern, that the world of today 
may well be proud-we dedicate 
this first edition of Negro Who's 
Who in California. 
— The Committee on Publication 



The outstanding people in all 
races are those, who in their 
field have mode marked success. 
These are the successes which 
give hope and inspiration to 
their fellowmon. 



CONTENTS 

Editor and Director Page 5 

The Pioneers Page 6 

The Church and Pllpit Pace 17 

The Professions Page 30 

Business and Industry Page 52 

Art and Music Page 85 

Civic anj) Social Page 96 

In Memorium Pace 125 





Commodore Wynn 
Editor, Negro Who s Who in California 

WYNN, COMMODORE, Public Relations Director, born 
in Fort Worth, Texas, June 6, 1894, the son of Lorenzo 
and Lucinda (Hurd) Wynn. Commodore Wynn was 
reared by his grandmother Mrs. Clarissa Fields of Mar- 
shall. Texas, where he received his academic education, 
taking his preparatory course at \\ iley College, and later 
attending Bishop College, at which institution he pursued 
a classical course leading to the A.B. degree. He, also, 
completed special courses in education and public hous- 
ing at the University of Southern California. 

in 1918 Mr. Wynn entered the Armed Forces of his 
country and saw service overseas nine months of his 
twelve months enlistment. 

After World War 1 he became a free lance newspaper 
correspondent, continuing this work until 1925, at which 
time he joined the New Age Dispatch of Los Angeles as 
columnist. In 1929 he became associated with the Cali- 
fornia News as Associate Editor and editorial writer. He 
left the California News in 1931, and, later, was connected 
with the Adult Education Program as Playground Direc- 
tor, Teacher, and Counsellor at Jefferson Evening High 
School. Then to the State Department of Education as 
statistician and analyst for the Government sponsored 
Survey of the Sofjal Background, Education and Training 
and Occupational Experience of Negroes in Los Angeles, 
1936, and Editor of the compilation of an Annotated Di- 
rectory of Negro National Organizations, Interracial Com- 
missions and Private and Religious Boards administering 
funds and services for the advancement of the Negro. 

Not long after that work was completed Mr. Wynn 
entered the field of public relations and directed the pub- 
licity and assisted in planning all phases of Mrs. Fay 
.Allen's two successful campaigns for election to the Los 
Angeles City Board of Education. H 1946. following two 
years with the Los Angeles Public Housing Authority and 
four years in business.,. Mr. Wynn established the firm of 
Evans and Wynn. Advertisinp and Publicity Agents, and 
has been engaged in public relations and related services 
since that time. 

Mr. Wynn is married to the former Mrs. Gussie John- 
son Jones of Austin, Texas, who is active in church, civic 
and social circles in Los Angeles. 

He is President, Central Avenue Community Council. 
Vice-President. Los Angeles Pan-He'lenic Council. He is 
a member of the Urban League. NAACP. YMCA. Ameri- 
can Legion and the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Secre- 
tary. Central Avenue Chamber of CoTimerce. He holds 
membership in the Bishop College and Wiley College 
Clubs of Los Angeles. 



John W. Roy 
Director, Negro Who's Who in California 

ROY, JOHN W., Promoter, born in .Anaconda, Montana, 
December 3, 1903, the son of Joseph A. and Lillian (Chis- 
holm) Roy. His father for many years was State Park 
Commissioner for the State of Utah, and his mother a 
housewite. Both parents are deceased. 

His public school education was in Anaconda and Og- 
den, Utah, the family moving to Ogden while he was at 
an early age. He was the first .Negro to graduate from 
the University of Utah, and the second youngest student 
to graduate, A.B. (class of 1921). 

Alter graduation, wishing to see some of the world, 
John W. spent two years in foreign travel: part of this 
time was spent working for the Federal Government in 
several European countries. 

Returning to America in 1924 he resumed his scholastic 
training at the University of Pittsburgh, receiving his 
M.A. degree in Business Administration in 1926. 

Mr. Roy then entered the insurance field, working in 
various executive capacities with companies in Ohio, and 
the deep south. 

In 1938 Mr. Roy entered the advertising and public 
relations field, specializing in Negro marketing; in this 
field he was national representative for several adver- 
tised products, and traveled extensively over the country. 

From 1941 to 1946 the armed services claimed him, 
and in the Inspector General Department of the Army 
he served as trouble shooter in camps and other installa- 
tions where there was friction between Negro and White 
troops. In 1945 he was placed in command of the Persh- 
ing Hotel project in Chicago: this project was one set up 
by the Army to service returning overseas veterans, 
but had to be discontinued when pressure was brought 
on the Army by several Negro pressure grouos, because 
only Negro soldiers were to obtain the rehabilitation 
offered in this center. 

In 1946 Mr. Roy was retired to inactive duty and ac- 
cepted a position with the Veterans Administration, work- 
ing as Training Facilities Officer in the State of Indiana. 
In 1947 he resigned this position because of the discrim- 
inatirn shown Ne°rn Veterans in the administration. 

In October of 1947 he came to C.a'ifornia for a 
short rest, but in November was commissioned to Direct 
the Negro Who's Who in California publication. 

Married to Virginia .Margaret Chisholm of Washington, 
D. C. and Evanston, Illinois, a permanent federal em- 
nloyre. There are no children. 

He is a membpr-NAACP (life member), YMCA, and 
the Omeea Phi Psi Fraternity. 

His hobby-Negro History. 



The Pioneers 



The "Trail Blazers" are those 
who through their untiring ef- 
forts, fought the early battles 
against intolerance and discrimi- 
nation, and who laid the corner- 
stone of growth and achieve- 
ment for the Negto in Califor- 
nia. 




Jackson L. Taylor 

TAYLOR. JACKSON L. Real Estate Broker and Financier, 
born in lexarkana, Ari<ansas, April 15, 1885, the son of 
John and Maria (Jackson) Taylor. 

His earl) education was in the public schools of Tex- 
arkana. later attending the State Normal College in Pine 
Bluff. .'\rk.. where he received his teachers' Certificate. 

.After graduation he taught for a short while in the 
public school system of .Miller Count> . Ark., but seeing 
no promising outlook in this field, he left his native state 
and came to California in 1910. For the past thirty-eight 
years the life of this .Arkansas farm boy has been a series 
of successes. For six years he was the Assistant Port War- 
den for the City of Los .Angeles, then he passed the ex- 
amination for the fire department and climbed the ladder 
of success in that department. He retired in 1939 with the 
rank of Captain. 

In 1940 he was named as \(te-President of the Liberty 
Savings and Loan Co. of Los Angeles, a million and half 
dollar institution. The same >ear he entered the Real 
Estate field; in this field he is known as one of the out- 
standing Realtors. 

In 1907 he married .Miss .Myrtle H. Hooks, a graduate 
of Bishop College in .Marshall. Texas. There are two 
children. .Morris E,. an assistant in his father's office, and 
\ elaska Taylor Graham, a licensed Real Estate Broker, 
also, in her father's office. 

Mr. Ta\lor is an active member of the N'AACP. the 
Golden West Realty Board, of which he was one of its 
organizers. Y.MC.A. Southern Conference Educational 
Fund. Pacific Town Club and .Association for the .Abolish- 
ment of Second Class Citizens He is. a'so, \estrvman of 
the St Philips. Episcopal Church. Chairman of Commit- 
tee on Finance and .Auditor of .Most Worshipful Prince 
Hall, Grand Lodge of .Masons. 

His hobbs is sports, fishing, hunting and golf. 



She was chairman of 62nd .Asscmbl) District Republi- 
can Central Committee, 1934-1936. and also. Assistant 
Secretar) to 14th Congregational District Committee. Past 
President, California Cooperative Improvement Associa- 
tion, past Daughter Ruler of Hiawatha Temple Daughter 
Elks, past President Phys-.Art-Lit-.Mor and Friday Morn- 
ing Clubs. Organized Compton Playground Association 
which improved Playground conditions and the organiz- 
ing and sponsoring Troop 716 Boy Scouts of .America. 
She assisted organizing and is past President of Carver 
Junior High P. T. A., and was active in Hooper Avenue 
P. T. A. 

Practicing Chiropractor over twenty years, recently 'at 
2020 South Western .Avenue, now retired and resides with 
family at 2151 So. Harvard Blvd. 




Dr. Eva Whiting Yolng Benjamin F. Young 

YOUNG, BENJA.MIN FRANKLIN. Real Estate Counsel- 
lor, born in South Carolina. Parents, Jordon and Louisa 
Young. The family moved to Fowler, California during 
Benjamin's infancy. He received his public school educa- 
tion in Fowler. In 1914 he became the first Negro to re- 
ceive a Pharmacy degree from Lniversit>' of California 
in Berkeley. ^ 

He practiced Pharmacy in Fowler until 1921, the year 
he came to Los Angeles, laier entering the Real Estate 
Field. 

He is a member of the CME Church. Southern Cali- 
fornia .Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association, 
and the Shriners. 

He owns and operates a fourteen unit .Apartment on 
Washington Blvd., an eighteen unit .Apartmet on .Man- 
hattan Place, and a thirty acre ranch near Fontana, Cali- 
fornia. 

He resides v^ith his family at 2151 So. Harvard Blvd. 



^(JLNG. H\A WHITING, Chiropractor, born in Glouster, 
Ohio, daughter of Nathan and .Martha Whiting. Edu- 
cated in Ohio. Attended Ohio Lniversitv and its Con- 
servator) of .Music Studied further in University of Cali- 
fornia at Berkc!e). .A pioneer among Negro teachers in 
California, teaching in .Allensworth and El Centro. 

In 1918 she married Benjamin Franklin Young In San 
Bernardino. California. There is one son. John B. Young, 
a graduate Phssiotherapist. She came to Los Angeles in 
1921, later entering Los .Angeles College of Chiropractice 
graduating in 1925. 

Dr. Young for )ears active in Independent Church and 
choir, recenll) became interested in studying advance 
religious thought. 



EDWARDS, JOSEPH ,M., Pioneer, born in Verett Village, 
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, .April 24, 1875. He is the 
son of Myrtele and .Marie Edwards, former Creole Negro 
slaves. 

His early education was in the pub'ic schools of New 
Or'eans: here he learned the fundamentals of English. 
Arithmetic and Spelling. So unlike the modern schools of 
today, little time was spent in plav or in the extra cur- 
riculum now taught in public schools. He learned his les- 
sons the hard way, and he learned the "Golden Rule." 
This "Golden Rule" became a part of "Sonny." as he was 
called b\ ever) one; throughout his life he has always 
practiced it; making friends of ever)one he meets, and 
keeping these friends. 



At the age of seventeen, in the year 1892, he took the 
long journey to California; here he stayed for three years, 
but in 1896 left for Central America where he remained 
for nine years working in the mahogany trade. 

Returning to America he settled down in Los Angeles, 
where he accepted a job as custodian and doorman at the 
old Mason Opera House, and later at the Biltmore Thea- 
ter. On this work he has remained for over forty years. 

Today (1948) Sonny as he is still known, is not an 
emplo\ee; he is considered a part of the theatre. Known, 
loved and respected by the "Great's" of the screen. He 
knows thetp all; Lillian Russell, George Dameret, Sophie 
Tucker, Elsie Janis. These and many more of the famous 
stage and screen personalities all were, or are his friends. 

In 1906 he married Elizabeth St. Charles who is today 
an outstanding civic and fraternal leader. 

Mr. Edwards is active in civic and fraternal circles: he 
is a member of B.F. Talbart Lodge, No. 8 F. and A.M., 
I'. B. F.. Odd Fellows. NAACP, pioneer member, 
Y.MCA. He is an ordained Deacon, and a member of the 
Second Baptist Church. 

His hobbv is collecting progranis of theatre perform- 
ances including symphony, opera, concerts and lectures. 




Joseph .M. Edwards Mrs. E. StCharles Edwards 



EDWARDS, ELIZABETH ST. CHARLES, Pioneer Civic 
and Fraternal Organizer, born in New Orleans, Louisi- 
ana-the daughter of Lawrence and Catherine (Bernard) 
St. Charles. Her father was the owner of the Wheelright 
Blacksmith Shop, one of the early landmarks of New 
Orleans. , ^ , ,. 

Mrs. Edwards was educated in the parochial Ca'holic 
schools of New Orleans, and completed her high school 
work in Los Angeles in 1906. 

In 1906 she married Joseph M. Edwards. For the past 
thirty years Mrs Edwards has been an outstanding figure 
in the civic-and fraternal life of Los Angeles: she is a 
Past President of the California State Association of Col- 
ored Women, a member of Hiawatha Temple No. 91, 
Daughter Elks, Past Matron. Electro Chapter No. 2 
Eastern Star, Past Matron Heroines of Jericho. (Cali- 
fornia and jurisdiction). NAACP (member of the board 
for 20 years), California Temple, UBF and SMT and 
Household of Ruth, and a member of the Second Baptist 
Church. 

.Mrs Edwards is also one of the founders of the East- 
side Settlement House in Los Angeles and the Delta 

Highly respected in her community, this pioneer civic 
leader has devoted a lifetime to the uplifting of her people 
in her adopted city. 

Her hobby is helping young people by giving them 
scholarships. ' 




Mrs. .Mabel V. Gray 

GRAY, MABEL V., Personal Problem Counsellor, and in- 
aeidtigaD,e civic leaoer is a native ot Los Angeles, uie 
second daughter ot James and Miranda (Robinson) Uo- 
gans. James uogans wai recognizea as one oi tne Jeaoing 
piaster contractors ot Los nnge.es, ana his wite was the 
daughter ot Henry and blien Robinson, one ot Caii- 
tornia s pioneer families. 

Mabel Oray was rea;ed by her grandparents in an at- 
mosphere Oi culture and reiineineni, ana her training for 
her lite s wo.k began at two yea.s as a reader o.i many 
programs presented in the old Second Baptist Church. 
She received her education in the puDiic schools of Los 
Angeles, ail tiic wniie giving her time and talents to the 
church in a measure which indicated her desire to give un- 
selfishly to charitable service. She has been a member of 
New Hope Baptist Church since childhood. 

She is married to \ernon Robert Gray whose reputa- 
tion as a chef is known far and wide. 

Mrs. Gray's interest in organization work is signifi- 
cant. She has been an active member of the Five and 
Over Charity Club for sixteen years, and its President for 
thirteen years. She played an active part in the organizing 
of the Local Y.W'.C.A., and aided in forming the Out- 
door Life and Health Association of which she was its 
first Vice-President. 

Mrs. Gray rose to national recognition as an active 
member of the Knights and Daughters of Tabor, Inter- 
national Order of Twelve She has held all presiding offices 
in this organization at local, jurisdictional, and interna- 
tional levels. She is now the International Grand High 
Perceptress of the Knights and Daughters of Tabor of 
the World, the highest honor that can be conferred on a 
member of the fraternal order. Other fraternal organiza- 
tions in which she holds memberships are Heroines of 
Jericho, Victory Chapter No. 37, Order of the Eastern 
Star, and the [daughter Elks. 

Civic organziations are the media in which Mrs. Gray's 
endeavor produces astonishing results. She is past Na- 
tional Vice-President, National .Association of Colored 
Women: past Vice-President. Southwestern Regional of 
the National Association and past State President. Cali- 
fornia Association of Colored Women. She is Second Vice- 
President and member of the Board of Directors of Los 
Angeles Urban League: Board of Directors, Avalon Com- 
munity Center: Executive Boards. Congress of American 
Women and California Legislative Conference, and an 
active member and Auditor of the Lafayette. Junior High 



School PI .A. She is. also, a member of the Citi/ens Emer- 
gency Committee, Congress of Racial Equalit), All-for- 
One Brotherhood, Eastside Settlement House, and Los 
Angeles County Committee on Human Relations. She 
was six years a member of a United States Selective Serv- 
ice System, .Advisory Board. .Mrs. Gray is, also, a gradu- 
ate and member of the Institute of Religious Science and 
I'ti.lo.ophy, whose teachings are the basis of her personal 
counselling. Her work in this field and in the field of nur- 
sing are known nationally and her interest in the rehabili- 
tation of the unfortunate has come to the notice of Parole 
OfTicers throughout the country. She has had paroled to 
her young and old, from Texas, \'irginia, and California, 
and her counsel and guidance have been a factor in the 
complete rehabilitation of those who have come under hei 
supervision. 

Mrs. Gray is an influenzal supporter of the Commun- 
ity Chest and Red Cross Drives. She has sold war bonds 
totaling thousands of dollars, and gave more than 5,000 
hours of volunteer service to the L .S.O., for which she 
was awarded L S.O.s Six Star .Medal. Her varied activi- 
ties and unusual experiences included being honored with 
Henry Wallace, then the Secretar) of Agriculture, George 
Washington Carver, and the Governor of Tennessee at 
Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. She picketed the White 
House in Washington. D. C, and attended the Lnited 
Nations meeting in San Francisco as a representative of 
her organization. 

.Mrs. Gray has been honored on numerous occasions 
for her unselfish service to the community. State and Na- 
tion. She has received the Certiticate for Meritorious 
Service from the Huge E. .Macbeth Research and His- 
torical Society, and the Certificate of Service from the 
United States Selective Service System. She was selected 
"Woman of the Week" by the Los Angeles Sentinel, and 
cited tor outstanding charitable work by the Los Angeles 
Neighborhood News. Recent recognition was the Los An- 
geies Se..tiners Award for .Meritorious Service for club 
work in 1947. 

A kind manner, a gracious spirit, and a deep sympathy 
for the unfortunate are the qualities which have made for 
Mabel Gray an active and useful life. 

GREEN, THOMAS A. Sr., Social and Religious Worker, 
born September 15, 1868 in Ripley, Mississippi, the son 
of Andrew and Sarah (Prince) Greene; his father a native 
of Ripley, Mississippi and his mother a native of Charles- 
ton, South Carolina. 

Mr. Greene is a graduate of Rust College, Holly 
Springs, Mississippi, receiving from this institution a 
Teachers' Certificate. He also attended Wa'den Univer- 
sity of Nashville, Tennessee (two years). Completing his 
scholastic training, he taught for approximat«iy twelve 
years, six of these years at Alcorn A. and M. College in 
Rodney, Mississippi. 

While teaching at Alcorn, he married Lula Walton, a 
former classmate at Rust College. This marriage was in 
July of 1894. From this union was six children-Thomas 
A. Jr., practicing Dentist in Los Angeles; Lawrence C, 
painting contractor; Anna Mae (Greened Murdock. Post 
Office Clerk; Alma (Greene) Covington, Los Angeles City 
school teacher; Prince Greene, Clerk of Supplies Los An- 
geles County Hall of Records; and Luela (Greene) Bry- 
ant, Clerk with the Board of Education. 



Mr. Greene came to California in 1902 and for the first 
four years after his arrival he operated a printing estab- 
lishinent and edited the Los Angeles Enterprise, a weekly 
newspaper. 

On November 21, 1906 he was called to the Secretary- 
ship of the San Pedro Street Branch, YMC.\, which i? 
now the 28th Street Branch. He held this position for 
twenty-six years. During this time, thousands of men and 
boys were influenced by Mr. Greene to accept Christian- 
ity and live christian lives. The present $200,000 00 planf 
was a direct culmination of his diligent and sustained 
work. 

During the many years of service to his community he 
has been always active in the civic, religious and business 
growth of his people. For forty-six years he has been a 
member of the Wesley Methodist Church, and for the 
past thirty-four years the Sunday School Superintendent. 

Presently, he is a member of the Official Board for his 
church, and Trustee Emeritus. Mr. Greene was a mem- 
ber of the first Board of Directors of the Los Angeles 
Urban League, and aided Mrs. Katherine Barr in the 
establishment of the local branch He is, also, a member 
of the Board of Trustees of the Outdoor Life and Health 
Association, and through the years has been an outstand- 
ing factor in every movement for the uplift of Negroes 
in Southern California, 

Mr. Greene, who acknowledged as a pioneer leader, 
and who is respected by members of every group or race. 
can look back on a life that has been devoted' entirely to 
the educational and spiritual uplift of his fellowman. 

ROBERTS. FREDERICK M.. Statesman, President, A, J. 
Roberts Sons and Company, born in Los Angeles, Cali- 
fornia, the son of Andrew J. and. Ellen (Hemings) Rob- 
erts. Educated in the public schools of Los Angeles, and 
a graduate of Colorado College (pre-legal major). He is. 
also, a graduate of Barnes-Worsham School of Embalm- 
ing and MjOrtuary Science, in Chicago. Illinois. 

Married Pearl Mines. There are two children—Gloria 
and Patsy. 

For many years Mr. Roberts worked in the educational 
field, and was President of Mount Bayou Normal In- 
stitute in Mt. Bayou, Mississippi. 

Making the change from the field of education to that 
of business, he joined his family in the operation of the 
A. J. Roberts Sons and Company. 

He soon became very active in the civic and political 
life of Los Angeles, and because of his leadership he was 
elected eight consecutive terms to the California State 
Assemb'y, the 62nd District. During his many years as 
a representative of the 62nd District, he was accredited 
with the sponsoring of many constructive and progressive 
measures. He is nationally known as a Republican party 
leader and is respected for his ability as an able States- 
man. 

In 1946 he won the Republican nomination for U. S. 
Congressman from his district, but was defeated by a 
very dose margin. His defeat was to the regret of the ma- 
jority of Ne"roes throughout America, and Negro News- 
paoers in Ameriri censured many Ne«ro leaders and 
voters of Los Angeles for their stand in this closely fought 
campaien. 

Mr Roberts is one of the founders of the Los Angeles 
Branch, Urban Lea);ue, and a member of many civic and 
welfare organizations. 

His hobby; Political Science. 





Dr. Vada J So.MEj*\ii IE 



Dr. John A. Somerville 



SO.MERMLLE, VADA J., F^entist (RetircJ )-a native 
uaughter of Calilornia, Dr Somerville is the daughter of 
Welcome and Dora (Johnson) Watson; her parents \^■ere 
early settlers in the State. 

Her early education was in the public schools of Los 
Angeles, graduating from Commercial High School (now 
Polytechnic). She later attended the University of South- 
ern Calilornia, and the LSC Dental College, where she 
received her degree in Dentistry in 1918; the first .\egro 
woman to receive a degree in dentistry from that insti- 
tution. 

Dr. Somerville practiced for a number of years with her 
husband. Dr. John Somerville, also, a graduate of the 
LSC Dental Co'lege, and whom she married in 1912. 

In 1933 Dr. Vada Somerville gave up her active prac- 
tice of dentistry to devote most of her time to the social 
and civic welfare of all people in Southern California. 
Since 1925 she has been an active member of Alpha Kap- 
pa Alpha Sorority, serving as Basileus of Alpha Gamma 
Omega Chapter for two years, served for a number of 
years as Chairman of Public Affairs and at present is Far 
W estern Regional Chairman of the Non-Partisan Council 
on Public Affairs, 

Seeing the need for organization on the part of Negro 
Women in California, Dr. Somerville was one of the 
founders of the Los Angeles .Metropolitan Council of the 
National Council of Negro Women and was its first 
President ; she later served as Vice-President of the Na- 
tional Council, with jurisdiction over five Western States. 

She is an Executive Board member of the Los An- 
geles League of Women Voters. Secretary on the Execu- 
tive Board of the Los Angeles Family Service, and Vice 
Chairman of the Executive Board of Pilgrim House Com- 
munity Center. 

During the war years Dr. Vada Somerville was a mem- 
ber of the Citizens .^dvisory Committee to the Office of 
Price Administration (Los Angeles DistrirtV and a mem- 
ber of the Editorial Committee of the Citizerls Research 
Iristitute of Los Angeles. 

At the time of this writing (1948) Dr. Somerville has 
become nationally known for her civic and political in- 
terests in many organized groups. She is now giving 
financial support as well as much time to the inter-cultural 
house 'or students attending the University of California 
at Los Angeles. On this project slie is a member of the 
Executive Board, having special responsibility for pro- 
gram education. 

Dr. Vada Somerville's untiring efforts to make her 
communitv a better place to live has pained the respect 
and confidence of persons in all walks of life and amons 
people of everv race She stands out as an example of 
.American Womanhood. 



SO.MERMLLE. JOHN A.. Dentist, born in Jamaica, Brit- 
ish West Inuies, the son ot 1 homas G. and Frances A. 
Somerville. His lather was a graduate of Cambridge Lni- 
vcisitv (bnglanu). and a priest of the "Church of Eng- 
land;" his mother was a teacher in the Church of England 
bcnool. His lather was also the school master. Dr. Somer- 
ville's father was the acknowledged leader in his com- 
munity, and for 50 years guided the destinies of his par- 
rish; he died at the age of 85. The mother of Dr. Somer- 
ville passed in 1946, at the age of 100. 

Dr. Somerville's early education like all others in his 
community, was in his father's school; later he attended 
.Mico College in Kingston. In 1902, with the urge to ob- 
tain an American education, and to visit the land of many 
promises, he obtained his lather's permission and his bles- 
sings and came to America; his first port of call— San 
Francisco. 

Knowing little of the customs of America his first ex- 
perience in San Francisco was far from a pleasant one. 
Here on his first day in America, the specter of Jim Crow- 
ism reared its ugly head, and he soon learned that decent 
places to eat and sleep were not for persons of color. De- 
termined to, fight for the objectives for which he came to 
America, he mapped his program for battle, and prepared 
to fight. The fight against intolerance, bigotry and dis- 
crimination has always been the prime motive in the suc- 
cessful career of this stalwart man, vyho landed in San 
Francisco on a bleak day in February, 1902. 

Not wishing to ask financial aid from his parents, but 
electing to fight his own battle, by hard work and many 
sacrifices, he saved enough for entrance fees to the Uni- 
versity of Southern California. This was the first step 
in the realization of his dream. Working by day, and oft- 
times late into the night on any job that came his way, 
he became the first Negro to graduate from the University 
of Southern California. He later was the first Negro to 
graduate from the University of Southern California 
Dental School, and with the highest honors of an\ stu- 
dent up to that time. He. also, passed the dental board 
with hi^h honors. Thus, the first objective of securing an 
American education had been surmounted. 

Shortly after graduation Dr. Somerville set up his 
practice in Los .Angeles, and now began the fight to ac- 
complish his other objectives—a successful practice, and a 
lifetime of fiphting the forces of bigotrv and discrimina- 
tion. During his years of practice he has not only built 
up a mgst successful practice, but he has been a leader in 
many of the constructive civic and welfare programs of 
his community. 

Dr. Somerville was one of the organizers of the local 
branch N.AACP. and was its first X'ice-President. The or- 
ganization of the branch was in his home. 



10 



Ill l''i7. ifniembcriiig lii> first night in San FranciscOi 
anJ till- ililficuliy hi- louml in securing a decent place to 
stay. l)r Somerville i-ri-cteii the first modern apartment 
building to be occupied by Negroes in Los Angeles (La 
\ ada Apts I In U'JS the Somerville Hotel was erected 
(now Dunbar llolel), at the time this hotel was the finest 
lioU-1 lor Negro patronage in America Oser 5,000 people 
attended the opening of this fine and beautiful structure. 
It «as. aNo the tlonvention Headquarters of the N.-\ACP, 
which held its National Convention here in 1028. The 
eri-clioii of these two modern buildings started a new area 
of building on the t-.astside of Los .-Xngeles, and within 
M\ months there began a better business and living trend, 
all due to the forethought of this pioneer dentist and 
en ic leader. 

Or Somerville has served his people on man\ occasions, 
serving on committees that fought every phase of our 
American method of making the Negro second class 
citi/en. 

In 1012 he married .Miss Vada j. Watson who is also 
a retired Dentist. There are no children. 

Ik- is a member of N'.MC.-\. and the Pacific Town Club 
Dr Somerville, like most men who are self-made, is a 
modest man. and many of the civic and welfare programs 
he has fostered will never go down in print, but to those 
who know him. he is acknowledged as a leader in his com- 
munity having no peer. 

His hobby is growing of choice flowers. 

SKANKS. IIARRIE BN RON, Government Employee, born 
in Portland, .Waine, the son of James and Rebecca .-Xnn 
(Cummings) Skanks. James Skanks has enjoyed the wide 
reputation of being a skilled violin maker; his wife, a 
landscape artist. 

Ilarric Skanks came with his family to C:alifornia at 
an early age. He attended the public schools in Los .\n- 
geles, graduating from Los Angeles High Mis talent for 
music is evident in his broad musical training He is an 
accomplished pianist and while in High School, he was 
a member of the orchestra and glee club. 

On June 16, NO? he was married to .Wiss Eva .Miens- 
worth, to whom was born one daughter, Loiuse Skanks 
Chillier. 

.Mr. Skanks has been in the Government Postal Service 
since his graduating from high school. He was a pupil of 
the distinguished English instructor, Thomas Wilde, and 
organist of St. \ incent's Church. He has the distinction 
of having been one of the Instructors of Elmer Barr, the 
brilliant .•\rtist-Composer. He is an Episcopalian. 

His hobbies are woodwork and craftsmanship. 

SKANKS, EVA ALLE!*iS\\ORTH, born in Bowling Green, 
Kentucky, the daughter of the late Colonel and .Mrs. 
.Mien Allensworth. Her father was Chaplain of the 24th 
Infantry, Lnited States Arm> , and founder of the town 
of .-Mlensworth, California. 

She attended public schools in Salt Lake City, Utah: 
Chicago. Illinois and graduated from Girls' High School 
in San Prancisco. .As the daughter of an Army oflficer. all 
of her earlv years were spent in .Arms garrisons. She was 
the first woman to be appointed a Notary Public in the 
Slate of New .Mexico. 

On June 16. 1W4, in Los Angeles, she was married to 
1 iarrie B. Skanki 

.Mrs Skanks is a member of the Church of Christian 
1 ellowship. and has been a Californian since \'^^. She is 
a charter member of the Jessie Benton Fremont Tent, 
Daughters of Lnion Veterans. 

Special interests are home and flowers. 




C. R. R.VNSO.M 

RANSOM, C. R. -Real Estate Broker, born in Jefferson 
Count)-, .Mississippi. January r 1880, son of .Nathaniel 
and Mary (Woods) Ransom. In this typical Southern 
rural setting, young C. R acquired the schooling pro- 
vided at that time, but his parents developed the charac- 
ter, initiative, courage and self-independence, which later 
replaced the formal education they were in no position 
to give him. Thus equipped, on .April ?, IPIO. at the age 
of 30, this pioneer, with his bride of a few months, the 
former .Mary .Morris, his first child, and his father and 
mother, arrived in the promised land— California. Soon 
after his arrival, sensing the possibilities in the potential 
growth of Southern California, Pioneer Ransom passed 
the brokers' examination and entered the Real Estate 
field in September 1*^16. After 31 years in this field, his 
forethought and vision back in 1*^16 have brought many 
rewards to this outstanding pioneer. During these years 
his slogan, "If its real estate you want to buy or sell, C 
R. Ransom is the man to tell" has been a bv-word in the 
lives of the rich and poor alike— all those who, sooner or 
later, sought the services or coLisel of this acknowledged 
leader in the Realty Field in the buying of homes and 
business properties .Mr. Ransom, with all his business 
activities, has found time to serve his community. He is 
Past .Master and Treasurer of St. John Masonic Lodge. 
No. 5. F. & A.M.. Life .Member of the National Associa- 
tion for the Advancement of Colored People, Chaplin of 
Golden West Realty Board. Class Leader in the First 
.\.M.E. Church, and a vigorous figure supporting such 
legislation as F.E.P.C and the anti-lynching bill— a life- 
long Republican, supporting only progressive legislation. 

In 1018 the passing of his beloved wife dealt a great 
blow to this then joung pioneer, leaving five children, 
.Marcus T. C. Rosslyn M.. Daisy E.. Leona M.. and 
Charles F. A few years later he made the happy choice 
of his present companion, Mrs. Virginia Carr. whose 
gracious presence meant much in the successful rearing 
of his five children and his success in business. Mr. Ran- 
som will never retire to a life of leisure but now finds 
time to help in shaping the careers of his grandchildren. 
Truly the fine life of this pioneer has been one to lend 
inspiration to the growth of this generation From the 
most humble setting, he has become a guiding force in one 
of the world's greatest cities. His life has brought many 
rewards— a loving mother for his children, and later a 
devoted wife to carrv on step by step the growth and 
welfare of these children : a fine home and many other 
parcels of Southern California property. Business ad- 
dress: 230 West X'ernon .Avenue. Los Angeles. California. 



11 



I<()BI\S(5N, OnORCIA A.. Retired Policewoman the- 
JauKhlcr ol DoJridge and Cecelia Hill of Leauville. Colo , 
receiveil her education in a Catholic Convent, and at an 
carlv ..ge married her lifelong companion. Morgan Ed- 
nust)n Robinson, a native of Kansas, and who for many 
_\ears was a trusted emplo>ee of Leadville's leading bank- 
ing institute. This soung couple, both active in the civic 
and political welfare of Leadville, soon earned the res- 
pect and trust of the citizens of this small, but growing, 
city, and color played no part in their civic progress. 

.Mrs. Robinson was the first Negro woman in Colorado 
to be elected as a delegate to the Republican State Con- 
vention. She was. also, chosen by the Governor of Col- 
orado to represent the state at the Virginia Negro Exposi- 
tion. 

But fate intervened in the lives of this progressive 
couple, and shortly after the birth of their daughter, 
.Marion, who is now .Marion .McCord, Los .Angeles school 
teacher. .Mr. Robinson was auvised. because of his health, 
to seek a warmer climate. Selecting Los Angeles as their 
futuie home, the Robinsons moved to California in 1912. 
Here. the> selected their homesite, and built their home; 
this home is their present address ( 1948). 

Soon after their arrival in Los Ange'es, Mr. Robinson, 
because of his banking experience, was employed by the 
Securitv First National Bank. Here he remained until re- 
tired 1943. 

.Mrs. Robinson soon became active in the civic and 
political welfare of her new community. She was one of 
the founders and first treasurer of the Local NAACP: 
held office in the Los Angeles Forum, (this organization 
v^■as instrumental in educating Dr. Ruth Temple, one of 
the foremost women doctors in .America). She became 
afTiliated with the Progressive Party, and her active work 
caused the Old Line Party (Republican) to seek her en- 
trance into the party. 

■Mrs. Robinson became a member of the Women's Re- 
publican League: was the first Negro woman in the 
League, and later the first on the Executive Board. It 
was while on a committee from the Women's Lea;;ue that 
she first became interested in court room procedure. This 
committee, in an advisory capacity, had been asked to 
sit with Jude Thomas P. White in women's court. Her in- 
terest in helping unfortunate women lead to volunteer 
work as a policewoman. 

• In 1919 .Mrs. Robinson' passed the Civil Service ex- 
■imination. and became the first Negro Policewoman in 
,\merica. and since her work combined the field of Social 
Work, the first Negro Social Service Worker in Los An- 
geles. 

.Mrs. Robinson's efficiency in line of duty broueht to 
her the highest praise of departmental and city ofTiciah. 
and in one of the daily papers (L..^. Times), a feature 
writer spoke of her as. "The Woman. Booker T. Wash- 
ington." of Los .Angeles. Mrs Robinson worked in various 
departments of the force, including two years in the Nar- 
cotics Department. 

Thinking always in terms of helpine; others, she was 
instrumental in getting the first Negro woman in the 
juvenile court. (.Mrs. Lucille Shelton): the first in the 
Adult Probation Department. (.Mrs. Nellie Brown Reed): 
and the first field worker in the County Probation De- 
partment. Mrs. Robinson was retired from active duty in 
1929. 



She was First President of the Delt i Mot'.? s and Spon- 
sors Club: loundei' of the Pico Heights .Mothers Club, 
and one of the founders of the Eastside Mothers Club, 
and active in every venture for the common good of the 
Negro of Los .Angeles. Her helpful efforts and unselfish 
work stands out as a beacon light, and her name, when 
spoken, whether in high official circles, or in the circles 
of the forgotten men and women in the street, brings 
praise to this outstanding Negro woman. 

OFHLTT. GEORGIA K., Chiropodist, born August 21, 
1868 in St. Louis. .Missouri. A student of Lincoln Uni- 
versity. Jefferson Cit.\'. .Missouri. Attended College of Chi- 
ropody in San Francisco, California, from which she re- 
ceived the degree of Doctor of Orthopedic and Surgical 
Chiropody in 1922. 

In 1890 she married Rodum F. Kenner who died in 
1893. There is one child b\' this marriage, Byron F. Ken- 
ner. .Mrs. Offutt came to California in 1893. In 1897 mar- 
ried Boone Offutt who died in 1933: one daughter by this 
marriage. Rub) Offutt. deceased 1935 (Los Angeles School 
Teacher for fourteen \ears). 

Dr. OfTutt has been practicing Chiropody in Los .An- 
geles for the past twenty-five >ears. Her office is located 
in Los Angeles on West 7th Street. 

She is past President and life member of Sojourner 
Truth. Member of Delta .Mothers, Kappa Mothers, 
YWCA, NAACP and the A. .ME. Church of Pasadena. 

REESE, NETTIE B. SCOTT. Social Worker is a native of 
San .Antonio, Texas, the daugher of James and Annie 
(.Mills) Scott, pioneer educators. 

Holds B. A. Degree from Prairie \ iew State College. 
.Married to' Ernest R Reese. Children—James and Richard. 
President and Director. Eastside Settlement House, 
twenty-eight \ears: Officer and member of California 
Association of Women's Clubs. thirt\-three years; has 
he'd appointive National offices in the National Associa- 
tion of Colored Women (California); Second Vice 
President, Sojourner Truth Home; Board of Directors, 
Outdoor Life and Health Association; Member, YW'C.A, 
Five and Over Charity Club. Congress of .American Wom- 
en, first X'ice-Prejident. Auxiliaiy. Lt. James .M. Beck Post 
VFW. NAACP. Delta .Mothers. Los Angeles Coordinating 
Council: pioneer member. Independent Church of Christ. 

Holds Six Star Pin for U.S.O. Service; Coordinating 
Council award for outstanding service to the youth of the 
city. .Member of the "National .Association of Settlements 
and Centers. National Association of Group Workers, and 
California Conference of Social Work. 

JOHNSON. PEARL L., Housewife, born in Austin. Texas. 
.Mrs. Johnson came to California in 1891. For many years 
.Mrs. Johnson has been active in the social and civic life 
of her community, is a member of the Women's Political 
Studv Club, the mother of a fine family, and holds the 
honor of being chosen Queen for one of the Tournament 
of Roses Floats, some years ago. 

Her hobby is riding. 



12 





WooDhORD II Terry 

Tl;RRY, \\(X)l)IORi:) II --Pioneer Contractor and BuiUt- 
er. was born In Birmingham, Kentucky on January i, 
1871— !on of llcnr\ anJ Rachael lEiggner) Tcrrv. 

His earU education was in the city schools of Clarks- 
\ille. Tennessee, where his famiU moved when he was p 
child. 

rhrough a correspondence course from the Smith Trade 
Sch(X)l of Nashville, lennessee. he received his .Masters 
Certificate in. Plumbing in 18^)4 During this same period 
he received some training in structural engineering. 

.^t an early age he worked as an apprentice carpenter 
for the .American Tobacco Works in Clarksville and later 
as a carpenter with the same companv in Louisville. Ken- 
tucky. Now a master in his trade, he plied his trade in the 
manufacturing of furniture for a short time in Bowling 
Green, Kentucky He returned to C'arksville and spent 
the next twenty \ears with his first employer, the .Ameri- 
can Tobacco Cxjmpany, as chief bulkier at their plant. 

In l')08, while on a vacation in Southern ("alifornia, 
he saw the potentialities here, and in 10(W moved to (~,ali- 
fornia, where he has since engaged in the general contract- 
ing and building field. 

In IP12. he took his examination and secured his Gen- 
eral Builders license: this was a new license law enactei.1 
by the State in that \ear. 

In ]'i\0. he married .Miss Jessie Savers. There are three 
children— Juanita E- . Beulah L.. and Frank \V. Terry. 

During the years of his successful career as a builder in 
Los .Angeles. Sir Terry has constructed manv of the out- 
standing buildings and homes in the Los .Angeles area. 
Among them are: \ernon .Avenue .A..M.E. Church. Pasa- 
dena: .Angelus Funeral Home, Trinity Baptist Church. 
The Hudson Buildint;. and the fine homes of .Attv. W O. 
Tyler. Atty. Loren .Miller. Prof. Eason. and others that 
are today the show places of Southern California. 

.Mr. Terry is active in the civic and religious welfare of 
his communitv He served for 15 years as director and 
treasurer of the L'nity Finance Corporation, chartered in 
l''24 and liquidated in 1^36 Also, served as trustee for 
the First A. ME Church for 18 yeras. 

This highly respected pioneer, still verv active at the 
age of seventy-seven can look back through the years and 
see a very successful marriage, an outstanding career, and 
three fine children to carry on the Terry name. What 
more can a man ask for? 

His hobby is reading. 



.Miss Jl \M1 \ I:. ThRRV 

IT:RR>'. J I .ANITA F -Secretarv v^as born in 1 os Angeles. 
c;alilornia. April 21. l^li-the' daughter ol \\iH)dlord II. 
and Jessie (Savers! Terry. 

Graduate ol JetTerson High Schiiol, I os Angeles. Cali- 
fornia, 

.At the age of five. .Miss Terr) si.irted studying the 
piano. She had her earlv training at the \\ illiam T. Wil- 
kins Acadcmv of .Music She later studied for two \ears 
in the .Music Department at the L niversitv of Southern 
C^alifornia. after which she attended Cit\ (College for two 
>ears. majoring in music She studied for three years at 
the Zcjellner Conservatory of .Music and was presented 
by Joseph Zoellner, Sr . at Barker Brothers .Auditorium 
in a piano recital in \^40. .Miss Terry served as an ac- 
companist for manv local singers for manv vears. 

She later pursued a business career, attending Miss 
Noreen Forney's private business schixil She has worked 
for County. State, and Federal Agencies and resigned in 
December, 1047, from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, 
where she served as a stenographer, to accept a position 
on the secretarial staff of Congresswoman Helen Gahagan 
Douglas. Rtjpresentative for the 14th Congressional Dis- 
trict of ("alifornia. .Miss Terrv is the first Negro to be ap- 
pointed to the secretarial staff of a member of Congress 
from the State of California. 

Her hobbies arc music and reading. 




Mrs. Jessie L. Terry 
TERRY. JESSIE L.. .Manager. Pueblo Del Rio Housing 
Development was born in Clarksville. Tennessee. .August 
8. 188S-the daughter of John Wesley and Lucinda (Pol- 
lard) Sayers. 

Educated in public schools of Tennessee. 

Came to California in I^JIO and on September 6th of the 



13 



>.init- _\tar marrieJ Woodlord II. Icrry— the sun of Henry 
.iiHl kachael lerr). Mother of three children—Juanita t., 
heulah L. and Irank \V. Terry. 

t'.hairman, 12th Street Branch, Y.W.C.A., 1922-1928; 
memhcr, board of Directors, V.W.C.,\. of Los Angeles, 
IHJ4-19J8: president. 20th Street District. Parent-Teach- 
ers .Association, 19^2-1955; was founder and served as 
first president of the JefTerson High School Parent- 
Teachers .Association. I9J7-I959; member, Executive 
Board of same since 1939. .Mrs. Terry was the first Negro 
to be president of a mixed Parent-Teachers Association 
in the State. 

Democrat. .Member, 14th Congressional District Club, 
Democratic ('lub. Democratic State Central Committee. 
Appointed member, Los Angeles Housing Authority, by 
.Nta>or Fletcher Bowron, June, 1939, and served as one 
of its Commissioners for five years. 

.Appointed administrative aid to the State Council of 
Defense by Governor Olson in 1942. At present, .Manager 
of the Pueblo Del Rio Housing Development, which has 
488 family units. 

.Member of the National Association for the Advance- 
ment of Colored People; member Executive Board, Los 
Angeles Lrban League; member, First A.M.E. Church, 
Los Angeles. 

In 1940, .Mrs. Terry had the signal honor of being one 
of three Negroes to be included in "Who's Who in the 
New Deal." 

In 1942, Mrs. Terry was the deserving recipient of the 
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Award— this is an annual award 
given to the most outstanding woman of the year. 

Her hobbies are civic betterment and understanding 
people. 




.Mrs. J.ane .Mack Hldson 

IILDSON, JANE .MACK, Retired Mortician, was born in 
the State of .Missouri, February 8, 1880, the daughter of 
.Mai and Frances (Berry) Mack. 

Her early education was in the public schools of Kan- 
sas City. Kansas. Later she graduated in nurse training 
from the Douglas Hospital in Kansas Citv. Shortl\' after 
graduation, she married Luther M. Hudson, moving to 
Omaha. Nebraska. 

In Omaha she was the first woman of her race to hold 
the position of police matron. In 191 S thev moved to 
Oakland. California and in 1916 was the first Negro 
woman to successfully pass the Embalmers License Board, 
taking the course of embalming under her husband Mrs. 
Hudson worked with her husband at the Hudson Funeral 
Home until her retirement in 1943. Moved to Los .Angeles 
in 1944. 

.Mrs. Hudson is a member of the Eastern Star, NAACP, 
YWCA. and Seven Day .Adventist Church, Los Angeles. 
Ca'ifornia. 

Her hobbies are designing clothes and antiques. 




Luther .M. Hudson 

HLDSON. LLTHER .M.~Retired .Mortician-born in 
Clinton (Henry County), .Missouri, November 9. 1882, 
the son of Coleman and .Martha (Pruitt) Hudson. His 
lather, a laborer, died when he was nine years of age, and 
his mother died when he was twenty. 

He is a graduate of the Lincoln High School of Kansas 
City. .Missouri, class of 1899. After graduation from high 
^chool he had to stop his scholastic training, for a time, 
to help in the support of t h e family. He worked as a 
waiter in \arious hotels in Kansas City and later in 
Omaha. Nebraska. 

During these sears, he cherished the dream of a busi- 
ness of his own. so in 1913 he opened an undertaking es- 
tablishment in Omaha. Knowing very little about the 
business he posted someone in charge of the business and 
entered the Worsham School of Sanitary Science and Em- 
balming in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated in the class 
of 1914. 

In 1915, upon the advice of his brother, Oscar, a suc- 
cessful attorney in San Francisco, he moved to California, 
and in Oakland on July I, 1915, opened the Hudson Fun- 
eral Home. At this time the Hudson Funeral Home was 
the first Negro funeral home in Oakland. Here in Oakland 
from 1915 to 1943, the Hudson Funeral Home served the 
ever-growing Negro population and is still, years after 
the retirement of its founder, the most outstanding estab- 
lishment in the Bay Area owned by Negroes. 

In Omaha. Nebraska on March 7, 1908, he married 
Miss Jane Mack, a nurse. .At this writing plans are being 
made for the celebration of their 40th anniversary. He 
is a member of the Y.MCA. Masonic Lodge. Elks, .Ameri- 
can Woodmen, N.AACP. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Pa- 
cific Town Club, the Fifteenth Street A.M.E. Church, 
while in Oakland, where he served as a trustee for 20 
\ears: a charter member and a member of the Board of 
Directors of t h e Golden State Mutual Life Insurance 
Compan\ of Los Angeles. .Mr. Hudson moved to Los .An- 
geles in 1944. 

His hobby is raising flowers. 

ROBERTS, U ILLIAM G., Managing Director, A. J. Rob- 
Sons and Company, Roberts Mortuary, born in Los An- 
geles, California, the son of Andrew J. and Ellen (Hem- 
ings) Roberts. Educated in the public and high schools 
of Los Angeles and attended Colorado College where he 
majored in Mining and Engineering. 

Soon after his graduation, upon his return to California, 
he filed upon a desert claim near San Bernardino, where 
he developed an orchard and alfalfa ranch. 

Giving up his career in agriculture, Mr. Roberts en- 
tered the field of business, joining his family in the op- 
eration of the A. J. Roberts Sons and Company. Finding 
the business field to his liking, he soon began to put into 
practice some of the technical training he had received 



14 



in his college years. He made a careful analysis ot opera- 
tion and operation costs, and brought to the undertaking 
profession in Los Angeles, new methods that enabled the 
present minimum funeral costs. 

Not only has he achieved recognition for his business 
abiiit\. but he gained a thorough knowledge of the mor- 
tuarv science and is the oldest practicing mortician of the 
pioneer firm in the West. 

He is married to the former Juanita Baile\'. whom he 



met at the Los Angeles High School There are four child- 
ren-Lucille. William Jr., Andrew and [-Imer. 

As a civic and fraternal leader he has served as-past 
Master, Holland Masonic L<Klgc; nast President, Cali- 
fornia Morticians A>^sociation : Member "f NAACP_ 
V.MCA American Woodmen, Knights an^ Daughters of 
Tabor, lanuarv CUib Outdoor I ife an* Hea'th Associa- 
tio", and i< a member of the Baptist Church. 

His hobbies are hunting, fishing and Negro History. 



PIONEER OF THE WEST 



When Dr. Monroe A. 
Majors established practice 
in Dallas. Texas, shortly 
after his graduation from 
Meharrv Medical College 
in 1886. he not only be- 
came the first Negro doctor 
in that city, but laid the 
groundwork for an impres- 
sive list of accomplish- 
ments which includes many 
other such "firsts" along 
other notable achievements 
in his field. 

Dr. Majors was born 
October 12. 186 L in \^'aco. 
Texas. He spent his young- 
er years in Austin, where 
he attended Tillitson Col- 
lege before going on to Me- 
harry. Upon returning to 
his native state to begin 
practice, he called together 
all the Negro doctors in 
Texas and assisted in the 
organization of the first 
Negro Medical Association 
in the L'nited Slates. The 
first meeting, in 1887. was 
held in Galveston and was 
attended by 11 Negro physicians. 

The following year. Dr. Majors moved to Los 
Angeles, where he became the first Negro doctor 
to pass the California State Board of Medical F,x- 
aminers. and the first to practice medicine west of 
Denver. Here, also, he married Miss Georgia .\. 
Green, former student of Oberlin College and Fisk 
Lniversity. 

After spending two years in Los Angeles he decided, 
because of the need for more Negro doctors in the 
Southwest, to return to his home town of W aco. Here, 
in 1892. he established the first Negro drug store in 
the Southwest and through his efforts and hard work 
he was instrumental in getting the cilv and ( nuntv of 
Waco to appropriate funds for the building of thr 
first Negro hospital there. 

Dr. Majors" activities in the field of health and 
social welfare brought him recognition throughout 
the state of Texas, and he was honored by being ap- 
pointed a commissioner to the International Exposi- 
tion in Chicago. While there, he was the recipient of 
many soiial courtesies, including a dav as u'ucst of 
the Honorable Frederick Douglas and Mrs. Douglas, 
along with liisliop Henry McNeal Turner. Dr. .Alex- 




Monroe A. Majors, M. D. 



ander Crummel, Professor 
S. M, Coles and two grand- 
daughters of Harriet Beecii- 
er Stowe. While in Chicago, 
Dr. Majors also witnessed 
an operation on the human 
heart performed by Dr. 
Daniel Hale Williams. 

Chicago, with its appar- 
ently democratic way of 
life and many opportuni- 
ties, appealed to Dr Majors, 
and in 1901 he moved to 
that lity, where he prac- 
ticed until 19,'$3. During 
this period, the Mayor ap- 
pointed hirn to the Board of 
Health Commissioners, and 
in 190,5, he helped organize 
the present Cook County 
Medical Association. 

Among the many promi- 
nent patients he treated 
were Lucy Ford, first cous- 
in of Henry Ford, and the 
wife of the superintendent 
of the Wabash Railroad 
Company. That a Negro 
doctor attended these cases 
attracted wide attention. It 
was during this lime that he added "Paralytic Dia- 
betes" to medical nomenclature. 

In 1933. Dr. Majors returned to the Los Angeles 
area, and he is now living in Monrovia, a suburb. 

Dr. Majors was one of the first to advocate and 
use Calomel in the treatment of typhoid fever and 
pneumonia, and Aloes in dysentery. For this, he was 
extensively quoted in the medical journals of the 
world, particularly in the "London Lancet." 

Not only has he been active in the field of health, 
but he has contributed much in literary, social and 
ri\ic affairs. For more than ,S0 years. Dr. Majors 
VNrote articles for newspapers and magazines, and he 
has also written several books. In addition, he was 
fur 25 years associate editor and later editor of the 
Indianapolis Free Man. For many years he was 
editorial writer for the Chicago Conservator, the 
Chicago Defender, and the Broad Ax. Among his 
outstanding books are "Noted .Negro Women," "Ode 
to Frederick Douglas"". "Nursery Rhymes for Colored 
(Children"" and others. 

Dr. Majors is ihe father of Mrs. Graie L. Bos»ell 
of Los Angeles and Mrs. .Margaret Bonds Kicb.Mdson 
of New York Citv. .New York. 



15 



i:iie Church and pulpit 



The many outstanding Negro 
Churches of California and the 
eminent leadership of their pas- 
tors have played a major part in 
the rapid advancement of the 
California Negro. 



17 




Rev. Moses Frederick .Witchell 



MITCHELL, MOSES FREDERICK, Minister and Presi- 
dent, Interdenominational Minister's Alliance of Los An- 
geles, was born November 3, 1887 in Lonoke County, 
Arkansas, the sixth child of nineteen born to John and 
Alice (Gartrell) Mitchell. 

John Mitchell, an Elder in his church, and his wife 
were devout Christians giving to their children the Christ- 
ian training which has been exemplified in their adult 
lives. 

M. Frederick Mitchell obtained his early education in 
the schools of Lonoke County. At the age of fifteen, he 
began earning his own living dorng jobs wherever he could 
find them. In 1909 he enrolled at Louisville College, 
Louisville, Kentucky, where he pursued a course in The- 
ology in preparation for the Ministry. 

Rev. Mitchell was ordained in 1913, but his pas- 
torates began in 1911 in Madison. Indiana. He held pas- 
torates in Louisville, Kentucky: St. Louis. Missouri and 
Waco, Texas from 191 1 to 1917, at which time he entered 
the service of his country as a Welfare Officer in the War 
Work Council with the rank of Second Lieutenant. He 
was stationed at Camp Travis. San Antonio, Texas and 
later was assigned to the 24th Infantry at Columbus. 
New Mexico, remaining there until 1919. the year he came 
to Los Angeles to pastor the 14th and Birch Street Christ- 
ian Church. He served the congregation of that church 
two years, and then organized the Cosmopolitan Christ- 
ian Church which became institutional in its work with 
facilities for a Boys' Home, Nursery and an employment 
service in connection with a program of Vocational Guid- 
ance. 



Rev. Mitchell's contribution to spiritual growth and 
community betterment through the Youth Program of 
the Cosmopolitan Christian Church has been acknowled- 
ged as an outstanding example of Christian work. 

True to his democratic instincts, Rev, Mitchell is a 
champion of individual liberty and the rights of minori- 
ties and is an influential force against attempts to res- 
trict them. 

The strong family ties of the Mitchell brothers and 
sisters were evident during the depression years w'len 
through the efforts of Rev. Mitchell he made it possible 
for his brothers and sisters and their familes to come to 
Los Angeles where together they would be better able to 
meet the problems inherent in the depression. Since that 
time he has had the unusual pleasure of seeing forty child- 
ren of his immediate family graduate from high schools 
in the Los Angeles City School System. 

In September of 1942 Rev. Mitchell was married to 
Miss Ruth Higgs of Indianapolis, Indiana. Vyvyan Mit- 
chell, a son by a former marriage, who served three years 
in the European Theatre of World War II, is now in the 
U. S. Postal Service. 

The esteem and respect accorded Rev. Mitchell by his 
colleagues in the Ministry was demonstrated in his elec- 
tion as President of the Interdenominational Minister's 
Alliance of Los Angeles City and County. 

He is a member. Board of Management, 28th Street 
Branch, YMCA; Director, Avalon Community Center; 
Member. Executive Board and Chairman, Bill of Rights 
Committee, NAACP and an active member of the Los 
Angeles County Committee on Human Rights. 



18 





Re\ 1 RtURII K 1) JORDNS: 

JORDAN. FREDERICK DOUGLASS. .Minister and Civic 
Leader, born in .Atlanta, Georgia, son of D. J. and Carrie 
Thomas Jordan. His parents were both educators, his 
father, graduate of Columbia L niversity. a College Presi- 
dent and his mother a Teacher. Rev. Jonlap began hi'! 
education in the schools of Georgia and North Carolina. 
His college work was done at Howard and Northwestern 
Lniversities His Graduate work at the L niversity of Chi- 
cago and theological study at Garrett Biblical Institute. 
He was licensed to preach September 11. 1922 at Eb- 
enezer .A ME. Church. Evanslon. Illinois and has held 
successful pastorales in Illinois, Indiana. Kansas and 
Missouri before coming to Los Angeles. He also served as 
President of Western University in Quindaro, Kansas. 
September 2. IQ27 he was married to .Miss Artishia Gil- 
bert \\ ilkerson of Louisville, Kentucky, a Howard class- 
mate. 

In September l')40 he came to Los .Angeles to pastor the 
First .A.ME Church and its congregation which now num- 
bers i.OOO More than 1,500 members have been added to 
the church during his pastorate and improvements to the 
ph\sical plant of the church and parsonage made in ad- 
dition to the erection of a $100,000 Youth Center which 
fills a much needed place in the life of the community. 

Rev. Jordan has not only justly gained a reputation 
as a church builder and financier, and as an authority in 
the field of religious education, organizing schools of 
Leadership Training and contributing to the Sunday 
School literature of the church, but also as an outstanding 
citizen in the communities in which he has lived. In Los 
.Angeles he is on the Executive Board of the NAACP. the 
Board of Managers of the Y.MCA. Chairman of the Race 
Relations Commission of the Los Angeles Church Federa- 
tion, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Los 
Angeles V isiting Nurses .Association. He serves on the Hu- 
man Relations (Committee of Los Angeles County, was 
appointed by the Board of Supervisors to the County 
Commission for Church and. Community Cooperation, is 
a member of the Jail Commission for Chaplain's Service 
and was appointed by the .Ma.Nor as a member of the 
American Heritage Rededication (Committee for the 
Freedom Train, He is a .Mason, an Odil Fellow, and a 
member of the Alpha Phi .Alpha Fraternity and the Sigma 
Pi Phi Boulc 



.Mrs. ,\rtishia Jordan 

JORDAN. ARI ISlllA GILBERT WILKERSON, Religi- 
ous Leader and Club Woman, was born in Louisville. 
Kentuck)-. Her parents were the late Bernard O. and Ar- 
tishia Gilbert XVilkerson. Fler father was a well known 
Louisville Law\er, Educator and Church Layman, serving 
as Choir Director and Sunday School Superintendent for 
twentj-fi\e >ears. Her mother, a former school teacher, 
entered the field of medicine and became one of the first 
practicing .Negro \\ omen Ph)sicians in the State of Ken- 
tucky. 

.Artishia Jordan recieved he public school education in 
Louisville and her university training at Howard and the 
Universit>- of Chicago, majoring in .Mathematics. She 
taught \n Ontral High School. Louisville until September 
2. I')2S when she became the bride of the Rev. Frederick 
Douglas Jordan, a Howard classmate. 

.Mrs. Jordan's religious faith is that of the .African 
.Methodist Episcopal Church. She is President of the 
Southern California (Conference Branch, V\'omen's .Mis- 
sionar> Societ> , \ ice President. Southern California Coun- 
cil of Church W omen. .Member Executive Board. Los An- 
geles Council of Church Women, Director. Los Angeles 
Chapter, ,American .Mission to Lepers and Vice President, 
Interdenominational Minister's Wives Council of Los An- 
geles and Vicinity 

She is the organizer of the .A,ME Minister's Wives .Alli- 
ance, and served as Editor of the Missionary Recorder, 
official organ of the Woman's Missionary Society of the 
AME Church. She is President of the Los Angeles Met- 
ropolitan Council of the National Council of Negro Wom- 
en and a member of the Committee of Management of 
the Woodlawn YWCA. Mrs. Jordan is also affiliated with 
the Sojourner Truth Home, the N.AACP. the Aloha Kappa 
Alpha Sorority, Order of Eastern Star and a Study Club 



FIRST AME. CHURCH 
Eighth & Towne Avenue 

The African .Methodist Episcopal Church had its be- 
ginning in 1787 in Philadelpia, Pennsvlvania just three 
years after Methodism's first .American (>)nference. Eight\- 
five years later (1872) it had spread across the continent 
and twelve persons organized its first Los .Angeles congrega- 
tion in the home of .Mrs. Biddie .Mason on Spring Street, 
between Third and Fourth Streets. This was the first con- 
gregation of Negroes of any denomination organized in Los 



19 



Angeles. During the next few years the struggling congrega- 
tion occupied locations at f-ourth anJ Grand Avenue, Geor- 
gia Street between Tenth and Eleventh Streets, Requena 
St. Hall. Painter's Hall at First and Spring Streets and San 
Pedro Street Hall. 

L nder the Rev. Jordan .-Mien in 1887, the .Azusa Street 
propert) was purchased and a church building erected. This 
edifice served the congregation until just past the turn of 
the century In IW) the cornerstone was laid for the famous 
cathedral-like structure located at 801 Towne Avenue. Here 
it has been the center of social as well as religious activities 
for a growing community for four decades. A succession of 
capable, devoted ministers has assembled here one of the 
largest congregations of the denomination. 

Now under the leadership of the present pastor, the 
Rev. Frederick D. Jordan, Righth & Towne enters a new 
phase of its work. Paul R Williams, the famous architect, 
a trustee of the church, designed a beautiful "Community 
Youth Center" which includes a private chapel, administra- 
tion offices, church parlor, class rooms, library, ladies lounge, 
social hall and an apartment for the custodian. It was com- 
pleted and furnished at a cost in excess of $100,000 

Eighth & Towne is enabled through these facilities to 
serve the community as well as its own membership which 
is scattered through the entire metropolitan Los Angeles. 
Thus through supervised recreation, personal counseling, em- 
ployment service, week-day religious education, community 
discussion groups and social education classes, the church 
adds to its ministry of worship, an effective ministry of 
Social Service. It has also an established endowed commun- 
ity service program, more than f 10.000 in the fund at pres- 
ent. 




R'EV. CiERALDlNE O'CoNNOR 



O'CONNOR, GERALDINE. .Minister, born in Pueblo. Col- 
orado She received her public school education in Pueblo 
and her college work at Washburn College, Topeka, Kan- 
sas. 

Rev. O'Connor came to L05 Aneeles in 1^21 and is a 
graduate of California Colleee of Embalming in Los .An- 
geles: studied further at L.I F.E. Bible College, receiving 
her G.TH. and her B.TH. degrees at University of South- 
ern California. 

Rev. O'Connor has successfully pastored the Zioil Tem- 
ple Community Church for the past eight vears and is the 
Founder, President and Dean of the Liberators Evan- 
gelistic Bible College at 1315 E. Vernon Avenue. 

She is Past .Matron of Deborah Chapter 13, and is 
Grand Lecturer, O.E.S. Golden State Grand Chapter 
Prince Hall AfTiliation. 



F^ 



William Henry B^rd 



BYRD, WILLIAM HENRY, retired, Los Angeles Fire De- 
partment, born November 12, 1888 in V\ ilmington. North 
Carolina. Early in his life he left home to start out in 
the world and provide for his own support so that he is 
largely a self-educated, as well as self-made man. 

From 1908 to 1918 William Byrd held two positions, 
the first with the Brooklyn Navy Yard and the second 
with the New York City Police Department. In 1921, 
struck by the "Go West young man " fever, he came to 
California and established resident in Los .-Xngeles. Soon 
after his arrival he was appointed to the Los Angeles 
Police Department. He holds the distinction of being the 
first Negro Policeman to attain the rank of Police Chauf- 
fuer, driving ambulance and flying squad cars for the 
Detective Bureau. 

On May 21, 1924 he was appointed to the Los Angeles 
Fire Department which he served for twenty years. Dur- 
ing that time he had no demerits, was nevjr late and was 
considered one of the most efficient chauffuers in the his- 
tory of the Fire Department. He was retired on May 30, 
1944. 

On April 2, 1913 in Brooklyn. New York, Mr. Bvrd 
was married to Miss Varnetta Harris, daughter of Mr. 
and Mrs. Thomas Harris, pioneer resident of that city. 
Two daughters, Dorothy .Mae and Contance were born to 
that union. On .May 5. 1923 in Los Angeles. Mr. William 
H. Byrd and Mrs. Elizabeth Williams of Brooklyn. New 
York were united in marriage. Mrs. Byrd passed Septem- 
ber 17, 1934. 

Mr. Byrd is more widely known for his religious and 
community work'. As a layman in the Phillips Temple 
C.M.E. Church of Los Angeles of which he has been a 
member since 1927, he has made an enviable record of 
Christian service. His long record as an ofTtcer of the 
church not only -pfdves his efTiciency, but, also, gives evi- 
dence of his philosophy that there is a business side to 
the church that must be treated like any other business 
institution. 

Mr. Byrd is a member of St. lohn Lodge No. 5. F. and 
A.M.. NAACP, YMCA, and Ma-Po-H Social Club. 

RL'SSELL, CLAYTON D.-Minister-Peoples Independent 
Church of Christ. Outstanding young minister of South- 
ern California, active in civic and political welfare; Offi- 
cer in local branch NAACP and his program of action 
within the church includes a boys and girls hotne, em- 
ployment education, music and other civic uplift pro- 
grams. 



20 




I'HiiLiFs I hMPLE C M E Church 

In the year 1907 the youngest daughter of Methodism, 
the Coloied Methodist Episcopal Church of America, or- 
ganized its local branch in Los Angeles. 

It was at the request of W.T.E. Robinson, a christian 
and pioneer, that Bishop C. H. Phillips sent Rev. J. W. 
Reece to pastor the church that began with seven members 
assembled in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson. The late 
A. J. Roberts, granted the privilege of holding services in 
his establishment. During Rev. Reece's administration. 
Bishop Phillips gave encouragement to the small congrega- 
tion by promising a $20000 grant, if they .would raise 
$100.00. The funds were raised, the Bishop kept his word, 
and a lot was purchased. 

Then from the Texas Conference in 1908, was sent Rev. 
S. L. Harris, under whose administration the building of 
the church was completed, neatly furnished, and cleared of 
debt. Following Rev. Harris' administration came Rev. 
J. S. Webb, who passed in the year 1915. Rev. J. C. Ander- 
son was the fourth pastor of the station, then known as 
Phillips Chapel. During his stay of six years the church was 
re-seated, a new pipe organ was installed, and a $60000 
"Schubert" piano was secured. In addition, the first par- 
sonage was purchased. When Rev. Anderson was transferred 
to another conference in 1922, Rev. R. W. Underwood was 
assigned to Phillips Chapel, which he pastored for seven 
years. In June 1924, Phillips Chapel burned. Thereafter, the 
services were conducted on the parsonage lawn, until 
through the courtesy of the Seventh Day Adventist Church 
and its pastor. Rev. E. P. Rogers, the church was made 
available to the Phillips Chapel congreg.ition. During the 
time Services were being held in the Adventist Church, the 
New Greater Phil'ios Temole. C.M.E. Church was pur- 
chased at a cost of $41,000 00. Rev. N. H. Humpries follow- 
ed Rev. Underwood in 1929, and remained the pastor until 
1937. During his stay the nas'or's study was modernlv equin- 
peH, the narsonanpe newly furnished, and the church debt 
substantially reduced. 

During the annual conference in 1937. Rev. Lane C. 
Cleaves, the present pastor, was assigned to Phillips Temple. 
Many achievements have been accomplished under his 
leadership. The church debt has been liquidated, and a broad 
program of renovating and new construction has been com- 
pleted. 

From 1943 to 1945 Phillips Temple, the largest C.M.E. 
Church West of the Rockies, expended more than $60,000.00 
over and above current expenses, and in the 1946-47 two 
year period, contributed more than $15,000.00 for connec- 
tional and conference purposes. The membership of Phillips 




Rev. L.^NE C. Cleaves 

CLEAVES, LANE CALDWELL, Religious Leader and 
Pastor of Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church, is the second 
born of twins, the son of Bishop and Mrs. N. C. Cleaves. 
Bishop N. C. Cleaves, the twelfth Bishop of the C.M.E. 
Church, was the son-in-law of Bishop Isaac Lane, the 
Fifth Bishop of that denomination. The mother of Lane 
C. Cleaves, who bore the maiden name of Jennie E. Lane, 
was the first teacher at Lane College. 

Lane C. Cleaves received his education in the public 
schools of Memphis, Tennessee, Washington, D. C and 
Columbia, South Carolina. Later he attended Lane Col- 
lege in Jackson, Tennessee, and completed his collegi- 
ate work at Benedict College, Columbia, South Carolina. 

He enlisted in the Armed Forces of his country in 1917, 
and became Second Lieutenant, Company A, 368th In- 
fantry. 92nd Division, in which he served with honor and 
distinction. 

In 1921 he followed in the footsteps of his father and 
grandfather and entered the ministry in the C.M.E. 
Church. He has held pastorates in Missouri, Kentucky, 
Washington, D. C, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and California. 

On December 29, 1917 Rev. Cleaves was united in mar- 
riage to Mi^s Marguerite V. Jones of Memphis, Tennes- 
see, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Jones of that city. 
She was educated in the public schools of Memphis, Le- 
Moyne Normal Institute of Tennessee and Hampton In- 
stitute of Virginia. She was an instructor in the Memphis 
public school system for five years. Rev. and Mrs. Cleaves 
have one son, Lane Caldwell Cleaves, Jr. 

Rev. Cleaves is First Assistant Secretary, General Con- 
ference, C.M.E. Church; Member of the General Con- 
nectional Board, representing California and Treasurer of 
the California C.M.E. Conference. He is a member of the 
Los Angeles Interdenominational Minister's Alliance, and 
has those qualities which make his fel'owmen know that 
he is a man of God, and that his service to his Master 
and to his church will ever measure up to those standards 
which have made the name of Cleaves what it is in the 
Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Temple increases at an average of 400 per annum, and its 
yougth program attracts young people in every age-group. 
The Young People's choir maintains an average attendance 
of fifty, and there is a youth counterpart of every basic de- 
partment in the church. 

It follows that from 1907 to today the Los Angeles Sta- 
tion of the C.M.E. church has been 4n ever-growing Christ- 
ian institution, and its membership, which started at seven, 
has reached 3.000-certainlv, a splendid addition to the re- 
ligious life of the community. 




3iiH0P Samuel M. Crolch 



Emmanuel Church of God in Christ 



CROLCH, SAML'EL M., Bishop. Western Diocese, Church 
of God in Christ, was born in the State of Texas and 
reared in the City of Dallas by his Grandmother, Emily 
Crouch, a devout Christian. 

At an early age he determined to make a mark in life 
and at once set about preparing to reach his goal. Of a 
studious, sober nature, he studied and associated with 
older people whose advice and experience helped him 
shape the course of his life. 

Saved in his bo\hood days, his religious training was 
carefullv guarded b> his grandmother and he became a 
constant reader of the Bible, in connection with other 
worthwhile books, to develop his mind and prepare him 
for church work. In his boyhood days, he heard the call— 
"1 have need of thee" which stimulated his desire to de- 
vote his life to the ministry. 

God blessed his efforts and his consecrated life made 
for him a place in the church world and he became a 
leader among >oung people.- 

Full of zeal and ardor for the work and the spread of 
the gospel, he went into rural sections preaching and es- 
tablishing churches and was called to a pastorate when 
he had barely reached manhood and had assumed the 
responsibility of a family. God blessed them to become 
the parents of four bovs and two girls. Regardless of 
hardships and handicaps, he and his wife preserved until 
he was called to Fort Worth and there established a most 
successful work, and became the first Negro Radio Preach" 
cr of Texas. 

In the early '20's he made his first evangelistic tour to 
('alifornia, preaching in Fresno gnd Oakland in a great 
soul-saving campaign, and later was called to Pastor 
here. 

In 14) 1 he was made Overseer of the State of Cali- 
fornia, and the work has almost doubled itself under his 
leadership. 

.•\t this stage of his career, his life was saiidened hv 
the lo^s of his faithful wife, the mother of his six child- 
ren. Two years later he marrietl his present wife ulin has 



been a most devoted mother, a faithful wife, and help- 
mate in his work, and a source of great inspiration not 
onl>' to him, but to the church at large. God has blessed 
his second son, Samuel Jr., to follow in his father's foot- 
steps and to become a National Evangelist, 

.M present there are 135 churches in the State. His 
present pastorate is at Emmanuel Church of God in Christ 
at 33rd Street and Compton Avenue, which has recently 
been enlarged and remodeled, after having liquidated the 
original defct of several thousand. The cost of remodeling 
and enlarging was |70,000.00 with a seating capacity of 
1.500 The membership is 800. 

The local work, like his District work, is thoroughly 
organized as well as the State work. In Southern Cali- 
fornia the work from Santa Barbara to El Centro is di- 
vided into six Districts with a Superintendent and District 
.Missionary in each. Each District holds two meetings an- 
nually, thus stimulating the work, both financially and 
spiritually and caring for the State and National work. 

The women's work of the church is under the super- 
vision of a State Supervisor of Women's Work, cooperat- 
ing with the Overseer in all his plans for the work. 
Through his vision a band of Personal Workers is organi- 
zed to hold services each Suday in the Newton St. Jail 
and the County Jail, also carrying on a bed-side Ministry 
weekly in the General Hospital, and doing welfare work 
throughout the city. The jail commission, with Rev. Bat- 
tema the Chaplain, showing their appreciation for the 
valuab'e service rendered in "helping to rehabilitate men, 
named Bishop Crouch recently as a member of the Board 
of Directors of the Jail Commission. 

The General Church wtih headquarters at Memphis, 
Tennessee, under the leadership of Senior Bishop C. H. 
Mason, recognizing the value of this dynamic young man 
<as an organizer, appointed him to the Bishopric of the 
Western Diocese in 1040. 

The .Annual State Convcxation of the Church is held 
the first week in June at 31ril Street and Compton .Ave- 
nue-limmanuel Church of C'^od in Christ. 



t)n December 27. 1940, five Christian men and women 
met in the home ot Rev. \V. L. McKinney to organize a 
(.hurch ot God in i.,hrist. Present at this meeting were Rev. 
A \\ iliiams. Bro. \\ . A. Lee, Bro. J. Graves and Sis. .\1 1 ee. 

Services were held in the home of Rev. .McKinnev until 
the small band worshipping together moved to i2l2 Hooper 
.Avenue, a little church alread> furnished with pulpit, seats 
and baptismal pool. \\. that location, which was being rent- 
ed, the membership, then twenty-seven, started a dri\'e 
to build a church of their own. 

Believing that it could be done, e\en in those hard times 
called the depression, the small group joined hearts and 
hands and in a period of six weeks raised $1,000.00 to make 
the down payment on a church home. 

On Easter Sundas afternoon of .April 13, 1941. Rev. 
.Mcl\inne\- and his congregation, filled with praise for God. 
marched from their rented church at 52nd Street and Hooper 
.Avenue to their own place of w,>-ship located at 1327 E. 
21st Street. Toda> . the Twent) -first Street Temple. Church 
of God in Christ Inc.. of which Rev. \\ . L. .\lcKinne\ is the 
Pastor, stands as a living monument to the G'ory of God 
and the small band of Christian men and women, who, 
seven \ears ago in the home of their present Pastor, or- 
ganized this church. 

The T went\-first Street Temple. Church of God in 
Christ seats about 1.000. and has taken its place among the 
leading churches of the city, its administration and officers 
include a Deacon Board. J. Jackson. Chairman; Deaconess 
Board. .Mrs. Pearl Williams. President: .Mothers' Board, 
.Mrs. .Alice Smith. President; L sher Board. .Mrs. ,M. Cut- 
lifT. President; Bib'e Band. .Mrs \V. L .McKinney. Presi- 
dent; Sunshine Band. Mrs. L. .Mitchell. President; Sunday 
School. Lester Keyton. Superintendent; \. P. \\ \V . Mrs. 
Ruby Williams. President, and a ver\' fine choir headed by 
.Mrs Ethel Jackson. 



€ 



■ ii » 



tPfti ' iri'i ff " 1 'I Ml 



I 






101 




\\ . L. .McKinney 

McKlNNEY. W. L., Pastor of the Twent\-firsl Street 
Temple, Church of God in Christ, was born in Black 
Hawk, .Mississippi, June 28, 1892, the son of Wilson and 
Rachel (Crowder) .McKinney. Wilson .Vic Kinney was a 
successful farmer in the county in which he lived. 

V\ . L. .McKinne\ attended public school in Mississippi 
and later Wendell Phillips High School in Chicago. He 
pursuetl a course in Theology at North .American Insti- 
tute in Chicago. 

Rev. .McKinney has been married three 'times. He 
first wedded .Miss Roberta .Mason on December 25, 1912 
in Lexington, .Mississippi In 1931 his wife passed away 
leaving six children; John. Ethel. .Amos, Naomi, Hosea, 
and Samuel. For his second wife Re\ . ,McKinney chose 
.Miss Evangeline Pettigrew Cotton, whom he married in 
1932. They are the parents of two children; Evangeline 
and W. L. Jr. The death of .Mrs. Evangeline McKinney 
occured in 1940. In 1941 he was united in marriage to 
.Miss .Marguerite .Askew. 

Rev. .McKinney is at present Overseer, State of Oregon; 
.Member of the .National Board of Overseers, Church of 
God in Christ Inc. and Superintendent of the Central 
District of California The pastorates of this leader in his 
denomination began in 1917 in Wellington, Ohio where 
he organized the Church of God in Christ. In 1918 he 
moved to Chicago. Illinois to become Assistant Pastor to 
Bishop W, .M. Roberts. His charges following his associa- 
tion with Bishop Roberts are as follows; Harvey, Illinois, 
1919-1922; South Bend, lndiana-1923; Waukegan. Illi- 
nois- 1923-27; Milwaukee, Wisconsin~1927-I930 . In 
June 1930 Rev. .McKinney was appointed by Bishop E. 
.M. Paige to serve as Pastor of the Second Church of God 
in Christ in Los Angeles. This position he held until 1932. 
.At that time he was appointed by Bishop S. .M. Crouch 
to serve as Pastor in Fresno. California. In 1935 he went 
from Fresno to Bakersfield to Pastor a church which was 
heavilv in debt. In 1936 all debts had been liquidated. 
In 1937 he returned to Los .Angeles and was appointed 
.Assistant Pastor at Immanuel Church of God in Christ. 
In October of 1939 Rev. .McKinnev returned East to ac- 
cept appointment at Champagne. Illinois. .About this time 
Rev. .McKinnes' felt that his service to his church could 
best be carried out in California where the climate was 
conducive to his health. It was upon his return to Cali- 
fornia from his charge in Illinois that he organized the 
present Twenty-First Street. Temple. Church of Go ! in 
Christ. 



25 



Fraternally, Rev, McKinney is a member of the Ma- 
>onic .New Ua) Club. He has received recognition on many 
occasions by the leadership of the Church of God in 
Chli^t In IW4i uishop S. M. Oouch appointe.l him .->upc,- 
intenjent ol the Central District of California In l^>44 
Senior Bishop C. H. Mason appointed him Overseer, 
Church of God in Christ, State of Oregon In 1^46 he or- 
ganized a church in Porlland, Oregon, and purchased 
propert> now valued at $40,00000 This church is a monu- 
ment of beaut) and inspiration to its membership and 
the community as a whole. 




Rev. J. E. Cox 

COX. J. E.. Pastor of Philadelphian Seventh-Day Adventist 
Church, was born in the Blue Ridge mountains of \'ir- 
ginia of God fearing parents and taught to obey and 
reverence God from birth Brought up in an atmosphere 
of christian veneration, it is not surprising that he would 
dedicate his life to christian service and leadership. After 
completing High School he furthered his education at 
.Morgan State College and later attended Western Re- 
serve University. Subsequently he was a student at the 
Baltimore Business College, and also took a course in 
music at the Baltimore School of Music. In addition two 
certificates in Practical Nursing have been earned by the 
Minister. Rev. Cox married Mary E. Smith, a lovely girl 
from his home-town, and soon after was ordained to the 
gospel ministry in the Seventh Day Adventist Church. 
Rev. and .Mrs. Cox are the parejits of seven sons; Irwin. 
Paul. Jeter. Leon. Bennett. Earl and Dan. four of whom 
served overseas in the .Armed Forces in World War II. 
His first charge was in Baltimore where much of his prep- 
aration for tTie ministry was received. Later he was called 
to pastor in Wilmington. Delaware, then to Ohio where he 
served as the first Negro District Leader in the State Rev. 
Cox in his early vears. had wondered why God who crea- 
ted all that was beautiful should be worshipped in such 
unattractive and unsightly buildings as the churches of 
his community. "Someday, he said. I will do something 
about it". It was in Ohio that Dr. Cox began his glorious 
task of acquiring tabernacles of beauty in which to wor- 
ship Cod. He purchased two churches in Cincinnati, two 
in Da^•ton. two in Springfield and two in Columbus. A 
total of eight churches in the State of Ohio ranging in 
cost from $20,000 to $55,000 represented the magnificent 
effort of Dr. Cox. From Ohio he went to Philadelphia. 
Pa. where the need and desire for a suitable place of wor- 
ship was urgent. He purchased a beautiful edifice there 
for $45,000. His next call was to Brooklvn. N. Y. where 
a stately structure was acquired for $30,000. Soon after 



the Brooklyn Church was dedicated free of debt Dr. Cox 
was called to San Francisco. California. To find a suit- 
able place of worship for the large number of war workers 
who had come to San Francisco and wished to maintain 
their church connections presented a challenge to Dr. 
Cox's unusual ability and accomplishments. His faith and 
belief in prayer brought the desired results, and in the 
city of the Golden Gate another beautiful edifice was 
secured In less than seven months he dedicated the Phil- 
San Francisco Church free of a $53,000 debt. While pur- 
chasing and erecting beautiful monuments to the worship 
of God. Dr. Cox served on the Board of Oakwood Col- 
lege. Huntsville. Ala. 6 years: Ten years on the Mount 
X'ernon Academy, and ten years with the Home Study 
Institute. Washington. D. C. Dr. Cox is endowed with 
strong spiritual and intellectual force which he has wisely 
directed a'ong the lines of christian leadership and his 
name is a honored one in the annals of his Church. 




Leanna Osborne Hale 

HALE. LEANNA OSBORNE. Supervisor of Women, 
Church of God in Christ in Southern California, born in 
Kansas City. .Missouri, the daughter of Alpheus and Laura 
(Butcher) Osborne. 

She completed High School in her native city, later 
graduating from Oberlin Academy and College, Oberlin, 
Ohio in 1904 with the degree of A.B. 

On August 22. 1906 in Los Angeles she married John 
Waldo Ha'e, Sr. They were the parents of six children. 
Her husband passed in 1939. 

Mrs. Hale has devoted her life to Church work. She 
is a member of the National Council of Supervising 
Women of the Church of God in Christ. She teaches 
English at the annual Seminary for Women workers held 
in .Memphis, Tenn., the national home of the Church. 

In Southern Califronia she supervises all Women's 
Auxiliaries and gives guidance and inspiration to all under 
her supervision. 

.Mrs. Hale is a life member of the Literary Society of 
Oberlin College and active in many organizations of her 
Church. Her willingness to serve and her ability to help 
intelligently have made her an invaluable factor in the 
increasing usefulness of the Church Of God in Christ. 



26 




Rev. Helen B. Calhoun 

CALHOLN. HELEN BATTLE-Minister and Singer, born 
in Pine Bluff. Arkansas, the daughter of William and 
.Annie (Brown) Battle. 

Her early education was in Kansas City attending 
Sumner High School and Western University, majoring 
in music. 

In January 1928, she married Lee Calhoun, a school- 
mate. The family moved to Los Angeles, California in 
1937. 

Here Mrs. Calhoun continued her musical studies, and 
a short time later joined the famed Hall Johnson Choir, 
an organization in great demand in many of the Holly- 
wood studios She was also a member of the Ben Carter 
Choir. 

During her musical career Mrs. Calhoun was very ac- 
tive in her church, and in 1943 she had to make a decision 
that altered the course of her life—whether to accept many 
promising offers in the movies, and a possible contract 
with the Amos and Andy Show, or to enter the Los An- 
geles Bib'e Institute and further her Bible studies, point- 
ing toward the Ministry. She chose the latter. Shortly, 
thereafter, Mrs. Calhoun was ordained a minister of the 
gospel by the Ministerial .Mliance of Los Angeles. Prac- 
ticing the precepts of religion and seeing the need for the 
help and guidance of unfortunate and delinquent girls, 
,Mrs. Calhoun decided to dedicate her life to this cause. 

Her first home for girls' on East 49th Street in Los 
Angeles, operated there for four years. During these years 
many girls were helped in the building of character and 
taught the fundamentals of music. Today, many of these 
same girls have married well, and one is now attending 
an outstanding academy of music. 

Later, the home was moved to its present location, 
where Mrs. Calhoun continues to give her life to this 
worthy cause. Now, however, she is receiving some finan- 
cial help from the State of California. Other states learn- 
ing of the fine work this christian woman is doing, have 
asked permission to enter girls from their states. 

The fine spirit of this christian exemplifies the word of 
the Master when he asked that children and those who 
were heavily burdened be brought unto Him. 

The home address in 235 W. 5 1st Street, Los Angeles, 




Rev. a. W. Ross 

ROSS, ALE.XANDER WENDELL, Baptist .Minister; born 
Oct. 3, 1883, Versailles, Mo.; son of James P. and Jane 
Rhoda (Meadows) Ross; educated at Western College, 
B.S. 1900-05; Columbia University (New York), Cer- 
tificate; Crozier Theological Seminary, Certificate; mar- 
ried Enjetta Adelaide Diggs, Oct. II, 1908; foster daugh- 
ter-Pauline Elizabeth Slade. Ordained Minister. 1908. 
Pastor: First Baptist Church, Leavenworth, Kansas, 1911- 
15; Calvary Baptist Church, Fulton, Mo., 1915-19; Cal- 
vary Baptist Church, Coffeyville, 1919-23; 1937-38. Cor- 
responding Secretary, State Baptist Convention (Mis- 
souri), 1911; Vice-President, Seldon Institute, Georgia, 
1914; Superintendent of Missions and Executive Secre- 
tary, Kansas State Baptist Convention, 1923-28; Pastor: 
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church (Canton, Ohio), 1928-32; 
Temple Baptist Church (Birmingham, Ala.), 1933-34; 
Second Baptist Church (Jefferson City, Mo.), 1934-37; 
Calvary Baptist Church, (Coffeyville, Kan.), 1937-38; 
Received D.D. degree from Western Baptist Seminary 
(Kansas City, Mo), 1939; Pleasant Hill Church( Los 
Angeles, California), 1939-1946; Did graduate work at 
George Pepperdine College (Los Angeels, Calif), 1945; 
Organized Kingdon Baptist Church (Los Angeles, Calif), 
1946. Member, Board of Directors. Eastside Com. Center; 
Outdoor Life and Health Assn. (Los Angeles, Calif). 
Member. Interracial Committee of Federation of Churches 
of Los Angeles; Ejtecutive Board. Committee of Interna- 
tional Council of Religious Education of U.S.A. Member, 
Foreign Mission Board of National Baptist Convention, 
U.S.A.; Director, Board of Sunday Schools of B.T.L'. 
Congress, U.S.A. Instructor of Directors of National 
B.T.U. and Sunday School Congress. President, Interna- 
tional Ministers Alliance of California, l'>4l-42: Nice- 
President, California State Baptist Convention. 1940-43; 
President, California States Baptist Convention, 194^-47. 
Author: The Christ, 1937; The Director and His Task, 
1944. Accepted for Chaplaincy, during World War 1. Sus- 
taining member of the International Council of Religious 
Education and Executive Member of the Board of In- 
ternational Council of Religious Education, and a mem- 
ber of the Federal Council of Churches. Pastor and or- 
ganizer of the Kingdom Baptist Church. Residence: 700 
Micheltarena Street, Los Angeles, California. 



27 




\\ ILLI\.\l J. I \VLOR 

I AMOK, WIlllAM J., «a^ born i,, Bt-aumcm!. Te\a>. 
Jul> h. H)li, the son of J. W . and AJa 1 McCardcll I 
la>lor lli> lather is overseer of the Church of CioJ in 
(Christ in l;l Centro, Brawle>. (laiipatria, Indio. anil 
Hlxthe. California, all of New Mexico and 1:1 Paso, Texas. 

Rev Taylor, received his public school education in 
Phoenix, Arizona, graduating from Phoenix High School 
in \'^ii He then attended IT Centro Junior (>)lleoe one 
\ear before pursuing religious courses in a number of 
Clerical institutions to prepare himself for Christian 
leadership in the Church of God in Christ. Inc.. one of 
the largest Holiness bodies in the world His studv at 
1. 1 I- F Bible (College, Los ,Angeles Baptist Theological 
Seminar), Providence Baptist Theo'ogical Seminarv, 
Temple Hall College and Theological Seminarv in Chi- 
cago, Illinois, gave him the preparation that is evident 
in his leadership. 

Rev, Tavlor began his pastorates in l')^i at Blvihe, 
Ca'ifornia. where propertv was purchased and a church 
building was erecteil under his guidance and supervision 
In l'-)16 he pastored in Fl Centro. California and built 
there a place of worship for the members of his Church 
He came to Los .Sngeles in 1"41 and accepted appoint- 
ment as Pastor of the Church of (iotl in Christ which be- 
came Grace .Memorial Church of God in Christ. Inc on 
September 23. 1043 after all incumbrances were lic^ui- 
dated. 

On lune 11. 1036 in Phoenix, .Ari/ona. Rev Tavlor 
was united in marriage to .Miss Flossie C. Pavton of that 
citv Thev are the parents of four chiUlren: Rudolph 
N\avne Gwendolvn Yvonne, Kathleen Patricia and Jac- 

t]uehn CvnthTa. 

Rev Tavlor is a prominent figure in the guidance and 
supervision of the Church of God in ("hrist. Inc. He is 
president of the Board of ("hristian .Mission and Member 
of the Boaril of Flders of Southern (California, and Super- 
intemlent of the San Diego District 

In the promotion of gf)od citizenship Rev. Taylor has 
been active in (iity. County, State and National elections, 
while in all civic matters there probablv is not a more 
zealous and artlent figure in Los .Angeles. 



Grace Memorial Church of God in tjhrisi of which 
Kev. \\ iiliani J. laylor is pastor was incorporated Sei)- 
lember Si. I'>4« alter .Ml existing ilebts hao been dissolved. 
I his was acconiplisheil two years alter Kev, laylor hail ac- 
cepted the call to pastor iMis growing (.hurch of (iod in 
Christ. 

.At the time of this review in February of I04S, com- 
plete plans have been filed lor the Greater Grace .Memorial 
(.-hurch, which vviil inciuoe a new thiee story edifice hous- 
ing the religious, educational and administrative facilities 
required to carry on the work ol this (..hristian institution. 

I he interest of the Pastor and Congregation of Grace 
.Memorial Church in carrying the message of salvation in 
gospel and song to humireils ol thousands oulsiile the Church 
Is manliest in their soul-stirring services heard over Station 
lxl().\, I uesd.ay evening of each week until recently, when 
the broatlcast was changed from Tuesday to Sundav .\.\\.. 
from II to 12 over Station IxCiFR. These broadcasts are 
outstanding as a medium of Christian service. 

The christian men and women uniler whose leadership 
the work of Grace .Memorial (Church of God in Christ is be- 
ing carried on are Rev. \\ m. J. Taylor. Pastor, and Rev. 
W m Webb and Rev. Dorice Shepherd. .Assistants to the 
Pastor. Board of Trustees: .Mclxinley .Archie, \\ illiam Webb, 
Jesse James, Joseph Hubbard and Phini> Willis, Deacons: 
Phinis Willis, Washington S. Farver, Jesse James, Frank 
James. David Byers, Nelson ,Miles, ,McKinley ,Archie, Cleve- 
land l.iggins and .Mr. .Alston, Deaconess Board: Susie 
Lewis, .Martha Dunmon. Ida Brown. .Mathilda Williams, 
l-rma Stiggers. I.eola .Mendez and .Mother .Mac (deceased). 
(Choir Directress and Organist, .Maggie Branville: Director, 
Youth (Choir, Herman Woods: Pianist, ^ outh Choir, Ella 
Ruth lee: Sunday School Supt , Jesse James: N'outh Leader, 
Rev William Webb: Scout ,Master, James ,Morrow, Prayer 
and Bible Bantl; Group 1, Ida Brown, President: Group 
11, \ iola Ray, President: Sewing (Circle, Lucile Davis, Presi- 
dent: Home and Foreign .Missions. (Jenev a Hamilton. Presi- 
dent This organization, one of the most active and im- 
portant in the (Church, secures monies and clothing for the 
less fortunate both at home and abroad. It performs a special 
serv ice in majving monthly contributions to Native .Mission- 
:irv llandfield working in Ixew (Caicos. Turk Island. British 
West Indies. 




Graci; .MhMORiAL Church or Goo in (Christ 



28 



HARRIS, EFFIE WILLIAMS, Pastor, Bethel Community 
Church ol Christ, was born July 13, 1890 in Alamo, Texas, 
the daughter of .Mbert and Nealy (Beasly) Williams, who 
moved to Boley, Oklahoma when that Negro township 
attracted enterprising Negro men and women from all 
sections of the country. 

Rev. Harris received her education in the public schools 
of Boley and later attended C.M.E. College in Boley, 
Oklahoma. 

On July 19, 1919, Miss Effie Williams was married in 
Kansas City, Missouri to Mr. Lindsav Harris of that 
city. 

Rev. Harris has been a devout Christian since she was 
old enough to understand the meaning of Christianity. 
She is an outstanding organizer, a leader in civic and 
religious life. She devotes much time to child life, and 
youth development activities. 

Rev. Harris is the founder and Pastor of Bethel Com- 
munity Church of Christ, one of the most active and out- 
standing churches of the City of Los Angeles, located at 
27th and San Pedro Streets. 

She is a member of the Community and Independent 
Churches Ministerial Alliance, and is termed, one of the 
leading speakers and teachers in the West. 

HENDERSON, J. RAYMOND-Minister-born in Virginia, 
educated, Virginia L nion College, (A.B. 1924): Oberlin 
Seminary, Oberlin Ohio (Bachelor of Divinit> . 1927); 
Andover Newton Seminary (.Master of Sacred Theology, 
19)7). Pastored in \'irginia. Penna . W. Virninia. Georgia 
and New York before accepting pastorate of Second Bap- 
tist Church of Los Angeles, His present charge is the 
largest Baptist church West of Chicago. 



OLI\l;K, WILLIAM, Kcligiuus leader, born in Crawford- 
ville, Indiana, the son ol George and .Malinda (^li\er. He 
was educated in the public schools of his native city, and 
early left school to make his own way in life. 

William Oliver came to C^alifornia in 1914 to establish 
a business manufacturing inner liners for automobile 
tires, a trade he had acquired as an employee in the auto- 
mobile industr>. The business was organized under the 
firm name ol Hampton and Oliver, and was a going con- 
cern for more than four years. 

At a later period Mr. Oliver became interested in a 
caiecr in the Hostal Service. He took the examination, 
passed, and soon received appointment as a mail carrier. 

.Mr. 01i\er has continued as a mail carrier in the Postal 
Service for more than ?0-\ears. and holds the respect and 
the commendation of postal authorities and the public 
he serves. 

However, his greatest contribution has been to his 
church and the spiritual life of the community. He is the 
oldest active officer in the Phillips Temple CME Church, 
having become a member under the pastorage of Rev. J. 
P, .-Xnderson 

At the present time he is C^hairman of the Trustee 
Board ami member of the Board of Stewards. 

In 1911, in Omaha, Nebraska, he was married to Miss 
Annie Mae Brown, and the two have remained a devout 
christian couple through the years. 

.Mr. Oliver is a member of the St. John .Masonic Lodge 
No. r 

HARRIS. GRANT-.Minister-Pastor of Ziqn Baptist 
Church, one of the outstanding churches of Southern Cali- 
fornia. 



29 



The Professions 



The remarkable expansion in 
the professional fields in Cali- 
fornia should be an inspiration 
to Negro youth seeking an an- 
swer to the age old problem of, 
"Where can I go, What should 
I do" 



30 




Dr. Richard S. Whittaker 



WHITTAKER, RICHARD SALINTIILS, Physician and 
Surgeon was born on May 17, 1881 in Carlton, Ken- 
tucky, the son of Scott and Cecelia (Thompkins) Whit- 
taker. 

Being the son of farm parents, his early education was 
in the rural public schools of Carlton. He then entered the 
Lniversity of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky and re- 
ceived his A.B. degree in 1904. He received his M.D. de- 
gree at the National Medical College of Louisville. Ken- 
lucky, following up with three months of post graduate 
studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C. 

.After several years of successful practice in Kansas City. 
Dr. Whittaker, in 1922, answering the siren call of the 
West, moved to California. His first stop in Pasadena, 
where he set up his practice. He practiced here until 1923, 
and then moved his practice to Los Angeles where he saw 
the need for a Negro Hospital, because of the discrimina- 
tion to Negro patients in Los Angeles, at that time. 

He founded the Dunbar Hospital. The Dunbar Hos- 
pital was the first Negro hospital to be opened in Los 
Angeles, and for years it was a haven of mercy to the fast 
growing population. 

Two of the physicians, who later became successful 
practitioneers in California were staff members of the 
Dunbar Hospital, Dr. J. T. Whittaker, brother of the 
founder, and Dr. Charles S. Diggs. 

After the deaths of Dr. J. T. Whittaker in 1934, and 
Dr. Diggs in 1938, the founder closed the hospital to con- 



fine his practice to his office and work on the staffs of the 
Angeles Hospital, and the Rose Netta Hospital, I'le latter 
under the supervision of Dr. N. Curtis King. 

Thus closed one of the landmarks of Negro progress. 
The good to the community rendered by Dunbar Hospi- 
tal, its founder and associates will long be remembered in 
Southern California by people in every walk of life. 

During the early years of his practice in California, Dr. 
Whittaker, found the time for a two years course at the 
Southern California Eye, Nose and Throat Clinic. 

In February 1927. he married Ester Dawson, a graduate 
of the University of Kansas. Dr. Whittaker had one son. 
James Salinthus, jr., a graduate of Lincoln University in 
Pennsylvania. James Jr. practiced as a mortician from 
1932 to 1938, the year of his death. 

Dr. Whittaker throughout the years has held a great 
interest in the civic welfare of his race, and is active in 
any program to promote better conditions for Negroes in 
Los .\ngeles. 

He is a member of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, K. of 
P. Lodge, National Medical Association. So. California 
.Medical. Dental, and Pharmaceutical .Association, 
NAACP. Independent Church of Christ, and other civic 
and welfare organizations. 

His hobbies are: Fishing, Hunting. Tennis, Horseback- 
riding and races. 

Business Address: 1055 E. 43fd Street. Los Angeles, 
California. 



31 




Dr. N. Curtis King 



KING, NORRIS CLRTIS-Physician and Surgeon, born 
in Princeton. Kentucl<y, August 27. l8')4-son ot Dee and 
Nettie I .Wetcalf ) King. 

Eilucated in the public schools of Cairo. Illinois, where 
his lamily moved while he was very >oung. In l''20, he 
completed his high school and college training at Roger 
Williams University, Nasville, Tennessee, the lamily hav- 
ing moved to ,\ashville after the death of his father. Grad- 
uated .Meharry .Medical School in 1924. 

During his years of college and medical study, student 
King supported his mother hauling trunks for students 
of all the colleges and by securing a large house near the 
school campus and renting quarters to other students. Mt- 
er graduation and interneship at Tuskegee Institute Hos- 
pital, \oung Dr. King, .M. D., selected the State of Georgia 
to begin his practice ,^rmed with credentials from some 
of the outstanding business people of Nashville, a letter 
from the .Masonic Lodge, and other character references, 
he walked into the Negro bank of Atlanta. In a few words 
he asked for a loan to open an office: his credentials were 
thrown at him, but no loan. Determined to make a start, 
Dr, King, broke but not discouraged, with assistance from 
Dr. E. I. Robinson went to Newnan. Ga. There after 
many a struggle, cooking and sleeping in his office, he 
finally succeeded in setting up his practice. I ater, seeing 
the need for a hospital, he founded the Curtis King Hos- 
pital. It was during this period that Dr. King began to 
attract the attention of the medical profession. Soon he 
was in demand for lectures to medical groups, schools and 
to the general public on the prevention and cure of 
venereal diseases. Soon he became an authority in this 
field and, today, stands out as one of America's greatest. 

It was in Newnan that Dr. King married Rosa .Mae 
Webb, a graduate nurse. To them one child was born- 
Rose Marie, now a receptionist in her father's hospital. 

In 1929, seeking a larger field of practice. Dr. King 
moved his family to California. Here he immediatelv took 
his place with other successful practitioners; later, found- 
ing the Rose Netta hlospital, one of the most modern and 
best-equipped in America. And one of the first truly in- 
terracial hospitals, where he has employed ,Mexicans, Ne- 
groes, Japanese and white assistants. 

.Mways interested in the public welfare of his race. Dr. 
King deilicated his training and services to that cause. Por 
ten years he was in charge of the South Los ,\ngeles 



Venereal Clinic; three >ears in charge of 102nd Street 
Clinic for the Board of Education; Panel Phjsician, Los 
.Angeles General Hospital; Examining Physician, Selec- 
tive Service Board 253, NYA, 28th Street Clinic, and 
the Third Battalion of the State Guard. All of these 
gratis. Examining physician State Boxing Commission- 

Dr. King, with all his many duties, found time for a 
Special course in Electro-Therapy at San Gabriel under 
the eminent authority, Dr. Worster; and in 1937 a three- 
month specialized course at Howard University on 
venereal diseases. 

In 1942, Dr. King and the Rose Netta Hospital became 
internationally known when the Red Cross set up the 
first interracial blood bank at the Rose Netta Hospital. 
This stab at the segregated system used throughout the 
country brqught hundreds of letters, telegrams and calls 
from outstanding medical and thinking people throughout 
the world. Dr. King has attended many conferences on 
the prevention and cure of venereal diseases, including one 
called by the Surgeon General in Washington, D. C, when 
only the most outstanding authorities on venereal diseases 
in America were called. For outstanding work in his coun- 
try's cause during World War II he received, the certifi- 
cate of merit and the selective service medal. 

Some of the high points of Dr. King's civic career are; 
The sponsoring of the "Craftsman of Black Wings", a 
group of young Negro aviators and students interested in 
becoming licensed flyers; active work with the Watts Co- 
ordinating Council, of which he was chairman; and many 
other civic roganizations. 

He is a member of the Los Angeles County Medical 
,^ssociation : National Medical Association; Southern 
California Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Associa- 
tion ; member board of directors. Los ,^ngeles County 
Branch of the American Cancer Society; a 33rd Degree 
.Mason; Palomino Horse Asso. and an active member of 
the South Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce- 
Hobbies: Photography and the breeding of pa'omino 
horses On his fine ranch in Elsinore. California, he now 
spends much of his time in pursuit of these hobbies. 

Truly this Negro of, humble beginning has carved a pat- 
tern that is an inspiration for anv young American to 
follow. 

Business .Address: 4412 South Hooper Avenue. Los .An- 
geles. California. 



32 




Mrs. Rosa Mae King 

KING, ROSA MAE-Nurse, born in Hartwell, Georgia, 
October 18, 1904-daughter of John and Macey (Ware) 
Webb. 

Early education at the Hartwell County Training 
School; one year A. & 1. State College, Nashville, Ten- 
nessee, majoring in Business .^dministration. Entered in- 
to nurses training course at the Millie E- Hale Hospital 
Training School, Nashville, Tennessee, graduating in 1924. 
Shortly after graduation, worked for the City Health De- 
partment in Nashville; later, for one year at the Mercy 
Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

In 1925, married Dr. N. Curtis King. There is one child, 
Rose Marie. 

In 1925, the newly married doctor and nurse opened 
the N. Curtis King Hospital in Newnan, Georgia. In 1929, 
the Kings, seeking greater fields, moved to Los Angelev 
Arriving in California, Mrs King worked five years for 
the City of Los Angeles Health Department, one year at 
the Los Angeles County Health Department, seven >ears 
at the Los Angeles Hospital, four years as Superintendent 
of Nurses at the Rose Netta Hospital, the latter a gen- 
eral hospital founded by Dr. King. At the present (1947). 
Nurse King is a supervisor of nurses at the Golden State 
Hospital in Los Angeles. Under her supervision are nurses 
of various nationalities. 

During the years of California residence, Mrs. Kinn 
has been very active in civic and group welfare. In 1929. 
she organized the auxiliary of the American Legion (Fred 
Whittaker Post) and was its first president. During the 
war years, she trained classes in nurse training— t h e se 
classes receiving their theory at the Jefferson High School 
(Los Angeles) and their practical work at the Rose Netta 
Hospital. Mrs. King was active in the 1 1 Ith Street Parent- 
Teachers Association, and served for one year as its presi- 
dent. She was a voluntary USO worker during World 
War II. 

Member: Hallie Q Brown Women's Political Study 
Club; Local and National Nurses Association; and Grant 
Chapel A. M. E. Church. 

Hobbies: Reading and sewing. 




Dr. Bert L. Boswell 

BOSWELL, BERT L., Physican and Surgeon, was born in 
Talladega. Alabama, to Anthonv and Elizabeth Boswe'l. 
The family moved to Dallas. Texas, during his early 
\ears, where he received his public school education. He 
is a graduate of W iley L niv.. 1902, and .Meharry .Medical 
College, 1907. Practiced medicine and surgery in Okla- 
homa City and El Reno. Oklahoma, and Dallas and 
Paris, Texas. For six \ears .Medical and ,'\dministrative 
Director of H\geia Sanitarium in Paris Came to Cali- 
fornia in 1922 with a background of broad experience in 
in medical practice and since has been continously and 
successfully engaged in his profession. Dr. Boswell mar- 
ried Edith Ruth Everett, at that time, a teacher in the 
High School at Dallas, Texas, her native city. They are 
the parents of two children. Lois B. (Greenwood)' and 
I verett G. He is a member of Phillips Temple C.M.E. 
(Church and an active layman in religious work. Fratern- 
ally, he is a member of the Knights and Daughters of 
I abor, and American Woodmen in which he was Banker 
of Camp No. 1. Los Angeles, for 24 years. He be'ongs to 
the National .Medical Association, the Southern Cali- 
fornia Medical. Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association, 
and is a member of Board of Directors. West View Hos- 
pital Inc. He holds membership in the Phi Beta Sigma 
I raternitv NAACP. and Y ..MCA. His entire life has 
been guided b>- high and honorable principles, and in his 
profession he displays the closest conformity to high 
ethical standards. 



IIAIRSTON. HELEN L EE-Pharmacist, born in New Or- 
'eans. La . daughter of Ansel H. and Julia (Cooks) Lee. 
-Attended the pub'ic schools of New Orleans, completing 
her high school education in Los Angeles, after the family 
moved to California in 1922. Later graduated from the 
School of Pharmacy. University of Southern California. 
-Associated with Mozelle E. Lewis, now deceased, in 1935. 
started her Pharmaceutical career with the L&W Phar- 
macy. She is now the only Negro woman who owns and 
operates her own store in the Pacific Southwest. .Married 
to Archie A. Hairston, Chief Warrant Officer. U. S. A. 
There are no children. Affiliations: Rho Psi Phi .Medical 
Sorority, Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Associa- 
tion, YWCA, NAACP, and Hamilton Methodist Church. 
Hobbies: Movies, driving in the country, and attending 
concerts. 

Business Address: 1530 Griffith Avenue. Los An- 
!*les. California. 



33 




I-RANK S. Maxwell 



MAXWELL, LRANK SIORM--Pharmacist. born in 1 os 
Angeles, Calilomia, March 12. H)()7— son of David Henry 
and Clara (Dunlevy) Maxwell. Both of his parents, pio- 
neer residents of (California, are deceased- 
Mis early education was in the public and high schools 
of his native city, where he attended the Temple Street 
and Bovd Street elementary schools, graduating from the 
Polytechnic High School. 

While in high school, because of his early interest in 
pharmacy, he was given special courses in Chemistry and. 
while still in high school, successfully passed the State 
Board of Pharmacy He was the >oungest person at that 
time to pass this board. Continuing his studies in Phar- 
macy, he entered the Lniversity of Southern (California, 
College of Pharmacy, later becoming an honor graduate. 

.Mr. Maxwell's interest in the field that he now masters 
began when, as a boy. he started his chosen career work- 
ing for the James I'. Smith Drug Store at 12th and Cen- 
tral Avenue. There under the tutelage of Dr. Smith, he 
took out his apprenticeship license in Pharmacy- The go- 
ing was not easy for this young and ambitious native son. 
W orking from dawn to dusk at his duties of janitor, clerk, 
and every other odd job to be found at a drug store earned 
him the meager salary of |4 50 ^x;r week. Out of these 
earnings $3.50 had to go for board and room; the other 
dollar went into a savings account. The generosity of Mrs. 
Ophelia Williams, in whose home he lived during his 
struggling youthful years after the death of his mother 



aided him to save the money that in later years was to 
enable him to go into business. Dr. .Maxwell is high in his 
praise of this kind and christian woman- Dr. .Maxwell al- 
so gives much credit to his success through the tr\ ing years 
to the religious and inspirational guidance of Rev. N. H. 
Nelson's House of Prayer, where he is still a member. 

In 1031. he married Malvena Bruner. There is one 
child. Bonnie Diane Maxwell. 

Dr. Maxwell, always cognizant of the early struggle 
in his life, is very active in the civic welfare of his native 
cit\'. His philosophy is to help others by constructing in 
their minds that the disappointments and catastrophies of 
life should not leaxl to bitterness, cynicism and failure. 

Many joung men and women have been helped through 
the generosity and worthwhile philosophy of this man 
who saw no defeat and whose life became enriched by 
hardships and setbacks. 

Dr. Maxwell, active in social and fraternal circles, is 
a member of .Mpha Phi Alpha F-raternity. .Masonic Or- 
iler. Shrine Temple. Native Sons of Pioneers. Pacific 
Town (Club. Knights of P)thias. I le is also a member of 
Southern (California Metiical. Dental and Pharmaceutical 
-Association anil the National .Medical Association. 

Dr. Maxwell's ambition is to some day travel extensive- 
ly, lo this end he believes that service and consiileration 
to his ever-growing clientele will some day bring to him 
the financial securitv needed for world travel. 



34 



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Dr. and Mr!. p. Pkk h (^okbs 

COBBS. PHTHK PRI(:i;--Ph>sici.m ;mJ Surf;c.>n. born 
No\enibcr \b. 18*^2, in B;irb(n]r>\ ille. \ irninia— Min ol 
Norman ami Martha ( Price I C.obbs (iraJuale (il llciw- 
anl InivcrMty, B. S. 1')I4. M I), lOlD; completed p()^t- 
uraJuate courses at the L ni\ersil\ ol Stanloril anti L ni- 
\ersily of Southern C^alifronia. 

After his interneship al I uskef;ee Institute lldspilal. 
be^an career as t;eneral practitioner I ater became head 
of Nurse Training Department of Male Infirmarw Dur- 
ing this period ami up to |i>iS. Dr. ( ;obbs «as also a 
staff member. I uskegee Institute Hospital. 

In K)2i. Dr Cobbs moved his practice to California 
ami. from ^'Jl until the time of its closing, was staff 
member of the Dunbar Hospital in los Angeles In l^'i^. 
married Rosa .Mashaw. a teacher in the public schiKil 
s\stcm of Birmingham. Alabama I here are three chil- 
tlrcn-Prince Roland, .\Uarcel\n Rose. Price Washaw 

During the years of general and hospital practice. Dr 
(^obbs had a'\va\s cherished the dream of a sanitarium 
of his own. This dream was realized in 1*^)4'!. when the 
(^obbs Sanitarium was opened. This sanitarium, located in 
one of the most beautiful settings of Southern (California, 
is one of the few institutions of its kind in the country 
I his full\-et]uip[X"d and staffed sanitarium has four re- 
gistered nurses a dietitian, two general helpers, and has 
a capacity of sixteen beds. 

Dr. Cobbs is a member of the .\merican .Medical .As- 
sociation. California State .Medical .Association. National 
.Medical .Association 1 os .Angeles (;ount\ Medical .Asso- 
ciation, (Chi Delta .Mu Fraternitv: a .Mason and an Tlk. 
One of examining nhssician for .Metropolitan Life Insur- 
ance Co. During World War I, was a member of the S. 
A T. C Dr Cobbs also holds the di.tinction of being 
listed in ' W ho's W ho In .Meilicine." He is a member of 
Phillips Temple Methoilist Church. 

Hobbies: Hunting and fishing. 

Office ,Address: 2624!/^ South Ontral Avenue, los An- 
geles, California. 



COBBS. ROSA .M\SII\W. Supervisor, l-H.rn m Birming- 
ham, Alabam-the daughter ol BenjaniiTi 1 tanklin and 
ham, Alabama-the daughter of Benjamu) I ranklm and 
.Margaret I uella .Mashaw, father, a Alelhodist Mniisier 

Graduate. Teachers Training (Course in 102 i, .Miles Col- 
lege, liirmingham. .Alabama. She was 3 teacher in the pub- 
lic school svstem of Birmingham until her marriage to 
Dr. Peter Price Cobbs in P'Ji. later in the same \ ea r 
mo\ed to l.os Angeles, California. There are three chil- 
dren-Prince Roland, student, I ast 1 . A Cit> College, 
Sch(X)l of Architecture: Marcel>n Rose, student, Howard 
lni\ersit\. School of Medical Social Work: anil Price 
.Mashaw. pre-med student. I ni\ersit> of California al 
l.os .Angeles. 

.Mrs (Cobbs, active in civic anil religious work, has 
spent a number of vears on the executive board of the 
Parent- Teachers Association: Board of Management, V 
W (C A-, National (Council of Negro Women: active 
member of the l.oc:d anil National ,Meilical ,Auxiliarv : 
■Hid the Phillips Temple Methodist (Church. She is an 
ardent believer in chilil care and welfare through scien- 
tific stuilv .Mill, because of her tireless work in this field, 
w.is chosen Ihe "Mother of the Near" in P'4(i. an annual 
.iw.ird sponsored bv the (Child Studv Cuild 



.Mrs (Cobb' 



.ilsii Supervisor of Cobbs Sanitarium. 




.Ml 



PvL 1 iM. 1.. Si vti.R 



Sanitarium Addres 
(California. 



SOf North lla/;ircl, los Angeles. 



SI A TLR. PAL I INTC L , Te.uhcr, born in Chicago, Illinois, 
the daughter of Ceorge .N. and Sarah .Ann iXenable) 
Slater. .Miss Slater's .mcestral historv is one of close con- 
nection with the growth and development of the .A.M.H, 
(Church. Her father vv.is a pioneer of the .Middle West, 
and an active force in the building of Bethel .A .M K. 
Church in Chicago. Her brother, George N, Slater Jr„ 
was an organi/er of the A .M li. Church in Western Can- 
ada Her uncle was Bishop Sampson Brooks of the same 
jienomin.ilion. 

Superior eilucalion.il advantages have been accorded 
.Miss Slater. She acquired her earlv e.'ucation in ihe pub- 
lic schools of (Chicago and L.os Angeles, later attending 
Los .Angeles State Normal and the Lniversitv of Southern 
(California, from which she received her B S, and .MS in 
I ducalion. She has studied at (Columbia L niversitv in 
New York City, and pursued courses al Ihe I niversitv of 
(Calfiornia al Berkelev She holds general, elemenlarv and 
second.irv adminislr.ilion creilenli.ils. 

Miss Slater entered ihe Teaching Profession as an In- 
structor in a private school in \ .ijliio (Cdiforni.i under 
.Mr, (Charles Toney. It was in 1'>J4 ih.il she becune con- 



nected with the Los Angeles Public School System. Her 
lirst assignment was at Holmes Avenue School. She re- 
mained there until 1939, at which time she was transferred 
to Lalayette Junior High School, where her work in the 
Home .Making Department has been outstanding. In 1943- 
44 she was a member of the Curriculum Committee, which 
planned the Home Making courses of study for Los .An- 
geles. At present. Miss Slater is a member of the Voca- 
tional Home Making Curriculum Committee of Los An- 
geles. She H Chairman of the Home Making Department 
of Lafayette Junior High School with six teachers under 
ner supervision. 

Miss Slater has the distinction of having assisted in 
rearing and educating two nieces, Mrs. Aurora Slater 
Haskins and .Mrs. Annabelle Slater Phillips, both of 
whom have prepared for the teaching profession. 

Professionally, she is a member of the H.S.T.A., C.T.A., 
N.E.A., and the A.H.E.A. She is active in the AME 
Church, League of Allied Arts, and the Women's Politi- 
cal Study Club. She organized the Delta Mothers and 
Sponsors Club, and is a member of the Board of Direc- 
tors, Outdoor Life and Health Association, and affiliated 
with the Assistance League of that organization. She is a 
member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for which or- 
ganization she served as Regional Director of the Far 
West. She was appointed, in 1935. Chairman of the Delta 
Sigma Theta National Convention which met in Los An- 
geles of that year. In the same year, because of activities 
connected with that office, she was, also, presented the 
Los Angeles Fellowship League Award for distinguished 
service rendered to the civic growth and welfare of Los 
Angeles. 



On September 10, 1930 in Los Angeles, Miss Lisberg 
became the wife of Dr. Howard Allen. They traveled 
extensively in Central and South .America~Dr. Allen to 
study health problems in Latin .America, and Mrs. Allen 
to broaden her education by direct contact with the peo- 
ples of other nations. 

Mrs. Allen, also, has the distinction of having received 
credits for graduate work at the University of Mexico; 
St. Marquez University in Lima, Peru, and the Institu- 
tion of Cultural Arts in Buenos Aires in Argentina. 

The religious faith of Mrs. Allen is that of the Epis- 
copal Church. She is President, State National Medical 
Auxiliary, past President and member of Pi Chpater, 
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Member of the Wilfandel 
Club, the Twelve Thirty-three Social Club, the Ad Club 
and the NAACP. 





Mrs. Hilda L. Allen 

ALLEN, HILDA L., High School Teacher, born in Abita 
Springs, Louisiana, the daughter of Manuel and Camille 
(LaFlot) Lisberg. Manuel Lisberg was widely known as 
an able and successful Building Contractor. 

At an early age Miss Hilda Lisberg became interested 
in languages and displa>ed an unusual talent in the fluent 
expression of foreign speech. 

She came to California in 1930 and made Lis Angeles 
her home where she enrolled at Chapman College. Later 
she attended Whittier College and was graduated from 
that institution in 1934. receiving the A.B. degree. After- 
ward she did graduate work at the University of Southern 
California specializing in Languages and Customs of 
People. She is at present a teacher of Languages in the 
Los .\ngcles City School System. 



UK. nOWARD ALLEN 

ALLEN. HOWARD, Physician and Surgeoi irn October 
23, 1902 in Omaha, Nebraska, the son ee C. and 

Hortense C. Allen, who represented one _. the pioneer 
families of that city. 

To the public school system of Los Angeles, Dr. Howard 
Allen is indebted for the early educational advantages 
which he enjoyed. After coming to Los Angeles in 1916 
he was graduated from Jefferson High School in 1920. 
Later he attended the University of Southern California, 
remaining there to earn his A.B. degree in 1924. He then 
entered Howard University, Washington, D. C. and was 
graduated from that institution in 1928, receiving his 
M.D. degree. Following his interneship at Provident Hos- 
pital in Baltimore. Maryland. 1928-29, he began the prac- 
tice of medicine in 1930 in Los Angeles. 

Dr. Allen has made steady professional progress, keep- 
ing in touch with the trend of modern thought and in- 
vestigation regarding the treatment of disease, and is now 
a merriber of the American Medical Association, the 
California Medical Association, Southern California .Med- 
ical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association, and a cer- 
tified member of Asociasion Fronteriza .Mexica Estan- 
dounidense de Salubridad Publica. He is a member of the 
staffs of the Maternitv Service of the Los Angeles City 
Health Department. Maternity Service of First Street 
Clinic and Rose Netta Hospital. He is a student of Latin 
American Health Problems of which he has made a sur- 
vey in South America. 

Dr. Allen is a charter member of the Alpha Phi Alpha 
Fraternity in Los Angeles, a member of the Chi Delta 
Mu Medical Fraternity: belongs to the Pacific Town 
Club, and is President of the Ad Club, and a member of 
the Episcopal Church. 



36 




Mrs. Bessie B. Burke 

3LRKE. BESSIE BRLINGTON, Administrative Educator, 
born in Los Angeles, the daughter of James and Jannie 
(Beck) Bruington. pioneer citizens of Los Angeles. The 
late Mr. Bruington was one of the first Negro teachers 
during the reconstruction period. 

She received her basic education in the public schools 
of her native city, graduating in 1911 from Pol\technic 
high school^ She next attended Los .Angeles State Normal 
School, now a part of LCL.A, receivmg her Teachers' 
Certificate from that institution. She then took a city 
school examination and passed seventh on a list of eight 
hundred. She entered the Los Angeles public school sys- 
tem as a teacher at Holmes Avenue School, thus, be- 
coming a pioneer in education and the first Negro re- 
ceiving such an appointment. Still continuing the process 
of learning, as a student of the Lniversity of Southern 
California, she received both her A.B. ;.nd Masters De- 
gree. In addition she did post-graduate work at Columbia 
University Teachers College. In 1918 she was promoted 
from teacher to principal in the same school where she 
remained until 1938 During the time Mrs. Burke was 
principal at the Holmes .Avenue School, that school was 
used as a teachers' training center, and many of the 
teachers and principals now teaching in the system re- 
ceived trainiVig under this pioneer educator. Teachers of 
all nationalities accredit their success and advancement 
in the Los .Angeles School System to their early training 
received from Bessie Burke. Beginning the school term 
'39-40 .Mrs. Berke took her seat as principal of Nevin 
.Avenue f:lementar\' School where she was well liked and 
highh' respected by a demoncratic faculty. .After serv- 
ing at Ne\in Avenue School, she was apponted to Ascot 
.Avenue SchfK)l where at present she is doing a splendid 
work 

In June of 1925 in Riverside, California, Bessie Bru- 
ington became the wife of Chester R. Burke, a native of 
New York City. 

Her religious faith is indicated in her membership of 
Wesley .V\.E Church in Los Angeles She is a member of 
the Elementary Principals Division of the National Edu- 
cational .Association, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 
was i,nL' of the three first initiates in Pi chapter; and the 
first delegate from Pi" to the Convention in New ^'ork 
in l')24 MiiiihLi, W ill.inJel Cluh, the League of Allied 



Arts, the YWCA and the NAACP. For eight years she 
was Girls' Reserve Counsel of YWCA. and served for two 
\ears on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Chap- 
ter, N,A,ACP. She is Vice-President of the Native Cali- 
fornians Club, and received in 1933 the service award of 
the Los .Angeles Fellowship League. She was the second 
woman to be chosen "Woman of the Year " by Zeta Phi 
Beta Sorority. 

GRIFFIN, EDN'.A L— Ph)sician~owner and operator of 
modern hospital unit in Pasadena. .Member, .Alpha Kappa 
Alpha SororitN . Eastern Star, N,A,ACP, and actise in the 
civic welfare of Pasadena. 




Mrs. Bernice Barnum 

BARNLM, BERNICE WEBB, Principal Nevin Avenue 
Elementary School, born in Alexandria, Louisiana, the 
daughter of John and Susie (Coleman) Webb. 

Educated in the private schools of .Alexandria, and a 
graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisi- 
ana (Teachers Normal School Training) class of 1922. 

After graduation she taught for one year in the Alex- 
andria school system, but in 1923 resigned her position 
to come to California. In 1923, she accepted a position 
with the Myer-Siegel Company, one of California's better 
clothing stores: here until 1928, .Mrs. Barnum was in 
charge of the receiving and shipping department, a posi- 
tion requiring ten assistants. 

In 1925 she married Gerald Barnum. There is one 
child— Geraldine, born in 1928. 

Resigning her position with .Myer-Siegal Company, she 
assumed the duties of rearing her daughter until 1937, 
when she entered the Lniversity of Southern California, 
graduating in 1939 with a B.S. degree in Education. 

Mrs. Barnum began teaching in the Los Angeles public 
school system in 1940, received her first appointment in 
1945. as Principal of Holmes Avenue School: in 1947 was 
promoted again to the principalship of Nevin Avenue 
School Mrs. Barnum has continued her studies at USC 
and in 1944 received her secondary and administrati\e 
credentials and in 1948 her Masters degree in Education. 

She is a member of: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sororitv. Wil- 
fandel Club. Assistance League of the Outdoor Life and 
Health Association, Elementary Principals Club, N.E..A. 
C.T.A., and the Wesley .Methodist Church. 



(P^ ^ 



Dr. Shelby B. Robinson 

ROBINSON, SHELBY B. --Physician and Surgeon, is a 
native of Atlanta. Georgia, the daughter of Miller and 
Alice Boyhton. She received her basic education in the 
public schools of Atlanta, and completed two \ears in 
Spelman College, graduating in 1904. 

She entered Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Ten- 
hessee in 1904, from which institution she received her 
M.D. in 1909. 

She married James A. Robinson in the Near 1912 in 
Atlanta, Georgia. They are the parents of three sons- 
James A., htiward A., and Shelbs' L. James A., who re- 
ceived his M.A. in Business Administration from North- 
western Univeisity is now interning in Hospital Admin- 
istration at the Los Angeles County General Hospital; 
Edward A., served in the Armed Forces of his country for 
five years as Radio Tower Control Operator at Tuskegee 
Air Base and Shelby L., who is a student at Los Angeles 
City College, is a World War II veteran with three years 
service in the European Theatre. 

Dr. Robinson began the practice of medicine in Atlanta. 
where she was engaged in her chosen profession for eigh- 
teen years. She gives special attention to the field of 
Gynecology and Pediactrics, and has become widely 
known for her thorough knowledge and proficiency in her 
practice. 

In 1930 Dr. Robinson moved to Kansas City, .Missouri 
where for eighteen months she was connected with Gen- 
eral Hospital No. 2. In 1932 she came to Los Angeles, 
California, established her practice, and has been an out- 
standing physician in Los Angeles since that time. 

She is a strong supporter and moving factor in the West 
View Hospital Project, which will be for all people, and 
which in a large measure, will meet the problem occasion- 
ed by the inability to place Negro patients in private hos- 
pitals under conditions which will permit the attending 
Negro physician to perform the surgery, or give the treat- 
ment indicated by the diagnosis. This, in her opinion, is 
flagrant discrimination and a violation of professional 
ethics upon which competent and responsible medical 
practice is based. 

Dr. Robinson is a member of the Los Angeles County 
Medical Association, National Negro Medical Associa- 
tion, So. California Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical 
Association, aiui the Board of Directors, West View Hos- 
pital, Inc She is a stanch Episcopalian, and is a member 
of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sororitv. the Five and Over Char- 
ity Club, the NAACP, and the' VWCA. 




Dr. Ruth Te.mple 

TEMPLE, RUTH JANETTA, Physician, Director of Spec- 
ial Health Services Division, Los .Angeles City Health De- 
partment, born in Natchez, Missouri, daughter of Rich- 
ard Jason and Aimee Rebecca (.Morton) Temple. Her 
fathei a minister, is now deceased. 

Graduate of San Fernando .Academy (private) and the 
College of Medical Evangelists, Loma Linda, California 
(.WD.). Internship at the White .Memorial Hospital 
which is a part of the Evangelists' Medical College. Dr. 
Temple later attended Vale University, receiving in 1942. 
her masters degree in Public Health. 

Married Lawrence Banks, Real Estate Broker, Februarj' 
23, 1928 in Salinas, California. 

She was in private practice for nearly twenty years; 
was on attending staff of Obstetrical Board of the Los An- 
geles City Health Department; pioneered in the develop- 
ment oi southeast Los Angeles Community Health pro- 
gram. The' Health Center building in Southeast Los An- 
geles is the only health center building in Los Angeles, 
and is one of the finest in America. 

Dr. Temple is founder and Medical Director of Com- 
munity Health Association; founder and general chair- 
man of County wide "Disease Prevention Week;" Board 
Member, Los Angeles Urban League; Member, Alpha 
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Los Angeles County Medical As- 
sociation; California State .Medical Association; Women's 
University Club and a fellow of the American Medical 
Association. 

Dr. Temple because of her untiring efforts in public 
health service is a credit to the medical profession and 
American womanhood. 

GORDON. WALTER L. Jr.-Attorney at Law. born in 
Santa Monica, California, the son of Walter L, Sr., pioneer 
realtor and civic leader of Los Angeles. 

He is a graduate of University of California Prep 
School, and Ohio State University (L.L.B.). 

Married Anne Franklin, daughter of Dr. James Frank- 
lin of Prairie View State College Hospital, There are three 
children—Walter L. Ill, Anne and James. 

He is a member of: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Na- 
tional Bar Association, Langston Law Club of Los An- 
geles, and other civic and fraternal organizations. 



38 



I 




Atty. Ca-ARENCE A. Jones 

J0N1:S, CLARENCE ALEXANDER. Lawyer, born in 
White Sulphur Springs. West Virginia, the son of .-Xdams 
and Julia (Erench) Jones: his father a contractor, and 
his mother a teacher. 

Att> Jones recei\ed his elementary school training in 
West \ irginia and his high school work in Columbus. 
Ohio. He received his ,^.B. degree from Ohio State L'ni- 
versity. class of 1910. and L.L.B. degree from Ohio State 
Lnive'rsity. 1912. 

Married Edith A. Jones, a graduate of Ohio State Uni- 
versity. There are three children— Edith. Gwendolyn and 
Corinne: the eldest. Edith, is Research Librarian for Time. 
Life. Fortune, and Readers Digest publications in New 
York City. N. Y All three of the children are University 
of California at Los Angeles graduates. 

Atty. Jones, before coming to Ca'ifornia in 1913. served 
as .Asst. Principal of the Lincoln High School. Gallipolis. 
Ohio. 

He successfully passed the California Bar in 1913. and 
has practiced in Los Angeles since that date. 

Atty. Jones, one of the outstanding Lawyers of Cali- 
fornia, is. also, a civic and fraternal leader in his com- 
mut^'ty. and is considered as a cornerstone in the uplift 
of his race. 

He is a member of: Alpha Phi Aloha Eraternitv, Sigma 
Pi Phi rBou'el. Elks Lodge. YMCA-Board of Manage- 
r^ent. the 2nd Baptist Church, 'and is a director of the 
NAACP. 
His hobby: Outdoor Life. 

CONNER. FERROL POPO-Nurse. was born in Ft. Smi'h. 
Arkansas. February 19. 1912~dau''hter of Allen and A'i'-e 
(Ward') Roho. He"- earlv education was in the public 
schoo's of Ft S-Tiith, graduating from the Lincoln High 
School of that city. 

In lulv of 1930. the family moved to California. Here 
she resumed her education, attendinq Los Anqeles City 
College for two veras, and Liter the I os .Anpeles County 
General Hospita' School of Nurse Training. In 1933. she 
received her -R.N. Degree. 

During 12 years of service at the Los An^e'es Gf^neral 
Hwoital. Nurse Conner pioneered manv activities in the 
field of nursine She was the first graduate from a Cali- 
fofpia school of pursine to ioin the National Association 
of Colo'ed Nurses. La'er she organized the Los Angeles 
j*s«ociation of Co'ored Nurses, servin" as its president for 
five vears. She also organized the citizens committee, an 
affiliate with the graduate nurses association, and the 



priifi-vNional Nursi-v Scimrilx ' In I i.i I'lii . .in. 
first prcidenl of the loc.il D.li.i ( li.ipli r 

Nurse (Conner hoUK Ihi- sign.d linnui nl hi iin; ". ••nh 
Negro to serve on the staff ol ilu- llf.dlli Nrvu, .ii ilie 
I niversil> of Southern (^.iliforiii.i .ind in I'Ml ilu lir^l 
.Negro nurn- in (California lo enlrr inio ilu- .idniiniNlr:i- 
li\e field when she was promoted lo thi- povition of I k-.id 
Nurse at the Los .Angeles (jiunt\ Cjentral Hospital. 

Nurse Clonner's efforts lo help in the welfare of her 
profession are tireless. She is the onl\ Negro ser\ ing on 
the Structure Committee for the Stuily of National Nur- 
sing Organizations, a recipient of the National Health 
(Circle Scholarship for (^Colored People and. at the present 
writing, the president of the Soulhwestern Region of the 
National .Association of Colorivl (iraduale Nurses. 

Ever striving to advance herself and profession. Nurse 
(Conner has continued her studie-. ami in I'ebriXary. 194S, 
received her B.S. Degree from I he I nuersity of Southern 
California. 

.Active in ci\ ic and club affairs, she is a member of the 
Phys-Lit-.\lar Slud> Club: Zeta Phi Beta Sororit> : 
Worthy .Matron, (^ueen .Allen (Chapter No. 21 of the East- 
ern Star: Grand Lecturer. California jurisdiction of the 
Queen Ada Grand (Chapter: and holds membership in the 
First A. .ME. Church. 

Trul\' the career of this remarkable woman, who has 
dedicatetl her life to her race and relief of their suffer- 
ings, should be an inspiration to all Negro girls who ha\e 
selected the profession of nursing. 




Atty. Tho.mas L Berkley 

BERKLEY, THOMAS L.. Attorney at Law, born in Du- 
Quoin, Illinois, August 9, 1915, the son of Braxton and 
Sophia (Holmes) Berkley. At the age of four his family 
moved to Imperial Valley, in Southern California, where 
he lived for five years. The family moved to Fullerton, 
California in 1920. In this city be received his public and 
junior college education. He entered the Lniversity of 
California at Los Angeles in 1936. and received his Bache- 
lor of Science Degree in Business .Administration, in 1938. 
He then continued his education at the University of 
California's Hastings School of Law and was graduated 
with-a Bachelor of Law Degree in 1943. and was admitted 
to the Calitornia Bar m the same year He began his prac- 
tice in Oakland, California under the firm name of 
Vaughns, Bussey and Berkley,. In 1943, he entered the 
Army as a private and was discharged as a Lieutenant. 



39 



.\ni>riu'\ Bcikk'N ri-Iiiriu\l In liiv l.iu pr.ii.lKi' in !''-*() 
anil aiotii in Iht iDrmatuin ol \ aufjlin^ \ tJerkk). the 
lar(;v>l hi-iacial law iirm in Ntirthtrn C^alilornla. The 
lirm openiM lis itcoiul otlicc in Bcrkclcv. Calilornia in 
I'H, . 1 ni> adoilionji otlicc b located at -^'83 Sacrami-ntu 
Street. 

In .•\ugu>t uf I'HQ. he married Etta La\ erne Jordan. 
There are two children, I hcon Cecilia, age 4 ' j Nears 
and Gajl Cardelia, age 15 months. The berklcss were 
married in Vuma, .-Xruona. 

He is considered, in his profession, one of the leading 
counsellors in the State, and is devoting much of his 
practice to corporations. He is also Legal Counsellor for 
the East Ba\ .Area Council (Oakland, .Alameda and 
berkele.N), ot the .American \eterans Committee, a World 
War II Veterans' Organization. 

Active in civic and community welfare, he is \ ice- 
President of the .Alameda County NA.ACP, on the .May- 
or's Committee for Civic Unity (Oakland), Vice-Chair- 
man for the Board of .Managers of the ^'.MC.A, member 
oi the Board ot Directors of .Alameda Count) .Mental Hy- 
giene Society and is a leading figure in man> other worth- 
while efforts to make his community a better place in 
which to live. 

He was a nationally known athlete while in college, 
specializing in basketball and track. His hobbies are 
sports. His religious faith is Protestant. 





Mrs. Cortez F. Strange 



SI RANGE, CORTEZ FERGUSON? Supervisor, State Em- 
ployment Service, was born October 8, 1914 in Pine Bluff, 
Arkansas, the daughter of Hampton T. and Jennie (Hal- 
ler) Ferguson. The Ferguson family moved to Los An- 
geles in 1919 where Cortez Ferguson graduated from the 
Thomas Jefferson High School. Later she attended the 
University of California at Los Angeles and received the 
B.A. degree in 1936. In addition, she has completed all 
but three units on her Master's degree at that institution. 

Mrs. Strange started her career as a Technical Super- 
visor under the Works Projects Administration. Later she 
qualified as Junior Interviewer for the California State 
Employment Service. Her four years as a Junior Inter- 
viewer gave her the broad experience necessary in qualify- 
ing for promotion to the position of Senior Interviewer. 
This was her official position from 1942 until 1947, at 
which time she was promoted to the position of Super- 
visor, having qualified for that position by passing pro- 
motional Civil Service Examinations. 

On May 5, 1940 in Yuma, .Arizona, Miss Cortez Fer- 



guMHi was married to Vernon Strange of Los .\nj;iU-. 
who is prominent in Masonic circles. 

.Mrs. Strange finds the time from her work as a Super- 
\isor in the California State Emplo\ment Ser\ ice to take 
.icli\e part in religious and ci\ic acti\ilies. I icr religious 
faith is that of the Presbyterian Church, and she is active 
on various committees of the Los .Angeles L rhan l.ca^iue, 
the C^alifornia Slate Emplo\ment .Association. (California 
State Credit Union, and the Los Angeles FEPC. She is 
a member of the .Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the YW C.A 
and the NAACP. 

.Mrs. Strange is loyal to all those interest which make 
for good in the i ommunity, and her career has been char- 
acterized by persistency of purpose which, intelligently 
guided, always leads to commendable results. 




George R. Vaughns 

VAL GHNS, GEORGE R., Attorney at Law, born May 26. 
1900 in San Francisco, California, the son of Wilson and 
Melinda (Anderson) Vaughns. 

George Vaughns received his early education in the 
public schools of the Bay Area. Later he attended St. 
Mary's College from which he graduated in 1928. 

Attorney Vaughns began the practice of Law in Oak- 
land, California under the firm name, Vaughns and 
Larche. After the death of his first associate. Attorneys 
Bussey and Berkley became associated with Attorney 
Vaughns under the firm name, Vaughns. Bussey and Berk- 
ley. At present Attorney Vaughns and .Attorney Berkley 
are associates with offices in Oakland and Berkeley, Cali- 
fornia, 

On November 2, 1946 Attorney Vaughns was married 
to Mrs. Hazel Jones of Dallas, Texas. 

He is a member of the A. ME. Church in Oakland and 
the YMCA of which he is a member of the Board of Di- 
rectors in both the Central Branch and the Northwest 
Branch. Fraternally, he is Grand Master, California Jur- 
isdiction of the Masonic Lodge, and Past Assistant Grand 
Legal Advisor of the I.B.P.O.E. of W. He belongs to the 
Omega PsI Phi Fraternity and the National Association 
for the Advancement of Colored People. 

His hobbies are fishing and relaxing in his mountain 
home in Santa Cruz, California. 



40 



H I I I KSON, IDWIN L.. Juiljic l.ob Angck-> Wunkip.il 
»,.(iurt. hi)rii .\l.i\ 11. UKIi in icitTcev ille, .\Ub!iiN>ippi. ilie 
>on ol Nthun urul liklora Jefferson. 

I-Aiwin JclferM)n came to Los Angeles in l')22 .intl C(im- 
pleieu his public schiiol education at Manual Arts High 
ScluM)l of that i:it> . Alterward. he attemlcd the I ni\ersit\ 
ul Southern Caliiornia, graduating in 1^20 with the de- 
giee ol li.S. In U'fl he received the L.I..B degree from 
the same institution, was admitted to the (California Bar 
anvl began the practice of Law the same \ear. lie was en- 
gaged continous!) and successful!) in the practice of his 
profession until H'4I, at which time he was appointed 
judge ol the Municipal Court in Los Angeles. He served 
under this appointment six years and was continued in 
oil ICC b\ popular \()te in 1947. 

In l')*l Ldwin L. JetTerM)n was married to .Miss .Mattie 
Pearl I law kins of Los .\ngeles I'hey are the parents of a 
daughter. Susan Diane. 

Judge Jefferson is a member of the Delta Sigma Kho. 
N.itional I lonorarv Debating l-raternit> : Pi Sigma .M- 
I'ha. National llonorar\ Political Science lraternit\ : 
\merican Judicature Socict) and Kappa .Mpha Psi Lra- 
krnitv of which he is Pavt Polemarch. 

Ills hobb\ is \loiion Picture Photographv. 




Dk ("i \ldh. s B \ll \rd 

B.\LL.\RD. C;LAL Dll S-Ph\sician--born in Los Angeles. 
Caliiornia. June 14. USSO-the son of W illiam L. and .Mary 
r. (Tibbs) Ballard. His father was. also, born in Los 
.■\ngeles. and was one of the first Negroes born in that 
cit>. His earlv education was in the public schools of l.os 
.\ngeles: later attentled the I ni\ersit\ of Southern Cali- 
fornia, (one \ear pre-med 1 ; graduated in I^M. .\L D., 
I niversitv of California School of .Medicine. 

Dr. Ballard began his practice in l')|4. ami has con- 
linueil to practice in his home town since, except during 
WorM War I. when he served as a Lirst Lieutenant in 
the .Medical Corp of the I-ighth Illinois Kegimeni over- 
seas. Lor gallantr\ in action he was .iwarded the Croix 
Dc Guerre (French War-Cross) 

He is one of the lounders of the 2Sth .Street Health Cen- 
Ur. and is still .iffili.ited with this outstanding Health 
Center 

During Workl War II. Dr. Ballard was active as ,in in- 
structor ill I irst .\iil. holding classes at ihe Southern 
'.alifornia Club ami Jefferson High Schcxil. 

Active in civic and fraternal circles of his citv he is a 
member of: Sii/ma Pi Phi Lralernilv, National Medical 
Association. \A.\CP VWCX, an, I the Catholic Church. 

Business Address 1(121 f Washington lilv d , I os .\n- 
geles. California. 




Arrv. Ci riis (. \ w i or 

TAYLOR. CI KTIS CWILLI L. \itorn.v at L.iw , born in 
Jackson Counlv, Texas. December 17. IS'IS, the son of 
L-dvvard aiul Kuth Klhinni lav lor. hi- l.ither .i rancher 
and his mother a housewife 

.•\tlornev lav lor is a graduate ol J.ickscjii (Count v High 
School. Prairie \ iew College where he received his .\.B. 
degree, and the Howard I niversitv Law Scho.il: LLB 
degree in l'>2(). 

During W orKI War I. he was commissioneil as Lt. in 
the I . S. Army, and served from I')I7 to |0|Q 

He moved to (California. June l'>2(). and -passed Ihe 
(California Bar. Januarv 1027: admitted to the (Caliiornia 
Bar. .March U'27. In October 1014 he was admitted to 
the I . S. District (Court. 

.\ttornev lavor set a legal precedent against discrimi- 
nation in the Ilollvwooil Turf Club, and gained renown 
as (Counsel in the (iritTin .Murvler case: this case is known 
in (California as the TCrror Hanging (Case" His brilliant 
defense in this case caused the making of a new statute. 
provii.!ing for automatic stav of execution in (California 
murder cases when the death penalty is invoked. 

In September l'-)4l. he married Lotus Pillow, daughter 
of a pioneer familv in (California. 

Attornev Lavlor. outstanding in Public .Affairs, won the 
Phi Beta Sigma "(Carver .^ward." for distinguished public 
service in |04t. and donates each vear the "Fdward Tav- 
lor .Memorial Irophv." to the Jr. Tennis (Champion of 
(California. 

He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternitv, Flks. 
Ix of P.. Tau Delta Sigma (Legal Fraternity). NAACP. 
I rban League, .American Legion, and the Second Baptist 
(Church. 



POKILK. C.ICORGE COLLYMORE. Physician and Sur- 
geon, born .March 1, 1^13 in New Nork (City~ihe son of 
(ieorge David P<irter and .Anna (Collvmore Porter who are 
still residents of that city. 

Cieorge (C Porter received his public school education 
in New Nork (Citv. having attended I'.S. i in .Manhattan 
and Devvitt (Clinton High School. Lntered Lincoln I ni- 
versitv at Lincoln. Pennsylvania, where he pursued a pre- 
medical course, prior to his study of .Mevlicine at .Me- 
harrv .Meilical (College. Following his grailuation from 
.Meharrv Medical College he attended the National In- 
stitute of Health. I nited States Public Health Service 
Washington. D. (C ami a post-graduate course in (Cluin- 
is(rv followed at St John's L niversitv in Brooklvn New 
'lork. 



41 



Ill- ll.l^ Ix'on .111 .ulminislr.itor, j-'rol't-.^or aiiil practi- 
liDiicr. lie is ;i specialist in ihe lick! of G.\nccolog\ and 
Ohstetrics. lie was Instructor in Obstetrics and G\ne- 
colo^x at Mcharry Medical (!!ollege and Resident Surgeon 
at the G. W. Hubbard Hospital of that institution. He 
«as Director of Slossfield Maternit) Center and Hospital 
in Birmingham, Alabama. His proficiency and ability 
were recognized in his appointments as Acting .Assistant 
Surgeon. L. S. Public Health Service: Junior Consult- 
ant in Obstetrics. State of Alabama. 

In 1^)40. Dr. Porter married Miss Miriam Webster at 
Nashville. Tennessee. 

.■\fter receiving an honorable dischare from the Army 
in which he held the rank of Major, he came to Los An- 
geles in I^H6 and became engaged in private practice. 

I3r. Porter is a Presb\terian He is a member of the 
National .Medical .Association, the Los .Angeles Count)' 
.Medical .Association, the .American Heart .Association and 
the Southern California .Medical. Dental and Pharma- 
ceutical .Association. He is affiliated with the Reserve 
(Officers .Association of the L nited States, the .American 
\ eterans Committee. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternit\' and the 
Pacific Town CJub 





.Mrs. Bessii; B. Barron 

BARRON. BESSIE BRONNER. Registered Nurse was 
born in Rome. Georgia, the daughter of .Moses Franklin 
and Elizabeth (.Murphv) Barron. 

In IWt the family moved to Los Ange'es where Bessie 
Barron received her public school education in Union 
Grammar School and Los .Angeles High. Later she at- 
tended the Pro\ ident Hospital Nurse Training School 
from which she graduated in 1^17. She also finished a 
course in Electro-ph\si()therap> in K)26. 

.Miss Barron is one of the organizers and founders of 
the Sto\all (Clinic, thi- Outtioor Life and Health .Associa- 
tion and the Duarte Demonstration Sanitorium for tuber- 
cular patients She is at present a member of the Board 
of Trustees and Board of Directors, Outdoor Life and 
Health .Association, the Stovall Clinic, and an active 
member of the Sunshine Lnit, an auxiliary of the Out- 
door life and Health .Association, the National Nurses 
Association, and the NW'C^.A. 



.Atty. Edward S. Hardwick 

HARDWICK. EDWARD S, Attorney at Law, was born 
November 13. 1^1 1 in Phoenix. Arizona, the son of David 
and .Arizona Bruce (Watson) Hardwick. Edward S. Hard- 
wick has the distinction of being the grand nephew of 
B. K. Bruce. L nited States Senator from the State of .Mis- 
sissippi during the Post Civil War days. .Mr. B. K. Bruce 
also served as Assistant Register of the Treasury under 
President W iliiam .McKinley. 

Edward S. Hardwick obtained his early education in 
the public schools of Los Angeles, later attending Los 
.Angeles Junior College and Chapman College. He studied 
Law at the Southwestern School of Law and graduated 
from the Pacific Coast University Law School with the 
tiegree of L.L.B. 

On December 25, 1Q35 in Los Angeles Mr. Hardwick 
was married to Thelma Daniels. They are the parents of 
four children: Diane. Edward Jr., James David and De- 
borah. 

Attorney Hardwick was admitted to the California Bar 
in l^'4(i and has been engaged in his profession since that 
time He is a member of the .Methodist Church and the 
K.i|)pa ,Alpa Psi Fraternitv His business address is 1666 
I . lOSrd Street. Los .Angeles, California. 



SHEEN, HERBERT AR.NOLD-Physician & Surgeon- 
born in Decatur. 111.. September 6. 1807, son of Rev 
Charles Hart Sheen and Ellanora Rogan. Graduated from 
Decatur High School in IQli. .Attended Howard Lniver- 
sity IP20-1O21. Columbia University 1021-1022, and Lni- 
versitv of Chicago 1022-1024 where he received his B.S. 
Degree Entered Rush .Medical College affiliated with the 
University of Chicago in 1025. graduating with .M.D. De- 
cree, in June 1020 Served as Junior and Senior Interne in 
St. Louis Cit\ Hospital 1020-1031. .Appointed Receiving 
Room Phvsician 1031-1040 in St. Louis City Hospital 
later designated as Homer Phillips Hospital. In addition 
carried on his private practice and also served as Staff 
Dermatologist for Homer Phillips Hospital, St. .Marv's 
Infirmarw and Peop'es Hospital, all in St. Louis. In Julv 
1040 moved to Tvler, Texas to start The Communit>- 
Center Clinic which he maintained until he moved to 
California in October 1045. 

Dr. Sheen married Ouinlock King. September 2, |030 
and they now have five children, Herbert Jr., Eugenia. 
Dolores. Robert, and Mildred. Dr. Sheen is a Methodist, 
a .Mason, a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternitv-. 
the National .Medical ,Association, and the Southern Cali- 
fornia Me-lical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical .Association. 
His avocation is the piano. 



42 



I 




Mrs. C.vTHKRisfc B. Gxrcu 

GARCIA. CVninRINI: BOGl.n. one of tour children 
burn U) Jackson anJ Susit Bogle of Washington, D. G. 
Her mother, father and paternal grand parents were busi- 
ness people, and with business being a comparati\el\ new 
field for women, she elccteil to I'ollow a business career. 
Her elementar\ education was acquired in the public 
schools of Washington, D. C. : she received her profession- 
al training in Dunbar Business School: Jennifer's Busi- 
ness College; Howard LniversitN, Washington., D. G. : and 
Northwestern School of Commerce, Chicago, Illinois, 
later attending school in Cuba. 

.Mrs. Garcia started her business career as Secretary 
to a Supt. of Public Schools soon after she finished High 
School. Her first position indicated the broad training 
necessary for success in the profession of her choice. Her 
decision to acquire that training is evident in the early 
\ears of her career Between positions, she attendee! rec- 
ognized and accredited Business Schools. thereb>' attain- 
ing formal education which met the requirements neces- 
sary to qualif) for positions of responsibility. Secretar>' 
to the President of a Negro bank. Secretary to President 
Roosevelt's Private Secretary. .Medical Secretary to the 
Director. Department of Health, Washington, D. C , Sec- 
retar> to the Purchasing Officer of QMC War Depart- 
ment—ten years in Washington at the top level of Federal 
Government Secretarial work, and then an opportunity 
to go West— to California as Private Secretary to Cali- 
fornia Slate .Minorities Specialist, War .Manpower Com- 
mission Four years of service in this capacity and later 
appointment as Private Secretary, .Medical Division of 
\eterans Administration, the position which she now 
holds. 

Mrs. Garcia's assignments in California have been in 
Los Angeles where she has and is taking an active part 
in the civic life of the community. She is the organi/.er 
of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Council. National Coun- 
cil of Negro Women, Inc., and Alpha Phi Chapter, lota 
Phi Lambda Sorority. She holds membership in the Na- 
tional Association of Negro Business and Professional 
Women's Clubs: the NAACP: YWCA: lota Phi Lambda 
Sororitv: and is an Advisor of the Industrial Relations 
Committee. Los Angeles Urban League: is secretary of 
International Film and Radio Guild. Inc.: a volunteer 
driver of the .American Red Cross Motor Service, having 
received two Safety Driving .Awards granted by the 
Greater Los Angeles Chapter, National Safety Council: 
and is a member of the Episcopal Church, 



.Mrs. (iarcia, fornierlx. «.is marruil in Jose G.iru.i 
^neraril\. wealthy (Uiban nurch.nit She resiileil in C.ub.i. 
Panama. Costa Kic.i. and Gu.ilein.d.i. anil h.is ira\eln! 
cNlensi\el> throughout the I nilei.1 Stales. Canada, .uid 
(xnlral .\merica. She has the distinction of being one ol 
the three Negro women to receive the Prince of W .des at 
the .American Red Cross reception in Washington. D. C. 
on the occasion of his first visit to the Lnitcd Stales. 

With the recent purchase of a three-.icre ranch, it is 
quite apparent that .Mrs. Garcia is going to make San 
I'ernando \ alley her home. Her greatest inspiration is 
her 80 year old grandmother. .Mrs \milia Fdelin >if 
W ashington, D. C. 




Christopher C. Scott Jr. 

SCOTT, CHRISTOPHER C. Jr.-Post Office Superintend- 
ent, was born in Houston, Texas, December 12, l'H)2: the 
son of Christopher and .Minnie (Walls) Scott. 

His early education was in the public schools of Phoe- 
nix, .Arizona where his family moved while he was at an 
early age. The family later moved to Lawrence. Kansas, 
where he completed his High School and Junior College 
training. 

Seeking better opportunities, the family moved to Cali- 
fornia in 1022, and young Christopher Jr. entered the 
L niversity of Southern California. 

During the \outhful years of Superintendent Scott's 
life, he had two ambitions: one to be a master chemist, 
the other to be a great musician. In 1021 he organized 
an orchestra and played for school and public in Kan- 
sas and Nebraska, (the profits helping to finance his 
Junior College training). 

While attending LSC he continued his studies in music, 
and was the first Negro to play in a L SC band. Follow- 
ing his other ambition, that of chemistry, he majored in 
that subiect. 

In l'^23 due to financial difficulties, both ambitions 
were shattered and he entered the U. S. Post Office. His 
first dutv was as a window clerk at Station K (Allh and 
Central Ave.). 

The progress of this young man. who failed to culmin- 
ate his early ambitions has been indeed remarkable. Step 
hv step he advanced in his new career until in 1037, he 
became the first Neero to hold the position of Asst. Super- 
intendent of a Post Office Station In 1042 he was again 
advanced, this time to full Superintendent, the first time 
in the history of the Post Office Department for a Negro 
to Hold 'his responsible position ,At the time of this 
writing (lanuarv 1048). Mr Scott, is Superintendent of 
Station K. located on Fast Vernon Avenue, one of Los 
.Angeles' busiest Post Office Stations. 



43 



In l')41 111- marrieil .M.\rlis Prince, of Pasadena. There 
i> one ilaughter by a previous marriage, Junnita. who is 
now allencling the L niversity of Texas (Negro) in Hous- 
ton, Texas. 

I k is a nietnber of the Kappa Alpha Psi [-raternity. 
N \lC-\. N.-\.\('.P. anil other ci\ic anJ welfare organi/.a- 
tion>. 

I lis hobby is music, (violin and drums). 

I ruly. the example set by this young Negro should give 
in>piration to any .American \outh who questions his 
chances for progress anil success. 




Later, ilesiring to finish his social studies, he enlerii! 
the L ni\ersit> ol (California at Los .Xnwlcs. majoring in 
Social Science. .Mr. (Ihester was a Social Service worker 
for three \cars and in lOJS, again relumed to the Railway 
.Mail Service. 

Settling down to his task, he soon started to climb the 
ladder of success. Each step upward only came after 
months of study, hardwork. and the ever-present fight 
against discrimination, but in the enil this fight was won 
when in |i)46, for the first time in the history of Railwas' 
.Mail Service. W est of Kansas (-it.\ . a Negro— .Mr. (Chester 
—was advanced to the position of Supervisor. 

iMr. (Chester gives much of the credit for his success to 
his marriage in 1*^58. His wife, the former .Miss F^obbie 
Bro>les. is a graduate of L (CL.-\. a high school teacher, and 
a member of Delta Sigma Thela Sororits'. There are two 
children-Phsllis Ruel and Winifred N'olanda. 

.Mr. (Chester is a member of the Kappa .Mpha Psi Ira- 
ternity. Y.MCA. NAA(CP, Rod ami C,un (Club, and the 
Second Baptist Church. 

His hobb\ is deep sea fishing. 



Henry L. (Chester 



(CHESIER. HbNRV L.. Supervisor. Railway .Mail Service, 
born in rallis, (Oklahoma, February 'i, 1896, the son of 
.Andrew Lewis Kass and Sophronia (Walker) (Chester. His 
earl\ education was attained in the 1-allis elementar\' 
school. Junior and Senior High Schools of Pratt. Kansas, 
and two \ears preparatory training at Langston Lniver- 
sit> of Langston. Oklahoma. 

In 1918. he was a draftee in the U. S. .Army and served 
with the Pioneer Infantry in France from September 1918 
to .August 1919. Returning home he was discharged at 
(Camp Pike, Little Rock. .Arkansas with the rank of (Cor- 
poral. He returned to Pratt, Kansas, but son tired of the 
small town. Shortly afterwards, he moved to Kansas (City, 
.Missouri. 

In 1921. he passed the examination for Railwa\- .Mail 
(Clerk and was appointed in October of that year at Kansas 
(Cit>. .Missouri Terminal Post Office. .After two years of 
ser\ ice. .Mr. (Chester resigned from the Railwa\' .Mail Ser- 
\ ice to enter George Williams (College in (Chicago, Illinois. 
There he majored in stKial work and there, too. he starred 
on the track team and was a member of the (ilee (Club. .At 
that time, the (jcorgc Williams ("dec (Club was famous 
thiDUuhoul the .Miilwest and its members (a mixed group) 
Ira\c'led u\tensi\ fly. giving concerts in Indiana. Ohio. 
■Michigan and Illinois. 

Leaving (ieorge Williams College in his Junior \ear, he 
accepted a position as Principal of a (Con.solidated Junior 
High School in l.illington. North (Carolina. He continued 
his education at Hampton Institiite. maioring in Fduca- 
tion and participating in musical ami athletic activities. 

Soon he fountl the traditions of the South not to his 
liking, so he resigned his work there ami moveil to the 
Norlheast, Here in .Massachusetts and Rhode KLunI he 
worked anil during his spare hours he conlinueil l".''s siudv 
in social work. 

In I'Ml, upon the advice of .ui older brother, lie moved 
til Los Angeles. (Cdilornia. and became en^;.i.i;i'il in Social 
Sirv ici- work in I os Angeles (Counlv. 



¥^ M 



Lt. Ah e .McDowell 



.McDowell, AFL E. Lt. Attomev. was born in Atlanta 
(Ceorgia in 1887. the son of Robert and l-rancis (Stinsoti) 
.McDowell. The .McDowell familv came to Los Angeles 
in 1893. 

.Afue .McDowell is a graduate of Polvtechnic High 
School in Los .Angeles— 19()8. and llowaril I niversitv Law, 
School. Washington. D (C.-191L Admitted to the bar in 
Washington, D. (C, 1911; in (California, 1912. Served in 
Army and Navy, World War I. 

In 1932, awarded Southern (California ,Alumni ,Associa- 
tion Cold ,Medal for inducing the (Courts to adopt his 
original theorv that changes in racial conditions surround- 
ing real estate should justify the (Court's refusal to en- 
force racial restrictions against occupancv. This decision 
has been followed throughout the countrv . 

.Attomev .McDowell is a Reserve Officer. (C.iliforni.i 
National Cuanl ami former fOislrict Cranil Secretarv 
(Wd Fellows of (California. He is a member of the N.i- 
tional Bar ,Association, National I awvers' iVuild, CoKlen 
State Realtv Board and Phi Beta Signi.i Fraternitv 

He is one of the founders of New I lope Baptist Cluircli 
in Los ,\ngeles and gives his support lo the Kepublic.in 
Partv, 

He is the father of three bovs; AUin R . Paul O .ind 
Frederick 1 

\ttornev .McDowell li,is i;:iined a credit, ible posUion 
among the lawvers ul the Ins \ngeles B.n 



I 



44 




Dr. Charles B. Sanford 

SAMORD, CHARLES B.-Dentist. born in Covington, 
icniit See. l-ebruary 12, l893--son of Plumb and Victoria 
(RuJiis) Sanford Educated in the public schools of Cov- 
ington, entering Fisk University in 1914; from there to 
Howard L niversity AcaSemy, finishing in 1917. Entered 
into las college work that same year at Howard Univer- 
sity. \oung Sanlord. like so many young men during that 
lime, leit in his freshman year for the Army. He spent 
liiteen months as a radio operator in France. Upon his 
dischar{,e, this young man, anxious to school himself, re- 
sumed his training at the University of Chicago, Pre- 
dental schoo!. In 1923, he entered the Dental School at 
Northwestern L niversity. In 1928 graduated from Howard 
Unive.sit)', School of Dentistry During these trying years 
before getting that coveted sheepskin, life was far from 
easy for this struggling )oung student. Through his senior 
\ears, he worked full time as a postal clerk to support a 
wile and two children- Soon after graduation. Dr. San- 
lorj went to Brazi'. South America, to practice, joining 
there one of the leading dentists in South .America, who 
is a Harvard graduate. After extensive travel in that coun- 
try, he returned to the United States, where for 17 years 
he practiced in Ohio, coming to California in 1945. 

.MarrieJ in 1945 to Lillian Johnson of Tulsa. Oklahoma, 
now his assistant. They have two children: Warner and 
juanita. Warner is now manager of a drug store in De- 
troit, and Juanita. a graduate of Ohio State University, is 
clerk in one of Brooklyn's largrr department stores. 

Dr. Sanford is a member of Watts Chamber of Com- 
merce. Fidelity I odgc F. & A. .M. 10) of Chicago, and ac 
live in civic we'fare and his church Phillips Temple. 

Hobby: Foreign lang:jages. He speak French. Spanish 
and Portuguese fluenth. This hobby is very useful to 
him since a number of his patients speak Spanish only. 

Business aildress: UilS Fast l()3rd Street. 



GRIFFITH. THOMAS L. Jr., Lawyer, was born .March 5, 
1902 in Albia, Iowa, the son of Thomas L. and (Carrie 
(Thomas) Griffith. His father, the late Thomas L. Grif- 
fith Sr. while pastor of the Second Baptist (Church in Los 
Angeles, built the beautiful edifice which is now one ol 
the largest in the State. 

Thomas L. Jr. was educated in the public schools of 
Iowa and Kansas. Later the family moved to Los .An- 
geles where he attended the L niversity of Southern Cali- 
fornia from 1922-1924. He then enrolled at Southwestern 
University to pursue a course in Law, graduating from 
this institutoin in 1928. 

He was admitted to the State Bar of California. June 
5, 1931, and since that time has been engaged continuous!^' 
and successfully in the practice of his profession. 

He is a member of the NationI Legal Committee of the 
NAACP. He has been President of the Los Angeles 
Branch of the NAACP for F-ourteen years. He is a trus- 
tee of the Second Baptist Church in Los Angeles, Director 
of the 28th Street YMCA, Chairman of t h e Citizens 
Emergency Committee, member of the Los Angeles Com- 
mittee on Home Front Unity, the American Heritage 
Committee of Los Angeles and former basileus of Lambda 
Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. 

On April 9, 1933 in Los .Angeles he married Miss Por- 
tia Louise Broyles, a representative of one of the pioneer 
families of California. They are the parents of three child- 
ren: Thomas L. Ill, Greta Louise, and Lisa Jane. 

During the Fourteen years of his leadership 'of the Los 
Angeles Branch of the NAACP, he directed the legal pro- 
cedure in the Monrovia School cases which compelled the 
Board of Trustees to close the school, and represented 
the Negro citizens of Pasadena in the Mandumus preced- 
ings against the city, which resulted in opening the Brook- 
side Park Swimming Pool to all races. During the same 
period the local NAACP has grown from a membership 
of 1,500 to 16,000. 

COHEN, EDNA WRIGHT, Principal, 96th Street Elemen- 
tary School, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the 
daughter of James and juanita (Suarez) Wright. Edu- 
c:'ted in the public schools of Philadelphia, graduate of 
Philadelphia Normal School. After teaching three years 
in the public schools of Philadelphia, she moved to Los 
Angeles. Here, Miss Wright entered the L niversity of 
California at Los Angeles and graduated in 1936 with 
the degree of B.S. in Education. She later attended the 
University of Southern California, where she received her 
administrative credentials. 

In August 1939. married .Merritt Cohen, a Pharmaceu- 
tical graduate of U.S.C. now a postal ernplosee. holding 
the responsible position of Wholesale Stamp Clerk. 

Mrs. Cohen taught for nine )ears at the Hooper Avenue 
School, was Vice Principal from 1943 to 194(i. and in 
1946 accepted an appointment as Principal ol the 9(ith 
Street Elementary School. 

Mrs. Cohen is Past Secretar) of the Assistance League 
of the Outdoor Life and Health Association, a member 
of the Delta Sigma Ihcta Sorority, Wilfandcl Club, and 
the Elementar)' Principals Club. 

Her untiring .cheerful, and generous spirit has gained 
for her the respect of her teachers, pupils, and all who 
know her. 

Her hobbies are Reading. Sewing, and Chess. 



45 



H I.L.I; K. I.(,)K[;N, Attorne>- at Law, born in Pender, Ne- 
braska, January 20, l')04.' Son of John and Nora ( Her- 
buugh) .Wilier. .Married. Wife, Juanita, nee Ellsworth, 
tihiidren ; Loren Jr., Edward E. Educated in public schools 
of Pender and Highland, Kansas. College education: Kan- 
sas LniversitN. Howard Lniversity. LLI5, Washburn Col- 
lege of Law, Topeka, Kansas. Admitted Kansas Bar, 
l')2'^: California Bar, 1934. General practice of law, To- 
peka, Kansas, 1928-1929; Los Angeles, 1936 to date. Ad- 
mitted to practice Lnited States Supreme Court, 1947. 
Specializing in Civil Rights litigation. 

("ame to California in 1929. Editor, California Eagle; 
California News, Los Angeles Sentinel, 1930 to 1936. For- 
eign correspondent. Associated Negro Press, 1932-1933 in 
Russia, Germany, France. 

Authority on race restrictive covenants. Contributions 
on subject in National Bar Journal, Lawyers Guild Quar- 
terly. 

Member National Legal Committee, NAACP; First 
\'ice President, National Bar Association; Member of 
Los Angeles Boards of Southern California Branch Ameri- 
can Civil Liberties Union: National Association for Ad- 
vancement of Colored People; Lawyers Guild, Council for 
Civic L'nity. Co-Chairman Los Angeles Branch Confer- 
ence, Christians and Jews. .Member Urban League, Kappa 
Alpha Psi Fraternity; YMCA; A.ME Church, and the 
Democratic Party. 

Contributor Nation, Crisis, Opportunity, Survey Grap- 
hic magazines. Co-Author with Bishop Shell, pamphlet: 
Race Restrictive Covenants. 




.XriY. 



\Ri V. Rroady 



SROADY, EARL Cl.lllOKl), Attorney, was born in los 
Angeles, tlalifornia, December 24, 1904-son of \\ ile.v T. 

and Lillic A, Broady. 

Ills earl\ education was in the public sch(K)l s\stem ol 
Los .-Xngeles. graduating from the Jefferson High School 
He later alleniled the I ni\ersity of Southern California 
and the Los .Angeles (^ol'ege of Law. In 1944, he passeil 
the bar and began the practice of Law in his home cil\. 

In I92t he married .Maude Hicks. I here are two chil- 
ilren— lilaine and Itarl Jr., both students in Los .Angek- 
colleges l-ollowing in the footsteps of their father, holli 
son and daughler are assisting in their father's offke, rt- 
ceiviiiH under his liilel.ige ihe fimd.imeiit.ils of hiisiiu-s- 
,.iul l.uv. 



The career of Attorney broady has set a tine examp'e 
for the young man who has an objecti\c to reach and who 
has to earn his way while achieving that obiective. All 
during the time he was in school, .Attorney BroaiK worked 
on the Los Angeles police force. While on the force, he 
made a study of the causes of crime and its elements and 
at the time of his leaving, was considered one of the most 
outstanding detectives in Southern California. This first 
hand knowledge of crime and its ramifications, coupled 
with his law training, has been a valuable asset in his 
practice and in helping the welfare of his community. 

Attorney Broadv is a member of the Masonic Lodne, 
Elks Lodge No. 86, and other civic and welfare organi- 
zations. 

Business address: 2534 South Central, Los Angeles, 
California. 




Dr. Frank G. Zetar 

ZETAR, FRANK GARY, Chiropractor, born in Rayne, 
Louisiana, the son of Oliver and Lecter (Miles) Zetar. 
His father is now deceased, and his mother is now residing 
in Los Angeles, Calfiornia with her son Frank Gary. 

I lis earl) education was in the Arcadia Parish Training 
School near his native home of Rayne. The family moved 
to Los Angeles in 1922, and young Frank Zetar resumed 
his education, later graduating from the Jefferson High 
School. 

In 1928 he married Alfretta J. Johnson of New Orleans, 
Louisiana. There are three children— Jeroline Marie, 
Frank Gary Jr. and Eleanor .Alfretta. 

Dr. Zetar graduated from the Los Angeles College of 
C^hiropractic in 1939, ami in the same Near began his 
practice at 4803 So. Central Avenue, In 1947 his offices 
were moved to the present location, 451 1 So .Avalon Blvd. 
Here, a building designed and built f> Dr. Zetar to con- 
form to the latest and most modern techniques of his 
profession. He has built the largest business of its kind on 
the West Coast. 

In 1948 the latest in X-Ray and Fluorescopic equipment 
was installed, which affords to Dr. Zetar's clients the 
latest in health aids known to medical science. 

Dr. Zetar has, also, attended the American College of 
Orthopedics. 

Active in civic welfare, he is a member of NAACP. 
YMCA, Past President. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, a 3:nd 
Degree Mason, a Shriner, and member of the First .A.NLIi. 
Church. 

His hobb>- is Swimming, Hiking and Golfing. 

4() 





Mrs. .\Ulde \\ hite Poster 

lOSTER, .MALDE WHITE, Supervisor, California Dept. 
of Employment, Division of Lnemplo>ment Insurance, 
born in Perry, Iowa, the daughter of Grant and Lallie 
(Bradford) \\hite: her father a .Methodist Minister. 

Her earl\ education was in the public schools of Perry, 
later attending for one and a half years the University of 
Iowa. 

In April 1027 she married Ulysses Foster, the marriage 
taking place in Iowa City, Theie is one child, .Marguerite 
Patricia, a student at the Uos Angeles High School. 

In 1940 .Mrs. Poster moved to California where she re- 
sumed her education, attending the Universit> of South- 
ern California, and iiouthwestcrn Lniversity. majoring in 
accounting and busi.ness admmistration. 

Mrs. Foster began her business career in U^-ti, as a 
^tcnographer for the Los .Angeles County Purchasing De- 
partment. In UM? she resigned from this position: her 
reason for resigning was failure on the part of the depart- 
ment to conlorm uith Civil Service classification rulings, 
.Mrs. Foster accredits much of her advancement in Civil 
Service positions to her demands of assignment, strictly 
under the classification and ratings as found on Civil 
Service Examination. The same \ear .Mrs. Foster passed 
the State Ci\ il Ser\ ice Examination and began working at 
her present place of employment. 

In 1946 .Mrs. Foster was the onl\' person to successfully 
pass the examination for 'Department Supervisor within 
her department. She was upgraded to Supervisor and now 
supervises seventeen units of personnel. She is responsiole 
for statistical, pa\roll, stenographic and clerical functions. 

She emphasizes the importance of voung Negro v;omen 
entering into the field of business, and during the Cal- 
andar )ear, 1948, she plans to use her influence in bring- 
ing to the West Coast one of the Midwest's major business 
concerns, of which she is a stockholder. 

Mr. Foster is active in the civic welfare of her com- 
munity and was a co-organi/.er of the Home Owners De- 
fense Council, an organization formed in 1944 to combat 
through the courts, the restrictive covenants that prevent 
the right of occupanc)' b\' Negroes in various sections of 
Los Angeles. 

She is Corresponding Secretary of the i-Os .\ngeles 
Metropolitan t>)uncil of the National (Council of Negro 
Women ami a member of the Los Anceles league of 
Women \nters, the NAACP and the \ W CA. 

Her hobby: Words. 



.Mrs. Audrey Boswell Jones 

JONES, AUDREY BOSWELL, Supervising Social Case 
W orker, born in Dallas, Texas, the daughter of George L. 
and Alice (Ellis) Boswell. She is the .Niece of Dr. Bert 
L. Boswell one of L..\.s pioneer physicians. Educated m 
the public schools of Dallas, University of .Minnesota. 
l927-|i)29: Tennessee State College. B.S. degree in 1932. 
Tvow working on her .Masters Degree in Social Work at 
the L nivcrsity of Southern (California. .Married to Win- 
field Jones. There is one child b\ a previous marriage- 
Roland Bradshaw. .Mrs. Jones is Director of the Far West- 
ern Region. Alpha Kappa .Mpha Sororitv : Past President. 
Los ■Xngeles County Social Workers Local .A F L : .Mem- 
ber. .National Council of Negro Women: t-inancial Sec- 
retary. Roosevelt Unit. Women's Political Stud> Club: 
and for the past eleven years a Social Worker in Lo^ .An- 
geles County. 
Hobby : Sewing. 

PATRICK. ALBERT 1.. Dental lechnician, born in Kan- 
sas (City, .Missouri, the son of John S. and Lucy (Clem- 
ons) Patrick. ,Mr. Patrick's father, a graduate of the 
Lincoln Lniversity in Missouri, was for many xears a 
teacher in the public school system of Kansas City, Mis- 
souri, and his grandmother, was one of the first teachers 
of Lincoln High in Kansas Cit>, heading the Department 
of Languages, teaching four different languages. 

Mr. Patrick was educated in the public schiKils of Kan- 
sas, and attended the School of Prosthetic Dentiv1r> in St 
Paul, .Minnesota, graduating in the class of 1929 

In October of 1932 he married Celeste Carter of Min- 
neapolis. Minnesota. There are two childreii--K<in.ilJ 
and Patricia. 

In 1932 .Mr. Patrick began his practice in the Dcnt.il 
offices of Dr. J. II. T)ill<)n: in 19?S he was promoted u> 
Laboratory Supervisor, with eight technicians under lii~ 
supervision. During 19i6 he taught .it the Southern C.ili- 
fcrnia School of Prosthetic Denlistrw In 1940. :it hi- prev- 
ent location in the Blodgett Building, he opened the \ 1 
Patrick Dental and X-Ray Laborator\-. 

.Mr. Patrick is past Presiilent of Southside 'I'oung Deiii;'- 
crats, and as Chairman of the Housing Conimillee 
through his expose of slum clearance and the need lor low 
co-t housing, had a direct influence upon the leileial ,ii>- 
propriation of funds lor Nil A. Mr. Patrick i- M,u. 
Chairman ofl inance (^■oung Deniocr.il-1 : Cli:nnii.ui o-'d 



47 



AsM.Mnlil\ Di^lrict. Projjri'ssive (jti/cns of Anu-riira; Mem- 
bor. HiKirii of Directors. Lo\al Insurance (^)mpan\'; I'resi- 
ilent. Supreme Keconlins Keco'J Compan\ : Member. Phi 
lU'la Sigma I'raternit). Masonic Lodge an J the InJepenil- 
ent Clhurch. 

Biisiiiess .AcUlress: 2ilO So. Central \\enue. Koom 218. 
l.iis .Vnjieles. ('a'ifornia. 




IILDSON, CLAUDE II. , Dentist-Past President, N\Af;P 
(Los .Angeles Branch), active in ci\ic and political wel- 
fare, and considered as pioneer leader in the civic growth 
of Los Angeles. Offices: 4260 South (Central Avenue, Los 
.'\ngeles, California. 

liECK, W. A. Physician-Graduate of .\leharry .Medical 
(x)llege. former professor of Clinical .Medicine. .Meharr\ 
.Member. American College of Chest Physicians. Office 
.Address: 1214 E. Vernon Avenue, Los Angeles, California. 



Dr. Nathaniel Fearonce 

PEARO.VCn. N.MHANIEL A., Dentist, born in Shreves- 
port, Louisiana, the son of Nathaniel and Dora (Hay- 
wood) Pearonce. He received his public school education 
in Te.sarkana. Texas; graduate of Fisk University, ma- 
joring in Pre- .Med and Theology. 

In 102.? he moved to Los .Angeles, and resumed his 
scholastic training at the University of Southern Cali- 
fornia, graduating from the Schcwl of Dentistr>' in 1927 
(D.D.S. degree). 

Dr. Fearonce passed the California Dental Board in 
1P27, and began practicing in 1Q29. He has practiced since 
l"20 and is now located in the Biodgett Building, 2510 
S. (Central .Avenue. 

During the depression years. Dr. Fearonce. seeing the 
great need of free dental care for under-pri\ileged child- 
ren, gave his services gratis two days of each week, in the 
free clinic in the Peoples Independent Church. 

He is active in all civic and welfare programs for the 
growth and development of the community, and is a 
member of: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Flks Lodge. 
Southern California .Medical. Dental and Pharmaceutical 
.Association. N'.MC.A Cenlur\ Club Association for the 
Abolishment of Second Class Citi/cnship. and former 
trustee of his church, the Peoples Independent Church. 

.Married in Los .Angeles. .August 1047 to Dorothea .Marie 
Towles. formerly of Texarkana. Texas, and a graduate 
of Wiley University in .Marshall. Texas. 

Dr. Fearonce has a special interest in sports, including 
hunting, fishing. Golf and is a sjK-ed boat enthusiast. His 
hohh\- is Barbecuing, anil the concoction of edible dishes 
lliv hobb\- has made him somewhat of an expert in the 
reasoning of meats. 

ROBINSON. F.. I-Physician. Past President. National 
Medical .Association; examining ph\sician, (California 
State .Athletic (Commission; member. National .Meilical 
(jimmillee. N.\.\(;P: stall member. California Hospital 
;uid Past Presidinl Soiilhern California .Meilic:il. Denial 
and Pharmaciulic:d .\ssociation. Offices: 2ill) South Cen- 
Ir.d .\\eiuie, I ns \n"eles, California. 




Dr. FiviN \'. N'e\i. 

.NEAL, EL\ IN \'., Doctor of Dental Surgery, born in ^'oa■ 
kum, Texas, the son of James \V. and .Mollie (Fullmore) 
Neal. Educated in the public school svstem of Yoakum. 
Prairie \iew State College of Texas (Teachers' Certifi- 
cate). \\ile> College of Texas (one \ear), and .Meharr>' 
Medical College. Nashville, Tennessee (D.D.S., class of 
1924). 

Married, in .August 1023. to Olive .Morrow in Chica.go. 
Illinois. There are no children. 

In June (if 1924. moved to Los Angeles In I02r Dr 
Neal successfully passed the California Dental Board and 
began his practice in Los Angeles. 

Dr. Neal. during World War 1, was one of ten candi- 
dates selected from the Prairie \ iew College S .\ T C and 
attained the rating of Captain. 

He is a member of the Los .Angeles Counlv Dental So- 
ciety; .American Dental Societ\'; Past President of tlio 
.Alva C. Garrott Dental Societv of Los Angeles: Cali- 
fornia State \ice-President of the Nali<inal Dental As- 
sociation; this office has been held bv Dr. Deal for Hie 
past three years. |04(.. |047 and |04S. 

.Member, also, of .\lplia Phi Alpli.i I Kilemil\ : M.immu.- 
Lodge: Prairie \ leu and W ilex liimrMls Club 
harry .Alumni .Association: ^ \U.\. \ A \( I' 

Dr. Neal is a Kepublic.in, .dso. .i nuiiibn ol ll.imili. 
.Ml-:. Church of Los .\ngeles. (.alilornia 
His hubbies are Golf. Hunting .ind I ivhiiiu 

XUI'III KSON. IIFNin' A - PlnMC.uii--PiVMdinl, Soiillu: 
C.ililnnii.i Medic. il, Deiil.d .nid I'h.ii iil.keulK.il .\«-..'i. 
Iiciil Ollices iij^ Soulh C<-iiti.il \\.iiue, I .^ Xivcl,; 
( ..difoini.i. 



Me- 



4S 



I 





Lt. Roscoe C. Washington 



Kenny Washington 



WASHINGTON, ROSCOE C, Lieutenant of Police, born 
in Los Angeles, California, the son of George and Susie 
(Goodman) Washington. 

Educated in the public schools of Los Angeles, gradu- 
ating from the Lincoln High School. 

In September of 1925, he became a member of the 
Los Angeles Police Department, as a Patrolpian. He held 
various assignments, among them, stenographer, jailer 
at the Newton Street" Jail and on the vice squad, working 
with .Maceo Sheffield. The police team of Sheffield and 
Washington received national recognition for their fine 
work in stamping out vice in their precinct. 

In 1932 he was one of the first Negroes to be assigned 
to a Radio Patrol Car; in 1935 was assigned to the Juven- 
ile Bureau: 1936 was promoted to the Detective Bureau. 

In 1937, out of a list of 1500 he successfully passed 
all examinations and was promoted to Sergeant of Po'ice 
and again in 1940 passed promotional examinations and 
received his appointment as Lieutenant of Police. 

Because of his superior knowledge in police work, he 
served as an instructor during the years of 1942 and 1943; 
out of the six patrolmen assigned to him for instruction, 
five have received promotions. In this group are Lt. A. 
J. Johnson, Sgt. Floyd, Sgt. Collins and Sgt, Bradley. 

During the war years, he was coordinator of the Civil- 
ian Defense Program for East Los .Angeles, and Head of 
the Eastside War Bond Committee. Because of of his 
valuable war work he received the L. S. Treasury De- 
partment's "Meritorious Award." 

Lt. Washington is active in the civic welfare of Los 
.Angeles, and because of his outstanding contribution in 
this field, he was awarded the I940-Los Angeles Fellow- 
ship League Award. 

His wife the former Hazel Anderson, whom he married 
in Los Angeles is one of America's outstanding leather- 
craft artisans. 

Lt. Washington is a member; Board of Directors, Local 
Lrban League: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Masonic 
Lodge, Y.MCA, and Honorary Citizen of "Boys Town." 

His h(ibb\-Pinochle. 



WASHINGTON, KENNY STANLEY Sr.. Actor, Profes- 
sional Football Player, born in Lqs Angeles, California, 
August 31, 1918, the son of Edgar and .Marion Wash- 
ington. Both parents natives of Los Angeles, California. 

Kenny was educated in the public schools of Los An- 
geles, graduating from the Lincoln High School in 1936. 
He is a graduate of the Universitv of California at Los 
Angeles (.B.A. 1941). 

The athletic career of Kenny Washington is the type 
of career that every American boy dreams -of, but few 
ever achieve. At Lincoln High School during the years 
of 1933-34 and '35 he made the All City Baseball Team; 
in 1935 made *" City, All Southerrt California and .All 
State Football Team. In the years 1937. '38 and '39. while 
attending L.C.L.A. he made the .All Coast Football Team, 
and in 1939 was, also named on the All-American Foot- 
ball Team, and the All-Players All American Team. He 
has to his credit, the longest completed pass; this was the 
famous sixtv-nine yard pass thrown to Hal Hirshon in 
1937. 

In 1946 Kenny joined the Los Angeles Rams. Pacific 
Coast member of the National Professional Football 
League. Playing Left Half-Back for this team he starred 
in many games and in 1947 was the leading ground gain- 
er in the league with an average of 7:3 yarbs per try. 

.Mr. Washington during his college years worked for 
the Warner Bros. Studio in the property department. 
Flere he gained valuable experience in the art of making 
pictures. He. also, did bit parts in several pictures. These 
experiences helped when the big break came and he was 
cast in the Walter Wanger Production. "Sundown" with 
Gene Tierney and George Sanders, and later in the 20th 
Centurv Fox' Production "The Foxes of Harrow" starring 
.Maureen O'Hara and Rex Harrison. At the time of this 
writing (April 1948) he is schedule.l for an important 
part in Universal International's "Rogue Regiment." 
which will star Dick Powell. 

In Senetmber 1940. married June C. Bradley of Loiig 
Beach. California, a member of one of the pioneer famil- 
ies of that city. There is one child. Kenny Slanle\ Wash- 
ing-ton |r. Ke'nnv Jr. is an oulstandin« piano student of 
Corsuelo P.ipp) . and is to be presented in his first recital 
in Ume 1948 at the age of six and a half. 

He is a member: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Flks 
Lodge, Screen Actors Guild, and former Representative at 
l.arce of L.C.L.A. 

His hobb\".Music, 



4') 




Dr. Willi \m E. Bailev 

BAILEY, WILLIAM E., Physician and Surgeon, born in 

Dyersburg, Tennessee, August 31, 1897. He is the son of 

Idward M. and Fannie \. (Purdue) Bailey. His father 

as principal of Gibbons High School, Paris, Texas for 

. /enty five years. 

.A graduate of the public schools of Paris. Texas, he 
finished his academic training at \\ iley College in .Mar- 
shall, Texas (.\.B. 1917). His medical stud>' was at the 
University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and the Uni- 
versity of Iowa School of Medicine ( .M.D. 1925). 

Dr. Baile> moved to California in 1927 and since that 
time has conducted a general practice of .Medicine in Los 
Angeles. From 1930 to 1945 he served as physician for the 
Los .Angeles City Health Department. 

In 1939 married Hdith Bell in Yuma. Arizona. There 
are two children-;Janet L. bv a former marriage, and 
Judith W.Mrs. Bailcs is active in the civic and social life 
01 Los .Angeles and holds the office of Far \\ estern Zone 
Director of the .Medical .Association .Auxiliary 

Dr. Bailey is a member of the Los Angeles County 
Medical Association, Southern California .\ledical. Den- 
tal and Pharmaceutical .Association. Pacific Town Club. 
Southern California Golf Club, and the Hamilton .M.E. 
Church. 

His Hobbv-Golf. 




AiTY. David Wii iia.ms 

WI'LIA.MS. DA\'ID W., Attorney at Law, born in Atlanta. 
Georgia, March 20, 1910. the son of William and .Maude 
(Lee) Williams. 



The family moved to California in 1912; in Los An- 
geles David attended the public schools, graduating from 
Jefferson High. He is a graduate of Los Angeles Junior 
College. University of California at Los Angeles. (A.B. 
in 1934). and the University of Southern California Uaw 
School (LL B, 1937). 

In June 19J9, married Ouida. White of Los Angeles, 
California, a member of one of California's' pioneer fami- 
lies. There are two children— David W., Jr born December 
23, 1941 and Vaughn Charles, born .March 2, 1945. 

Attorney W illiams passed the California Bar in 1937, 
and is a member of one of California's outstanding law 
firms— .Matthews and Williams with offices at 2510 South 
Central .Avenue. 

.Attorney Williams is active in the fraternal and civic 
Welfare of Los Angeles. He is Past Polemarch of the K^P- 
pa Alpha Psi Fraternit), a leader in the Juvenile Delin- 
quent program promulgated by the V.MCA. \'ice Presi- 
dent and .Member, Board of Directors, Pacific Town 
Club: Chairman, Board of Directors. 28th Street Y.MC.A. 
and a member of Town Hall. 




Dr, \\ alter W . Davis 

DAX'IS, WALTER W., Ph>sician and Surgeon, born in 
Memphis, Tennessee. June 5, 1910, the son of Charles H. 
and Willie V. (Springfield) Davis: his father, presentlv 
pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Los .Angeles. 

In 1912 the family moved to Los Angeles and Walter 
W., acquired his academic education in the public schools 
of Los Angeles and .Monrovia. California. He is a gradu- 
ate of Citrus Junior College. .Azusa, California, and the 
University of (California at Uos Angeles. His .\\edical 
traiping-.Meharry Medical College (.\UD. ) 1935. Nash- 
ville. Tennessee. Iniernship. St Louis City Hospital. 19?i- 
36 Resident Surgeon, two \ears Prairie View State Hos- 
pital, Prairie View. Texas. Three years Staff Surgeon. 
Barnewell Communit\ Hospital Clinic, Beaumont. Texas. 

In 1940 Dr. Davis did post-graduate study in Surger>- 
at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Minn., and has had 
special training in \'enereal Diseases control at the How- 
ard University and Universit> of Penns>hania. under 
U. S. Public Health Service Scholarship. 

He is a diplomat of the National Board of .\ledical 
Examiners, which permits practice a'most everwvherc 
without further examinations. 

Dr. Davis is active in the civic welfare of his citv and 
\'ice-President of West \ lew Hospital. Inc. 



SO 




Dr. Leonard Stovai.l 

STO\ ALL. LEO.\.'\Rl)--Ph>sician and Surgeon, born in M- 
lanta, Georgia, the son oi Jerr)' and .Mar)' (Scott) Stovall. 
Soon alter Leonard was born, the family moved to Los 
.Angeles. His carl) education was in the public schools of 
Los Angeles, finishing the Los Feliz Boulevard Grammar 
School and Hollywoou High, where he was the first Negro 
to graduate. He took his pre-med work at the L niversity 
of Southern California before entering the .Medical (Col- 
lege 01 the L niversit)'of California. 

Dr. StovaTi began his practice in Los .Angeles and be- 
came a member of the staff of the Lniversity of Cali- 
fornia Clinic on .North Broadway. When the Lnited 
States entered the World War he closed his office and 
volunteered for service. He saw action in France as a First 
Lieutenant, LS.A .Medical Corps. 

.■\fter the war. Dr. Stovall resumed his practice in Los 
Angeles, specializing in the prevention and cure of tuber- 
culosis. He was soon placed on the stafT of the Los An- 
geles City Tuberculosis Clinic, and then in W30 he be- 
came the first Negro Staff Member of the Los Angeles 
County General Hospital— Tuberculosis Service. For 
twent\ years he has served on the .Methodist Hospital 
Staff.' 

Besides qualifying as one of the country's outstanding 
authorities on the the treatment of tuberculosis. Dr. Sto- 
vall has been, thruout the years, a leader in the public 
welfare of Southern California. In 1*^29 he started public 
essay contests among students on the subject of Merftal 
Hygiene, a subject in which he was very much interested. 
In these contests he furnished all the prizes for the win- 
ning essays. 

In 1032 Dr. Stovall organized the 28th Street Health 
Center which has given much needed help to the commun- 
ity. .Associated with him are Dr. Claudius Ballard. .Miss 
Bessie Barron, and .Mrs. Carolyn D. Mitchell. 

The same year, this public spirited physician, seeing 
the need for a rest home for tubercular patients in South- 
ern California, founded the Outdoor Life and Health .^s- 
sociation to promote better health conditions and alleviate 
suffering among the people. 

This organization built a sanitorium which has enj()y- 
ed a tremendous growth under Dr. Stovall's untiring guid- 
ance. It is located in F^uarte, California Some of the 
most public spirited people of California have joined 
Dr. Stovall and the Outiloor Life and Health .Association 
in making it one of the most outstanding humanit irian 
efTorls t\er accomplished bv Negroes in the Lniled 
States. 



Dr. Stovall's affiliations are: American Medical As- 
sociation; National Medical .Association; Los .Angeles 
County .Medical .Association; Trudeau Association (Tu- 
berculosis .Association); .National Tuberculosis Associa- 
tion; Southern California .Medical, Dental and Pharma- 
ceutical ,Association. Life member-Alumni Association 
of the Lniversity of Southern (California, a .Mason, an 
F.Ik, a Forrester, and a member of the .National Associa- 
tion for the .Advancement of Colored People. 

His hobby is gardening in which he has .won first 
prizes for his carnations grown from seeds and, also, a 
giant h\brid amarxlis. 




Dr. John .M. Robisson Jr. 

ROBINSON, JOHN .M, Jr. Physician and Surgeon, born 
in Newport. .Arkansas, the son of John \\. Sr. and India 
(Cobb) Robinson His father a well known Ph)sician of 
Little Rock. .Arkansas, and his mother (now deceased) 
was a teacher in the school s)stem of Little Rock. 

Dr. Robmson is a graduate of the .M. W. Cibbs High 
School of Little Rock. Fisk Lniversity, .A B 1923; Lni- 
versity of California, .M.D. 1927; and completed his in- 
terneship in the Los .Angeles County General Hospital in 
Los .Angeles. 

Dr. Robinson was an honor student while in medical 
school, completing his medical studies with a 'B" plus 
average, and was the first Negro accepted as an intern in 
the Los Angeles County General Hospital, tie passed the 
California Medical Board in 1927. and began practice 
the same year. 

From 1942 to 1944 Dr. Robinson served in the L. S. 
.Army. During his .Army career he was stationed at the 
Jefferson Barracks Station Hospital in St. Louis. .Missouri 
( L rology Dept.). 

In 1924 he married Fay Jackson, well known journalist 
of Los Angeles There is one daughter-Jonn Robinson 
Pierson. 

Dr. Robinson, active in fraternal and civic circles, is a 
member: Southern California .Medical. Dental and Phar- 
maceutial .Association: (Charter .Member and pavt- Presi- 
dent. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (local chapter*: Cen- 
tury Club of N'.MCA: Lrhan League and the Bn'ird ol 
Directors of West \ iew Hospital. 

Mis relinious faith is A.M. I:. Church. 

His hobbies are Photography and jlorseb.ick Kidm^ 



51 



Business & Industry 



In no State, in so short a period 
of time, has there been the. 
growth and success of Negro en- 
terprises, as in California. Some 
of the top ranking business in- 
stitutions of the race have been 
built in California, and 'within 
the period of forty years- ( 1908 
to 1948). 



52 



I 







.Mr. \ .\1ks. Kov I,. 1,(11,., INS Sk.. 
.Xrhilr J. iSs Rov I.. Jk (isst^Ril 

lOC'.GINS. HO'*' L.. SK.. Caterer, born \ii';iisl 0. 1S82, 
l-.nnis, Texas. Son of John and .Nellie Loi^fiins. In lliis 
tvpical I exas setting, \oung Koy grew up with little or no 
ihance of an early etiucation. His parents iliJ manage to 
senJ Roy to Dallas for a few years where he altemieil 
the puhlic school. The early years of his \<>iith ami into 
nianhooJ founj >(>ung Roy jobbing about throughout 
I e\as. learning the hard way to overcome the man> ob- 
stacles that confronteil the Negro of that lime. This 
school of hard knocks taught him a lesson in courage, 
initiative and how to meet peop'e id make friends. 
I his lesson, he never forgot. 

In l^'Od in Dallas. Texas, he met and married his life- 
time c<impanion. .Minnie lee Telto. dau.nhter of Smith and 
Sallv iWestlev) I elto of .Mendum. Louisiana. In l»l(>. 
with the ilream of freedom and the spirit of the pioneer, 
the loggins arrived in Southern California. lor the 
lirst year in this new lan>.l. pioneer Roy workeil as a 
chauffeur for a private familv. Me then ventured into the 
Real l.state lield. working with .Milton W . lewis, a 
pioneer in that field. 1 his was a successful venture until 
the crash of \^)2^} at which time as he puts it. "We were 
all washed u|i period", llis ambition, courage, and the 
will to forge ahead at last put him on the right track. He 
enlereil the catering business along siile his life compan- 
ion Rov had found his field: he now was on the main 
line 

Starling on a small scale, this business grew I he smile 
and friendliness of this likeable man carved its imprint 
into the heart of 1 IoIIvvvihkI— actors, actresses and execu- 
tives alike. Ihev loved Rov and the c<«>king and service 
ol loggins f(«>d Products. Long time contracts began 
lolling in unlil all Hollvvvooil wanted the service of the 
1 oggins-RKO. .Metro-C.oklwvn .Maver. Republic. I ni- 
versal the big stores, Howard Hughes Inc -service 1o 
hundreds, then to thousands R.iv had arrived; success 
was his at last 1 hrough all this the iiniel .ind humble 
m.inner of this pioneer never cli.inged Irul.iv he s.ivs ihis 
siKcess was due to ihe imliniig i-lioils nl his business 
parliier-his beloved vvih- 



In l')4(). I'he loggins 1 iM>d Products Companv move. I 
into its present plant. Ihis plant, buill at a cost of over 
.S^O.tHHt. fronts on one of l.os .Angeles busv boulevarils. 
It is moilern in every respect; equipped to prepare cater- 
ing service for parties up to 2i.()(H) |H-ople. empio) ing 
from iO to ii full-time cmplovees. 

^es. this pioneer, who fought life the hard wa> . has 
indee.l achieved success on a major scale, llis ambition 
now is to work his two sons, .Arthur John and Rov 1... Jr., 
into the business and let them take over and carry on the 
"House" that the loggins built. 



OGC.INS. .MI.WIi: l.i:i:-c;ateress. born m .Mendum. 
Louisiana. .August Ih. IHSi. Daughter of Smith and Sallv 
(Wcstlev) I elto. Like others who grew up in rural areas 
of the Southland, there was little chance for an earlv ed- 
ucation but. between crops, a partial elementarv educa- 
tion was attained. 

Throughout early womanhinid. this daughter of the 
proud but poor parents was fired with the ambition to be- 
come a cateress and later to teach catering to other Negro 
girls. To this end, a full vear of training with no pav was 
accomplished untler the rigid and strict guidance of a 
Cierman catere>s. After acquiring this knowledge of the 
catering art. an ambition was born to some dav be the 
best in tbat field. 

In l^'Od, in Dallas. Texas, while attending a perform- 
ance of "Black Rallie". she met and a short while later 
married her lifelong companion, and later business part- 
ner. Roy L. Loggins. Now a wife and housekeeper, there 
was still the urge to forge ahead with her dream. So the 
voung wife continued to cater to the wants of the wealth 
()f Dallas. The results were small, but Ihe experience was 
valuable, as she was to learn in later vears. 

In \<-)\b. the Loggins moved to California to a land of 
promise, where each could feel free to c a r r \ out his 
dreams and ambitions. Soon after coming to California. 
.Mrs. Loggiijs opened a school of catering and for four 
vears. taught the art to classes of mixed girls. 01) per cent 
of whom were white. .After this venture. Mrs. Loggins set 
forth to make her dream come Irue-the Loggins F-ikkI 
Products Companv was formed In P)?2. a partner was 
added. Rov L. loggins. Sr., ,md from that time to the 
present, the historv of this companv is like .i siorv oui o| 
Ihe book of miracles. 

I irsi ,ame big parties to serve, then entire ca>ts on 
Movie Production lots, vearlv contracts for service from 
Ihe land of make believe ( Hollvvvoodf. added eiiuipmeni 
more emplovees-all llollvwood at the feet of this pioneer 
woman, waitin", to enjoy the fine and frieiidlv service of 
I he house of Loggins. 

In P)4(i. when the firm moveil into the new and sunerb- 
'v eiiuippeil plant, it was .Mrs, I oggins who designed awk^ 
h;ul made a new and modern tvpe portable steam table, 
one that the heat and oven aroma c.in be kept for W 
hours after leaving the plant, \l last her ilream hail 
come true-one of the greatest businesses of its kind in 
Americi. a"d the love ami respect of .,11 who were served 
Through all this success Mrs 1 oggins found time to reai 
her two sons. Rov I . jr.. who serveil in ibe .\rmv \ir 
Corps: and \rlhur |ohn. who serveil as .m ensign in the 
Merchant Marine Holh sons are now helpini: to nian.ige 
.ind piep.irine to c.irrv on this remarkable business 

The be.iulv to be fouiiil in Ihe Hie of ihis fine chiisli.m 
worn. in is lo inspire .ill Negro giils .,f humble oiigm 

liusmess .i.klress 1)01 W es| |ell.-isnn lUvd, I ..s \n- 
.geles. (lalifornia 



Officers and Directors, Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company 




\\ ll.l.HM NiCKERSON Jr. 

1871) . 1943 
rounder and F"irst President 

I.eaxing an established insurance career in his native 
state of Texas in 1921, and four years later founding the 
first Negro insurance company in California is a terse but 
wholly inadequate account of the accomplishments of Wil- 
liam Nickerson. Jr., one of California's most famous adopt- 
ed sons. 

.Mr. Nickerson had the vision to foresee the de\elopment 
of the West and with George .\. Beavers. Jr. and Norman 
(). Houston, present chairman of the board and president 
respectively, organized Golden State .Mutual Life Insurance 
(^)mpany in Los .Angeles. From the date of organization, 
July 23. 1Q25. .Mr. Nickerson directed expansion of the 
firm's operations throughout Calilbrnia and into the states 
of Texas and Illinois. .\X the time ot his death. .Nov. 14. 
1945, the firm had already reached the rank of seventh 
largest Negro insurance concern in the nation and largest 
Negro business west of the .Mississippi Kiver. 

Behind this spectacular accomplishment, lay broad 
business experience ga!ied during the sixteen >ears .Mr. 
Nickerson served as general secretary of the .American .Mu- 
tual Benefit .Association in Texas, the first Negro insurance 
company in the 1 one Star state, and of which he was one 
of the founders. The recent ruling h\- the Lnited States Su- 
preme Court allowing Negroes to vote in Texas primaries re- 
calls the first of many suits auainst the Democratic Party 
'eailing up to this tiecision. which was led b>- .Mr. Nickerson 
in llmiNliin in U'lQ. Me is also credited with assisting in 
launching the Houston Informer, the largest Negro weekly 
newspaper published in Texas. 

.Mr Nickersrm'v religious, civic anil political activities 
in I OS .Angelev ami (California paralleled those of his Texas 
lareer He was an active member of People's Independent 
'Jiiirch of Christ, serving continous'y for man\- years as 
irusliv u-1 -iipporling all oihir religious organizations of 
1 r.- \n;;<-li-. He was a close friend of the lu'V. N. P. Greggs. 
loiin.lcr I.I independent (.luirch. uho ga\e him staunch sup- 
I'liii in ihi- organization of Golden Stale Mutual. 



lew persons could match .Mr. Nickerson in eloquence, 
inspiration or energy and he used these talents freely in 
civic affairs and programs, lie served as a member ot the 
Policy Committee of the Republican Ontral Committee of 
Los Angeles County: as chairman of the Statewide TLPC 
Petition Committee; as member of the Board of Directors 
of the Hospital of the Good Shepherd, contributing SIOOO 
to the hospital's building fund; as a member of the Los .An- 
geles Chapter of the .N.A.ACP: and upon the Executive 
board of his fraternity. Phi Beta Sigma. 

Two noteworthy honors were bestowed upon jMr. Nick- 
erson. the first in .May, 1939 in recognition of thirty-four 
years of outstanding work in insurance and pioneering in 
the field of Negro business. .At the 58th anniversar\' conso- 
cation exercises on the campus of Bishop College, President 
Joseph J. Rhodes conferred upon him the university's high- 
est honor, degree of Doctor of Science in Business Adminis- 
tration. The second honor was given posthumously, and was 
the only L'. S. Treasur\' Department award made in Los An- 
geles to a Negro industrialist for service to country in the 
war financing program. 





George .A. Beavers Jr. Nor,\i\s ' 

BEAN ERS. GEORGE ALLEN JR., Chairman of Board and 
.Agency Director. Was \ ice-President, Director ol .Agen- 
cies tt) 1945. Born 1891. .Atlanta, Ga. Educated in Cali- 
fornia, majoring in business administration at L .C L..A. 
and L S.C. Entered insurance in 1922 as agent for .Ameri- 
can .Mutual Benefit .Association of Texas. .Member of Phi 
Beta Sigma Fraternity and leading civic, social and com- 
munit\ organizations including the N.A.ACP. Commis- 
sioner Los .Angeles Housing .Authorit>'. Nice-President of 
Los .Angeles Council for Civic L'nit\'. Hospital of the 
Good Shepherd; Presiilent of Pacific 'Town Club Is mar- 
ried to Lola L. Cunningham of Kansa?. 

HOL STON. NOR.MAN OLI\ ER. President and Comptrol- 
ler and Director. Was Secretars- Treasurer to 1945. Born 
1893. San Jose. (California: Educated in California ma- 
joring in business administration at L'.C. and I S(C 
Entered insurance in San Francisco with Board nf Fire 
Lnderwriters of Pacific. Was co-organizer and field ^ec- 
retar\ of Libert) Building and I oan Association <il I o- 
.Angeles in 1924. .Member of the Slate .\lhletic Commis- 
sion: \ ice President. Pacific (Coast (Council Inter-cultur.il 
FCducation: (Chairm;in Boanl of Directors. Brii:ulw.i\ Icil- 
eral Savings-Loan .Association: member of bo.iriK ol llic 
National N,AA(CI'. I .is .\ngeles .\merican Red Cioss 
P;icific .\rea >M(CA and kappa Alpli.i I'si 1 r.iu-niiu 
.\Lirried lo TdM iu' l'i\ce ol 1 oiiisi.m.i . h.is two sons .iii.l 
one daughter. 



54 




Dk II II I. 



Siwos 



JOMV 



Tdi.sk J. Joiissos 



Mrs. BbRTHA 15. Nk.kiksov 



TOWNS, lll\m' IIOWAKI). \ icf-Prcsidcnt. .\U-Jic;il 
l)tp.iTliiu-nl. .iiul Diax'tur >inv:c orKani/ation. Born ISSS. 
Mount \crnon. Tt-s.is. AttenJeil Pr.iiric \ iew C;ollej;e: 
rf.;iM\ed nieilic.il ilc^rtc Iroin I ni\tT>it\ ol' Illinois i irst 
piacticcil nK-iliLinc in Texas. Sinf;li' .Mi-nibiT of .Mplia 
Phi -Mpha I raUTni!>, .Masonic I.ojfju aiul lirst .\.M,I;. 
(Church. 

JOHNSON. SI.MON PIMHI^ \ icc-Pnsulcnt anil Director 
since orKani/ation, Born IS77. l:mporia. Kansas, liilii- 
catcJ in Kansas. CiraJuate ol Bi^^ers Business (College. 
I. OS .Anncles, \ ice Presiilcnt. (^)nner-J(>hnson luncral 
Home, also Broail«a\ l-eileral Savings and Loan, .Member, 
Phi Bela Si^ma l-ralcrnil>. N.^.ACP. \\\C.\. .Married lo 
l)ais\ ra\ lor ol I'opeka. Kansas, lias two sons and two 
Jaunhlers 



JOHNSON. LDGAK JA.MIS. Secretary and Director. Born 
l''04. .\llanta. (.ja. Educated in (California, stiidvin^; 
commerce and business administration, commercial law. 
life insurance, real estate and real estate apprisin;; at 
L CM. -A. Hntered insurance in U)24 as organi/.ins a("enl 
with tiolden Stale .Mutual. Married to Willie B. .Nicker- 
son. daughter of the late founder; has one ilaujjhler. (Char- 
ter member of K.ippa .Alpha Psi I ralernitx on the Pacific 
Coast, Member. Boaril of .Manafjers Southwest ^ .M(CA: 
Board of l:\lensions l.os .\nyeles Presb\ ter\ . .Member. 
Pacific lown Club. NAACP. 

NICKJiKSON. BtKTllA B.. Treasurer and Director Born 
188/. Carthaf-e. Texas. Tducaled in Texas schools, gradu- 
ate of T>lcr College. Widow of Tounder. William Nick- 
erson Jr. .Mother of eight children; has fifteen grand- 
children .Member of Independent Church and N\\(T^ 




1-LTIIl R .M. I h DSO 



.Mrs llhi.EN lloDc.i; 



III 1)S(;N, LL ITIT.K .M.. Director since organization Born 
1882. (Tinton. .Missouri. Keccixed elementarx eilucation 
m .Missouri; gradu.ited from W orsham Fimbalming (Col- 
lege. (Chicago .Married to Jane .Mack of .Missouri. .Mem- 
ber of Phi Beta Sigma Traternits. Pacific Town Club, 
.Masonic Lodge. Woodmen of .\meric.i, LIks, Western 
Branch >'.M(CA. and NAA(CP. 



llODCdC. Ill I IN IT I/\B1 III, .\ssisianl to comptroller. 
Associated with the conipam since I'lJr I l.is helil olTicial 
positions as cashier and sl.ilistician Born I'XIi in Los .An- 
geles. .Attended I (CI A siudxing accounting, personnel 
management and business administration .M.irried to Dee 
lloilge; sister of (ieorge A. Beavers Jr. Member of West- 
minister Presh\teri;m (Church; Independent (C u i 1 d 
(scholarship organi/alion i , N'WfCA and the NAA(CP. 





RoBI;RT W. S.MllH 



.ARriii K J, Willi WIS 



SAUTH. ROBLKT WLBSTLK. Assistant to the Secielarx 
.Associated with the company since l')TT Began insurance 
career with the National Benefit Life Insurance (Comii.inx 
of Tennessee. Was co-organi/.er. fiscal agent and Ciener.d 
.Manager of Peoples linance (Corporation of (Camden. Neu 
)erse\- and Philadelphia Peoples Linance (Corporation 
Born' l'H)l), Denver. (Coloratlo. Attended W ilberforce I ni- 
versilv. majoring in general science. .Married lo \i\i.iii 
Iller; has one son Member of Phi Beta Sigm.i I'raternin , 
C olorado (CI. lb. ^ .M(C.\, Lrhan 1 eauue and NA.\CI'. 

W ll.LIA.MS, ARITll K JOSLCPII. Superintendent ol A,L;en- 
cies. Lnlered insurance as agent for the firm in 1"" 
Born PHH, .Augusta. Georgia. ICducated at Haines Insti- 
tute; attended .Morehouse College; received masters de- 
gree in politic.il science and economics from I (C, in l"'l 
.Married to Juanila Black; two vlaughters and one son 
Member of 28th Street ^ .M(CA. Pacific Town (Club Kap- 
pa Alpha Psi I ralernitv. I irsl A. Ml (Church. N \ \t I' 



55 




ANGELUS FUNERAL HOME 



Starting in 1922, under the co-partnership of Fred 
Shaw and L. C. Robinson, this institution that is today 
(1948) one of the outstanding in America, got off to a 
slow start. 

The undertaking business during these early years in 
Los Angeles was somewhat crowded and the Negro popula- 
tion was very small. So much so, that in 1924 Mr. Shaw 
tiring of the struggle sold his interests to his partner. 

The business was reorganized and Lorenzo Bowdoin 
who was then a postal clerk and John L. Hill, became a 
part of the organization. 

Under the leadership of these three stable men, the 
business took on new life and soon the Angelas Funeral 
Home became a factor in the community. 

In 1934, wishing to give to the Negro populance of Los 
Angeles, a home that would give credence to the rapidly 
growing population the present structure is a tribute of fare- 
well to those who pass through its doors on their last jour- 
ney and a consolation to their loved ones who remain. It 
is the fulfillment of th« Angelus Home policy that "Through 
the dignified beauty of the service, the last rites should re- 
main as a beautiful memory." To accomplish this policy 
the owners have provided a tasteful and beautiful drawing 



room, the largest and finest Church Chapel to be found in 
any funeral home, slumber rooms where relatives and 
friends can view their loved ones in privacy, special family 
rooms, a nursery for the smaller children, drawing room 
chapel for those who want complete privacy, all tastefully 
decorated and with view windows looking out into peace- 
ful patios where fountains, beautiful flowers and shrubbery 
give the comfort and peace so seldom found in an institu- 
tion of this kind. 

Much credit is due these three men who had vision and 
forethought to give to the people of Los Angeles this beau- 
tiful show place. 

It is needless to say that this firm is enjoynig the great- 
est undertaking business among Negroes on the West Coast. 

In 1942 the firm lost one of the three men who made 
possible this outstanding company; upon the death of Man- 
ager John Hill. Mr. Robinson, resigning his position with 
Los Angeles County, assumed the manager's duties and car- 
ried on until the Summer of 1947, when upon retirement 
from active duties, John Lamar Hill, son of the deceased 
John Hill became Presidnet and Manager. Lorenzo Bow- 
doin, the last of the three who built this great firm, remains 
on as Secretary and Treasurer. 



John Lamar Hill 



HILL, JOHN LA.MAR. a native of Los Angeles, born to 
John L. and Elizabeth (Reid) Hill, June II, 1923. Re- 
ceived early schooling in the Los Angeles public schools. 
However, his second high school year was spent in a Hon- 
olulu T. H. Private School, but he began and finished at 
Manual Arts High School. Los Angeles. Mr. Hill entered 
University of California. September, 1942, but was called 
to the U. S. Army the following May and had spent al- 
most a year in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre before return- 



ing to his country in August, 1944 to enter Officers Train- 
ing School, from which he graduated the following De- 
cember 5th with a commission as 2nd Lieutenant. 

Five days later he was married to Miss Athehaise Marie 
Houston of Santa Monica, California. Their union subse- 
quently resulted in the birth of their two daughters, Jan 
Marie age two and a half, and Dorothy Elizabeth age 
one. 

After marrying Lt. Hill was sent to the European Thea- 
tre where he commanded the 524 Q. M. Car Company. He 
was discharged January I, 1946 as a reserve officer U. S. 
A. He immediately re-entered the University of Califor- 
nia to study business administration and later entered 
the College of iMortuary Science and secured his license 
as an embalmer. 

Mr. Hill's father, J. L. Hill, who had been manager 
of the Angelus Funeral Home since its organization, died 
while his son was yet in high school. It being the desire 
of the Home that the son be groomed to carry out the 
tradition £if the father and his as5ociates^ young Hill has 
been working in the Mortuary since a high school bo>' 
during summer vacations, and was back with the Angelus 
at the time of his election as President and Manager of 
this large business on October I, 1947. 

Mr. Hill is a member of the Pacific Town Club. West- 
minister Presbyterian Church and Kappa Alpha Psi Fra- 
ternity. He and his family reside at 1601 W, 35th Street, 
the same house in which he was born. 



56 




Louis George Robinson 



ROBINSON. LOL IS GEORGE. Retired Business Executive, 
born in Barne^ville. Ga., the son of John R. and .Amelia 
(High-Tower) Robinson. Born into a family of eight 
sons and three daughters. Louis spent the early years of 
his life helping on his parents farm. At the age of sixteen 
Louis first learned of financial troubles that beset farm 
families. This was during the depression of 1893 when 
two of his older brothers tiring of farm life and farm 
set-backs, left the old homestead, but Louis stayed on, 
worked hard and soon helped to pay off the family debt. 
Leaving the farm clear of debt he struck out to make his 
own fortune. His first stop was in Florida where he found 
a job nursing a wealthy white man. He took the job at 
111 per month but before two weeks he had driven a bar- 
gain with the man's wife that raised his pay to f!60 per 
month However, the man died and Robinson settled tor 
$300 which he divided equally with his dad and proceeded 
to work on the beaches at Spanish Landing Ela. For the 
next year this ambitious youth, determined to ."^et ahead, 
worked in logging camps or an\ honest work he was for- 
tunate to find. Other workers in these camps, rough 
though they were, seeing this \oung man who did not 
gamble, but talked of school, helped him b\ letting him 
hold the lamp while the>' gambled. This extra mone\' all 
went into savings and when Louis decided the time was 
now to get an education, he had saved $''7'> 00. 

Buying new clothing and dividing with his father, he 
started out for Tuskegee Institute, but landed at Knox- 
ville College (Tennessee). Here he studied for one and 
a half years: then on to Pa>ne College (Augusta, Geor- 
gia) where he remained for five years. 

In 1899 he returned to his native home and began teach- 
ing in the local school. On Christmas day of that -ame 
year he married .\lar\- Pearl Willis. .Making but $40 00 
per month he remained on as a teacher until in the fourth 
year, he resigned because he was asked to inform on one of 
the other teachers. 

In 1W4 seeking a greater opportunity and more free- 
dom, he moved to California. Two r'avs after his arrival 
he found work at the Pasadena Huntington Hospital. Here 
his salary was $40.00 per month and beard and room. 
Later his old Superintendent wrote to assure him of his 
forgiveness and invited him back to his school work, he 
answered. "1 wouldn't return if you'd pay me more than 
I am now earning." .\fter two vears and fourteen davs of 
hospital work and getting acquainted with his new home 
town, this determined pioneer secured a job sweeping the 



streets of Pasadena for about two months. He then moved 
to Los Angeles and became the thirteenth janitor of 
the Los Angeles county building on f-ebruary 7, 1907. 
Two years later he became head of the department and 
on November I, 1942 he retired after thirty-six years at 
that post to assume management of the Angelus Funeral 
Home. 

being a land-minded man from the very start it is not 
surprising that Mr. Robinson early coined the slogan 
■'Land Never Wears Out," and started buying land the 
first month he came to Calfiornia. He now admits that 
he has since bought over 500 parcels of land. Some of 
these parcels he sold. .Among these was one sold to Fred 
Shaw for erecting the first Angelus Funeral Home in 
1922 He was given half interest in the concern when 
Shaw was unable to pay his debt to him. In 1924 Robin- 
son bought his partner out for $5,500. He had then re- 
established himself in community life and a second life- 
career in the field of business and public service. He now 
was in a position to call his friend Lorenzo Bowdoin, 
who was then a postal clerk and J. L. Hill to reorganize 
tFfe business. It was incorporated and in 1934 they built 
the present beautiful and up-to-date .Angelus Funeral 
Home at 1030 East Jefferson; the firm now has fourteen 
employees and handled 548 bodies during 1947. 

During the years Mr. Robinson has been active in 
the civic welfare of Los Angeles. He is a member of the 
Board of Managers, 28th Street 'VMCA: Executive Board 
NA.ACP and a leader in every worthwhile civic enterprise ■ 
Since 1906 he has been a member of the Scott Methodist 
C^hurch in Pasadena. Presently he is assistant pastor of 
his church and on several occasions served as pastor. 

.Mr. Robinson is also one of the founders of the Liberty 
Saving and Loan Association. Since 1947. L. G.. as he is 
affectionately called by his many friends, he has retired 
from active business duties, but his interest in the advance- 
ment of his race, the many civic organizations he helped 
to build, and the Angelus Funeral Home, still keep him 
busy. There can never be complete retirement for this man 
who is one of the most highly respected in Southern Cali- 
fornia. Truly, the life of L. G. Robinson is a beacon light, 
to the voung Negro who finds his patH strewn with hard- 
ship, disappointments and discrimination. The results at- 
tained by this farm boy who started his education at an 
advanced aee. who had no help from parents or friends, 
can be obtained by every American bo.\' who has the cour- 
age, will-power and trust in Cod and man. 




Mr. Lorenzo BowtxjiN 



BOWDOIN, LORENZO, Business Executive. Behind that 
warm glow of Lorenzo Bowdoin lies a stor\ .both realistic 
and positive. Deeply and passionately he spoke of his 
native Griffith. Georgia, where he spent his youth. The 
most singular influence upon his life was one hard driven 
point of his father that kept him in check. 

From infancy the children of his family were taught that 
accomplishments are generally few to those who seek the 
easy way. But the worthwhile things, the gratifying 
things are those secured from toil, sacrifice, and service 
to others. And these, he believed, should be applied in 
solving our personal problems as well as our everyday 
livelihood. 

This was impressed upon him from the example of his 
father's background. A graduate of Atlanta University 
Dr. John L. Bowdoin taught school in Georgia for 3? 
years. He came up from slavery with such distinguished 
men as Richard R. Wright, Dr. John Hope, Dr. Crogman 
of Clark University, and ot+ier fine men, who were among 
the first free men to take advantage of a college educa- 
tion. And their success was measured by their unswerving 
desire to achieve accomplishments of purpose. They la- 
bored toward that end. Dr. Bowdoin owned a plantation, 
grocery store, bakery shop, and a very comfortable ei<;ht 
room house. In those da>s such holdings were almost un- 
heard of. Therefore, the honors were not only shared by 
the families of these men but the community at large be- 
cause they symbolized the awakened spirit and industry 
of Southern freemen. 

It was after John L. Bowdoin's trip to Detroit to attend 
a conference that he decided to move away from the 
South. In 1904 he brought his family to Los Arigeles so 
that his children might enjo\' the full advantages of equal 
opportunities of citizenship, education, and higher living 
standards. But he died stxin afterwards, before he could 
realize his ambitions for them. 



Young Bowdoin had completed one year of law at the 
American Law school in Los Angeles when his father 
died. The elder son, he was thrust into the world to cope 
with this immense problem of becoming the family bread- 
winner. There were five brothers and sisters who received 
his help through school. Entering the post office in 1Q06. 
he worked there until retirement in 1944, giving 38 years 
of service. He was the third Negro clerk appointed in the 
post office and some years later, became a special clerk. 

During this time he finished a two year course in ac- 
counting at the University of Southern California that 
was to equip him for his present position as secretary- 
treasurer of the Angelus Funeral Home, one of the finest 
mortuaries in the entire country. 

Still no vi ible signs of struggle twist his optimism for 
the future. And success hasn't made him arrogant. Besides 
his fraternal and civic affiliation with the Garrison Ma- 
sonic Lodge No. 45 F. & A. M.. Consistory, Egyptian 
Temple, Ancient Order of Mystic Shrine. Ancient Order 
of Forresters, Court Solomon No. 8677, Los Angeles 
Lodge of Grand L nited Order of Odd Fellows, Westside 
Benevolent Society No. 1, YMCA board of management, 
NAACP treasurer he is a devout member of Wesley Met- 
hodist church, where he serves as chairman of the trustee 
board and district conference lay leader. 

Bowdoin holds a very high and important position in 
the .Methodist church. He is on the trusteeship of the Cali- 
fornia Temperance Federation and has been asked to 
serve on the nominating committee of the Southern Cali- 
fornia-Arizona conference of the .Methodist church. This 
conference is one of the most powerful and democratic 
in the country today. He has served in this Methodist 
conference with distinquished educators, civic and busi- 
ness leaders in various important capacities. 

A strong family man he is married to the former Frank- 
ie L. Johnson of Little Rock and is the father of Lorenzo 
W. and Frances Lillian Vaughn. For relaxation he enjoN s 
fishing and hunting. 



58 



The Broadway Federal Savings and 
Loan Association 

llu l'ui,ulu.i\ I i\ifr.il S.i\inn> .ukI loan Association 
ii(viu\i ii> Jcnh> 111 ihf piililic on January II. 1947. This 
iMiii u-,«i>li.ii.\l anoli.cr milfstone in the progress of the 
Ni-,i;ui race and slums that co.oreil people in Los Angeles 
.ire nearin.s; themselves to the rapiil tempo of business 
.kiiMt> alon;; the West Coast. The com.iiunity respomied 
III this new \enlure imnieaiatel\ and exprtsseo their con- 
lidence in it b\ tiepositing over SjiKiJ.OOO during the tirst 
niiinth. This new feueial institution has established seve.al 
records si;.ce its organization, sa\ those well versed in the 
hi>tor> oi sa\ings and loan associations in the California 
.irea. .\li ol its accounts were insured by the Federal Sav- 
in,i;s and Loan Insurance Corporation in a shorter period 
ill time than any other association in this area. 

This institution has an all-colored personnel and the 
directors ami officers give their services free. The associa- 
tion is housed in a new modernistic building located at 4<25 
South Broadway, Los Angeles 37, Calfornia, a building 
owned and controlled b>' a Negro concern. The Broadway 
Investment Companw The Broadway Escrow Company is 
also housed in this building; the Guarant>' Realty Company, 
a flour:hing real estate concern, occupies the opposite side 
of the ground floor: and the second floor has four modern 
apartments occupied by Negro tenants. 

Entering its fourteenth month of operation, the as- 
sociation has hundreds of accounts from all parts of the 
country, Irom members of all races, and assets of over S902,- 
000, ,Man> of it depositors from other parts of the country 
are people who are saving up for the day when the\' may 
retire to live in the warm sunshine of Southern California, 
The officers and directors are proud of the fact that the 
Broadway Federal Savings is maintaining high standards 
and aiding the wage earner to save and purchase his home 
with a sound financial plan. They are encouraging thrift 
by paying 3 per cent annuall\' on all accounts: thus giving 
their depositors the same security as other banking insti- 
tutions. 

Officers and directors are: H. A. Howard. President and 
General .Manager; G. William .McKinney, Vice-President; 
Zella .\L Taylor, Secretar\-: .\L Earl Grant, Treasurer; Mil- 
dred P. W i'son. Assistant Secretary: Albert Maddox. Vice- 
President: Cynthiabelle G. Smith, Assistant Secretary- 
Treasurer; Board of Directors, Attorney Thomas L. GrifTin, 
Jr., Chairman: Norman O. Houston, Vice Chairman: Zella 
M. Taylor, Secretar> ; H, A. Howard, M. Earl Grant, Dr. 
H. Claude Hudson, Honorable Helen Gahagan Douglas. 
Cynthiabelle G. Smith, and Albert Maddox. Paul R. Wil- 
liams was later elected to fill the vacancy created by the 
resignation of Mrs C. G. Smith. 

JENKINS, HAROLD "SLl.M", Businessman, respected by 
the citizens of the Bay Area for his contribution to the 
growth of Negro business in Oakland. 

Mr. Jenkins in a few short years has built the lar.gest 
business owned by Negroes in Oakland. Jenkins corner 
comprises a Suner Market, one of the finest grills and 
restaurants to be found in California, and a bar and 
lounge His business enterprises have helped to encourage 
Negro business in Oakland, and the adjoining Bay cities 

He is also active in the civic welfare of his community. 
I le is Director of the Carver National Life Insurance Com- 
pany, and can be counted on to help in every worthwhile 
program for the uplift of his race. 



Liberty Savings and Loon Association 

Ihe Libert) Savings and Loan Association was organ- 
ized in the year 1924. its doors being opened for the tirst 
lime on .March 17, 1924. 

The .Association was organized for two distinct pur- 
poses; tirst. to promise thrift among our people by providing 
a sa.e and convenient method for people to save and invest 
money; and secondly, to provide lor the sound and economi- 
cal tinancing of homes. 

Dr. \\ ilbur C. Gordon, one of the founders of the As-" 
sociation, was its first president. In 1926 he was succeeded 
by Louis M. Blodgett, also one of the founders of the As- 
sociation. Louis iM. Blodgett has remained President of the 
.Association since that dale. 

Among some of the early founders and directors of the 
Association were the following: Frank A. Harvey, Albert 
Bauman, C^. S. Blodgett, A. Hartley Jones, W, C. Gordon, 
Norman O Houston, George S. Grant and Dr. Eugene C 
Nelson. 

On November 17, 1933 the Liberty Savings and Loan 
Association was elected to membership in the F-ederal Home 
Loan Bank System, and in February of 1938 the Associa- 
tion became a member of the Federal Savings and Loan 
Insurance Corporation. .As a result of membership in this 
federal agency all savings accounts at the LIBERTY are 
automatically insured up to 55000.00 The Association is 
al5o a member of the United States Savings and Loan 
League, the California Savings and Loan League, the Los 
Anjeles Chamber of Commerce and Belter Business Bureau. 

The Liberty has operated continually siiKC 1924 and 
boasts of the fact that during the "Bank Holiday" and 
depression it did not close its doors. 

The .Association has progressed steadily and securely 
since its founding. On December 31, 1947 the assets 
of the Association were |1, 539,806. 12. It owns its building 
located at 2512 S. Central Avenue, During the year 1947 
the LIBERTY loaned approximately a- half million dollars 
to assist persons in the purchase of homes, or to build 
homes, refinance homes or to make additions and altera- 
tions to homes. 

The Officers of the Association are Louis M. Blodgett. 
President; Jackson L. Taylor, Vice-President; Ella S. Mat- 
thews. Secretary; Bertrand B. Bratton. Asst. Secretary; Law- 
rence B. Wilson, Public Relations Director: Cordelia R. 
Martin, Cashier. Charles H. .Matthews and David W. Wil- 
liams are Attorneys for the .Association. 

The Board of Directors consist of Louis .M. Blodgett. 
Jackson L. Taylor, Bertrand B. Bratton, Charles H. Mat- 
thews and C. S. Blodgett Jr. 

Carver Notional Life Insurance Compony 
The Carver National Life Insurnace Company of Cali- 
fornia was organized in August. 1944. The provisions of the 
charter call for the sale of 20,000 shares of Capital Stock 
at $20.00 per share, making a total capitalization of |400.- 
000.00. The Carver National Life Insurance Company seeks 
10 be authorized to do business as an Old Line Legal Reserve 
Insurance Company selling life insurance and annuities. 

At the time of this writing (1948) there has been sub- 
scribed and paid in $250,000.00 of this Capital Stock. There 
remains the sum of $150,000 00 to be subscribed and paid 
in to meet the requirements of the State of California, This 
is the greatest aggregation of capital which any Negro finan- 
cial corporation has been called upon to raise in the his- 



59 



tory of the L nitcd Swtes. This represents an immense step 
forward from those conditions which heretofore necessitated 
our financing of companies and businesses through the mu- 
tual plan. This represents an investment which is the basic 
ownership of a company and permits the owners, thereof, 
to share in the profit which may accrue. 

Carver National Life Insurance Company expects to 
complete its Capital Stock sales' campaign prior to June 30 
of 1948 and be licensed to sell life insurance . It is now 
manned and controlled by Negroes and to date almost. 100 
per cent of the capital invested, therein, is from Negroes. 

The Board of Directors and officers of the company 
are as follows: 

Be;trand B. Bratton. President; Dr. Daniel A. Collins, 
Second Vice-President and Chairman of the Board; M. .M. 
Fields, First Vice-President; William C. Faulkner, Secre- 
tary; Karl F. Kimbrough, Assistant Secretary ;' Wesley F. 
Johnson, Treasurer; Ura D. Harvel, A<;sistant Treasu'er; 
William H. Sharpe, Director; John W. Ware, Director; Ed- 
mond O. Allen. Actuary and Comptroller. 

The growing population of California and the West 
Cxiast has made mandatory the extension of facilities in 
life insurance and all other types of Negro business. The 
•Carver National Life Insurance Company is being organi- 
zed at a time when the need is greatest and looks forward 
to an outstanding success. It should receive the support of 
every thinking Negro throughout the State of California. 




Col. Moody Staten 

STATEN, COLONEL MOODY, Real Estate Broker and 
Civic Leader, born in Lincoln County, North Carolina, 
February 18, 1891, the son of Julius and Ann (Holzclaw) 
Staten.. 

Colonel Staten received his early education in the rural 
schools of Lincoln County. At the age of twenty-one, he 
enlisted in the United States Army, and was attached to 
the 25th Infantry. He continued his education in army 
post schools and at Washington Teachers College. 

In 1917, he was commissioned a Captain of Infantry 
and assigned to the 92nd Division. He went to France 
with the 92d Division and participated in campaigns in 
Voges Mountains, the Argonne Forest, and at Metz. In 
1923 by presidential appointment he became Military 
Attache to the American Legation in the Republic of 
Liberia, and Commandant of the Liberian Army for more 
than four years. 

On December 7, 1941, he was in command of the 7th 
Regiment, California State Guard, with the rank of full 
Colonel Other war-time services included membership on 



the Ration Board, Draft Board and Minority Committee 
of the \V ar Manpower Commission. 

On April 30, 1918, in Manhattan, Kansas Colonel Sta- 
ten was married to Miss Lulu Gordon of Spokane, Wash- 
ington. They are the parents of one child~Lt. Moody R. 

Colonel Staten is a member of the American Legion, 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, 
and Negro Veterans Council of California. Fraternally, 
he is a member of I.B.P.O.E. of W., Masonic Lodge, 
A.F. and A.M. (Prince Hall); and Order of the Eastern 
Star. He holds membership in the Golden West Realty 
, Board, the Outdoor Life and Health Association, the 
Pacilic Town Club, the Century Club, 28th Street Branch, 
YMCA, and' the NAACP. His religious faith is indicated 
in his membership in the Zion lemple Non-denomina- 
tional Churfch. 

GARCIA, JOHN— Businessman-born in Kingston, Jamai- 
ca, August 16, 1889, His early education was in the pub- 
lic school system of his home town, later attending Cam- 
den finishing school, majoring in Auto Mechanics. 

For a number of years Mr. Garcia worked at his trade 
in Kingston, although, he was a master of his trade, the 
opportunity for growth and expansion were not until he 
decided to come to America. 

He moved to California in 1929 and opened a garage. 
He.e his expert training and excellent service gained him 
many customers. The business grew, and in 1939 the 
Ga.cia Super Service Station was established. 

The establishing of this Super Service Station, one of 
the best equipped service stations owned by Negroes in 
America, was aided in a great measure by the cooperation 
of Mrs. Garcia, whom he married in 1933. Together as 
co-partners each share in the management of this fast ex- 
panding interprise. Their business slogan is "Service." 
and car owners from every section of Los Angeles know 
the value of Garcia Service. 

Mr. Garcia is a member of the Pacific Town Club, and 
is. astive in the civic welfare of his community. 

His hobby; Sports. 

Business Address: Garcia Super Service Statioo, 5201 
S. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, California. 

GARCIA, BESSIE— Businesswoman, bom in Murphy- 
borough, Illinois, the daughter' of Granville, and Lizzie 
(Hudson) Whitlaw; her father for many years a city em- 
ployee for the city of Murphyborough. 

Her early education was in the public school system of 
Murphyborough. Having the ambition to enter into the 
field of business, she later took an apprenticeship in the 
Jackson, Michigan School of Linotyping and Engraving; 
and received a journeytnan certificate in 1921. 

The same year Mrs. Garcia began working at her trade; 
working for the Solomon Engravers in Chicago, Illinois 
for two years. 

Still seeking a business career to her liking sht entered 
the E. Burham School of Cosmetics in Chicago, Illinois, 
and completed a business course in cosmetics. In 1929 
Mrs. Garcia moved to California, where for a number of 
years she had the locker-toom concession at the Holly- 
wood Country Club and the California Country Club. 

In August 1933 she married John Garcia, who at that 
time was in the garage business. 

Mrs. Garcia is a member of the NAACP, Independent 
Church, and active in civic and social circles of Los An- 
geles, 

Her hobby: Golf, and sports. 



60 




Sanford Alexander 



ALEXANDER, SANFORD, President of the S. Alexander 
Co-. Inc., with main offices at l()H)-i2 South Western 
.Avenue, Los .nngelcs. is a native ol Lirenaua. B. W. I. 
who has mace a magniticent contribution to .Negro busi- 
ness development in Southern Calilornia. 

The son of a large cocoa plantation operator in Grenada, 
.\lr. .MexanUer got his first business training in helping 
his father handle the multitudinous details of cocoa cul- 
tivation and marketing. Sent b\' his father to the United 
States to study .American business methods, he took 
courses in general business administration and building 
construction in .New Nork City. 

In 1931 he became the first Negro automobile dealer in 
in that city. Possessed of a remarkable vitality, a soaring 
ambition and that true executive ability which is able 
to work through and with others to achieve objectives. 
.Mr. .Mexander quickl)' developed his business into one of 
the largest and most successful Negro enterprises in New 
N'ork, capable of competing on equal terms with older 
white establishments in its class. 

."^fter Pearl Harbor, he quickly realized the necessity 
of revamping his business interests to meet wartime con- 
ditions. He sold his automobile business while it was pos- 
sible to do so at a profit, came to California with the 
idea of going into the used car business here. ,\ careful 
study of the local used car business convinced him, how- 
ever, that the field was overcrowded, and he decided to go 
into construction, which he recognized would be in for 
a tremendous postwar btxjm. 

He did not rush into that field, however, but bought 
some income property, got a job at Douglas Aircraft Co., 
and settled down to a carfeul preparation of his invasion 
of the construction field. 

.As a result of an exhaustive study of that field, he 
decided to combine real estate with construction, and in 
August. 1946, the S. .Alexander Co., Inc. was born, with 
Mr. .Alexander, president. Cyril Briggs, vice-president, 
and Mrs. Alexander, office manager. .Mr. .Alexander be- 
came a general contractor, with a plastering contractor 
CBS and a C8 cement foundation contractor licenses as 
riders. 

In less t lan two years, the new firm had built up an 



enviable reputation for quality of work and business in- 
tegrit)-. Today it is on the favored lists of leading 
architects, both white and .Negro, with most of its con- 
struction work in the swanky Rolling Hills, Pajos \erdes 
.North lloll\W'ood and Beverly Hills sections- 

The firm sells its clients on quality workmanship, even 
when, as happens once in a while, its estimates for a joh 
are slightly above those of other contractors. Mr. Alexan- 
ders slogan. "It Pays to Have Your Work Done by Ihose 
Who Know How." is implemented by a policy of hiring 
only the best workmen in the various trades of the con- 
struction field. Wages paid by the company are among 
the highest in the industry. 

Long an advocate of the principle that ability, not race, 
is what counts. Mr. Alexander early gave his organization 
an interracial complexion. Interracial set-ups prevail in 
both office and field forces, with key positions held b> 
members of both groups. 

.Mr. Alexanders business interests are many and varied- 
lie owns stock in several eastern concerns. In addition 
to its brokerage and construction business, the S. .Alex- 
ander C^o.. is in the process of organizing a building ma- 
terial and lumberyard; and manages several income pro- 
perties of its own, as well as income properties of many 
of its brokerage clients. 

Mr. Alexanders philanthropic interests include Hamp- 
ton Institute, Hampton, Va , the Virginia State ("ollege. 
the Y.MCA and the National Association for the .Ad\ance- 
ment of Colored People. He is a member of the congre- 
gation of 8th and Towne, Rev. F. D. Jordan, pastor 

His favorite sport is prize fighting. His own sports ac- 
tivities include golfing and horseback riding. 

Mr. Alexander is married to the former Elizabeth P 
Patterson of Boston and New York, who now heads the 
real estate division of the S Alexander Co. Pat Alexander. 
as she is popularly known in Los Angeles social circles, 
is a licensed real estate broker and a level-headed, effici- 
ent businesswoman in her own right. 

(^yril Briggs. vice-president of the company, is a vet- 
eran publicist and journalist who has had wide c\|-)cri- 
ence in the construction field. He is currently managing 
editor of one of the leading Los Angeles newspa(iers- 



61 



SimfikiHl and Qawe^, 9hc. 



SIMPKINS. RLFUS, Businessman, was born April 17, 
IS>uV in Koiiing t-ork, :viississippi, the son of henry and 
Lulu (Banks; iimpkins. 

Henry Simpkins entered the Government Services as 
a Railway Mail Clerk, working in the position fifteen 
years. Later he became a F.b.l. Agent, operating in and 
out of New Orleans, Louisiana, where in 1924 he retired 
and still lives. His wile, a prominent educator, still teaches 
in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. 

Rufus Simpkins received his grammar school educa- 
tion in Rolling Fork. Mississippi. Later he enrolled at 
Le.Moyne Junior College in Memphis, Tennessee, study- 
ing there in 1924-31. He then entered Alcorn A and .M 
College in Alcorn, Mississippi for one year. In 1932 he 
came to California and became a resident of Los An- 
geles. 

In 1938 Rufus Simpkins and Truman Cower became 
partners and purchased a small, poorly-equipped Service 
Station. They improved its physical facilities and offered 
a type of service which was a factor in its growth to 
gratifying proportions. When the partnership decided to 
expand and to enter a new field of business, the firm be- 
came Simpkins and Cower, Incorporated. Financing con- 
struction of five Apartment Buildings and completing the 
venture in one year is one of the enviable records of this 
firm. 

On December 15, 1936 Mr. Simpkins was united in 
marriage to Mrs. Tommie Pyles Cross of Haskell, Okla- 
homa. 

Mr. Simpkins is a member of the A.M.E. Church, the 
Masonic Lodge. NAACP, Angelites Rod and Gun Club 
and the YMCA in which he renders yoeman service dur- 
ing Membership Campaigns. 

His special interest are hunting, fishing, horseback 
riding, and sports. 




Mrs. Tommie Simpkins Rufus Simpkins 

SIMPKINS. TOMMIE CROSS. Business woman, was born 
in Haskell, Oklahoma, the daughter of Henry and Mollie 
Pyles, Henry Pyles was a teacher in Lexington, Texas. 

Mrs. Simpkins received her public school education in 
Haskell, Oklahoma, as a pupil in the Booker T. Wash- 
ington Grammar School. She pursued a course in Cos- 
metology at the Mme. Eleanor Miller's School of Beauty 
Culture of Wichita. Kansas, completing the course in 
1928. Additional training was taken at the C. J. Walker's 
School in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1929. 

In 1931 .Mrs. Simpkins came to California and soon 
was established as a Cosmetician. She was licensed to 
practice her profession in Kansas, Oklahoma and Cali- 



fornia. In 1939 she studied stage and screen make-up 
under Harry L. Siegelman in Holl>wood, California, com- 
pleting the course the same year. 

On December 15. 1936 she was married to Rufus Simp- 
kins. She is the mother of one daughter by a former mar- 
riage, Eddye .Mae Cross. 

Mrs. Simpkins formerly conducted a Beauty Salon 
with eight operators. Notwithstanding, she has always 
found time to aid civic and charitable endeavors. In her 
religious belief she follows the precepts of Unity, and 
civicly, is active with the West View Hospital Guild . 

Her hobby is that of Ceramics of which she has been 
a student. She completed a course at Grant Beach Cer- 
amics School for which she received a diploma Novem- 
ber 20, 1947. 




Mr. & Mrs. Truman Gower 

COWER, TRUMAN, Businessman, was born January 8. 
1910 in Great Bend, Kansas, the son of Isaac and Grace 
(Martin) Gower. 

Truman Gower obtained his education in the public 
schools of Great Bend, and early became interested in a 
business career. 

In 1929 he came to California and worked diligently 
in his preparation to own and to operate a business en- 
terprise. 

On May 21, 1933 in the house of Rev. A. Lively, a 
counsellor and friend, Mr. Gower was married to Miss 
Alberta Bell of Beaumont, Texas, 

In 1938 Truman Gower and Rufus Simpkins entered 
into a partnership to operate a Service Station. The 
growth of this business under the skillful management of 
these two young men has been accepted in business circles 
as an outstanding example of cooperative effort. 

In 1940 the partnership purchased their second Service 
Station, and in 1944 was incorporated, at which time was 
begun the construction of five apartment buildings owned 
and controlled by the incorporated firm. 

The religious faith of Mr. Gower is that of the Baptist 
Church. He is a member of the .Masonic Lodge, the An- 
pelites Rod and Gun Club, and the Y.MCA in which he 
takes an active part in Membership Campaigns. 

His hobbies are sports, fishing and hunting. 

GOWER, ALBERTA BELL, Business Woman, was born in 
Beaumopt, Texas, the dauphter of Turner and Estel'a 
(Williams) Bell. Turner Bell followed farming, the usual 
occupation in the section of the State in which he lived. 

In the acquirement of her education Alberta Bell at- 
tended the public schools of Beaumont and Los Angeles 



62 



where she came to live in \^2S. In preparation for her 
prolessional work she attended .Mme C. J. Walkers 
School of Beauty Culture, completed the course and re- 
cei\ed a diploma in N24 In 1^32 she finished a course 
in Hersonalit) , Appearance and Charm at Irank \\ iggins 
1 raue School m Los Angeles. 

On .\Ui\ 21. I''33 in Los .Angeles .Mberta Bell was mar- 
ried to Iruman (.iower. a \oung businessman. 

.Mrs. Ciower and .Mrs. Tommie Cross Simpkins formed 
a partnership in N3i and opened the first and only 
Beaut\ Salon ever located in the Clark Hotel. In 1*^)37. 
a larger clientele necessitated expansion and the partner- 
>hip mo\cd to a new location. Business flourished for 
these two interprising >()ung ladies. However. .Mrs Cower 
turned her attention to new fields. The business was sold 
in 1*^41 In I'J-IT she completed a Real Estate Brokerage 
(bourse at Woodbury College, received a Real Estate 
Brokers license and became engaged in the Real Estate 
Business. 

.NUs. Cowers' special interest is working in Y.MC.\ 
Membership Campaigns. 




John W. Bean Jr. 

BEAN, JOHN W'. Jr., Real Estate Broker, Notary Public, 
Hotel Owner— born in Arkansas, the son of John Sr. and 
Mary (Ballard) Bean. 

The famil)- moved to Los .Angeles in I'^IO where he 
attended the .\\anuel Arts High School and Los Angeles 
City College. He later attended the Walter Lumbeau Real 
Estate School. 

In 1043 he married \erna Deckard. There is one step- 
son. Arthur Lewis. 

.Mr. Bean is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Presby- 
terian Church and other civic organizations. He is also, 
a World Vi'ar II X'eteran He is a leader in the fight 
against Restrictive Covenants. 

His hobb\' is Golf and Bridge. 

MARVEL, LR.A D.. Merchant, born in Chetopa, Kansas, 
.August 17. 1904, the son of James and Minnie (May- 
hew) Harvel. 

Educated in the public school system of Chetopa, 
Langston L niversity and Kansas Stale Teachers Col- 
lege in Pittsburg. Kansas, receiving his B. S. degree in 
Industrial .Arts from the latter institution. 

In 1033 .Mr. Harxel accepcd a position as Principal of 
the Chetopa Elementary School and remained in that 
position until 1037: he then took over the assistant prin- 
cipalship of the Lincoln High School in Bristow. Okla. 

In June of 1030, he married f-Metla Washington, an 
Oklahoma sch(K)l teacher. There are no children. 



In June of 104? the llar\els moved to Richmond, Cali- 
fornia, and soon became active in the civic and wellare 
programs of their community. .Mr. llarxel .worked as 
ship litier in the Kaiser Ship\ards until the termination 
oi \\orld War 11. 

On December 1, 1045, the Harvel Grocery Store was 
opened at 3JtX)-Calitornia Street in Berkele>. This store 
located in their own building, has enjoyed a tremendous 
growth and at the time of this writing (1048) is being 
enlarged to give a better and more modern service to the 
ever growing clientele. It is the ambition of the Marvels 
to make their store the priile of every Negro in Berkeley. 

.Mr. Harvel, interested in the advancement of Negro 
business, is Treasurer of the (Carver National Life In- 
surance Compan) : this company now in the process of 
activation, is the greatest financial venture ever attempted 
b\ Negroes in .America, and is deserving of the support of 
ever\- thinking Negro in California. 

He is a member: Kappa .Alpha Psi Fraternity '( Keeper 
of Exchequer). Trustee on the A. .ME. Church Board, 
N.AACP. N'.MCA. and other civic organizations. 

His hobbies are woodworking, sports and Contract 
Bridge. 




Mr. & Mrs. Ura D. Harvel 

HAR\EL, ELLETTA WASHINGTON, Teacher, born in 
Haskell. Oklahoma, June 10, lOfO, the daughter of Rev. 
James L. and Nettie (Jackson) Washington. She is a 
graduate of the public school system of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 
and the Langston University, receiving her B.S. degree 
in Education from Langston in 1936. She, also, attended 
the L niversity of Nebraska and the Kansas State Teachers 
College. 

In 1939 she married Ura D. Harvel, Asst. Principal of 
the Lincoln High School in Bristow, Oklahoma. 

.Mrs. Harvel started her teaching career in the primar\ 
grades in the Claremont, Oklahoma Elementary School 
System. Later, from 1939 to 1943, she taught in the ele- 
nientary school system of Holdenville, Oklahoma. 

In 1943 the Harvels moved to Richmond, California 
where she was employed as Operator at the Standard Oil 
Company for three years. 

Mrs Harvel. aside from the time spent in co-managing 
the Harvel grocery business, is very active in the ci\ ic 
uplift of her community. She is a member of the .Alph.i 
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Ivy Leaf (Reporter I. Kappa Sil- 
houtte Club (Reporter), and Treasurer of Stewarde^^ 
Board No 2 of the A ME. Church. 

Her hobbies are collecting Poi'lr>. Journalism and Con- 
tract Bridge. 



63 




Mr. (-HARLES Williams 

WILLIAMS, CHARLES A.. Photographer, was born in 
Sl. ing Town. Oklahoma, the son of Charles W. and Emma 
L. (Guess) Williams. In 1910 during Charles early child- 
hood his family moved to Los Angeles, California, where 
he received his education, and maue a name for himself 
as the city's Ace Photograper. 

In 1936 he was married to Yoshi Kuwahara his charm- 
ing Japanese American wife known to her many friends 
as Lucy. I hey aie the pioud parents of a talented daugh- 
ter Yoshi C. Williams who is a child pianist and artist. 
During the early war years Charles Japanese wife and 
daughter were evacuated from Los Angeles. His desire to 
be near his wife and growing daughter forced Charles to 
abandon his profession and work in a steel mill in the 
town where his family resided. 

Charles first work was as staff photographer for the 
Pittsburgh Courier, Pacific Coast Edition; and later for 
the California Eagle Staff. He is currently staff photo- 
grapher for the Los Angeles Sentinel the paper for which 
he did full photograpic coverage of the historical San 
Francisco Peace Conference. 

Since 1945 Charles has owned and operated his own 
night club picture concessions, which includes an in- 
terracial staff of Negro, Caucasian, Japanese, and Mexi- 
can camera girls and dark room men, all of whom he 
tutored for the field of Photography. He also owns a 
seventeen foot land >acht equipped as a photographic lab- 
oratory which turns out photos on the scene in fifteen 
minutes. 

Charles outstanding photography with the Avalon Stu- 
dios, the largest Negro owned studio on the Pacific Coast 
earned him the title of "Charles of Avalon". His aerial 
photographs include parachute jumps of Skippy Smith. 
owner of the Pacific Coast Parachute Company. Charles 
also served as official photographer for that company 
during its war contract era. 

For the past three semester Charles has done the cam- 
pus shots for the Jefferson High School Year Book and has 
been highly commended by the teachers as producing the 
best photographs the school has ever had. He has 
shot a series of photographs using professional models 
for Muriels of California, dress designers and manufactur- 
ers of exclusive gowns sold to the leading stores. He is offi- 
cial photographer for the Glover and Sons Tailoring In- 
stitute, the largest Negro owned tailoring school in the 
world, Charles comes from and has a photographic fam- 
ily, his father Charles W. Williams for better than forty 



years has been the leading photographer in Kansas Cit\, 
Missouri. His wife Lucy W illiams has successfully opera- 
ted several of his concessions, and his nephew Herbert 
Bost works behind a speed graphic for the Avalon Stu- 
dios and the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper under 
Charles tutorship. 

The California School of Photography the only Negro 
school of its kind in California is an idea conceived by 
Charles and he is its President. This school is the most 
modern and completely equipped of its kind, teaching all 
phases of photography for beginning and advance stu- 
dents. 




Mr. Leon Washington Jr. 

WASHINGTON, LEON H. Jr., Publisher Los Angeles Sen- 
tinel, born in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Leon H. 
and Blanche (Bland) Washington. Leon H. Washington, 
Jr. received his early education in the public schools of 
Kansas City where he earned the distinction of winning 
the Annual Oratorical Contest for four consecutive years, 
before graduating from Sumner High School of his native 
city. Latef he attended Washburn College in Topeka, 
Kansas. 

Mr. Washington came to Los Angeles in 1928 at the 
invitation of David E. Taylor, Publisher of the California 
News, and entered the field of journalism as a member of 
the staff of the Taylor publication. His first venture on 
his own account was the publication of "Town Talk" 
the first free distributed advertising publication serving 
the Southeast area of Los Angeles. 

Later he joined the California Eagle as Advertising 
Manager, continuing in that capacity for eighteen months. 
After a short period as a free lance advertising represen- 
tative, he established the Eastside News-Shopper which 
later became the Los Angeles Sentinel, which under his 
guidance has become a potent force in the public affairs of 
Los Angeles, independent in tone and character and ever 
striving for the good of the community. 

In the Los Angeles Sentinel Mr. Washington wields a 
powerful weapon for the rights of the N'egro and never 
hesitates to use its columns for social and civic better- 
ment. During the Sentinel's most dramatic and effective 
campaign "Don't Spend Your .Monev Where You Can't 
Work" Mr. Washington withstood the criticism of short- 
sighted leadership, the comp'aints of dictatorial mer- 
chants, the pleas of self-seeking politicians, false arrestv. 
threats and every conceivable effort to defeat his program 
to place Ne?ro workers in "White Collar" positions in 
retail establishments on Central Avenue. When the c.ini- 
paign started only one Negro was employed in a position 



64 



abo\e that of janitiir in an\ ritail tslahlishment 'doing 
business on Central A\enue. Toi.la> . the store, market or 
business on Central Avenue not employing a Negro sales- 
man, clerk, cashier, butcher or secretary is \er\ much the 
exception. 

.Mr. Washington's expose of discrimination wherever 
it is found, his fight for equal opportunitv, his support 
of just causes and worthwhile projects has given the Los 
.\ngeles Sentinel influence and standing worths' of its 
role in the community and State. 

.Mr. W ashigton is married to the former .Miss Ruth 
Brummcll of Salinas. Kansas, who is a portrait photo- 
grapher of exceptional ability. 

Professionally. .Mr. Washington is a member of the 
California Newspaper Publishers Association. National 
Negro Publisher's .Association and the National Editorial 
■Association He is Grand Publicity Director. l.B.P.O.E. of 
\V. : .Member. Executi\e Board, Los Angeles Branch. 
N.A.ACP; .Member, Board of Directors, Watts Civic Wel- 
fare Committee and holds membership in the .Association 
against Second Class Citizenship. Y.MC.A, and Omega Psi 
Phi Fraternit\ . He is an honorary member of the \ eterans 
of Foreign Wars and Captain (State Guard Reserve). His 
religious faith is that of the .A.M.E. Church. 

Hobbies: Fishing. Hunting, and outdoor activities. 




.Mrs. Hazel WlLLl.^MS 

WILLIAMS, HAZEL HITHE, Beauty School Operator, 
born in New Orleans. Louisiana, the daughter of Joseph 
and Mary (Bezart) Hithe; her father a plumber and her 
mother a housewfie. 

Educated in the public schools of New Orleans and 
Straight College in New Orleans. After her college work 
she taught in the public school system of New Orleans: 
leaving New Orleans and the teaching profession in 1924. 
site came to California. In the same year married John 
C. Williams in Chicago, Illinois. 

Mrs. Williams began her career in Beauty Culture after 
graduation from the Henrietta Beauty School. She is, 
also, a graduate of Frank Wiggins Trade School. 

Since 1932 Mrs. Williams has been the owner and In- 
structor of the Henrietta Beauty School. 

Mrs. Williams is a member of the American Legion 
Auxiliary, Benjamin J. Bowie Post ^^o. 228, and the 
Congregation Church. 



History of The Henrietta Beauty School 

The Henrietta Beauty School was founded in 1916 by 
Henri.etta Kent at 16th and Central Avenue with one pupil. 
Her outstanding abilit) and her will to uplift her Race 
caused her school to grow by leaps and bounds. She moved 
to 4.09 So. Central .Avenue in order to accommodate the in- 
creased enrollment. Her untimely death in 1931 was a great 
loss. Mrs. Mildred McKinney came to the school as Mana- 
ger at this time. 

In 1932. .Mr. Frank Kent sold to Mrs. Gertie R. Lee 
and Hazel Williams. From an enrollment of twenty stu- 
dents to one of well over a hundred in a short time caused 
this school to move to its present location. 

An annual graduation of over three hundred pupils a 
year since the purchase of the school in 1943 by Hazel Wil- 
liams and .Mildred .McKinney: there have been students 
from all over the L nited States and many foreign countries 
to complete the courses. This has been the result of hard 
work on the part of these two yuong women. From a one 
teacher one pupil school it has grown to a standard enroll- 
ment of one hundred seventy-five students and a teaching 
staff of eight. 

The School practices the Departmentalized System, 
with the most efficient Teaching staff in the United States. 




Mrs. .Mildred .McKinney 

McKINNEY MILDRED, Beauty School Operator, born 
in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Frank and Rochel 
(Bennett) Jackson. 

Educated in the public schools of Topeka and Wash- 
burn College of Topeka. Kansas. Coming to California 
in 1928, she entered the Henrietta Beauty School, and 
later was one of its honor graduates. She is, also, a gradu- 
ate of the Frank Wiggins Trade School. 

In 1943 she married Jesse R. McKinney in Los An- 
geles. There are no children. 

After graduation Mrs. McKinney began as an Instruc- 
tor at the Henrietta Beauty School, and later was made 
■Manager. In 1944 she became co-owner of the school. 

Mrs. McKinney is a member of the Pal O' Mine ScKial 
Club, and Conductress in the Rose of Sharon Chapter No. 
46. Order of Eastern Star. 

Her hobby is collecting antique figerines of shoes. 

FOL'CHE. ARAMIS-Business Executive, owner of the 
Hudson Funeral Home in Oakland, and- outstanding in 
civic and business circles of Oakland. His success in build- 
ing a million dollar. Burial Insurance Department in con- 
nection with his funeral home, is acknowledgeil as an out- 
standing accomplishment. 



65 



HAWKINS, ALGLSTCS, F., Real Estate Broker, Assem- 
blyman 62nd District, born in Shreveport, Louisiana; his 
family moved to California in 1921, and in Los Angeks 
he completed his academic training, graduating from the 
Jefferson High School and the University of California 
at Los Angeles (class 1931). 

In 1934 after an extensive campaign, he was the people's 
choice, and was elected to the California State Assembly, 
At the time of this writing (1948) he is serving his sixth 
term as Assemblyman from the 62nd District. 

He is active in business and civic circles and has served 
on the Executive Boards of the NAACP; NiNC; West 
\'iew Hospital: Progressive Citizens of America; and the 
American Council on Race Relations. 




T. R. -Yarwjrough 

YARBOROUGH, T. R., Real Estate Operator and Civic 
Leader, was born in Dermont, Arkansas, July 23, 1895, 
the son of William and Alice (Otis) Yarborough. The 
family moved to Gre-nville, .Mississippi where T. R. Yar- 
borough passed his youth and received his Public School 
education and afterward continued his studies at Strait 
University, New Or'eans. La. during 1911-12. In 1916 at 
Cleveland. Ohio. .\1-. Yarborough was married to Kathr 
ryn Stewart of Oberlin. Ohio, Mrs. Yarborough is a grad- 
uate with an A.M. degree from Oberlin College. In 1919 
.Mr. and Mrs. Yarborough moved to Los Angeles, Cali- 
fornia, where .Mrs. Yarborough for a time was a social 
worker with the Los .Angeles Social Service Department. 
Later they located in E'singre, California, a vacation re- 
sort which offered many opportunities in business and 
civic endeavor. In Elsinore Mr. Yarborough started a lu- 
crative business as a Real Estate operator and became ac- 
tive in community organization work. His knowledge, 
from close study, of economic and sociological problems, 
and his deep interest in community betterment have won 
for him the highest respect and confidence. Today the 
Elsinore Progressive League of which he is Founder and 
President has a membership representing a cross section 
of every phase of community life and is interracial in 
every sense of the word. In religious faith .Mr. Yarborough 
is an Episcopalian, and recognition of his sterling worth 
is evident as a member of the Elsinore Planning Com- 
mission; Board of Directors, Elsinore Chamber of "Com- 
merce, and Executive Board. Property Owners Associa. 
tion. His affiliation with the National Association for the 
Advancement of Colored People has been over a period 
of years. The responsibility which he carries is great, but 
he fullv measures up to the requirements of his position. 




Weslev J. Fairchild 

FAIRCHILD, WESLEY J.~Broker (Real Estate and Busi- 
ness Opportunity), bom in Jackson, Mississippi, the son 
ol Mr. & Mrs. E. C. Fairchild. Father was a railway mail 
clerk, now deceased; mother still living in Jackson, Mis- 
sissippi. Mr. Fairchild attended the elementary schools 
of Jackson, then as a youth 27 years ago came to Cali- 
fornia to seek his fortune. He later resumed his educa- 
tion, attending the Metropolitan High School of Los An- 
geles, and later a special business course at the University 
of Southern California, majoring in Business and Busi- 
ness Law. He then entered the Brokerage Field and wa? 
one of the pioneers in that field. He he'f)ed in breaking 
down many barriers for Negroes on the westside of Los 
Angeles. His present affiliations are: Hol'and Lodge No. 
20 F. & A.M., Century Club, '^MCA, Pacific Town Club, 
of which he is Chairman of Committee on Hunting and 
Fishirtg: G^olden West Realty Board, of which he is 
Chairman of the Restrictive Covenant Committee; Board 
Member of Out-Door Life and Health Association ; Mem- 
ber of CM E. Phillips Temple. He was married on July 
5, 1940 to Jay Joyner a musician. There are no children. 
Hobbies: Fishing and Hunting. Business address: 2319 
West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. 



WOODARD, ALLEN C. 3rd, Licensed Real Estate Broker 
and Civic Leader, was born in Glidden, Texas, September 
9, 1911, the st)n of Allen Woodard and Luola (Small- 
wood) Woodard. He received his basic training in public 
and preparatory schools in his native state. He early 
turned his attention to providing for his own support. 

With the idea that preparation is the basic requirement 
for advancement and ambitious to enter upon a profes- 
sional career, he came to California in 1930 to further his 
education, first at Los Angeles City College, then to the 
University of California at Los Angeles, followed by a 
preparatory course at the Los Angeles College of Law. 

During the depression when there was a demand for 
highly trained social workers, Mr. Woodard qualified for 
the position with a Certificate in Social Service from 
use. He resigned from social work to enter into the real 
estate business in 1940. 



66 



As a pioncLT Rcalt)' tiealer in ^cUing properties covered 
b\ restrictive covenants. Mr. WooJanl pursued a polic)' 
III selling Negroes lionies in an\ district they choose, and 
backins them up linanciall)' and otherw isc in any lef-al 
action which contested their ri^ht of occupancy. He open- 
ed the West Adams Heights (Sugar Hill) District, the 
Westchester Place Tract in the Wilshire District, and the 
Charles \ictor Hall Tract in the Westside area between 
Jefferson and .Adams Boulevards, and has contributed 
legal fees to more than fifty bu>ers where restrictive cov- 
enant cases were involved, and has. thus, contributed to 
the deve!opment, progress and growth of the citv as it 
affects the Negro citizen. 

On the 21st of August, U'-IO, ,\lr. Woodard was mar- 
ried in Los .Anucles to .Miss (^lothilde CurrN'. .Mrs Wwid- 
ard, who holds both a B ,'\. and .M .A degree from LCLA, 
is a teacher in the Los .Angeles City Public School sys- 
tem. 

.\lr. W'otxlard holds membership in the St. Philip's 
Episcopal Church, in the work of which he takes active 
and helpful part. He maintains an independent political 
position, and is President, West \'iew Hospital, Inc.: 
Member. Board of .Management, 28th Street N'MC.A: 
Member, Executive Committee of Los Angeles Branch 
NAACP; .Member. Board of Directors. Golden West Real 
Estate Board; Chairman. Board of Directors. Westside 
Chamber of Commerce and member of Omega Psi Phi 
Fraternity. 




BeRTRAND B. BR^TT0N 

BRATTON. BERTRAND B.. Certified Public Ac- 
countant, was born in Bluefield, West Virginia, Septem- 
ber 23, 1809, and is the son of Isaac H. and AJverta A. 
Bratton. Both his father and mother were school teachers, 
the former basing taught in public schools of Bluefield, 
and his mother at Hampton Institute in Hampton, Vir- 
ginia The\ moved to Colorado when their son, Bertrand 
B. Bratton was but six months old. and lived there until 
he finished grade school. In 1911 the family moved to 
Wyoming, where B. B. Brattort worked in the coal mines, 
and at various times was a delegate along with his father, 
to the United Mine Workers of America, which then, as 
now, was headed by John L. Lewis. His father and Mr. 
Lewis were very good friends. 

After completing his public school education, Mr. Brat- 
ton attended the University of Chicago from 1917 to 1921. 
He then took the position of Chief Accountant with the 
Knights of Pythias of North .America. South .America, 
Europe, Asia and Africa, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dur- 
ing the time of his connection with the Knights of Pythias, 



he passed the Certified Public Accountant examination in 
Louisiana. 

Mr. Bratton came to California in 1925, and entered 
business as a Certified Public Accountant, He continued 
practice until 1932, at which time he was appointed Senior 
.Accountant with the California State Board of Equaliza- 
tion, and advanced in this connection to the position of 
Supervising Auditor of the Alcoholic Beverage Tax Divi- 
sion for the County of Los Angeles. After twelve years 
of service with the State of California he resigned to run 
for Congress in 1944. Although, defeated in this effort, 
his social disposition and genume personal worth gained 
for him the high regard and honored friendship of many 
with whom he was brought in co.itact. 

In 1939 he was married to .Angelique DeLavallade, the 
daughter of Louis and Emma DeLavallade of Alexandria, 
Louisiana. .Mrs. Bratton is a legal stenographer in the 
Division of Labor, State of Califo'-nia. 

During the war .Mr. Bratton was chairman of Ration- 
ing Board .\o. 42 of Los Angeles, which he served with 
honor and distinction. His civic interests are wide and 
varied and he gives support unstintedly to worthwhile 
efforts. 

Bratton is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. 
Pacific Town Club. Board of Directors. Y.MC.A: Board of 
Directors. Liberty Savings and Loan Association; and 
President. Carver National Life Insurance Company. He 
is Chairman of Citizens Military Affairs Committee: 
Chairman. Republican .Assembly. 62nd Assembly Dis- 
trict, and an officer of the Negro X'oters League. 

The results he has achieved mark him as a man of high 
purpose, and his example should serve as a source of in- 
spiration and encouragement to others. 




H, T. Sheppard 

SHEPPARD. H. T., Real Estate Broker, was born Septem- 
ber 4. 1888, in Aberdeen, Maryland, the son of .Alex and 
Annie (Simms) Sheppard. 

II. T. Sheppard received his early education in his 
native cit>, later moving to New York City where he 
finished high school and attended the City College of 
New >'ork. Later he pursued a (x)mmercial course in 
Thompson Business School and Astor Place Law Sch.xtl. 
.Ambitious to enter business on his own account he 
saved diligently to acquire the capital for this purpose. 
He entered the Real Estate Business in 1933. His first 
lotation being at Sutter and Baker Streets. Commendable 
success at this location necessitated expansion, and he 
moved to 1740 Post St. in 1940. In 1942 the United Securi- 
ty Investment, inc. was organized and Mr. Sheppard be- 



camr c:hi.irman of ih. Board of Directors of this orgam- 
/..tion Me wa. also, an influence in se hng to muniupa 
inicresls the ulca of low cost housing for the benefit of 
iho.<' in the l<m income group. In recognition of his inter- 
eM and efficiency in the field of Public Housing he was 
ihe recipient of an award for honest and faithful perfor- 
mance from Ihe Federal Public Housing Administration. 

In April of I^WT in New York City. Mr. Sheppard was 
married to .Miss Hester Snowden of that city. They are 
Ihe parents of one duaghter, Gloria (Simpson), now living 
in San ("rancisco. 

The Lnited Security Investment Inc.. of which Mr. 
Sheppard wa> President in 1947 is an investment concern, 
holding properties in many sections of San Francisco. His 
other business interests include a children's wear store, 
Sandra Kiddie Shop, which is one of the outstanding 
businesses of the city. 

Throughout his life Mr. Sheppard has been interested 
in and helpful to those movements which have as their 
objective the betterment of the community. 

He is a veteran member of the NAACP in San Fran- 
cisco He is the Past President and Secretary of this or- 
ganization, and was its first delegate to the National 
Convention which was held in Houston. Texas in 1941. 
His religious faith is that of the .Methodist Church. 




Mrs. Sadie Lolise Davidson 



DAVIDSON, SADIE LOLISE, Business Executive, born 
in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the daughter of Willie and Mary 
(Taylor) Nero; both parents now deceased. Her early 
education was in the elementary schools of Tulsa, and 
in the Polytechnic High School of Los Angeles; her par- 
ents moving to Los .Angeles when Sadie Louise was still 
at an early age. She later attended the Los Angeles City 
College, but left that college to attend the Los .^nge'es 
College of Chiropractic, where she worked on her DC. 
degree Mrs Davidson, also, holds diplomas from the .Mc- 
Donald College of Beauty Culture, Barnes College of Hair 
Styling, and Hollywood International Academy of Con- 
tinental Hair Styling. 

For several years she operated a successful beauty salon, 
but now she has retired from active work as a Cosmotolo- 
pist to Co- .Manage with her husband, the Sadie Louise 
Retail Center. 

.Mrs. Davidson attributes much of her success in busi- 
ness to the early training of her parents who for many 



years operated a grtKery store, and who trained her in the 
fundamentals of business through her childhood. 

Mrs. Davidson is very active in civic and welfare work 
in her community. She is President and Founder of the 
Hair Stylist Guild, Vice-President of the Slayton Foun- 
dation. State Organizer of the California Hair Stylist 
Guild a member of the Independent Church Guild, 
YWC.V NAACP and President of the Alpha Wives Aux. 

Her career and success in business has earned for her 
the respect of the community, and is considered as out- 
standing among the young business women of Los An- 
geles. 

Her hobby is music.' 




Dewev D. Davidson 

DAVIDSON, DEWEY, Businessman-born in Jonesboro. 
Arkansas, the son of Richard and Delia (Smith) David- 
son. Educated in the public schools of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 
University of Kansas, (two years in Economics) and the 
L niversit) of California in Berkeley. A. B. in Physiology. 

.Mr. Davidson, sensing the great possibilities in busi- 
ness choose the field of business as his career. For several 
years he successfully operated a ready-to-wear and general 
merchandising store in co-partnership with his wife, 
Sadie Louise (Nero) Davidson, whom he married in 
Riverside, Calif. She is a successful business woman in 
her own right. They founded the Sadie Louise Retail Cen- 
ter. This center consists of a fully stocked Department 
Store, Beauty Parlor and Wig Shop, and is the largest 
Negro owned business center of its kind in California. 
At the time of this writing ( 1948) plans are in the mak- 
ing to en'arge the business to add a complete line of 
household furniture, and to make the Department Store 
the most modern store owned by Negroes in America. 

The Sadie Louise Center is recognized for its leader- 
ship, and because of its high type and quality of mer- 
chandise, it has been responsible for the Central Avenue 
Stores coming up to a much higher level in the qualits' 
of goods offered to the public. 

Mr. Davidson is a member of California .Mumni .^s- 
sociation of the University of California; President. .M- 
pha Phi ,Mpha Fraternity (graduate chapter) ; Past Presi- 
dent St. Philips Episcopal Church Men's Club; Chair- 
man, South Eastern Co-ordinating Council; member N\ 
ACP, Masonic Lodge, YWCA. and Past Far Western Re- 
gional Director, ,Mpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. 

His hobby is reading. 



68 





.Mrs. \i(.roRi\ Johnson 

JOHNSON. \ IC:rOKIA. Mubician and Owner of Johnsons 
1 louse Cleaning Ilslablishment. native of Augusta, Geor- 
i:i.i. the Jaughler of K. M. and Annie (Stokes) Marshall. 
1 ler lather is a pastor of Shiloh Baptist Clhurch. .Mrs. 
Johnson recie\ed her education at Walker Baptist Insti- 
tute in .Aufjusta. Georgia. She came to Los .Xngeles, Cali- 
lurnia. in U'20 and married William \\. Johnson in I9il. 
I here are two children--.Mar> \. and William .•\. Jr. 

.Mrs. JohuMHi is affiliated with Shiloh Baptist Church 
and has been the church pianist for over twenty years; 
the ^ WC!.^ and .American Woodmen. 

The Johnson's I louse Gleaning l-stablishment is twenty- 
cine >ears old and the first of its kind, which trains young 
men and wtimen in the art of cleaning: Services offered 
are: Professional floor sanding, furniture shamptjoing, 
cleaning of rugs and upholstering, along with everything 
pertaining to general house cleaning. 




.Miss .Mary \'. Johnson 



JOHNSON. .MAKV \ , .Accomplished \'iolinist and Real 
F.stale Broker, born in Los .Angeles, California, daughter 
of .Mr and .Mrs W illiam Johnson, co-owners of Johnson's 
House Cleaning Ciompany. She is a Los Angeles High and 
(^ompton Junior (College graduate and attended University 
of Southern (California, 

.Miss Johnson's musical background comes from the 
greatest \iolin leaders-thc late Jaseha Gegna, Leon (jold- 
wassen and Peter .Meremblum, all of the Philharmonic 
Orchestra and lloll\wood Bowl. She has appeared in con- 
certs throughout the L'nited States. 

She is affiliated with Shiloh Baptist Church, Deltas 
and sponsor of YW'A and YWCA, 



W'lLLiA.M Johnson Jr. 

JOHNSON, WILLI A.M A. Jr., Farmer and .Musician, native 
of Los Angeles, California, son of \\'iiliam and Victoria 
Johnson. He is foreman for his parent's House Cleaning 

Establishment. 

W illiam Jr. attended Riverside Junior College, and has 
made outstanding records in football, baseball, and track. 
In 1934 he won the .All Conference Tennis (Championship. 
He is a member of A.A L . and pla)son the .Avalon Christ- 
ian (Church Community Center basketball team. 

William Jr. became a farmer and owner of a ninety- 
seven acre ranch in Riverside, California at. the age of 
eighteen and is known throughout Riverside County as 
one of its >()ungest farmers. I le is a member of the River- 
side .Agricultural .Association, Shiloh Baptist Church, 
^'.MCA and NAACP. 




HILL, HER.MAN, editor of the Coast Edition of The Pitts- 
burgh Courier. Born in Portland. Oregon, reared in Seat- 
tle, Washington. Educated at Whitman College. Walla 
Walla, Washington, and University of Southern Cali- 
fornia, graduating with Bachelor of Science degree in 
Business Administration. In Los Angeles since 1927, was 
a member of USC varsity basketball and track squads, 
1930-31, high jumper in track, center on basketball team. 
Team won Pacific Coast Conference and National Track 
championships in '31. Social worker for State Relief and 
Los Angeles County six years. In oil station business for 
himself for two vears. Had several courses in journalism 
in high school and college, but literally stumbled into 
newspaper work eight years ago as sports columnist for 
Coast Edition: branched out from there. .Married and 
has a daughter and twin boNs. .Ambition to build Oiurier 
empire in 1 1 western states. 



69 




J wits H. Hayes 



Henry J. Lewis 



IIA^ES. JAMES H., Automobile Dealer, born May 20, 
I'HX) in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of Edward and 
Kobc C. (Anthony) Hayes. 

James lla)es received his early education in the public 
schools of his native city. When he left school he moved 
to Chicago, Illinois, and in 1920 came to Los Angeles and 
hecame engaged in the Automobile Business as salesman, 
working with A. L. Johnston at the Pearl Garage. He 
later was promoted to .Manager of that business. 

In 1927 he became associated with Henry J. Lewis un- 
der the firm name, Central Motor Sales. Subsequent to 
this association in business, Henry Lewis and James Hayes 
entered into a partnership under the firm .name, Lewis 
and Hayes, with offices at 3001 S. Western Avenue, Los 
Angeles, California. 

In addition to being .Automobile Dealers, other busi- 
ness activities of the partnership include Realty invest- 
ments and the operation and management of rental prop- 
erties. Service Stations, a hotel and theatre. 

On November 19. 1937, James Hayes was married to 
.Miss lc\ Slaughter. He is the father of a son, James Rol- 
and Hayes, by a former marriage. 

.Mr. Ha)es is a Christian Scientist, and member of Gar- 
rison No. 45. .Masonic Lodge, and the Pacific Town Club. 

LEWIS, HENRY J., Automobile Dealer, born in Los An- 
geles. California, January 9, 1902, the son of Harry and 
'"'-'f-ince COlivicr") Lewis. 

Henry Lewis was educated in the public schools of Los 
.Angeles. 

In 1927 Henry Lewis joinedwith James Hayes in the 
establishment of Central Motor Sales. This company was 
the first to use the method of caravaning new automobiles 
from the East to the West Coast. 

In 1929 ,\lr. Lewis became the manager of the Blodgett 
Motor Company. Later he was affiliated with the R. A. 
Glines Company, and finally became the buyer for Abe 
Goldstein, one of the largest Auto Dea'ers in Los An- 
geles. Twentv-four years of experience in the motor sales 
field has culminated in the present representative firm of 
Lewis and Hayes .Auto Buyers. 

This firm snecializes in late model cars and has better 
than $100.00000 in cars and equipment, which assures 
their clients that any and all competition, as to price' and 
quality, can be met. 

On October 24, 1930 Mr. Lewis mas married to .Miss 
Josephine Turnham. They are the parents of o«s son, 
Henry J. Jr. 

Mr I ewis is a member of the .Masonic Lodge, the As- 
sociation for the Abolishment of Second Class Citizenship, 
the Cosmopolitan Golf Club and the Pacific Town Club, 
of which he is a member of the BoarH of Driectors His 
religious faith is that of the Methodist Church. 



Mrs. Lessie SrEVENSON 



STEVENSON, LESSIE, Designer and Manufacturer of 
Hairpieces, born in Little Rock, Arkansas, the daughter 
of David and Ruth (Garrett) Williams. Her mother is a 
Well-known club woman and fraternal leader. During 
Lessie's early childhood Mrs. Williams moved to Los An- 
geles, California where Lessie received her public school 
education. Her college studies were completed at Wiley 
College in Marshall, Texas. She studied beauty culture at 
McDonalds Beauty College, and at present (1948) she is 
taking a course in French Weaving and ventilating under 
a French craftswoman in Hollywood. 

In 1938 Lessie Stevenson became interested in her career 
of the art of making one's personal appearance more at- 
tractive by the propier hair grooming and wearing of hu- 
man attachment. During this era the very short bob was 
losing its popularity and the glamour girl hair styles of 
page boys, curls, chignons and braids were rapidly gain- 
ing popularity. Mrs. Stevenson was her best client and 
mpd?l of her work, as she first began glamorizing her 
f)ersonal appearance by wearing her own attachments. 
The many compliments and praises received from sincere 
friends on the improvement of her own personal appear- 
ance was Lessie Stevenson's greatest recommendation for 
the sale of her goods, and she proudly states, that she 
owes the success of her business to her friends for their 
encouraging words and kind thoughts. 

Mrs. Stevenson studies her client with the same care- 
ful precision that a portrait artist studies his subject. She 
personally weaves and dyes hair to blend with the natural 
hair and coloring of the customer. She carefully studies 
one's facial contour for feature defects that can be im- 
proved with the proper hair grooming. Much of Lessie 
Stevenson's work has been in the privacy of her customer's 
boudouir, and Lessie's greatest happinets is satisfyingly 
watching milady's smile of pleasure when she views the 
improvement in her personal appearance whe»- her work 
is completed. 

Mrs. Stevenson's first salon was called the "Blue Room" 
which she operated at 1950 S, Cerftril Avenue. Within a 
short time the demand for personal horhe' service was so 
great that she was unable to divide her attention between 
home service and office. She now confines all services to 
the home which brings mor* .privacy and efficiency for 
itnprovtn)? the personal appearance of the ladies as well 
as the men. 

Mrs. Stevenson is a member of the Holman Methodist 
Church. 



70 





Claudk C. Davis 



Harold L. Camba 



DA\ IS, CLAUDE C, Sales Representative, was born in 
1920 and reared in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he 
received his basic education. Later he attended the W il- 
herforce Lniversit\' from which he graduated. 

He served close to five years in the Armed Forces of 
his country, having gone into the Army as a 2nd Lieu- 
tenant Infantry, later becommg a 1st Lieutenant of the 
474th Bomb Group in which he was a bomber pilot. 

During the war years he married Virginia Pronty of 
Pittsburgh. He was released from service at Fort Lewis, 
Washington and came to California "to look the place 
over." He found it good and became a resident of San 
Francisco. His appointment as salesman for .Acme Brew- 
eries and his assigment to cover the trade in San Fran- 
cisco and Oakland have been widely acclaimed in busi- 
ness circles. 

Mr. Davis is an ardent flyer in private life and usually 
spends some time each weekend flying at Hamilton Field 
in Marin County, "Keeping my hand in" is the way he 
describes his hobby of flying. Claude C. Davis, still a 
young man and one of the top salesmen of Acme Brewer- 
ies, has made for himself a creditable place in business, 
and his progress is the direct outcome of his native abil- 
ity, his close application, and his loyalty to the interests 
intrusted in his care. 



COLEMAN, SAMUEL BRYANT. .Mortician and Funeral 
Director, was born February 28, 1912, in Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania, the son of Rev. G. C. and Annie Cole- 
man. 

Samuel B. Coleman acquired his early education in 
the public schools of Oakland, California, having come 
to that city with his parents when he was an infant. He 
then entered San Mateo Junior College and later Fisk Uni- 
versity in Nashville, Tennessee. His professional training 
was taken at the San Francisco College of .Mortuary Sci- 
ence from which he graduated in 1943. 

Samuel B. and Lolita Coleman were married in Jack- 
son, Tennessee in 1932. They are the parents of one girl, 
Lyta Marie. 

The Coleman Funeral Home, owned exclusively by Mr. 
Samuel B. Coleman was opened in April of 194$. Mr. 
Coleman is a Baptist and member of the NAACP. Fra- 
ternally, he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. LB. P. 
O.E. of W., American .Woodmen and the Knights and 
Daughters of Tabor. 

While still numbered among the younger representa- 
tives of his profession, he has already made a name and 
place for himself. 



CA.MBA, HAROLD L., Accountant, Linguist and Notarv 
Public, is a native of Hannibal, .Missouri, where he re- 
ceived his public school education. 

Mr Camba came to California and established resi- 
dence in San Francisco in 1922. He attended Stanford 
University pursuing courses in preparation for a varied 
career. • 

He was a language teacher in 1926. and extended his ef- 
forts in other fields until 1933, at which time he became 
Co-,Manager of Butler's Funeral Home. He. worked in 
that capacity from 1933 to 1944. His efficiency and lo>ali.\ 
to the interests he represented brought him the opportun- 
ity to become Co-Owner of Butler's Funeral Home He 
held his share in the business until 1947. In July of 1947 
he received a commission of Notary Public from Governor 
Warren, this being the first given a Negro in San Fran- 
cisco. 

.Mr. Camba deserves credit for what he has accomplish- 
ed, his course being that of a man of high ideals and hon- 
orable principles. 




John A. Hardee 

HARDEE, JOHN A., Supervisor of Maintenance Personnel, 
was born July 24, 1897, in Corsicana, Texas, the son of 
Robert Henry and America (Townsend) Hardee. Robert 
Henry Hardee for years was Band Instructor in the Pub- 
lic Schools of Corsicana and wa<; widely known and weH 
liked, particularly, by the youths who sought his counsel 
and learned music under his direction. 



71 



John A. Ilardet; i«xei\ed his education in the public 
school of l;or^icana and later prepared for a business 
caieer b> enrolling at the Hampton W illiams School of 
Cmbalm'inn in Dallas, lexas. After completing the re- 
quired course, receiving his diploma, and obtaining a 
license lo practice his profession, he returned to Corsicana 
and tMablished the ilardee Brothers Home m 1^28. .Mr. 
John A Hardee was the active head of this successful 
nusii.ess Irom \^1S to \^i', at which time he decided to 
move to California. He lived in Los Angeles for a while 
and then went to El C^entro. California, where he re- 
mained until 1^42. He returned lo Los .'\ngeles the same 
>ear to accept a position with the National Supply Com- 
pany as Supervisor of .Maintenance Personnel. In this 
capacit) he was responsible for the first emplovment of 
Negroes by this Company. .More than two hundred Neg- 
roes became regular emplo>ees. 

.Mr Hardee was married in Corsicana to .Miss Eula 
Glover of that city and their children are John A. Jr., 
.Mar\ Catherine and Jacquel>n. 

Ills religious faith is that of the Baptist Church and 
he is a member of the .Masonic Lodge (Prince Hall) in 
Dallas and Fgvpiian Temple No. 5 Shrine in Los .An- 
geles He is affiliated with the N.AACP. Y.MCA. Lucky 
Few Rod and Gun Club, and President of the .Ange' Bowl 
.Association. Inc.. the organization responsible for the first 
Negro Intercollegiate Football Game pla\ed on the Pa- 
cific Coait. 



.Always using to an advantage for his race the prestige he 
has in political circles, he fought and was successful in 
opening the doors for employment for Negroes at the 
Preston School of Indu.try, ["red C. Nelles Sch(X)l. and 
Juvenile Hall. In 1946 he was his parties candidate for 
the State Legislature. 

He served as President of the district organization, 
Voung Republican Club: Vice President of the Los An- 
geles County Organization: Assistant Secretary of the 
State Organization and was a delegate to the National 
(Convention. 

During the war he fought with the 92nd Division, as a 
rifleman, serving for nineteen months in Italy. 

He is an active member and has held offices in the Law 
Students' Association of the Los Angeles University. He 
belongs to .Alpha Fraternity: Veterans of Foreign Wars: 
.American Legion: .American N'eterans Committee: .Ma- 
sonic Lodge: Elks Lodge: American Woodmen and the 
.Musicians Lnion .At the time of this writing he is spark- 
plugging the fight to prevent Governor Warren of Cali- 
fornia from becoming a Republican Presidential nominee, 
because, in his opinion, of his lack of consideration for 
qualified Negroes in his appointments. 

.Mr. Johnson entered the Real Estate field in 1938 and 
is now active in that field. 



"*V 





Carl J. Johnson 

JOflNSON. CARL J.. Real Estate Broker, born ,„ Houma, 
Louisiana. August 23. 191 1. the son of Spencer and I enora 
(.McGuinn) Johnson. His father, for many >ears. a Lnion 
Labor Leader and organizer. 

He is a graduate of the public school system of Los .An- 
geles, his family having moved to California when he was 
~ small boy. He later attentled (jty College of Los Angeles. 
Lnivcrsit> of Si uthern (California. Kansas State College, 
and the Los .Angeles University obtaining his A.B. degree, 
from the latter. He is now working on a degree in Law. 
expecting to complete his work in 1948. 

Following in the footsteps of his father. Mr. Johnson 
sfxjn became active in civic and political welfare. In 1936. 
he became nationnlls known for his leadership when he 
successfully managed the Republican Presidential Cam- 
paign in the 62nd District. Since that time he holds the 
respect of the Republican Party in the State and has 
served on man\ district, county and state committees. 



\\ iLLis E. Carson 

CARSON. WILLIS E.-Real Estate Broker-was born in 
Dallas, Texas. December 23. 1912, the son of Willis and 
Bertha (Jackson (Carson. He was educated in the public 
schools of his native city, and came to California in 1943. 
He became a resident of Los Angeles, and immediatel>' 
enrolled at Metropolitan Business School, where he com- 
pleted a course in Business Administration and Real Es- 
tate. 

.Mr. Carson started the Real Estate business in his 
home.. His understanding and knowledge of the real estate 
business, and the intelligent use of his time and elTorts 
soon made it impracticable to continue his business in 
his home He organized the Carson Realty Company and 
.Associates, which included an employment agenc\' service 
On March 17. 1932 in Dallas, Texas, Mr. Crasoii iii.ii- 
ried .Miss Ida Mae Thorpe, a native of that cit\. riu\ 
are the parents of a daughter. Doris Louise. 



72 



In till- rial e^t.llc tiekl. Mr (Larson initiated a new anil 
Mi.vv>>lul approach to breaking Restrictive Ojvenants. 
The apprt)ach was tested in the l.ucky Baldwin track, 
lo.ated between Avalon Blvd and Main Street, on S6th 
and iTih Streets in Los Angeles. I'ht properties in this 
area were restricted. .X series of meetings with propert>- 
owners were held, and an agreement to sell and permit 
occupancy was reached. I"went\-one homes in this tract 
were sold b\- the (parson Kealts Company, thereby justi- 
f>ing the concept that mutual understanding and agree- 
ment can be reached when alleged opposing forces come 
together for open and frank discussion. 

Mr. Carson's religious connection is with the Inde- 
pendent Church of Christ, He is a member of the \\ il- 
laim Nickerson Jr, Lodge No. 55, F and A ,M., the Golden 
State Realt\ Board, and the NAACP. 




R.\CY L. Hester 



HESTER. BRACY. L„ Dair>man, was born September 24. 
I''02, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the son of Charles and 
Lenora (\ernouse) Hester. 

Bracy L. Hester received his formal education at Baton 
Rouge Academy, but preferring to learn by apprentice- 
ship, he left school at an early age to work for his uncle, 
J, D, Brown, an outstanding contractor and builder in 
his native city. With determination, application and abil- 
ity, >oung Hester learned well the fundamentals of build- 
ing construction, but his interest in a dairy farm which 
grew out of a visit to the country when he was eleven 
years of age was yet to be a motivating factor in choosing 
his business career. 

In IPI8 he came to Los .Angeles to work in the build- 
ing construction industry. Knowing building construction 
as he did, he prospered— first as a Carpenter, next as a 
foreman and Construction Engineer, and later the Presi- 
dent of the Dependable Construction (x)mpany which did 
a flourishing business from 1*^29 to 1935, 

in 1935 Bracy L, Hester, pioneering new fields in 
business, became the first Negro dairyman and distribu- 
tor on the West Coast, The B, L, Hester Pure ,Vlilk Com- 
pany was a reality—a dream come true. 

In 1940 the Company was merged with Ignited Inde- 
pendent, Inc, Mr. Hester became member, Board of Di- 
rectors, next was elevated to \'ice President and in 1945 
was made President, He is a member of the Masonic 
Lodge, Scottish Rite, A, F. and A. M, and an Honorary 
Deputy Sheriff of Los Angeles County. 




I l.:V 



Plrm.\n Robert Smallwood 
S.MALL\\(X)D, PL R.MAN ROBERT, Real Estate Broker, 
born in Butler County. ,Mabama on October 14. 1891. the 
son of R. L. and Eli^a Jpne (Dickerson) Smallwood. 

In 1892 the family moved to Guthrie, Oklahoma where 
his father, a Baptist preacher, pastored for forty years, 
serving as \'ice President of the Baptist State Convention 
lor twenty-five years, 

.Mr. Smallwood is a graduate of the Logan County 
(Oklahoma! High School, and Langston University in 
Langston. Oklahoma lor several years he was a teacher 
in the rural schools of Logan County, 

In V\orld War I he served with the Medical C2orp, of 
the 805th Infantry, L,S, .Army. Leaving the Army .Mr, 
Smallwood traveled extensively in many states of the 
Union. 

IN 1921 he married .Miss Nellie F. Hubanks and the 
family moved to Los .Angeles, (California. 

.Mr. Smallwood entered the Real Estate field in 1923. 
working for a number of years with the Woods Realty 
Co. and the Blodgett Realty Co. 

In 1943, Seeing the need for Real Estate development on 
the West Side of Los .Angeles, he moved his offices to that 
section of the city, and increased his personnel to include 
five Associates: E, E, \\igle>, Thomas J. Pinchback. 
.Maurice .McGovock, ,M. A, Griffith, and Helen E, Childs 
Page, who serves efficiently in the capacity of Secretary to 
the firm. 

,Mr, Smallwood was a leader in the fight against Res- 
trictive Covenants; and organized the Home Owners De- 
fense Council, Inc, an organization to finance and fight 
UN-democratic and L N-.American practices. 

He is a member of t h e >',MC.A, NAACP. Century 
Club, and the Golden West Realty Board, 

His hobby is golf at which game he is considered very 
good. 




73 




In April of 1928, Mr. Johnson married Daisy Ceruti. 

Thus, this man who came to Los Angeles in 1901, who 
worked as a common laborer until he found his stride, 
has" been for many years one of the most outstanding 
figures in Southern California. He is regarded by every 
one in every walk of life as a courageous leader and an 
inspiration to every Negro youth. 



S. P. Johnson Sr. 

JDHNSON. S. P. Sr., Mortician, was born in Emporia, 
Kansas. June 1, 1877, ti.e son of Squire and Isabell (Bain) 
Johnson, both parents now deceased. 

His early education was in the public schools of Em- 
poria: he later attended the Los Angeles Business College. 

.\U. Johnson came to Los Ange'es in 1901 and worked 
for two years as a laborer in the building industry. 
In 1903 he was elected Business Manaper of the Inter- 
national Building Trades Union, w hose . membership 
consisted of all races. In 1906 at the convention of the 
Union in Kansas City. Missouri, he was elected Sixth 
Vice-President of his Union: in 1907 hp was elected Gen- 
eral Secretarv of the sime International Union, beine the 
onlv Negro that held that position. This position he held 
until the organization merged with the A. F of L. Union. 

In 1918. Mr. Ioh(^?on entered the field of undertaking 
in partnership with Chas. D Conner. The Conner-Johnson 
Mortuary was founded. This firm has been doing busi- 
ness in one place for the past 28-years. For m a n v 
years Mr. lr>hnson has been President and Manager of 
this outstanding firm. 

Soon after coming to Los Angeles, Mr. Johnson en- 
tered into the fraternal, religious and civic life of his 
adopted city. After only three years of residence he was 
elected Grand .Master of the Odd Fellows Lodge, a posi- 
tion he he'd for seven years. Resigning as Grand Master, 
he was e'ected Grand Secretary, and served in this posi- 
tion for thirteen years. He was elected and served for five 
years as Grand Patron of the Eastern Star Grand Chap- 
ter. 

He has served as General Secretary of the Western 
Baptist Convention, Clerk of the Second Baptist Church, 
President of the State B.T.U., President of the State Sun- 
day School Convention, Secretary of the State Baptist 
Convention, Treasurer of the State Baptist Convention 
and for thirty-four years as Sunday School Superinten- 
dent of his church the Second Baptist Church. 

As a civic figure in his community he served for eleven 
years as President of the Kansas Club. Has been active 
in Y.MCA work, serving for many years on the Board of 
.Managers. Since the organization of the Golden State 
Life Insurance Company, .Mr. Johnson has served as Vice- 
President and member of the Board of Directors. He is, 
also, on the Board of Directors of the Broadway Federal 
Savings Association, one of the fastest growing concerns 
of its kind in America. 




Mrs. Fannie E. Benjamin 

BENJAMIN. FANNIE E., Musician and Secretary, born 
in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of Thomas and Emma 
(Davis) Wilson. Having come to Los Angeles at the age 
of nine, she was educated in the public schools of Los 
Angeles, completing her work in piano, organ'theory and 
teaching at the University of Southern California School 
of Music. Upon her graduation she was presented by her 
organ teacher, Professqr Roy Hastens, in an Organ and 
Piano Recital at the Philharmonic Auditorium in Los An- 
geles. 

Her musical talents soon earned for her admiration and 
respect in the musical circles of Southern California, and 
her piano and organ renditions were in great demand in 
church and other recitals. 

Her acceptance of the position as Church Organist at 
the People's Independent Church, brought to that church 
a new area in finer music, and throughout the years this 
church has gained fame and applaud because of its touch- 
ing and inspiring music. 

Mrs. Benjamin is, also, the Director of the N.P. Greggs 
Gospel Choir, and the Advisor of the Art and Organ 
Guild, the largest club in the church. 

Her fine musical background is largely responsible for 
the position Mrs: Benjamin now holds with the Conner- 
Johnson Company, one of the largest and best known 
Negro concerns in Los Angeles. She started with this con- 
cern playing the organ for funerals, but her methods in 
dealing with people and the regard that everyone had for 
her soon elevated her to the position she now holds. Mrs. 
Benjamin is a stockholder in the concern, and is con- 
sidered as one of the main cogs in the function of the 
Conner-Johnson Company. 

Her husband Arvant M. Benjamin is ttie owner of one 
of Southern California's largest cleaning and laundrs' 
establishments. 

.Mrs. Benjamin is a member of the American Guild of 
Organist. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: Honorary mem- 
ber. Pi Beta Sigma Sorority, NAACP. YWCA. Frienillv 
Twelve Charity Club, and other civic and fraternal or- 
ganizations. 

Her hobby— Reading and the legitimate theatre. 



74 




r^ 



George E. Cannady 

CANNADY, GEORGE EDWARD, Attorney-at-Law and 
Real Estate Broker was born in Portland, Oregon, May 
I, 1913, the son of Edward and Beatrjre Cannady. 

His early education was in the public schools of Port- 
land, and graduated ffom the Grant High School of that 
city. 

He later attended the Williamette University in Salem 
Oregon where he received his A.B. Degree. Because of his 
outstanding scholastic career at Williamette University 
and his graduation as an honor student, he received 3. 
scholarship to the Howard University School of Law, and 
later graduated with the degree of L.L.B. 

At Howard University, .Attorney Cannady, was out- 
standing in the field of sports; starring on the track team, 
and as a member of the football squad. 

In 1938, answering the call of the West, he moved to 
Los Angeles and shortly afterwards, he entered the Real 
Estate field. While working in this field,, he, also, man- 
aged to complete his graduate work in Law at the Pacific 
Coast College of Law in Los Angeles. 

Attorney Cannady soon became an active part of the 
business and civil life of Los Angeles, and because of his 
willingness to help others in their civic and welfare prob- 
lems, he has made hundreds of friends in all walks of life. 

Through these friendships and services to his clients, he 
soon was acknowledged as one of the most outstanding in 
his field. 

Always an active member of the Golden West Real 
Estate Board, he became its Vice-President in 1946. In 
1947 he was elected President of this board. 

I" 1942. be married Camille Lisberg, a graduate of De 
Hau University in Chicago and a talented artist of the 
stage and screen. 

Attorne> Cannadv is a member of Guardian Lodge No 
50 of the Masons. YMCA. FEPC. Los Angeles, Chapter: 
National Lawyers Guild. NAACP, Pacific Town Club, 
Alpha Phi .Mpha Fraternity, and Vice-President of the 
Association for the Abolishment of Second Class Citizen- 
ship, and belongs to the Vermont and Jefferson Business 
Men's Association. 

His hobby is swimming. 



L 




Btdon W. Rum ford 

RUMFORD. BYRON W., Druggist, reared in Phoenix. 
Arizona, the son of Chauncey Rumford and Margaret Lee 
Rumford Williams. His early education was in the public 
schools of Phoenix and Los Angeles, his parents moving to 
California in 1915 when h« was at the age of seven Shortly 
after High School graduation be entered the University 
of California, College of Pharmacy in San Francisco, and 
received his Ph.G. degree in 1931. 

In October of 1932 Mr. Rumford married Elsie Rebecca 
Carrington in Oakland, California. From this union there 
are three children-William Byron Jr., Randolph and El- 
sie Rebecca II. 

As a youth Mr. Rumford worked as a delivery boy at 
the same drug store he now owns. It was here. too. that 
he first entered the drug business after being admitted to 
practice pharmacy. He, also, has a joint interest in one 
of the better Drug stores in the heart of tlie Negro Dis- 
trict of Oakland. This store was purchased during the 
war years by Mr. Rumford and three other Negro Doc- 
tors, in order to divert business to the Negro race and 
employ Negro professionals In the drug field. Over |20,- 
00000 was invested in this civic venture. 

Mr. Rumford, active in civic and community welfare, 
has held many important posts in State and Federal Gov- 
ernment. He served on the staff of the Alameda Comty 
Hospital ; held Civil Service positions with the State De- 
partment of Public Health: was appointed by Gov. Earl 
Warren of California to the Rent Control Advisory 
Board: during the war years was an Investigator for 
Veneral Diseases in the local community: and was ap- 
pointed by Mayor Cross of Berkeley to the City Housing 
Commission. Mr. Rumford. because of his civic activity, 
has been able to help in getting Civil Service Jobs for 
qualified Negroes in the Bay Area. At the time of this 
writing (1948) he has just been elected as Alternate Dele- 
gate to the Democratic National Convention to be held 
in Philadelphia in June of 1948. 

In 1945, Mr. Rumford aside from his business and 
civic activities, found time to enter the l^niversity of 
California at Berkeley, and in 1946 completed work on 
an A.B. degree in Public Administration This course wa* 
taken to better fit him for the political and civic prob- 
lems that he had dedicated his life to help solve for the 
good of the Negro- race. 

Mr. Rumford is a member of: Gamma Phi Lamda 
Chapter. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: Democratic Cen- 
tral Committee: President, Business and Professional As- 
sociation of California: Director. Oakland Chapter Ameri- 
can Red Cross: Director, Berkeley Municipal League: 
and President of the East Bay Health Association. His 
religious faith is Baptist. 

His hobby is Political Science. 



75 




LoLis M. Blodcett 

BLODGETT, LOLIS M., Business Executive, born in the 
state of South Carolina, but spent his boyhood and early 
manhood in Augusta, Georgia. 

In 1904, Mr. Blodgett, seeking the freedom and op- 
portunity offered to a young and ambitious man, moved 
to Los Angeles, California. 

His first venture into the field of business was organ- 
izing of the Blodgett Bros. Contracting Firm. This busi- 
ness, starting on a small scale, grew into one of the most 
outstanding contracting businesses in Los Angeles, and the 
Blodgett brothers became financial figures in the South- 
ern California area. 

In 1908 he married Nella Allensworth, daughter of the 
late Colonel and .Mrs. .Mien Allensworth. Her father was 
Chaplain of the 24th Infantry and founder of the town 
of .Allensworth, California. 

In 1924. .Wr. Blodgett was one of the organizers of the 
Liberty Building and Loan Association, the first major 
financial institution to be organized by Negroes in Cali- 
fornia, He is now President and .Manager of the concern 
that has grown into the Liberty Savings and Loan .Asso- 
ciation, a fully accredited financial institution in which 
all savines accounts are federally insured up to $5000.00 
by the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. 

.Mr Blodgett is the founder of Blodgett .Manor (gener- 
ally referred to as Blodgett Tract), one of the better home 
projects in Southeast Los Angeles. 

For many years .Mr. Blodgett has been active in the 
civic welfare of his community and his name is linked 
with every worthwhile venture for the uplift of his race. 

WIILIA.MS. SPL KGtO.\. F^elired (Navy), was born Dec- 
ember 20. 190i jn North l-.mporia. \nginia-the son of 
John lidward and Helen (Powell) Williams. John Wil- 
liams was a successful \ irginia farmer. Spurgeun Wi'liams 
«js educated in the public schools of South Hampton 
(.ounty. \ irginia 

On July 12. I')|i) he enlisted in the I niled States Navv 
at .Norfolk. \ irginia. and remained in the Naval Service 
until January (i. 1946. at which time he was honorably 
ilischarged and placed on the Kelired Nav\ list. 

I le has seen service on the L SS Batl'eship South Caro- 
lina. Wyoming. Colorado, and I'angier 1941-45. He first 
-aw aclion in the Haitian Kevolulion in I9H), I.U- tcMik 
par! in Ihejirsi battle of Pearl Harbor, December of |H41. 
ihe Carol Sea I ngagement in April of l')42. and the .Mid- 
w.iv I nccKinier in the Pacific. June of P)42 In AukunI of 
I'm he >att action in the Solom<ins. 



(Jn August 10. 1923 in Norfolk. Xir^inia he was mar- 
ried to Miss Margaret Davis; they are the parents of one 
child, Estella. 

He is Bantist in re'iEious faith and has been a resident 
of California since 1922. 
Hobbies: Sports. 




L. Edward Grigsby 

GRIGSBY, LEE EDW'ARD-Secretary-Treasurer and Man- 
ager, Smith-Williams Mortuary Co-, Inc., born in Kansas 
City, Kansas, April 9. 1906— son of Edward and Cather- 
ine Beatrice (Creek) Grigsby. Father deceased April 17, 
1945. 

.Mr. Grigsby 's early education was in the public school 
system of Denver, Colorado, where the family moved soon 
after his birth. After graduation from the Manual Train- 
ing High School of Denver, he entered the University of 
Denver, where he studied dentistry for two years. In 
1919, answering the call of the West, he came to Cali- 
fornia Not finding at that time the type of work he 
wanted, he- returned to Denver. From this time on the 
life of this young Negro, like that of so many others 
seeking their proper field, was like a story out of the 
work of O'Henry. First a career in music. Following this, 
he went to Oregon, where he spent a number of years on 
the stage. Then again the call tp California and back to 
Los Angeles. Back in Los Angeles, he was cast in several 
motion pictures, having fairly good parts. During these 
years he was also route manager for the Los Angeles 
Examiner, the first Negro to hold this position. In 1943. 
he was called to the colors of his country serving for 16 
months in the Army. 

Returning to Los Angeles after his discharge from the 
.Army, he enrolled and graduated from the California Col- 
lege of Mortuary Science. In 1945, he bepan his practice, 
at last finding a field where he was to become an out- 
standing success. He founded and is Vice-President of the 
Pascel-Grigsby Mortuary. Inc. 

In 1946 he married (Zornelia Edwards, an outstanding 
business and church woman, who is now President of the 
Smith-Williams Mortuary Companv. There is one son 
(step). Leon Chester, a student at John Adams Junior 
Hish School, Los Angeles. 

Hobbv: The study of slang words, of which he is com- 
piling into a slang dictionary, and short story writing. 
Several of his short stories have been published. 

Business address: 1311 South Central Avenue. Los .\n- 
geles. California. 

Business address: 9920 So. Central Avenue. Los An- 
geles, California. 



76 




Rev. EuonNE Robinson 
ROBINSON, EUGENE-Preacher and State Supervisor 
(American Woodmen), born in Taylor. Texas. .March 17, 
l»02--the son of George and Lula '( Robinson ) Robinson.' 
Born of humble parents, the early education of this youth 
who was to later carve a name for himself in two states, 
was indeed an achievement. .'\ f t e r many a financial 
struggle, helping to support his widowed mother and two 
smaller children, he finally finished his high school train- 
ing. A large part of this was attained by attending night 
classes at the Terrell High School of Fort Worth. Texas. 
Bemg of religious bent, he entered the Summer Bible In- 
stitute at Tillotson College, .-Austin, Texas. Later ordained 
a minister of the gospel, he pastored at the Salem Baptist 
Church at Teaguc. Texas, and at the F'irst Baptist Church 
of .Mexia. Texas-these assignments extending from IQ36 
to IQ40 In \<^i7. he made a special study in the field of 
Fraternalism and that same year was appointed a deputy 
for the American Woodmen. In 1440, because of his out- 
standing work in organization, he was promoted and trans- 
ferred to Los Angeles. California. Here in Los .Angeles the 
results attained by this God-faring executive resulted in a 
promotion to State .Manager—the position he now holds 

The American Woodmen in California, under the 
leadership of Rev. Robinson, has shown a tremendous in- 
crease in 1047, leading all other states in membership 
increase and insurance increase. 

In 1925. he married Verdell Bradford. There is one 
daughter. Lala V. 

Rev. Robinson, active in civic welfare, is a member of 
the State Central Committee for the Republican Party. 
Friendship Center Club and other civic and religious or- 
ganizations. 

Business .Address: 4269i/2 South Central Avenue, Los 
.Angeles, California. 

HASSAN, \AINO-Real Estate Broker, was born in Los 
.Angeles. California on July 20, 1Q20, the daughter of Ab- 
dul and Nona (DeLivera) Hasson. 

Graduate of Polytechnic High School and Woodbury 
Business College of Los Angeles. 

In IO)Q entered Realty field, as secretary for Sidney P. 
Dones Realty Co., and became manager of the firm in 
1940. 

In 1944 she established Hassan Realty Company. 

She is a member of the W'estview Women's Guild, El 
Lacormon Riding Club, and other civic organizations. 

Business Address: 4525 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, 
California. 




George G. Smith 

SMITH. GEORGE GRIFFIN. Real Estate Broker, born in 
Savannah, Georgia, August 19, 1912, the son of Mrs, 
Eunice C. Smith. 

Educated in the public school system of Savannah; 
four years in Morehouse College in Atlanta. Mr. Smith 
moved to California. W ishing to further his education he 
completed a business course at the University of Califor- 
nia at Los .Angeles Extension, and a specialized business 
course at the Los Angeles City College. 

In 194i .Mr. Smith entered in the field of Real Estate, 
and General Insurance. Because of his astute business 
training, he soon developed a going concern and today 
after five \ears of operation, his business is recognized 
as outstanding in the Real Estate field. His office is 
among the best equipped in the State, and his associates 
are Walter B. Smith, Lorraine Armstrong, Mrs. W. A, 
Avers and R. E. Stone. 

In .August. 1941 he married .Miss Josephine Blodgelt, 
whose father is L. .M. Blodgett. founder and President 
of the Libert.\' Savings and Loan .Association. They are 
the parents of one child. Georgette joshephine, born Sept- 
ember 21, 1946 

Mr. Smith is a member of the Pacific Town Club, 
Golden West Real Estate Board, ancj other civic and wel- 
fare organizatiorrs. 

McKINNEY, GEORGE W ILLIAM~Businessman~bo r n 
in Pittsburgh. Pa.. October 6. I9l2~the son of Herbert 
and Cora (Zimmerman) ,Mc Kinney. Educated in the 
public schools of Pittsburgh, Howard University, A. B. 
University of Pittsburgh, M. A., (Public Administration) 
1939. 

From 1937 to 1942 he was Occupational Analyst for the 
U.S. Government with offices in Pittsburgh and Harris- 
burgh. Pa. 

Married Eleanor Ann Hooper of Harrisburgh. Pa. m 
1940. 

Mr. McKinney during the war years served in the U.S. 
Army from February 1942 until May 5, 1946. During his 
military career he served two and a half years of active 
duty overseas, and was decorated with the Bronze Star: 
his rank was that of Major, and was assigned to the Ad- 
jutant General Dept. Returning to civilian life Major 
McKinney was Vice-President of the Broadway Federal 
Savings and Loan Association of Los Angeles, and later 
Executive Secretary of the Los Angeles Branch NAACP, 

He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and 
Pacific Town Club, 



77 




W fLrtK J. MiLLbK 



MILLER. WALTI^K JOSEPH. Business Executive, born in 
Los .Angeles. December i. 1^17. the son of Walter and 
Caladonia (Clausell) .Miller Both parents were Instruc- 
tors at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama under Bot)ker T. 
Washington. .\>rs. .Miller is still living, and is a resident 
of Los .Angeles. 

Walter J. .Miller Jr. was educated in the public schools 
of Los .Angeles. .As a student of Jefferson he was the sec- 
ond Negro in the school's history to be elected by the 
student body to the Presidency of the Boy's Student 
Government. 

.Miller entered the hotel business while still in High 
School as bookkeeper for the .Mortage Guarantee C^o.. a 
million dollar Ojrporation. .After finishing high school 
he pursued a Commercial course at night at Southwestern 
Business School. 

In 1937 he advanced from bookkeeper to manager of 
the Dunbar Hotel. Later he joined the staff of Consoli- 
dated Hotels. Inc. as Asst. .Manager of the Regal Hotel. 
Three months later he was appointed .Manager. 

Acting at the suggestions of Walter .Miller, Consoli- 
dated Hotels. Inc. launched an improvement program 
which added a number of related businesses to the Com- 
pany. This attracted other interests which resu'ted in the 
general improvement of the Sixth Street .Area where Con- 
solidated Hotels were located. It made possible the em- 
ployment of more than three hundred Negroes as em- 
ployees in the business and service industry. 

In recognition of his inttrest in and contributions to 
business development and community betterment, Mr. 
.Nti'ler was appointed Supervising .Manager of Consoli- 
dated's nine hotels .As a Hotel Executive with a thorough 
knowledge of this service in lustry. he was cognizant of 
the need of emnhas's on Courtesv. He became an author- 
ity and public Speaker on the subject. 

In 1944. .Mr. .Miller enlisted in the L'. S. Navy. He was 
two years in the .Armed Forces being honorablv dis- 
charged in 1946. L pon return to civilinn life he again be- 
came connected with Consolidated Hotels Inc. in h i s 
former position as .Manager of the Regal Hotel. 

Miller is a Catholic. He is a member of the Hotel As- 
sociation, the NAACP, and the Angel City Racquet Club, 
Ross Snyder Division. 

His hobbies are tennis, weight lifting, and the enjoy- 
ment of all sports. 

Business Address: 815 E. 6th Street. Los Angeles, Cali- 
fornia. 




.\rvant .M. Benjamin 

5ENJA.MIN, AR\ANT .\L. Businessman, born in Pen- 
sacola. Florida, the son of Hentlerson and Ida (Judf;ei 
Benjamin. 

Family moved to Los .Angeles in 1907, where .Mr. Ben- 
jamin received his education in the public school ssstem. 

Being musically inclined he began playing the trumpet, 
and during his career in the musical world played w ith the 
"Famous Ferris Famil\-." traveling extensively in man> 
foreign countries, including New Zealand and_ Australia. 
Later he formed his own orchestra, and for years had one 
of the leading orchestras in Los .Angeles. 

In 1930, thinking of future security for himself and 
family, he gave up his musical career and started a 
laundry business in the rear of his home. Later venturing 
out. the business was moved to SOOO Central Avenue, 
where cleaning equipment was added to the business. 

.Mr. Benjamin applying the "Golden Rule" to his busi- 
ness, found.that honesty and fair dealing with the public 
paid and soon more space was needed to house the ever 
growing business. The business was then moved to 5016 
S. Central .Avenue, where the most modern type of c'ean- 
ing and laundry equipment, including the latest "Pros- 
perity" cleaning unit, was installed. 

The business has grown to the extent of five employees. 
Pick-up and Delivery Service, and an average of 7^0 
drop-in customers weekly. Speed lines of operation in the 
shop enab'e the plant to turn out work cleaned and press- 
ed in two hours. At the time of this writing (1948) this 
modern plant has equipment valued at $15,000.00 and 
the business is still growing. 

In 1921 he married Fannie E. Wilson, one of Cali- 
fornia's most talented musicians and business women. 
There are no children. 

.Mr. Benjamin, interested in the civic growth of his 
community, spends time away from his business to pro- 
mote the progress of other Negro business places and is 
always to be counted on for any worthwhile uplift pro- 
gram. 

He is a member of the Pacific Town Club, NAACP. 
YMCA. and other civic and welfare organizations. He is, 
also, a member of the People's Independent Church. 

His hobby is Sportsmanship. 



78 




Mrs. Hazel \\ ashinoton 

WASHINGTON. H.AZEL. Business Woman, born in Dallas. 
Texas, the daughter of Charles (deceased), and Willie 
(White) Anderson, an accomplished modiste. 

The early education of .Miss Hazel Anderson was in 
the public schools of Dallas, Texas and Los .Angeles, at- 
tending Polytechnic High School and graduated from the 
Lincoln High School. .At present time she is enrolled at 
L'niversity of Southern California where she is majoring 
in Fine Arts. 

Throughout her early education .Miss .Anderson dis- 
pla>ed exceptional talent in art work. Determined to make 
the best of her talent she studied Cosmetology at Frank 
Wiggins Trade School by day, and pursued a course in 
Leathercraft at Ber'and's Studio at night, graduating 
from both schools upon the completion of the required 
work. 

Her desire to become an outstanding Artisan was en- 
livened by the encouragement and unselfish devotion of 
her husband. Lt. Roscoe Washington of the Los Angeles 
Police Department. 

Seeing Leathercraft as a meduim of artistic expression 
and a business opportunity of unlimited possibilities, Mrs. 
Washington developed and improved her skills. When- 
ever busy otherwise, as clerk, beauty operator, or secre- 
tary, Leathercraft was a hobby at which she worked dili- 
gently until she made it a business, fashioning and pro- 
ducing leather goods in her home. Aided by Rosalind 
Russell, the Cinema star, for whom she worked, the two 
of them became partners in "Hazel. Inc.", manufacturers 
of fine custom made leather goods. Located in Beverly 
Hills to serve a Hollywood clientele, the business flour- 
ished. Then came the war, and a shortage of leather for 
commercial use. Hazel, inc. closed its doors, and .Mrs. 
Washington served her country in Armv and Navy hos- 
pitals as an Instructor of Vocational Therapy. In recog- 
nition of her accomplishments in this field she received 
the Government's Award for Meritorious Service. 

After the war she put her artistry and skill to fashion- 
ing new products in leather. Today she is making shoes 
(if original design Her registered Trademark, "Hands", 
is symbolic of her dexterity. 

National recognition has come to Hazel Washington 
because she is an artisan of unusual ability. However, 
in all this she is a modest and unassuming home-maker 
who finds time to be active and helpful in the civic and 
social life of the community. 




.Mrs. Emilv \. Johnson 

JOHNSON. EMILV ADAMS-Real Estate Broker, born in 
Chicago, Illinois. The Adams family one of the best known 
families in the Chicago area, was the first Negro family 
to live in the Inglewood section of that city. This section, 
at the time of this writing, is now free ol the restrictive 
covenants that this pioneer family played a large part 
in breaking down. .Mrs. Johnson s mother, Mattie Adams, 
is one of Chicago's most outstanding modistes and fur- 
riers. 

Educated in the public school system of Chfcago: A.B. 
Degree from Livingston College. Salisbury, North Carol- 
ina. She moved to California in \'i22, resuming her schol- 
astic career at the L'niversity of Southern California, ma- 
joring in sociology. Completing her study in sociology, 
.Mrs. Johnson entered into the field of social work, first 
with the County tmergency Relief Board and later with 
the State Relief Administration. In lOM, she started 
work with the Juvenile Probation Department as a 
social case worker. In 11)36, sensing the need for special- 
ized training in the aid for the needy children of the Los 
Angeles area, she secured a position wtih the Department 
of Charities, where she worked as a case worker until her 
resignation in 1943. 

In July. 1938, she married Otto Johnson. 

It was in 1945 that .Mrs. Johnson became a licensed real 
estate broker and shortly thereafter established the realty 
firm which she now heads. This firm, during the past two 
\ears, has enjoyed a rapid growth and i^ considered an 
outstanding business in the Realt> Field. 

.Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Sigma Chapter (grad- 
uate) of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, holding the 
office of parliamentarian; Assistant Secretary of .Anti- 
Grammatists; Secretary of Twelve Big Sisters, an organi- 
zation set up to act as big sisters to delinquent girls, work- 
ing with and under the direction of the Juvenile Court; 
President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Pullman Porters 
L'nion and an executive on the board, now fighting for 
the Fair Employment Practice .Act. 

Mrs. Johnson's hobby is character building in delin- 
quent girls. This, she belives. can be done only through 
the help and guidance of women who have the welfare 
of these unfortunate girls at heart 

Business address: 1323 We^l Jefferson Boiile\aril. Los 
.Angeles, California. 



79 




Maceo B. Sheffield 

SlltFFIELD. MACEO BRLCE--Commercial and Portrait 
Photographer, born in Seguin, Texas. September 8. 1898, 
the son of Simon and Rhoda Ann (Littlefield) Sheffield. 
Ills lather a jockey, ranchman, and a trustee of Guada- 
lupe College: his mother a housewife. Both parents are 
now deceased. 

.Maceo Bruce attended the public schools of Seguin, 
later attending Guadalupe College. Leaving college in 
IQI7 he worked for one year in the U S. Post Office in 
San .Antonio. Texas, but this work was too, much of a 
routine nature for this adventuresome youth, so he ob- 
tained work as a cook on the S.P. Railroad. His run was 
to Los .Angeles, and soon the call of the West and the 
adventures to be found there, prompted )oung Maceo to 
remain in Los Angeles. From this time (1918) he started 
one of the most colorful careers, that only the daring and 
ailventuresome can look back on. 

From 1918 to 1921 he worked in Hollywood's Motion 
Picture Serials; as a motorcycle stunt rider, he was known 
for his daring; in character parts, he was in demand be- 
cause of his good acting. Some of these serials were "Elmo 
the Mighty" and "Elmo the Fearless" in which serials he 
was the mystery man and wore a black hood. 

In 1921. .Mr. Sheffield entered the Los Angeles Police 
Department.' In this fie'd. like that of the movies, he soon 
became known as a fearless officer of the law. His efforts 
in cleaning out the lawless elements in his district, gained 
for him the respect of the Los Angeles Police Department, 
and the admiration of law abiding people over the entire 
country. He remained on the force until 1930, and at the 
time of his leaving was a Police Lieutenant. 

During his law enforcement career, not satisfied with 
the dangers in his work, he turned to aviation as a hobby. 
Completing his training at the Roger School of Aeronau- 
ti^-s in 1927. he berame the first Nesro aviator on the 
West Coast He received his Transport Permit in 1928 and 
his Pilots License in 1929. 

In 1928 the first airoort was ooened in Brawley and 
Calipatria. California. This airiwrt was opened by Pilot 
llarrv Smith and Mr. Sheffield, using the latter's plane 
the "Sadie U". As an aviator his name became known over 
America and he acted as pilot in many instances where 
there was a call for daring and bravery. He was the pi'ot 
for Swede .Anderson. Staff Photographer for the Los An- 
geles Times, together they made many risky atrial shots. 

In 1910 .Mr Sheffield entered the theatrical business: 
he prdouced "Harlem." a plav that the "-iterarv Digest 
termed as one of the better plays produced by Negroes. 



He, also, presented many of the old Lafayette players at 
the "Old Music ^ox," (now one of the Nat'l. Broadcast- 
ing Studios;. AmongMhem were such outstanding artists 
as, Rex Ingram, Lawrence Criner, Cleo Desmond, and the 
late Arthur Ray. In 1936 he was the producer of "Cali- 
lo.nia Swing Minstrels," (Natl, broadcasting Co.) fea- 
turing F. h. Miller, Mantan Moreland, and the Four 
Tones. In 1937 supervised the first all western . picture 
"Harlem on the Prairie." In this, the best picture ever 
produced with an all Negro cast, he played the heavy role 
of "Wolf Cain." .Mr. Sheffield continued as a producer 
and associated producer until 1941. producing a series of 
pictures for National Consolidated, and played various 
roles in Million Dollar Picture Companies. 

During the early war years, due to a shortage of film, 
he had to curtail his motion picture ventures, so he turned 
to the art of photography, completing an extensive study 
in photography, under the late Professor Robert Parker, 
and practical training at the Griffin-Siminoff and Avalon 
Studios; he opened his present (1948) laboratory, located 
at 821 East -+6^ Street, Los Angeles. 

Still the producer, Mr. Sheffield for the past four years 
(1944-1948) has managed the Luvenia Nash Singers; this 
group has produced such operas as "Cavalleria Rusticana" 
and "Pagliacci," both in its original libretto, Italian. 

March 18, 1926 he married Sadie Virginia Simmons. 
He has one son, Bruce, by a former marriage. 

.Mr. Sheffield is fortunate to have the photographic as- 
sistance of Walter Blair, a graduate of the famous Wil- 
shire School of Photography. It is his-to look back on 
one of the most colorful lives of any living American and 
to look forward to the completion of "Look Out Sister. 
Look Out," a picture in which he is now working, acting 
the role of "Sheriff." The picture is Louis Jordan's latest, 
and is being produced by Astor Productions. 




John R. Williams 

WILLIAMS, JOHN R., field supervisior. Pacific Coast edi- 
tion of the Pittsburgh Courier. Born in Baltimore, Md. 
Graduate of Brown University, Providence, R. I. Has been 
in newspaper work practically all his life, beginning as 
cub reporter for Baltimore Times and served similar!) 
with Providence Daily Journal. Came to the Pacific Coast 
as managing editor of the Oakland Independent in 192S: 
later served as managing editor of California Eagle be- 
fore joining the Pittsburgh Courier family in the miJ 
'30s. Worked as field agent for 5 years before start inn 
the Detroit Edition in 1940 where he continued as m;in- 
aging editor until 1946 when he returned to the Pacific 
Coast as field supervisor. 



80 




James C. Nelson 

NELSON, JAMES C, Proprietor, Dunbar llottl, Los, An- 
geles, was born in Brenham, Texas in 1882, the son of 
George and Mary Nelson. Mr. and .Mrs. Nelson and iheir 
seven children moved to Houston. Fexas in 188*^ where 
James Nelson received his early education. Later he at- 
tended Tuskegee Institute in ."Mabama. 

Early in 1900 he left Houston to make his own way in 
life. Moving from city to city in search of livelihood and 
adventure, he lived a life marked by vicissitudes and ac- 
quired the training and education that comes from travel 
and the school of "hard knocks." Those were the days the 
couiageous lett home "to see the world" without benefit 
of suitcase or trunk and without family approval. 

In his travels James Nelson worked mostly as bellhop 
and waiter in hotels for wages from f I 00 per week to 
$800 per month. Those were prevailing wages in New 
York, Cleveland. Buffalo, Chicago and other cities where 
young Nelson could find hotel employment. Oftimes, no 
job of any kind could be found. The kind of Jiving in- 
cident to unemployment was not to his liking James Nel- 
son soon learned the importance of, and how to take ad- 
vantage of every opportunity; how to make the most of 
every situation which would contribute to his well being. 
He made Chicago his home, entered the Dining Car Serv- 
ice as a waiter and continued employed in this capacity 
off and on for twenty years. 

With an insatiable desire to become a successful 
business man he invested in a number of small business 
ventures and Real Estate. 

In the year 1915 .Mr. Nelson married Catherine Brooks 
Shoecrast. a famous modiste, who was a loyal and faith- 
ful helpmate until her passing in 1946. On November 24. 
1947 he was married to Miss Julia Stearns of Wichita, 
Kansas. 

In 1936. Mr. Nelson decided to make Los Angeles his 
home. He sold his Real Estate holdings in Chicago and 
purchased the one hundred room Dunbar Hotel. Wishing 
to actively direct the business of his hostelry, he converted 
the Hitel Ballroom into a smart elaborate apartment 
which he furnished with antiques collected over a period 
of thirty years He is one of the few owners of fine old 
Madera gold tableware. 

Without special advantage at the outset of his career. 
Mr. Nelson has passed the point of mediocrity. His busi- 
ness activities has made his name a familiar one from 
Coast to Coast, while his intelligently directed effort has 
made his career one of successful accomplishment. 




HoR.\CE Pettibone Ci..\rk 

CLARK, HORACE PETTIBONE. Hotel Proprietor, was 
born in Grenada. .Mississippi-the son of Dan and Ella 
(^lark. The family moved to Chicago in 1910 \lhere Hor- 
ace Clark completed his high schcxjl education. Later .Mr. 
Clark attended .-Mcorn College where he majored in Busi- 
ness .Administration. .After graduation from this institu- 
tion he returned to Chicago where he obtained emplo>- 
ment in the Railway Service. 

He made his first trip to Los Angeles in 1918 In 192 i 
he established his first hotel in Los Angeles and contracted 
with the Santa Ee. Union Pacific. North-western and 
Rock Island Railroads to house their employees on the 
Los Angeles end of the line. His first hotel was located at 
Tenth and Central Avenue. Others were at Pico and Cen- 
tral. Eighteenth and Paloma. and Washington and Cen- 
tral where the present Clark Hotel was established. 

Early in 1918 .Mr. Clark married Miss Vera Newman 
of Yazoo City, Mississippi. They were the parents of one 
son. Horace Jr., who is the present .Manager of the Clark 
Hotel. Mrs. Clark's death occured in 1944. 

Mr. Clark is a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fra- 
ternity, having served as Vice-President of the Los .An- 
geles Chapter for four years and is now a member of the 
Board of Directors of that organization. He is also a 
member of the Pacific Town Club, and a member of the 
Board. of Directors of the Tavern Owners Association. 
He gives aid and support to many civic organizations 
which have as their objective the welfare of the com- 
munity. 

Mr. Clark, who spends most of his time in his beautiful 
West Los .Angeles home with his aged mother, likes an 
occassional game of golf. When he turns his business over 
to his son he plans to travel and take things easy to com- 
pensate for his long years of hard work in building his 
business and acquiring extensive holdings. 



1 



81 



Main Realty Co. Office 



The .Wain Realty Company was founded in 1945 by 
Lorenzo \ . Spencer and two associate partners. Shortly 
thereafter, the two associate partners dropped, out of the 
business and later the present partnership of Spencer and 
Reid was formed. At the time of this writing, the .Main 
Realty Company is one of the outstanding concerns in the 
realty field in Southern California. 

l-rom the very outset the firm set out to break down 
some of the restrictive covenants of Los .\ngeles. Fighting 
with every means at its command, the firm has been suc- 
cessful in breaking down restrictions in two tracts—one on 
the Westside and one south of Slauson Avenue. The partners 
are still fighting and pfans are now in the making for ad- 
ditional fights against the evil confronting Negro prospect- 
ive home buvers. 



In December 1947, the expanding concern moved into 
its present location. The office, fully-equipped, has all the 
modern aspects of a growing company. The firm buys and 
sells all types of property, makes loans and buys and sells 
first and second trustee deeds. 

There is also an employment agency operated out of 
•he office— this branch in charge of Rita Adams, who for 
several years worked in this and the Real Estate field in 
Chicago, Illinois. This service offers all types of jobs to job- 
seekers. Elizabeth Braxton is the efficient stenographer and 
bookkeeper of the firm. The growth and development of 
this firm over the past two years proves that public service 
will bring growth and prosperity. 

Address; 4333 South Main Street, Los .\ngeles, Cali- 
fornia. 



SPENCER. LORENZO V.-Real Estate Broker. Main 
Realty, was born in Los Angeles, California, December 
18, 1912-son of Virgil and Minnie (Smith) Spencer. His 
father, one of California's early pioneers, has been with 
Lnited States Postal Service for 36 years. His mother is 
very active in civic and political affairs, being especially 
active in the Women's Republican Study Club. 

.Mr. Spencer's early education was in the public school 
system of Los Angeles, graduating from the Belmont High 
School, and later taking one year in Engineering at City 
College of Los Angeles. For a short while Mr. Spencer 
worked at one of the downtown department stores but 
quit to resume his studies in Engineerinu-this time major- 
ing in Steam Engineering at the Wiles Engineering School 
in San Pedro, California. 

In the early war years. Mr. Spencer answered the call 
to service and from 1942 to 1945 served as an engineer 
in the Merchant Marines. Returning to Los Angeles 
after the war, Mr. Soencer entered into the Real Estate 
field, founding the Main Realty Company. 

Mr. Spencer is a member of the Golden West Realty 
Board, the Masonic Lodge, National Association for the 
Advancement of Colored People, and other civic organiza- 
tions. 

Very active in the welfare of the Southern California 



Negro, Mr. Spencer has sparkplugged the fight to open 
restricted home areas in Los Angeles. 

Hobbies: Swimming and all sports. 

Business address: 4333 South Main Street, Los .Angeles, 
California. 

REID, CLUESE-Real Estate Broker, Main Realty, was 
born in Lear, Georgia— son of Thomas and Bolene 
(Blanchard) Reid. 

His early education was in the public schools of Lear 
and later in the public school system of Los Angeles, 
where the family moved in 1922. After graduation from 
the Jefferson High School. Los Angeles, young Reid began 
his business career as a salesman and debit collector for 
the Golden State Life Insurance Company. Here he re- 
mained until 1941. During the war years. Mr. Reid 
worked in essential industry. In 1946, tiring of working 
for the other fellow, he secured brokers license and as- 
sociated himself with the Main Realty Company. He is 
now co-partner in this very enterprising company. 

In 1936, he married Jule Hicks, 

Mr. Reid is active in civic affairs of the city and also 
active in his church. He is a memt)er of the National As- 
socation for the Advancement of Colored People and the 
Mt. Zion Baptist Church. 

Hobbies: Movies and sports. 

Business address: 4333 South Main Street, Los An- 
geles, California. 



82 



G and S /7^ li444feA4. 



Kciundeil in March IO-t(i. Ijy Janub McClain Dickerson 
and Carrol Cline. 

Ihe remarkable growth of this business that was found- 
ed on the trust of each of the founders toward each other, 
has been astounding. Knowing each other for only a period 
of one month, and starting with only one used car. a IP?I 
Ford, this business has grown irto one of the largest of its 
kind in .■Xmerica operated Sy Negroes. 

.At the time of this writing (January. lP-48) there are 
two well stocked lots of used and new cars: one at the first 
IcKation. and one in a fast growing Negro neighborhood on 
\\ esterr .Avenue Today there is well over $50,000 in stock 
on hanc 

.Associates who are now with this fast growing interorise 
are; Henrv .A. ''•evens, who has had seven vears experience 
with the Kelley .<ar Co. of Los .Angeles: George D. Brown. 



»silh twent> >ears car selling experience in California: Wil- 
liam II. Po'lard. nine years with the Nadeau Tord Dealers, 
and Clarence Landr) . a young man with two years auto 
ciealers experience. 

Both of the partners believe that service and honest 
d-aling with the public, brings results. This practice is really 
pettin<> results-evidenced by the rapid growth of C i 6 
■Auto Buyers. 

Ninety percent of the sales are to Negroes. 

The establishment and growth of this firm shou'd be 
an inspiration to an\ young men who believe in their ability, 
and the fact that Negroes will patronize businesses owned 
by members of their race. 

„usiness Address: il05 .Avalon Blvd., 2946 S. Western 
A\e.. Los .Angeles. California. 




James .McClain Uu.KtKsoN 

DICKERSON, JAMES McCLAIN-Businessman. born in 
Pueblo, Colorado, June 29, 1906— son of James and 
Sarah (Brandon) Dickerson. 

His early education was in public school systems of 
Colorado. 

Soon after graduating from high school, he began his 
business career in the cleaning and pressing business in 
Pueblo. F-or two \ears he successfull>' operated this ven- 
ture, and in 1*^27 he came to California where he thought 
that business opportunities would be better. 

linding the field of business in California, not to his 
liking at the time. Mr. Dickerson started his present 
career b> working for various auto dealers on Figueroa 
Street, the world's greatest street for used car business. 
Here. too. he saw white dealers selling thousands of cars 
to Negro purchasers, and in 1946. seeing the potentialities 
in the Negro used car market. .Mr. Dickerson. with his 
present partner, (Carrol Cline, founded the C & D Auto 
, Buyers. 

Mr Dickerson married Ruth Tolliver in 1927. There is 
one child, Jacqueline, who is now a student at U.C.L.A. 
taking a pre-legal course. 

His hobby is selling automobiles. 

Business .Address: SIOS Avalon Blvd., 
Ave., Los Angeles, California. 




2946 Western 



Carrol Cline 

CLINE. CARROL, Businessman, was born in Lawrence. 
Kansas. April 12, I908~son of Herman and Minnie 
(Jackson) Cline. 

His early education was in the public school system of 
Lawrence, graduating from Lawrence Memorial High 
School. 

Soon after his high school graduation, he entered into 
his father's business, who at that time had a well estab- 
lished trucking and house cleaning business. After the 
death of his father in 1929, he moved to California, seek- 
ing better opportunities. 

Like so many other Negroes who came to California 
during the depression years, he found few opportunities 
for advancement, so he worked at various jobs until the 
boom war years. At the beginning of the war he entered 
essential war work, and was the first Negro to work as a 
Ship Fitter at the Western Pipe and Steel Company. 

.Always seeking a career in business, in 1946 he entered 
into his present partnership, establishing the C & D Auto 
Buyers. 

In 1932 he married .Miss Myrtle Lofton. There is one 
child. Carolyn, who is a student at Carver Junior High 
School of Los Angeles. 

He is a member of the YMCA. NAACP. First A .\» E. 
Church and 'the .Masonic Lodge. 

His hobby is cabinet making. 

83 




Cecil L. Fin lev 

[-INLEY, CECIL LEVIN, Funeral Director, born in Bir- 
mingham, Alabama, the son of Clarence and Annie 
(Pa>i.e) Finley. Parents in Real Estate Business and 
leachmg Profession. 

Cecil Finley received public school education in De- 
troit, .Michigan; later attending Minnesota College, com- 
pleting Acauemic Course in 19,^7; then to the University 
of .Minnesota and the University of Washington to pur- 
sue a course in .Medicine. 

From 1935-39 .Mr. Finley was Manager of the Angelus 
Funeral Home in Seattle, Washington. In 1943 he moved 
to San Francisco, California where he entered the San 
Francisco College of .Mortuary Science from which he 
graduated in 1944. In 1946 Mr. Finley purchased the 
Butler Funeral Home, which has been established since 
1923. 

The religious faith of Mr. Finley is that of the Episco- 
pal Church. He is a member of the Elks, Masons, Shrine, 
American Woodmen, Knight and Daughters of Tabor, 
The Eastern Star, the N.A.ACP, the YMCA and Business 
and Professional .Mliance. Professionally, he is a member 
of the California Mortician ,Association and the National 
.Negro Funeral Directors Association of the United 
States. 

His hobbies are Music, Photography and Golf, 

Business Address; 1914 Sutter, St., San Francisco, Cali- 
fornia. 

SAUNDERS, MYRTLE ESTELLE ROBERTS, Vice Presi- 
dent, .\. J. Roberts & Sons, born in Ohio, the daughter of 
Andrew J. and Ellen (Hemings) Roberts. Her early edu- 
cation was in the public schools of Los Angeles. Her col- 
lege training was attained at the Colorado College of 
Music and the Chicago College of Music. 

Married Ivan Saunders in Los Angeles. 

Mrs. Saunders an accomplished musician, has played 
in many recitals, giving her talent freely for the benefit 
of church and civic organizations. She has been the ac- 
companist for several concert artists, including Roland 
Hayes, who was known as one of the world greatest sing- 
ers. For a number of years Mrs. Saunders has served as 
Organist in her church the A.M.E. Zion at Pico and Pa- 
loma in Los Angeles. 

She is a member of; Electa Chapter, Eastern Star, 
American Woodmen and Chairman of Music, Phys-Art- 
Lit-Mor Club. 

Her hobby—Reading, the opera. 




James H. Garrott 

GARROTT, JAMES HOMER, Architect, born in .Mont- 
gomery, .'Mabama, the sqn of James Henry and Fannie 
(Walker) Garrott, representatives of one of Los Angeles' 
pioneer families. The family came to Los Angeles in 1903. 
The brothers of the late James Henry Garrott are Dr. A. 
C. Garrott and Homer L. Garrott, Detective, both re- 
tired and residents of Los Angeles. 

James Homer Garrott is a product of the Los Angeles 
Public School System, having graduated from Los An- 
geles Polytechnic High School. 

In 1928 he took the examination of the State Board 
of Architectural Examiners and qualified as a licensed 
Architect. As a profound student of his chosen profession 
and wishing to keep in touch with modern trends in his 
profession, he studied Architecture at the Universtiy of 
Southern California from 1930 to 1934. 

Mr. Garrott is successfully engaged in his profession 
and specializes in modern architecture. The thoroughness 
of his work, his reliability and efficiency have won him 
a well merited reputation At the date of this review Mr. 
Garrott, in cooperation with Mr. Aim, a colleague, has 
completed plans for a new architectural office building 
in Hollywood. 

Mr. Garrott's second marriage was to Helen Duncan 
on February 13, 1942 in' Yuma, Arizona, He has no chil- 
dren from either marriage. 

Professionally, he is a member of the American In- 
stitute of Architects and is a contributor to various archi- 
tectural publications. He is a pioneer in the liberal move- 
ment of Southern California, and an ardent worker in 
the constant fight. for the rights of minorities. His religious 
faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

VENERABLE, GRANT DELBERT, Engineer, born in 
Kansas City, Missouri, the son of B. Grant and Louise 
(Scott) Venerable—educated in the public schools of Kan- 
sas City and San Bernardino California. B. S. degree, 
California Institute of Technology, class of 1932 (only 
Negro to complete the undergraduate curriculum of this 
institution). Married Thelma L. Scott of Topeka, Kan- 
sas—children, Grant Delbert II, Lynda Blaine and Lloyd 
Dennis. 

Mr. Venerable is a member: Alpha Phi Alpha Fratern- 
ity. Masonic Lodge, Alumni Association, California In- 
stitute of Technology and the Bethel AME Church. 



84 



ARTO MUSIC 



The cultural growth of the Cali- 
fornia Negro, stands out as a 
beacon light to Negroes the 
world over. 



85 



MR MAIi;, ll\/i;i., r.i>hiun DcMgner and Photographer. 
\\a> born in Washington. 1). C. Her early education was 
in the public school system of her native cit\ She at- 
tended lloward L niversit> and \ irginia State College ob- 
taining her Bachelor ol Science degree 
in Physical Education. 

.-Xt'ter graduation lla/el taught Phy- 
sical Education in .Maryland in the 
high schools. During this time she serv- 
ed as instructor in syyimming and Red 
Ooss Life Saving courses in \\ ashing- 
ton, U. C Playground [department. 

■Mrs. Shumate, then the yyife of Lin- ■' 

coin W. Shumate, physician and .Major 

in the Lnited States Medical Corps, 

resigned her position md traveled yvith 

her husband from camp to camp l, ^ 

, , ., ^ ^ Mazel 

ilurmg the war years. 

Possessing a profound talent for fashion designing, 
Ha/el has developed her abilities to the extent of attract- 
ing the attention of clothing authorities and critics. Her 
original creations receive lavish responses wherever they 
are shown. In addition to her artistic genius. Hazel is 
blessed with the poise and grace which embellish goyvns 
for the most effective modeling. Her goyvns and millinery 
have been shoyvn in fashion clinics from coast to coast. 



Besides becoming an authority m advanced fashion 
trends she has become knoyyn as a photographer of skill. 
Ha/el Shumate is a staff photographer lor the Pittsburgh 
Courier. I his latest an has been the outcome of study 
anu practice needed for the execuliun 
of photographic processes m the "0>u- 
luistal" clothing method I he meth- 
od is a discovery in clothing construc- 
tion processed by Grace lisher .Atkins. 
This startling young. cre?iiv» ani.t 
is. also, active in cultural and civic af- 
fairs in her community Her goyyns and 
hats haye helped to make a succes? of 
numerous benefit performances for 
charity and other yyorlhyyhi'e projects. 
Some of these are West \ icyy Hospital, 
Jefferson P T..A and the > W C,\ Her 
Shu.nute personal service to the .■\merican Red 

Ooss during World War II was free- 
ly and graciously rendered. 

Hazel is interested in sports of all types. She has played 
in many tennis matches, and loves swimming anil golf. 

She is a member of the .Angel City Racket Club. Busi- 
ness Women's .Athletic (^lub and other civic anil social 
organizations. 

I ler hobby is traveling. 




ATKINS. GRACE FISHER-lnventor. Designer. Teacher 
and Real Estate Broker— born in Denver. Colorado, the 
daughter of Nelson Thomas and Elizabeth (Irench) 
Fisher—her father oyvner and operator of a small machin- 
ery business, her mother active in civic lite and a de- 
voted housewife. When Grace Fisher was age five, the 
family moved to Seattle. W ashington. yvhere she obtained 
her elementary high school education 

.At an early age Grace Fisher began 
her career in the art of clothes design- 
ing: at the age of thirteen she began 
making clothes for friends and neigh- 
bors; at fifteen she was able to earn 




\ 



$3.fK) a day for her seyying during va- 
cation season ; at sixteen she entered 
the L niversity of Washington. College 
of Liberal .Arts where she studied 
clothes and other requirements of 
Home Economics. At seventeen she 
won first prize in a city wide contest 
in dressmaking, sponsored by the Fred- 

erick and Nelson Department Store. ^^^^^.^ p,^„^^ j^^^,^^ 

the largest in the .Northwest. 

Shortly after her graduation from high school in 
Seattle. Miss Fisher accepted a position with Dot Greg- 
son, famous Hollywood Designer and moved to Los .An- 
geles, Later wishing to design exclusive gowns under her 
own name she entered into partnership with Maudie 
Trokey: this partnership designed clothing for many of 
Hollywoo I's best dressed women including, Helen Ha)es, 
Marilyn Miller. Lila Lee and other stars who were re- 
nowned as HollywcKjd's Best Dressed Women. 

In l^HO .Miss Fisher married Alphaeus Prowell. who 
in IP12 in the Olympic Games, repre ente 1 .America in 
the HXK) meter race. He was killed in the Spanish Civil 
War in 1Q?8. 

The same year of her marriage, wishing to further her 
education she entered the University of Califonia at Los 
Angeles, receiving her A.B. degree in 1934. She later at- 



86 



tended the I niversity of Southern California where she 
receiyed her .\LA degree After her graduation from 
I CI A. a position to teach costume designing yvas accept- 
ed at. the Jelfervun 1 yeniiig High SchiKil It yvas while in 
this position lh.it .1 comprehenMyc study was made in the 
art ol luting clothes yvithout try-ons I sing an engineer- 
ing process ol her own origin, using hundreds of sluilents 
as models, she was able to perfect through photography 
and mathematical computations, a sys- 
tem of clothing manufacturing with- 
out Using the usual method of try-ons. 
this system yias patented bv .Mrs .At- 
kins under the trade name of "(jiu- 
turstat." Ihis system is now in use by 
J James Oviatt Cjimpany. one of the na- 

tion's most exclusive tailoring firms; 
here the mcthoil is known as "Photo- 
liness". 

At the time of this writing ( 1048) 
plans arc well under way for the form- 
ing of a corporation to advance the 
"Oiuturstal " system into the garment 
trade throughout the world. .Assisting 
.Mrs. .Atknis in this venture are ll.izel Shumate, well 
known designer and phologr.ipher. and Herman Oouch, 
young sketch artist and ilesigner. 

Mrs. Atkins is, also, the inventor of the "Personnel 
Wheel", a mechanical device that yvill reduce the "paper 
work' now required for personnel prfKessing. The in- 
vention has attracted the attention of the Lnited States 
Senate (jvil Service (Commission, 

Besides her invenJive progress. Mrs. .Atkins is also tal- 
ented in music, and is fond of playing the pipe organ. 
She has also served as accompanist for several soloists. 
Her son. Ne'son Lawrence .Atkins, who also is a pupil of 
the piano, and an outstanding pupil at the 12nil Street 
SchcKil.. University of Southern California Training 
School. Nelson is the son of Weldon \tkins whom she 



married in 1938. 

Mrs Atkins permanent teacher at Wadsworth Elemen- 
tary School, and Jefferson Evening School. Real Estate 
Broker. Inventor and Fashion Editor for the California 
Eagle, still finds time for social and civic welfare work. 
She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Associate 
Member of the American Association for the Advance- 
ment of Science. Associate Member. American Psychologi- 
cal Association, California Research and Guidance As- 
sociation. Charter member of the Business and Profes- 
sional Women's Club, .Member of Elementary Teachers 
Club, and in 1943. Mrs. Atkins and Mrs. Mary McLeod 
Bethune were the only two Negroes on the O.P.A. Con- 
sumer Advisory Committee which met in Washington to 
regulate price on clothing. 
Her hobby is cooking. 





Gilbert I-. Allen 

ALLEN. GILBERT I RANCIS. Composer and Choral Con- 
ductor, was bom in Indianapolis. Indiana, the son of 
John H. and Tillie (Parker) Allen. Brought to California 
at the age of six, he attended the public schools of Los 
Ange'es, and is a graduate of the University of California 
at Los Angeles. 

Wishing to make a career in music he studied under 
Professor William T. Wilkins. one of the outstanding 
music teachers in Los Angeles. Soon the musical talent 
of this young musician was brought to the attention of 
Hall Johnson, famed Choral Leader, who advised voung 
Allen to go to New York for graduate study in Music 
Composition. 

Taking this advice he attended the Juilliard School of 
Music in New York City. Completing his training at 
Juilliard. he accepted the position of Associate Professor 
of Music at Sam Houston College, Austin. Texas. While 
in this position he directed the college choir and in 1947 
toured the Republic of .Mexico, where the choir received 
many favorable press comments. 

Mr. Allen has appeared in concerts with choirs and as 
guest artist with the Los Angeles Symphony, the San 
Francisco Symphony and the San Antonio Symphony Or- 
chestras. At the time of this writing { 1948) Mr. Allen is 
the Conductor of the world famous radio and concert 
choir. ■ \\ ings Over Jordan." This choir is considered the 
greatest of all Negro Choirs, and has been for manv vears 
one of the top attractions on the Columbia and National 
Broadcasting Networks. 

American music critics predict that Gilbert Allen will 
go far in his chosen musical career. 

He is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. 

His hobby is composing music. 



Mrs. Emily Woody 

WOODY, EMILY THOMPSON, LA. City School Teacher 
and Civic Worker. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Horace 
Gordon of L.A. Reared by grandparents, Solomon B. 
Larkin, a carpenter, and Emma Oflfutt Larkin, Housewife, 
early California pioneers who moved from Oklahoma to 
Pasadena, California in 1910. 

Emily Woody received her education in L.A. City 
School system, graduated from Jefferson High School in 
1932; entered UCLA in 1932; graduated in June, W36 
with the degree of Bachelor of Education; now working 
on Master's Degree in Public Administration at USC. A 
permanent teacher, she has taught in the LA. Elementary 
School System for the past eleven years; now teaches at 
Ninety Sixth Street School. 

She has one daughter. Claudia Marie Thompson, born 
on December 31, 1936 

Emily Woody is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sor- 
ority, past President of Pi Chapter; past President and 
Secretary of the Assistance League of the Outdoor Life 
and Health Association. It was during her administration 
that this group had the privilege of successfully present- 
ing Carey McWilliams, writer and lecturer of interna- 
tional fame. 

She is a member also of the YWCA ; past secretary of 
the National Council of Negro Women, Los Angeles 
Chapter; NAACP; Los Angeles Elementary Music Teach- 
ers Assn; Los Angeles Elementary Teachers' Club, and 
A.M.E. Church. 

Dramatics is her special interest. As Upper-School 
Chairman and Music Teacher of Nevin Avenue Elemen- 
tary School, she was in charge of Auditorium Dramatic 
presentations for three years. L.A. public productions in 
which she has appeared are Langston Hughes' "DONT 
YOU WANT TO BE FREE? " and Mitchell's "SHOULD 
WE ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH " produced under 
the medical supervision of Dr. P. P. Cobbs, and the 
technical direction of Clarence Muse. 

Her hobby: Short Story Writing, and Golf. 



WINTERS. PEARL LOWERY-Singer-known in past 
years as "The Nightingale of California." Active worker 
in church, fraternal and club activities. Past President, 
State federated Clubs; winner of National Loving Cup, 
National Convention of Federated Clubs (1927). She has 
sang in churches and fraternal gatherings in many parts 
of America. She now resides in Bakersfield, California. 



87 




Mrs. Lorenza Jordan Cole 

COLE. LORENZA JORDAN, Concert Pianist, born in Los 
Angeles, Calilornia, the daughter of Edward and Amanda 
Joruan. Mrs. Coles parents are pioneers of California, 
coming to Los Angeles in 1902. 

She is a graduate of the public school system of Los 
Angeles, graduating from the Los .Angeles High School. 
Soon after her graduation she married Thomas A Cole, 
a portrait artist and interior decorator. Mrs Cole for a 
number of years, studied music and piano in Seatt'e. 
Washington: there under the tutelage of one of America's 
finest private instructors. 

In 1925 .Mrs. Cole won the Lisniewska Scholarship, and 
studied for three years in Cincinnati, Ohio with this fa- 
mous Leschetizky exjwnent. In 1928 she won the coveted 
Juilliard Scholarship in New York City, this award was 
won over eight-hundred contestants from every State in 
the Union. In 1930 she graduated and resumed her studies 
abroad. In London, England she studied under the great 
Tobias Matthay. Mrs. Cole is the only Negro holding a 
teacher's certificate from the Tobias Matthay Schcxjl of 
Music, 

Returning to America, .Mrs. Cole entered the Univer- 
sity of California, and received her degree and credentials 
to teach music in secondary schools. She is now head of 
the Department of Music at Belvedere Jr. High School 
in Los Angeles. 

There is one child, Yvonne Cole, an accomplished 
pianist in her own right, as well as an artist in Interior 
Costuming and Social Painting. Both mother and daugh- 
ter are members of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. 

Mrs Cole (^uring her musical, career has traveled half 
way around the world, crossing the American continent 
many times. She has been heard in concerts in many lead- 
ing cities and universities of the world, and has received 
acclaim and favorable comment from music critics in the 
.Metropolitan papers throughout the country. Tentative 
plans for future concerts for this summer and fall are now 
being arranged. 

Her hobby is working toward immediate civic improve- 
ment. 



NASH. LL\ENIA HARPER, (ounder and Director of the 
Nash Singers, was born In Wichita. Kansas, September 
5, 1901. the daughter of James L. and Henrietta (Turner) 
Harper, James L. Harper was a grocer and member of 
the Wichita Police Force. 

Luvenia Harper received her early training in the public 
schools of U ichita. Kansas; later moving to Los An- 
geles where she finished her public school education as a 
graduate from Los Angeles High School. She thenentered 
the Lniversity of Southern California and there pursued 
a course in .Music over a period of four years. To further 
her knowledge and appreciation for Music, Mrs. Nash 
studied at the National Academy of Music in New York 
City, receiving from that institution a Certificate for 
Teaching, thus, thoroughly qualifying for a career that 
has been marked by recognition and success. 

In addition to being a teacher' of Piano and Pipe Organ, 
.Mrs. Nash has been selected as accompanist for such out- 
standing Artists as Clarence Cameron \\ hite, Florence 
Co'e Talbert, Bell Salter Tyler. Julian Oliver, Estelle 
Slater Jackson and Edna Heard. 

The Nash Singers of which she is the organizer and 
Director is a choral group of unusual talent and skill. 
Their presentation of Operas in their entirety has won 
wide acclaim. 

.Mrs. Nash, a Baptist in her religious belief, has been 
the organist of the Second Baptist Church in Los Anj;eles 
for twenty-seven \ears. 

She finds time to engage in be'nevo'ent and uplift work, 
while her social qualities are evident in her many friencb. 




•Mrs. Luvenia H. Nash 



Miss Ellen M. Elliot 



ELLIOT, ELLEN MARJORIE, bom in Berwyn, Oklahoma, 
the daughter of Samuel and Odessa (Hood) Elliott, 

She received her public and high school education in 
Milford, .Michigan. 

In 1939 her family moved to Los Angeles, California. 
Resuming her education, she entered the University of 
Southern California, later changing to the University of 
California at Los Angeles, where she is now majoring in 
psychology. 

.Miss Elliott, following her ambition to start a Finishing 
School, attended the Hollywood Finishing School and 
studied "Charm"' under Eleanor King. 

In November 1947 she established the .Marjorie Elliott's 
Finishing School, the first of its kind for Negroes. 

Her hobby is bicycle riding. 

Business Address: 3632: 4th Avenue, Los Angeles, Cali- 
fornia. 



W II KINS W ILLIAM T . Composer, Mu.ician and Teacher 
ol P.ana born in lillle Rock. Arkanbas. the son of 
Thomas and Marion (C.rani) U ilkins. His father a musi- 
cian and band leader lulored his son and at the early age 
of five young W ilkins was displaying his musical talent 
by playing in a fife and drum band, by ear. 

Pio.'cssor W ilkins received his public schcol education 
in Lo, Angeles, and is a grauuate of Po'>technic High 
Aflei Ins graduation from Polytechnic he began the serious 
study ol music in Von Stein Acadmey and progressed so 
rapiolv .hat at ilie end ol lour years his teacher, Heinnck, 
\on Stein, announced him a teacher of piano at the Von 
Stein Aca-emy. 

Since that time, he has studied with some of the most 
prominent concert pianist lo visit the coast. Among these 
noted artist were the late Brahm Vandenberg. well-known 
3elgian solo pianist, the late Jaroslaw de Zielinsky, Herr 
Franz, Robert Lichner, private pianist to the Dutchess of 
Austria, and Professor Hague Kinsey of London, England. 

In 1912 Professor Wilkins pioneered the Negro music 
field in Los Angeles, when he gave the first Negro pupil 
music recital, which continued for twenty-six consecutive 
\cars and was look forward to by musical minded An- 
gclenos as an outstanding social event. 

In 1914 Professor Wilkins was he.alded as a genius in 
the Los Ange'es Sunday Tribune, and he is the only Negro 
ever mentiuneJ in the book "W ho is Who in Music in CaM- 
fornia." ,\ reference book which is found in all public 
libraries of the L nited States. He was the first Negro to 
appear with a sketch, accompanied by a photograph in The 
Pacific Coast Journal of .Music." one of ihi' nUiest musi- 
cal journals published on the coast. Delli.ih I Beasley's 
"Negro Trail Blazers of California." also, carries some 
interesting information on this great artist. She gives first 
mention to him as an outstanding artist and musician. 

.■\side from his musical career the Professor is skilled 
in other trades. He studied Steam and Electrical Engineer- 
ing, and was the first young Negro to be employed by the 
Edison Light and Power Company of Los Angele; as line 
inspector. He is a graduate of the School of Telegraphy 
and has taught the same: a tin smith and sheet iron work- 
er: is a maker of fine candies and has operated a candy 
establishment of his own. 

Professor Wilkins has appeared in many of the largest 
churches of this and other coast cities, as well as over 
many local and national radio stations as piano soloist 
and Director of the Wilkins Symphonic Choir. Professor 
Wilkins takes an active part in all churches and he is 
minister of music for Reverend G. Albert .Miller. 

Recently. Professor Wilkins has specialized in music at 
the California Christian College in composition, harmony, 
orchestration, form and analysis. His principal teachers 
were Professor Herbert G. Tovey and Dr. Mary Car 
Moore He has composed for Voice. Piano, stringed in- 
struments and choir: some of these works have been pub- 
lished. 

At this writing (1948) he has purchased a concert 
Steinway piano and several smaller pianos to be used in 
his recently purchased building on West 29th Street near 
Vermont .Avenue, which will house his new Piano Acad- 
emy. .At present he emplo\s five especially trained stu- 
dent teachers, and will add several more when he opens 
his music academy at an early date. 



.More than 3.000 pupils have taken instructions from 
the Wilkins Piano Academy in the past thirty years, and 
many of these pupite now hold prominent positions in the 
world of music, among them are; Lucille Blayechettia 
lluley. Pianist. Organist and Teacher; Mike Stewart 
(white) 'jf the A.B.C^ Network; Fannie Benjamin. Pian- 
ist and Organist; .Albert .McNeil, music teacher and direc- 
tor of Independent (Church Choir; Gilbert F. Allen, Pro- 
fessor of .Music in Sam Houston College and director of 
"W ings Over Jordan": Samuel Brown, former musical in- 
structor of Jefferson High School now music teacher at 
Los Anneles City College; Leon Rene. Composer: Loren- 
zo Flennoy. radio artist : Frederic D. Skinner, soloist and 
radio; in Hawaiian Islands, Charlotte Schimidyu, pianist 
and organist. 

His daily assistant teachers of music classes are: Ruth 
Claire Clifford (Chief), Zella Beacon, Eugenia Caldwell 
("lark, Ethel Bethune Thompson, and Evelyn L. Cole. 
I'inancial Secretary and instructor in Music .Appreciation. 
.Music History. Piano and man> others. 




Miss Louise Beavers 

3EAVERS. LOLISE, Motion Picture Actress, born in Cin- 
cinatti. Ohio, the daughter of William and Ernestine 
Beavers. 

Her public school education was in Cincinatti and Pas- 
adena. California. After her high school graduation Miss 
Beavers began her career doing bit parts in silent pic- 
tures. In 1928 her first speaking part was in Warner 
Brothers' "Glad Rag Doll;" in 1935 she played her great- 
est role in the outstanding production of that year "Imi- 
tation of Life." This performance earned for her the ac- 
claim and applaud of movie goers over the world. The 
star in this picture. Claudette Colbert, admitted publicly 
that Miss Beavers really should have been named as the 
female star. 

Following this success Miss Beavers played a support- 
ing role in several outstanding productions, among them: 
"No Time for Comedy." "Rainbow on the River," "Vir- 
ginia.' and "Reap the Wild Wind." 

Miss Beavers aside from her acting is quite active in the 
civic welfare of bet community. She can always be de- 
pended on to make personal appearances for any worth- 
while charity, and hardly a week passes but that she gives 
freely of her time and talent. 

She is President of the Thirteen Aid Charity Club and 
active in the Allied Arts League. 

Married Leroy .Moore |r.. a caterer of Los Angeles. 

Her religious faith is Christian Science. 



89 




Miss Edna [^. Heard 

HEARD, EDNA ROSALYNE, Singer. Composer and 
Teacher, born in Santa Monica. California, the daughter 
of Edward H. and Eliza (.Moses) Heard. Her father was 
a contractor, and her mother a civic and religious leader: 
the first Negro church in Santa Monica was founded by 
her mother in I'-Wb. and her sister. Mrs. Nancy Butler, 
writing the first minutes at the meeting. Both father and 
mother are now deceased. 

Miss Heard is a graduate of the Santa Monica High 
School, the L niversity of Southern California, (the De- 
partment of \ oice. Theory and Composition): she was 
the first .Negro to graduate in this Department of the Uni- 
versity 

After graduation Miss Heard studied composition under 
(-harles Pembcrton. Dr. Joseph Grief and Julia Howell, 
all noted teachers in music composition. She studied voice 
under .Madam Jennie Torriani. .Alfred \ ogger and Lillian 
W ilson. the latter her voice teacher at L .S.C. 

M the early age of fourteen, .Miss Heard, won the ap- 
plause of musical Californians. when she was awarded a 
gold medal in a contest sponsored b\- the N.A.ACM-"; this 
prize was awarded b>' the late Bishop Joseph H. Johnson, 
first president of the Southern California .N.A.-\(;P Branch. 

Since this time .Miss Heard has won the acclaim of 
music and voice critics throughout ("alifornia. for her 
fine compositions and the iiLialit\ of her dramatic soprano 
\oice. This can be summed u[-> in the lollouing press com- 
ments written after .Miss Heard wrote the .Musical Scores 
for the ALuldin Premiere (.Ma\on Theatre I. \ olponc 
I Belasco Iheatrel and Will Shakespear at the llo!l\wond 
Pla\ house. 

"She li the only -uoman oj her race doinii seriotn liork 
;?! composition in the Weil, and hits composed the 
mime lor a number of llolh-uood'i most outstandin^i 
'/<Jl,'t' produitiiin\." 

-1 \enin^ Outlook, June I'Kl 

"To r.Jiid Kouilyiie I lend lor the orifitmil uore- 
Lil »;-/'/i audience '..a^ lamh ni its applause." 

-Los .Angeles Lx.imincr 



.1 )/ arliil ol achie-L emeni 



Miss II,. 
r.inijc nuni 



jllsl 

(hiiii 



-Kuliis I', \on K 

iniplcUil lur <iwn r 
r .N.ilinn.il \nlluMii 



leinsmul 
rij;in.il ar- 



rangement has been accepted by the American-Oriental 
Friendship Association, and is to be published soon in 
their monthly publication. '.Asia Calling." Records of 
this composition are enroute to China to be presented to 
the Chinese Government. Aliss Heard has. also, won the 
"Kriqwa .Award" awarded by the Krisis Guild of W Titers 
and Artists in New York City: and served as one of the 
judges on the audition board for the Atwater-Kent Na- 
tional Voice Contests. 

Miss Heard is a member of the Holl>'\*ood Council of 
Composers and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. 

Her hobby is collecting interesting and unusual pic- 
tures of babies. She calls her collection "The Stork Var- 
ietv Club." 




Mrs. Freita Shaw Johnson 

JOHNSON. FREITA SHAW. Choral Conductor, born in 
Bilings, .Montana, the daughter of .Andrew J. and Sadie 
\ iola (.MacElroy) Shaw. Her father, now deceased, was 
a famous chef. Her mother is now living in Los .Angeles, 
(California .Miss Shaw's earl\ education was in the public 
schools of Portland. Oregon. 

Alter her high school graduation .Ntiss Shaw studied 
music lor two and a half \ears at the Oregon Conserva- 
tor) of .Music It was during her course of stud> at the 
Oregon ('.onser\ator\ that .Madam Lucia \ aliar. world- 
famous teacher of voice, became interested in her voice. 
and as a protegee of .Madam \ aliar. .Miss Shaw studied 
\oice anil music in Paris. France. 

.Miss Shaw returned to .America and continued her 
siiidies wilh Oscar Saenger. in New N'ork C.ilv. considered 
.IS \merica's finest voice teacher Completing her studies 
III New ^(lrk. .Miss Shaw siarteil her professional career 
wiili I \ceum anil Chautauqua anil Stock Companies; 
Liter with the ILirrod Singers, traveling in North and 
South America and in Bermuda. 

In l'>2() .Miss Shaw established residence in California. 
:iiid on Jiilv 2b. l')2*' married William \ ernon Jolinstin. 
master mechanic for the cilv of Los Angeles. Ihere are 
no children. 

Miss Sl;.i« was ihe organi/er and leader for the Itude 
I ilieopi.iii (horns. This oulsl.inding choral group sang 
in m.im mulion picture proiliiclions It w.i> (he lirsi Negio 
group in \nierica lo li.ive the signal honor of singing m 
uraiiJ oper.i wilh Melropolilan 0|Hr.i si.irs such as I .ivv- 
reiue libbell. C.r.ice \U«>re. Richard Boiulli. Alessandro 
C.iglio and manv oilur •greals" ol the Opera In l'>'< 
diiiiiu; Ihe I OS Angeles and S.m I raiKis>o Opera Season. 



IX) 



\liss Slutt «.!> :iii A»i>l.ml Clior.il M a > 1 o r with Ihc 
()|Hr.i Comp.inN. Shi- .iNo. >.ui>; ihirinn ihi' ri-Kular scaMH) 

in ihf IIoIIvw.kkI H<>«I. During hir IIoIIwmkuI Ci\mi 

\\i-^ Sh.i\\ \\.i> .1 nu-mbiT <il Iho musiL-al staff lur the 

H Kl) ami M C"i M. >luilii>s. 

.\li» Shaw lor live \var> was Chit'f Musician on ihr 
SS. Ale\anJer. Ilanship of the Pacilic Sti-aniship c:om- 
panx's (.oastwise liners. In this unique position she saileil 
both the West anil Hast coasts ol America ami one trip 
aroumi the work!. Since l'>4i Miss Shaw is one of the 
directors of the Los Angeles Bureau of Music and is di- 
recting youth and adult choirs throughout the area. Miss 
Shaw is' also, condi-tor of the famous Euterpian Singing' 
Soc-.tv 

She is a member of \\ ilfandel Club, Screen .Act or - 
Guild. NA.\CP, ^ WCA, and the St. Philip's Episcopal 
(Church. 

Her hobbies-raising pedigree dogs and sailing her little 
sloop, the "Bilfreita." 




Mrs. Jessie C. Grayson 

GRAYSON, JESSIE COLES, Singer and Character Actress, 
born in Albia, Iowa. Came to Los Angeles, California at 
the age of eight. Received public school education in Los 
Angeles, and a graduate of the Los Angeles High School. 
Started singing in a juvenile choir of the First A. ME. 
Church at age of eleven; joined the Senior Choir at the 
age of seventeen. 

Married Garner V. Grayson, and went to Portland, Ore- 
gon where she lived for many years singing in the choir, 
and at the same time studying for a Concert Singer, where 
she, also, took a course in Dramatics. Also directed the 
Choir for six years. President of the Oregon Association 
of Negro Women's Clubs for four years, and was Second 
Recording Secretary of the National Association of Ne- 
gro Women's Clubs for four years. Returned to Los An- 
geles to live in 1936 when she started singing with the 
Hall Johnson Choir doing Concert and radio work and 
doing background music for many moving pictures. After 
studying for a Concert Singer for eight years, she traveled, 
giving song recitals in many cities. 

In 1941 she plaj^ed her first role as a character actress 
in the picture "The Little Foxes." After which, she had 
character roles in many pictures including, "One Dark 
Knight." "Syncopation," "The Youngest Profession,', 
"Wilson," "The Life of Mark Twain," "Tomorrow is For- 
ever," and others. Recently, "Cass Timberlane," "T h e 
Spirit of West Point." and the unreleased "Homecoming." 

In 1947 she was called to New York to join the road 
company of the great problem play, "Deep are the Roots," 



in which she |iiirii.i\td the role (if .Mother to the \i)uiik 
.Xrmy Lieutenant, one of the stars of the play, traveling 
lor si.x months all through the East and (Canada. She is 
presently portraving the same role, currentls' running at 
the Belasco Theatre in Los ,'\ngeles. After their ennaue- 
ment in Los .Angeles the company will continue up the 
("oast as far as British Columbia. 

She is an active member of I'irst A. .ME. (Church, anil 
an active member of the Woodlawn Branch YWCIA. ol 
which she was the Chairman for several \ears. She is, 
also, a member of the .Metropolitan Board of the Los .An- 
geles YWCA, and holds the office of Secretary, the first 
Negro ofticer the Board has ever had. She was Vice Chair- 
man of a Financial Drive for a new YWCA in 1941, 
which resulted in the purchase of the present YWCA, 
Woodlawn Branch. 

She was chosen as the "Woman of the* Year" by the 
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority during the "Finer Womanhood 
Week" in 1944, for her outstanding work in the YWCA 
and for her work in the Community Chest, for which she 
served as Vice Chairman of the Eastside Area for two 
>ears. 

She has two children, a daughter, Mrs. Jennie Dora 
Wagoner, who operates a gift shop, and a son. Garner V. 
Grayson Jr., a Pharmacist, and three little grand-children 
whom she adores. 

She is an active member in the Clef Club, Old Pals 
Club. Kappa .Mothers Club and Wilfandel Club. Re- 
ceived a reward from the Interracial .Award Committee 
in the pictures "Cass Timberland", and was the first time 
a Negro woman was called ".Mrs." in a picture. 

When''ver she is not busy on stage or screen, she can, 
usually, be found working in some capacity at or for the 
YWCA. 

Her hobby is collecting unusual pictures, miniature and 
otherwise. 



BLTLER, LAURETTA GREEN, .Musician an Producer 
of Children's Acts—born in Los Angeles, daughter of 
Joseph and Amanda (Shelton) Green. In the early pioneer 
days Mr. and Mrs. Green operated the "Alpha", a well 
known rooming and boarding house. 

Mrs. Butler received her education at Commercial High 
School and Los Angeles Business College. 

She is affiliated with the First A.M.E. Church and 
Clef Club, also President Emeritus of the Native Cali- 
fornians and a member of the Old Pals Club. 

Mrs. Butler was Superintendent of the State Federa- 
tion of Music for six years. She taught music for three 
years in Eatonville, Florida, and traveled with singing 
groups of children to Daytona, Palm Beach and Miami, 
Florida, entertaining with folk songs at the well-known. 
Royal Ponciana arid the Breakers Hotels. 

In 1917 Mrs. Butler presented the first of her Kiddies 
Revue which continued annually until the late thirties 
when by special request she took her talented kiddies to 
Hawaii. She and her nationally famous Kiddies made two 
trips to Hawaii, and on the second trip they witnessed 
the bombing of Pearl Harber, and was detained on the 
island for five and one-half monthe before the Govern- 
ment evacuated them to the States. 

Lauretta Butler has trained many celebrities in various 
parts of the r niintr y. and much of her services has been 
generously donated to various philanthropic causes, also 
given many children training without compensation bring- 
ing out beauty, rhythm and art which so definitely proves 
to be her hobby. 



91 




I 



Albert J. McNtii. 

WcNEIL. ALBtRT JOHN, a Supervisor of Wusic in Los 
\ngeles Cit\ School S\slem. was born I fbruar\ 14. 1^)22 
in Los Ange!es, California, the son of John Joseph and 
RhoJier I Robertson) McNeil. .Mbcrt J, .McNeil com- 
pleted his public school education in Los .Angeles, graduat- 
ing from Pol\technic High School. Later he attended 
L.C.L.A. graduating from that institution in l'-)42 with a 
degree of B.\. Then to University of Southern California 
where he received his .M..A. degree in IQ44. 

His religious faith is that of the Catholic Church. Pro- 
i'essionall) . he is President of the Los .Angeles .Musicians 
,'\ssociation, and member of the Los ,Angeles ,Music 
Teachers ,'\ssociation. National Education .Association, 
Southern Ca'ifornia Conductors Guild, California West- 
ern .Music Education .Association, and the Negro .Musi- 
cians Inc. Fraternallw he is affiliated with the Omega 
Psi Phi and Phi .Mu .Alpha Fraternities and the .Masonic 
Lodge. He belongs, to the N'.AACP and the Y,MCA, 

He is Director of ,Music at the Peoples Independent 
Church of Christ, and Director of the .Albert .McNeil 
Choir, and also a teacher of music in Los .Angeles Schools. 
He is organizer and founder of the Philharmonic Artist 
Series and is now doing background music work for the 
CBS Broadcasting System. In 1947 he taught at Linco'n 
University and will teach at Howard University in the 
Summer of 1948. 



COLLINS, JEANNETTE, Concert Dancer, was born in 
New Orleans, Louisiana, March 2, 1917, the daughter of 
Ernest L. and Alma (DeLavallade) Collins. 

At th^ age of four \ears she came with her fami'v to 
Los Angeles, where she received her public school educa- 
tion. Prompted by her talent for and interest in dancing, 
as an Art, she took advantage of every opportunity to at- 
tend Art Schools. Her first scholarship W'as from the Art 
Center Srhcwl in Los Angeles. Later she received a lulius 
Rosenwald scho'arship to do research on Hebrew Classic 
and American Negro Dances, and worked with Ernest 
Bloch of the Universitv of California in Berkeley in re- 
search on a Hebrew Biblical Suite of Dances. Throughout 
the period of her study of the dance she was diligently 
training for a career as a Concert Dancer. 

Miss Co'lins made her debut as a Concert Dancer in 
i-os Angeles in 1947. Her first apoearance was a success. 
She is now planning an extensive itinerary for dance con- 
certs in the leadin" cities of the nation. 

Her hobby is oil painting and theatrical costume de- 
signing. All costumes used in her concerts are original de- 
signs of Miss Collins. 




lill LV L\( V 

LAC;'l. Bill ^. P.Kfi. burn in 1918 at llenikrson. U-\3s, 
the first child of Leathon and Etta (Coss) Lacy. His 
father is a small-scale farmer and Baptist deacon, and 
his mother, now deccascil, was a housewife. ,Mr Lacv 
went to public school in Henderson, Texas, except for the 
last two years of high school finished at limmett Scott 
High, Tyler, Texas, Following this completition he entered 
Texas C:ollege of that cit> but declined in his junior >car 
because of severe illness. Called to ser\e his country 
Sept. 7. 1942. .\U. Lac\. then an agent for The L niversal 
Life Insurance Co.. the T\lcr branch, was four da\s later 
transferred to .March l-icld (Arm> Air Base) Caiif. and 
remained in near-by Riverside after being honorably dis- 
charged. Feb 25. 1946. .Married \era L. Tucker, teacher 
in Texas public schools, in the summer of 1946. He is 
Baptist and she is .Methodist, .Mr Lacv is affiliated with 
NAACP, also a member of THE NATIONAL W RITERS 
CLL'B, Denver, Colo. His poems have appeared in the 
California Eagle and Tri County Bulletin, both of Cali- 
fornia. His, last published poems are included, with those 
of other writers, in "Important AMERICAN POETS 
AND SONG WRITERS" recently released by Valiant 
House, Publishers. New Nork. 

Business address: 4472 Grove Ave., Riverside. Calif. 



GRAY, JOHN ANDREW JR., Professor of Music, born in 
Norfolk. Virginia, the son of John Andrew and Susan S. 
(Washington) Gray. 

Before coming to California in I9I0. he lived in Pitts- 
burgh. Pennsylvania, where he attended the public school. 
Professor Gray is a graduate of the Polytechnic High 
School of Los .Angeles, and studied at the L'niversilv of 
Southern California, as well as the University of Cali- 
fornia at Los Angeles. 

He showed an earlv aptitude for music: his father gave 
him his first lessons. He studied music in Los .Angeles and 
later went to Europe where he attended the Ecole Normalt 
de Musique in Paris, France It was from this world re- 
nowned institution of cultural art and music that he re- 
ceived his teacher's diploma. 

Professor Gra\' is the founder of the Musicians' Asso- 
ciation in Los Angeles, the first West Coast organization 
of Negro .Musicians, 

In 1931 he founded the Gray Conservatory of Music, 
an interracial institutioti, both as to teachers and pupils, 
which is considered outstanding in the musical circles of 
Southern California. 

Professor Gray belongs to the Masonic Lodge. 

His hobby is work. 



92 




Mrs. Cole is a member of the Actors Laboratory of 
HollvwooJ, the Les Petite Femmes Club, of which she is 
the sponsor, the A. WAS., an organization that helps the 
blind by driving blind students to school, etc. Aside from 
her benevolent work Mrs. Cole is a member of the East- 
ern Star, and active in the social circles of Los Angeles. 

Her hobbies are golf and badminton. 



Sammy Franklin 

|•R.^NKLIN, SAMMY-Musician, born in Shawnee. Okla- 
homa. Son of Eli and Marie (Bowers) Franklin. Edu- 
cated in the public schools of Denver. 

Noung Sammy, always having a flare for music, started 
pla\ing with the V.\IC.'\ band in Deivcr, first playing 
the violin, then the trombone and later the tl-umpet. For 
several vcars he played with the George .Morrison Band 
of Denver: later to Kansas City with the Benny .Moten 
Band. Durin"; his career he has played in such fine bands 
as .-XndN Kirk. Les Hite. Lionel Hampton and Eddie 
Barcfield. He then formed the Sammy Franklin Orches- 
tra, now noted as a societ> band and in great demand by 
west coast clubs, fraternities and sororities. .Married to 
\era Wysinger Franklin, a native of California ami a 
registered nurse: thc\' have one child, Henrv Carl Frank- 
lin 

.Mr f-ranklin is a 32nd Degree .Mason, an Elk. .Member 
of the Board of Directors of the Musicians Lnion, Local 
767. member of the Second Baptist Church. Hobbies: 
Photography and golf. 

Business address: 2627 Raymond .^ve^ue, Los .\ngeles, 
California 



COLE . NADINE ROBINSON-Dancer. Benevolent Work- 
er, born in Fast St Louis. Illinois, the daughter of 
(Charles and l-.mma ((^li\er) Robinson. 

She was educated in the public schfxils of East St. Louis 
and (Chicago. S<x)n after her graduation from high school 
vhe began her career as a dancer, becoming (luile famous 
in this chosen art. 

In January 1^37. she married Nat Cole, founder of the 
famous King (^ole Trio, and the same \ear the couple 
moved to (California 

.After leaving the staKe Mrs Cole saw the nct-d for bene- 
\()'ent work in the fiehl of ;irl She is a charier member 
of the B.\'..A., an organi/ation founded to assist actors 
anil actresses who are inc.ipablu of earning a living be- 
cause of ;igi- (ir other unforlunale circumstances. 

In this organization Mrs. Cole is very active, and is 
.Kcretlitcd hi^hK (or the time anil henevdience expended 
(or this mosi wi>rth\' cause 




Viola .M. Bentley 

5ENTLEY, VIOLA M., Dramatic Soprano, .Mrs. Viola .M. 
Bentley. Dramatic Soprano, was born and educated in 
the public schools of Cleburne. Texas. Later, she attended 
Gaudeloupe College where the training for her musical 
career began, .'\dvanced instruction in voice was taken 
under nationally known teachers including J. Harrison 
Thomas, now at Florida A & .M, Jeanette Bacote, Kansas 
(jty, .Missouri, and L. C. Myers, Dallas, Texas. 

She married .Mfred Miller in IQ03 and they became the 
parents of two daughters, Comerlett (Powell) now resid- 
ing Los .Angeles, and Diana (Riley) a resident of Kansas 
City, .Missouri. 

.Mrs. Bentley's well earned reputation as an artist of 
superior attainments makes her known throughout the 
country. The eminent Fiapheal Rubenstein of Kansas City 
was her accompanist in one of tfve most engaging recitals 
ever presented in the midwest. Her forte is the church 
and radio. She has alwa\s been religiousl\' inclined and 
has given much of her artistr\' to spiritual uplift. She has 
been presented as guest artist and in recitals in man\ 
of the nation's outstanding churches. 

.Mrs. Bentley's religious faith is that of the Baptist 
Church. She is a member of Friendship Baptist (Church 
of Pasadena in which she is keenly interested in the \ari- 
ous branches of service. She is an actixe worker :\nii labors 
to advance the interest of her church 

It can he well said that in her profession she steadil\ 
workeil her wa>- upward to become a recognized artist 
Step by step she adxanceil through h'T own iiidustr\ and 
diligence and wise use of opjiorlunities which came to lier 

Her civic interest is centered in the work of the N;i- 
lional .Association (nr the Ad\ancenienl of Colored Peo- 
ple, of which she has been .i nivniber for man\' \ears. She 
is interested in all those forces which make for the henefil 
and uplift of the individual and the progress of the coni- 
munit\ She has provideil the means of her own .id\ .uue- 
nient. and bv diligent studv h.is reached :i pl.ue of dis- 
lincliiin ,is ,1 Dr.uiiatic Sojir.uio 



93 




Mrs. Dorothea I-earonce 

ItAKONCE, DOROTHEA TOW LES, Teacher, Profes- 
sional Model, born in Texarkana, Texas, the daughter of 
I homas Elsworth and .Arabella (Clark) Towles (both 
deceased). Her father was a contractor and her mother a 
housewife. She is the seventh child in a family of eight. 

Dorothea is a graduate of the Dunbar High School in 
Texarkana. \\ ile\ Lniversity of .Warshall. Texas. At 
W iley she was an honor student, completing her college 
work in three and a half years, and was Cum Laude class 
of June 1943 (B.S. degree, majoring in Biology and pre- 
med). 

In 1943 .Miss Towles moved to Los Angeles to live with 
her uncle. Dr. H. H. Towles, a well known Physician of 
that city. 

She has worked previously as a clerk, secretary and a 
cashier before beginning her teaching career. 

In I94S she entered the Los \nr;eles School System an<l 
began teaching at Jefferson Hi,<',h School ( Biologv and 
Drama). Having a natural flare for art and drama. Miss 
Tow'ies completed courses at the Dorothy Farrier School 
of .Modeling and Charm of Los .Angeles, where she ma- 
jored in High Fashion and Photographic .Modeling. Be- 
cause of her superior photogenic qualifications, she was 
chosen from her class for futher instructions in photograp- 
hic modeling. 

During the summer of I94S she enrolled in the I'ni- 
versitv of Southern California's School of Drama and 
Speech: here, she studied under William DeMille. out- 
standing teacher of dramatic arts and brother of Cecil 
De.Mille. peer of .Motion Picture Producers. In connection 
with this highly specialized training, she was selected to 
play the role of "He'en lohnson." in the play "Trail hv 
Fire." This play, was one of the most controversial plavs 
ever to be presented hv an interracial group, was written 
bv the liberal Edwapl Durre. S I., of ' ovr.la University, 
and was staged at the Wilshire-Ebell Playhouse. 

In 1947 married Dr. N. A. Fearonce. oMf^tandin" dent- 
ist of Los .Angeles. Since her recent marrin"e. she and Her 
husband have made extensive stud\' and travel in quaint 
old Mexico. 

.Mrs Fearonce has given freelv of her time and superior 
knowledge to many charitable fashion shows presented 
bv various welfare and charitable organi/.itions. for the 
past five \ears (1943 to I948» -o Fashion Show was com- 
plttc without the services of this highly trained fashion 
expert. 



Los Angeles patrons of fine art remember her ham! 
picked and trained models presented b> the Laura Slayton 
Youth Foundation in the interracial Fashion Show in 
April 1947 (Earl Carroll Iheatre). Also, the Dorothea 
Towles trained models presented at the .Meadowbrook and 
Florentine Gardens Shows. 

Since 1946 Mrs. Florence has been a teacher at the 
Holmes Avenue School. a..d at present (1948) is studying 
for her .M.S. degree at the Lniversity of Southern Cali- 
fornia. 

She is a member and publicity director of .Alpha Kappa 
Alpha Sorority: President, Crop Ai Tail Riding Club; 
Chairman Vocational Guidance Committee (AKA) and 
member of the Baptist Church. 

An enthusiast for Negro achievements she is interested 
in seeing us take our place in politics. She has contributed 
many hours of her time freely to Rev. Clayton D. Russell 
in his recent supervisorial campaign and plans to do more 
in the coming elections. 

Her hobbies run from hunting, tennis, swimming to 
most of the outdoor sports including golf, a recent addi- 
tion. .An ardent lover of music and something of a classic 
pianist herself, she makes all the concerts from Boogie 
to Bach. 

In the \ery near future she plans opening a school of 
(^harm to adequate!) fill the need of teen-agers, house 
wives and business women. 

W'OODARD, BELLAH. ECTON-Sculpture, born in Frank- 
fort. Ohio, the daughter of William Paul and Jane I. Ec- 
ton. 

Graduate— Los Angeles Polytechnic High School, Los 
.Ange'es .\rt School and the Otis .Art Institute. 

She studied Sculpture under David Edstrom. Prince 
Troubetzkoy and Rodger E. Burnham. 

She specializes in Native .African subjects and is con- 
sidered one of the outstanding artists in her field. 
.Mrs. VXoodard has resided in California since 1902. 

HAIRSTON. JESTER-musician-was born in Homestead. 
Pennsylvania July 9. I9()l, the son of Louis and Nancy 
(Raimey) Hairston. He is a graduate of Tufts College, 
Boston. .Mass. where he received his B.S. degree Cum 
Laude in music. For thirteen years was assistant conduc- 
tor of the Hall Johnson Choir. Conducts his own choir 
in the motion picture industry. Recent pictures in which 
his choir is heard are: 'Duel In The Sun." The Long 
Night," "The Foxes Of llorrow." In 1"'9 he married 
Margaret Lancaster Swanigan of Oakland They have a 
daughter. Shirley Jeanne. Hairston toured Europe in I94S- 
46 with the USO show. Shuffle Along, where he was choir- 
master and comedian. Became interested in antique art 
while in Europe, and his present collection contains many 
rare 18th. century pieces of German origin His religious 
connection is with the AM F church. He is alTilialed 
with the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Y.MCA. NAACP. 
and the Negro Actors Guild. He is well known as a poet 
anil reader of Negro folk-lore. 



94 




Mrs. Bessie \V. Dones 

DOSES. BbSSIt \\ILLI.-\.\lS--Pioneer Violinist-born in 
.Atlanta. Georgia. December 2-4. 1801. ihe daughter of 
John W. and Ophelia (King) Williams. 

rhe family moved to California in the year 1896, her 
father establishing a cleaning and dying business; her 
mother a housewife. 

Bessie \\ illiams' early education was in the public 
schools of Los Angeles, and she graduated from the Poly- 
technic High School of that city. 

.\s a young girl Bessie Williams studied music in River- 
side. Ca'ifornia under .Miss Ida .Mae Trott. and becoming 
deeply interested in that field decided to be a violinist, 
after hearing a violin recital at one of the Ri\erside 
schools Following her ambition she studied violin for 
three \ears under Mr. Tred iMeine. continuing her studies 
for several years under .Mr. Clarence Cook. Both instruc- 
tors were consiilered outstanding as teachers of music 
and the \ iolin. 

Bessie Williams was presented in her first recital with 
John .\. Gray at the Eighth and Towne Avenue Church. 
The acclaim of music lovers and critics were high for her 
brilliant performance, and Bessie Williams began a career 
that in a few short years made her the most outstanding 
violinist on the Pacific Coast. A number of recitals with 

.Miss Florence Cole and F.ssie Roberts Saunders were given 
in cities and towns throughout the State. 

In 1929, wishing to further her studies in music, Bessie 
W . Dones, entered classes at the Zoellner Conservatory 
of ,Music, completed the required course of stud)-, anti 
later received her certificate as a teacher. 

Mrs. Dones for a number of years played for her church 
choir, and made several concert tours of .AME churches 
in California and Colorado. On these tours .Miss Essie 
Saunders was her accompanist. 

Although, she specialized in ensemble training for 
violin students, ,Mrs. Dones later had to confine her teach- 
ing to her home for she had two small children to care 
for. She married Sidney Preston Dones. June 18, 1918. 
There were two children from this union. Svdnetta and 
Sidney Preston Jr. Syilnetta is a graduate of Chapman 
College and is now married to Walter B. Smith, a Real 
Estate Broker, and the son Sidnev Preston Ir. passed in 
1932. 



Bessie W. Dones will" always be remembered for her 
outstanding work as a teacher. Many of her pupils were 
chosen to play in the .Ml City Orchestra. Onl)' outstand- 
ing students from all the schools are chosen to take part 
in this orchestra. Her annual pupil recitals were well at- 
tended and tagerly looked forward to by students and 
parents alike. Her achievements as a concert violinist, her 
instructions to the youth of Southern California, in the 
home and at the Gray Conservatory where she also 
taught, will always be an inspiration to Negro youth with 
a love for music, 

Mrs. Dones is a member of the NAACP, YWCA, So- 
journer Truth Home, Women's Political Study Club, and 
Delta Mothers and Sponsors Club. 



95 



Giaic and Social 



Much has been accomplished 
and nowhere is there o greater 
determination on t+\e part of 
citizens, to make their com- 
munity a better place to dwell. 



96 





C. Blaine Venerable 

VENERABLE, C. BLAINE, Financier and PhiLintliropist, 
born in Norborne, 'Missouri, June 18, 1884, tlie son of 
Robert J. and Frances E. (Powell) Venerable. His father, 
a Methodist Minister, died in 1910: his mother deceased 
in 1890. 

Mr. Venerable received his early education in the public 
schools of Kansas City, (Missouri), and in St. Louis, 
Missouri where he graduated from the Sumner High 
School. He later attended the L niversity of Kansas, earn- 
ing his own living while attending the University. He 
took care of five large churches and the People's State 
Bank in thp University City V\hile attending the Uni- 
versity, Mr. Venerable was offered a position as ,^sst. 
Principal at one of the local schools, but sensing the vast 
difference in pay, he continued his duties as church and 
building janitor. 

In 1919 Mr. Venerable moved to California, and soon 
estab'ished a janitor and porter service. Before long he 
had contracts with a number of large office buildings and 
churches, and from 1922 to 1932 his business flourished 
and he was well on his way to becoming a prosperous busi- 
ness man. 

Like so many others during these critical years, he and 
and his companion whom he married in October of 1926, 
the former Nellie Johnson of Chicago, 111., made heavy 
investments in Southern California properties. These in- 
vestments were all wiped out during the following years 
of depression, and the Venerables salvaging only one par- 
cel of property, had to start all over again. 

The next few years were trying ones, but workin.? to- 
gether, helping others less fortunate than they, working 
in their church and praying, this Christian couple in 1941 
received the answer to their prayers. Borrowing on the 
one piece of property salvaged from the depression, they 
purchased the Kentucky Hotel at 12th and Central Ave- 
nue. Later as profits began coming in, other hotels were 
added to the chain, until the \enerable chain of hotels 
numbered seven in all. 



Mrs. C. Blaine Venerable 

The war years were prosperous years for the house of 
Venerable, and the financial comeback was much greater 
than even they could expect. The Venerables, now retired 
from their labors, are enjoying the comforts of a fine home 
and the other pleasures that come with great wealth. 

Mrs. Venerable who was born in Louisiana, Missouri; 
educated in the public schools system of Chicago, and who 
came to California in 1921, is devcrfing much of her time 
to religious and charitable work. She is active in her 
church, the Neighborhood Community Church; Y. W. 
C. A., the West View Hospital group and all other civic 
and charitable causes for the uplift of her people. She is 
an ardent bridge fan, and is a member of the Jolly Eight 
Bridge Club. 

Mr. Venerable, since his retirement, spends much of 
his time helping others iti a worthy cause. He was one of 
the largest contributors to the Outdoor Life and Health 
Association; contributes large amounts to various church- 
es and always has a helping hand to anyone who is de- 
serving and in need. His generosity can best be shown by 
his experience in 1947, when he visited the Goerge \\ ash- 
ington Carver School in his home town (Kansas City). 
While making a talk to the student body, he asked, "How 
many of the boys want to grow up and be like Jackie 
Robinson?" Many said "yes" they wanted to, but one boy 
said, "No", he wanted to grow up like the speaker. 
This touched the heart of .Mr. Venerable and today, that 
boy (Samuel Watson) is a protege of the Venerables, and 
plans have been made to educate young Samuel, and also 
help the family. 

Mr. Venerable is a member of the Businessmen's Club, 
on the Board of Managers at the YMCA. and a trustee 
of his church, the Neighborhood Community Church. 

His hobby is Gospel Singing and helping people. 
Thus, this man who built his life on the "Golden Rule" 
had the astute business sense to see opportunity when 
presented, and who has acquired enough wealth to help 
others of his race, exemplifies what ambition and hard 
work can do for any American, 





Augusta L. Glover 



Georgia Horton 



GLO\ ER, AUGUSTA L., President, P.T.A., born in Le- 
Compte, Louisiana in 1903. Family moved to Lake 
Charles, Louisiana where she completed her high school 
education. Later she attended I uskegee Institute in Ala- 
bama and .Niew Orleans I niversity in Louisiana, gradu- 
ating from the former institution in 1923. 

In 1923 she married VV. J. Glover, who was a student 
at Tuskegee, and who later became the founder and Presi- 
dent of Glover & Sons Institute in Los Angeles. Mrs. 
Glover taught school in Lake Charles, Louisiana for two 
years before moving to Logan, West \ irginia where her 
husband established a business. Mr. and .Mrs. Glover are 
the parents of three sons: .Mvin J. and William J. who 
were born in Logan, and a third son born in Los An- 
geles, now deceased. 

The Glover family moved to California in 1928 where 
they became active in the business, educational and social 
life of the City. .V\rs. Glover is a charter member of a 
number of P.T.A. and church clubs, and at the time of 
this writing. President of Thomas Jefferson High School 
P.T.A. Together, with Dr. Eva W. >oung, the\- organized 
playground auxiliaries and fostered the Bo\' Scout move- 
ment in the Eastside Area. She has worked diligently to 
curb juvenile delinquency, often providing the necessary 
funds and equipment for youth clubs. She was the onlv 
woman chosen to serve on a recent special committee of 
outstanding citizens to advise the .Mayor on methods of 
dealing with minority police cases. 

.Mrs. Glover is a member of the YMCA, California Co- 
operative Association, and the NAACP. She was a Colonel 
in the Community Chest Drive of 1947 and spends a 
great deal of her time in communitv service. 

To make more effective her special training in character 
building, she plans to study Child Psychology. She has 
taken man> short courses in Child Studv. 

She loves the role of wife and mother with enough en- 
ergy and time to give in making the community a better 
place for all young people. 



HORTON, GEORGIA, Civic Worker and Clubwoman, bom 
in Greenwood, Mississippi, the daughter of Anderson and 
Amanda (Scales) Beck. Educated in the public schools 
of Greenwood and Rusk University in Holley Springs. 
Mississippi. 

Mrs. Horton came to California in 1912. In Novem- 
ber of 1911 she married James Arthur Horton, a gradu- 
ate of Tuskegee Institute. They were married in Ettabena, 
Mississippi. They are the parents of three children- 
James Jr.. a mail carrier; Lois, a postal clerk; and Louise, 
librarian. .All were born and educated in Los Angeles. 

■Mrs. Horton has devoted a number of years to the 
charitable and philanthropical side of community up- 
lift. She is a member of Sojourner Truth Club, and has 
served as Colonel of the .Membership Drives of that or- 
ganization. Past President, Westside Benevolent Society 
No. I ; Charter Member, Women's Society of Christian 
Service; Eastside Settlement House; Thirty-sixth Street 
P.T.A., Women's Auxiliary to Goodwill; N.AACP; 
VWCA; Loyalty Welfare Club; Pioneer Club; Roose- 
velt Unit, .\V'omens Political Study Club; Emergency 
Club of the Universal Institutional Church Center. Mem- 
ber of the California State .Association of Colored Women, 
Inc.; .Member of Board of Directors of the Friendship 
Home for Girls; Past President. Women's Society of C.S., 
which oflFice she filled for ten years. From 1912 to 1948 
she was a Charter .Member of the Wesley Methodist 
Church. Recently, because of convenience. Mrs. Horton 
has transferred her membership to the Holman Methodist 
(Church, a new church in her community. 

.Mrs. Hortfin's unselfish work in helping others in her 
community has gained for her the respect and adoration 
of people in everv walk of life. 

Her hobby: Helping the underprivileged. 





98 




Mrs \ kssif D Wrioht 
WKR'.lll, \ ASSII: l).\\ IS--(;iub ()rt;.mi«r-Soci;il .mkI 
Ci\ic Worker, born in P.iola K.insas--ii.iughter of Samuel 
William anJ Lulu Ann (Pertillal na\js. I Icr early edu- 
cation \va> in the public schools of Denser, where ihe 
family moveJ soon after her birth. She later attentled ihe 
Western Lniv. in Kansas Cit>-, Kan., graduating in the 
, Teaching Training course; also graduate uork in Teacher 
Training at the L ni\. of Kansas. In K)2i. .Mrs. Wright 
came to California, where she continued her study career, 
attending the L ni\ersit> of Southern C.alifornia txtension 
completing courses in .Sociolog\' and Business Adminis- 
tration. .Mrs W right also studied music, and for a number 
ol her earl\ \ears. wa^ presented in many piano recitals. 
.\l the age of e'e\en. .Mrs. Wright be^an her civic, religi- 
ous and promotional career, organizing at that age the 
"So Different C.lub", of which she was president. Since 
this early bc^i-ning, her many activities will form a vol- 
ume in itself. Some of the most outstanding are; The 
founding of the ".Ml States Tea" in \'^^8. a copyrighted 
s>stem to raise funds for churches, organizations and 
clubs. This plan is one of the most unique and original 
methods in use today for the raising of funds; man\- 
thousands of do'Jars have been netted to her church alone 
through these "All States Teas". 

.Mrs. Wright originated the National Booker T Wash- 
ington Da>' and for man\ years this da\-. .April ith. was 
observed throughout .America. At her church, the Second 
Baptist, each year for many years outstanding programs 
were held on this day, attracting national attention and 
comment. 

.Mrs, Wright organized the Denver Club, the Boosters 
Club. Our Authors Stud\' Club, and was their first presi- 
dent. She is one o' the past presidents of the Presidents 
Council. C.A.C.W.C. ; and at present, Organizer in the 
California Assn of Colored Women's Clubs and has 
served for several years as President of the You'^g Wom- 
en's Department; and Supervisor of the N.A C.G. 

Mrs. Wright is a member of the Committe of .Manage- 
ment. Y.WC.A.; .American Woodmen; Treasurer. Roose- 
velt Unit. Women's Political Study Club; .Member. West 
Side Property Owners Assn.. the Golden West Real F.state 
Board, and for a number of years clerk and financial 
secy, of the 2nd Baptist Church, 

,Mrs, Wright is also active in Red Cross and Commun- 
ity Chest Work, and during the vear 1935. found time 
from her civic and re'igious activities, to teach classes in 
Shorthand at the Lafayette Jr. High School in Los .An- 
geles 

At present, Mrs. Wright is also in the Real Estate busi- 
ness. 

Her hobbies are attending club meetings and reading 
books by Negro Authors, 

Business .Address; 3439 5th .Ave.. Los .Angeles, Calif, 




.Mrs liDfiH R, BoswtLL 
BOSW ILL, LDITII RL III, Civic and Social I cader, whose 
acliviiv in church and fraternal circles hiy, won her an en- 
\ iable place in the communitv. is one of the twin daugh- 
ters ol Iknry Hverett and Ruth (llurd) Lverett. one of 
the old pioneer families of Texas She was educated in the 
Public Schools of Dallas, Texas, her native citv, before 
entering Prairie \ iew Slate Normal where she won her 
leachers Certificate, Tollowing her graduation, she was 
selected as a teacher in the High Schtwl of the citv of her 
birth. Her interest in and talent for music was a factor 
in accepting the position of organist of the St. James 
A. .ML. Church. Dallas, Texas, which she held until her 
marriage to Dr. Bert 1. Boswell. a \oung home-town 
Physician making good in Oklahoma.' She joined the 
Doctor and taught sch<«l in El Reno. Oklaho.ma. where 
he was practicing at that time. They are the parents of 
two children. Lois B. (Greenwood) and Everett G.. who 
lives with his father and mother in a most attractive and 
beautiful home in the exclusive West Adams Heights dis- 
trict in Los .Angeles .Mrs Boswell is a member of the 
Phillips Temple CM E Church, which she has served as 
Reading C'erk. Sunday School Teacher. Supt, Grading 
and Classification, and Pres,, Pastor's Aid Board. She is 
affiliated with the V.W.C.A., NAACP, Eastside Settle- 
ment, West \ iew Hospital Guild, Southern California 
Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association Auxili- 
ary, Wives of Sigma, and Knighls and Daughters of Ta- 
bor. She is widely known for her charitv and the support 
given be"evolent projects which are seeking to ameliorate 
and alleviate the hard conditions of life for the unfortun- 
ate. 



GANTT, LEOTA JONES. Civic Worker, was born in 
Wichita. Kansas—the daughter of William and Hattie 
(Penny) Jones: both parents deceased. 

Educated in the Wichita School System, later attend- 
ing Friends University of Kansas. 

In November 1936. married Cliflford Gantt. There is 
one son-Gordon. 

.Moved to California in 1938. where she resumed her 
college studies, attending Los Angeles Junior College and 
the Efficiency Business College. 

Active in civic work. Mrs. Gantt has worked with the 
36th Street Parent-Teachers Association and was presi- 
dent for two years. She is a member of Ihe Zeta Phi Beta 
Sorority. Les .Modernes (Social Club), the St. Phillips 
Episcopal Church, and the church guild. 

Hobby; Contract bridge. 



99 




CoRiNNE F. Adams 

ADAMS, CORINNE FERGUSON, Society Editor Los An- 

)jeles Sentinel, born in Lincoln, Nebraska, the daughter 
of Ollie \\a\man and .NLnrie (Brown) Ferguson of Lin- 
coln, Nebraska. Both parents were instructors at Florida 
Normal College. St. .Augustine, Florida. She is the niece 
of Rev. Father D. LeRoy Ferguson, rector of St. Cy- 
prians, Boston. .Massachusetts. .Mrs. .Adams has one sis- 
ter. .Mrs. .Marie F, Peters of Chicago, Illinois. 

Educated in the public schools of Lincoln, she later 
attended the L ni\ersit> of Nebraska where she received 
her B S. degree in Journalism. Graduate study— Atlanta 
L niversity School of Social Work and the L niversity of 
Southern California. 

.Married Harold S. .Adams, Sr. There are two sons. 
Harold S. .Adams. Jr. and Ollie Ferguson Adams. 

.Mrs. .Adams is a member: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. 
National .Association of College Women and the Rpiscopal 
ChiTch. 




.Mhs. II\kkikii a 



IIAKKISON. HARRlirr A.. Club Woman, Church and 
fjvic Worker, born in Clinton Parish, Louisiana, the 
(.laughter of Louis and limmaline ( "l oungblood) \ ickers. 
.Mrs. Harrison was a very studious child and at an earl)' 
age was the pride of her parents. She received her t-ilu- 
cation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

.Mrs Harrison came Ui Los .Angell■^. California. Sep- 
tember 12, \'H)2. where she married Homer A. Harrison 
On February 22, lOOi at the home ol \\r, and Mrs. 
I homas Roscnfiild, l')2() New Jersey Street. The m.ir- 



riage ceremony was performed by the late Rev. J. E. Ed- 
wards. Pastor of Eighth and I owne. Soon after their 
marriage .Mr. and .Mrs. Harrison moved to 5206 Long 
Beach Avenue, known then as Furlong Tract, one of Los 
.Angeles' early residential sections. In 1^15. after a brief 
illness, .Mr. Harrison passed. He was a native of lennes- 
see and came to Los .Angeles in If-W. He was a member 
of Los Angeles Lodge No. 2bi9. G.L.O.O.F. 

In pursuit of more education. Mrs. Harrison studied 
in the Los Angeles schools. She, also, took a business 
course from Professor Charles Eason. Both parents of .Mrs. 
Harrison passed when she was very young, and she re- 
ceived her education the hard way, as she was forced to 
work her way through school, and as a self-made woman 
she has made many contributions to church, clubs and 
civic life. 

She is a member of the Second .A. ME. Church and one 
of its class leaders. She is President qf the Stewardess 
Board and past President of the .Missionary Societv. For 
eleven years .Mrs. Flarrison served as President. Elzora 
Gipson Unit of the Women's Political Study Club, and 
is now its President Emeritus. She is a member of P..M. 
N.G.. Chamber No. 8, Past Officer of the Household of 
Ruth No. 561, and past Chief Companion of Pride of the 
West Circle No. 207. Other organizational affiliations are 
Carver P.T..A.. YW'CA and the N.AACP. Charter member 
of the Golden State Insurance Company. 

The Delta .Mothers and Sponsors Club 

In the year \'ii^. .Miss Pauline Slater, a city school 
teacher, and at that time Far Western Regional Director of 
the Delta Sigma Theta Sororit\'. acting under authorization 
of Nu Sigma (~hapter. organized the Delta .Mothers and 
Sponsors Club of Los .Angeles. The object of the club was 
to aid the sororit\' and assist and extend the educational 
and cultural advantages of worth)' )oung women. 

Cr)stallizing the principles of this beautiful objective 
the club has become a \'er)' staunch unit among the clubs 
of the cit) , giving scholarships to four young girls; con- 
tributing to numerous charities: purchasing war bonds and 
participating in various civic and social projects of note. 

.Among the most active officials of the Delta .Mothers 
and Sponsors to date are. PRESIDENTS: Georgia Robin- 
son (president emeritus). Ethel Johnson, Nellie \'. Connor 
and Pearl C Garrott. 

FIRST VICE PRESIDENTS: Dr. Georgia Offutt, 
Bertha Turner. Bessie W. Dones, and S, P. Johnson. 

SECRFTARIFS: Dr. Anna Leggett. Zenobia Clark. 
Lottie Dunning and Bessie W. Dones. 

CORRESPONDING SECREIARIFS; .Mary Bro\- 
les. Alice D. Webb, ,Alice Davis and ,Mainie Fortier, 

T'^RASLRFRS: Dora L, , R. Shackleford and Kath- 
erine Reeves. 

Listed among the following are man\ members who 
have performed \er)' meritorious service: 1-lizabeth St. 
Charles l-Alwards, Lula Asbury. Lillian Brazlev . lennie Bru- 
in«ton. Florence Carter. Sadie Cole, Elizabeth Fisher, Jen- 
nie Ciraham. Ilattie Hampton, Floience A. I.. Gordon. Etta 
Moxky. .Amanda Jordan. Nettie Reese. Stella Turner, .Mar\' 
Washington. Anna Batiste. Sadie Holt. Rose Garner. .Muriel 
Brewer. Ethel Bruington. Ftta Greine. (~.lara Jackson. Laura 
Young. Janie Twvne. Laura .Allen. Lucille Buford. Jane 
Hudson. Sarah Johnson. Fsther Beck. Jean W'illa Holmes. 
\ernice Taliim. Cora Howard. Mar\ Bowman. B e u 1 a li 
Bass. Alice W. Mason. Annie Walker. Rose A. Bairpaugh. 
1 iia\a 1 owUt, Katie Gra\soii. ("aiiiille I isherg. Janie lee. 
Il.i/el 1 ewis. Gertrude Wright. 



100 



^ella Sifma *7Ueia So^io^it^ 




Charter jMembers of Pi and L'psilon Chapters, Del 
Sykes Webster, jMarion Robinson McCard. Alma Thoma 
Elsworth Miller. Charter members not shown in picture: 
Griffith. Roena Muckeiroy Salvage and Alice S. Buggs. 



ta Sigma Theta Sorority. Reatling left to right-- Ruth 

s. .Marian Carter .Moore. .Miriam .Matthews. Juanila 

.Mma Green Covington, Fay Jackson. Portia Broyles 



Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a pioneer national sister- 
hood of .Negro women, came to Los .Angeles ten years after 
its birth at Howard Lniversity, Washington, D C. in 1913. 
It was in 1923 that five eager coeds on Lniversity of Cali- 
fornia at Los Angeles campus organized Pi Chapter. 

The next >ear Soror .\iarian C, .Moore, the first presi- 
dent of a Delta chapter in Los .Ange'es. and her Sorors ,Mma 
G. Covington. Ruth S. Webster, .Marian R. .McCord. and 
.Miriam .Matthews inspired six promising \oung women at 
L niversit) of Southern California to found Upsilon Chapter! 
\\ ith Soror Fa\ .M. Jackson, an outstanding contemporary 
journalist, as president, Sorors Juanita E. .Miller. Portia B. 
Griffith. Roena iM Savage. .Mice S. Buggs, and Alma 
Thomas the Delta roster in Los .Angeles was complete. 

Nu Sigma, the graduate chapter was established on 
July 26, 1928 and Soror .Miriam .Matthews, now head li- 
brarian at Los .Angeles City Washington Irving Public Li- 
brary, was elected president One of the twenly-two original 
founders of Delta Sigma Theta, Soror Werlie Weaver, was 
among the founders of this chapter. The other members 
were Sfiro'-s Hebe .Mack Robinson, (first Negro woman pro- 
bation officer in Los .Amieles Counts I. \eola Brown. Ellen 
G Garrott. juanita E .Mi'ler. Roena .M Savage. Consuela 
Bright and Portia B. Griffith. This nucleus of less than 
twent\ Deltas has grown to over 200 gratluate members and 
y-< active undergraduates, not to count the lar.ge pledge and 
interest groups. 

The sisterhood was founded to encournee Negro women 
in their pursuit of careers. ,A National Sch-'arship lund 
u.is created to fulfill this end. Soror Pauline S'ater. Chair- 
man of Homemaking Department. Lafavetle Junior lliirh 
Sch(/il, of Nu Sigma chapter, has guided the scholarship 
oimmillec locaUN for four years, helping high school gradu- 
,il(s alonu with graduate an<l unileniradiJatr girls to realize 
Iheir ambitions with a little financial help. 



.Another activity sponsored by Deltas is the annual 
Jabberwock. a national Delta institution. In 1947 Jabber- 
wock was re\i\ed and once again the Greeks competed 
against each other to win the prizes with their skits. One of 
the oldest projects under local Delta tutelage is the lending 
librar> at the Pilgrim House located at 120 N. San Pedro 
Street. Sorors Iva Washington and Lillian Tyler, teachers 
at W. 36th Street School, have spent many an hour after 
their school-room days among the children of the neigh- 
borhood. 

.Along the scholarship line Ddtas have excelled as well 
as in other fields of endeavor. Soror .Murel Harris of L'p- 
silon (Chapter was selected to jt)in Phi Beta Kappa National 
Honorary Socict\ in l'M7. Other members of scholastic hon- 
oraies in the Delta folds of Los .Angeles are Dr Gcraldine 
Wood. Ph.D.. and Soror W illia Hudgins. Phi Kappa Phi 
honorary society in 1939. and Soror Diane .McNeal Pierson. 
formerly of Los .Ange'es, now Professor of English at Wiley 
Lniversitv was the first Negro to graduate from University 
of Southern California, Magna Cum Laude. .Many others 
have followed with cum laude honors. 

The annual White Christmas dance has become a tra- 
dition and a bright spot on Los Angeles' holiday social cal- 
endar. 

Ihe present officers of the three chapters in Los .An- 
geles are: 
PI CHAPTER: „ ., 

Leola Beavers. President: Betty Gipson, Nice President; 
lav Hopkins. Recording Secrclarv: June Brown. Corres- 
ponding Stcretarv: Jean Holmes: Treasurer. 
LPSII.ON CIIAPTIR: 

I iicille loiies. President: Maxine Clark. Nice President: 
\i\ian Johnson. Recnnling Secrelarv; Geraldinc l.lisby 
I jirresponding Secretar\ - Treasurer. 



101 




NU SIGMA CHAPTER 

Honore Carey, President; Mary Lou Robberson, Vice 
Presiiient; Abelyne W yngne, Recording Secretary; Esteila 
Estes, Corresponding Secretary'; Angiebelle Nicholas, Treas- 
urer; Minnie Lomax, Journalist. 

Outstanding Deltas in the various professional fields. 
EDLCATORS: 

Principals— V'assie Brown; Edna Cohen; Bessie Burke, 
native daughter and first local Negro teacher and first 
Negro Principal. 

Counselor- Honore Carey at Jefferson High School. 

Teachers— about 70. 
SOCIAL WORKERS: l 

Glad>s Harris, first Negro woman graduate in Social 
Work from L.S.C. and first county social worker. 

Y.W.C.A-lnez Allen. 

Henderson Community Center— .Mary Lou Robberson. 

Public .Agencies— Elizabeth Hampton, ex-captain in 
W'.aC. case worker for Bureau of Public .Assistance and 



first person to be sent to graduate school for Masters De- 
gree in Social Work by Los Angeles County. 
FINE ARTS: 

Drama— Camille Cannady. 

Music— Lorenza Jordan Cole, Chairman of Music De- 
partment, Belverdere Junior High School, and graduate 
of .Matlhay School of .Musio Lcndon. England. 

Florence Cole McCleave— wrote Delta Hymn, Interna- 
tional Opera Star. 

Elizabeth Garrett-studying at Julliard School of Music. 

Literature— W'ertie Weaver. 

Dance— Audrey Covington, Donna Brown. 

Painting— Lovie Perry. 

Journalism— Fay Jackson, Executive Secretary FEPC 
for Southern California; first Negro woman to go abroad as 
correspondent. 

Minnie Lomax— columnist for Los Angeles Tribune. 

Corinne Adams— women's editor Los Angeles Sentinel. 

Civic work— Juanita E .Miller, Los Angeles Housing 
Authority. 



On February 9. 1922 in W heeler Hall, on the Berkeley 
campus of the University of California, the only .Negro 
Greek Letter organization to be organized under the direc- 
tion of the Dean of Women's office, starting with the bless- 
ing of the President's office and being given the official 
recognition of the student bod\ came into being. 

Charter members were 'Vivian Osborne (President). 
Elizabeth Gordon (Treasurer), Onilda Taylor (Vice Presi- 
dent) and Louise Thompson (Secretary). In September 1922 
Soror Ida .\lac .Miller journeyed from the East and the ini- 
tiation was completed with candidates Vivian Osborne. Onil- 
da Ta\lor. filizabeth Gordon. Louise Thompson. Creola 
Cook (Deceased), .Myrtle Price, and (j'advs Brown. 

On .March 30, 1954 .Miss Pauline Slater, then Regional 
Director, journexed to Berkeley under instructions from 
the Grand Chapter and formally- established in the home 
of Soror \ ivian Oshorne- .Marsh two chapters. Kappa Chap- 
ter became an undcrgradute chapter, and Omeya Sigma be- 
came the second graduate chapter to be established on the 
Pacific f;(iasi in the Delta chain. Nu Sigma Chapter in I os 
Angeles having been organizeii by .Miss .Miriam Matthews, 
ihin Regional Dinclor. in August of 1929. 

Charier members of Omega Sigma Chapter were Vivian 
Osborne-Marsh ( President i. l-velyn Ware, .Muriel Tavlor, 



Grace Hackett, Eleanor Watkins, Mae Edwards Hill. 

Jointly Kappa and Omega Sigma Chapters sponsor ma- 
jor activities. The fourth annual Jabberwock presented in 
March of 1947 was a sell out and the Deltas were able to 
add $2500 to their Educational and Loan Fund. Plans are 
now under way for the 1948 "Jabberwock ". This has become 
a .MIST feature in the Bay Area. 

Jointly a Patroness club is sponsored and lists among 
it's members some of the most outstanding women of the 
Area among them, .Mesdames Mary Buckner. Elsie Burgess. 
Georgia Busch. .Mary Carroll. E. D. Clard\. Elizabeth 
Foreman, Julia Furlow. Marylese Golphin. Ivah Gray, Jewel 
Hopan, ("ornelia Henderson, Lucy Johnson (Secretar\). 
Jessie Kennon, Helen Kidd, Marie Lee Edith Loving King, 
.Marcila Lenear, .Mayme Le Protti, Fthel Lewis, Eunice 
Marchant. Mercedes .Martin. Rulh Richarilson. N'iola Ro- 
mine (Treasurer). Josephine Williams, l/ora .\kins. Floise 
Davis. Veola L. O'Neil. Daniel ("ollins. .Misses Bessie B. 
Osborne, and llilila I'ilghman. 

Miss Farcita Hall is the present Piesideiit of Omega 
Sigma Chapter, Miss M.iry Buckner is president of Kappa 
Chapter, Miss Bessie B. Oborne is president of the Patroness 
club of holh chapters. 



102 



THE ORCHIDS 




Left to right: Ellen Kussman Smith, Business Manager; Marian Crawford Gordon, Reporter; Ramelle La 
Couer Bagnerise, President; Elizabeth Gay Johnson, Adele Jase Weaver, Juanita Mars Smyles, Vice President; 
Laverne Handy Mayfield, Recording Secretary; Laura Slayton. Founder; Winona Wright Martin, Correspond- 
ing Secretary; Majorie Woods Wright, Nancy Coleman Skillman, \ irginia Small Johnson, Mamie Wiggins 
Anderson, Treasurer. Not on picture; Edythe Slayton Hendricks. 



In 1952 during the early depression years The Orchids 
were founded and organized by Laura Slayton to work in 
behalf of underprivilege children. The Orchids first chari- 
table effort was their Annual Charity Ball which was pre- 
sented to charitable minded Angelenos as a subscription so- 
cial event with ladies bringing toys for girls and men toys for 
boys. These toys, along with candy, fruits and other things 
that go to make a child happy at Christmas, are given to 
unfortunate children at a mammoth Christmas Tree Party 
which has accomodated as many as 2000 children. The 
owners of the Lincoln Theatre graciously donated their 



theatre for this cause. The Orchids first Christmas tree 
party was held at the East Adams Blvd. residence of Mrs. 
Jessie Terry. 

Over a period of sixteen years The Orchids have con- 
tributed to many causes benefiting unfortunate children and 
needy families. During the war years when everything flour- 
ished, there was no great need for the Orchids social service 
so they gave their time and effort to volunteer war service 
through the .^me^ican Women's Voluntary Services. In 
early post war days The Orchids resumed their annual 
charity Ball and interest in the welfare of youth. 



"Women." savi the historian Gayarre, "if left free to obey the noble instincts implanted with- 
in their hearts by the Creator and not checked or perverted by evil infliunces or circumstances, 
have seldom failed in any civilised country to splendidly accomplish the part assigned to their 
sex in helping onward the progressive destinies of the human race." 

In no age, in no country, have women risen to nobler heights or filled to fuller measure the 
opportunities given them for forwarding the destinies of the race, than the Negro women of 
California, who through their social interest and civic activity have contributed to the growth 
and progress of their community, State and Nation. 



103 



Alpha ^Ofifui /JlpJta Sano^Uttf 




Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority organized in 1908, on 
the campus* of Howard University, marked the first Greek 
letter organization for college Negro women students. One 
of the first women, Ethel Hedgeman Lyie, who now holds 
the position of honorary basileus, and the group of young 
women whose names appear on the Sorority charter, realized 
the increasing complexity of colored women students, and 
founded their organization for the purpose of cultivating 
and encouraging high scholastic and ethical standards among 
college stut.enis keeping alive the interest of alumnae in 
coflege life and progressive movements emanating there- 
form, with the avowed purpose of improving the social sta- 
tus of our race, raising moral standards, and increasing edu- 
cational efficiency. 

The Alpha Kappa sorority is organized and dedicated 
to a work of social, moral and educational uplift, rather 
than organized mainly for pleasurable social contacts. Be- 
cause ot this, the sorority has' been able to forge ahead, not 
drawing apart from the struggles of its people, but by lend- 
ing a helping hand. 

In 1934, when the depression held a strangle hold on 
the nation, AKA came to the aid of her people by establish- 
ing its National Health Project. From Oakland, California. 
.Mrs. Ida B. Jackson took the steps that developed into the 
.Mississippi Health Project. .Mobile Clinics and visitii>g 
nurses, financed by the Sorority, did much toward allevia- 
ting the health problem in that part of the country. 

In 1938 the sorority continued to broaden its scope by 
establishing the National Non-Partisan Council on Public 
Affairs. Through the keen political mind of Mrs. Thomasina 
Johnson, the Non-Partisan Council was at the front fight- 
ing for equal rights during the war. Through the council 
the AKA sorority kept a watchful eye on governmental ad- 
ministration, ever ready to take a stand against discrimina- 
tion and to safegaurd the interests of minority groups. An 
outlook on world affairs and an opportunity to build for a 



true democracy is the work of the Non-Partisan Council of 
Alpha Kappa Alpha, the one Negro group that keeps a 
paid analyst in Washington, D. C. 

The Ideals of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority have swept 
over the entire nation, and chapters are organized on prac- 
tically every recognized university and college campus in 
the country. These chapters are divided into eight great 
region."^: North Atlantic. South Atlantic, Great Lakes, Cen- 
tral, Mid-Western, Southeastern, South Central and Far 
Western. 

In Los Angeles, California, part of the Far Western 
Region, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was the first Negro 
sorority to be organized. In 1922, the late Miriam Garrott 
Hall, daughter of Dr. Alice Garrott, did the ground work 
of organizing Sigma chapter on the University of Southern 
California campus. Ruth Price McGregor was the first presi- 
dent, and charter members included, Naida McCullough, 
Corine Stovall, Ursula Pruitt Murrell, Leola Lewis, Oaiy 
Johnson and Helen Wheeler Riddle. The chapter gained 
recognition on the campus and formed the Ivy Leaf pledge 
club according to the requirements of the university and 
the national body of Alpha Kappa Alpha. 

Shortly after the organization of Sigma chapter, A'pha 
Gamma undergraduate chapter was organized on the campus 
of University of California at Los Angeles campus. The or- 
ganization of Alpha Gamma Omega, graduate chapter was 
formed still years later and took the place of being the first 
Greek letter graduate chapter of Negro women to be or- 
ganized in this city. 

On the campus of Los Angeles City College, the Alpha 
Phraterie club serves as an interest group to the Sorority. 
Students striving to gain a degree from a four year univer- 
sity are accepted into this club. 

The national projects that keep Alpha Kappa Alpha 
women very busy are headed locally by the following per- 
sons who are very busy as civic leaders. 



104 



Lucille Bonnett, Basileus. Alpha Gamma Omega, Patsy 
Wilson, Basileus. Sigma and Grace Davis. Basileus, Alpha 
Gamma Chapters. Locally, the observance of Founders 
Day in February, the Vocationtal Guidance Conference in 
June, presentation of some nationally known artist in the 
Fall tends to make a well rounded community program. 

You will find Alpha Kappa women leading in the .var- 
ious business anJ professional fields of the city including 
law, teaching, social work, journalism, medicine, nursing, 
music etc. 

To date, the three local chapters have played hostess 
to the Boule. the national meeting of Alpha Kappa Alpha, 
twice. The laJ meeting held in Los Angeles was during the 
summer of 1946. 

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity 

It was on the campus of Indiana University that a 
small group of men banded themselves together for the pur- 
pose of organizing a fraternity that would measure up to 
their ideals of what a Greek-letter organization should be. 
Headed by Elder W. Diggs, the society subsequently known 
as the Grand Fraternity of Kappa Alpha Psi was founded in 
1911. Expansion of the fraternity began in 1913, and has 
continued until we'l over 100 chapters now exist through- 
out the United States. 

Los Angeles, California was added to the fraternal roll 
in 1923, Upsilon Chapter being established on. the campus 
at UCLA at that time. Bros. Rucks Green, Leon Whittaker, 
Jeff Brown, Tiny Graham. Wendel Gladden and Edgar 
Johnson were charter members of the local undergraduate 
chapter. The efforts of those small groups have resulted in 
the growth of Upsilon Chapter, and. later. Los Angeles 
Alumni Chapter untli today finds approximately 100 men 
in this city actively furthering the interests of higher edu- 
cation through fraternal programs. 

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the oldest and lar"est 
Greek letter ol-sanization amon,5 Col'e"e and University 
Negroes, was founded in 1906 at Cornell University, Ithaca. 
New York. It now admits other than Negroes. 

Alpha Delta Chapter was founded at the University of 
Southern California in 1921 with the late Attorney Bert 
McDonald as its first President. Alpha Epsilon Chapter 
was founded at the University of California at Berkeley in 
1922 with .Attorney Walter A. Gordon as its first President. 
These two chapters were set up by Attorney Clarence A. 
Jones, a former General Treasurer of the National Organi- 
zation. 

In 1941 Beta Psi Lambda, the first graduate chapter, 
was set up hv the late Bert .McDonald who was Western 
X'ice-President, with Dr. Howard H. .Mien, as the first Presi- 
dent. 

In 1947 Gamma XI. an undergraduate chapter, was 
set up at the Univer'iity of California at Los .\ngeles with 
Albert Jo^es as its first President. In the same vear two 
graduate chapter* were set up. name'v—Gamma Phi Lamb- 
da, Berke'pv, California, with Hector Willi.im Pittman its 
first President: and Gamma Chi Lambdn. San Francisco. 
California with Jeff Reaver its first Pre'iide"t. These three 
chapters were set un by Dewey D. Davidson, who was Far 
Western Regional Director. 

In I OS .Angeles there are three chapters: 

Alpha Delta-William Rex Freeman. President. 

Gamma XI— Henry Me'ton. President. 

Beta Psi Lambda-Dewey D. Davidson. President. 




Miss Elaine Parham 

PARHAM, ELAINE DIANA. Stenographer. Student De- 
signer, born in Dallas. Texas, ^uly S.- 1928. the daughter 
of Fred Levert and Elaine (Brown) Parham. Her family 
moved to California in 1938. and established residence 
in Los Angeles. 

Miss Parham is a graduate of Jefferson High School, 
and the Biggers Business College, both of Los Angeles. 
She attended the Biggers Business College on a scholar- 
ship won in a contest while attending high school. 

Since graduation she has held positions as stenographer 
for the Angel Bowl Association. Inc.. .Mrs. Echo Robin- 
son in the "Caston for Council Campaign." and Negro 
Who's Who in California. She is. also, a student in Cos- 
tume Designing, training under Janet Lastrapes. one of 
Los .Angeles' favorite modistes. 

.Miss Parham is a member of Hamilton M.E. Church 
and President of the Les Savants Social Club. 

Her hobbies are Sewing. Interior Decorating and Horse- 
back Riding. 

Southern California Medical, Dental and 

Pharmaceutical Association 

Auxiliary 

This organization was founded in 1927 with Mrs. 
Laura Smitherman serving as its first President. 

The purpose of this association is to bring together, 
at frequent intervals, the wives, widows, daughters and 
mothers of the professional men of medicine, dentistry and 
pharmacy, who are interested in the social and civic better- 
ment of the community, and to cooperate with the Medical, 
Denta' and Pharmaceutical Association in whatever pro- 
gram they see fit to put over. 

This Association has agreed to be open minded and 
liberal in judgment towards all problems brought before it 
for discussion or investigation. 

Past Presidents: .Mrs. Laura Smitherman. Mrs. Willete 
Humphrey. Mrs. Marie Fredericks. .Mrs. Florence Robin- 
son. Mrs Georgia Hardiman, Mrs. Clara Van Slack Webb, 
.Mrs Edith Bell Bailey. Officers and Members of the Ex- 
ecutive Board: Edith Bell Bailev. Far Western Zone Di- 
rector: Glenna Hayes, Vice-President; Everell Harwell. Rec. 
Secretary : Evelvn Griffin, Secretar\ : Lois Macbeth Carr, 
Corresponding Secretary: Mildred Hawkins. Treasurer: 
F'orence Robinson. Parliamentarian. Executive Board: 
Clara Van Slack Webb. Chairman: Pearl Taylor. Edith 
Boswf". Sarah Griffin. .Mariorie McPherson. State Organ- 
izer: Wavs and .Means: Beulah Wvndon. Chaplain. Pub- 
licitN : Susan E. Coolev: Hospitality: Emily Brown Port- 
wig: Membership: Elois Davis: Program: Wylma Wind- 
sor: Sunshine: Pocahontas Whiteman; Budget: Georgia 
Hardiman. 



105 




The Laura Slayton Youth Foundation, headed by Mr. 
Leon Washington Jr., composed of these groups and other 
outstanding organizations in the city, plans a single con- 
tribution to the Eastside, the erection of a club house and 
recreational center for youth. Other groups comprising 
the foundation include the Camellia Girls, Original Cav- 
alrettes, Smart Set, The Cavalrette Social Club, Inc., 
Classic Literary and Social, Commandoettes, Pal O' Mine, 
Town and Gown, Hair Stylist Guild, Gaye Modernaires 
and Talisman Girls. Besides forming welfare groups Miss 
Slayton found time to serve on the board of directors 
of the Los Angeles Urban League, the board of directors 
of Friendship Center, in the membership drives of the 
Young Women's Christian Association, and the Com- 
munity Chest and American Red Cross Drives. 

In 1947 Laura Slayton was selected as the Zeta Phi 
Beta Sorority's "Outstanding Los Angeles Woman of 
1946". 



Miss Laura A. Slayton 



SLAYTON, L.^URA A., Clubwoman, born in Los Ange'es. 
California, the daughter of William and Laura (Mock) 
Slayton. Ilcr parents came to Los .Angeles in 1887. Her 
father was a pioneer business man having owned and 
operated Slayton 's Skating Rink and Recreation Center", 
which was the first Nepro owned business of its kind in 
Los Angeles. It was located at Twelfth and San Pedro 
Streets. Her mother was well-known in club and civic 
circles. Laura Slayton received her education in Los An- 
geles. She attended the L nivcrsity of Southern California 
and Otis Art Institute. 

Apparently a born organizer, Miss Slayton at 10 years 
of age. formed the first youth group in the People's In- 
dependent Church of Christ. Thus began an outstanding 
career in welfare work on behalf of the city's under- 
privileged youth. During the early years of the depression, 
she began organizing service groups to aid unfortunate 
children. First of these was "The Orchids," who furnish 
toys and food baskets to children and needy families at 
an annual Christmas Party. Next came the "Doll League", 
so named because it provides dolls for girls and tovs for 
boys at their .Annual Christmas Party for unfortunate 
Eastside boys and girls. As the outcome of a request by 
social workers and physicians of tubercular institutions. 
Miss Slayton formed the "Godmothers", their purpose 
was to create a milk fund with which to provide milk 
daily to children being released from hospitals. For emer- 
gency cases, the milk wa^ furnished whenever parents 
were unable to do so. 

During the early years of World War II, Laura Slayton 
was selected by a group of Beverly Hills socialites to or- 
ganize the Southeast American Women's Voluntary Serv- 
ices (AWASi, which was located at 45th and Central 
Avenue. This organization serviced thousands of service 
men who frequented this area. Regular trips were made 
to isolated desert camps in California and .Arizona, furn- 
ishing hostesses and entertainment. The center had a sew- 
ing class that made Layettes for babies, and furnished 
other assistance to service men's families. 

More recently .Miss Slayton has organized "Les Femme 
.Au|ourd-Hui" (the Women of Today) and Les Dames 
( I he Ladies t. The first is a group of voung women 
brought together to do their bit toward curbiny delin- 
quency and raising funds for a youth foundation and 
recreation center les Dames a social .nnd charitv club 
has also pledged to support underpriviligcd children by 
giving the foundation an .innual donation. 




•Miss Jessie Mae Brown 

BROWN, JESSIE MAE-Writer, Lecturer, Club organizer, 
a native of Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Mr. 
and Mrs. Albert Brown, pioneer residents. 

Miss Brown is a graduate of Los Angeles High.School. 
She attended UCLA 1941-1944; Southwestern Law School 
1947. 

Entered field of journalism in 1941 as columnist for the 
California Eagle, writing "What's Doing in the Younger 
Set, " which won wide acclaim from servicemen and the 
community, and marked her as one of the most popular, 
younger writers. In 1944 she took over the position of 
society editor of the Eagle, and introduced the annua] 
feature "The Ten Best Dressed Women " that has merited 
national recognition. 

In 1946 she was presented an award for outstanding 
journalism and contributions to the development of so- 
ciety, which for many years has lagged behing the cultural 
growth of this new metropolis. 

Under Miss Brown's editorship, the social section of the 
Eagle the o'dest Negro weeklv in the country, has taken 
the forefront in all phases of women's activities. Its unique 
layouts, life-like photo subjects, ami m-ikeun has raptured 
the attention of national publications. Her name has been 
linked with leadinc women's organizations, both civic and 
social, a'l over the Southwest. 

Miss Brown has served as Basileus of .Alpha Gamma chap- 
ter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sororitv. journalist of Alpha 
Phi chapter of lota Phi I ambda Business ami Professional 



106 



siirorilv. (ir-mii/cr (it Junior 1 cai;uf tn Wfvlvii'w llos- 
pil.il, c:ii.ukr imnihiT arul \\iA p.oiJcnt t)l tut kisliioii- 
;ilVc Cidp 11 I .liK Killing Ckib. \ ice-prcMaent to the Turn- 
about C,haril> Cllub. member ot the lioard ol Directors 
(11 llen(.:ti>on Cximmunity C^enier ot' Secorn.! Bapti>t 
(Lhur:li ani.1 a member of the Pioneer March Club. 

She contemplates branching out into broailer fields of 
creative writing in the near future. 

Her hobbies are horseback riding, reading, swimming 
and photography. 



OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY 

On November 17, 1911 at Howard Iniversitv, Wash- 
ington, U. C, the Omega Psi Phi Fiateri.ity was founded 
b> three nxn; brothers Edgar .-X. Love, Oscar J. Cooper, 
and Frank Coleman, in company with Professor E. E. Just. 
These thiee men, having thoroughly gone over the situation, 
saw keenlv the necessitv of such a movement, and decided lO 
plant the lirst ".Mother ' Chapter of a Greek letter Fraternity 
to be founded in a Negro Institution, at Howard University. 

The principles upon which this Fraternity is based are 
set forth in the four words: .Manhood. Scholarship. Per- 
serverance and L plift. This fraternit)' aims to emphasize 
Christian manhood and scholarly attainments. There cannot 
be loo much emphasis placed upon manhood, for without 
this qualitv no organization can thrive: with it. every orga- 
nization has the germ to become a powerful influence. Scho- 
larship, although second to manhoO(d is still fundamental, for 
with a good, stiong. manly character, there is usually a ten- 
dency toward scholarship: that is to sav, there is a con- 
comitant re'ationship between manhood and scholarship. 
\\ ilh these two qualities well developed there should be no 
fear of the other two-Ptrseverance and Uplift, for they will 
fall in as naturally as scholarship does to manh(Xid. 

There are three chapters in the State of California- 
Lambda chapter was organized at U.S.C. in l')23, an under- 
graduate chapter. Los Angeles. California, at present 
Brother Charles \V. Thrash. Basileus: Sigma lota. San Fran- 
cisco. California, was organized in the 1946, a graduate 
chapter; I amh''a Omicron Chapte-, 1 os Angeles, Brother 
Rev. H. R .Moore. Badleus, was organized December 16, 
1946 

Some of the outstanding Omega men here on the West 
Coast are: Brothers Pau' R Williams. Architecture ; Dr. E. 
1 Robinson. .Medicine: Brice Taylor. Athletics; R. E. 
Brown. Jr.. Social Worker; H. Clau'fe Hudson dentistrv; 
I Cullen Fentress, journalism; Charles .Matthews and 
Thomas Griffith Ir . attorneys; Reginald Jones. Urban 
league: F W. Rakestraw. I L. White and Bane. .Ministry; 
Allen C. Woodard III. Real Estate; C. O, English, insurance 
broker: Isaac H. McClel'md reaching: Leon H. Washing- 
ton, newspaper: Foster E. Driver, Drugeist The twelfth 
district reoresentative of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity is 
James P Perry Jr. 

LOS ANGELES BRANCH NAACP 

The 'ocal branch fights against all forms of racial dis- 
crimination in employment, housing, legislation, education, 
the courts, the armed forces, and politics. Among the recent 
successes for which the Los Angeles Branch can take partial 
credit are the employment of Negroes bv the Los An"eles 
Railway Co., the upgrading of Negro deputies in the Los 
Angeles Countv Sheriff's Office, the redistricting of the coun- 
cilmanic districts so that Negro representation on the Citv 
Council from the 7th District may be secured, ai'H the 
elimination of the use of a textbook derogatory to the Negro 
at (Jimpton Junior College. 




,Mr. Flovd C. C^ovinoton 
Executive Director 

LOS ANGELES URBAN LEAGUE 

The Los Angeles Urban League w as organized ,April 1 5. 
1921, by a group of former students, workers and friends 
of Tuskegee Institute. The founder of the organization was 
.Vlrs. Katherine J. Barr, with the assistance of Ellis N. War- 
ren. The name of the organization was originally the 'Tus- 
kegee Industrial Welfare League'. .Application was made 
to i?.e National Lrban League for membership and on June 
14, 1921. this membership was granted and the name of the 
organization was changed to the Los .Angeles Urban League. 

The Los .Angeles Urban League is a Community Chest 
Red Feather ,Agency, and has been since 1925. 

.Among the Presidents of its Board of Directors have 
been Dr. .A. C. Garroti. Mr. Albert Bowman, and Mr. Joseph 
S. Dunning. <t present Board of Directors include twenty- 
seven outstanding citizens of various racial and religious 
groups. It has a staff of ten employees under the Executive 
Directorship of Floyd C. Covington. 

Its program— Inter-racial co-operation in action is the 
Urban League's basic method of securing its objective. It 
works in the following fields: 

RESEARCH AND PUBLIC INFOR.MATIGN-suppiy- 
ing facts about Negro living and working conditions so these 
facts can be used as a base for further improvement. 

INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS-striving to remove the 
racial factor from employment' by educating business and 
industrial management and emplovment agencies to expand 
job opportunities for Negroes, and to provide employers 
wi'h information and advice leading to the solving of any 
prob'ems which might arise from employment of Negroes. 

L.ABOR UNIONS-assisting responsible labor leaders 
in developing effective workers' educational proj-rams. and 
in advancing fair and just policies and practices regarding 
the admission and participation of Negro workers in unions. 

VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE-encouraging youth and 
adults to prepare and train for jols. 

CO.M.ML'NITY PLANNING-working with public and 
private agencies and developing neighborhood programs to 
alleviate problems that arise in the fields of health, housing, 
education and recreation. 



107 



History of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority 

In Junujn ul Ihc ytjr l'>20, Zela Phi Beta Sorority 
«.!> i)rj;ani^eil on the Campus ot Howard University, Wash- 
ington. I). C . b\- its brother fraternity. Phi Beta Sigma 
and live \oung college women who were, ,\\isses .Arizona 
iJeavcr, \ iola I > 'er. .\hrlle I yler. Pearl .Seal and l-annie 
Petrie. as chartei members. Their idea of a sorority was to 
reach college women in all parts of the countrv who were 
sorority minded, and who desired to affiliate with a group 
that had for its objective the idea of service, scholarship 
anil sisterh(K)d, and for its ideal, T-iner Womanhooii." 

1 he objective of finer womanhood, sisterly love and 
scholarship has brought together women from all parts of 
the country who have similar tastes and aspirations, simi- 
lar potentialities for higher attainment and similar desire 
for concerted action that will bring results in removing or 
blocking movements that would retard the growth and prog- 
ress of our group of women, especiall>- in the field of aca- 
demic and literary attainment. 

Zeta's membership includes women in the professions, 
medicine, law. dentistry. Pharmacy, the fine arts, music and 
painting, all of the fields of higher learning, teachers and 
women with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy These 
women are awakening from the letharg) that seemed to have 
fastened its tentacles about the social and economic life of 
the nation during the last four years; in. that awakening they 
have become an integral part of the communitv life of the 
countrv and have interested themselves in civic and social 
betterment throughout the jurisdiction. 

In April of the year 1937, the banner of Zeta Phi Beta 
Sorority was erected in Los Angeles. California, with .Xi 
.Mpha Chapter being formed by college women who were 
also anxious to carry out the ideals and aspirations of Zeta 
as did their predecessors and founders. 

l.os Angeles Zetas have labored faithfullv for the past 
ten years and just recently celebrate.! their' lOth anniver- 
sarv during their annual observance of "Piner Womanh'od 
Week." In their line of progress during these vears. another 
chapter has been added, Beta Eta Zeta Chapter; other 
groups have been organized, such as Zeta Phi Beta 
Auxiliarv, composed of mothers and sponsors; The Zel- 
phmians, a High School Interest Group, and its pledge club 
"I he Archonians." that is composed of voung women as- 
piring for a higher education in the universities and colle-es 
of the city. 

Not withstanding the fact that these Sorors give liber- 
ally to their national scholarship fund, thev also made 
many scholarship awards locally to deserving girls. 

They have promoted and participated in any number 
of worthwhile projects in the community, aside from their 
annual observance of "Finer Womanhood Week." at which 
time the most outstanding woman of the vear is recognized 
and presented a gold plaque for her achievements during 
that >ear I he organization has h'nored such prominent 
and outstanding women as. .Mrs Charlotta A Bass .Mrs 
Bessie Burke. .Mrs Bettie Hill. Mrs. Jessiv- Terrv. Dr Ruth 
J. lemple .Mrs. Jessie Cole Grayson. Miss iMildre.l Blount 
.Mrs. lannie Williams, .Miss Laura Slavton, and .Mrs Gert- 
rude Hicks, the woman of IQ47. 

The interest and enthusiasm of Los Anj-cles Zetas has 
spread throughout the Pacific Coast, with chapters being 
organized in Berkeley. Ca'ilornia. Tucson, and Phoenix 
Arizona l-.xlensive plans are being maile to form more 
ihjplirs in olher western cities, which will become a part 
ol the Pacific Region. 



In .August, l')47. four hund;e(l or more Zetas from all 
paits ol me l nilcu Stales j.alhered for the lirst time in 
Los .Angeles for their 27th .Annual Boule. This was a mo- 
mentous occasion lor local Sorors. since they for the first 
time had the privilege of entertaining their national body. 
'\ isiting Sorors were loud in their pra;se lor such a success- 
ful and well planned meeting, and lor the hospitality ex- 
tended them b\' other greek organizations ant! friends. 

.As Zeta continues to seek sororitv-minded voung women, 
she does so with alwa>s the thought. "Quality rather than 
Quantitv ; noting not the outer approval, but the inner heart, 
sou' and hrai"." and the eby foiever renewing her pledge of 
Liner Womanhood lor the coming \ears. 

The Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity 

The Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was organized at How- 
ard Lniversity. Washington, D. C. January 9. 1914 with 
nine charter members agreed upon by the' three founders 
who realized the need of a Fraternity expressing the high 
ideal "Culture fo. Service .-.nd Se-vice for Humanity." 

The first initiation occured May 4, 1914 wtih fourteen 
candidates. The lust chapters set up were; .Alpha, Howard 
Lniversity; Beta, Wiley College; Gamma, Morgan College 
and Delta, Kansas State College. 

The first conclave in the history of the fraternity was 
held during the Christmas holidavs. 1916. with Alpha Chap- 
ter, W ashington, D C. serving as host. 

The Phi Beta Sigma Chapter in Los Angeles was or- 
■yf'VeJ .n m;?7 ,„;,|, V..lli;,m Nickerson Jr.. Dr. C. W Hill 
hdgar Browne. William Perrv and S. P. Johnson as charter 
members. I;i)m 1937 to 1943, the Presidents of the Phi Beta 
Sigma Chapter have been in the order named: Bros Edgar 
Browne. William Perrv. Georce A. Beavers. |r and Frank 
G. Zetar. In 1943 Bro. C. W. Hill was made President and 
has served the fraternity in that capacity since that time. 

With prevention of juvenile delinquency as its pro- 
gram for CIVIC betterment. Phi Beta Sigma Chapter has ap- 
proprnted mr.re than SSOOO for this work since 1944 The 
.snonsoring each vear of the National bodvs "Bigger and 
Better Rusine-s W eek" has been a factor in the increasing 
business consciousness of the Negro in Los .Angeles. 

The 34th Annual National Conclave of Phi Beta Sigma 
Fraternity will be held August 11-14. 1948 in Los Angeles, 
with the local graduate and undergraduate chapters serving 
as host. 



KENNER. BYRON, born in St. Louis. .Missouri. August 
3 1892, Came to Los Angeles in 1893. He is a graduate of 
the Lniversity of Illinois (.Mechanical Engineer degree). 

Member. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, YMCA and the 
NAACP. 

Lapidary is his hobby. He has won several trophies and 
awards with his marvelous collection in various Hobby 
Shows. 



KENNER. LOUISE REYNOLDS, bom in Ironton. Ohio. 
the daughter of Attornev and Mrs. Calvin Reynolds of 
(-ohimbus. Ohio. She is a graduate of Ohio State Uni- 
versity. A. B.. class of 1917. Did Post Graduate work at 
Columbia Lniversity. 

After graduation she taught French at the DougKis 
lli'h .School in Baltimore. .Marvland. for six years. 

.Married Bvron Kenner of Los Angeles in Columbus. 
Ohio. I92S .M„vfd to Los Angeles in 1926. 

She is Past Chairman of the ^ W CA Committee of 
.VLinagement of I2lh Street Branch, and active in civic 
ami social circles of l.os Angeles. 



108 



Cki Zta Pki Saix^Mtif, 




1st Row, left to right; Mrs Kubye Wiggins; Mrs. Vera Frankiln, President; Mrs. Marion Willingham- 
Mrs. Je.ssie McDaniel; Mrs. Ariayne HrJi Logan; Mrs. Clyde McCullurti. 2nd Row-Mrs, Erma Fairs; Mrs. Eve- 
lyn Gibson; .Mrs. Euvalda Morris; .Mrs. Ann Taylor; Mrs Melba Weems; Miss Clara Porter: .Mrs. Irene Campbell; 
.Mrs. Ruth Davis; 3rd Row-Mrs. Faye Wilson; Mrs. Clarice Jackson; Mrs Katherine Norris; Mrs. Georgia Har- 
d'Tion: Miss Bernice Batchelor; Mrs Winifred Davis. 



Chi Eta Phi Sorority, the name denoting character, ed- 
ucation, and friendship, was founded at Freedman's Hos- 
pital, Washington, D. C. in 1932. Dr. George W. Adams 
rendered invaluable service irt advising and counselling the 
twelve charter members of the organization. .Mrs. Eliene 
Carrington Ewell was elected first Supreme Basileus. .Mem- 
bership in the organization is composed of Registered Nurses 
outstanding professionally and scholastically. 

From its inception Chi Eta Phi Sorority has been dedi- 
cated to the promotion of closer and more friendlv rela- 
tionship between members of the nursing profession and to 
the stimulation of greater intellectual attainment and higher 
^tandarl^ within the profession. 

The SororitN .Motto is "Service for Humanity". 

1 he inspiration for Delta Chapter in Los Angeles was 
irst conceiveil by .Mrs. The'ma Johnson Narcisse, who 
liirning of the lack of such a group in this cit\-, in 10^7 or- 
;;.iiii/:c(l a group of Senior Student Nurses (of which her 
l.iughlur was one) and >oung (iradiiatc Nurses This club 
Kid fhu esi.ibljshnnni of a chapter of Chi Fta Phi .Sororil> 
n ihis cit> as its specific aim. In addition it tO(;k an active 
• irt in communil) health affars. 



The first public affair of the new group was a tea, later 
that year, at the Twelfth Street VW'CA with .Mrs. Bettv 
Hill, Dr. Henry McPherson, and Dr. Leonard Stovall tak- 
ing aaive parts on the program. 

In 1938, the preliminary work having been done, the 
nine graduate members of the group were oreanized into 
the Delta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority with Mrs. Vera 
VVeisinger Franklin officiating as representative of the Na- 
tional Sorority. This same group later served as the nucleus 
for the reestablishment of the National Association of Col- 
ored Graduate Nurses in Los .Angeles. 

One of the main projects of Delta Chapter is the grant- 
ing of scholarships to deserving young graduate nurses de- 
siring further stud\ at one of ihe accredited Colleges or 
I'niversities. 

Delia Chapter Basilii past .iml present are Fcrrol Con- 
nor. Chile .McCuIlum. Jessie .McDaniel. and \ > ra Franklin 
I ncwh elected). 



Chi lila Phi Sororil\ is the olTici; 
Chi Delta .Mil MeihVal I r.iternilx . 



I sisiii orij.mi/ation 



109 



CHI ETA PHI SORORITY 




FRANKLIN, VERA, daughter of the late Reuben Carl 
W syinger, a native of California, and Cornelia Young, 
formerly of Columbus. South Carolina, Registered .Nurse 
and Licensed Real Estate Broker, was born in Fowler, 
California where she completed her high school educa- 
tion. .Attended F-resno State College. U)2'-27; Nurses Aid 
Course. Fairmont Hospital. San Leandro. California, 
1030-31. Howard L niversitv and Freedmen's Hospital. 
1032-35; L.C.L.A., 1036-37.' .Married Samuel F. Frank- 
lin February S. 1030. One Child. Henry Carl, .\1ember 
of Los .Angeles Chapter, National Association of Colored 
Graduate Nurses, first basileus. Beta Chapter. Chi Eta 
Phi Sororitv. Washington. D C, and present basileus of 
Delta (Chapter. C^hi Eta Phi. Los .^Vngeles. M present. 
Registered Nurse engaged in private dut>'. 

JOHNSON. .METAROSE, Registered Nurse, born in Los 
Angeles, t^alifornia, the daughter of John and Edna 
(Sheltonj Jones. 

Nurse Johnson received her education in the public 
schfxjls of Los .Xngeles and is a graduate of 1 os .Angelc- 
Count> General Hospital School of Nurse Trainfng (clas> 
ot 1930). Since graduation she has pursued her profession 
at the Los .Angeles (-ount\ General Hospital 

.Married Julius Johnson. There are two children. .Mien 
and .\lden (twins), 'hoth students at Jefferson High 
School. 

She is a member: Grailuale Nurses .Association, ^ \\C.\. 
NAACP .Modernis Social Club and the St. Paul Baptist 
Church. 

1 lobby: Tennis. 

DAMS. RUTH BRENDA-Registered Nurse, born in Ok- 
mulgee. Oklahoma, the daughter of William and Isabel 
(Curr\) .Anthony. 

Educated in the public schools of Detroit. .Michigan and 
Los Angeles, C:alifornia. Attended Los Angeles Citv Col- 
lege two years, leaving the latter to enter the I os Angeles 
C<' '■: General Hospital School of Nurse Training; giad- 
u:.t . ,11 September 1040. 

In June of 1043 she married William Warren Davis. 
I here are no children. 

After her graduation, Mrs. Davis, entered the Contagi- 
ous War'' of the Los Angeles (bounty General Hospital as 
a gradi it. nurse, and has served there for the past seven 
yeirs H,r service has been through two polio epidemics- 
or.c in 1043 and in 1046. 

.Mrs. Davis is a member of the Chi Eta Phi Sorority 
holding the ofTice of Epistoleus, a n d the Methodist 
Church. 



CA.MPBELL, IRENE L.. Registered Nurse, born January 
24. 1011 in .Mississippi. Completed public school educa- 
tion in Les Angeles. Attended L.C L.A. two years, and 
Graduate Nurse. Los Angeles County General Hospital 
School of Nursing. Married Bernarr McFadden Camp- 
bell. June 26. 1038. Children. Bernarr .McFadden II. Held 
following positions. Los Angeles County General Hospi- 
tal: Nurse in Charge. Obstetrical Department, five years; 
Head Nurse. Obstetrical Department, two years; Instruc- 
tor, student nurses, two years; Head Nurse. Gynecology 
Surgical Ward, at present .Member Board of Directors 
President and .Membership Chairman, Los Angeles Chap- 
ter. NACGN; First Vice-President. Gay Spinsters Social 
Club; member. First A.ME Church and President of its 
I E Edwards Gospel Choir, and affiliated with NAACP 
and ^ WCA. 



LOGAN, AKLAYNE, HALL, Registered Nurse, born in 
Sacramento. (California. Completed high school in Los 
Angeles County General Hospital School of Nursing. At 
present student. L.C. L.A. working for her P.H.N, and 
B.S. Former nurse at Los Angeles County General Hos- 
pital and First Lt.. Army Nurse Corps, overseas E.T.O.. 
eighteen months. Charter member. Los .Angeles Chapter. 
National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses and 
Los .Angeles Chapter. Chi Eta Phi Sorority. .Member of 
California State Nurses Association. Los .Angeles Count\ 
General Hospital .Alumni Association, and Xi .Alpha 
Chapter. Zeta Phi Beta Sororitx. 

F.AIRS. IK, MA .A., Registered Nurse, born in (Charleston. 
West Virginia, the ilaughter of William and Bettie (Hun- 
ter) Edwards; both parents now deceased. Educated in 
the public schools of Charleston and the Provident Hos- 
pital Training School in Chicago. Illinois, where she re- 
ceived her R.N. degree. 

On December 7. 10?l. Miss Irma .A. Edwards was 
married to Dr. Herbert M. Fairs of Los Angeles. 

During her nursing career Mrs. Fairs has served in priv- 
ate dut> in Chicago. .Asst. X-Ray T chnician at Dailevs 
Sanitorium (Chicago. 111.) and Nurse in (Charge of Ob- 
stetrics, Los .Angeles (County (General Hospital. She is now 
connecteil with the Los Angeles (City Health Department 
.IS Clinic Nurse 

She is a member of the National Vssoci.ilion of (Colored 
Graduate Nurses. Chi ITa Phi Sororil\. YWCA, NA V(CP. 
Los Angeles '(Cit\' Employees .Association ;uid the Silhou- 
i-llr's S<ici:il ("lub. 



110 



\()KKI^. k\llll KlNl. Rc).isurca .\ur>,c. born in It. 
Worth. U\.i>. till- ciauf-hter of Sippit- anJ OeorKJa ( Dc- 
Witt) Wfhb. l-.ilucaleJ in the public >chools of CI Paso, 
lexas anJ .Meharr\ Medical College in Nashville Ten- 
nessee (K.N. 1 027). 

.Married James T. Norris, January 18. 1^42. There is 
one child. .Margaret Potter. 

FOuring her nursing career. Nurse Norris has served as 
.Assistant .\-Ray Technician, in Chicago. Illinois. In 
charge of Nurse .Medical Ward. Los .Angeles County Gen- 
eral Hospital, and private duty in Chicago and Los 
.Angeles. 

She is a member. National .Association of Colored Grad- 
uate Nurses. Chi Eta Phi Sorority, los Angeles Fmplov- 
ees .A.ssociation. YW'CA. NAACP. Eastern Star, and the 
People's Independent Church 



TAYLOR. ANNE lOHNSON. Registered Nurse, born in 
Los Angeles. California. 

Nurse Taylor attended L'CL.A Extension, and is a 
graduate of the los .Angeles County General Hospital 
Nurse Training School. 

She practiced tor ten years as staff nurse at the Los 
.Angeles Count\ General Hospital anH for two and a halt 
years on private dut>- at the .Methodist Hospital 

She is a member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority. YWC.A. and 
Ca'ifornia State Nurses Association. 



HARDl.MON, GEORGIA C, Registered Nurse, born in .At- 
lanta. Georgia, the daughter of Edward and Texas (Veal) 
Cook. Educated in the public schools of Los .Angeles. Lni- 
versit) of California at Los Angeles, and the Los An- 
geles County General Hospital School of Nursing. 

.Married Eugene W. Hardimon in Santa .Ana, Cali- 
fornia in 1933. 

.Mrs. Hardimon is a member of the Phys-Art-Lit-.Mor 
Club, Southern California Medical. Dental and Phar- 
maceutical .Association, YWC.A, and the League of Women 
Voters. She served as Colonel of the Wilshire-Western 
District for both the Red Cross anH Community Chest 
Drives in 1947. She is a Religious Science Practitioner. 

GIBSON, EVELYNE BERNICE, Registered Nurse, born 
in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of William and 
Helen (Sims) Dulany. Educated in the public schools of 
Brawley, California. Los Angeles City College, 1934-35; 
graduate Los Angeles County General Hospital Nurse 
Training School. 1937. G'sHuate work.l'niversiry of Cali- 
fornia at Los Angeles. 1945. Practiced. LACCH. 1938 to 
1945; Los Angeles City Health Department, 1945 to pres- 
ent time (1948). 

She is a charter member. (Delta Chanter) Chi Eta Phi 
Sorority and a member of Ward Chapel A. ME. Church. 

McCOLLUM. CLYDE W.. Registered Graduate Nurse, was 
born in Houma. Louisiana, the daughter of Thomas L. 
and Susie A. (Dumas) Welch. Educated in Los Angeles 
public schools and a graduate of Los Angeles Count\ 
General Hospital School of Nursing. 1932. .Married Ed- 
ward McCollum April 25, 1935. One child. Dale. Head 
Nurse. Pediatric Department. Los Angeles County Gen- 
eral Hospital. Presbyterian and member of National .As- 
sociation of Colored Graduate Nurses and YWCA. 



Will INv'.llA.M. .\L\R1()\ .\L. Kegi-.rrid V , rse, born in 
Ikdiord t.ily. \ irginia, June 1. 187'). the ilaughlir ol 
Henry and Sophie (Reid) Reiil. l-.ducjted in the public 
schm.s of Bristol. \ irginia; graduate and p<isi graduate 
of Hampton Institute. Hampton. \ irginia. Graduate of 
Ireedman's hlospital Training School in Washington 
D. C. 

Prior to her nursing career .Mrs. W illingham taught 
school in .Mount .\lcigs, .Alabama. Lawrenceville. \ irginia 
and Annapolis. .\lar>land She holds the signal honor of 
being the first .Nurse in the .Mary ,M. Bethune Hospital, 
Daytona Beach, Florida, and was selected to represent 
Hampton Institute at Stanford Lniversity. when that in- 
stitution celebrated their fiftieth anniversary. 

.Married Henry Willingtiam in Los .Angeles .March 29, 
1922. She has lived in California since 1918. 

Mrs. Willingham is Past .Matron, Chapter No. 18. East- 
ern Star; .Member, National Association of Colored Grad- 
uate .Nurses, \ irginia Club, Phys-Art-Lit-.Mor Club. 
V\ hit Del-Phi. .Married Ladies Art Club, and the Second 
Baptist Church. 

.McDANIEL, JESSIE J., Registered Nurse, born in Beau- 
mont, Texas, the daughter of Johnnie and Thelma (Scott) 
Reed; parents retired business people. Educated in the 
public schools of Los Angeles; two years pre-nursing 
cour-e. Los .Angeles City Junior College; graduate, Lni- 
versity of California at Los Angeles, Ph. N.. B.S.. B.A. 
degree, and the Los Angeles County General Hospital 
School of-.Nursing. 

Married Charles H. .McDaniel in 1938; her husband 
a local businessman. 

She has practiced as Staff .Nurse. L.A.C.G.H.. and Pub- 
lic Hea'th .Nurse, for Los Angeles County. .Mrs. .McDaniel 
is a life member of L.C.L..A. Alumni Association; mem- 
ber. YW C.A. League of Women N'oters, National Associa- 
tion of Colored Graduate Nurses, National Organization 
of Public Health Nurses, Alpha Kappa .Alpha Sorority. 
She is the retiring President of Chi Eta Phi Sorority ( Del- 
ta Chapter), and has served as Secretary, \'ice President 
and Treasurer of the Public Health Club at L. C. L. A. 

WIM.MS, .MELBA .MILLER. Registered Nurse, born in 
Coalgate. Oklahoma, the daughter of David C. and Mag- 
gie (Gunn) .Miller. Her father was a Baptist .Minister, and 
her mother a housewife. 

Her public school education was in her native city and 
.Alton. Illinois. She is a graduate of Freedman Hospital 
Sihool of Nurse Training in Washington, D. C. Public 
Health graduate course (University of Peimsylvania in 
Philadelphia. After graduation she practiced in Wash- 
ington before coming to California in 1946. 

.Married Harry E. Wimms. There are no children. 

Presenty pursuing her career at the Los Angeles County 
(.eneral Hospital. Nurse Wimms in 1948 received her 
California State Public Health Certificate. 



Ill 



JACkSON. CI .\IvK:1 I .. Kt-K'-iiTi''! NiifM-. the ilauKhtir 
111 i:i.iiina- Willi.im aiul CharliUlc C. (TayUii) Irvin, is 
a iialiM' 111 1 i'> Aiif-i-lo. Her lalhcr. now ri-iin-il. opcralctl 
>iiia»lu!l> a cleaning anil lailoring business in tht city 
U>. lttcnl>-livc \cars. Her nr-'il^'-l^i'li*^' ■ >iheil\ S. Irvin. 
was one ol the lirsl Negro ixiliticians in the city. 

She completeJ her high sch(K)l education in public anil 
prixate scIk)o s ol her ualive cit>'. She was a stuilent at 
Los .Anneles (..it\ tloliege ami atlemled the L niversil> of 
C'.alito.iua at Los Ange es lor two ami a hall years, ami 
maile her iormal Social debut in June l^Hd. She is. also, 
a t;rai,uate Irom the Los .Angeles Cxiuntx General Hospital 
School Ol Nu.sing, class of 14-lf 

She was Supervisor at the OutdiK)r Life and Health 
.Association in Duarte. (California two years She is a 
member of the Chi Eta Phi Sororitx , Home Owners De- 
fense CCouncil and the National .Nurses .Association. Her 
religious laith is indicated in her membership of the St. 
Philips Episcopal (Church. 

.Mrs. Jackson is the wife of James N. Jackson ot l.os 
.Angeles. 

PORTHK. .\USS CLARA E.--Registered Nurse, born in 
Little limber Hill. Delaware District. Indian I'erritorv . 
daughter of William Edward and Elora f-.thel (Walker) 
Porter. Her public schixjl education was received in (Oak- 
land. (California, where the famil\' mo\ed when she was 
a bab>'. She began her Nurse Training at l-'reedman's 
Hospital. Washington. D. (.'.., and finished at Los .An- 
geles Counlv Hospital in U'27. She has served as Staff 
Nurse for several \ears at County Hospital on the Ward, 
and C'inic Nurse for five \ears. At present. .Miss Porter 
is a (Clinic Nurse for the Los Angeles (Cilv Health De- 
partment. 

She is a member of the ^ W (CA and NAA(CP. 
1 lobby : Reading 

HANKIN. LOL ISE ALIC.XANDICK. Registered Nurse, horn 
m Birmingham. .Alabama, the daughter of .Andrew James 
and .Anna Laura (^■oungl .Alexander. I-Cducated in the 
public schools of Los .Angeles, graduate of Los .Angeles 
(Countv (jeneral Hospital Nurse Training School, class 
of 102'). 

Practiced. U)2') to U»41. C.eneral dutv. Los Angeles 
(Counts Hospital: pri\ate nurse ser\ice interniittedh 
-ince ■l'->41. 

In l''^(i married Daniel P. Rankin. 

She is a member: (iraduate Nurses .Association, ami 
the (Congregational (Church. 

llobb\ : (Crocheting. 

WICCINS. RL mi;. Ri-i-tere.l Nurse. bo:n in (■hocl..w. 
<')kl.ih(ima. the daughter of .\lberl and Addie (Williamsl 
Savles 

•she recei\ed her public school education in Oklahoma 
and her nurse training at the Los Angeles (Count)' Cen- 
er.il I^l^pi1al Nurse Training School. 

Married-Ross Wiggins |r. in Los Aiii'eles. .March 11. 
I'M4 There are two (Chililen-Donald :md Ronald. 

Nurse Wiggins is .i member of National Association of 
Colore. I (iraduate Nurses. (Chi I ta Phi Sororilv. 'l W(CA. 
NWCP PL A, Campfire C.irK. Bov Scouts, and the 
'Congregational Church. 



SIIWARD. l.l-CON \\.. Nocational (Counsellor and (Civic 
leav.er. born in (iaieveston, Texas, November II, IS')4, 
the son ol William and \ irginia (Walker) Steward, ,Mrs, 
\ irgniia Steward was winel) known as a ci\ ic and social 
workei throughout the State of Texas. 

Leon Steward received his early education in the pub- 
lic schoo.s of Gelveston and the (jrammar School of Paul 
Ouinn (College, W aco, Texas. Later he entered W iley (Col- 
lege, .Mai shall, Texas, where he completed his ccllege pre- 
paratoiN work in 1014, 

.Mr. Stewards lirst experience in leadership was in the 
field ol athletics as coach and manager ol the college 
baseball and football teams respectively. He was president 
of the class of P)14, In l')16 he became a student at Lin- 
coln L niversitv in Pennsvlvania. pursuing the degree of 
A, B, as a member of the" class of \»\». 

Soon after the L nited States entered World War I. .Mr. 
Steward became a volunteer enlistee and served with the 
32ith I'ield Signal Battalion. ,American Expeditionary 
l-'orces, 

,Mr, Steward's twentv-five years as a ^MC.A Secre- 
tarv began in Los .Angeles in P'I9 when he became the 
first Negro 'I'.NUC.A Bovs' Work Secretarv west of Kansas 
(^itv. under T. .A, (jreen, the Executive Secretary of the 
.Ninth Street Branch. His work with the Y.M(C.A Boys' 
(Club, which interested Negro high school bovs in parti- 
cipating in all phases of high school life including ath- 
letics, dramatics and music, was a contributing factor in 
the recognition and acceptance of Negro bovs as high 
school, and later college and university representatives. 

This work received national attention which resulted in 
.Mr. Steward's being ca'led to St. Louis where he served 
five veais as Bovs' Woik Director of the Pine St. ^■.MCA, 
and two vears as .Assistant Executive Secretarv. During 
this time he became founder of the Guide Right .Move- 
ment of Kappa .Alpha Psi l-raternitv of which he was 
National Director lor many vears. 'Then to St. Joseph. 
.Missouri to establish the Sixteenth Street Branch 'I'.NKCA. 
and serve as its Executive Secretary until he was invited 
bv the ^■,\t(C.A of Dallas. Texas to become the Executive 
Se.Tetarv, In Dallas he was responsible for collecting the 
S40. 000,00 necessarv to start the bui'ding of the ,More- 
land Branch N',M(C,A. In \^1U he went to (Chicago, and 
while there served on the Board of .Managers of the 
W abash Branch and did volunteer work among out-of- 
work, and out-ol-school vouths. In l'-)^fi he was called to 
Denver to serve as l:\eculive Secretarv' of the (Cilanarm 
Branch N'.M(C.A. remaining ihere eight and a half vears 
before coming to Los .Angeles in .August 1044. 

On June 21. P)2< in Texarkana. Texas \\r. Steward 
was married to .Miss Dov ie I'earonce. a school and music 
teacher ol that citv. She attended Bishop (College and is 
a graduate of Prairie \ lew State I niversitv , She has 
completed a course in "(Chikiren's ,Musical Training" un- 
der the person. il direction of Louise Robvn. at the .Ameri- 
can (Conservatory of .Music. (Chicago. Illinois, and has 
taken .i course in nurserv work at (Chica,go Normal (Col- 
le!;e She was a student six vears at Denver I niversitv 
.Musical Colle.ge under ,Arthur Rii;,-;s. Now conducts a 
.Music School at 2')l(i Budlong Street. She is active in 
I'owen .Methodist (Church and a member of Silhouettes. 
W ives of Kappa .Alpha Psf I'ralernitv members. 

.Mr. Slewrad is a meniber-N.\.\(CP Board. \ ice-(Chair- 
nian of the Pilgrim House Board and member of the 
2,^'lh S'reet Y.MCA Board. (Charge Lav Leader of Bovven 
Methodist (Church and active member of Kappa .Alpha 
Psi Tr:ilernitv' and ( Contributin.i; Editor of its National 
Journal I U- is coluninisi Idi ilu- Ins \ngeles Tribune. 



112 



Si. Paindck Gouni Aa. 95 




Officers and Members of St. Patrick's Court No. 05, Ladies Auxillarw Knights of Peter Cla\er. Reading 
left to right-First Row: Mrs. Alma La Chaux, Relief Committee: .Miss .Audrey Quinttl. Relief Commiltce: Mrs. 
Bridgette Duhe, Former Treasurer; .Miss Doris Alien. Recording Secretary-; .Mrs. .Maude Lyman. \'ice Grand 
Lady: .Mrs. Rose L. Casanave. Grand Lady: .Mrs .Alma .Macklin. Treasurer: .Mrs. Beatrice llippolvie: .Mrs. 
Audrey .Mien, Finance Committee: .Mrs. .Mverta Cormier. Second Row: .Miss Gwendol\n Di\on: .Mrs. Bertis 
White: .Mrs. -Ada Quintel: .Mrs. Lavenia Collins. Relief Chairlad\-: .Mrs. .Marjorie Archer. Finance Committee; 
Mrs. Aurelia Sloon; Miss Anna L. Cross. Third Row: Mrs. Clara Jones: .Mrs .Mary \nw Roger>. Inner Guard; 
.Mrs Corine Zeno. 

HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION 



St. Patrick's Court No. 05, Ladies .Auxiliary, Knights with membership of twenn-cij:hl. Present membership is 
of Peter Claver, a National Catholic Organization, organized fort>-t«o, and it is increasing rapidlx- with great posibili- 
April 27, 1947 at St Patrick's Church, Oakland. California ties. 



CROSS, ANNA L., Typist, born in 1026. New Orleans. 
Louisiana. .Attended Corpus Christi School and St. .Mary's 
Academ). Daughter of .Mr. and .Mrs. lidward Ooss. Her 
father, born Belise. British llunduras. served as Grand 
Knight of K. of PC. Council No. 50 anil Financial Sec- 
retary of Dieu Nous Protege. Bene\olent Organization. 
They moved to Reno. Ne\ada in 104? where .Miss Oosv 
served as \ ice Presiilent and Financial Secrelar\ of the 
Interracial YWCA. .Moved to California in 1045. serveil 
as Secretary of De (remery l.S.O, \ er\ active in social 
work; tcnik part in man> entertainments. Received Busi- 
ness Fducation at .\Urrit Business Colieye lOnklaml) 
Worked at War .Xssesls Administration iSan Iranciscm : 
now employed by the \etrrans Administration Minibir 
of FmplrAxes .Association ami the Recre;ilion Club Am- 
bition is to de\ole all time to v.iice tr.iining and d.iiKiiit; 
She is in Ihc hiternalion.il Bowling 1 i:i.i;in . 



CASANA\ E. ROSF I ., Organi/er and Grand I adN of St 
Patrick's Court No 05. | adies Auxiliary Knights of Peter 
Claver. Formerlv. Nice Grand lady and Rec>>rdini; Sec- 
retary. Sacred Heart Court No M). New Orleans. 1 ouis- 
iana. .Active Claver member I'nr past eighUen \e.irs 

ARCIII:R. .MARJORII'. Ilousiwift. bom in Houston Tex- 
as Filucaled at Phvllis WhealIeK High Sch.«.l Wile ol 
Joseph .\rclier .Marrieii JuU v I'Mo C.inu- i.i Calilornia 
1044: joined .\uxiliar\ in |047 ^^^ 

I ^ \1 AN. \l\l DF (Ntrs 1. I ornur llousionion of I4'5.0|h 
sirerl Oakland. California (hutch and Socictv lad> 
\,,w \ ice I aiK .•! ih, I adies \u\ili.ir\ knights nl I'elei 
Cl.ivrr 

/I \o (Olv'INI il.iusiwife. born in I ouisiana Fduciled 
.It Si P.uil Svliiol. Secret. irx of I egion of .Mary. 



11.5 



California State Association of Colored Women 

The California Stale Association of Colored Women was 
organized August 6, 1906 in Oakland, under the leadership 
of Mrs. Eliza A. Warner (now deceased) with delegated oi 
representatives from cubs in San Francisco. Sacramento, 
Oakland, Pasa.ena and Los Ange'es. 

The .Art and Industrial Club of Oakland presided over 
by the late Mrs. Emma B. Collins, was hostess to the momen- 
tous occasion. 

"Tis said that Giant Oaks from tiny acorns grow"- 
from that i.mall meeting in Oakland, thousands of litt'e tots 
have been properly supervised and became fine citizens: 
broken hemes have been adjusted; wards of state institutions 
have been re-habiliated; unwed mothers have been shelter- 
ed; homes for itinerant working girls established; students 
seeking higher education aided thru scholarships, among 
whom was that celebrated personage. Dr. Ralphe Bunche. 
Creditable monuments owned are-Ihe Madam C. J. Walker 
Home for Women and Girls in San Francisco—Fannie Wall 
Home and Day Nursery, Oakland-Golden W'est Club 
House, Bakersfield-Women's Civic Improvement Club 
House, E' Centro-Margaret Hood-Banks Club House, Vic- 
torvil'e-Philomatheon Club House, Santa Monica-So- 
journer Truth Home, Los Angeles and Eastside Settlement 
House, Los Angeles. 

Because of the length of the State of California the 
Association is divided in three sections— Northern, Central 
and Southern. The State President and two Vice Presidents 
preside respectively over each area. The activities are car- 
ried on through twenty-four departments providing a de- 
partment for girls from ages six to eighteen, known as the 
National Association of Colored Girls (N.A.C.Gs.) and 
young women aged eighteen to twenty-five, known as the 
Phylis Wheatley Dept. and a Past State Presidents Congress. 
State Presidents serve a two year term of office. Presi- 
dents of clubs and Past Presidents from a Presidents Council 
and Assembly. 

The "Trail Blazers" of the past or preceeding forty 
odd years were: 

♦ELIZA A. W.ARNER-Organizer, served three years. 
•KATHERINE D. TILLMAN- 
*D. W. BOYER-First Club Journalist. 
ETTA V. MOXLEY-The builder; Fanny .|. Wall Home 
and Day Nursery; Eastside Settlement House and So- 
journer Truth Home. 
MARTHA TATE DODGE-Departmentalized the activi- 
ties. 
ELIZABETH BROWN-Quiet and unassuming, presented 

a well rounded program. 
MINNIE BATE-Created Scholarship Fund. 
♦HETTIE B. TILGHMAN-World War I Red Cross 

Worker. 
*LULU SLAUGHTER SIMS-Builded C. |. Walker Home. 
PEARL LOVEY WINTERS -The C.S.A. C.W. So'ist. 
•IRENE BELLE RUGGLES-San Francisco's first Presi- 
dent. 
CORRINA B. HICKS-Brought National Ass'n. of Colored 

Women's Convention to California. 
ESTHER lONES LEE-Organized the Girls Club. 
Z. OTEY SMITH KAHN-Social Worker. 
ELIZABETH ST. CHARLES EDWARDS-Silver Jubilee 

President and increased Scholarship Funds. 
CHLORA HAYES SLEDGE-Progressiveness. 
FRANCES M. BURLEIGH-A staunch christian. 
MABEL V. GRAY-Silver tongued Orator and Ambassador 
of Goodwill. 



TEREA HALL PITTMAN-Radio Commentator. 

ADA IRbY bROANLEE-Peacemaker. 

ADA HAWKINS JACKSON-Reconstructionist. 

ARDElIA ALGLIN-World War II War Bond Advocate. 

\lvl/\N OSbORNE MARSH-Financier. 

VILLIE ASHbY-Reorganized Central Section. 

* Deceased 

The California State Association of Colored Women is 
an incorporated body, composed of sixty-two clubs with 
more than twelve hundred financial members, is an affiliate 
of the National Association ot.Colored Women, Inc., Wash- 
ington, U. C, and the South Western Regional. 

—Ester I aylor Cireenly, State President, March 11,1948. 

The Outdoor Life and Health 
Association 

The Outdoor Life and Health Association, a non-profit, 
non-political organization was' Incorporated in 1935. This 
organization was founded by Dr. Leonard Stovall, noted 
authority on the prevention and cure of Tuberculosis. The 
purposes of the organization arc: 

I. To cooperate with the City and County Health De- 
partment in every possible way. To cooperate with all priv- 
ate agencies for the prevention of tuberculosis. 2. To pro- 
mote Health Education by distributing standard health lit- 
erature; by public programs, institutes, lectures, motion pic- 
tures. 3. To faciliate the early diagnosis of all disease, es- 
pecially tuberculosis. This to be done through public in- 
formation, through tuberculin and other tests and through 
X-Ray diagnosis. 4. To build a demonstration rest home. 
To encourage the establishment of other convalescent homes, 
nursing homes, rest camps, nutrition centers, sanitariams 
and hospitals— and to own and operate such institutions. 5. 
To cooperate with th2 Federal and loci! s^vernments in 
establishing better housing systems. 6. To teach mental hy- 
giene—with special emphasis On problems of children: 
wholesome attitudes in human relations and to encourage 
wholesome, positive philosophies toward life and death. 7. 
To arouse interest among Negro people as to their respon- 
sibilities in (a) preventing tuberculosis and (b) giving aid 
to patients who may have contracted the disease. 8. The aid 
of peop'e of all races in helping to accomplish these ob- 
jectives is earnestly solicited. 

The OUTDOOR phase of the Association was emphasi- 
zed as follows: To educate people to appreciate outdoor 
life—to encourage sleeping, playing, working, camping, wor- 
shiping, and all possible human activities out-of-doors. To 
stress the following values of outdoor life: (a) breathing 
fresh air as an aid in preventing sickness: (b) exposure of 
body to air and rays of sun in proper manner as an aid to 
health: (c) relaxation away from noise and confusion of 
city life as an aid to nervous and respiratory systems: 
(d) appreciation of nature which add to happiness of man- 
kind. 

Since the time of its founding and up to the present 
writing (1948) the Association, has enjoyed a remarkable 
growth. This growth was -due laregly through the help of 
manv church, civic, social and fraternal orpanizations who 
orgar<ized fund raising campaigns, and whose members 
contributed freely of their time for this worthy cause. 

The Association is now free of a'l indebtedness and 
plans are now on foot to raise an additional $100.00000 
for the erection of several new units: these units to be a 
memorium to the veterans of World War II, and a mem- 
orium. especially, to the memory of Lieutenant Magellan 
C. Mars, well known young man of Los Angeles, who lost 
his life during World War II, and who was decorated for 
gallantry in action for outstanding courage and heroic de- 
votion to duty. 



114 



HATIVE CAUfORNIANS CLUB 




1st Row. reading left to right :--.Mrs. Bessie McCaskell, Mrs. Irene Phillips, .Mrs. Maggie Sheppard .Mrs 
Estella Broady, .Mrs Cecil Jones. .Mrs. \ iola Jackson, .Mrs Naomi Dorsey. 

2nd Row, reading left to right :--.Mrs. Anita Wright, Mrs. Zelma Bo\d. Mrs. Bessie Burke, Mrs. Irma Perry. 
Mrs. Ethel Hampton. Mrs. Ilaltie Wilson, Mrs .Madeline Osborne. .Mrs. Yola Brinson, Mrs. Lauretta Butler. 

3rd Row, reading left to right :-.Mrs. Grace Hooks, Mrs. Adele McGruder, Mrs. \'era Franklin, Mrs. Isabelle 
Clifton, .Mrs. Leona Ta_\lor. 

Members not appearing on picture are: .Mrs Theresa Hardwick, Mrs. Grace Phillips, .Mrs. Estelle Wosen- 
croft and .Mrs. Doris .Morris. 



The Club of Native Californians was organized in 1926 
and has held regular meetings ever since. To become a mem- 
ber one must be a woman, an adult, and a native born Cali- 
fornian. The club was organized for beneficial social con- 
tact and to form a group which might do effective philan- 
throphic work. 

The Native Californians make a public presentation 
each \ear, and in this wa\ the club has assisted such organi- 
zations as the Outdoor Life and Health Association, the 



National Association for the Advancement of Colored 
People, the Fair Employment Committee, the Booth Me- 
morial Home and others. The presentation for 1947 was 
made to the Assistance League of the Outdoor Life and 
Health Association. 

Mrs. Laura Talbot Young is the Club Nlother and 
among the members of the Native Californians are descend- 
ants of some of the oldest families in the West. 



WRIGHT. ANllA f.. Housing Project .Manager. .Mrs. 
Wright has been in a supervisory capacit\ with the Los 
Angeles City Housing .Authority since the beginning of 
its expansion program in 1942. In 1944 she was made 
manager of Corregidor Park Development and .Annexes, 
a temporary War Housing project. In I94S she was ap- 
pointed manager of Hacienda Village Housing Project. 
a permanent slum clearance interracial project of 184 
units. 



OSBORNE. .MADELINE DORA MOl I.TON. horn in 
Oakland. California Parents. Vancy Moulton and Eu- 
genia .Marce'l .Moulton Brown, a native of California. 
Educated in Los .Angeles. Married to .Mpheus E Osborne; 
one son. .Mpheus Jr. and three granddaughters. .Member 
of the Independent (ihurch of (Christ. Modern Priscilla 
\x\ and (~harit\ Club, and the Native Californian Club 
llobb) : Knitting and millinery. 



115 



BOYD. ZELMA FITZPRICE-Nurse. born in Bakersfield. 
California. Daughter of Rose Boydston, (Alhambra) and 
Jerome "Romeo" Fitz Price, (Oakland). Granddauehter 
of Fannie F. Reese, first Negro resident of Kern County. 
.Mother of M /Sgt. Charles j. and Vincent A. Handy. Los 
.\ngeles. .Member of St. Odilia's Catholic Sodalities and 
the Native Californians. >■ 

SHEPARD, MAGGIE E., Secretary, born in Los Angeles, 
California, the daughter of Harry and Constance (Oli- 
vier) Lewis. 

She is a graduate of the Los Angeles Polytechnic High 
School. She later atteiKied the University of Southern 
California Extension taking Office Personnel Manage- 
ment, and has been employed by Los Angeles Count) 
for over twenty years as a Stenographic Secretary. 

She married Edward Shepard. October 10. 1938, now 
Assistant Superintendent of Maintenance for Los .An- 
geles .County. There are five children— Eugene. Harry, 
and Hugh Stovall, Mrs. Constance Plummer and LaRue 
Shepard. 

Mrs Shepard is a member of the First AME Zion 
Church. 

dROAUY. ESTELLA A.-CIubwoman, oldest daughter ol 
the late William T. and Ellen Green. 

Attended schools of Los Angeles. Recipient of a scholar- 
ship from the Los Angeles Times in 1906. Attended Uni- 
versity of Southern California Business College. 

Estella A. Broady is the wife of Charles S. Broady, 
retired Police Officer and Detective. Thev are the par- 
ents of William C, Police Officer and Lillie G. (Clifton). 

Mrs. Broady is a Charter Member of 29th Church of 
Christ Scientists. YWCA, NAACP, and President of the 
Native Califomian Club. 

Her hobby is Art Work. ^^ 

McCASKILL, BESSIE. Housewife, born m Los Angeles, 
Calffornia, the daughter of Frank and Mary (White) 
McVea, both now deceased. 

She was educated in the public school system of Los 
Angeles. 

Married John McCaskill, October 21, 1920. There are 
three children— Esther, Eleanor and Ellis. 

Mrs. McCaskill is a member of the YWCA, Modern 
Pricilla's (Art and Charity) Club, 8th and Towne Utility 
Club and the "Native Californian's Club." 

Her hobby: Fabric Painting. 

McGRUUER, AUtLE E., Registered Nurse, was born in 
Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Presley and Lu- 
cille (Bal!inger) Kemp; her father one of the early con- 
tractors of Los Angeles. 

She is a graduate of Los Angeles High School. Mrs. 
McGruder was one of the first Negro nurses graduating 
from the Los Angeles County General Hospital. 

She married Enman C. McGruder in July 1929. 

Mrs. McGruder is a member of the First AME Church, 
YWCA. NAACP. and the Sojourner Truth Home. 

h-HILLIPS, IRLNE VARINDA BUTLER, Clubwoman, 
born in Oakland, California. Parents, Yancy Moulton and 
Eugenia Marcella Moulton Brown: mother a native of 
California. Educated in Los Angeles. Member of Inde- 
pendent Church of Christ in Los Angeles, Modern Pricilla 
Art and Charity Club and Native Californian CI u.b. 
Hobby: Sewing and gardening. 



PERRY, ERMA LOUISE FIELDS, Cateress, born and ed- 
ucated in Los Angeles, California. Parents, George P. and 
Mamie L. (Pope) Fields. On June 29, 1921 in Los An- 
geles she married Charles W. Perry. Parents of one 
aaughter. Dorothy Louise (Perry) Goodall. .Member of 
the A.M.E. Church in Pasadena, organizer of the Crown 
City .American Legion Auxiliary, and member of the Na- 
tive California Club. 

TAYLOR, LEONIE RANDOLPH, Civic Worker, was born 
in Los Angeles, the daughter of Pasqual and Anna (Hall) 
Randolph. 

She was educated in the public schools of her native 
city, graduating from Los Angeles High School. 

Mrs. Taylor is the grand-daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
John Hall, first of Negro Pioneers, whp came to Cali- 
fornia in 1849 from Chucha, Mexico. She is the niece of 
Carl and Richard Hall. 

She is a member of the Catholic Church and belongf 
to the Native Califomian Club. 

BRINSON, YOLA BLACK, was born in San Francisco 
California, the. daughter of Alonzo and Lizzie (Patter- 
son) Black. 

Mrs. Brinson is a graduate of the University of New 
Mexico, and the Quincey Clonservatory of Music, Quincey, 
niinois. 

She is a member of the Native California Cfub, and the 
Episcopal Church 

CLIFTON, ISABELLE, Secretary, born in Bakersfield, 
California( the daughter of John and Hattie (Hall) Wil- 
liams. Her parents were early pioneers of California. 

Mrs. Clifton is a former member: National Business 
and Professional Wonaen's Council, Young Women's 
Christian Association, and the first Negro Medical Sec- 
retary, Los Angeles County General Hospital. 

JONES. CECIL GREEN, was born m Los Angeles, the 

daughter of Joseph and Amanda Green. Joseph Green 

was the first Negro policeman in Los Angeles. Mrs. Jones 

has been active in studio work as a member of choral 

groups. She is a mernber of the Native Californian Club 

PHILLIPS, GRACt BEATRICE (JONES), born m Los 
Angeles, California, the daughter of Rev. Robert F. and 
Annie Green (Duncan) Jones. Her parents were early 
settlers of California; both coming to California in 1887 
and were married in Los Angeles in 1890. 

Mrs. Phillips is a member of the "Native Californians 
Club." 

WILSON, HATTIE E., Power Machine Operator, born and 
educated in Los Angeles, California. Parents, John Wesley 
and Lydia (Lee) Coleman. In 1910 was married in Los 
Angeles to Henry Wilson. Parents of one son, Clifford. 
Member of the Second Baptist Church and Native Cali- 
fornian Club. Hobby: Dressmaking. 

HOOKS, GRACE V. (OWENS), born in Los Angeles. Cali- 
fornia the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Beck; 
Owens. Her parents were among the early homesteaders 
of California, coming to California in the year 1885. 

Mrs. Hooks is a member of the "Native Californians 
Club," the YWCA and the A.M.E. Church. 

DORSEY, NAOMI GERTRUDE (LOGAN), born m 
Shasta County. California-the daughter of Robert A. 
and Ella (Parson) Logan. Both parents were born in Cali- 
fornia. Married Edgar L. Dorsey. June 12. 1915, a native 
Californian. There is one child, EJlavenia Trice. 
Member; Easfer Star and the A.M.E Church. 



116 




Weii VUuA Jlo^^ial, 9hc. 



Recognizing that sickness and suffering are universal 
and believing tfiat unly fiealthy people can build a health)- 
nation. 25 prominent Los Angeles ph>sicians and dentists 
looked for a answer to the serious problem caused by the 
shortage of hospital facilities in this area and the discrimina- 
tor>' practices of the existing approved hospitals. 

Reaffirming the principles of social justice upon which 
our nation was founded, their answer was WEST \'ll:\\ 
HOSPIT.AL--an inter-racial, non-sectarian non-profit hos- 
pital, open to every race, creed and color in the finest tra- 
dition of .American democrac). 

Contributing §1,000 each themselves. the.\- incorporated 
as a non-profit organization in .August 1945 and purchased 
a cit)' block on .Main Street, between 53rd and 54th Streets. 
The\- then sought participation from enlightened publi- 
spirited citizens to help build this community hospital. 

The community moved into action. More than 85 of 
the city's best-known leaders enlisted as members of the 
Community .Advisory Board. Paul R. Williams, nationally- 
known archietect, was engaged to design the proposed 300- 
bed hospital. \ series of organizational conferences brought 
support from religious, labor, veteran, women, philanthropic, 
fraternal, >outh, and civic groups. 

In 1946 the Los Angeles Daily News and radio station 
KLAC labeled West View as The Cause of the Year", and 
jointly staged a gigantic benefit show in Hollywood Bowl. 
The sports world promoted a championship prize fight at 
Olympic Stadium. 1947 brought a mammouth benefit show 
at the Shrine Auditorium, featuring 25 top stars of screen, 
stage, and radio, and informal benefit concerts by Paul 
Robeson and Hazel Scott. Strong editorial support was given 
by Robert F:. G. Harris in the March 8th issue of the Daily 
News in an editorial titled "West View: bright view". 



Scores (if volunteer workers have formed the "Women's 
Guild', the Junior League', the 'West View B'Nai Brilh 
^ oung Women " and the "West viewers", all to •■erve as per- 
manent sustaming groups of the nevs hospnal. The commun- 
it>, conscious of the great need, is helping W est \ iew, the 
dream, to become West \ iew, the realit>'. 

West \iew will be a modern up-to-the-minute hospital. 
ser\ ing Los .Angeles in its entiretv and providing Southeast 
Los .-\ngek's \vilh its onlv class-.\ hospital. It will be oper- 
ated by the communitv for the community on a non-profit 
basis, its non-sectarian, inter-racial policy will show, by 
example, that men and women of different races and beliefs 
can work side b) side for the welfare of all the people. 

OtTicers and members of the Board of Directors of this 
non-profit corporation are: President, .Mien C. Woodard. 
3rd: \ ice President, Harpo .Marx; Secretary, \. M. Mitchell. 
M.D.; Treasurer. T. J. Griffin. D.D.S.: member of the Ex- 
ecutive Committee. W. W. Davis. M.D., D. A. Hawkins, 
.M.D.. J. H. Hayes, M.D., H. A. McPherson, M.D., and J. P. 
Taylor, M.D.: representatives of auxiliaries, Mrs. Gertrude 
R Hicks and Miss Jewell Lockett: and members-at-large, 
Albert Dekker. Edward D. Mitchell, Judge Stanley .Mosk. 
T. R. Payton, M.D.. J.M. Robinson, Jr..M.D.. S. B. Robin- 
son. M.D.. L. W. Shumate, M.D.. L. V. Steward, and H. H. 
Towles, M.D. 

The office of the corporation is located at 5334 South 
.Main Street, with .Miss Nita Blackwell. as Executive Sec- 
retary. 

BRIGHT. CONSl ELO \'. -Teacher-born in Los Angeles. 
California, daughter of Jonas W. and Birdie (Cooper") 
Bright. Her parents (both deceased) were early pioneers 
of C.iTifornia, moving to this State in 1887 and 1891 res- 
pectively. 



117 



Silver Spurs Riding Association, inc. 




Silver Spurs Riding Association, Inc., organized June 25, 1946. A group studying finer horsemanship, ath- 
letic, social and cultural advancement; furthering civic religious and philanthropic interest. 

Reading left to right: Standing, 1st row: Gwynn Preseley, President-Founder; Dolores Davidson, Faustina 
Johnson, Advisor; Gussie Morris, Mamie Modwell, Dorothy E. .Moore, Historian-Reporter-Founder. Mounted, 
2nd row: Retha Spears, Corresponding Secretary; Wilhemlna Wright, Willie Chambers. Treasurer-Business 
Manager; Brunette Mounday, Secretary. Not shown on picture; Dorothy Williams. 




Harriett L. Wadlev 

WADLEY, HARRIETT L., born in Chicago, 111., daughter 
of William and Velmer (Brown) Simmons; educated in 
Chicago, married Rudolph E. Wadley in 1933. Member 
of Independent Church; Vice-president, Doll League 
Charity Club. Mrs. Wadley is well-known socially, a 
successful business woman, and manages one of the city's 
major retail establishments. 
Her hobby is making her own hats. 



118 



us dAMES CHARITY AHd SOCIAL CLUB 




Left to Right, standing: Janet Lastrapes. Sergeant-at-Arms; Melba Foppe. Laura Slayton. sponsor; Bobby 
Chasteen; Ernestine Tinsley, Edith Wilson, Bertha Lamb, I reasurer. Seated left to right; Pauline Evans, Finan- 
cial Secretary ; Gertrude Gipson, Reporter; Lillian Ran-dolph (Ihase, President; Antionetic Rentw Nice-Presi- 
dent; Gwcndol>n \alentine, Business Manager; Audrey Scott, Recording Secretary. Seated on floor left to right; 
Lilla Moore. Parliamentarian; Laverne Cryer, Ruth .Mars, Maxine Herriford. 



ORIGIN AND PURPOSE 



Les Dames Charity and Social Club was founded in 
December, 1947 by a group of charitable and social minded 
\oung ladies, who selected Lillian Randolph Chase, cele- 
brated star of Radio, Stage and Screen, as their leader. 

Les Dames' (The Ladies) charitable goal is to make 
an annual contribution toward curbing delinquency and 
serving youth. They are affiliated with the Laura Slayton 



Youth Foundation, the organization to which they contri- 
bute annually. One of Les Dames main objectives is for 
members to become acquainted as club sisters through so- 
cializing and planned social activities which tend to knit 
them closer together. They believe that the common good 
of an organization comes from being able to ha\e charity 
at heart for each club member, before charity can be given 
out to others. 



WILSON, LYDA, Civic Worker, was born in Danville, Ky.. 
the daughter of Walter and Betty (Southern) Scott. She 
received her earl> education in the public schools of Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio. Later she attended Wilberforce University 
in Wilberforce. Ohio and the State University in Louis- 
ville, Kentucky. 

On August 9, 1919 in Chicago^ Illinois she was mar- 
ried to Walter Wilson. 

In 1931 she moved to Los Angeles, California where she 



has been active in the civic and social life of that city. 
Mrs. Wilson was the first Negro appointed to the Cali- 
fornia State Democratic Central Committee from t h e 
63rd .Assembly District. She is a member of the Los An- 
geles County Democratic Central Committee and Secre- 
tary of the Democratic Citizens League. 
Socially, she is President of the Hands of Love Club, and 
Past \ice-President of the L'pper Crust Club. 
Her hobb>' is pets. 



119 



Twenty-eight Street Branch, Young 
Men's Christian Association 

Iwiiilx I lylil Miwl Ur:mvli. ^ \U;\ «.!•- iirf;.iiii/iil in 
l'>()(), li.rl\ l«(i \r.ii- .ii;ii h\ .1 uriiLip ol I'.isldrs cii cluiri-lu"- 
111 llu' -luilli ii-mr.il Area ol llii' C'ilv IxvaUM- of llu' lUiiK 
Ml' ihi- xouiis pi'oplo ill llu' cmiinuinitv. Pr()lV^s<)r i A. 
("iriTiic. mm rcliri'J. wav the lirsl llM'cutiM- Secretar\. 
riiiDiifjh llic vfarN llit- ^ MCA liaN hcen MipporleJ li\ ihf 
inlfiv>i (if llu' iluirclu's <il' the C^mimuniiN anJ Ihe churclifs 
1)1' the (^)iiiniiinil\ lia\i.' um'iI llic re^dnrccN ol thf "\" Inr 
ils purposes. 

llu- ^ \1C \ at Iwcntv -Flight anJ Paloma is hoiiseJ in 
one ol tile best ImiklinKs in the country. DesigneJ o\er 
t«tnl\ Mars a};o h\ the famous architect. Paul R, W il- 
Ikuiiv. its structure anJ arrangement still ailmirabl\' ser\es 
the purposes ot the Xssoc'ation. (j\mnasium, Lobbies. Dor- 
mitor\. (;iub Rooms are still standard. The Swimming Pool 
is the oni\ indoor pool south of "up town". 

The T\venl>-Eight Street "Y" is operated b\- a Board 
ol .Managers under the .Metropolitan Board of Directors. 
1 his group is nominated by vote of the Branch Go\erning 
members and is responsible for operating the facilities, 
managing the services, and ileveloping programs to meet 
the changing needs of the '('outh and .Adults of the .Area. 
The Board of .Managers directs a staff consisting of .Mr. 
Harold S. Prince, Executive Secretar\ : Clifton \. Home. 
Phxsical Education Director: Emor>- L. Cain, Bo>s' Work 
Secretar) ; Frank Donaldson and (Charles D. Brown; Bo\s' 
Work Secretaries of .Areas III anti l\ . clerks, stenographers, 
maintenance workers ami assistants as well as a large num- 
ber of volunteers. 

The Y.MCA works primarily with groups of bo>s and 
young men. .■Mthough uniler pressure of increased popula- 
tion and the lack of facilities b\- other agencies, the "\" 
a'so jerves women and girls and Co-ed groups The work of 
the "\" counselling .in J guiding individuals especially 
\oung men recentl> arrixtd ii! ihe cilw !> an important func- 
tion of the organization. (;iubs .u)d ^lassc>, teams, councils, 
special e\ents interest groups, sport^. tournaments, etc . are 
the txpical group- in which the "\" works, trying through 
these forms of ;,>iivii\-. these. contacts with \o'uth. to teach 
and devt 'op (ihriMian attituiies and iileaK in personal group 
life, 

ResponsibihH fcjr the successful operjlmn of the Branch 
is vested b\ the .Metropolitan Board of Directors in a 
Branch Board of .Managers under the leadership of David 
W. W ilhams Attorne> The Membership of the Board in- 
cludes: Dr Paul lisher, \ ice tdiairman: Re\crend 1 rank .X. 
Harris, Recorilnig Secrela')- C.eorge .\ Bea\ers jr.; Har- 
:ild 1. Benedict K'evereiul Hamilton I Boswell, l.oren/o 
Bowtloin. Ceorgi ,\ Br\ant. Leonard Christmas. Attornev 
Thomas L CrilTith. Dr .\L L. llerrioti Dr C W Hill, 
Norman O. Houston II A Howard. Dr II CLiude Hudson. 
Toussaini L. Jeenings. S. P. Johnson. .Xttoriuv Clarence A 
Jones Reverend Irederick 1) |ord::n. Altorin Charle.s II 
Matthews. Reverend .\L L. Mitchell. Reverend II Randolph 
.Moore I'rederick \\. Roberts, Reverend I ;'■ Robinson. 
Clarence II. Smith Leon W . Siew:ird, Dr. ' eoii.ird Stovall, 
Buell A Thomas. C. B XenerabL- Rob, •( I Williams 
|r. Allan C. Woodard III 



Woodlawn Branch YWCA 

I he M-.n \nuleeil-lweKe louiul 1 lie I os Angeles ^ iiiim; 
Wiinu-iis t.liMsii.in \ss(,t i,iii(,|, iixipei.iling with \egio 
\\(p|iieii m esi.ihlishini; then own Br. null which h.is evciKiJ 

iiilo Ihe he.inliHil \\ lawn lii.nKJi.il Cdd W oodhiu ii \u- 

lliie ileilK.ileil ill 1'1*J In ser\e ,ill laci.il niiiiips ni this .irea 

rile Los \ngeles. N W ( : A is a p.iil ol .i world-widi' .,r- 
gani/ation which has coiilnuied i\er ea'.^er to sii\e where 
ine neeu is gie.ilesi .nul li.is .ui.ipieo ilseh to ch.inging lue.L 
and coiu.Uions. 

Throughout its long historx hciusnif; |(,r wmiien .iiid 
guls has been oin- ol ihe duel coiicenis oi the X oung Wom- 
en s Christian .Xssociations. 

W ith eiiiiihasis on eiiiergencx .ind transient housing at 
the Woodlawn Branch, the nine beds there are in constant 
Use with .111 eNtensi\e room regislrx ser\ ice made possible 
through the cooper.ilion of homes in the cit\. 

.\nd as .dwa\s. a girl can find at 'iWC.A, help with 
person.il problems, whether lhe\ be itcreation, health, a 
ch.ince to make desirable friends or spiritual guidance on 
ever\da> problems 

An opportunitv lor \nung emplo\ed women to discuss 
their work proh'ems. public affairs and Social legislation, 
etc.. is made possible through two well organized groups: 
The Noung Lmplo>ed Girl's Clubs and the Business and 
Professional Girl's i.^eague. These groups meet regularh 
with staff supervision. 

Lhe teen age program for junior members ( L2-18 years) 
has alwa\s loomed large in the N'WC.A. With attractive 
club rooms, patio and spacious lawn now pro\ided at our 
W'ooil'awn Branch a \ear-around program is carried on. 

Besides the Girl Reserse Club program which has al- 
wa\s been geared to imlividual needs of girls, an accelerated 
program for Young people has been instituted to meet the 
newi\ created strains and tensions of the present time, 
i hese activities include: A Weekl\- Co-Ed Teen Canteen. 
Xo'ith Speaks Fo-um one Sunda\- each month and an .Arts 
cV (.rafts Work Shop. 

The >\*'(~\ is a fellowship devoted to the task of 
realizing Christian ideals of personal and Social living. 
.Membership is the first step in that fellowship. 

Sojourner Truth Home 

.Mrvtie Cook. President: Laura Young, Chairman Ex- 
ecutive Board; L. Vest. Secretary: Margaret C. Scott, Treas- 
urer: Evangeline Woodfolk, Executive Director. 

On October 2S, H)()4. .Mrs. Eliza Warner, with the co- 
operation of a small group of women, met and organized 
a club for the purpose of building and maintaining a house 
for >oung self-supporting women. Out of this effort grew 
the Sojourner Truth Industrial Club. 

In .April of I0|3, a fifteen room building was erected. 
It became a member of the Communitv Chest in 1025. The 
House is located at 1 1 10 East Adams Blvd.. and is a Christ- 
ian, non-sectarian home for self-supporting, working girls 
and women. It has grown since 1004. and hundreds of girls 
have been housed over a period of years. A girl is allowed 
two vears resident. 

Mrs. Warner was President Emeritus until her ileath. 
She took an active part in the activities of the Home as 
long as she was able, or until her current illness and recent 
de.ith in 1048. 

The club is also a member of the State Association for 
Negro Women of Lederated (^lubs. 



120 



^iOM^AUu oi £Uu O&POe oi 10, JtiawaUia CUofU^ Aa. 9/ 




Mrs. Echo Robinson 

ROBINSON. ECHO STANTON. Clubwoman, was born in 
Echo. O-eoon. the daughter of Richard and Margaret 
(Na-^h) Hazelwood. 

Education St. Vincents .^cademv and Underwood 
Business Colle"e in Walla Walla. Washington. In 1Q25 
she mo^eH Xn California where she entered into the Civic 
and Po'itical life of the City and State. 

.Married lune 30, 1P38 to Roscoe C. Robinson. Deputy 
Sheriff of Los .Angeles County. By a previous marriage 
she has o-'e child— .Margaret Corrine. 

Mrs. Robinson is active in the NAACP. Women's 
Po'itical Study Club, the Election Board in her District, 
the Republican Central Committee and the Eastern Star; 
holding office'; in each organization at various times. At 
present ( 10481 she is Daughter Ruler of the Daughters 
of Elks, IBPOE of W. Hiawatha Chapter No. <)!. She is 
a member of the Twenty-ninth Church of Christian Sci- 
ence in Los .'\ngeles. 



BUKEY, GUSSIE A.~Housewife-born in Waco, Texas, 
the daughter of T. J. and Connie (Flemmings) Frierson; 
her parents, Real Estate Brokers. Educated in the public 
schools of Waco and Howard University in Washington, 
D. C. 

She came to California in 1913 and soon became active 
in the civic and religious welfare of her community. 

In 1925 married John Bukey. There are two children— 
Fannie L. and Henry F. Bukey. 

Mrs. Bukey is a member of the Eastern Star, Courts of 
Calanthe. Houshold of Ruth and the Daughters of Elks. 
Her active work in the Hiawatha Temple No. 91 (Daugh- 
ters of Elks) won for her the first "Cap and Gown" from 
the Elks Grand Lodge in 1939 and first prize in the Grand 
Lodge, working for Arts and Crafts in 1938. Her religious 
faith is Methodist. 



t 




Mrs. Mattie Alexander 

ALEXANDER. MATTIE WOODSON, Clubwoman, born 
m Augusta. Georgia, came to California in 1921. 



Mrs. Alexander is Past .Matron. Order Eastern St.ir 
\ictory Chapter .No. 37; Vice-Dauqhter Ruler of Hia- 
watha Temple, l.B.P.O.E. of W. No. 91; a member of 
the Daughters of Isis. Heroines of Jerich'i .--nd Past 
Worthy Counselor of Pleasant Hill Court No. II. Order 
of Calanthe. N.A.S.A.E.A.A. and A. 




Mrs. Erma Bailey 

BAILEY. ER.MA \'.. Clubwoman, born in Rock Dale. 
I exas., the daughter of Edward and Virginia (Staffonl) 
Jones, 

Educated in the public school ssstem of San .Angelo, 
Texas. 

Came to California in 1926, and became acti\e in the 
social and fraternal life of Los Angeles. She is a mem- 
ber. Board of Diiectors, Union Usher Board (Southern 
District); Gatekeeper, Hiawatha Temple No. 01 IBP. 
O.E. of VV. and the Peop'es Independent Church of Christ. 



ir 



121 



Elks Past daughter Ruler's Club, Hiawatha Chapter, Ho. 91 

p9 9 <>f f> 





) 



f 



Reading left to right--Mrs. Fannie Hippard; Mrs. Emma Surrey: Mrs. Darlene Robinson, President; Mrs. 
Jennie Marzett, Vice President; Mrs. Regina Haywood; Mrs. Alberta Johnson. Not shown on photograph: Mrs. 
Fapnie Weftbrppk; Mrs. N?ncy Walton and Mrs. Margarett White Williams, 




Drill Team, Hiawatha Temple No. 91, IBPOE of W 
122 




CAMILLIA GIRLS 
Standing, left to right: Dorothy Itson, linogene Winston, Jeanella Elkins, Edith Paradise, Treas.; Ernestine 
Offord, Christine Haynes, Myrtle Eggleston. Seated, left to right: Ethel Boykin, Corresponding Secretary; Mat- 
tie Sanders, Martha Emery, President; Margaret Potter, Recording Secretary. Inserts, left to right: Alene Holt, 
Doris Perrv, Vice-President and Arwilda Woods, Historian. 



Organized, November 5. 1944. Club colors: Pink and Orchid. Club flower, Camillia. Club motto: "Not for 
ourselves, but for others." First advisor. Miss Lillian Randolph. 

Aflfiliated with the Laura Slayton Youth Guidance League. -Lends assistance to other charitable organiza- 
tions, not only in California but in other states as well. 

Annual affairs: Tea, Carnival, Breakfast, Formal, Mother's Day Tea and Fashion Show. 




Mrs. Queenie Mitchell 

.MITCHELL, QUEENIE-Singer, Housewife, born inCor- 
sicana. Texas, the daughter of Jeflf and .Maggie (Harvey) 
Watson Married September 8, 1921 in Dallas. Texas to 
Archie Mitchell. There is one child-Gracie .M. .Mrs. Mit- 
chell came to California in 1932. She is a member of 
Hamilton Methodist Church. Hiawatha Temple Daugh- 
ters of Elks, and the Elks Singing Chorus. 




Mrs. Elizabeth Harris 

HARRIS, ELIZABETH DIGCS, Clubwoman, was born in 
New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of Raymond and 
.Marie (Pairrie.) Diggs. Educated in New Orleans and 
Chicago. Received diploma in Beauty Culture from Poro 
College in Chicago. Married Tony Harris. October 21. 
1927. Religious faith, Catholic. .Member of Daughter of 
Elks. I.B.P.O.E. of W., Hiawatha Chapter No. .91. 



123 



RBTIRBd NAVy MEN'S AUXIUARY 




Members, reading left to right: 1st row— Mrs. Nancy Franklin, Recording Secretary; Mrs, Eon Allen, Chaplain; 
Mrs. Edythe Warren, President; Mrs. Darlene Robinson, Vice-President; Mrs. Louise Wimms, Mrs. Lillie Mum- 
ford, Financial Secretary. 2nd row-Mrs. Fay Turpin, Mrs. Beulah Mae Holt, co-Chairman; Mrs. Arna Simpkins, 
Mrs. Hanah Robinson, Mrs. Helen Gray Davis, Chairman and Mrs. Margaret M. Wheaten. 

Members not shown in picture are: Mrs. Iris Morgan Jackson, Mrs. Eunice Jones, Program Chairman; 
Mrs. Inez Cudjoe, and Mrs. Lois Sigles. 



ALLEN, HENRY GARRETT, Retired from the Navy, was 
born August 26, 1899 in Pensacola, Fla., the son of David 
and Eon Allen. He received his early training m the pub- 
lic schools of Pensacola. 

Henry Allen enlisted in the United States Navy in 1917 
and came to California in 1921. He served eighteen months 
in World War I. Then for sixteen years he was assigned 
to a Destroyer Flotilla. After twenty years in the service 
he was transferred to the Fleet Reserve. Later he was call- 
ed back to active duty and assigned to the Fifth Naval 
Construction Battalion which saw service on the Midway 
Island and at Pearl Harbor. 

In 1943 Henry G. Allen returned to the States and was 
stationed at Camp Parks at Shoemaker, California. On 
November 15, 1945 he was honorably discharged and 
given the benefits of retirement. 

Having served his country faithfully and with honor 
since the early years of his life, he now has the time to 
enjoy sports of every kind which he considers a hobby. 

WARNER, LEROY NEWKIRK, Retired Navy (Chief 
Petty Officer), was born December 8, 1892 in Mettle- 
town, New York, the son of Albert N. and Hanna E. 
(Stoops) Warner, Albert N. Warner was a contractor in 
New York for fifty years. After completing his public 
school education in his native city, young Warner went 
to work for his father until he was twenty-one years old. 
In 1913 he enlisted in the United States Navy, and 
remained in the service of his country for thirty-two 
years. He saw action in the Haitian Campaign, of 1914, 
The Mexican Campaign in 1915, and in World War I, 
1917-1918. His post-war assignments in the Navy were 
varied and interesting, including service in the North 
Sea in 1918, the West Indies from 1920-22, and Submarine 
Service from 1923 to 1930. Later he was on duty in Con- 



necticut two years, in Panama two years, and in the Phil- 
lipines two years. 

Chief Steward Warner served nine years on an United 
United States Aircraft Carrier and was on the U.S.S. 
Raleigh when 'that ship was on duty picking up refugees 
from Prance and Spain in 1936 and 37. 

On February 23, 1923 Chief Steward Warner married 
Edythe Sportsman. 

After serving in World War II with Fleet Air Wing 
from 19401944 he was honorably discharged. He is the 
secretary of the Retired Men's Navy Club, and a member 
of the Fleet Reserve Organization, the Masonic Lodge, 
the Elks, and affiliated with the Neighborhood Church of 
Los Angeles. 



ROBINSON, ROBERT JAMES, retired Naval Officer, was 
borrt in bast^op, I exas, March 21, 1885, the son of Wil- 
liam and Ellen (Robinson) Robinson. 

In August, 1907, Mr. Robinson enlisted in the U. S. 
Navy at Shreveport, Louisiana. 

For twenty-two years Mr. Robinson served his country. 
During World War I,, he served on several fighting ships. 
including the USS Harietta, Celtic, Connecticut, North 
Caro'ina, Wyoming, and on USS Destroyers Corry, Chase 
and Seattle. 

In June 1929, he was transferred to inactive duty in 
. San Diego, and has remained since then as a resident of 
California. In 1937 he was placed on the restricted list. 

During his Navy career, Mr. Robinson received many 
medals and service ribbons, araong them are the Good 
Conduct, the-Victory, and Grand Fleet Awards. 

In 1924 he married Mary Darleen Hawkins. 

He was retired with the rank of Officer Cook First Class. 
He i<; a member of the Retired Navy Men's Club. 

His hobby: Music. 



124 



M Mtmonum 



Do not carve on stone or wood, 

"He was honest" or "He was good." 

Write on smoke on a passing breeze 

Seven words-and the words are these, 

Telling all that a volume could: 

"He lived, he laughed, and he understood. 



125 




Mrs. Jansie Brlinctos And C>r\sd Nf.ick 
l-sTER L. Beck 



iRLlNGTON. JANME SIDNIZY, Pioneer and Christian 
Leader, lived in Los Angeles for more than a half cen- 
tury. When death called her on August 26. 1945. Los 
.Angeles lost one whose christian service and civic worth 
were beacon lights for men and women of e\ery race, col- 
or, and creed. 

Mrs. Bruington was born in Carthage, Tennessee, soon 
after the end of the Civil War, the daughter of Pleasant 
Jones and Goletty Beck. She was reared in Tennessee 
until she reached the age of thirteen >ears, at which time 
her mother passed. Her brother, the renowned Lt. (^ol. 
James .\1. Beck, who had moved to Kansas where land 
and opportunit\ were offered to freemen and former 
slaves, arranged to have his joungest sister, Jannic, come 
to Kansas to live with him. 

The guidance, counsel and security given by her older 
brother was. in a large measure, responsible for the Christ- 
ian Spirit, fine character and high ideals of Jannie Beck. 
She remained with her brother until she reached woman- 
h(X)d and was united in marriage to James Bruington 
\oung school teacher and farmer, who, in turning his at- 
tention to farming had prospered. 

Mr. and .Mrs. Bruington were the parents of six child- 
ren, four of whom are living-Ernest, and Charles, born 
in Kansas, and Ethel Bruington and Bessie Bruington 
Burke, born in Los .Xngeles Mrs. Burke was the first 
Negro schfMil teacher and Principal in the Los .Angeles 
Cits- School S\stem. .Mfred lived only six months and 
Alexander passed at an age of young manhood. 

When the health of Mr. Bruington indicated a change 
of climate would be for the better, the familv moveil to 
the West Coast and settled in Los Angeles. That was in 
1888. His death occured in 1929. 



.Mrs. Bruington was a devoted mother, giving her 
children, and Ester L. Beck, a grand-niece, the advantage 
of intelligent guidance, and she made them citizens of 
whom Los .Angeles has a right to be proud. She was 
deeply religious, worshipped as a member of the Second 
Baptist Church in which she was an active worker and 
belonged to the International .\tissionary Society. 

Professionally, Mrs. Bruington was one of the first 
Negro Registered Nurses in Los .Angeles and was associ- 
ated with Doi'.ors specializing in diseases of children 
Ihroughout the period of her iS >ears as a resident 
of Los Angeles she was considered a leader in the civi^ 
life of the city. She organized the Pico Heights Social 
Club, an organization to help deserving boys in receiving 
scholarships. She was a member of the N'W'C.A. Women's 
Society of Christian Service. Sojourner Truth Honri.- and 
Phys-Art-Lit-Mor Club. She held charter membership in 
the Delta Mothers and Sponsors Club of the Delta Phi 
Theta Sororil\. Auxitiar>' of the Lt. ("olonel James .M 
Beck Post No. 2651, \ eterans of F'orcign Wars, Pioneer 
Club No. 1 of Los .Angeles of which she was Treasurer 
and the Colored Womens Federated Club. She was the 
first delegate from the Federated club. 

Mrs Bruington was interested in L'.SO. work and dis- 
played pictures of "her soldier boys" on "her patriotic 
table." She was proud of the fact her brother. It. ("oloncl 
Beck, was the first Negro Officer to put f(Ki| on fiirei:;n 
soil: that her daughter. Bessie Bruinulon Burke. wa> the 
first Negro teacher and Principal in the 1 on Angeles Cilv 
School System, anil thai her niece. Aurora Jones, was the 
first Negro woman to graduate from Los .Angele> High 
Sch(«>l. CerlainK. hers was a full ami model life. 



126 




Sidney P. Dones 



DONES. SIDNEY PRESTON--Real Estate Broker and 
Philanthropist was born in Marshall, Texas, February 18, 
1892: died in Los Angeles. California, August 2. IWT— 
son of Dexter \\ . and Lucy P. Dones. The humble par- 
ents of this farm boy, who was destined to carve out a 
career non-surpassed in color and in goodwill toward his 
fellowmen, were proud and courageous christian people. 
Wanting their son to advance to a greater life, they in- 
stilled early into his young mind the value of mathemat- 
ics and the principle of helping others to help himself. 
Later in the countr)' school that he attended, his interest 
in mathematics gained the help of his teacher in giving 
special lessons in algebra. 

After finishing the high school of Marshall, young 
Dones entered Wiley College in his home town and there 
completed three years of college studies. But the will to 
seek a greater freedom caused him to quit school and at 
the age of 20 he made the long step that brought him to 
California— this in 1912. 

Soon after his arrival in California and the city of Los 
Angeles, this young but determined Negro secured real 
estate license and opened his office on the corner of 4th 
and Central Avenue. Here he worked and slept, and to 
make ends meet, he janitored at night at the Manual Arts 
High School, where he received twenty-five cents per 
hour. 

It was not long before people began to notice this 
young man. who had a pleasant smile for all people and a 
desire to help those seeking advice and counsel. Soon busi- 
ness started to come his way. Yes. the earlv teachings of 
his parents, "Help others and you help yourself" began 
tc pay dividends. 

In 1913, Mr. Dones married Bessie WiMlams~at that 
time one of California's outstanding violinists. To this 
union two children were born—Svdnetta and Sidney Pres- 
ton, Jr.. the former now the wife of Walter B. Smith, 
progressive voune realtor, and is the mother of three fine 
children. Sidney Preston, Ir. died at the age of 12 on April 
20. 1932. The passing of Sidnev Preston, jr. broueht the 
one great sorrow of his father's life. There could have 
been no greater bond than that between this father and 
his son. 

The achievements of this pioneer during his life time 
were varied in their scope and reached the heights seldom 
attained by Negroes m America. In the early years of 



his residence in Los Angeles, he became interested in 
motion pictures and was a member of one of the pioneer 
companies, the Democracy f-ilm Corporation. He starred 
in 'Loyal Hearts" and "The $10,000 Trail." 

In his selected field, that of real estate, he founded and 
developed several tracts and subdivisions— among them 
\'al \'erde Township, now a popular year-round resort 
and playground: and Landon Township, now a thriving 
rural commuity near San Bernardino. .Always willing to 
assist in the betterment of his race, he helped other realty 
firms to open up areas for the rapid-growing Negro popu- 
lation. 

He was active in all civic and fHjIitical affairs in the 
community, belonging to almost every welfare and better- 
ment organization. As a philanthropist he was always to 
be counted on to donate to every worthy cause. During 
his life time many thousands of dollars were given to 
child welfare organizations and to aid in the fight to com- 
bat venereal diseases in the State. Not only did he give, but 
he worked in all drives for worthy causes to secure funds. 

In the political field, he offered his time and service 
and on several occasions was a candidate for public office. 

In the critical years before World War II, Mr. Dones 
was named as a special investigator for the United States 
Government and was sent on confidential and dangerous 
missions into Mexico and the Hawaiian Islands. Because of 
outstanding service to America on these missions and be- 
cause of his achievements beyond the call of duty, he 
was awarded the highest honor given to a civilian— the 
Medal of Honor. He also received the Selective Service 
Medal for his services as a director of Selective Service 
during the war. 

In the last few years of his life, Mr. Dones devoted time 
to the reading and study of the science of mind and be- 
came recognized as an authority on Metaphysics. 

He was a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, 
Y.M.C.A., NAACP, National Congress of Parents and 
Teachers, Republican State Central Committee, East- 
side Shelter. Eastside Chamber of Commerce, a 33rd De- 
gree Mason, an Elk, and Zion Hill Baptist Church. 

His hobby was helping people. 

This man. who proved by his work and his deeds the 
true concepts of brotherly love, and who amassed a for- 
tune, in worldly goods, as well as the love of his fellow- 
man, will be mourned by all who ever knew him. 



127 




Phere was somtlhing ChriM-likt in llic \vj> W Inlakr 
spoke ol the mcmbiTs of his race. I hire was a ureal 
futMre for Leon W hilaker lie was a Kenjus anj will on 
the way lo Ihe heights. I he entire force of (he ilislricl 
attorneys oliice uispia)cd grief at W hitaker s earlv pass- 
ing. • ' 



Leon Whitaker 

WHITAKER, LEON L., Attorney and first Negro Deputy 
District Attorney of Los Angeles, was bom in Georgia. 
August 14, 1904 and came to his death January 4, 1931 
at twenty-six years of age, and at the beginninij of a career 
that hdd promise of being one of the most brilliant in the 
annais oi juuspruuence. 

Leon Whitaker was brought to Los Angeles in his in- 
fancy and received his early education in the public 
schools of the city in which he lived from infancy until 
his death. 

After graduation from Los Angeles High School he at- 
tended the University of California at Los Angeles and 
received from that instituion the A.B. degree. Later he 
was a student at the JUniversity of California at Berkeley, 
where he received his Master of Arts degree, and the de- 
gree of Juris Doctor from the Law School of that insti- 
tution. 

Leon W hitaker was an outstanding athlete and light- 
weight bo.\ing champion of the University of California. 
A scheduled match between the Lniversity of California 
and Stanford University in which Leon Whitaker was to 
participate led to an incident which caused a furor be- 
tween the two universities. Whitaker could not participate 
because of his color. It was a shock to Leon and he gave 
up athletics, and, thereafter, kept to his study of literature 
and law, and reason and logic, in preparation of the role 
he was to fill so capably uotil his passing. 

Soon after leaving school he became engaged in the 
.practice of law. His brilliant work as an Attorney led 
to his appointment as Deputy District Attorney by Dis- 
trict Attorney Buron Fitts of Los .^Xnge'es County. 

Leon Whitaker married Hazel Gattschalk, graduate of 
the University of California at Los Angeles. Hazel Whit- 
aker was the first Negro appointed to the Academic De- 
partment of a Los Ange'es Senior High School. 

Leon Whitaker gained the respect and esteem of. his 
colleagues in the District .^ttorne\'s office in the face of 
opposition and resentment. Leslie T. White of the District 
Attornev's office, wrote in his biography o' WhitakT that. 
"Leon W hitaker had the finest mind I had encountered 
Whitaker won and held the respect of the men in the dis- 
trict attorney's office. 

"W hitaker was well versed in world affairs. By analogy 
and history he painted his arguments on broad canvas. 
He won point after point with his natural eloquence, his 
legal brilliance, his evidence, and his logic. 



ROBERIS. ANDREW J , Lndertaker. a native ol Vir- 
ginia, but spent his boyhood and carl) manhcnid in Ohio. 
Mr. Roberts was educated in W ilberlorcr I niversitv. and 
Oberlin College. After graduation he taught schtKjl in 
several cities throughout Southern Ohio and lennessee. 

He married Ellen Hemings in Chillicothe. Ohio. 

Answering the call of the West, Atr. Roberts came to 
California in 1888, and was one of the early pioneers of 
Los Angeles. His first venture into the field of business 
was the operation of a transfer and trucking business; 
later in 1905, he founded together with his two sons and 
daughter the A. J. Roberts and Stms .Mortuary. This 
Mortuary was the first .Negro undertaking establishment 
in the far West. The firm began business at 12th and 
Los Angeles, now (1948) the center of the downtown dis- 
trict. Later moved into a new structure located at 1 1 19- 
1121 So. Los .Angeles; in 1922 moved to the present loca- 
tion 1415 So. Central Avenue. 

For the past forty-three years the firm of A J. Roberts 
and Sons has been a cornerstone in the development of 
Negro business in Los Angeles. .Mr. Roberts, founder of 
this outstanding institution, was known for his genero- 
sity, gave large sums of money to the various churches 
and to the many struggling civic organizations -that played 
such a part in making Los Angeles a better place for 
Negroes to live, 

• Seme of the oustanding churches, row in this area, had 
their beginning in the chapel of Roberts .Mortuary. 

.Mr. Roberts was one of the founders of Tabernacle 
Baptist Church, and for many years a leading Baptist 
layman. He was also the first Negro to serve on a Los 
Angeles Grand Jur\. Mr. Roberts, a christian gentleman, 
was respected by all who knew him. and at his death was 
mourred by all races of Southern California 

JOHNSON, SHADERICK CHARLES, Plastering Contrac- 
tor, born in Raleigh, .North Carolina, came to California 
in 1891. and came to his death in 1948. 

Mr. Johnson was one of the first licensed contractors 
in the construction industry in California. 

In 1902 he married Pearl L. Cooper From this union 
there was five children—Theodore, Lawrence, Pearl, Ruby 
and Cornelius. 

During his many years of residence in Los .Angeles, .Mr. 
Johnson had been active in many organized activities, 
both church and civic. He had retired from active 
work and had devoted much of his time to his life time 
hobby of Hunting. He was a member of the .Masonic 
Lodge. 

BEANE. S. M.~Preacher (deceased )~former Pastor. Ham- 
ilton .Methodist Church in Los Angeles. Before his death 
he was one of the most beloved and respected ministers in 
California. He was very active in ihe civic and fraternal 
affairs of his community, having served on the board of 
the NAACP. Y.MCA. arid other organizations whose pur- 
pose was to help in the uplift of the Negro race 

GREGGS. N P. ".Minister-founder of Peoples lnile(ienilenl 
Church of Christ, paslored at the church of his founding 
for twenty years, building a membership .from 47 to ICHX) 
•At his death he was mourned by all races in Southern 
California. 



128 



IV\SS. J l< ( JiVi'.isfJ ) IJilor. l'uhli>lKT Ciililorni.i \:.vj.k. 
t!.ii\i.M oui 111 ;i hil'v- nu)iiiil.iiii(iu> wiMerness b\ the 
ni.i>iiT ;irvliili'ct>. Mother Nature anJ Man, (^alilornia 
ha> beCDme a magnilicant ^leIr(lp(lh^— both fantastic ami 
labiilous It is the most Npeclacular stale in the L ninn anil 
one ol the mii^l JiversilieJ. containing the most sophisti- 
cateJ ana bigoted. Jiiolescent and mature. Irom the days 
ol Horace Greeley, who said "Go West, ^'oung .Man" 
to the present. Negroes have pla\ed a conspicuous role in 
the growth and ae\elopmenI ol Gali.ornia. 

N ou were much younger. t)r undoubtedly unborn, when 
the Calito.nia E.AGLF; emergeil out of its womb to grow 
in the land of sunshine and flowers. It was back in 187') 
that John J. Neimore, its founder and first editor, nur- 
tured this fledging. Toda\- the E.AGLE. like its namesake, 
the King of birds, soars high. Proudly we celebrate our 
0')th anniversar\ this >ear as the oldest Negro weekl>' in 
the countr\ and one of the two Negro newspapers in the 
nation ho'ding membership in the "Half Century Club" 
of the .American press. 

In the early days of the EAGLE, the Negro population 
in this state was not more than 20000. John J. Neimore, 
a nati\e of Austin, 1 exas, was to became one of the pri- 
mar\ figures to open this new door of opportunity to his 
oppressed people of the South, more particulary Texas and 
Louisiana. Like l-rederick Douglas, who led his people 
out of Southern slave bondage by the way of the under- 
ground railroad, John J. Neimore started a newspaper 
which was the undereround propaganda agency to attract 
Negroes to California. 

Last of the frontiers, this state not only attracted Ne- 
groes but peoples from all parts of the world seeking 
living conditions that would give them the dignity and 
status of a man. no matter what his occupation. It was 
this conglomeration of cultures that was to give the color 
and glamour to Ho'lywood. the land of make-believe. 

Whenever progressive programs are discussed, the Cali- 
fornia EAGLE has been the paper of reference. This 
polic\' has existed since the early history of the EAGLE. 
Pack in IQI4 when J. B. Bass, one of the founders of the 
Topeka Plainsdea'er. became the editor of the EAGLE 
he fought untiringly to bring about proper national leg- 
is'ation to provide funds for the dredging and widenin?; 
of Los Angeles Harbor. The present aqueduct system that 
supp'tes water for domestic use and the victorious fieht 
waged for the proper federal and local legislation to in- 
sure equal participation of this municipalitv in the Boul- 
der Dam project were also a part of the EAGLE program. 

When discrimination arose in restaurants, cafes, and 
other puh'ic nlace« of recreation. Neimore introduced the 
fnmniis Dribble bil' in the California State Legislature. 
The bill provided for the i)enalizing of persons who dis- 
criminated on account of color, against persons apolying 
for accomodations in hotels, restaurants, theatres, barber 
shops, and similar places of public resort in California. 

The EAGLE'S role in the deve'opment of a powerful 
labor movement on- the West Coast is well known. It 
helped make possible the powerful D'nine Car Cooks and 
Waiters Union, the inteeration of Neeroes in the labor 
movement, (t championed and nurtured two oroijressive 
movements eenerallv. From this creat bodv of effort and 
accomolishment has come a growing public awareness of 
the importance of unity ... a sense of very real nartici- 
pati'-in in the larger aspects of city, state, and national 
activities. 

Today. Charlotta A. Bass, editor-publisher, is carrying 
On the plans to further stimulate a growing demand for 
a pattern of living that promises to realize the people's as- 



pir.uidiis I Ik- Snaring I \(il I " av a rca! lUAVsjiaprr for 
the iiplift 111 all im-n has but (ini- .inibition . . and ih.il 
is to serve the pv(j|ilf .muI to spi'.ik lor them at all limes 
lor the coiilinind .iil\ .iiKfiiHiil .ind prii;riss o| the human 
well a re. 




Lt. .MAGtLL.\N C. .\L\RS 

MARS, MAGELLAN C, born in Roanoke, \irginia. on 
October 31, 1914. "Crip" as he was known to most of us 
came to California as a small child. He attended Fresno 
State College. There, he was active in school affairs, gain- 
ing recognition as a star of the basketball team. Magellan 
lost no time in affiliating himself with the Scrollers Club, 
and in 1939 he "crossed the burning sands" to become 
a member of the Kappa clan. Always an ardent partici- 
pant in fraternal affairs. Mars was elected Strategus of 
Upsilon Chapter. He was famous for his ability to pull 
inter-frat basketball games "out of the fire." When he 
was called to the colors, he accepted the bid with his cus- 
tomary good nature. When he lost his life he knew that 
it was the only way possible for him— in behalf of the men 
under his command. His heroism was recognized by the 
War Department as follows: 

"By authority contained in Circular No. 89. Head- 
quarters Mediterranean Theatre of Operations, July 10, 
1944, a Silver Star is awarded, posthumously, to the fol- 
lowing named officer: 

Magellan C. Mars. 01296060. First Lieutenant, Infan- 
try, 371st Infantry Regiment. For gallantry in action, on 
November 17, 1944, in Italy. First Lieutenant Mars' com- 
pany was dep'oyed in a sector of mountainous terrain 
when it became the object of an intense enemy mortar 
attack. Without thought of personal hazard, First Lieu- 
tenant Mars moved among his men adjusting counterfire, 
a"d insuring that each man was in a protected position. 
When the severity of the hostile mortar barrage forced 
the supporting right flank unit to withdraw. First Lieu- 
tenant Mars' compan\- became chief target for a concen- 
tration of enemy machine gun fire. In spite of this, he 
continued to expose himself in effecting a more advan- 
tageous deployment of his men until he was killed b\- tbo 
hostile fire. 

For outstanding courage and heroic devotion ul 

First Lieutenant Mars' performance of lr..J. ., . was 
to the officers and men of his oruanization. a conspicu- 
ously inspiring examp'e of the highest traditions of the 
American soldier I '■ red military servi.- from I os An- 
geles. California isixl to kin: Mrs Ruth I' ."dis (wife), 
132 West 4Sth St.. Los Angeles. California. 



129 










m^m:'Mmm 



(loKMiiLS Johnson - Olympic ("hamimon 

jniiNSON. CX)RNliLILS COOPER, lli^h Jumper, born 
in I i» Angeles. California. .August 21, 1*^13: die^t I eb- 
ru:ir\ 1\ |0-t(i. the son of S. C. and Pearl L. Johnson. 
l-Jucateil in the public schools of Los Angeles and the 
Conipton Junior College. Compton, California. 

During his high school career. Cornelius was an all- 
around athlete, and was one of the few three >ear. all-star 
lettcrnien at the Los .Angeles High School. In the Olympic 
Games in 1012. he was the \oungest member, ami only 
high school student on the .American Ohmtnc team and 
placed in the High Jump. In the OI\mpics of 1<T<6. held 
in Berlin. Gcrman\ , he established a world record in the 
high jump and wtjn for America, first place. Great honors 
were bestowed upon him b\' the nations of the World and 
he became a hero in the eyesight of every youth through- 
out the world who aspired to athletic fame. 

Cornelius Johnson, was a leader in the Y.VtC.A athletic 
program and will long be remembered for his work and 
inspiration to the \outh of that center. 

His great prowess on the field was under the colors of 
the .Amatuer .Athletic Inion (.A..A.U.). and his death came 
as a shock to the world of sports and to his bereaved fam- 
ily .Although, Cornelius Johnson passed on. his name and 
his great athletic records will live on and continue to be 
an inspiration to \oung men the world over. 

His hobby was swimming. 




.\lo/fcl IK F; Ltwis 

LEWIS, MOZELLE ESTER-Pharmacist, was born in 
Chattanooga, Tennessee. August 27, 1909, Death came 
• in Los Angeles, April 16, 1945, She was the daughter of 
Alex and Lena (Hambright) Lewis, Her early education 
was in the public schools of Chattanooga. Miss Lewis re- 



ceive. I liir Dckliii III I'li.iim.iiv Urgrii- Iroiii lluu.inl I n; 
xei^iu Alur gi.ulu,ili(iii. >lii wurkeil .il lur priile>Niipn .il 
I u-ki-^ie hisliiule Hiivpii.iL \^h\illl•. Nnrih (Carolina, 
.Mid in Washington. I) C. iih- l.iiler cil\ her home .il 
lli.il lime. 

l)r Lewis mo\ed lo l.<is \n;;ilis m IDtJ During th.ii 
I'eriii.l. work in her lield w.is h,ird to lind so this y<iun)j 
amr.igeous wnman worked for siAeral months withon' 
pa\ at the lUnlon Drug Store. 4Sth and Central 

III l>)<4. with little c.isli hul a lot ol ilrlcrminalion and 
uilh the help fo her f.iiiMl\-, Dr. Lewis asyicialed hersell 
wiih l)r Helen Lee il.iitslnii. .iiiiiiher .\egro wiiman phar- 
nukist. .ind bought the slock ol a drug store and o|X-neil 
llie L ii W Drug Store .it li<() Cirilfith Avenue, the owner 
leaving Los .Angeles lo go last. .After a formal opening 
sponsored b\' the Rho Psi Phi Sororit> on December 11. 
l')M these two courageous women started on what proveil 
lo be a successful and proliiable venture. Dr. Lewis was 
co-owner of the L \ W Drugs at the lime of her death. 
I hese two young women were the onlv Negro women 
ph.irmacists in the Pacific Souihwesi lo own and operate 
I heir own store. 

Dr. Lewis was active in the civic lile of the community. 
affiliating with the VWC.A. National Association for the 
Advancement of Colored People. Rho Psi Phi .Medical 
Sorority. South California Mediial, Dental and Phar- 
maceutical \ssociation. and w.is .in active member of the 
Independent Church, She vva^ also a talented pianist am^ 
plaved as accompanist at man\ of the church recitals. 

Perhaps the greatest honor lo come in this fine \oung 
woman's life was the winning in \'-'>l'i of ihe I ehn Link 
.Medal. This is a national award lo the student in Phar- 
mac\ submitting the best article or thesis on Pharmacy 
I ier article was published in the .American Druggist .Mag- 
azine in August, 1925. She was Ihe first Negro ever to win 
this award. 

Her hobbv was reading, and of course, her work. 



HARVEY. FRANK ARTIIL R. SR. -Businessman and Phi- 
lanthropist, born in Pensacola. Ilorida. Januarv 7. 1894. 
Died in Los Angeles, Calif.. December 11. I94f) Son of 
Marsh and Emma (Judge) Harvev. i'ducaled in the pub- 
lic schools of Pensacola; later special courses in Busine- 
.Administration in Los .Angeles. 

In the early vears of the rapid expansion of Southern 
California, .NJr. Harvey, as \ ice PresdienI and General 
Manager of the Harvey Brothers Corporation. Building 
.Materials, was an outstanding factor. This pioneer firm 
furnished material for man> of the skvscrapcrs and larger 
structures in Los .Ange'es He was prominent in Y.M(.A 
work. Outdoor Life and Health Aassociation. NA.ACP. 
Pacific Town Club, and manv other civic and charitable 
organizations. He was vestrvman at the St, Philips Epis- 
copal Church, a position which he loved and which ex- 
emplified his spiritual longing. At his passing he was ac- 
corded the highest mass given to a layman. Rev H 
Randolph Moore officiating. 

He is survived by a loving widow, .Mrs Alice B. Ha: 
vey. and one son, Frank Arthur. Jr. 

His hobbie of fishing and hunting often tcxik him inln 
Mexico on extended trips along with Frank. Jr. I he p,iss- 
ing of this pioneer, businessman and philanthropist will 
long be mourned by all of Southern California as well 
as a host of frieends throughout the country. 



130 



INDEX 



Name 



Page 



Adams, Corinne Ferguson 100 

Alexander, Mattie W 121 

Alexander. Sanford 61 

Allen, Edmond 60 

Allen, Gilbert F 87 

Allen, Henry G 124 

Allen. Hilda L 36 

Allen, Howard Dr 36 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority 104 

Alpha Phi .^Ipha Fraternity, Inc. 105 

•Anderson. .Mamie Wiggins 103 

.Angelus Funeral Home 56 

Archer. Marjorie 113 

Art and Music 85 

Atkins, Grace Fisher 86 



Bagnerise, Ramelle 103 

Bailey, Edith Bell 105 

Bailey, Erma V 121 

Bailey, William E. Dr 50 

Ballard. Claudius Dr 41 

Barnum. Bernice 37 

Barr, Katherine J 107 

Barron. Bessie B 42 

Bass. Charlotta A 103 

Bass. J. B 129 

Bauman. Albert 59 

Bean. John W. Jr 63 

Bean. S. M. Rev 128 

Beavers. George Allen Jr 54 

Beavers. Lola L. Cunningham 54 

Beavers. Louise 89 

Beck. Ester L 126 

Beck. W. A. Dr 48 

Benjamin. Arvant M 78 

Benjamin. Fannie E 74 

Bentley. Viola M 93 

Berkley. Thomas L. Atty 39 

Blackwell. Nita .117 

Blodgett. C. S. Jr 59 

Blodgett. Louis .VI 76 

Blodgett. Nella Allensworth ' 76 

Blount. .Mildred 103 

Bonnett. Lucille 105 

Boswell. Bert L. Dr 33 

Boswell. Edith Ruth 99 

Bowdoin, Lorenzo 58 

Bovd. Zelma Fitzprica 116 

Boykin, Ethel 123 

Bratton. .Angelique 67 

Bratton. Bertrand B 67 

Bright. Consuelo V 117 

Brinson. Yo'a Black 116 

Broadway Federal Savings and 

Loan .As.sociation 59 

Broad>'. Earl C. Attv 46 

Broady. Estella A.' 116 

Brown. Jessie Mae 106 

Broyli-s, .Mary 100 

Bruinglon. Jannie 126 

Buggs, Alice S 101 



Name Page 

Buke>'. Gussie A 121 

Burke, Bessie B 37 

Business and Industry 52 

Butler, Lauretta Green 91 

Butler, Nancy 90 

Byrd, William Henry 20 



C & D Auto Buyers 83 

Calhoun. He'en B. Rev 27 

California State .Association of 

Colored Women 114 

Camba. Harold L 71 

Camillia Girls Club 123 

Campbell. Irene L 110 

Cannad\ . Camille Lisberg 75 

Cannady, George E 75 

Carson, Wil'is E 72' 

Carver .National Lile Insurance 

Company 59 

Casanave, Roje L 113 

Caston. Jonathan Lyle Rev Li 

Chambers, WiLie 118 

Chase, Lillian Randolph 119 

Chasteen. Bobby 119 

Chester. Henry L 44 

Chi Eta Phi Sorority 109 

Chi Eta Phi So-ority 110 

Church and Pulpit 17 

Civic and Social 96 

Clark, Horace Pettibone PI 

Clark. Zenobia 100 

Cleaves. Lane C. Rev 21 

Clifton. Isabelle 116 

Cline, Carrol 83 

Cobbs. Peter Price Dr 35 

Cobles. Rosa Mashaw 35 

Cohen. Edna Wright 45 

Cole, Lorenzo Jordan 88 

Cole. Yvonne 88 

Cloleman. Samue' Bryant 71 

Coles. Nadine Robinson 91 

Collins. Daniel A. Dr 60 

Collins, leanette 92 

Conner, Ferrol Pobo 39 

C'onner-Johnson Co 74 

Contents 4 

Cook, .Myrtle 120 

: Covington, Alma Geen 101 

Covington. Floyd C 107 

Cox, J. E, Rev 26 

Ooss. Anna L 113 

Crouch, Samuel M. Bishop 2? 

Crver, La Verne 119 



Daughter of Elks, IBPOE of W....12I 

Davidson. Dewey 68 

Davidson. Dolores 118 

Davidson, Sadie Louise 68 

Davis. Alice 100 



Name Page 

Davis. Claude C 71 

Davis, Grace 105 

Davis, Ruth Brenda 110 

Davis, Walter W. Dr 50 

Dedication 2 

Delta .Mothers and Sponsor Club 100 

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority 101 

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority 102 

Dickerson, James .McClain 83 

Dones. Bessie Williams 95 

Dones, Sidney P 127 

Dorsey. Naomi Gertrude 116 

Dunning. Joseph S 107 

Dunning. Lottie 100 



Edwards, Elizabeth St. Charles. ... 8 

Euwards. Jo eph .M 7 

Eggleston. Myrtle 123 

Elkins, Gear.ella 123 

Elks Drill Team 122 

Elks Past Daughter Rulers Club.... 122 

Elliot. Ellen .Marjorie 88 

Fme y. .Martha .>123 

Emmanuel Church of God In 

Chri't 22 

Evans, Pauline 119 



F 

Fairchild. Wesley J 66 

Fairs, Irma \ HO 

Fau'kner. William C 60 

1 earonce, Dorothea Towles 94 

Fearonce. Nathaniel A.. Dr 48 

Fields, M. M «> 

Finley, Cecil L 84 

First A. M. E. Church 19 

Foppe. Melba 119 

F'oreword ' 

Fort:er. Mamie 100 

Foster. Maude White...... 47 

Fouche. Aramis 65 

Franklin. Sammy '*3 

Franklin, Vera "0 

Freeman, William Rex 105 



G 

Gantt. Leota Jones "9 

Garcia. Bessie :.v , 60 

Garcia. Catherine B 43 

Garcia. John 60 

Garrott. A. C. Ur ,...107 

Garrott. James Homer 84 

Garrott, Pearl C 100 

Gibson. Evelyn Bernice HI 

Gipson. Gertrude 1 1*^ 

Glover. Augusta L ''8 

Glover. W . J "8 

Golden State Mutual Life 

Ins. Co 54 

Golden State .Mutual Life 



131 



INDEX 



Name Page 

Ins. Co 55 

Gordon, Marion Crawford 103 

Gordon. Walter L. Jr., Atty 38 

Gordon. Wjlbur C. Dr 59 

Gower, Alberta Bell 62 

Gower, Truman 62 

Grace Memorial Church of 

God In Christ 28 

Grant. Earl M 59 

Gray, John Andrew Jr 92 

Gray, Mabel V 9 

Grayson, Jessie C 91 

Green, T. .\ 9 

Greenlv. Ester Taylor 114 

Greggs, N. P. Rev 128 

Griftin. Edna L., Dr 37 

Griffith, Portia Broyles 101 

Griffith. Thomas L. Jr., Atty 45 

Grigsby, Cornelia Edwards 76 

Grigsby, Lee Edward 76 



H 



llaiiNton. Helen Lee 33 

H.iirston. Jester 94 

I lale. Leanna Osborne 26 

Hardee. John A 71 

Hardiman. Georgia C Ill 

Hardwick. Edward S. Attv 42 

Harris, Effie W illiams Rev 29 

Harris, Elizabeth 123 

Harris, Grant Rt\ 29 

Harrison, Harriett .^ 100 

Harvel, Elletia Washington 63 

Harvel, L ra D 63 

Harvey, Frank .Arthur Sr 130 

Hassan, \ aino 77 

Hawkins, .^ugustus F 66 

Hayes. Glenna 105 

Ha>es, James H 70 

Ha>nes. Christine 123 

Ha\w(xjd. Regina 122 

Heard. Edna Kosalyne 90 

llender-iun. I Ra\mond Rev 29 

Hendricks. Edythe Slayton 103 

Henrietta Beaut\ Schtxj] 65 

Herriford. .\la\ine 119 

Hester. Bracv L 73 

Hicks, Gertrude lOS 

Hill. Retrie "1"^ 

Hill, C. W 108 

HiU. Herman 69 

Hill. John Lamar 56 

Hippard. lannie 122 

Hodge. IXe 55 

Hodge. Helen Elizabeth 55 

Holt. Alene 123' 

Hooks, Grace V 116 

llorton. Georgia 98 

Houston, lidythe Prvce 54 

Houston, Norman Oliver 54 

Howard, II. A 59 

Hudson. Claude H. Dr 48 

Hudson, jane Mack 15 

Hudson. Luther .\1 14 



Name 



Page 



In .Mcmorium 125 

Itson, Dorothy 123 

Jackson, Clarice L 112 

Jackson, Faye 101 

Jefferson, Edwin L. Judge 41 

Jenkins, Harold 59 

Johnson, Alberta 122 

Johnson, Carl J 72 

Johnson, Cornelius Cooper 130 

Johnson, Daisy Taylor 55 

Johnson, Edgar James 55 

Johnson, Elizabeth Gay 103 

Johnson, Emily A 79 

Johnson. Ethel 100 

Johnson, Faustina 118 

Johnson, Freita Shaw 90 

Johnson. Mary V 69 

Johnson. Metarose 110 

lohnson. Pearl L 12 

Johnson. S. P. Sr 74 

Johnson. Shaderick Charles 123 

Johnson. Simon Peter 55 

Johnson, \ ic:oria_ 69 

John on. Virginia Small jlOl 

John: on. Wesley F 60 

Johnson. Wil'iam Jr 69 

Johnson. Willie B. Nickerson Si 

Jones. .Xudrv- Boswell 47 

Jones. Cecil (jreen 116 

'lo->es. Clarenc- A. Ally 30 

lordan. .UlKhia H) 

Jordan, Fr' crick 1). Rev |9 

K 

Kappa .Mpha Psi Fraternit) 10^ 

Kenner, Byron 'OS 

Kenner. Louise Revnolds 10^ 

Kimbrough. Karl F 60 

King, N Curtis Dr 32 

King. Rosa Mae 33 

L 

Lacv. Bil'y 9'. 

Lamb. Bertha 119 

I astrapes, Janet I "> 

Leggett. .'Vnna Dr 100 

Les Dames Charity & Social 

Club 1119 

Lewis, Henrv 1 70 

Lewis, Mozelle Esther 1 30 

Liberty Savings & Loan Assn 59 

Logan, Arlayne Hall HO 

I oggins, Arthur J ''3 

Loggins. Minnie Lee 53 

Loggins. Roy L. Jr 5? 

L.oggins. Rov L. Sr 53 

Los Angeles' Branch NAACP 107 

Los Angeles Urban League 107 

Lyman. Mautle "' 

M 
.Maddox. Albert 59 



Name Page 

.Main Realty Co 82 

.Nlajors. .Monroe A. Dr 15 

.\5ars, Magellan C 129 

Mar's, Ruth 119 

Martin. Cordelia R 59 

Martin. Winona Wright 103 

Marzette, Jennie _...I22 

Matthews. Charles H 59 

Matthews. Ella S 59 

Matthews, Miriam 101 

Maxwell.' Frank S 34 

Mayfield, La Verne Handy 103 

Mellon. Henry 105 

.Mi'ler. Juanita Elsworth 101 

.Miller, Loren, Alty 46 

.Miller. Walter Joseph 78 

.Mitchell. Moses Frederick Rev 18 

Mitchell, Queenie 123 

ModweP, Mamie 118 

.Moore, Dorothy E 118 

Moore. 11 R Rev 107 

.Moore. Lilla 119 

Moore, Marion Carter 101 

Morris. Gussie 118 

Mounday. Brunette 118 

McCard. .Marion Robinson 101 

McCaskill. Be.sie 116 

McCullum. Clyde W Ill 

McDaniel, Jessie J HI 

McDowel'. Afue Atty: 44 

McCruder. .^dele E 116 

McKinney, George William 77 

McKinnev, Mildred 65 

.McKi-ney. VV. L. Rev 25 

McNeil Albert J 92 

.McPherson. Henry A. Dr _ 48 

N 

.Nash. Luvenia Harper 88 

Native C^alifornians Club II' 

Neal. FIvin V. Dr 48 

Ne'son. Eugii'c C. Dr 59 

Nelson. James C i^ 81 

Nickerson. Bertha B ^^ 

Nickerson. \\ illiam Jr i-t 

Norris. Katherine HI 

O 

O'Connor. Geraldine Rev 20 

Offord. Ernestine I2f 

Offutt. Georgia K 12 

Oliver. W illiam 29 

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity 107 

Orchids, The 103 

Osborne. .Madeline Liora 115 

Outdoor Life A Health Assn 114 



P 

Paradise. Edith I2< 

Parham. Elaine Diana 10' 

Patrick. Albert T 47 

Perry. Doris 123 



132 



INDEX 



N.iiiu' I'a^c 

IVrrv. Itrm.i Louise Riitler ! Iti 

I'hi lU-t.i SJKiiKi l'r.iU'riiil> 108 

Phillips, t'.r.ice Beatrice Jones ...llo 

Phillips, Irene \ arinda 116 

Phillips Temple C.ME Church ... 21 

Pioneers, The (i 

Porter, Clara E 112 

Porter, George C^illymore Dr 4! 

Potter. .Margaret 123 

Preselev, Gwvnn 118 

Prince. llaroKi S 120 

Professions. The 30 

R 

Rankin. Louise Alexander 112 

Ransom, C. R II 

Reese. Nettie B 12 

Reeves. Katherine 100 

Reid, Cluese 82 

Rent>'. .Antionette 119 

Retired Navv .Men's Aux 124 

Roberts, Andrew J 128 

Roberts, Frederick .M 9 

Roberts. William G 14 

Robinson, Darlene 122 

Robinson, E, 1. Dr 48 

Robinson. Echo Stanton 121 

Robinson. Eugene Rev 77 

Robinson, Georgia .\ 12 

Robinson. James 124 

Robinson, John .M, Jr, Dr 51 

Robinson, Louis George 57 

Robinson, Shelby B. Dr 38 

Ross. .Alexander Wendell Rev 27 

Ro>-, John \V 5 

Rumford. B\ron \\ 75 

Russell, Clayton D, Rev 20 

S 

Salvage, Roena .Muckelro\ 101 

Sanders, .Mattie 123 

Sanford. Charles B. Dr. 45 

Saundres, .Mvtrle Estelle Roberts 84 

Scott. Audry , 110 

Scott, Christopher C. Jr -H 

Scott, .Margaret C 120 

Shackleford, Dora L 100 

Sharpe, W illiam H 60 

Sheen. Herbert Arnold Dr *? 

Sheffield, .Maceo B 80 

Shepard, .Maggie E 116 

Sheppard, II. T 67 

Shumate. Hazel 86 

SiUer Spurs Riding Ass'n 1 18 

Simpkins. Rufus 62 

Simpkins, Tommie 62 

Skanks. liva Allensworth 1 1 

Skanks. Ilarrie Byron 11 

Skillman, Nancy C^oleman 103 



Name Page 

Slater, Pauline 1 35 

Slayton, Laura A I0() 

Sniailwooo, Purman Robert V3 

Smith, C)nlhiabelle G 59 

Smith, l-.iien Kusman 103 

Smith. George Grittin '/ 7 

Smith. Robert Webster 55 

Smith, \ i\ian lller 55 

Smyles, Juanita .Mars 103 

Sojourner i ruth Home l-O 

Somerville, John A. Dr 10 

Somer\ille, va^a J. Dr 10 

Southern Calif. Medical. Dental 
and Pharmacei'*'cal Associa- 

t.on Auxilia.y 105 

Spears. Retha 118 

Spencer, Lorenzo V SI 

St. Patricks Court No. 95 113 

Staten, .Moody Co! 60 

Stevenson, Lessie 70 

Steward, Leon W 112 

Stovall, Leonard Dr 51 

Strange, Cortez Ferguson 40 

Surrey. Emma 122 

T 

Taylor, Anne Johnson Ill 

■|a)ior, Curtis C. Atty 41 

Taylor. Jackson L 7 

I aylor. Leonie Randolph 1 16 

Taylor. William J. Rev 28 

laylor. Zella M 50 

Temple. Ruth Jeanetta Dr 3 -i 

Terry. Jessie L 1 < 

Terry. Juanita E^ M 

lerry, Woodford H 1 t 

I homas. .Mma 101 

Thrash, Charles W 107 

Tinsley, Ernestine II" 

Towles, Henry Howard 55 

Triangular (-hurch ■.! Truth 2 + 

Trinity Baptist Church 23 

Turner, Bertha 100 

I wenty-lirst Street Temple 

Church of God in Christ 25 

V 

Valenitne, Gwendolyn 110 

\ aughns. George R. Atty 40 

Venerable. C. Blaine 07 

N'enerabie. Grant Delbert 84 

Venerable. Nellie Johnson 07 

W 

Wadley. Harriett L 118 

Ware, John W 60 

Warner. Eliza A 114 

Warner, Leroy 124 



.Name Page 

Washington. Hazel /9 

Washington, Kenny Stanley Sr 49 

Washington, Leon H, Jr 64 

Washington, Roscoe C 49 

Washington, Ruth Brummell 65 

Weaver, Adele Jase 103 

Webb, Alice D 100 

Webster, Ruth Sykes 101 

Westview Hospitla. Inc II 7 

Whitaker. Leon Atty 128 

Whitaker. Richard S. Dr 31 

Wiggins, Rubve 112 

Wilkins, William T 89 

Williams, Arthur Joseph 55 

Williams. Charles A 64 

Williams. David \\\ Atty 30 

Williams, Dorothy 118 

Williams, Fannie 108 

Williams. Hazel Hithe 65 

Williams. John R bO 

Williams, Juanita Black 55 

Williams. Spurgeon 76 

Willingham, Marion M Ill 

Wilson. Edith 119 

Wilson. Hattie E 116 

Wilson, Lawrence B 59 

Wilson. Lyda 119 

Wilson. Mildred P 59 

Wilson, Patsy 105 

Wimms, Melba Miller Ill 

Winson. Imogene 123 

W inters, Pearl Lowery 87 

Wood. Pearl C. Rev 24 

Woodard. Allen CHI 66 

Woodard, Beulah Ecton 94 

Woodard. Clothilde Curry 67 

Woodfolk, Eveangeline 120 

Woods. Arwilda- 123 

W'cody. Emily Thompson 87 

Wright. Anita F 115 

W right, .Marjorie Woods 103 

Wright. Vassie Davis 99 

Wright. Wilhemina 118 

Wynn, Commodore 5 

Y 

YMCA. 28th St. Branch 120 

YWCA. Woodlawn Branch 120 

Yarborough. T. R 66 

^'oung, Eenjamin Franklin 7 

"t'oung Eva Whiting 7 

\ oung Laura 120 

Z 

Zeno. Corine 113 

7.eta Phi Beta Sorority lOS 

Zetar. Frank Garv Dr 4(i 



133