Activities Among Negroes
Last Sunday was a history making day for the colored people of east Oakland, a dream that incited more than ten years efforts having been realized in the dedication of the Market street branch, Y. M. C. A. The appreciation of the citizen was shown by the crowds at the buildings and grounds. A short program was arranged, and Rev. Nelson Pryor, pastor of First A. M. E. church, acted as master of ceremonies. Addresses were delivered by Dr. Newman, in regard to the years when he acted as secretary on part time while he was attending the dental college. But, upon his graduation and beginning practice of his profession, it became necessary that the organization secure a full-time secretary. Hence they now have Attorney Wm. E. Watkins, a former Y secretary, of Twelfth street branch, Washington, D. C.
Rev. G. C. Coleman, of North Oakland Baptist church, gave a short address on the history of the organization. He said, in part, "that a little more than ten years ago, owing to the rapid growth of Oakland, Rev. L. A. Brown decided the time was then due that some provision be made for a Y. M. C. A. for this group." He spoke to several public spirited and race loving men, resulting in a campaign being launched by which $500 was raised to apply on a building for such an organization. The Central Y. M. C. A. still retails this money to be so used when needed for the purpose for which it was collected. He spoke of the splendid work and cooperation furnished to the group by both Rev. J. M. Brown, then pastor of First A. M. E. church, and Rev. Washington, then pastor, of Bethel A. M. E. church, of San Francisco. He closed by stating that his church, in an after collection, had raised the sum of $6.50 to be applied on the current expenses of this branch.
Miss Ruth Moore, the executive secretary of the Linden branch, Y. W. C. A., spoke on the value of cooperation. She said: "That upon a visit from Secretary Attorney Watkins, she had given him the names and addresses of the very best workers she had in her branch." This resulted in these women forming an auxiliary committee to the men's branch. They had already rendered valuable services to this new organization. Others making addresses were Father Wallace of Saint Augustine Episcopal church; E. B. Gray, a real estate dealer, and Master Alexander P Turner, a member of the organization, who spoke on its value to him. Attorney W. E. Watkins was introduced and said: "No credit was due him, as it was the fine spirit of cooperation of both the churches and the general public that had made it possible for the dedicatory exercises.
He then told of his plans to secure a membership of 1000 and for equipping the plant of with necessary things to carry out the program of the institution. He read the following list of donations for which he wished to give thanks: 18 electric bulbs, gift of the Swastika club of Berkeley; window draperies, auxiliary committee of women of the Y. M. C. A. Kitchen and pantry draperies, by Mrs. John Creigg, of Berkeley. The following were the gift of Jackson Furniture company of Oakland: Dining room table, kitchen table, gas range, water heater and six chairs. And from Breuner Furniture company, two davenports; from Mrs. Ceoyla Brown, one rug from Mrs. Dora Anderson, one half dozen cups and saucers. The use of Saint Augustine grill room for the rest of the year free from Father Wallace, and six months' subscription to The Oakland TRIBUNE from Secretary W. E. Watkins.
The following are board managers of the branch: Rev. Nelson Pryor, Father Wallace, E. Gray, Rev. Coleman and A. M. Smith. The exercises were tended by Wm. Gillanders, of the Central Y. M. C. A. Rev Pryor then said that while much had been said concerning the organization, no one had said a word about the needs of the same. Of the money they received from the central Y. M. C. A., which was made possible through the Community Chest drive, that $60 went to pay the salary of the secretary, which was about one-half of a living wage for a man with a wife and child, and that $20 was allotted for Y. M. C. A. quarters. This building costs $47 a month rent. And together with current expenses would be necessary for the churches and the general public to supply the remainder of the money. Of this, $50 per month, the Fifteenth street A. M. E. church of which his pastor, has pledged $10.
Attorney Drake, president of the local branch N. A. A. C. P. announces that he has obtained Lorenza H. King, editor of Southwestern Christian Advocate, of New Orleans, La., who is touring the west, to speak for this organization June 15 in Taylor Memorial M. E. church in Oakland. He is considered a fine orator and brilliant writer.
The Linden Branch house committee has announced that they will present in recital June 24 Miss Roena Muckelroy of Los Angeles. This young, woman has just graduated from the College of Music of the University of Southern California. She has spent the past four years as a pupil of voice theory and languages under the instructions of Mrs. Annie Mottram Craig, ranking professor of music. Dean Perry, of the College Music, in commenting upon recital stated that "Miss Muckelroy reflected great credit upon Mrs. Craig and the college of music, a credit which will be very sensibly appreciated in the world of musicians." Miss Muckelroy is a native daughter, having been born in San Bernardino, California.
Mrs. Esther Jones-Lee, the president of the northern section of California Federated Colored Clubs, was recently voted $50 by the executive board to tour the state in publicity for entertainment of the forthcoming National Association of Colored Woman's Clubs. She will go as far as San Diego and visit clubs in all the different districts. Oakland club women are working with a renewed zeal for success. The different organizations are coming to their assistance.
Mrs. Sledge, president of the Art and Industrial club, says that this club has just sent its dues of $25 to the treasurer of the N. A. of C. W. It is the only club in Oakland that is a member of this distinguished body of colored women. They will have a voice and vote in the coming biennial meet to be held here. They have reelected their delegates to serve at this time. They are Mesdames Sledge, Wall Ceola Brown, Mathews and Wilkerson. The alternates are Mesdames Lawson, O. Loungress, Morgan, Dozier and Logan.
Californians are proud of two graduates this week, one from Howard University in Washington, D. C. Dr. W. J. Johnson, this week, received his degree as a M. D. from Howard University with the extra honor of being appointed intern in the hospital of Kansas City, Mo. Homer Ingraham, also a graduate of the University of California, received his degree as M. D. this week from the Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. Both are native sons from San Bernardino, Cal. They were active members of the Oakland Lyceum while studying at U. C.
