From the collection of Bro. Col. Robert L. Pollard, Sr. – Alpha Chapter 1919
Bros, this is one of the my favorite historical items. Bro. Robert L. Pollard, Jr. gave this to me in 2005. It’s the original print used in the 1964 50th Annual Conclave Journal. It is an autographed picture from President Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States (1963-1969). He was very instrumental in upholding civil rights legislation and signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Our good Brother Linden Houston has done research and has collected letters from Presidential Libraries that shows where our collegiate brothers in the 1920’s and 1930’s where writing letters inviting the President of the United States to speak at the Conclave. Bro. Houston sent me copies of the letters that he has collected, I just have to locate them. What was amazing is that in the 1920’s and 30’s, the brothers got responses from the White House. Remember, it was a totally different time then. I wonder if any chapters have done that lately? Again, today, a totally different time, but you get my point.
This is from the 50th Annual Conclave Journal, December 26-30, 1964, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Well, here is history from our fiftieth, looking forward to the 100th.
“To Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, With Best Wishes – Lyndon B. Johnson”
Have a good weekend and although I am a Giants fan….Go [Phil edits] Ravens! Niners! 🙂