San Antonio Register (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 48, No. 1, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 5, 1979 Page: 1 of 10
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VOL. 48 NO. 1
REMEMBEMJS?
san Antonio Register
RIGHT • JUSTICE • PROGRESS 250
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1979
IT'S YOUR NEWSPAPER
Samples Now First
Black City
Benjamin Samples gave up
bartending to sit on a bench--
a judicial bench.
He 'a the first black Municipal
Court Judge.
But the Road to the post
wasn't an easy one.
Samples couldn't make uphls
mind what he wanted to do. He
tried various fields from veter-
inary medicine to the semin-
ary to pharmacy.
In 1962 he quit Southern Unl-
veralty In Baton Rouge, La.,
and headed for Dallas. He
worked as a bartender for two
years.
He began meeting people who
encouraged him to return to
school.
Samples, a bachelor, decided
to give It another try. He re-
ceived a bachelor of science
degree from Bishop In 1965.
After graduating from the
Baptist school. Samples re-
turned to bartending. He worked
for two more years before en-
tering St. Mary's University
School of Law from where he
gradukted In 1970 at the age
of 34.
Samples explained that he al-
ways wanted to be a lawyer,
but he thought "you had to be a
Perry Mason. I was reserved
person—not outgoing enough."
He pointed out that the job
experience as a bartender was
the turning point in his life.
"You meet all kinds of people
as a bartender," he aald.
"I learned that you didn't
have to be a great orator to
be a lawyer. I felt I had a
chance to be successful."
Samples struck out on his
own after working for two law
firms In San Antonio.
He has said he had been in-
terested In the Municipal Court
judge's post for years. He
openly sought the position lh
1972 when it was announced that
a fourth court would be created.
"That didn't materllalzed,"
he explained. "I wanted the job,
but when the other openings
came along, 1 was engaged In
private practice and couldn't
make the transition;'
Samples grabbed the post
when It came around this time.
Samples views his post as a
link to politics.
"I've always wanted to get
into the political arena. Of
course, I want to move up the
judicial ladder and this Is the
Samples
way to do it."
Samples pointed out that he
came from a well-to-do fam-
ily In Baton Rouge.
"They expected a lot out of
me," he said. "My parents were
college graduates andtheyatuck
by me even though I changed
majors time and time again."
He noted that his parents
were examples for him.
"Black children need models
and someone to look up to,"
he emphasized. "I hop* I can
be a good example."
The judge said. "I am black,
but I don't feel I have to prove
I'm black. In this city, you don't
feel the pressures that blacks
feel In other cities.
"However, other cities may
be more financially rewarding
but you have peace of mind."
Samples sought "peace"
when he left college in 1960.
"There were marches on
campus," Samples recalled.
"The students were against the
school administration and that
forced achools to close
for weeks at a time.
"I didn't know whether school
would be opened or not, so I
left. I'm reaching some of my
goals now, he said. "I couldn't
do It anywhere else but here."
Proposed Cuts Hurl Youth
Host- OIC Head
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The
nation's youth will suffer most
If congress' proposed budget
cuts go through, Dr. Leon Sul-
livan charged.
The founder and chairman
of opportunities Industrializa-
tion Centers (OIC) called on
president Carter and Congress
to take measures to appropri-
ate the funds necesssry to pro-
vide youth an opportunity for
summer employment.
The OIC is the natlon'a lar-
gest network of job crestlon
and job-training programs. The
Bexar County OIC In San An-
tonio is part of the chain.
Sullivan's remarks came at a
press conference at the Na-
tional Press Club.
"I'm appalled at Department
Labor Reports which appear to
be only the tip at the iceberg
that could mean social explo-
sions in our cities like we saw
In New York during the power
failure and again In Baltimore
during the snow emergency,"
he said.
Sullivan said he haa cra-
tacted OIC leaders in 200 ci-
ties, seeking support from
clergy and Industrial adlvaor*
to Initiate youth job rallies and
to gain one million job pledges
from American businessown-
ars. He also indicated he has
launched a drive actively seek-
ing more then one million signa-
tures from concerned citiz-
ens which be will present to
the President and to the Con-
gress In June when the OIC
River Parade
On April 23
Editor Retires
Alter 43 Years
National Convocation meets in
Washington.
Today, black youth represent
about 35% of the youth employ-
ment market, he reported. In
some cities, black youth unem-
ployment market, he reported,
ployment Is a staggering 60-
80%. Sullivan contends this is a
ripe situation for possible ur-
ban unrest.
He outlined a "National Youth
Policy," adding a major plan
is needed to reach and train all
youths 18-21 years old.
In addition, a planned, well-
coordinated effort between gov-
ernment agencies tplng rural
and forestry projects similar
to the urban and barrio pro-
jects coordinated by OIC Is
needed, Sullivan continued.
Another part of his plan in-
volves targeting tax credits to
American business and expan-
ding the President's private-
sector initiative to build a part-
nership between OlC-typecom-
munity based groups.
"We cannot and will not per-
mit our youth to be sacrificed
on the altar of an anti-Infla-
tion policy and balanced bud-
get," said Sullivan.
A career of more than four
decades has ended for U. J.
Andrews.
Andrews has retired
from his post as sdltor of the
Ssn Antonio Register.
John Stewart II has tempor-
arily assumed hs duties.
Andrews was the third editor
In the weekly's history. He held
that position longer than any
other man, having come to San
Antonio as The ".agister's edi-
tor in May, 1935.
Coming to the Alamo City
from Denver, Colo., Andrews
developed the paper lntoaposi-
tion of national prominence in
the late thirties.
A 1943 clipping from The
Register's flics credited its
editor with Increasing the cir-
culation to "almost every com-
munity in South Texas.
"National advertisers have
declared that there is no bet-
ter edited weekly In the
country. Few of the smaller
weeklies can boast the number
at editorials that Register has
had reproduced In other papers,
including...the San Antonio
Evening News," the clipping
continued.
One of Andrews' greatest
journalistic achievements came
in 1942 when The Register
scooped the national Negro
press with the first account at
a black, Fred Hutcherson Jr.,
fl^lqg the Atlantic.
That story was ptaked op the
following week by a prominent
Plttsburbg, Pa., black news-
paper.
Besides being a strong-
minded journalist, Andrews
was highly concerned with com-
munity affairs. Although a
stranger In the beginning,
"Ulle" soon became known
and loved by all of San An-
tonio.
He served as secretary of the
San Antonio Negro Chamber
of Commerce for six years
and was a vice president of
the Texas Negro Chamber of
Commerce for at least two
years.
Andrews also served as
president of the Almo Athletic
Association for nine years. It
was this organisation that gave
blacks In San Antonio the first
lighted Softball diamond In t'
State of Texas.
BOYS' CLUB
Andrews directed and pub-'
Uclzed a campaign that gave
the city a Negro Boys' Club,
the first such unit in Texas
and one at the few in the en-
tire segregated south.
Known as the "Father at
Alpha" in San Antonio, he was
a charter member at Delta
Rho Lambda, the city's alum-
ni chapter at the Greek let-
ter organization, and was di-
rectly responsible for its es-
tablishment. He was the chap-
ter's first president, a post
he held nine years.
The Alphas honored their
charter member in Decem-
ber, 1976, with a handsome,
beautifully engraved plaque.
Other awards he has received
include the Mid-Winter All
Sports Award (1974) for his in-
volvment In high school sports
for more than 36 years, the
Texas Conference of Branches
NAACP Achievement Award
(1962) for his "contribution to-
ward the cause of civil rights,"
and the Alamo Athletic Asso-
ciation (1939) for distinguished
service.
Andrews attended public
schools In Chicago, 111., and In
Colorado Springs, Colo., from
where he graduated high school
with high honors.
ATHLETIC FIGURE
He did further study at the
University of Denver and at
City Collage In Denver where
he was one of the "legen-
dary figures of Colorado
athletics of the twenties."
While living in Colorado, An-
drews founded the Delphian Li-
terary Society.
His journalistic experiences
Included work on Colorado
dallies, managing editor of the
Western Ideal, art and state
editor at The Sandbur, Rocky
Mountain representative of the
now-defunct Associated Negro
Press, and correspondent tor
national weeklies.
Vilmo Bellinger, founder
of Tba Register, hired Andrews
touomkrn tWMBmWHttUWi o a
contact the San Antonlan had in
the Denver YMCA.
When Andrews first arrived,
Tbe Register was beginning its
fourth year as a struggling
weekly. Within no time he made
the paper into the city's
dominant black voice.
A widower, Andrews mar-
ried the former late Miss Doro-
thy J. Harris, a San Antonio
woman and teacher in the local
public school system.
PART TIME
A former staff member, Ste-
wart had left the paper last
April to work for a local in-
surance firm. He has re-
turned to The Register on a part
time basis.
Stewart originally came to
The Register in April , 1971
as a part-time general assign-
ment reporter.
The following year he Joined
the staff full time, handling
news, circulation and adverti-
sing.
'A native San Antonian, he is
the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.W.
(Vivian) Stewart and a graduate
of Highlands High School. He
did further story at San An-
tonio College and at the Uni-
versity of Texas at San An-
tonio.
During his studies at SAC,
Stewart served as the first
black editor of the college news -
paper, Hie Ranger, a position
which earned him an award
from the Smart Set Social Club
in 1971.
Reyes May Have Edge
The annual Fiesta River Par-
ade, sponsored by the Texas
Cavaliers, will he held April
23 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
This year's race in District
2 will cut the black vote ex-
tremely thin, and it may give
Connie Reyes the edge.
Three blacks are running for
the council post. Incumbent Joe
Webb, Willie Mitchell end Rev.
S. Clifton Byrd.
Mrs. Reyes, a Mexican-
American woman, is In a com-
fortable spot. There will prob-
ably be a run-off In District
2 and she will be In the thick
of things.
WEBB
Webb, 43, 2226 Burnet, be-
ilves he'll win on Saturday.
That a run-off wont be need-
ed. Webb, a manager at H.E.B.
says he'll win on his past re-
cord, citing improved streets
and appointment of a black Judge
In Municipal Court as exam-
ples of his achievements.
Webb clalmv the other candi-
dates have not touched the real
Issues. He said he knows the
problems on the East Side and
is working to solve them.
Webb said that the city should
play a passive role In encour-
aging economic development.
Webb pointed out that local or-
Newspaper Back
With New Owners
The San Antonio Register is back!
The leading black community paper which closed after
the December 8 publication has re-opened under the manage-
ment of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin (Carolyn) Glosson.
The 48-vear-old weeklv began publishing April 10, 1931
aider the leadership of Valmo C. Bellinger who ran the
paper without missing a single Issue until late last year.
Labor problems and a subsequent heart attack suffered
by Bellinger caused the paper to fold.
The refusal to run an ad spurred the birth of San Antonio
Register, according to Bellinger. The paper debuted during a
heated city election.
Bellinger's father, Charles, was part of a political wheel
•hlch ran the city with an Iron hand. The elder Bellinger
tevored Mayor C.M. Chambers.
Young Valmo Bellinger took an ad for Chambers to the
San Antonio Inquirer, then the dominant black newspaper
here.
The late G.W. Bouldln, Inquirer publisher, refused to run
the advertisement even though Bellinger was ready to pay
cash.
"I looked him in the eye and said, 'Mister, you've bought
yourself a competitor!' " Bellinger recalled.
The following week The Register made its appearance.
Beats Inquirer
Register's coverage of church news and social functions
Ud, more Importantly, its genera 1 coverage of the news,
overshadowed the Inquirer, forcing it to eventually close.
In Its heyday, The Register was considered by many to be
one of the top black weeklies in the country.
A dominant voice In the community, Tbe Register backed
Rev. S.H. James in his bid to become the first black city
councilman. When Rev. James decided not to seek reflec-
tion, Tbe Register supported Dr. R.L.M Hllltard. Dr. Hll-
llai d later praised the paper for lta support and aaid had It
for Tm> Register he rntgM not have bean elected.
Buys Paper
Glosson contacted Bellinger about buying the paper when
It was learned the veteran publisher was closing Its doors.
A graduate of the original wneatley High School, Glosson
is a reporter for the San Antonio Light where he has won
awards for writing excellence Including the Sigma Delta
Chi, Associated Press and United Press International.
He received his Bachelor of Journalism degree from the
University of Missouri School of Journalism In 1972.
He la the son of Rev. and Mrs. Julius C. Glosson.
Mrs. Glosson, the new co-owner, Is a graduate of Jefferson
High School. She received her bachelor's and her master's
degrees from St. Mary's University. She Is a counselor at
San Antonio College.
A former debutante, she Is the daughter of Rev. and Mrs.
Charles J. Foster.
Format Changes
The newly revived Register will feature more ln-depth
community stories, columns by State Rep. Lou Nelle Sutton,
U.S. Rep. Henry B. Gonzalez and the winner of the District
2 city election, and an opinion section for readers to voice
their views.
Local ministers will write religious artlclea, sports cover-
age will be broadened, and even a comic strip Is being planned.
Rates Changed, too
The newsstand price Is now 25 cents. Subscriptions are SI#
annually. No six months subscriptions are offered. Those
subscriptions and renewals already received, basod on the
old rates, will be honored.
Announcements, Including cards of thanks and memoriams.
% |l
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.
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*
The Glossons
are three dollars for 50 words, 10 cents for each additional
word.
Classified advertising Is one dollar for the first 15 words,
10 cents each additional word. The phone number counts as
one word. No ads will be taken over the phone.
Hours Remain Same
The San Antonio Register's business hours remain Monday
through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The office Is still located at 1501 E. Commerce, corner of
Hackberry street. The phone number Is 222-1721.
New Deadlines
All news and pictures must be In by noon Tuesday In order
to appear In that week's Issue. __ .
Announcements and classified and display advertising must be
in by 5 p.m. Tuesday in order to appear In that week's Issue.
Ads and announcements running with plcutrea must be In by
noon Tuesday.
ganizatlons should take the lead
and the city should assistthem.
NEEDS
Tbe Coulcliman said the dis-
trict needs are the same as
city needs. He added what is
good for the district Is good
for the city.
MITCHELL
Willie Mitchell, 38, broke Into
tears as he talked to a group
at a weekend event held tn his
bthalf,
Mitchell talked about Uuprov -
lng the East Side. He talked
about unity and pride. He poin-
ted out that young people don'I
have anyone to look up In city
government.
"We have to take the lead,"
he said.
Mitchell, who lives at 3651
Tuscany, la a consultant for
minority business.
He said District 2 has been
neglected. It won't bo left out
anymore, Mlchell added.
CITY LEAD
The former Kansas City foot-
ball start, a graduate of Ten-
nessee State University, said
the city should take the lead in
encouraging economic growth
on the East Side.
BYRD
Rev. S. Clifton Byrd, 50,1824
Martin Luther King, gained re-
cognition when he shouted down
Mayor Cockrell at a meeting
on the city's East Side.
Byrd aald he would work with
the other members on the coun-
cil In an effort to Improve the
entire city. He pointed out he
would make sure that the East
Side wouldn't be left out.
Byrd, a former Investigator
for the District Attorney's Of-
fice, said he would reevaluate
the present budget as to spend-
ing on various programs which
include human services, hous-
ing, economic development,
administration and street Im-
HEYES
Mrs. Connie Keyes, 33,
believes shel'll be in the run-
off. She said Ik doe'-i't matter
who she runs against be-
cause she has the entire East
Side supporting tier.
Mrs. Reyes said and 18-
member committee will help
her make various decisions.
"I will be the spokeswomsn
for this committee," Mrs.
Reyes aald. "We'll have people
from various sections of the city
an the committee because we
want everyone's views."
Mrs. Keyes, Is s member
of the Mexican-American Busi-
ness and Professional Womens
Club. She Is also an official
delegate to a White House Con-
ference on Small Business In
1980.
Bradley
Fighting
Batk
Mrs. Delores Bradley, who
headed the 14 million Ella Aus-
tin Community Center, is still
fighting to get her Job back.
Mrs. Bradley said she wss
fired illegally and Is deter-
mined to prove it. She has
retained a Houston attorney to
represent her.
Director of the center at 1023
N. Pine for 10 years, Mrs.
Hradley said her dismissal was
a plot against her by the seven
whites and four blacks on the
executive committee of the
lioard at directors.
The firing took place Jan.
3. A letter to Mrs. Bradley
said she was fired because she
"didn't serve at tl pleasure
of the board."
"1 still don'I know why I
was fired." Mrs. Bradley em-
phaalzed. "I didn't hsve any
trouble with the board."
She pointed out no reason
was given for the firing. "They
had a reason, but we Juet don't
know It yet.
NO JOKE
"I thought it was a Joke,"
she said. "I knew It couldn't
have been happening to me!
1 hadn't done a thing wrong.''
The articulate director
learned of the plot to fire her
from a San Antonio police-
man. The cop was to attend a
meeting prior to the firing, but
mlstakedly went to the center
Instead. The secret meeting was
held at a house on Dawson
street.
The white-controlled block
of the board met with the blacks
on Dawson street," Mrs.
Bradley claimed. "The whites
sent the blacks to do the fir-
ing."
After the secret meeting, the
caravan of blacks headed for
the center.
SOUGHT RESIGNATION
The group met In Mrs. Brad-
ley's office, where the presi-
dent of the board, Mrs. Ruth
Jonfi, asked for her resigna-
tion.
Mrs. Bradley refused and was
fired.
"The other members said I
wasn t fire, but I had to be
off the property tn 30 min-
utes," she said. "The police-
man was there to make sure that
there wasn't any trouble."
Mrs. Bradley took her case
to court claiming the board waa
illegally forr ed. She said the
members were serving Il-
legally, but the judge ruled
against her.
Mrs. Bradley's troubles at
the renter began In Septem-
ber shortly after she moved into
a $100,000 house In Northeast
San Antonio.
Rumors started circula-
ting that $5,000 waa missing
from the agency, Mrs. Bradley
added.
The board called for an audit,
the former director noted.
"Nothing was missing," she
emphasized.
She was given a new bill of
health after that audit.
Mrs. Bradley said board
members began holding secret
meetings In which a city coun-
cilman participated.
CONFIRMS MEETINGS
Another board member, who
asked not to be Identified, con-
firmed the secret meetings.
"They couldn't dominate
her, " the source said. "She
didn't ask their permission to
make a move. She acted on bo-
half of the center.
"The board didn't like that
and they wanted her out."
Mra. Bradley appeared bo-
fore the board on several oc-
c ass 1 cms to snswer various
charges.
"They question me about a
trip to Houston, purchasing
office furniture, carpet and my
annual leave!"
She noted the questioning was
more like s court-room trial.
"They put me through the
first degree. I ottered to give
them a financial statement.
They didn't want it."
Mra. Bradley claimed the
board alao altered the minutes
to a meeting.
"In a meeting the board aald
it would give me a list af
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San Antonio Register (San Antonio, Tex.), Vol. 48, No. 1, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 5, 1979, newspaper, April 5, 1979; San Antonio, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth399714/m1/1/: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting UT San Antonio Libraries Special Collections.