Archons in the News

RAYMOND PACE ALEXANDER

Alpha Boulé

On February 15, 1950, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Philadelphia, the American Jewish Congress presented Archon Alexander with a citation and a plaque for his service of twenty-five years in the field of human relations, and particularly for his work in the interest of minority groups in Philadelphia.

Nathan L. Edelstein, national secretary of the congress, who made the presentation, said Archon Alexander was selected in recognition of "distinguished service in the struggle to attain full equality for all people."

Responding to the citation Archon Alexander cautioned his listeners not to delude themselves that the cancer of race prejudice has been completely destroyed. He said imperfections still exist in our democratic society, but the "unbelievable and intolerable situation of race prejudice and discrimination that existed in Philadelphia 25 years ago", has given away to the kind of a place we now have and enjoy.

He went on to cite the Philadelphia story of 1923 and through 131 ensuing years when center city hotels, theaters, eating places, and even YMCAs and YWCAs, had their own barriers. He reviewed more than dozen cases in which he has appeared as counsel for persons and groups discriminated against, and he told how settlement of these cases led breaking down of the barriers.

Archon Alexander is consul for the Republic of Haiti in Philadelphia and has been prominently mentioned several times for a judgeship. A brilliant trial lawyer, he was the first Negro to appear on the well-known television show, "The Court is in Session".

Reproduced from The Boulé Journal, Volume 15, Number 7, April, 1950, pages 15-16