Murphy Family Photo
Carl Murphy’s family, one of 10 branches that form the legacy of AFRO founder John H. Murphy Sr. and his wife, Martha Howard, gathered in 1952 at his Morgan Park home to celebrate Mother’s Day. The long-time AFRO publisher and his wife, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Co-founder, Vashti Turley Murphy* are in the middle of the front row.
Pictured are their five daughters and three of their five sons- in- law. (L-r front row) Vashti Matthews* holding her children Robert Matthews Sr. and Martha “Betty” Matthews Schuler; Ida Smith Peters* holding her daughter, Bishop Vashti Smith McKenzie; Carlita Jones* holding her sons Dr. Leland “Tony” Jones and John Aaron Jones, Esq.; Frances Murphy II* holding her daughter, current AFRO Publisher, Dr. Frances “Toni” Wood Draper. (L-r back row) Son-in-law Robert Matthews* holding his daughter Yvonne “Bonnie” Matthews Butler*; son-in-law S. Edward Smith* standing next to his son, Carl Edward Smith*; daughter Elizabeth “Bettye” Phillips Moss* holding her daughter, the Rev. Dr. Marie Phillips Braxton; James “Biddy” Wood* holding his son Dr. James Wood Jr. Over the next few years, six more grandchildren were added to the Murphy clan.
The AFRO extends the best wishes to your family this Mother’s Day. Mothers are the foundation of our families, so be sure to honor your mother and motherly figures on May 9 and every day.