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In all cases we have filmed the best available copy. Universify Microfilms international 300 N. ZEEB RD„ ANN ARBOR, Ml 48106 8209425 Hadley, Worth J. ROSCOE DUNJEE ON EDUCATION: THE IMPROVEMENT OF BLACK EDUCATION IN OKLAHOMA, 1930 - 1955 The University of Oklahoma Ed.D. 1981 University Microfilms Internationel mX.ZeebRW.AnnAAor,MI48106 Copyright 1981 by Hadley, Worth J. All Rights Reserved PLEASE NOTE: In all cases this material has been filmed in the best possibie way from the available copy. Problems encountered with this document have been identified here with a check mark V 1. Glossy photographs or pages. 2. Colored illustrations, paper or print______ 3. Photographs with dark background ______ 4. Illustrations are poor copy______ 5. Pages with black marks, not original copy „ 6. Print shows through as there is text on both sides of page. 7. Indistinct, broken or small print on several pages 8. Print exceeds margin requirements______ 9. Tightly bound copy with print lost in spine______ 10. Computer printout pages with indistinct print. 11. Page(s)___________lacking when materiai received, and not available from school or author. 12. Page(s)___________seem to be missing in numbering only as text follows. 13. Two pages numbered___________. Text follows. 14. Curling and wrinkled pages ______ 15. Other___________________________________________________________________ University Microfilms International THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA GRADUATE COLLEGE ROSCOE DUNJEE ON EDUCATION: THE IMPROVEMENT OF BLACK EDUCATION IN OKLAHOMA 1930 - 1955 A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE FACULTY in partial fulfillm ent of the requirements for the degree o f DOCTOR OF EDUCATION BY WORTH J. HADLEY Norman, Oklahoma 1981 ROSCOE DUNJEE ON EDUCATION; THE IMPROVEMENT OF BLACK EDUCATION IN OKLAHOMA 1930 - 1955 APPROVED BY DISSERTATION COMMITTEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This dissertation on Roscoe Dunjee was inspired by Dr. John Pulliam, who with his colleague, Dr. Clint Allison, convinced me that the subject was valid for investigation. Dr. Pulliam was instrumental in shaping my interest and perspective on the subject of educational history. The study was written under the supervision of Dr. George Henderson, a very patient scholar who smiled when he delivered his scathing criticism and skillfully kept me to the task. His greatest contribution was his desire for this effort to be a scholarly presentation. Dr. Charles Butler was the stabalizing factor to whom I turned when all was lost and who somehow managed to see the m erit in what I thought was unworthy. Dr. Robert Bibens was the challenger whose penetrating questions made me rethink my position and finally realize where we were headed. Thanks to Dr. Judy Katz who graciously became the fifth member of the committee. I am indebted to all o f the members of my committee who labored long and hard with me over these past few years when it appeared that all was for naught. Thank you for your patience, comments and suggestions for the improvement o f this dissertation. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to aU of those people who provided not only assistance in the preparation of this manuscript, but also gave encouragement enabling me to finish the task. Specifically to Ross N. Lillard, Clerk of the State Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals; Cherry Williams, church secretary of East Sixth Street Christian church; Jimmie Stewart, Member of the National board of Directors of the NAACP and a friend and advisor; Mary Moran and Elii Landon, Newspaper department of the Oklahoma State Historical Society; the Oklahoma County library system for access to the splendid materials; and to those who kindly consented to be interviewed and to provide information not otherwise accessible. Thanks to my wife, Delia, who stood steadfast, even when I faltered. To my sons, Tony and Shaun, who kept track of things for me, thank you both. Last but not least, this effort is dedicated to the memory of my late mother, Minnie L. Hadley, to whom I promised on her death bed that I would undertake this task. Tis done. TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page I. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................1 Sources Related Literature Early History of Oklahoma n.BACKGROUND OF THE BLACK PRESS ............................................... 20 History of the Black Press Circulation and Influence 111. BIOGRAPHY OF ROSCOE D U N JE E .....................................................34 His Father's Influence C ivil Rights Leader IV. DUNJEE'S EDITORIALS...................................................... 53 Separate School Laws Politics in Education Higher Education Changing Educational Patterns V. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS........................................... 94 BIBLIOGRAPHY.................................................................................102 APPENDIX A ................................... 109 APPENDIX B ....................................................................................115 APPENDIX C .................................................. 122 APPENDIX D ................................................................................... 127 APPENDIX E ................................................................................... 137 APPENDIX F .................................................................. 140 APPENDIX G ................................................................................... 142 APPENDIX H ................................................................................... 145 Chapter Page APPENDIX I ......................................................................................147 APPENDIX J ......................................................................................149 APPENDIX K ................... 154 APPENDIX L ......................................................................................156 ROSCOE DUNJEE ON EDUCATION; THE IMPROVEMENT OF BLACK EDUCATION IN OKLAHOMA, 1930 -1955 CHAPTER I Introduction This study w ill examine the life work of Roscoe Dunjee, founder, editor and publisher of the Black Dispatch newspaper of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dunjee's activities which related to education at all levels in Oklalioma were reviewed in order to assess his impact as an educational charge agent. The study is not intended as a biography of Roscoe Dunjee, although blc^raphical material is included. Listead, his accomplishments are extra­ polated from his editorials in the Black Dispatch and his interactions with peers, subordinates, and others with whom he met. The central focus is on an analysis of alienation between Black and White Oklahomans and Dunjee’s efforts to develop Black education in Oklahoma. Relatedly, the major thrust of the study is an analysis and evaluation of Dunjee’s editorials on issues pertaining to Black education. No attempt is made to write a history of Black education in Oklahoma. However, many of Dunjee’s deeds made history in Oklahoma. Thus, this is of necessity a study of historical events and an historical person. The time span covered is from January 1930, when Oklahoma was a rigidly segr^ated state, to 1955, when some of the legal barriers to Black education had been removed. Sources Primary sources utilized in this study are the editorials of Roscoe Dunjee during the period cited. In his editorials, Dunjee dealt with several alienations issues: housing, health, employment, voting rights, public accommodations, politics, and education. Only those editorials related to education in Oklahoma are included in this study. The data is supplemented by interviews with living contemporaries,