PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FRESNO, CA Volume 45 No. 7 ~ February 18-25, 2011 PERMIT NO.35 50 The California CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED cents DVOCATE AATHED CALIFORNIAV ADVOCATE • OP.O. BOX 11826 C• FRESNO, CALIFORNIAA 93775TE Fresno’s African American Community Newspaper

The Fresno Cubs (Above) The Black Power salute was a noted hu- man rights protest and one of the most overtly political statements in the 110 year history of the (Above) photographed at the Fink-Smith Play- modern Olympic Games. African American ath- ground, circa 1914, were the first all-black ama- letes Tommie Smith of Fresno and John Carlos teur baseball team in Fresno. From the Fresno performed their Black Power salute at the 1968 Historical Society Black Oral History Project Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Collection. Front row: Frank Robinson (middle), Earl Jones (left). Middle row (l-r): Joe Holmes, unidentified, Percy Bost, unidentified, Clarence Watkins, unidentified. Top row: Happy Seixas ( Fresno’s right), Carleton Bigby (left). PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FRESNO HISTORICAL SOCIETY. TOMMIE SMITH Inspired A Nation And A Culture Tommie Smith (Born June 6, 1944) is an African American former track & field athlete and wide receiv- er in the American Football League. At the 1968 Sum- mer Olympics, Smith won the 200-meter dash finals in 19.83 seconds Ð the first time the 20 second barrier was broken. His Black Power salute with John Carlos atop (Above) Fresnan William Bigby (left) and the medal podium caused controversy at the time as it two friends posed for this portrait before was seen as politicizing the Olympic Games. It remains shipping out to fight in World War I. See a symbolic moment in the history of the African-Amer- Biography of William Bigby on page 15. ican Civil Rights Movement. While attending Lemoore High School, Smith PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FRESNO showed great potential, setting most of the school’s HISTORICAL SOCIETY. track records, many of which remain. His achievements won him a scholarship to San Jose State. On May 7, 1966, Smith set a world best of 19.5 seconds in the 200 (LEFT) DAVID JENNINGS meters and 220 yards in 1966, running on a straight cin- der track at San Jose State. That “world best” for 200 Valley’s First Black Resident metres was finally beaten by Tyson Gay on May 16, 2010, just over 44 years later, though Smith still holds This rocking-chair portrait of David Jennings the best for the slightly longer 220 yard event. Since the (left) was taken before his death in 1914 at the Continued on Page 12 U age of 97 in the Fresno County town of Fowler. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA ADVOCATE FRESNO HISTORICAL SOCIETY Call 268-0941 To Subscribe! SEE BIOGRAPHY OF DAVID JENNINGS ON PAGE 14. “Your Local News Source” Page 2 The California Advocate February 18-25, 2011 February 18-25, 2011 The California Advocate Page 3

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backs in NFL history. Neal blocked for a Thomas Jones Goodwin 1,000+ yard running back in eleven straight (Born July 27, 1968 in Fresno, California) seasons from 1997-2007. Randel (“Randy”) is a former Major League Baseball player. He Neal attended Lemoore High School in attended Central High School in Fresno, and Lemoore, California and was a letterman in then went on to play for Fresno State Univer- football and wrestling. He set many rushing Luvelle Williams sity. He is currently a coach with the Lowell records with over 2,000 yards in rushing in a Spinners. season, which would later be broken by Nick In 1986, the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted (Born 23 August 1953 United States in the 1976 Sula. In wrestling, he won a state champi- in Fresno, California) was Summer Olympics held in Goodwin, who was an outfielder, in the 6th onship as a senior. round (134th overall). He opted not to sign. In an American athlete who Montreal, Canada in the Neal attended Fresno State University from mainly competed in the long jump where he won 1988, he was a member of the gold winning 1989-1992 where he finished his college ca- United States baseball team at the 1988 men’s long jump event. the silver medal. reer with 2,405 yards rushing. He was an All- He competed for the Williams attended the Olympics in Seoul. Because of this, he decid- Big West selection his junior and senior sea- ed to wait until 1989 to sign with a team, United States at the 1972 University of Southern sons. He also placed seventh at the 1992 Summer Olympics held in California. which is when he decided to sign with the Los NCAA wrestling tournament in the 275 lb Angeles Dodgers, after being drafted in the Munich, Germany where In 2009, Randy heavyweight class. Neal finished his career as he won the Gold Medal in Williams was inducted in- 1st round (22nd overall). school’s second-leading rusher with 2,405 At 6’1”, Goodwin was only 175 pounds, the long jump. Williams to the National Track and yards and played in the Japan Bowl All-Star also competed for the Field Hall of Fame. which gave him an advantage over his heav- Game. He defeated a sumo wrestler in an ex- ier teammates. He developed a forté in base hibition match in Japan during the Japan stealing. He ended up spending only three Bowl. He graduated with a degree in criminal administration at what is now the Marshall breakdancing, popping is a unique funk style seasons in the minors (all of which he stole justice. over 45 bases) before making his Major School of Business. As a three year starter, he that continues to wow audiences and inspire League debut on September 1, 1991, at the accumulated 325 tackles and 11 interceptions. dancers’ creativity. age of 23. Richard “Ricky” He was a consensus All-American as a senior Some of his major league career highlights in 1986, and followed a prominent list of All- American safeties who attended USC. Golden Ameda Brooks include the 369 bases he stole over 14 years in Manning, Jr. (Born December 1, 1970 in San Francisco, the Major Leagues with the Dodgers, Kansas (Born November 18, 1980 in Fresno, Cali- He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round (34th pick overall) of the California) is an American actress. She is best City Royals, Texas Rangers, Colorado Rock- fornia) is an American football cornerback for known for her nine year role as Maya Wilkes ies, San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs, the Florida Tuskers of the United Football 1987 NFL Draft. He signed as a free agent by the San Francisco 49ers on April 7, 1993 on the UPN/CW comedy Girlfriends. a career high 66 stolen bases with the Dia- League. He was drafted by the Carolina Pan- As a child she was a figure skating com- mondbacks in 1996, and a .290 batting aver- thers in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. where he helped the 49ers win the Super Bowl XXIX, and retired after the 1999 sea- petitor and won several trophies when she age with the Rangers in 1998. Tom had a pret- He played college football at UCLA. was younger. Brooks is also a classically ty impressive year when it came to home runs Manning has also been a member of the son. McDonald was voted to the Pro Bowl six times in his career, three times with each trained dancer: she studied and taught ballet, in 2000-not because he hit so many, but be- Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams and Oakland jazz, and modern dance. cause of what kind of home runs they were. Raiders. team. McDonald coached youth football leading Brooks studied literature and sociology, One of his six home runs occurred on April 5- Manning played high school football at and is a graduate of UC-Berkeley. Her con- it was an inside-the-parker against the Braves. Edison High School in Fresno. the Malloch Elementary football team to two undefeated seasons from 2001-2003. He is centration was Media Representation of Mi- On April 30 against the Mets, he hit a grand Manning started 45 consecutive games for norities; her minor was Theater. She earned a slam, and on July 17 against the Athletics, he UCLA, which ranks as the second longest currently the football coach for his alma mater Edison High School in Fresno, where he Masters degree from Sarah Lawrence Col- hit another grand slam. streak in school history. His 13 interceptions lege. With her boyfriend D.B. Woodside, she tie him for seventh all-time among Bruin coached his son, Timothy McDonald, Jr. As of early 2010, McDonald will no longer be has a daughter, Dakota Tao Brooks-Wood- players. In addition, he made first-team All- side, born on September 1, 2009 Elbert L. “Ickey” Woods Pac-10 for his last three years. coaching at Edison High. (Born February 28, 1966 in Fresno, Cali- McDonald and wife Alycia have two sons, Brooks has been featured in many films fornia) is a former American football fullback Timothy, Jr. (TJ) and Tevin, and one daughter and television shows, and has appeared along- who played his entire NFL career (1988 to Henry Austin Ellard Taryn. TJ is a safety at his father’s alma mater, side actors such as Queen Latifah (Beauty 1991) with the Cincinnati Bengals. He played (Born July 21, 1961) is a former American USC, and Tevin recently signed a letter of in- Shop), Alicia Silverstone and Kevin Bacon. college football at UNLV. He is best remem- football wide receiver who played for the Los tent to play with crosstown rival, UCLA. She appeared on an episode of Pete and Pete; bered for his lumbering “Ickey Shuffle” end Angeles Rams (1983Ð1993), Washington “Crisis in the Love Zone,” playing big Pete’s zone dance, performed when he scored touch- Redskins (1994Ð1998), and the New England love interest Heather. She was also featured in downs. Patriots (1998). Ellard qualified for Olympic Farrah Destiny Franklin the movie Motives co-starring with Shemar Woods rushed for 1,066 yards and 15 trials in 1992 with his 54.1 foot triple jump. (Born on May 3, 1981 in Fresno, California Moore. She was featured in the 50 Cent mu- touchdowns in his rookie season, along with Ellard attended Hoover High School in to an Italian father and an African American sic video for “Straight to the Bank.” On tele- 228 yards and 3 touchdowns in the playoffs as Fresno, California. He won the CIF California mother) is an American singer, actress, song- vision, she was in a 2000 episode of The the Bengals advanced to Super Bowl XXIII. State Championships in the Triple Jump in writer, model and former member of Des- Jamie Foxx Show, as a girl named Nancy who His team lost the game 20-16, but he finished 1979. For college, Ellard went across town to tiny’s Child. Franklin was born in Fresno, Jamie confuses with Fancy. In 2001 she was as the game’s leading rusher with 79 yards. In Fresno State University from 1979-82 where raised in Fresno and Los Angeles. Growing on an episode of Moesha, portraying her Girl- 1989, Woods tore his left anterior cruciate lig- he set an NCAA record with 1,510 receiving up, she performed in various church choirs friends character Maya. ament in the second game of the season, a 41- yards in his final season. Ellard still holds the and in off Broadway musicals. In addition to Brooks is best known for her character 10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He Fresno State record for touchdown catches, performing, Franklin regularly mentored un- Maya Wilkes (Joan’s former sharp-tongued missed 13 months. By the time he returned, (25), and is third in receiving yards (2,947) der privileged girls at Penny Lane, one of the secretary and now acclaimed author) on the his starting role was filled by Harold Green. and fourth in receptions (138). world’s largest group homes in Los Angeles, CW sitcom, Girlfriends, which she was on In 1991, Woods injured his right knee in the Ellard was drafted in the second round in her spare time Ð something that she report- from 2000-2008. preseason. He returned at midseason but he (32nd overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft by the edly continues to do to this day. She currently has several projects in post- ran for just 97 yards on 36 carries. He was out Los Angeles Rams. In the NFL, Ellard was production, including the 2009 films Polish of football by age 26. His career statistics in- known for using his height and jumping abil- Sam Solomon Bar and My Place in the Horror. clude 332 carries for 1,525 yards and 27 ity to get to high passes, his leadership, and Brooks volunteers with the Pediatric AIDS touchdowns, along with 47 receptions for 397 his superior skills as a route runner. Respect- aka Boogaloo Sam: Foundation and AIDS Project Los Angeles. yards. ed commentators like Deion Sanders, and In 1976, Sam Solomon of Fresno, Califor- She is active with actors such as Danny Woods is currently the coach of the Cincin- John Madden have stated he is one of the best nia, better known as Boogaloo Sam, started a Glover in the Robey Theater Company. nati Sizzle of the Women’s Football Alliance ever. In his eleven seasons with Los Angeles dance troupe called The Electric Boogaloos. and runs the Ickey Woods Youth Foundation. he went to three Pro Bowls. At the time of his The Boogaloos specialized in a series of MacArthur ‘Mac’ Foster He also appeared in the Bootsy Collins’s new retirement, Ellard held the Rams’ team movements that Sam himself had perfected. (June 27, 1942 Ð July 19, 2010) was an music video Whodey Invasion. records for career receptions (593), receiving Inspired by another west coast group called American heavyweight boxer. The son of yards (9,761), 100-yard games (26), punt re- The Lockers, Sam used the movements of Mississippi sharecroppers, Foster was a 6’ 2” turn average (11.3), and total offense Chubby Checker, James Brown, and cartoons Vietnam War veteran. Born in Alexandria, Bruce Bowen Jr. (11,663). to create a whimsical and impressive style of Virginia, he grew up in Fresno, California, the (Born June 14, 1971) is a retired American Upon joining the Redskins, Ellard set off on dance. His style was ultimately comprised of third of eleven children. His father was a professional basketball player. The 6’7”, 200- a blistering pace for the 1994 season, ending two parts: Boogaloo, which combines sharp nurse. Foster picked grapes and cotton as a lb. Bowen played small forward and graduat- it with 1,397 yards, 102 behind league-leader angles with fluid movements and isolations, youth. Fresno State University offered Foster ed from Edison High School and Cal State Jerry Rice. He had three consecutive 1,000 and popping. These two kinds of dance make a track and field scholarship out of Washing- Fullerton. He went on to play for the NBA’s yard seasons, giving him seven for his career up electric boogaloo. Though many argue that ton High School, but he volunteered for the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics, the Philadel- (his 799 yards in the strike-shortened 1987 popping and robotting was already being United States Marines instead. In the service, phia 76ers, the San Antonio Spurs and the season was on pace for an eighth). His final done on the streets in the Bay Area in the Foster won fourteen amateur boxing titles. CBA’s Rockford Lightning, and also played 1,000 yard season came in 1996 and required 1960’s, most agree that it was Sam and the After a military discharge, Foster turned pro, abroad in France. a 155-yard performance against the Dallas Boogaloos who perfected and popularized becoming the third Fresno boxer of note One of the most feared perimeter “lock- Cowboys second-ranked defense to push him these dances. In fact, it was Sam’s repetition (Young Corbett III was a world welterweight down” defenders in NBA history, Bowen was to 1,014 yards for the season. of the word ‘pop’ when he flexed in a dance champion and Wayne Thornton rose through elected eight times to the NBA All-Defensive As his production declined, Ellard became that ultimately lead to the term ‘popping’. the rankings to become a number one light First and Second Teams, and was a member expendable, and found himself as a member Sometimes, all of the funk styles of the 70’s heavyweight contender). Foster trained with of the Spurs teams that won the NBA cham- of the Patriots in 1998. He retired after the are collectively referred to as ‘popping’. Tech- Pat DiFuria at the Merced Street Gym. pionships in 2003, 2005 and 2007. Off the season with 814 receptions for 13,777 yards, nically, this is incorrect. Popping is the specif- Known as Big Mac ‘The Knife’ from Fresno, court, Bowen became an informal ambas- which placed him third on the all-time list, ic dance in which the body is made to pop, or Foster made his professional debut in 1966, sador for child obesity awareness. and 65 touchdowns. He also gained 1,527 ‘hit’, on certain movements. However, pop- winning his first 24 fights by knockout, and Career Highlights and Awards yards returning punts, 364 yard returning ping is often mixed with other street and funk was named Ring Magazine progress of the ¥ 3 NBA Champion (2003, 2005, 2007) kickoffs, 50 rushing yards, and 4 punts re- styles to add variation and interest to a perfor- year for 1969. Whilst serving as a sparring ¥ 5 NBA All-Defensive First Team turned for a touchdown. Overall, he gained mance or battle. When popping is done with partner for Sonny Liston, Foster reportedly (2004Ð2008) 15,718 total yards. locking, waving, floating, or another funk knocked out the former world champion. By ¥ 3 NBA All-Defensive Second Team style, it’s more accurately called pop-locking. 1970, he was ranked as the world’s number (2001Ð2003) In addition to Boogaloo Sam, many pop- one heavyweight contender and seemed des- tined for a title shot, but his 24-0 winning Tim McDonald pers have gained fame in the dance world. streak would come to an end when he was (Born January 6, 1965 in Fresno, Califor- These include “Boppin” Andre Diamond, stopped in six rounds by Jerry Quarry in June Lorenzo LaVonne Neal nia) is a former professional American foot- Michael “Boogaloo Shrimp” Chambers, Ste- 1970. After the Quarry fight, Foster knocked (Born December 27, 1970 in Hanford, Cal- ball player who played strong safety in the fan “Mr. Wiggles” Clemente, Nam “Poppin” out Zora Folley in one round, and lost deci- ifornia) is an American football fullback who NFL. Hyon Joon, and David “Elsewhere” Bernal. sions to Muhammad Ali in 1972, Bob played in the NFL from 1993-2009. He was McDonald played high school football at These dancers continue to make appearances, Stallings, Joe Bugner and Henry Clark a year drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the Edison High School in Fresno. dance before audiences, and judge competi- later. He served as George Foreman’s sparring fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He Named prep All-American, All-California, tions. Popping continues to flourish on the partner for Foreman’s bout with Ken Norton played college football at Fresno State. All-Northern California, all-metro and league battle scene, usually sponsored by local dance in 1974. He retired from boxing in 1976 after A four-time Pro Bowl selection and three- MVP at both safety and QB at Edison High clubs or professional poppers. Battles are losing his fourth consecutive decision to Stan time All-Pro selection, Neal has also been a School … Completed 56.9 percent of his where popping is not only practiced, but rev- Ward. Foster’s final record was 30-6, with all member of the New York Jets, Tampa Bay passes for 2,739 yards and 30 TDs ... Rushed olutionized by new dancers who put their own 30 of his wins coming by knockout. After re- Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati for 400 yards and six TDs ... Credited with spin on traditional popping techniques. tiring, Foster volunteered his time as boxing Bengals, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore five INTs and 123 tackles on defense. Dances like the robot or moonwalk, which are coach for youth. Foster died of congestive Ravens and Oakland Raiders. He attended the University of Southern now universally famous, began in popping heart failure on Monday, July 19, 2010. He Considered one of the best blocking full- California (USC), and majored in business competitions. Separate from locking and was 68. February 18-25, 2011 The California Advocate Page 5

AQUICK LOOK AT : FAMOUS AFRICAN AMERICANS FROM FRESNO maintained ties to her classical training and Thief in the World (2004), It Runs Audra Ann McDonald repertoire. She frequently performs in con- in the Family (2003), Cradle Will (Born July 3, 1970) is an American actress cert throughout the US and has performed Rock (1999), The Object of My Af- and singer. She currently stars in the ABC with musical institutions such as the New fection (1998), and Seven Servants television drama Private Practice as Dr. Nao- York Philharmonic and the Mormon Taber- by Daryush Shokof which was her mi Bennett. She has appeared on the stage in nacle Choir. Carnegie Hall commissioned the film acting debut in (1996). both musicals and dramas, such as Ragtime song cycle The Seven Deadly Sins: A Song McDonald has recorded four so- (musical) and A Raisin in the Sun. She main- Cycle for McDonald, and she performed it at lo albums for Nonesuch Records. tains an active concert and recording career, Carnegie’s Zankel Hall on June 2, 2004. She Her first, the 1998 Way Back to performing song cycles and operas as well as sang two solo one-act operas at the Houston Paradise, featured songs written by performing in concert throughout the US. Grand Opera in March 2006: Francis a new generation of musical theatre She has won the Tony Award four times and Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine and the world composers who had achieved vary- Grammy Award twice. premiere of Michael John LaChiusa’s Send ing degrees of prominence in the Born in Berlin, Germany and raised in (who are you? I love you). On February 10, 1990s, particularly Michael John Fresno, California, the elder of two daugh- 2007, McDonald starred with Patti LuPone in LaChiusa, Adam Guettel and Jason ters, she began to study acting at a young age the Los Angeles Opera production of Kurt Robert Brown. Her next album, to counteract her diagnosis as “hyperactive”. Weill’s opera Rise and Fall of the City of Ma- How Glory Goes (2000) combined McDonald graduated from the Roosevelt hagonny directed by John Doyle. The record- both old and new works, and in- School of the Arts program within Theodore ing of the Los Angeles Opera production of cluded composers Harold Arlen, Roosevelt High School in Fresno. She got her Kurt Weill’s opera Rise and Fall of the City Leonard Bernstein and Jerome start in acting with Dan Pessano and Good of Mahagonny, featuring McDonald and Pat- Kern. Her next album Happy Songs Company Players, beginning in their Junior ti Lupone, won two Grammy Awards, for (2002) was big band music from Company. “I knew I wanted to be involved in Best Opera Recording and Best Classical Al- the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s. Her fourth theater when I had my first chance to perform bum in February 2009. album, Build a Bridge (2006), features songs Raisin in the Sun with the Good Company Players Junior In September 2008, American musical the- from the jazz/pop canon, from composers as ¥ 2007: Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Company,” she said. “The people who have atre composer Michael John LaChiusa was diverse as Adam Guettel (who wrote the title Actress in a Musical Ð 110 in the Shade - had the most impact on my life: Good Com- quoted in Opera News Online, as working on song), Laura Nyro, Elvis Costello, Nellie tied with Donna Murphy pany director Dan Pessano and my mother.” an adaptation of Bizet’s opera Carmen with McKay, Neil Young, Rufus Wainwright, John ¥ 2009: Grammy Award for Best Opera She studied classical voice as an undergradu- McDonald in mind. Mayer and Randy Newman. Recording and Grammy Award for Best ate under Ellen Faull at the Juilliard School, McDonald has also made many television Classical Album - Kurt Weill: Rise and graduating in 1993. appearances, both musical and dramatic. In Selected Awards Fall of the City of Mahagonny McDonald became a three-time Tony 2001, she received her first Emmy Award ¥ 1994: Tony Award for Best Featured Ac- Award winner by the age of 28 Ð for her per- nomination for Outstanding Supporting Ac- tress in a Musical Ð Carousel Nominations formances in Carousel, Master Class, and tress in a Miniseries or TV Movie for the ¥ 1994: Drama Desk Award for Outstanding ¥ 2001: NAACP Image Award for Outstand- Ragtime Ð placing her alongside Shirley HBO film Wit starring Emma Thompson and Featured Actress in a Musical Ð Carousel ing Variety - Series or Special Ð Audra Booth, Gwen Verdon and Zero Mostel by ac- directed by Mike Nichols. She also has ap- ¥ 1994: Outer Critics Circle Award for Out- McDonald in Concert complishing this feat within five years. She peared on Homicide: Life on the Street standing Actress in a Musical Ð Carousel ¥ 2001: Primetime Emmy Award: Outstand- was nominated for another Tony Award for (1999), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit ¥ 1996: Tony Award for Best Featured Ac- ing Supporting Actress In a Miniseries or a her performance in Marie Christine before (2000), Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ tress in a Play Ð Master Class Movie for Wit (HBO) she won her fourth in 2004 for her role in A First 100 Years (1999), the short-lived Mister ¥ 1998: Tony Award for Best Featured Ac- ¥ 2004: Drama League Ð A Raisin in the Sun Raisin in the Sun, placing her in the compa- Sterling (2003), The Bedford Diaries (2006), tress in a Musical Ð Ragtime ¥ 2007: Tony Award for Best Actress in a ny of other four-time winning actresses and Kidnapped (2006Ð2007), and in the 1999 ¥ 2004: Tony Award for Best Featured Ac- Musical Ð 110 in the Shade Gwen Verdon and Mary Martin. She reprised television remake of Annie as Daddy War- tress in a Play Ð A Raisin in the Sun ¥ 2008: Primetime Emmy Award: Outstand- her Raisin role for a 2008 television adapta- bucks’ secretary & soon-to-be wife, Miss ¥ 2004: Drama Desk Award for Outstanding ing Supporting Actress In a Miniseries or a tion, earning her a second Emmy Award Farrell. She sang with the New York Philhar- Featured Actress in a Play Ð A Raisin in Movie for A Raisin in the Sun nomination. monic in the annual New Year’s Eve gala the Sun ¥ 2009: Image Awards: Outstanding Sup- McDonald appeared as Lizzie in the concert on December 31, 2006, featuring mu- ¥ 2004: Outer Critics Circle Award for Out- porting Actress in a Drama Series for Pri- Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of sic from the movies; it was televised on Live standing Featured Actress in a Play Ð A vate Practice. 110 in the Shade, directed by Lonny Price at from Lincoln Center by PBS. Studio 54, for which she shared the Drama McDonald appears as Naomi Bennett, ex- Desk Award for Best Actress in a Musical wife of Sam, portrayed by Taye Diggs, in the with Donna Murphy. On April 29, 2007, television drama Private Practice, a spinoff of while she was in previews for the show, her Grey’s Anatomy. She replaced Merrin father was killed when an aircraft he was fly- Dungey, who played the role in the series pi- ing crashed north of Sacramento. lot. Throughout her career, McDonald has In films, McDonald has appeared in Best Page 6 The California Advocate February 18-25, 2011 CALIFORNIA ADVOCATE INTERVIEWS HISTORICAL BLACK FRESNO RESIDENTS: DORYTHEA COOLEY WILLIAMS The Advocate: Was the purpose of having around the same time. Jessie Mcdonald’s fa- he had national fame. Jessie Mcdonald’s niece an African American mortuary because “we” ther owned some clubs out on Church, not too also had national fame. Every Christmas, Earl Blacks weren’t allowed to be buried in a White far from where the meat market is on Fruit and Myers packs the Seventh Day Adventist cemetery? Church. We had one filling station on the cor- Church full of all races, standing room only, Dorythea: First and foremost, let me thank ner of Calaveras and ‘F’ Street. We had a so- and he has a beautiful voice. He’s not nation- the Kimber Family for this opportunity to da fountain owned by the Reverend out on ally known, but he’s locally known. The original J.E. Cooley, Jr. funeral home on 1703 share my experiences. The answer to your first Calaveras and ‘F’ Street. In 1945, we had Jef- The Advocate: What do you remember ‘E’ St., Fresno, CA. question is “No”. Blacks could be funeralized. ferson’s Drive In, the only Black drive-in that about issues regarding Civil Rights? Most of the Blacks were funeralized by Steven we’ve had, and the sister of Dorothy Berry Dorythea: I was gone during a good part of and Beans at the end of ‘H’ Street. It was one owned it. In fact, it was right in the front of the that period, but you could not live in Clovis if of the oldest mortuaries in Fresno. My dad’s old Mount Pleasant on ‘D’ Street, right on the you were ‘brown’, during that time. You could oldest brother’s wife worked for Steven and corner. In 1939, Jesse Cooley Sr. opened the pass by, but you could not live in Clovis. Up Beans mortuary. The reason why my dad first Hispanic mortuary and in 1968 he opened in the mountains, we do have remnants of the made a mortuary here is because he had one in the Rosary. KKK. My brother was attacked during the Mississippi, during the Depression. When the There was also the Louie Key Market. I 70’s, when he was at his friend’s bar. The Depression set in, he came to Fresno because went to school with the Keys. It used to be friend’s son wrote a book about it. This group his dad’s sister lived here. The house is still in where Columbia was, when it was on ‘C’ of so-called KKK didn’t call themselves the existence on ‘C’ Street at Amador, across from Street. Louie Key Market had that area right KKK, but they were picking on Blacks. They Fink White playground, and it is still there. So across the street from them. The second mor- were picking on one Black man that my broth- The original J.E. Cooley, Jr. Mortuary on 640 North they came here during the depression to visit tuary in Fresno was either Sterling or Mathew er had passed by, and he didn’t know what was California Ave., Stockton, CA. his aunt and found out that this is the land of D. Thomas. Later, we had Baines Mortuary, going on. He walked into the bar. We never opportunity. So, he went back and got his wife which was off of Church Street, right next to knew what happened to that Black man, but and myself (I was three months old) and the fire station. So there was a time when we when they came back in, they started on my brought us to Fresno and we lived in that had four mortuaries here. brother and he didn’t say anything to them. house so that he could amass enough money My father really took advantage of the com- They got in his face and he punched one of through painting. He painted houses to make munity because he started the first Black them, and so they attacked him. I wasn’t here, money, and then bought this house that had a newspaper. When he bought this building, I was living in L.A. and was at a Jazz festival. building attached to it. It was called the Valley where he later turned it into a chapel, it had a When I got home, it was my folks telling me Funeral home. It was not called J. Cooley Fu- huge printer. The Newspaper was called The what had happened. So I left the next morning. neral Home until my brother bought it in 1957. Forum, and in it was not so much gossip, but It’s very strange, but about 5 years later, I He had the money to buy it because of two it was about political information, because my was paying my property taxes and I saw this things. Number one is because he had been parents were dead-willed Republicans. My old T-model Ford, and I admired it. When I playing music in Sacramento. He had played dad and a man called Claude Wilson would go came back, there were people getting in to it. with a number of bands and had even been out and get people, put them in their cars and So before I could say anything to him about The current location at 1830 South Fruit Avenue in overseas. He and Viola moved to Vallejo. In take them to the poles. how nice the car was, one man walked up to Fresno, California. the daytime, he was a funeral owner of the The Advocate: So would they use the pub- me and says “Do you know J. Cooley?”, and I Cooley Viola Mortuary in 1953. My brother lication to politically endorse candidates? said “ Well, everybody knows him.” Then he of a Jesse Perry. He became the head of the played music at night, and during the day he Dorythea: Yes. It helped them move Black says, “ I want to know if you know him.” I National Teachers of English Association for was a mortician. Andrew, a.k.a. “Andy” was history. My mother and father taught here un- said “Oh yeah, I know him.” He said “Well I the whole country. Those of us who managed an embalmer, so in 57’ my brother purchased der Ms. Ludakey, when she was over the adult want you to tell him that I am sorry.” I said to make it, made it on the shoulders and from my dad’s business and moved to Fresno. I education program for Fresno. They taught “You’re sorry? Does he know for what?”, and the chastisement and love of the people of the don’t know if he sold it to Andy, or if he had adult education at Columbia in the evenings, he said “He should, I was one of the men who community. You had as many mothers as you interest in it. He came and took over this busi- once a month. The newspaper did not have attacked him.” Tears started coming down knew, and some you didn’t know. As many fa- ness. His incoming was so great until the any pictures in it. Then there was another from this man’s face. He said “I’m just so sor- thers as you knew, and some you didn’t know. moves that he made with Bakersfield and with newspaper after my dad’s, by a man named ry, I haven’t had anything but bad luck since There are some African Americans that Stockton were my brother’s, but in his heart he Jackman. This was an official paper that peo- then.” I said “But you weren’t the only one, have not experienced anything other than was a musician, a drummer. ple actually bought. My father gave his out. there were others.” He said “They’re all Fresno. Fresno African Americans are sur- That was old Fresno, and at that time, it was The Advocate: At that time Fresno only dead!” That’s why the Lord says “Vengeance vivors, and you had to be, because there was a village. I call it a village because ‘G’ Street, had a white-owned media, am I correct? is mine”, and in this case, I know it. They hit no one else that did a lot of encouragement, Kearney Boulevard and Fresno Street is where Dorythea: Well, all of it was just about him in the head with a metal stool. He was in other than the Black parents. So they have most of the Blacks in Fresno were. In that White. You didn’t get very much in there. the hospital for at least a couple of weeks. been survivors, those who have made it, and community, we had two Black grocery stores They did do athletics. I have a picture of my The Advocate: Do you know of any lynch- we have to give them credit. It’s not easy when I was a little girl. One was Mr. brother running in the 880. We had the Jack- ings? growing up feeling that there’s a glass ceiling. Howard’s, on the corner of San Joaquin and son boys, who were super runners. Albert Dorythea: Nine times out of ten, there We use that term with respect to women, but it ‘F’ Street, and the other was Mr. Thompson’s, Jackson and Vernon Jackson. We had great were. Somebody threw a Black man in Roed- can also be used for the Black male in Fresno. which was on ‘E’ Street. Mr. Thompson also athletes and musicians. Those two were the ing Park into the Polar Bear exhibit at the Fres- You can ‘hob nob’ with people and call them cut hair. You could always tell people who had only things that we were permitted to excel in. no Zoo. The only thing that was left were his by their first name, but they won’t do anything gotten their hair cut by Mr. Thompson, be- There was a family of Morris’s, half of them fingers, because the bear ate everything. This for you. cause after the hair cut it looked like you could were called Williams, because one of the Mor- was in the 50’s or early 60’s. There use to be a I look at the number of Africans that they put a bowl on it. ris sisters was married to the Williams. That Black park attendant that lived on the premis- will hire, before they hire African Americans. Within that 1 to 2 mile area, is where most family has historically been known to have es that fed the animals in the morning. He and They have a very negative attitude about Fres- Blacks lived. We had a Black jeweler, which Jazz. My dad had a little quartet that use to his wife remember seeing a car and he is the no Blacks, the average White person does, and was Judge Simpson’s grandfather. had a make money singing at social events. One one who disclosed what he found. that’s why whenever I’m asked what school woodsman who collected wood. We had two time they went to a place in Reedley, where a The Advocate: There had to be big cases I’m from, I say Edison. I am an Edison Grad- garbage dealers, one was Mr. Graham, who is woman did not want to pay them and Fred At- that aren’t being disclosed, right? uate. Newsweek: In 05’ Edison was the high- the grandfather of Robert Green, and his sister water, Feliz Ray, his bother and my dad found Dorythea: I called your dad (Les Kimber), est ranking school in California and one of 7 in who ran the education place here in Fresno. out this White woman didn’t want to pay when I was driving around on one Sunday af- the nation. The other one lived right next door to the Le- them. So when they sang their last song, they ternoon, and I was blocked on Blackstone. gion. We had six churches: Second Baptist started singing “ We’ll be glad when your We couldn’t get through. In Ratcliff stadium, Church, West Fresno Baptist (on ‘F’ between dead, you rascal you...” and they turned and there were hooded men. I got out of my car, Calaveras and San Joaquin) Carter Memorial looked dead at her, and she started crying. So found a phone and I called your dad. Your dad, (on San Joaquin and ‘E’ St.), The Church of eventually she paid them, because it was very at the time, was working with Star. I told him God in Christ (on Amador between ‘F’ and ‘E’ clear that they were talking about her. From about the KKK meeting. There were hundreds Cooley Streets), and Sister Dugod, who was a woman the Williams family, there was Jean Morris. of them in Ratcliff stadium. This is what I saw preacher. She had a huge wooden building, so This is not the same as Charles Morris because with my own eyes in the mid 1970’s. We re- her place had to be very old. There was also Charles Morris was the only musician in his searched and found that the City College’s Mount Pleasant Baptist (on ‘D’ Street and Tri- family, and he is still alive at 88 years old. He Ulysses Park, the baseball stadium, was a Timeline umph) and The Church and Kingdom of God started out with Jazz. We had a principle, Ann place where they use to meet. This was Rat- 1939: J. E. Cooley Sr. opened Valley Funer- in Christ. The only other one I’ve seen is in Wicks, who was a good jazz singer. The most cliff, which was probably owned by City Col- al Home at 1703 “E” Street, Fresno, and it Mississippi. I say that, because my aunt was a famous one that we had in terms of a musician lege at that time, too. When I saw the KKK was the first Afro American funeral home founder of that church on the corner of ‘C’ and was Halyard Patterson. He was a child pro- there, I was afraid. They were standing on for the San Joaquin Valley. Mr. Cooley Amador, and the house is still there. They tégée with classical music. He went off with Blackstone with their hoods. They weren’t opened the first Mexican American mortu- came to California in 1912 and 1919, as well people who went around and got children to hiding behind anything. They were standing in ary in the San Joaquin Valley and named it as Ms. Barnes, she came from Mississippi play. So he went back East to New York and the front of the gate, to where you would have the “Rosary,” which was staffed by an his- to pass by them to get in. That I saw. panic manager named Robert Sanchez, who The Advocate: What were some of the dif- opened his own business after “D” Street ferent businesses that were servicing our com- was removed by the new 99 highway and munity? Mr. Cooley was forced to close. Dorythea: The first ‘official’ Black female beauty shop was by Ms. Ruth Williams, whose 1953: Mr. Cooley, Jr. and Mr. Andrew Rio- mother was Sister Dugod, the woman preach- lo opened Cooley Riolo Mortuary on Vir- er. She trained people who had gone to Hen- ginia Street in Vallejo, California. rietta’s Beauty School in Los Angeles. People like Faye Rhim left here and went to Henriet- 1957: Mr. Cooley, Jr. purchased the Valley ta’s Beauty School, came back and worked Funeral Home and renamed it Jesse E. Coo- with Ruth Williams. The Jazz Center was the ley, Jr. Funeral Services Elk’s Club on the corner of ‘F’ Street, a social place where people went at night. The Elk’s 1961: Mr. Cooley expanded his business to Club was before the Legion was built. In Chi- Bakersfield and opened a service on Cali- na Town, there was a Black barber shop. The fornia Street under the management of Rev. first physician was Henry Wallace, who was Johnson, but because of the size of the fa- the son-in-law to one of the oldest families in cility, Cooley moved to a Frank Lloyd Fresno, which is the Hannibal Family. Marcus Wright building further east on California Pharmacy came in the 50’s, and so did Mr. Street, under the management of Rev. Whisenhunt. The first Black Dentist was McAllister until his death. The present man- Orvis, and then came Furlow. Joel Dixon was ager, Mrs. Antoinett Mangrum-Jones, took one of our two native people, who were Tus- over the Bakersfield facility and now man- keegee Airmen. Joe Dixon got to be a Sheriff. ages a third relocation on Chester Avenue, Our first Black policeman was John Long. I just off California Avenue. think he was before Kelly. Long was from Virginia and you have those Virginians who 1968: Redevelopment that had taken Coo- look white, because those presidents were ley Sr.’s Rosary Mortuary eventually re- sleeping with Black women. We had a Black quired the relocation of J.E. Cooley, Jr.’s fu- mechanic who owned a business on ‘F’ and neral service to 1830 S. Fruit. He remains at San Joaquin, who was named Buddy Lane. this location and has rebuilt, even after a When I told you we had someone who had a devastating fire in 2004. In 19??????, Coo- wood business, that was Mr. Lacy of ‘F’ and ley purchased a historical site at 620 Water- Calaveras. man to accommodate the increase in ser- The Advocate: Overall, compared to the vices caused by an influx of new residents country, with you being in Fresno and being an who had settled in West Fresno. God has entrepreneur giving back to the community, certainly blessed this family’s business ef- what would you say your experience can be forts and made it an example of what can be summed up as? accomplished with his help and with respect Dorythea: It was a village where the chil- for our fellow man. dren were reared by all of the adults in the community. Everybody wanted to see chil- 1992: After several attempts to successfully dren progress. Even the mothers whose lives open a facility in Stockton, California, Mr. were questionable, wanted to see their children Cooley sent his second son to manage that progress. We’ve had very smart kids come out facility, which was located in the Boggs of this community. tract. The success associated with his man- The unfortunate thing about it is that 90 per- agement skills soon required the business to cent of them had to leave Fresno, in order to be relocated to 420 N. California Avenue in get a decent job, and that’s unfortunate. Fres- Stockton. no really could have prospered from the likes February 18-25, 2011 The California Advocate Page 7

The California Advocate Interviews With Historical Black Fresno Residents The California Advocate Interviews Addie Rodgers Historical Black Fresno Residents cluded courses in race relations, cul- Dr. Robert S. Mikell tural diversity, community institu- Dr. Robert S. Mikell is a native of tions, cultural music, as well as eco- New Orleans, Louisiana, where he nomic and business development. Dr. graduated from the Booker T. Wash- Mikell also developed a number of ington High School. He holds an As- courses while teaching at Fresno sociate of Arts degree in Business Ad- State, including a course on multicul- ministration from Fresno City Col- tural marketing lege, a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree His primary research interest and in Business Administration from Cali- consultation works are in the field of fornia State University, Fresno, and minority business development. He al- the Doctor of Education degree from so has a research interest in such areas the University of Southern California. as African American reversal migra- Dr. Mikell served as a member of the tion, early New Orleans Jazz, transra- faculty at California State University, cial interrelations, innovative teaching Fresno from 1972 until he retired in through distance learning, and the his- 2006, during which time he taught tory of the Black town Allensworth (a courses in Ethnic Studies (African published work). During his tenure at American Studies) and in the School Fresno State University he received Dr. Robert S. Mikell of Business (Management and Mar- funding for several research projects devoted himself to serving on a variety keting). He served twelve years (1978- that involved introducing students to of committees at the Department, 90) as the Chairperson of the Ethnic research methodology. Dr. Mikell School, and University levels. Similar- Studies Program. In 2007, the univer- takes a great deal of pride in the fact ly, his service extended itself into the sity bestowed on him the honor of Pro- that he has written student oriented Fresno larger community. He is a co- fessor Emeritus of Africana Studies. grant proposals that received funding founder and former board member of Addie Rodgers: I was Bigby’s were one of the Before his retirement, Dr. Mikell which were designed to enhance the Valley Small Business Development born in Fresno, California first African American was a full Professor of Africana Stud- well-being of all students on the uni- Corporation and an elected official and attended Columbia families in Fresno. They ies and served as the Director of the versity campus. (seven years) of the Educational Em- School from first through lived right across the street Africana Studies Research Center. Over the years, Dr. Mikell distin- ployees Credit Union, where he served seventh grades. I lived from me. I remember His teaching emphasis was in the area guished himself through numerous as the Chairperson of the Supervisory close to the school on ‘D’ Luetta Bigby, who went to of socio-cultural dynamics which in- community and University awards. He Committee. Street. I then went to Edi- school with me. Her moth- son High School and grad- er was a milliner on Fulton uated there. Growing up, Street. I remember, every Whites, Chinese, Japanese, single day Luetta and I African Americans in the Central Valley Blacks and Hispanics would walk to school to- would all sit together, eat gether. Oral History Project Sudie Douglas Jack Kelly and play together. We The Advocate: What Date of Interview: Feb 17, 2005 Date of Interview: 2006 were very diverse, even do you remember political- 2004-2005 Interviewer: Nancy Whittle Interviewer: Nancy Whittle during those times. I will ly about Fresno? COURTESY OF THE FRESNO Ms. Douglas shared her special history Mr. Kelly was the first African Ameri- never forget the time when HISTORICAL SOCIETY in Fresno regarding her work with lo- can Police Sergeant in Fresno. He re- a White girl got expelled Addie Rodgers: Our cal teenagers and senior citizens, the lated stories of his family background, for saying “Nigger fun”, own people were so funny. Pastor Jimmy D. Adams start of the Meals on Wheels program, experiences in college athletics, pa- while some kids were They would try to crush Date of Interview: May 16, 2005 and her role in the development of the trolling Chinatown as a policeman, playing basketball. I the politicians. Like for Interviewer: Nancy Whittle Hinton Community Center. She also facing discrimination in police depart- would have students from example, Bigby was a Pastor Adams discussed growing up in told of her family background, her ment, and establishing Fresno’s other races come over to sit good person, but they the South during the Depression, the work experience as a welder and rivet- African American Museum. by me, just to copy my pa- would try to crush him effects of Jim Crow laws and the treat- er during World War II, and her travels per. down. ment of African Americans; his arrival abroad as the ambassador to the Coun- When I was 14 years The Advocate: Do you in Central California; and working the cil of Senior Citizens. Edward Mosley old, I worked on the first remember any businesses fields in Brawley and other California Date of Interview: November 18, 2004 Black Census, where I here in West Fresno? locations. He described his father Mack & Junious Haynes Interviewer: Nancy Whittle walked around and count- Addie Rodgers: The opening the first African American Date of Interview: June 14, 2005 Dr. Mosley discussed his experiences ed all of the Blacks that restaurants that I can re- owned auto repair shop in Fresno, de- Interviewer: Nancy Whittle as one of the first African American lived in Fresno, California. member were my aunt’s velopment and changes in his West Mack was the first African American physicians in Fresno, his involvement It was myself, Florence café, “Stella’s Café” down Fresno neighborhood over the years, bricklayer to establish his own con- on the board of the State Center Com- Jackson and Etna, who on ‘E’ Street and El Dora- and how he started his ministry struction business in Fresno, and he munity College District, the stories of worked for the Black Cen- do and ‘G’ Street, which mentioned many of the buildings his his childhood years in the Midwest sus at that time. Ruth Wil- was owned by Stella Ed- Nadir Ali company helped construct, including and his medical training in the South, son was my beautician, wards. This was during the Date of Interview: December 13, 2006 structures in Chinatown. Junious is and his first-hand account of the Mont- who worked on ‘G’ Street. war, so the African Ameri- Interviewer: Nancy WhittleMr. Ali’s the current manager of the Mount gomery bus boycott. If we wanted to eat out, cans in the military would family has lived in the Central Valley Pleasant Missionary Baptist Travelers, then we would go up to eat there. since 1919. His father was one of the a local gospel group from Fresno who China Town. I also used to The Sterling Funeral first African American shareholders in travel extensively throughout the Edna Reid work at a Catholic rum- Home was on ‘C’ Street the Danish Creamery Association. He South and California. The group re- Date of Interview: November 11, 2005 Interviewer: Aushua Mayberry mage store on ‘Kern and the Carter Memorial shared memories of growing up on a cently celebrated their fiftieth year of Street’. Church was at ‘E’ Street farm, life in Firebaugh and Caruthers, performing. Both brothers told about Ms. Reid shared her memories of her I also once owned a gro- and San Joaquin Street. changes in the Chinatown area in Fres- their move from Mississippi to Cali- grandmother, Eliza Lopast, an early cery store on Kearney Mount Pleasant was on ‘D’ no, becoming the first African Ameri- fornia, the local farming community Fresno pioneer and one of the first Boulevard, which did not Street. I remember the can teacher at Bullard High School, where their family lived, the racism members of the Second Baptist have an official name, but Cooley’s Funeral Home on principal at King Elementary and his they endured, and how the local Church. Through the stories told to folks called it “Addie’s ‘E’ Street, across the street involvement with the Nation of Islam. African American church impacted the her by her grandmother, as well as re- Place”. I was the first one from Frank Bruno, which Mr. Ali described his various en- social and spiritual needs of their com- membering her own experiences, Ms. to work at Kearney Park was the first Black-owned trepreneurial ventures, including se- munity. Reid provided insight into the lives of with Mr. Jensen. I remem- grocery store. curing one of the largest government the first black settlers of the region, in- ber him flying me out to The Advocate: What contracts in the food industry, which cluding vivid descriptions of early har- was documented in Fortune Magazine, Goldie Jones San Francisco for a 10 are some accomplishments Date of Interview: June 27, 2005 vesting methods. week accreditation coarse that you are most proud of and operating the Central Fish Market. Interviewer: Nancy Whittle to become a manager. I about yourself? Ms. Jones described two families, the Charley Scott worked there for 34 years, Addie Rodgers: In Paula St. James Davis Date of Interview: March 10, 2005 Date of Interview: May 6, 2005 Whittles and Joneses, and their experi- from 1972 until 2006. I al- gym, I would be the only ences with farming in the Central Val- Interviewer: Nancy Whittle so remember Reverend Colored girl that would Interviewer: Ruth Lang ley. The Jones Family bought land in Mr. Scott owned a longtime dry clean- Brooks, who is the grand- win amongst the White Ms. Davis related her family’s contri- the Riverdale/Lanare area in 1906, and ing business in West Fresno where he father of actress Golden kids. I was always picked butions to the community through the the Whittles came from Arkansas to interacted daily with the black com- Brooks. on the basketball team. activities of her parents’ dry cleaning munity. He told stories of the West business and her grandparents’ China- the Chowchilla/Dairyland area in Obama also gave a pin and Side and customers he served during town hotel. She shared her views on 1926. She gave an account of farming The Advocate: Do you a plaque for my volunteer the many years his cleaners operated, remember any families in work through the African past and current racial discrimination and dairy operations, labor camp con- in the Fresno housing market through ditions, social, church and school ac- as well as his military experiences dur- The Valley? American Genealogy As- ing World War II. Addie Rodgers: The sociation. her work experience as a comptroller. tivities. Page 8 The California Advocate February 18-25, 2011

The California Advocate Interviews With Historical Black Fresno Residents ATTORNEY PASTOR JIM PARKS Jim Parks: The first time I came here apartments down the alley by the fire de- does she live or not. I thought, I want the ‘E’ Street. Kearny Bowl was on Kearney, to Fresno was in 1962, with my parents partment on ‘E’ Street. I would walk to baby, and she started breathing just like across the street from the airport. It was a and my five siblings. The idea was not to work every day and she would meet me af- that. Then the concern was that she had car racing place and you could hear the live here; the idea was to be migrant farm- ter work every day. They made me a super- been without oxygen for so long, if she cars roaring so loud, it was like you lived ers. Back home in 1961, I spent the sum- visor and increased my wages from a dol- would have brain damage. At 13 months next door. Apparently, they had entertain- mertime in the fields picking cotton, lar fifty to a dollar seventy-five an hour. old, she was talking counting from one to ment there too, with people like Tina Turn- which was paying .30 cents an hour. That W.T. Grant was a franchise. I remember, ten, singing her alphabet from A to Z. She er, James Brown and others that came meant, in 10 hours, you could make one day I was washing dishes and a little was brighter than I ever thought about be- through there. $3.00. In California, you could make .25 boy told his mom “Look mom, there’s a ing, and read more books than I’ve ever I also remember the issues regarding cents an hour. In 1961, my mother worked nigger”. I had lived in Arkansas for seven- thought about reading. bussing. I use to work on the board with in L.A., and in the summer she sent us teen years, and not one time did I hear that. When I had my first daughter, she was Mrs. Curry. Carver wasn’t the best alterna- money. With that money, my dad bought a It happened to me twice in Fresno. supposed to be born breech. Dr. Brown tive, but at least they had the option not to Dodge and all of the kids loaded up in the One time, I was delivering mail by the was the doctor and Dr. Curry was the as- be bussed to the other side of town. Now Dodge. Again, the intent was not to live fairgrounds and there were a lot of people sistant. They tried everything they could to it looks like we are getting our own middle here. in the front yard having a picnic and their turn the baby around. We called the pas- school. (This was during the time when So when we got here, my two brothers dog was barking. The dog charged me and tor, and as they were taking my wife to the kids were bussed to other junior highs like had just graduated from high school and I the lady started yelling “He don’t like nig- delivery room, the baby just flipped, all by Fort Miller, Wawona etc.) had just finished the 11th grade. It was a gers! He don’t like niggers!” I heard folks herself. For years, Dr. Brown said that was The California Advocate: So you said culture shock for me. I don’t know how say that dogs are color blind, but this dog a miracle baby. that you played a role in the bussing. Was long I saw grass, just asphalt and concrete must not have been. When I left to go to law school, there this a legal issue? for me. The girls out here wore skirts, but We were renting from my cousin and was only one lawyer in town, Hugh Westly Jim Parks: No, we never filed any- out here the girls wore shorts and pants. It then she decided to move back, so we Goodwin. He went to Harvard in the thing. In today’s political world, people was a different culture. I decided to go moved out to the Esquires, up on Wood- 1940’s. We were the only two African can’t get beyond the rhetoric and on to the back home to go to high school. After bridge, which were concrete blocked apart- Americans practicing that graduated from issues. But back in the day, you could that, I was given a scholarship. In those ments. Then we moved down on Strother. Harvard. shame them, to at least make them appear days, I came from the segregated South We’ve lived in the projects, The California I was listening to the radio and an inter- that they wanted to do right. Nowadays, and the school that I went to didn’t have Courts. Doretha’s mother was over the esting story about Hugh came on. It was these guys don’t have any shame. We were kindergarten or first through twelfth housing authority. When I worked for the about how his other brother gave up his ca- able to reason a lot to get them to see some grades. Everybody was Black, including post office I made $2.57 an hour and that reer, so that his younger brothers could get issues. Now they just talk to their base and all of our teachers. Every year, there was was too much income to be living there. their education. Hugh was in the military that’s all they do. only one White person that came to the I was going to school at night and then and got wounded, when he met a guy lay- The California Advocate: How far do school, and that was the superintendent, dropped out, but quickly enrolled back in, ing beside him, and they became really you think that West Fresno has come? who came when I graduated from high because it didn’t feel right. I felt that if I good friends. Jim Parks: I think that the whole soci- school. I received a scholarship to an have the ability to go to school, I should When the guy became better, he wanted ety has gotten worse. I remember going AME College. We had our own Black take advantage of that. Tuition at City Col- to go back into action, so he borrowed back to Arkansas and I layed on a picnic college, which was not a historically lege was ten dollars, per semester. You Hugh’s uniform. Hugh told him “Now table and went to sleep one night. We use Black college. could take unlimited courses for $10. don’t get it shot up!” That guy ended up to walk all around West Fresno, any place I was headed out there (to college) to When I finished City College, I wanted to being Audy Murphy. He was one of the we wanted to, because there was no such meet up with my grandparents. My uncle transfer from being a letter carrier, to a let- most decorated guys in WWII and he be- thing as ‘gang violence’ and drugs were picked me up at the bus station and he ter clerk. They wouldn’t allow me to do came a movie star. They stayed in contact. not like they are now. Fresno was a much missed the turn-off to my grandfather’s that, but they did give me a part time job. Hugh was the first Black judge in Fresno safer place to live in. There was no such house, we went so far passed the turnoff I was in Sacramento one day during that County. thing as burglar bars on windows. Not only we almost ended up in a town called time and met Joe Lee. Dr. Joe Lee said that When he first went to court, it was has West Fresno gotten worse, but our Risen. So my uncle decided to take me he was running a teaching training pro- called the ‘bar’, which was this little rail whole society has. I’m a pastor and I feel back to his house. The next day he didn’t gram. The program was where you would that separates the attorneys, court staff and that people have lost touch with morality. I mention anythin about meeting up with my work in a classroom from 8-12 and they everybody else. Hugh was going to go think one of the issues is ‘relativism’; that grandmother or grandfather, and I didn’t paid $5 dollars an hour while taking class- across the bar when the bailiff said “What there is no truth, if your truth is not my either. So, I got to stay there in town with es in the evening. We were all working to- are you doing? You can’t come up here.” truth. Some of our kids are being taught my Uncle for a whole year, which is what I wards a Social Science degree to get a Hugh responded by saying “You just watch that “...If I don’t have any, and you have wanted to do anyway. My uncle’s family teaching credential. At that time, I was me.”. One day, Hugh was in L.A. and he three, you ought to give me one, or I can opened up their home to me. They had working two full-time jobs. I was working was watching the police harass some guy take it, and that’s okay because you still two little girls, ages 4 and 5 years old, they 40 hours a week as a letter carrier and 40 and they told him to go away and he said have two more”. were like sisters to me. So when it was hours a week as a janitor at Fresno State. “I have a right to be here”, and they arrest- Your moral base determines how you in- time to come back to California, I jumped That was getting pretty old, so when Joe ed him. Then he heard one of them say terpret the world. Like the woman the oth- on the Greyhound bus. mentioned the programs, he said that there “Aw man, we just arrested a lawyer.” He er day, who took her kid to soccer practice. In 1963, we arrived in Dallas and I went wasn’t any openings. So I told him that sued them for false arrest. He was talking back to her, so she shoots into the bus terminal to get a hamburger. when you have any openings to let me The California Advocate: Do you re- and kills him; he was only 13 years old. The lady says “Sorry, I can’t serve you know because I am interested in teaching. member some of the overall issues that we Then, she goes home and her 16 year old here”. I didn’t see the “Whites Only” sign. You know how people say that they are as a community have come together and daughter was on the computer and she She then said “You have to go outside and going to call you, and they don’t? Well two worked on? shoots her in the back of the head. She said we will serve you through the window.” weeks later Joe called me and said we’ve Jim Parks: The District Elections for that she shot them because ‘they talk back Back home, I was used to where I was got an opening. Joe saved my life because West Fresno. When we elected Les Kim- and they are mouthy’. When I was grow- “supposed” to be, so it was a shock to me, 80 hours was getting old. I graduated from ber. I think about what Joe Williams did at ing up, you didn’t talk back to your par- because that had never happened to me be- Fresno State. After graduating from Fresno the EOC, and all of those programs that we ents, but now kids think they have as much fore. In Arkansas, we had a place called State, we had to get accredited. Everyone did. At one time in Fresno , we had Joe rights as their parents do. We do crazy the “Victory Café” and the White folks sat was not happy about minority teachers be- Williams and Les Kimber on the City stuff like women drowning her kids, and on one side, and we sat across from them, ing in the district. There was a teacher that Council, Kimber was the Vice Mayor, and guys going into buildings killing others looking right at each other. On one side, was giving me and another student a real also we had Jim Aldredge as the city Man- and then killing themselves. there was a “White” entrance, and on the tough time. She didn’t want an influx of ager. We also had Jim Hendricks at City Many people are saying that it’s okay to other side, there was the “Colored” en- minority in the district. Hall and then we had Stafford Parker, Joe have guns that shoot thirty times a round. trance. We were looking at them and they We were taken over to City College, Wingfield, Joe Lee and Jim Hendricks over What hunter needs a gun like that? Give the were looking at us. Even though we had where Dr. Pepper and Dr. Johnson oversaw at Parks & Recs. That was a very interest- dear a chance! The problem is that you can’t the same waitresses, you just couldn’t sit that program, so we ended up getting our ing time. A lot of good things were done teach morality without there being a base for on the same side of the room. teaching credentials over there. In my last for the betterment of the community. With morality. So all these people that love this I came out to Fresno and chopped cot- year of college, one of my teachers, Dr. Mary Curry, being on the school board, country so much have created a system that ton. When it was time to go to college, my Joe Closset, suggested that he and I go to was a good thing. After she left the board, allows their children to destroy it. mother said that her preference was to law school. After working in the district as her involvement in education issues has The California Advocate: What do you have the family together, so I agreed to a teacher’s aide for two years, I figured I been a tremendous asset in boosting this think is the biggest challenge in our com- stay here. I hated it, but looking back, I de- couldn’t continue as a teacher because they community. We are going to have a Middle munity? stroyed my plans because He had better would end up firing me. So I said to my- School in West Fresno, primarily due to Jim Parks: The biggest challenge is plans for me. It was too late to enroll in self that I needed a job where I call the her and the people who helped her. It can’t how to save our children. How to create an City College, so I had to take night classes. shots. He said “Let’s apply to Harvard Law even be stressed how much she and Dr. environment so they can learn well, be I remember taking a class called “English School” and we got in. Just as we were Curry have made a difference in this com- trained and be productive. We have so 50”. What surprised me is that I already planning to go to law school, my wife be- munity. many young Black men who are not work- knew what they taught. What they were came pregnant with our third child, and When I was delivering mail in the 60’s, ing. There are so many of them that have teaching is what I already learned in the that was totally unexpected. the Curry’s were on my route. Dr. Smith dropped out of school. There are so many 6th grade. The greater shock was that the In those days, abortion was a big ques- was at 14 West Woodward, Jim Hendricks of them in prison, they just don’t have any White kids didn’t know it; and people had tion. This was now 1972. This baby was was 304 West Woodward, and the Curry’s hope. When I was coming up, I could look lead me to believe that they were getting a such bad timing because our son was 5 are still living there. They’re still living in up to people like Jim Aldrege and Joe Lee better education. When I went to school years old and our daughter was 4 years the hood. and others, but who do they look up to and the Whites got new books, we got their old. This new wrinkle was such an incon- The California Advocate: When you now? It’s almost like we don’t have a used books. I thought that we always fell venience, but we decided to go through first got here to Fresno, what restaurant Black community anymore, geographical- behind because of that. I really did. I also with it, and I’m glad now that I did. San were you eating at? ly. When I came to Fresno, at least 90 per- thought that California was an ‘advanced Joaquin Law School was right down the Jim Parks: When I first came here, the cent of us lived in West Fresno. I think state’, and I went to a county school in street, but people said “If you have a Chinese restaurants were good places to that we have lost a sense of community. I Arkansas, not the city. What surprised me chance to go to school at Harvard, you eat. As far as a Soul Food restaurant, there feel that if we don’t have that sense of is that the work was so easy. have to go.” was Triangle. Kearney Drive Inn was an- community, then our children won’t have Then I met this young lady, who at first One cold November night, she was in la- other place where people use to go. The it. I feel that our African American young was just a friend. I actually use to talk to bor and I took her to the hospital. She thing that I remember most about Fresno is men and women, especially young men, her about my girl back home. We used to wanted me to go with her, so they put the that the West Side was Black and brown. have a sense of disconnect. I remember talk on the phone; this was before call mask on me and Lisa was born. She was There were still a few Asians that lived in when I was a student teaching and I took waiting. We decided to get married when I born with her eyes wide open, but she was West Fresno, but Edison High School was the kids to a swim party and many of those was 19 years old. She graduated in June, not breathing and the equipment to help predominantly Hispanic and Black, which kids had never been farther North than and we got married in September. We did- her breath was on a different floor. So I very few Blacks went to other schools. The Ashlan. n’t have a car. We lived in some studio start praying and it was like I had a choice, re-development expanded all the way to February 18-25, 2011 The California Advocate Page 9

Fresno Pioneers: Some of the First Blacks to Work in these Positions ¥ Floyd White, Fireman ¥ Joe Williams, Elected to Fresno City ¥ Rutherford “Bud” Gaston, Princpal ¥ Rev. Charles Henry Byrd, Organized the ¥ Charles Walton, Policeman Council ¥ Joe Lee San Joaquin Baptist Association ¥ John Long, Policeman ¥ James Aldredge, City Manager Ð Doctori- ¥ Felton Burns, Education ¥ Issac Young ¥ James Watts, Physician 1921-1927 al Degree in Public Administration ¥ Stanley McDonald, Education ¥ Dr. Henry Wallace, Physician ¥ Ray Johnson, Assistant City Manager ¥ Nadene Mayo, Education Community Pioneers... ¥ Dr. Harry Osborne, Dentistry City of Fresno ¥ Roland Johnson, Superintendent ofSchool ¥ Mr. & Mrs. John Oliver, Graduates from ¥ Dr. George Furlow, Dentistry ¥ Jim Hendricks, Redevelopment Agency- Fowlers High became one of the first and ¥ Charles Young, High School & College Director Physicians... most successful farm families. All American ¥ Omie Cormier, Founded West Fresno Dr. Noel Smith ¥ Dr. Harry Arvis ¥ Reynold Johnson, Banker/ Investor ¥ Woody Miller, Radio Station Manager Christian Academy Dr. Harry Osborne, DDS ¥ Dr. James Watts ¥ Ivy Roberts, Judge ¥ John Davis, Television Announcer ¥ Cleofus Johnson, United Parcel Service Dr. Bryant ¥ Dr. Ulysses Curry ¥ Barney Bell, Military ¥ Alfred Boutte, State Employee Manager ¥ Dr. Ned Doffoney, President of Fresno Dr. George Furlow, DDS ¥ Dr. Ed Mosley ¥ Odell Johnson Sr., Entrepreneur ¥ Jack Kelley, Police Sergeant & Detective City College Dr. Henry Wallace ¥ Dr. Freddie Hayes ¥ Jessie Cooley, Funeral Director ¥ Jesse McDonald, County Planning Com- ¥ Les & Pauline Kimber, Founded Califor- Dr. Sydney Jackson, DDS ¥ Mr. Scott, Scott’s Cleaner mission Member nia Advocate Newspaper Dr. George Bugg ¥ Dr. Earl Meyers ¥ Merle Carter, Community Volunteer/Edu- ¥ George Marcus, Pharmacist ¥ Mary Curry, Fresno Unified School Dis- Dr. Willie Brown ¥ Dr. Stain cator ¥ Randy Williams, Olympic Gold Meda trict Board of Supervisors ¥ Carolyn Carter, Community Leader Winner ¥ Dezie Woods-Jones, State President on Religion... ¥ Sudie Douglas, Started “Stay in School” ¥ Robert Trotter, School Board Member Black Women Organized for Political Ac- ¥ Rev. & Mrs. M.D. Dixon group ¥ Claude Hurst, FSU Student Body Presi- tion/City Councilwoman and Vice Mayor ¥ Rev. A.W. White, Founded St. Rest ¥ C. Jones, Military dent of Oakland Church 1937 ¥ Linzie Daniels, Fresno County Adminis- ¥ Reuben Ford, Postmaster ¥ Arthelma Johnson, Supervising Nurse in ¥ Bishop Warren S. Wilson, Fresno Temple trator ¥ Elma P. Sterling, Appointed Council- the CSU System ¥ H Y Rogers, Fresno Temple ¥ George Purdom, Insurance Company woman ¥ Louise “Pat” Moon, Stratford Elementary ¥ Edward Lyndsey, Founded 2nd Baptist ¥ Lawrence Cormier, Counselor ¥ Beatrice Owens, County Teacher School Educator Church 1888 ¥ Ruby Graves, Historian ¥ Hugh W. Goodwin, Attorney & Judge ¥ Earl Bradley, Photographer/TV ¥ Rev. Aaron & Solomon Walton Bethel, ¥ Roy M. Woods, Edison PTA/Entrepreneur ¥ Francis Goodwin, Educator ¥ Florene Smith, First Bank Teller African American Methodist Episcopal ¥ Frank Johnson, Superintendent of Schools in West Fresno School District Education... Church... Every month is Black History Month in the California ¥ Odell Johnson Jr, High School Coach / ¥ Ernie Shelton, CSUF ¥ Rev. Cecil Howard, Carter Memorial Advocate and this year, during each month, we are go- ing to highlight past and present leaders in our com- Educator/ College President ¥ Loraine Wiley, CSUF Botany ¥ Rev. Elbert Williams munity. There are many African American pioneers ¥ Melvin Combs, Fresno Bus Drivers ¥ Willie Perry, CSUF Counselor & Civic ¥ Rev. Swillis not included in this list. If you would like to help up- ¥ Rutherford “Bud” Gaston, Principal Leader ¥ Pastor James Seal, First Trinity COGIC date this list please write the California Advocate P.O. Fresno Unified School District ¥ Velda Neal Boutte, Fresno Unified School ¥ Mr. Matthew L. Daw, Second Baptist Box 11826, Fresno, Ca 93775 and include your con- ¥ Steven Mark Nichols, Dancer/Performer District Church tact information. The Advocate’s History of: THE CALIFORNIA ADVOCATE INTERVIEWS HISTORICAL BLACK FRESNO RESIDENTS: Second Baptist Church Rutherford B. Gaston, Sr. On March 31, 1888, Reverend Ed- In 1933, Reverend A. W. Hubbard Community. We are looking forward to After five years of serving his country (United States ward Lindsay and his wife with six was called. He served from 1933 to “further with fait” in our God. Army) in England and North Africa, Mr. Gaston settled children arrived in Fresno California 1939. This successor was Reverend Os- From August 2001 to March 2003, his family in Fresno. A graduate of California State Uni- from North Carolina. They found no car J. Pedsclaux who for five years the pulpit was filled by guest speakers. versity, Fresno, earning both his BA and MA degrees in Negro Baptist Church. With the aid of (1939-1944). Reverend Maurice M. Harris was Education and Education Administration, Mr. Gaston was other families, a small group was orga- In 1945, Reverend William C. Dixon called as Pastor in 2003. He resigned in equipped for his first position as teacher at Columbia Ele- nized and met in different homes for of Chicago, IL was called. Among the 2004. mentary. In 1963, Mr. Gaston was selected to be the first prayer meetings. In August of that same many accomplishments under his lead- On October 6, 2002, Deacon Alan L. year, Reverend De Witt of First Baptist ership was the launching of the build- Daw announced that he had been called African American Principal in Fresno Unified assigned to Church assisted the group in organizing ing fund drive in 1946. The present to the ministry. He delivered his first both Teilman and Emerson Elementary. From 1967 Ð a Baptist Church. Reverend Lindsey building was completed in 1953 and message on October 13, 2002. Besides 1986, he was a principal at Jefferson, Franklin, and was elected pastor, with Mr. Daniel dedication services were held in August serving as Worship Leader, (January Bethune Elementary Schools. Lewis and Mr. Ben Doakes as Deacons. of 1953. The membership had in- 2004 to June 2005), preaching each While serving as an administrator in the district, Mr. The character members were Mrs. creased to 385. Reverend Dixon re- month, he carried out many other du- Gaston’s commitment to the community, civic and hu- Bridget Lindey, Eliza Lopast, Henrietta signed in 1958. ties, including visiting the sick. During manitarian issues were seen in the numerous affiliations to Bigsby, Maric Jones, Eliza Eilson, Reverend Henry H. Mitchell, Jr. son this time he was a student at American which he was aligned. An example of a few of these of af- Lucy Watkins, Maric Farncy, and D. of Reverend Henry H. Mitchell, Sr. Baptist Seminary of the West in Oak- filiations was the founder and past president of the Black Oakes. who was pastor in 1922, was called. land CA. Educators of Fresno (1961) and serving on the Desegre- The church was originally named Rev. Mitchell and his wife Ella, gave On the June 19, 2005, the church vot- gation Task Force for Fresno Unified School District in Ebenezer Baptist Church, but was later their concern and love to the communi- ed to call Reverend Brian L. Brewer, as 1977. His passion for saving children lead him to becom- changed to Second Baptist Church ty as well as the church. He was instru- our 23rd pastor. He preached his first In 1889, Reverend Timothy Smith mental aiding the church to obtain fi- sermon on July 10, 2005. On Saturday, ing a member of the Juvenile Justice Commission for was called as pastor. His negotiated nances for the (parsonage 908 Garrett) September 10th, the Installation; Ser- Fresno County, Parks and Recreation Commission for the plans were to erect a church on the cor- and the educational building. He pas- vices of Reverend and Sister Brewer City of Fresno, and founder of the United Black Men, ner of Stanislaus and E Street. The tured from 1958 to 1966. were held. We think God for sending us where he served as president for ten years. Other com- building was completed, but the church Reverend Paul Duncan, Sr. served as “Our Anointed Ones”, Pastor Brian L. missions and boards that have had the benefit of his com- members were never given the deed to interim from 1966 to 1967 Brewer and Sister Shalon C. Brewer. munity services were, for the City of Fresno, Ethic Com- the property Rev. Smith later resigned Reverend Matthew L. Daw, Sr. and Our prayer is that this will be a long and mission, Planning Commission, Charter Review Commit- and after a few months, Reverend S. A. his family came to Second Baptist spiritual relationship. “Inspired by the tee (Strong Mayor), Fresno City and County Historical Smith was called. Under this adminis- Church in 1967 from Spokane, Wash- past, challenged by the present, excited Society, Fresno Metropolitan Museum, Kiwanis Club of tration the spirit of the church was ington. His concerns were to keep the by the future. Our Message: We Will Fresno, Chaffee Zoo, Trustee with Second Baptist Church again revived. church aware of the world outside of Have to Leave Our Comfort Zone. and Fresno County California Retired Teachers Associa- Through the efforts of Mr. Eliza the fellowship. Under his administra- Rev. Brian Brewer resigned in 2009. tion. Lopast, the church was able to purchase tion, Second Baptist had the joy of He preached his last sermon on Easter the property at Merced and F Street for burning the mortgage in 1973. Sunday 2009. The community, in turn, has acknowledged Mr. Gas- $600.00. The members worked very The one hundred (100) year of SBC Rev C.C. Carter (son of Rev. C. C. ton’s dedicated efforts through a variety of recognitions hard to raise the down payment of was a month long celebration. There Carter) was named Pulpit Minister in and awards, such as the Kremen School of Education $30.00 and to keep up the note. The were services each night for the month April of 2010 Alumni Award (2004), Whitney Young, Jr., Service Church continued to grow. The mort- of August 1, 1988. Speakers were past This is the third father and son Pastor Award, Fresno Mall Dedication Plaque (1964 ), California gage was paid in full. Rev. Smith re- Pastors, Sons of SBC, and many of our and Minister that have served second Advocate Appreciation Award (1977), Certificate of Spe- signed because of his health. local church Pastors. Then in 1990, Baptist, namely, Mitchell, Daw and cial Recognition, US Office of Education Division of Ed- In 1903, Reverend John M. Collins Second Baptist Church experienced a Carter ucation for the Disadvantaged (1980), KSEE 24 Portraits of Kansas City, MO was called. The total new and Different encounter with of Success (1998), and the American Cancer Society church was destroyed by fire. the Lord. He sent his Angel and called Makers of History 1888 to 2010 (2002,2003), just to name a few. In 1906, Reverend John Morgan, a Rec. Matthew L. Das, Sr., to his re- Rev. Edward Lindsey (1888-1898) Since Mr. Gaston’s retirement in 1986, he continues to Northern Baptist Missionary, was a ward. remain actively involved in our community, currently source of strength and courage to the Reverend Joseph C. Richardson was Rev. Timothy Smith (1898-1898) congregation. The members elected named Pulpit Minister from 1990 to Rev. S.A. Smith (1898-1903) serving as him as pastor. 1992. Rev. John M. Collins (1903-1906) ¥ Board of Directors, Boys and Girls Clubs of Fresno The pastor was Reverend John In 1992, Second Baptist Church Rev. John Morgan (1906-?) ¥ Foundation Board Member, Saint Agnes Medical Sanders of Bakersfield, CA. The called Reverend Kenneth L. Smiley of Rev. John Saunders (?-1912) Center church building was completed and Elmhurst, New York. During that time, Rev. Arline (1912-1914) ¥ Past Board Member, San Joaquin Gardens Rev. Cohen (1914-1915) • Laymen’s Movement, Second Baptist Church dedicated in 1912. Rev. Sanders re- our church body has as its Theme, Rev. T.M. Davis (1915-1922) signed. “Continually P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Rev. H.H. Mitchell, Sr. (1922-1924) ¥ Member Kiwanis Club of Fresno Reverend Artinic became pastor. Something Happens).” Rev. D.J. Crawford (1922-1926) ¥ Member NAACP, Black Political Council, King However, his stay was brief. As we went into our third century, Rev. Oscar Pedescleaux (1939-1944) Solomon Lodge No. 6F&AM and Saphar Temple No. In 1915, Reverend T.M. Davis was 1888-2000, our Theme was “All Rev. William Dixon (1944-1958) 117 called and served for seven years. Things Are Possible with God.” Mark Rev. Henry H. Mitchell (1958-1966) ¥ Member for Fresno County California Retired Teach- In 1922, Reverend H. H. Mitchell, 10:27. Rev. Kenneth L Smiley resigned ers Association Sr. of New Jersey was called. Due to in 2001. Rev. Paul Duncan (1966-1967) health reason, his-stay was brief. We’ve Come This Far By Faith, Rev. Matthew L. Daw (1967-1990) ¥ Fresno Area Committee of UNCF Reverend D. J. Crawford of Bakers- Steal Away, If Jesus Goes With Me, Rev. J.C. Richardson (1990-1992) ¥ VFW and American Legion field, CA led the memberships from Give Me a Clean Heart, Lord I Want To Rev. Kenneth L. Smiley (1992-2001) ¥ Phi Delta Kappa Education 1924-1926. Be A Christian, The Lord Will Make A Mr. Gaston and his late wife, Willodyne, have four chil- In, 1926, Reverend J. D. Wilson of Way Somehow, and God’s Amazing Guest Speakers dren. Sons Rutherford, Jr. an administrator in the San Jose Oakland CA accepted the pastoratc. Grace are some of the songs that were Rev. Maurice M. Harris (2003-2004) area; Harlan is a Business Account Manager at Makely Under his pastorac the pasibage at 1720 sung that reflected our heartaches, pain, Rev. Alan L. Daw (2004-2005) Enterprise; Henry is now living in Cleveland, Ohio; and F Street was purchased. and joy that we have been blessed by Rev. Brian Brewer (2005-2009) daughter, Eugenia is a Mental Health Social Worker at !n 1928, Reverend F.D. Haynes, Sr., God in these one hundred nineteen Rev. C.C. Carter (2009-2010) Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. He has seven of Los Angeles, CA served four years. years of service to God, Country and Rev. Wilbert C. Carter (2010-Present) (7) grandchildren and one great grandchild. Page 10 The California Advocate February 18-25, 2011

The Advocate’s History of: FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH Fifty years ago Fellowship Mis- on March 17, 1947, by the late pastor while we prayed to move erty Expansion Committee to lead hosting the Fresno Area Promise sionary Baptist Church was orga- Reverend L. C. Garrett, then the forward with God’s work. And the membership in paying off and Keepers Wake-Up Call, where nized in the home of Sister Rosie Pastor of Mt. Pleasant Baptist move forward we did. Even with- improving our church edifice. over 600 men of all races gathered Louis. Some of the charter mem- Church. At the time of his ordina- out a Pastor, many things were ac- God be praised, we paid the mort- together in the name of Jesus for bers were: Sister Rosie Louis, Sis- tion Reverend Daniels was attend- complished during this time and gage off during Pastor Ranfer’s racial reconciliation, under the ter Louise Wyatt, Sister Lucy ing Pacific College Seminary. the Kingdom’s work continued at leadership. leadership of our Pastor Ransfer. Brown, Sister Bertha Griffen, Sis- The remarkable strides we Fellowship. Reverend Daniel Pastor Ransfer was active in He, leading Fellowship increased ter Rosie Mary Simmons, Sister made under the leadership of Pas- Kariuki,of the Saint Rest Baptist many Christian organizations and community involvement, and in- Della Woods, Sister Emma young, tor E.M. Daniels were amazing. Church, came to assist us as inter- community activities such as na- spired frequent media coverage. Brother Henry Christian, Sister We believe the whole word of im pastor. In addition to the spiri- tional Evangelism Workshop, Truly, the Fellowship family’s Haynes, and Reverend R. D. God and certainly the inspired tual teaching, preaching and lead- served as an officer in the Califor- light was shining before the Fres- Christian, the first Pastor. words of the Apostle Paul when ership of Reverend Kariuki, our nia Missionary Baptist State Con- no community. The first three Sunday services he said in Philippians 4:13 “I can own Reverend Jimmy Jackson vention and St. John District As- In August 1995, we celebrated were held in the home of Sister do all things through Christ which was faithful and continued to be a sociation. He was also involved our 50th Church Anniversary by Rosie Louis, who graciously strengtheneth me.” Surely God constant source of stability and with the Pastor’s Prayer Summit, revisiting all the historical sites of opened her doors to the small, but blessed us beyond any of our ex- faithfulness to the membership. West Fresno Ministerial Alliance, Fellowship Baptist Church by car- faithful congregation. It was pectations. Finally, in 1988, we formed a Symposium on African American avan. Our first stop was at the An- learned that a tent could be pur- The name of the church was Pastor Search committee The Health Issues, and guest lecturer na street location. There we sang a chased for a small amount. The once again changed to the name Lord laid on our hearts to follow at Fresno State University dis- song and had prayer. We moved tent was purchased by Sister Wy- we now have, the Fellowship His choice and called Reverend cussing “Blacks in the Bible.” on to the “B” street location and att and placed on the corner of Baptist Church, at the suggestion Kenneth J. Ransfer, Sr. to become In 1993 Pastor Ransfer and the had church service. This was a Church and South Cherry Av- of Sister Daniels, the late Pastor our pastor. Pastor Ransfer offi- Fellowship family led the city in very memorable event for many enues where services were held E.M. Daniels’ wife. cially accepted the pastorate of the first gun exchange where citi- of our saints. We spent the for approximately six months. In 1954 Fellowship Baptist the Fellowship on the first Sunday zens exchanged their guns for evening fellowshipping with one Our next move was to the corner Church moved to the 1500 block in April 1989, and we gladly wel- tickets to recreation activities; this another at the church family meet- of ‘G’ and Monterey Street in Oc- of “B” street. There we wor- comed him, his wife and two was an effort to reduce the city’s ing. tober of 1946. The church held shipped for approximately two sons, Kenneth, Jr. and Christopher rising violence. Pastor Ransfer was led to Pastor services there until the early part years. In that same year we relo- Daniel. In May 1994 the Fellowship a church in Seattle, Washington. of 1947 and then moved to Anna cated to 1030 “B” street in 1954 Under the leadership of Pastor Baptist Church made missionary In April 1997, Fellowship Baptist Street the same year. and remained there for twenty- Ransfer many previous activities history by sending Pastor Ransfer Church prayers were answered. Pastor R. D. Christian pastored three years. and auxiliaries once flourishing at to Sierra Leone, West Africa, as Reverend Chris L. Lewis, Sr. ac- the flock for about one year and On September 25, 1977, the Fellowship became restored, as part of the Christians in Action cepted the pastoral call and afterward Reverend M. M. Jones congregation of the Fellowship well as many new ministries were Missionary Team. Pastor Ransfer preached his first sermon Sunday was accepted as Pastor and led the Missionary Baptist Church pur- added. Our membership contin- conducted workshops on the June 1, 1997. Through the Lord’s church to change its name to chased the existing edifice at 2529 ued to grow; full church participa- Christian family and preached the leading his expository teaching “Friendship Baptist Church.” He E. Belmont Avenue. Fellowship tion in state, district and commu- gospel in the streets and village and preaching many souls contin- labored with us for nearly two grew to an astounding estimate of nity organizations were being re- churches. Hundreds came to ued to be saved and revived. years, and after Pastor Christian, 1200 members. stored; and a more determined di- Christ through the Spirit-let ef- Under Pastor Lewis’ leadership Friendship remained faithful for a In May of 1987, our beloved rection was being focused in the forts of the Christians in we underwent a major remodeling short period without a Pastor. Pastor E. M. Daniels, went home area of missions, children, youth, Action Team. This was truly a process called “Project 2000 On August 1, 1949 we were un- to be with the Lord, after a young adult and senior citizen great missionary accomplishment (Building from the Inside-Out).” der the dynamic leadership of lengthy illness. Reverend Willie ministries, with evangelism and for Fellowship Missionary Baptist We installed stained glass win- Reverend E. M. Daniels, who was Hall, who had been called in 1986 discipleship as a first priority. Un- Church dows, entrance doors, cushioned ordained as the Assistant Pastor of to serve as our Minister of Music, der His leadership we organized a In July 1995 the Fellowship pews and carpet in the main sanc- the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, served temporarily as our interim Church Beautification and Prop- family made history again by tuary. The Advocate’s History of: Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church The Mount Pleasant Mission- painted by Rev. Roy Easley. Sev- and spiritual events that took 1991. All saints day was instituted ary Baptist Church embarked up- eral other features were also place under the leadership of On October 25.1992, pastor by the mass choir in 1997. on its mission of providing for completed. Rev. Garrett and the Mount. Rev Robert Houston Sr. of Portland, As a replacement to Hal- the spiritual growth and develop- In 1941 Rev. C.E. Henderson Garrett was instrumental in guid- Oregon was called to Mt. Pleas- loween for our church young- ment of the Fresno community in became Pastor but he resigned at ing many young men into the ant. Under his leadership: sters, but it was turned into a 1926. From the church’s simple the request of the deacons on ministry. Among those preachers ¥ The church had been further community event open to our beginning. The congregation January 20, 1942. Once again the were/ are Marvin D. Slade, blessed by improvements to neighbor. Each year since its be- grew in both size and faith dur- Mount was in need of a minister. Frank Douglas, E. M. Daniels, the church parsonage which ginning, all Saints Day has ing this period. Sister Cornelius Phelphs stated, Chester Riggins, Tyree Toliver, include safety bars on the grown in size and scope that The journey began in 1926 “I know a man in Arkansas who Roscoe Cummingd, Naaman windows, the renovation of streets around the church are during a meeting in the home of I will contact.” Little did we Haynes, Abraham L, Westmore- the women’s restroom, and blocked to accommodate the Bro. and Sis. Wolskill. It was know that Rev. L.C. Garrett land, and Bruce Haynes. new kitchen flooring. growing crowd. here that a group of people from would be the turning point in The 34 years that Rev. Garrett ¥ The church accounting prac- Once again we went to God in the Second Baptist Church de- Mount Pleasant history. pastored speaks well of this man tices and accounts were up- earnest and sincere prayer for a cided to organize a new church In March of 1942 Rev. L.C. and his moral and spiritual char- dated to enhance and facili- spiritual leader. On the first Sun- known as Mount Pleasant Mis- Garrett, a native of Varner, acter. He was well thought of in tate church business. day in November, God answered sionary Baptist Church. This ef- Arkansas, came to Fresno to pas- the community. Garrett Street in ¥ Additional church staff was our prayers; and we were blessed fort came under the leadership of tor. The church grew spiritually southwest Fresno is named for also employed such as a gar- to receive Pastor Frank Barnes, Rev. W.A. Watkins, a Missionary and financially under his leader- him. He was a faithful and de- dener, and security guard. from Pasadena, California whom of the St. John Baptist Church. ship. The deacons at that time in- voted servant to his ministry and ¥ Implementation of a pastor’s we chose to lead: The charter families of this new cluded John Riggins, Bemoe this type of faithfulness and aid, early prayer meeting, ¥ He is spiritually leading this church were the Wolfskills, Har- Kimble, Bonnie Merrit, Brother longevity in evidence of a pastor and a successful night bible flock in a manner that is graves, Rogers, Andersons, Pear- Benge, Fred Slade Sr., Naaman truly sent by God. When God study. pleasing to God. sons, Gravitts, Clarks, and the Haynes, Dan Wright, Jeff Cook, places a pastor over his flock, he ¥ Assisted Hollestine Smith in ¥ Reorganized the brotherhood Morres. On May 22, 1926, two David Jones, James Sutton, Jesse is successful in hid ministry and sending supplies and money and the B.T.U. lots were purchased on “D” and Cummings, Tom Adams, remains until god moves him. to the Florida hurricane vic- Members of Mt. Pleasant and El Dorado Streets, and the Malachi Hackett, John Graham, Following Rev, Garrett’s tims. other congregations, in order for church was incorporated Decem- Isaac Slade, and Brother McKay. homecoming in 1976, Rev. B.T. ¥ Mother’s board established us to keep prospering in God’s ber 23, 1926. On April 22, 1927, Over the course of many years Lewis was called to pastor Mt. an old landmark day in July love and fellowship, we must be the Rev. F.W. Brooks of Los An- various auxiliaries were orga- Pleasant. The church prospered of 1993. prepared to help and encourage geles was called to Pastor the nized. These were the Mother’s under his leadership. A church The accomplished were vari- ourselves and others while living church. Board, the Youth Choir, the Dea- improvement committee was ous and greatly contributed to under the love, grace and mercy Rev. M.D. Dixion and Rev. con’s Wives Council, Starlight formed. The choir stand was el- the growth of the church. Hous- of God. For the Mount, we have Joe Peason supplied the spiritual Band, Shepherd Boys, G.A. evated, paneling was placed ton resigned in June of 1995 to had our share of life’s ups and leadership until November 28, Girls, the Pleasant Travelers, the around the rostrum, a cement accept a position in San Diego downs during our 75 years of ex- 1928 when A. L. Powell was Four Echoes, men and women’s handicap ramp was installed on and we were again without a pas- istence: But we have had more called to Pastor from 1928 to Christian society, Ruth circle and the west wing side of the church, tor. ups because none will lose out 1933. Rev. P.A. Bedford of Bak- mission choir. the church was painted, and a In April of 1996 the Rev An- walking by faith and by serving ersfield was called to Pastor and In 1947, the cornerstone of the parsonage was purchased at thony Thompson came to lead Christ. For Mt. Pleasant and oth- he served until 1934. During the new $35,000 brick church, 2010 West Kearney Boulevard. Mt. Pleasant. Under his leader- er congregations the final test of year of 1934-35, Rev. E. Leon which adjoined the original edi- In 1977, Brother Charles Young ship: pure religion is not just reli- Nails served in the capacity of fice, was laid and was expected purchased a forty passenger bus ¥ He changed the Lord’s Sup- giousness, but love; not what we pastor until the installation of to be completed by the early Ju- for our church. Rev, Lewis per from morning to evening have done, not what we have be- Rev. M.G. Greer on November ly. The edifice in which we now served from November 1976 un- ¥ Reorganized the shepherd lieved; not what we have 12, 1935. worship was built by Mack, til March 31, 1979. boys achieved, but how we have dis- Rev Greer served served until Roland, and Naaman Haynes, Brother Ozell Thompson led ¥ Stared the consecrated quar- charged the common charities of his passing in 1939. During his brothers who were members of the church until Rev. Wesley C. ters period for the benefit of life. In the words of Francis pastorate the church’s deed was the church and brick masons. Ellis of Oakland was called to the needy, and he began a Schaeffer, author of “ The Great paid off, and the members began The 1955 move into this building pastor the Mount in August of food giveaway project. Also Evangelical Disaster” to remodel. The work on the was also under the leadership of 1979. During his tenure the will- under Sister Katie Penning- “It is true sign of the church church began by Rev. Greer was Rev. Garrett, at this time the ing workers were formed, a ton, the mission set up a se- when true Christians love one completed in 1940 under the weekly bulletin were produced Christian board of Education mi-annual community cloth- another. The church is to be a leadership of Rev. J.A. Bumpus and distributed to the member- was established, an annual ing and food giveaways. One loving church in a dying cul- who severed as pastor from ship, our first mimeograph ma- homecoming event was begun, a of these giveaways dates has ture.” 1939-41. These improvements chine was purchased in April scholarship fund for the youth been incorporated with the Be forever mindful of God’s included a study for the pastor, a 1965. Also Sis Alice Rowe graduates moving on to college all saints day in October. Love, Grace and Mercy/ May dressing and waiting room for Willis donated an organ to the was formed, and a church year- Rev. Thompson resigned the God forever Bless and keep us the pastor, a baptismal pool, a church during this time. book was also produced. Rev. second Sunday of October all. painting and mural on the wall There were many wonderful Ellis was removed from pastor in 1997. February 18-25, 2011 The California Advocate Page 11

African American Gabriel Bibbard Moore Firsts at Fresno City was First Black Rancher College

BY HOMER GREENE, FCC was Dr. Edward Mosley. He in the San Joaquin Valley was elected in 1971. The first As Fresno City College, the African American female first junior college in Califor- elected to the SCCCD Board BY PAULA LLOYD Moore’s body “was found drowned portion containing his name was ly- nia, celebrates its Centennial of Trustees was Ms. Dottie in the river, still clutching a bush.” ing on the ground, allowing her to year, let us look back at a his- Smith. Ms. Smith was elected Gabriel Bibbard Moore was born a Moore owned a home, a wagon, record the complete inscription. tory of firsts, African Ameri- to the board in 1981. slave in Alabama in 1812, but nothing farm equipment and 180 head of Mr. Coate had read Ms. English’s can faculty and administra- The first African American is known about his early life. livestock when he died. His estate Ash Tree Echo article on Gabe tors hired by the college. male President of Fresno City In 1852, Moore and his owners, was worth $15,000. Moore in the California Room of the From the college’s found- College was Dr. Ned Dof- brothers Richard and William Mary Moore had a 3-foot-tall Fresno County Library. She told a ing as Fresno Junior College foney. Dr. Doffoney was Glenn, left Austin, Texas, with a memorial to her husband installed in compelling story in a very short in 1910 to the college’s name hired in 2002. change to Fresno City Col- It is noteworthy that as the wagon train led by Henry and the Akers Cemetery on Trimmer space. lege in 1958, there were no college turns 100 years old, Delilah Akers and settled near Cen- Springs Road near Centerville where Moore had been the slave of the African faculty or administra- the State Center Community terville. Henry and Delilah Akers and Glenn family in Arkansas. He was tors hired by the college. This College District, which FCC Moore apparently gained his free- Richard Glenn also are buried. brought to California by Richard and changed in the early 1960’s. is part of, has hired its second dom after arriving in the Valley: he Moore’s headstone was inscribed, William Glenn in 1853 with the Ak- Alma Palmer, hired in 1963 woman and first African is listed on the 1857 Fresno County “In memory of Gabriel Moore, died ers wagon train. After settling in as a nursing instructor, was American chancellor. Dr. tax roll as a property owner. May 25, 1880, 67 years, 10 months freedom on the Kings River, Gabe the first African American Deborah Blue has returned to He is listed as a farmer on the and 23 days of age.” The marker was proceeded to make himself into a faculty member at FCC. The Fresno and has been leading 1860 U.S. Census and was the first broken by vandals in 1965. wealthy free manÐfirst by farming college hired William Day, its the district since July 1, 2010. black cattle rancher in the Valley. He In 2008, students at Valley and then by cattle raising. By 1860, first African American male Dr. Blue will manage and hired his neighbors to herd cattle Preparatory Academy in Fresno or- just seven years out of slavery, Gabe in 1964. Mr. Day was a chem- lead a district that is fiscally from the Valley to the mountains in ganized a new memorial to Moore had accumulated $3,000 in personal istry instructor. sound because of the prudent The first African American management of retired Chan- the summers. that reads: “Beneath this broken property. administrator, Robert Fox, cellor Dr. Thomas A. Crow. Moore built the first rock dam tombstone lies Gabriel Bibbard An account from the Fresno Ex- was hired in 1980 as Dean of It has been 47 years since over the Kings River to divert water Moore, born a slave in Alabama Ju- positor dated January 4, 1871 told of Students. The first African the first African American into a small canal to irrigate 20 acres ly 2, 1812, drowned in the Kings a county clerk refusing to allow American associate dean was professor was hired at FCC. of potatoes and corn. He planted the River May 25, 1880, a free man.” Gabe to vote, even though the 15th Mr. Lee Farley. He was hired Alma Palmer and William first apple and fig orchards in the Amendment to the US Constitution in 1981 as the Associate Dean Day would be proud of the area. Account of Gabriel Moore’s life had given black men the right to of Students and Student-Af- faculty members and admin- Moore and his wife, Mary, had a according to Ms. June English: vote nearly a year earlier. (although fairs Counselor. The first istrators who have followed son, Ephraim, and adopted four or- In 1965, Ms. English had stood his name shows up on the Fresno African American female as- them. They would also be im- phaned siblings with the last name precisely where Bill Coate was County voter registration list in sociate dean was Dr. Deborah pressed with the appointment of Baker. standing in 2006. She had gone to 1872). According to Ms. English, Blue. Dr. Blue was hired in of Blue as chancellor of the In 1880, Moore drowned as he the Akers Cemetery to record the Gabe Moore was drowned in 1880 1991 as the Associate Dean of State Center Community Col- Humanities. lege District. drove a herd of cattle across the names of the pioneers buried there. while attempting to drive his cattle The first African American Dr. Blue will now be the rain-swollen Kings River. The book When she came to Gabe Moore’s across the King’s River. He left a and first African male elected first chancellor to lead the dis- “Fresno County in the Pioneer tombstone, it had already been van- wife, a son, 4 adopted children and a to the State Center Communi- trict toward its bi-centennial Years,” published in 1984, says dalized; however, the broken off $15,000 estate. ty College Board of Trustee year in 2011. Page 12 The California Advocate February 18-25, 2011

Back Row, left to right: JoLynn Washington, Naa Dodua Fresno’s Tommie Smith... Front Row, left to right: Dr. Clayborne Carson, Reverend Carolyn Dyson, M.A. U Continued from Page 1 petition of nations, while the was a faculty member at San- IAAF has abandoned ratify- athletes’ salute was not of a ta Monica College in Santa ing records for the event, nation and so was considered Monica, California. Smith will retain the official unacceptable. People who With author David Steele, record for the straightaway opposed the protest said the Smith wrote his autobiogra- 200 metres/220 yards in per- actions disgraced all Ameri- phy, entitled Silent Gesture, petuity. Smith won the na- cans. Supporters, on the other published in February 2007 tional collegiate 220-yard ti- hand, praised the men for by Temple University Press. tle in 1967 before adding the their bravery. The men’s ges- In August 2008, Tommie AAU furlong crown as well. ture had lingering effects for Smith gave 2008 Olympic He traveled to Japan for the all three athletes, the most se- triple gold winner Usain Bolt 1967 Summer Universiade rious of which were death of Jamaica one of his shoes and won the 200 m gold threats against Smith, Carlos from the 1968 Olympics as a medal. He repeated as AAU and their families. birthday gift. 200 m champion in 1968 and During his career, Smith In 2010, Smith announced made the Olympic team. set seven individual world that he would sell the gold In the 1968 Olympic records and also was a mem- medal he won at the 1968 Games at Mexico City, on 16 ber of several world-record Olympics in Mexico City. He October, he won the gold relay teams at San Jose State, put his gold medal up for medal for the 200 m in a where he was coached by auction. The bid starts at world record time 19.83s. He Lloyd (Bud) Winter. With $250,000. and a teammate, John Carlos, personal records of 10.1 for For his commitment to ath- who earned the bronze 100 meters, 19.83 for 200 letics, education, and human medal, gave a Black Power and 44.5 for the 400, Smith rights following his silent salute while receiving their still ranks high on the world gesture of protest at the ‘68 medals. Silver medalist Peter all-time lists. After graduat- Olympics in Mexico City, Norman, a white Australian, ing, Smith played profession- Smith received the Courage You are creating a proud legacy. donned a human rights badge al football with the Cincin- of Conscience Award from on the podium in support of nati Bengals for three years. The Peace Abbey in Sher- their protest. After his track career, he born, Massachusetts. For the 16th consecutive year, Union Bank and KQED are honored to celebrate Some people felt that a po- became a member of the In 2005, a statue showing Black History Month. We’re proud to celebrate the heroes in our local litical statement had no place United States National Track Smith and Carlos on the in the international forum of and Field Hall of Fame in medal stand (but not Nor- neighborhoods and congratulate the recipients of the Local Heroes Awards. the Olympic Games. In an 1978. In 1996, Smith was in- man, whose silver medal po- immediate response to their ducted into the California sition is vacant) was con- Your commitment, spirit, and drive have truly made a difference. And your actions, Smith and Carlos Black Sports Hall of Fame, structed by political artist tireless contributions are inspiring hope in the minds and hearts of future were suspended from the and in 1999 he received that Rigo 23 and dedicated on the U.S. team by Brundage and organization’s Sportsman of campus of San Jose State generations. Congratulations from all of us at Union Bank. voluntarily moved from the the Millennium Award. In University. Olympic Village. Brundage, 2000 - 2001 the County of A mural of the photo taken who was president of the Los Angeles and the State of with Smith on the podium at United States Olympic Com- Texas presented Smith with the 1968 Olympics with Car- mittee in 1936, had made no Commendation, Recognition los and Norman was painted 2011 Local Heroes of the Year: objections against Nazi and Proclamation Awards. on the brick wall of a resi- salutes during the Berlin He later became a track dence in Newtown, New Dr. Clayborne Carson Reverend Carolyn Dyson, M.A. Olympics. The Nazi salute, coach at Oberlin College in South Wales, Australia, titled Stanford University, African American Breast Health being a national salute at the Ohio, where he also taught “Three Proud People, Mexi- Martin Luther King, Jr. and Sister to Sister Breast Health, time, was accepted in a com- sociology and until recently co, 1968”. Research and Education Institute California Pacific Medical Center Naa Dodua (Diane Green) JoLynn Washington THE CALIFORNIA ADVOCATE From Heart to Hand Jose Ortega Elementary School THE AFRICAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA W.C.B.P.A. (West Coast Black Publishers Association) N.N.P.A. (National Newspaper Publishers Association) Mark Kimber ¥ Publisher Zoila Robledo ¥ Editor Lesly H. Kimber ¥ Founder Ken McCoy ¥ Photojournalist Pauline Kimber ¥ Founder Ellington Jordan ¥ Sales Kathi Hernandez ¥ Office Manager Marlise Moore ¥ Reporter

1555 “E” Street • Fresno, CA 93706 (559) 268-0941 • Fax (559) 268-0943 www.caladvocate.com Email: [email protected] ©2011 Union Bank, N.A. unionbank.com/heroes I gave you love. Y ou gave me asthma.

Secondhand smoke can cause childhood asthma and other lung-related illnesses.

First5California.com/parents February 18-25, 2011 The California Advocate Page 13

Civil Rights Timeline: Milestones in Modern Civil Rights July 26, 1948: Truman signs Executive Or- aters, libraries, and other public facilities. der 9981, which states, ‘It is hereby de- April 11. 1968: President Johnson signs clared to be the policy of the President that April, 1960: The Student Nonviolent Co- the Civil Rights Act of 1968, prohibiting there shall be equality of treatment and op- ordinating Committee (SNCC) is founded discrimination in the sale, rental, and fi- portunity for all persons in the armed ser- at Shaw University, providing young nancing of housing. vices without regard to race, color, religion, blacks with a place in the civil rights move- or national origin.’ The order also creates ment. The SNCC later grows into a more April 20, 1971: The Supreme Court, in the President’s Committee on Equality of radical organization, especially under the Swann v. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Board of Treatment and opportunity in the Armed leadership of Stokely Carmichael Education, upholds busing as a legitimate Services. (1966Ð1967). means for achieving integration of public schools. Although largely unwelcome (and May 17, 1954: The Supreme Court rules May 4, 1961: The Congress of Racial sometimes violently opposed) in local on the landmark case Brown v. Board of Equality (CORE) begins sending student school districts, courtordered busing plans Education of Topeka, Kans., unanimously volunteers on bus trips to test the imple- in cities such as Charlotte, Boston, and agreeing that segregation in public schools mentation of new laws prohibiting segrega- Denver continue until the late 1990s. is unconstitutional. The ruling paves the tion in interstate travel facilities. One of the February 21, 1965: Malcolm X, black na- way for large-scale desegregation. The de- first two groups of ‘freedom riders,’ as they tionalist and founder of the Organization of March 22, 1988: Overriding President cision overturns the 1896 Plessy v. Fergu- are called, encounters its first problem two African-American Unity, is shot to death in Reagan’s veto, Congress passes the Civil son ruling that sanctioned ‘separate but weeks later, when a mob in Alabama sets Harlem. It is believed the assailants are Rights Restoration Act, which expands the equal’ segregation of the races, ruling that the riders’ bus on fire. The program contin- members of the Black Muslim faith, which reach of nondiscrimination laws within pri- ‘separate educational facilities are inherent- ues, and by the end of the summer 1,000 Malcolm had recently abandoned in favor vate institutions receiving federal funds. ly unequal.’ It is a victory for NAACP at- volunteers ave participated. of orthodox Islam. torney Thurgood Marshall, who will later November 22, 1991: After two years of de- return to the Supreme Court as the nation’s October 1, 1962: James Meredith becomes March 7, 1965: Blacks begin a march to bates, vetoes, and threatened vetoes, Presi- first black justice. the first black student to enroll at the Uni- Montgomery, Alabama, in support of vot- dent Bush reverses himself and signs the versity of Mississippi. Violence and riots ing rights but are stopped at the Pettus Civil Rights Act of 1991, strengthening ex- surrounding the incident cause President Bridge by a police blockade. Fifty isting civil rights laws and providing for Kennedy to send 5,000 federal troops. marchers are hospitalized after police use damages in cases of intentional employ- tear gas, whips, and clubs against them. ment discrimination. April 16, 1963: Martin Luther King is ar- The incident is dubbed ‘Bloody Sunday’ by rested and jailed during anti-segregation the media. The march is considered the cat- April 29, 1992: The first race riots in protests in Birmingham, Ala.; he writes his alyst for pushing through the voting rights decades erupt in south-central Los Angeles seminal ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail,’ ar- act five months later. after a jury acquits four white police offi- guing that individuals have the moral duty cers for the videotaped beating of African to disobey unjust laws. August 10, 1965: Congress passes the Vot- American Rodney King. ing Rights Act of 1965, making it easier for May, 1963: During civil rights protests in Southern blacks to register to vote. Litera- June 23, 2003: In the most important affir- Birmingham, Ala., Commissioner of Public cy tests, poll taxes, and other such require- mative action decision since the 1978 Safety Eugene ‘Bull’ Connor uses fire ments that were used to restrict black vot- Bakke case, the Supreme Court (5Ð4) up- August, 1955: Fourteen-year-old hoses and police dogs on black demonstra- ing are made illegal. holds the University of Michigan Law Chicagoan Emmett Till is visiting family in tors. These images of brutality, which are School’s policy, ruling that race can be one Mississippi when he is kidnapped, brutally televised and published widely, are instru- August 11-17, 1965: Race riots erupt in a of many factors considered by colleges beaten, shot, and dumped in the Talla- mental in gaining sympathy for the civil black section of Los Angeles, Watts. when selecting their students because it fur- hatchie River for allegedly whistling at a rights movement around the world. thers ‘a compelling interest in obtaining the white woman. Two white men, J. W. Milam educational benefits that flow from a di- and Roy Bryant, are arrested for the murder 1963: Mississippi’s NAACP field secre- verse student body.’ and acquitted by an all-white jury. They lat- tary, 37-year-old Medgar Evers, is mur- er boast about committing the murder in a dered outside his home. Byron De La June 20, 2005: The ringleader of the Mis- Look magazine interview. The case be- Beckwith is tried twice in 1964, both trials sissippi civil rights murders (see Aug. 4, comes a cause célèbre of the civil rights resulting in hung juries. Thirty years later 1964), Edgar Ray Killen, is convicted of movement. he is convicted for murdering Evers. manslaughter on the 41st anniversary of the crimes. December 1, 1955: NAACP member Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat at the front October 24, 2005: Rosa Parks dies at age of the ‘colored section’ of a bus to a white 92. passenger, defying a southern custom of the time. In response to her arrest the Mont- gomery black community launches a bus boycott, which will last for more than a year, until the buses are desegregated Dec. 21, 1956. As newly elected president of the September 24, 1965: Asserting that civil Montgomery Improvement Association rights laws alone are not enough to remedy (MIA), Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., discrimination, President Johnson issues is instrumental in leading the boycott. Executive Order 11246, which enforces af- August 28, 1963: About 200,000 people firmative action for the first time. It re- join the March on Washington. Congregat- quires government contractors to ‘take af- ing at the Lincoln Memorial, participants firmative action’ toward prospective mi- listen as Martin Luther King delivers his fa- nority employees in all aspects of hiring January 30, 2006: Coretta Scott King dies mous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. and employment. of a stroke at age 78. September 15, 1963: Four young girls October 1, 1966: The militant Black Pan- February, 2007: Emmett Till’s 1955 mur- (Denise McNair, Cynthia Wesley, Carole thers are founded by Huey Newton and der case, reopened by the Department of Robertson, and Addie Mae Collins) attend- Bobby Seale in Oakland, California. Justice in 2004, is officially closed. The ing Sunday school are killed when a bomb two confessed murderers, J. W. Milam and explodes at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Roy Bryant, were dead of cancer by 1994, Church in Alabama, a popular location for and prosecutors lacked sufficient evidence January-February, 1957: Martin Luther civil rights meetings. Riots erupt in Birm- to pursue further convictions. King, Charles K. Steele, and Fred L. Shut- ingham, leading to the deaths of two more tlesworth establish the Southern Christian black youths. May 10, 2007: James Bonard Fowler, a Leadership Conference, of which King is former state trooper, is indicted for the made the first president. The SCLC be- Summer, 1964: The Council of Federated murder of Jimmie Lee Jackson 40 years af- comes a major force in organizing the civil Organizations (COFO), a network of civil ter Jackson’s death. The 1965 killing led to rights movement and bases its principles on rights groups that includes CORE and a series of historic civil rights protests in nonviolence and civil disobedience. Ac- SNCC, launches a massive effort to register Selma, Ala. cording to King, it is essential that the civil black voters during what becomes known rights movement not sink to the level of the as the Freedom Summer. It also sends del- January, 2008: Senator Edward Kennedy racists and hatemongers who oppose them: egates to the Democratic National Conven- April 19, 1967: Stokely Carmichael, a (D-MA) introduces the Civil Rights Act of ‘We must forever conduct our struggle on tion to protestÐand attempt to unseatÐthe leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordi- 2008. Some of the proposed provisions in- the high plane of dignity and discipline,’ he official all-white Mississippi contingent. nating Committee (SNCC), coins the clude ensuring that federal funds are not urges. phrase ‘black power’ in a speech in Seattle. used to subsidize discrimination, holding July 2, 1964: President Johnson signs the He defines it as an assertion of black pride employers accountable for age discrimina- September, 1957: Formerly all-white Cen- Civil Rights Act of 1964. The most sweep- and ‘the coming together of black people to tion, and improving accountability for oth- tral High School learns that integration is ing civil rights legislation since Recon- fight for their liberation by any means nec- er violations of civil rights and workers’ easier said than done. Nine black students struction, the Civil Rights Act prohibits dis- essary.’ The term’s radicalism alarms many rights. are blocked from entering the school on the crimination of all kinds based on race, col- who believe the civil rights movement’s ef- orders of Governor Orval Faubus. Presi- or, religion, or national origin. The law also fectiveness and moral authority crucially November, 2008: Barack Obama elected dent Eisenhower sends federal troops and provides the federal government with the depend on nonviolent civil disobedience. first African American president of the the National Guard to intervene on behalf powers to enforce desegregation. United States. of the students, who become known as the June 12, 1967: In Loving v. Virginia, the ‘Little Rock Nine.’ August 4, 1964: The bodies of three civil- Supreme Court rules that prohibiting inter- rights workers Ð two white, one black Ð are racial marriage is unconstitutional. Sixteen February 1, 1960: Four black students found in an earthen dam in Mississippi, six states that still banned interracial marriage from North Carolina Agricultural and Tech- weeks into a federal investigation backed at the time are forced to revise their laws. nical College begin a sit-in at a segregated by President Johnson. James E. Chaney, Woolworth’s lunch counter. Although they 21; Andrew Goodman, 21; and Michael July, 1967: Major race riots take place in are refused service, they are allowed to stay Schwerner, 24, had been working to regis- Newark (July 12Ð16) and Detroit (July at the counter. The event triggers many ter black voters in Mississippi, and, on June 23Ð30). similar nonviolent protests throughout the 21, had gone to investigate the burning of a South. Six months later the original four black church. They were arrested by the April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King is shot protesters are served lunch at the same police on speeding charges, incarcerated in Memphis, Tennessee, as he stands on the Woolworth’s counter. Student sit-ins would for several hours, and then released after balcony outside his hotel room. Escaped be effective throughout the Deep South in dark into the hands of the Ku Klux Klan, convict and committed racist James Earl integrating parks, swimming pools, the- who murdered them. Ray is convicted of the crime. Page 14 The California Advocate February 18-25, 2011 A Biography of David Jennings One of the Valley’s Community first Black residents dren. His wife, Binna, and battles of Manassas Junction Calendar children were later sold, and and Gettysburg. Jennings became the proper- A free man after the war, ty of Wade Hampton, gover- David Jennings remained in February is Black History Month nor and later United States the South. He worked in a You’re invited to the 2nd Black History Month Program presented by The Boys Senator from South Caroli- general store in Columbia, & Girls Club of Fresno County, located at the Juvenile Justice Campus. This na. A member of one of the South Carolina where he event will take place on the Commitment side of the Juvenile Justice Campus, in richest families in the ante- lived for twenty-seven years. bellum South, Hampton In the years following the the gymnasium on Wednesday February 23, 2011 from 6:00-7:45pm. Come out owned many plantations in War, Jennings daughter, Julia and experience this event together as we share Africana Culture and Black His- Mississippi and South Car- Bell, relocated to Fowler, tory with our youth of Fresno County Community. As we strive to encourage, olina. California. Assisted by and enlighten each youth in attendance about Africana Culture through song, At the outbreak of the Civ- friends, she began searching dance, poetry and much more. We believe your presence at this event will foster il War, Hampton entered the for her parents in the South. a moment of change in each of their lives as well. At the Boys & Girls of Fres- Confederate service as a She located her mother first no County our mission is “To enable all young people, especially those who need According to a December Brigadier General and took and brought her to Fowler. us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible. “ Will you 28, 1908 interview in the with him four slaves includ- She later located her father join us? Fresno Morning Republican, ing Jennings. Mr. Jennings’ in Columbia, South Caroli- Jennings was born April 17, job was to look after the na. Jennings moved to 1817 in South Carolina. His General’s horses. At the bat- Fowler in 1892, reuniting Mt. Olive Baptist Church boyhood was spent as a tle of Bull Run, Hampton with his wife and daughter. Mt. Olive Baptist Church will be celebrating their 21st church anniversary, Sun- house servant on a plantation had three horses shot from At first, he worked as a day March 20, 2011 at 3p.m. Pastor Booker Lewis II of Rising Star will be the in that state. Later, he was underneath him and Jennings farmer Ð sowing wheat and speaker. Please come and celebrate God’s faithfulnes with us. apprenticed to a tailor. At age was always ready with a corn Ð and then resumed his seventeen, Jennings married fresh horse. Jennings also trade as a tailor. and the couple had five chil- was with the General at the P.A.I. N. to Hold Inaugural 5K and 2-Mile Run/Walk Event On Sunday, March 27, 2011 the Prescription Abusers In Need (P.A.I.N.) Founda- Blue Ribbon Homes and Investments tion will host the inaugural P.A.I.N. Awareness Run/Walk event at the Mountain View Shelter at Woodward Park in Fresno. It is an unprecedented effort to spread A Real Estate Company
DRE Lic. #01096425 awareness of one of the top drug addictions in America today. Net proceeds from the event benefit the P.A.I.N. Foundation by helping those who can’t afford it get www.BluRibHomes.com into a recovery program, as well as spread the P.A.I.N. message. For more infor- E-mail: [email protected] mation contact (559) 978-9239. Harriet P. Thibeaux St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church Broker / Realtoror 2nd Annual Women’s Prayer Breakfast St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church will be having their 2nd Annual Women’s Prayer Breakfast. “The Power of a Believing Woman Luke 1:45” will be held on Saturday February 26, from 8:30 am, to 11:30 am at St. Josephs Missionary Bap- tist Church in Fresno. Barbara J. Smith-Daniels will be the guest speaker. Tickets 559-978-5958 Fresno Area are on sale for $10. For more information contact 559-394-2477 510-917-1778 East Bay Area Inaugural Fresno Food Expo 1-888-884-8864 Toll Free The City of Fresno and Food Expo Advisory Committee invite the public to sam- 559-271-7767 Fax ple food and wine from across the region at the inaugural Fresno Food Expo on Friday, March 11. Public reception scheduled 5pm Ð 9pm. Tickets are $40 per per-
6381 N. Forestiere Ave. Fresno, CA 93722 son. For more info, email [email protected]. 12th Annual BMI Trailblazers of NATIONAL UNIVERSITY® Gospel Music Awards GMC, America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment, today announced the Exclusive World Premiere Television Broadcast of the 12th ADVANCE YOUR Annual BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards honoring Gospel music’s liv- ing legends, Pastor Shirley Caesar and the group Commissioned, founded by Fred EDUCATION, Hammond, Mitchell Jones, Keith Staten, Karl Reid, Michael Brooks and Michael ADVANCE YOUR Williams. Taped in Nashville, Tennessee on January 14th, the star studded trib- ute concert will premiere exclusively on GMC, on Saturday, February 19th at CAREER 7:00pm ET with encore broadcasts at 9:00pm and 11:00pm. Black College Expo Tour “Catch the Tour” to Oakland, California will be held on February 26, 9am-5pm. for students between the grades of 7th through the 12th grade. The cost will be $30 per person for bus trip and the admission is $8 in advance (total of $38). Learn How at our March 5 Event Schedule features: College Recruiters, Entertainment, Workshops and pos- Open House in Fresno sible on the spot college admission for Juniors and Seniors. For more information Receive detailed information about our many programs and please call 559-307-5235. find the answers to all your education questions in one place. The African-American Museum At the open house, you can: The African American Historical and Cultural Museum of San Joaquin Valley pre-

• Speak with faculty and admissions staff sents their Black History Month Celebration Banquet held on February 12th, 2011, • T our our Fresno campus at the Holiday Inn Hotel. The reception will start at 6pm followed by a dinner at 7pm • Learn about financial aid options available For more information, contact (559) 268-7102. Our Fresno campus offers programs in: Links Mardi Gras 2011 A Night • Business and Management On Bourbon Street • Education Please join the Fresno Chapter of the Links, Incorporated for Mardi Gras 2011: A • Engineering and Technology Night On Bourbon Street. It will be held Saturday, February 26, 2011, starting at 7:00 p.m. at TorNino’s in Fresno. Tickets are $75.00 each. An evening complete • Health and Human Services with an array of fun-filled activities in honor of Fat Tuesday. Proceeds benefit The • Letters and Sciences Links Foundation, Incorporated:Charitable Causes of the Fresno Chapter of The Also learn about the National University Golf Academy’s Links, Incorporated new location in Fresno. Buchanan African American Student Union Scholarship Dinner You are cordially invited to attend the Buchanan High School African American Student Union’s 7th Annual Scholarship Dinner. The dinner will be held at 5:00 pm, Saturday, March 5, 10 a.m. on Saturday evening, March 5th, in the school’s East Gym. Our keynote speaker 20 River Park Place West, Fresno, CA 93720 will be world-renown civil rights activist and inspirational speaker, the Honorable Martin Luther King, III, who will eloquently address our theme of Remembering the Past, Rejuvenating the Present and Reforming the Future. We would be honored RSVP today or learn more at: to have you and your family experience an elegant meal, dessert, and live jazz as www.nu.edu/openhouses we support our future graduates as they prepare to obtain a college education. For information, please contact (559) 327-3302 or (559) 327-3487. or call 559.256.4900

A Nonprofit University Accredited by WASC | An Affiliate of the National University System © 2011 National University 9445 February 18-25, 2011 The California Advocate Page 15 Biography of William Arthur Bigby, Jr. One morning of April 8, and County Housing Author- and Accepted Masons. He Room To 1972, William Arthur Bigby, ity. was a 33rd degree Mason. Jr. stepped forward. His wide William Bigby was born in He was a retired clerk for the smile reflected pride and Colusa, California. His fami- State Board of Equalization. happiness for, in his day, he ly moved to Fresno when he Many agencies and charities Breathe was taking part in the dedica- was seven years old. He at- in Fresno, including the Boys tion of a new housing project tended Fresno schools, and Club of Fresno, the United So You Have Room To that would bear his name. in 1912, became the first Givers, the March of Dimes, Bigby Villa, located on Lore- black graduate of Fresno and the Red Cross, were re- na Avenue between Bardell High School. He served his cipients of Bigby’s generous Avenue and Clara Street was country during World War I, gift of volunteer time. He a 43.58 million low income attaining the rank of first was one of the first directors housing project. The 180 sergeant in the army. Four- of the Valley Children’s Hos- Live units were built by Catholic teen months of his duty was pital and served for sixteen

Charities Housing, Inc. in in Europe. He would later be years on the Edison High Ashley Pointe Average cooperation with the Rede- founder of American Legion School Advisory Board. Homesite of 9,245 Sq. Ft. velopment Agency of Fres- Post 511 and would serve as At the time of his death, at no. The fact that the dedica- its president. He became age eighty-eight, in 1981, tion was held on the fourth president of the Negro Citi- Bigby had received many anniversary of the passage of zen’s Advancement League honors for his community. Ashley Pointe the Fair Housing Law was of West Fresno in 1927. Indeed, he is remembered as An entire community of appropriate. Bigby had Mr. Bigby was a charter one of the most, if not the extra-large homesites up served on the citizens advi- member of Second Baptist most, outstanding citizens in to 12,400 sq. ft. sory committee that was Church and a member of the the history of Fresno’s black Introductory Pricing 2,300 Sq. Ft. Home forerunner to the Fresno City Prince Hall Order of the Free community. From The Mid $200s!

Don’t Miss Grand 1940: Bigby Sues Friant Savings of up to $40,000

Come Breathe Owners On Racial Prejudice The Difference! ARTICLE FROM FRESNO James A. Jackson, Mer- at the establishment as say- Other Builders’ BEE SEPTEMBER 5, 1940 chant Palmer and Earl and ing to them “It’s just too Homesite of 5,500 Sq. Ft. Eleanor Myer. bad; we don’t serve colored Damages, including The Plaintiffs, all Ne- folks.” $750, are sought by gros, charge they were re- “You mean to say, then, William A. Bigby Jr., a fused service at the café last you refuse to serve us be- Ashley De Young clerk employed by the State August 23 because of their cause of our race?” Bigby Pointe Loma Vista Board of Equalization and race and each asks judg- inquired. He said the wait- Extra-Large Homesites ModelMoM ddel HomeHHome CenterCentter Ashlan & Armstrong, Clovis (559) 323-6004 four companions in a suit ment of $150 against the ress replied “Those are my Model Homes For Preview At Shaw & De Wolf, Clovis Shaw & De Wolf, Clovis Open Daily 11a-6p filed in the Third Township defendants orders.” Connect With Us Justice Court against Hele- They charge is that they The plaintiffs charged the www.deyoungproperties.com na Gleim Luigi Ortenzi and entered the café on the date remarks were made in the operators of the Last mentioned and took places presence of other patrons in Prices, features and incentives are effective date of publication deadline and are subject to change or cancellation without notice or obligation and some limitations apply. Square footage is approximate and floorplans and homesites shown are artist renderings and not Chance Café in Friant. at the soda fountain. the café and that they suf- to scale. Some limitations apply to the 5-Year Fit & Finish Warranty. See sales associate for details. California Lic. #824208. Offered by The other plaintiffs are They quoted a waitress as fered humiliation. De Young Realty., Inc. California DRE Lic. #1254160. Copyright 2011 under license from copyright owner. All rights reserved. Local Black History Missing from Books

BY NANCY WHITTLE & fornia schools. The suit was house. UHURU NA UMOJA initiated by Edmond Crook- Siblings, Junious and shank a former slave and Mack Haynes were also in- This month we celebrate Visalia resident. terviewed about their im- Black history, our strength, Jack Kelley, former Fres- pact in this area. Haynes our faith and our beliefs. no State football and base- was the first African-Amer- However, it is with much ball player, was the second ican bricklayer in Fresno to dismay that when speaking African-American police establish his own construc- with African-American officer and the first African- tion business. The brothers youth in the Central Valley, American promoted to the talked about how they at- one finds that outside of his- rank of Sergeant in the his- tended their first interracial torical figures like Harriet tory of the Fresno Police school, Edison High Because know some habits Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther Department. During an in- School, and how they had to are worth forming. King, Jr., Frederick Dou- terview, Mr. Kelley spoke contend with segregation glass, and a small group of about some of the hidden or and discrimination in Fres- others, there is no recogni- missing history of African- no. tion of other significant Americans in the Central Forgotten also is William African-American names or Valley. Cowings, an African-Amer- Earn a $25 Savings Bonus their deeds. His stories included the ican teacher, politician and 1 Equally alarming is how treatment of the African- attorney. Seven years prior with a new savings account Central Valley historians American officers he met to his birth in 1867, Cow- have failed in their almost when first hired, how a few ings’ father was a slave. When it comes to money, one of the best habits you can start is saving. Just non-existent attempts to ed- even quit the force because Cowings worked with the a little bit from every paycheck can make a big difference. That’s why Union ucate all citizens in this area of its blatant bigotry. He re- local civil rights movement Bank supports America Saves Week, a nationwide campaign to encourage about African- Americans counted a story about how and assisted his father in more people to save. contribution to the Valley. heavyweight boxer, Joe building many of the African-Americans in the Louis was forced to threaten churches and homes that To help you take the first step, Union Bank will give you a $25 savings bonus mid 1800’s began a mass both city officials and the still exist in Fowler. when you open a new savings account by April 30, 2011 and grow your exodus from the south to the now defunct Fresno Hotel Nadir Ali, born Bobby balance by $25 a month for three consecutive months. Central Valley to escape the management with refusal to Jones, arrived in the Central horrors of slavery and fight, when he was denied a Valley in 1930, and worked Open your Union Bank savings account today. Stop by one of our branches sharecropping. They sought room there because of his with his father, who operat- to get started, or call 800-818-6060. a safe haven for their fami- color. ed a farm labor camp and lies and a fertile, rich land Kelley also spoke about crew in Hollister. His father to farm and raise livestock. how he would sit on his later contracted to care and This information, along front porch with a “loaded harvest the crops of farmers with a multitude of other in- shotgun” because of the in Firebaugh, where they formation is omitted from racial harassment of his were also in charge of crop the pages of history. family by angry neighbors. irrigation. Among information miss- This was because of the re- And the list goes on, and ing from Valley children’s strictive covenants that ex- on, and on. During Black school books is the 1890 isted in his neighborhood, History and every other (1) Available for personal accounts only. Offer valid for new customers with funds not presently on deposit with Union Bank, existing customers without a savings California Supreme Court which was once called month. It is the responsibil- account may qualify, ask your branch representative. To qualify for the $25 bonus, open a Union Bank Regular Savings account (or 55+ Savings, Nest Egg Savings, or Cuentahorros Savings) with a minimum opening deposit of $50 by 4/30/11, and grow your balance by at least $25 each month for three consecutive months; ruling in Wysinger v. “German town” and barred ity of every African-Ameri- your balance by 7/31/11 should therefore be at least $125. The bonus will be deposited by 8/31/11 into the Union Bank savings account, which must be active and in good standing. To waive the $3.00 regular monthly service charge, you must maintain a $300 minimum daily ledger balance or deposit $25 per month. Limit one Crookshank, which ended African- Americans, Mexi- can to discover the history offer per household. Not valid with other offers. Bonus reported as interest paid; Form 1099-INT will be sent for tax purposes. See our All About Personal Accounts the legal segregation of cans, other ethnicities. Kel- that has been either lost, & Services Disclosure and Agreement and Fee Schedule for complete account details. African-Americans in Cali- ley still resides in the same stolen, or forgotten. Visit us at unionbank.com ©2011 Union Bank, N.A. Page 16 The California Advocate February 18-25, 2011