African American Community

African American Community. Neighborhoods, also, People. Segregation laws denied Blacks access to opportunities of life available to Whites. Despite that, the Black community in Greenville grew and thrived throughout the 1900s. As Black people moved into the city, the majority were required, and in some cases had no other options, to live in what were often the poorer parts of town. Their strong connections with family, friends and neighbors resulted in many vibrant, active neighborhoods that are still well-known today., College Hill: Burleson College, Carver and Savannah schools were located here., West End: Primarily houses with a mix of White and Black people., Dark Town: Derived its name because it had no streetlights. The first schools for Black children were in this area - Ross school and Booker T. Washington school. This area received the first community development block grant to pave its streets., Sugar Land: This floed-prone, kinfolk area was named after the sugar cane grown nearby. It had two neighborhood grocery stores and a beautician., Coon Town: While the name for this community uses a derogatory word, it was named by the community itself in a silent protest similar to how Blacks expressed themselves through songs, words and dancing when they were slaves. The 1908 burning of 18-year-old Ted Smith took place in the market square. This neighborhood is one block North of the market square., Flats: Often considered the Black business district and a safe space for Blacks to congregate and socialize. One of the two Black movie theaters (Pastime Motion Picture) in Greenville was located here. There were 4 well-known restaurants - McDaniel's, Buck Truss Restaurant, Glass Front Café and Dewey Fitzpatrick's Spare Rib BBQ Restaurant. The only hospital and clinic available for Blacks was also located here. The Flats also had music, dancing, partying, and gambling., East Hill: The second Black school was located here - Fred Douglas Elementary School. The nearby East Mount Cemetery was originally a segregated burial place. A cotton gin and slaughter pen were also located here., Reverse Side , The Thomas Brothers , Jimmy Thomas (1947-2017) played college football at the University of Texas in Arlington. His team won the Pecan Bowl in 1967. He graduated with a BA in History and English. In 1969 Thomas was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 6th round. He played 5 years as both wide receiver and running back. In 1973 Jimmy became the first Black Assistant Coach at Trinity Christian University. He also worked at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth for over 20 years., Earl Thomas (1948-2020) played football at the University of Houston as tight end. In 1971, he was drafted in the 6th round by the Chicago Bears. Earl played for six seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver for the Bears, the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Oilers. After retirement, Earl settled in Houston and became a businessman in the petroleum industry., Mike Thomas (1953-2019) In 1975 Mike was drafted in the 5th round by the Washington Redskins. He followed his rookie season by rushing for a career high 1,101 yards and 5 touchdowns in 1976, catching 28 passes for 290 yards and 4 touchdowns. He earned Pro Bowl honors that same year. He later played for the San Diego Chargers from 1979-1980. After retiring he worked in the oil business at Goldline Supply and at Enron., Olivia Gilmore Scales , Olivia Scales was born in Wolfe City on May 10, 1902, and died Oct. 22, 2007. Teaching was her chosen profession and she dedicated 70 years of her life to teaching Black students in Texas. At 15 years old, she started as a student teacher at the Farmers' Improvement School (F.I.S.) in Wolfe City. In 1922, Scales graduated from high school as Valedictorian of her class at F.I.S., In 1924, Scales was issued a 1st class teaching certificate. Her first teaching position was at Lake Fork School in Lone Oak. Throughout the 30s and 40s she continued to teach in Black schools. She taught in six counties: Hunt, Rains, Grimes, Fannin, Jones, and Washington., Scales started her formal college education by taking classes at Bishop College, then located in Marshall. From there, she went to Prairie View A&M University-College Station, where she received her degree in Education in 1946. Later she attended Butler College in Tyler where she obtained a degree in Home Economics in 1952. She came full circle and went back to Lone Oak to become Principal of the Lake Fork School. During her last three years in Lone Oak, she attended classes at East Texas State University and worked long hours towards her master's degree in education.