Article 4, Volume 15, September 1, 2025
Keith Turner, a native of Suffolk, passed away in Georgetown, S.C., on August 31, 2025.
Before recently moving to S.C. with his wife, Hattie Pitts Turner, they lived in Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia. Hattie graduated from Stuart High School, in Falls Church, Virginia, as well as from Virginia State University in Ettrick, Virginia, near Petersburg, Virginia.
(More details will be published later)
Article 3, Volume 15
August 31, 2025
When I went into the 9th grade, I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career.
Challenge 1
I went out for the football team with 65 other boys from the school. It was understood that only 44 players would be chosen for the team. I must admit, I was lost when it came to the football gear we needed to play. We had to put on shoulder pads, kidney pads, hip pads, and some other pads. The only pads I was familiar with were the shoulder pads.
On team selection day, I was the 45th player, but I was selected because a star player had to leave the team for personal reasons..
I was the most picked-on player during the season. We had a game with St Emma High near Petersburg, Virginia, about a 60-mile ride on the bus. Everybody had a seat, except me. About halfway there, Lawrence "Bo" Weaver, shared his seat with me. He was not only one of ESH's all-time great athletes, but also a very caring person.
We may have won 3 games that year, but the good news was that the school was adding the 12th grade, and only 33 players from the 44 would be selected next season. The coach told me not to bother coming out next year, because I didn't show any potential to be a football player.
I acknowledge receipt of his message. I was determined to prove him wrong. I subscribed to the Charles Atlas exercise book, and started working out frequently; drinking cod liver oil daily; a half can of Pet Milk mixed with water, and running at least half of the 2 miles to school regularly
When summer came the following year, my father got me a job at the saw mill. My chore was to throw lumber for about 5 hours a day for about .50 cents an hour. I enjoyed the task. I started acting like I was on the football field, yelling out "Bone Crusher !"..
When the next season arrived, I was selected as one of the top 20, and I eventually received a grant-in-aid scholarship offer from a college to play football.
The lesson learned was that you do not have to be a rinky-dink, just because somebody says you don't have what it takes to play this game.
Challenge 2
I was chosen to represent my school on a popular radio show, called "Quiz them on the air". This show aired across the whole tidewater region. I remember Lillian Brinkley, the school's top academic student, and David Bullock from the Hollywood Community, as well as Carol Boone, a top student in her class, who were all on the team. I stood out in rehearsal. I was able to answer all 50 of the potential questions.
In my preparation, I glanced at two articles, but did not read them. Still, I don't know why I didn't read them.
(to be continued)
Article 2 Volume 15 The transition from elementary school to high school required some significant adjustments.
Thursday, July 31, 2025
On September 6, 1955, the day after the Labor Day holiday, we all gathered together for the first time as 8th graders at East Suffolk High School.
The class totalled about 200 students. We were assembled in the auditorium and divided into five home rooms, with approximately 40 students per room.
My homeroom teacher was Mrs. Evelvyn Jackson.
Bear in mind that some students came from areas where no bathrooms or indoor restrooms were available to them.
The boy's restroom had a trough, like one used for feeding pigs. Also, regular toilet tissue.
In my imagination, I can remember a boy in our class, on the second day, going to the restroom and staying for over 30 minutes. The teacher asked me to go and check on him. I went into the bathroom and asked him if he was okay and what was taking so long..He told me that he did not see any Sears magazines or newspapers in the toilet area. I had to explain to him what he had to do. The process was new to him.
The homeroom teacher explained to us that we would be required to go to 5 different classrooms a day for classes. The 5 classes were: English, Math, Science, History, and PE.
The girls were told that they could not come to school with: (1) their hair uncombed, (2) wearing pants without a dress covering them, (3) no stockings, and (4) no high-heeled shoes on their feet.
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The picture will be flipped later.
(to be continued on August 8, 2025)
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Article 4 Volume 14 Part 1
EAST SUFFOLK HIGH'S JOURNAL
October 1959 was a very busy month for the senior class at ESH. They worked extra hard to prepare for the Homecoming game that was scheduled for October 30, 1959. In September 1959 the student body had voted on which students would serve as the queen and her two attendants. They elected Audrey Boone as queen and the two runner-ups were her attendants. They were Lenora Barnes and Brenda Ricks
So in preparation, we rented a top back sedan from a local car dealer and put in extra work for decoration for that upcoming celebration. The whole student body was excited and anxiously waiting for that nite to show off at Peanut Park. The football game would feature St. Emma High against the East Suffolk Wolverines.
On Thursday, October 29th it started to rain, and it continued on into Friday, October 3oth. At noon, it was still raining, and the football field was soaking wet. Due to the weather conditions, the game was postponed until November 13, 1959. We couldn't play the makeup game the following week because we were scheduled to play our cross-town rival, Booker T Washington Bears in what was slated to be our final game of the year on November 6th.
The following week we lost to the Bears by more than two touchdowns. On Monday, November 9th, Coach Fitz Turner had a team meeting. He informed us that he was unable to reschedule the game for this week. Therefore, the season was over. His parting words to the team were, "You birds were awful against the Bears. Enjoy the off-season." So, our game against the Bears turned out to be Coach Turner's last game at East Suffolk High. Until that point, he was the only head coach in the school's football history. ( I don't know when the football program started at ESH, but my unconfirmed review indicates it was in 1946).
PART II
THE HOMECOMING CELEBRATION AND CROWING OF THE QUEEN
Since we were unable to have the football game. school officials decided that we would still celebrate the event on campus on Friday, November 13th.
On the day of the celebration, classes were dismissed at 2 p.m., and the student body got an opportunity to cheer the queen and her attendants as they rode around campus in the convertible new car, just waving at the onlookers.
It turned out to be, perhaps the best Homecoming celebration in the school's history. The whole student body got a chance to witness a Homecoming event in person.
go to Grady E. Bryant on Facebook for a picture and the rest of the story, posted on July 12, 2024.
Article 3 Volume 14 EAST SUFFOLK HIGH'S JOURNAL
Three students were considered for this honor by the school's Press Club, in part, select students from the senior class and news outlets' publications. Parris Carson was deemed the winner. He led East Suffolk High to its first-ever district championship. Also, he had a stellar junior year on the team. He was more than a basketball player. He was one of the most beloved students in the class, He was active in the choir and creative dance club.
Parris passed away on October 12, 2023, in his home in Suffolk, Virginia. You can read more info at the Harris Funeral Home website.
Chester Steward, a two-letter athlete in football and baseball, and Ashley Taylor, a two-letter athlete in basketball and track and field, finished second and third respectively in the selection process
A picture of the team is published below:
Article 2 Volume 14
The 1960 girls' basketball team played hard at both ends of the court. In those days it was actually two games in one. Three girls played defense at one end of the court, and if the offensive opponent missed a shot and the defense got the rebound, then they would pass the ball to their offensive teammates at the other end of the court so they could score or try to at their end. This is the process they endeared for 4 eight-minute quarters. I can remember being impressed with the performances of Marylene Bolling, Sylvia Beamon, and Mary Langston. They had a winning record. They were coached by Miss Helen Spencer, a stern coach who made sure the team stayed focused on the task at hand. The task? Play to win.
I would welcome any news anybody can send to me about this team
I wonder if there is anyone alive who can name all the girls in the picture. If so, share the good news with us. if not all, as many as you can.
Article 1, Volume 14 May 28, 2024
The nominations and selection of Athlete of the Year (AOY) recognition occurred in May 1960 by a select group of randomly selected seniors. The results were never published. So, based on my memory and newspaper clippings from 65 years ago, I will present the nominees.
1, The first nominee is Ashley Taylor
Ashley was considered a dominant force on the Boy's basketball team. He was a big man who protected the rim and made it easier for the shooters. His role was huge in ESH's first and only District Championship in basketball. But what really put him on the list was his outstanding performance on the track team. Sometimes it seems as though he was a one-man team. He represented the school very well in track. Benjamin Davis, Jr. was the team's coach.
2. The second nominee is Parris Carson
Parris was exceptional in basketball. He led ESH to its first regular season District Championship. He averaged about 20 points per game and was considered one of the best players in the state. Before Parris and the senior core group, of Richard Wheeler, James Ricks, Leon Copeland, Thomas Luster, and Ernest Williams became winners, home games generally attracted less than 50 students. In their senior year, typically, there was standing room only at home games. Parris's outstanding play earned him a scholarship to Elizabeth City College in North Carolina. Of course, Coach Mack Benn gets credit for the team's development and play.
3. The third nominee is Chester Steward
Chester was one of the top players on the football team. He was the center. He showed outstanding leadership ability. His play was solid. He also played for a college after graduation. The team also featured several other seniors including Leon Copeland, Shirley Ford, Harry Mayfield, Thomas Luster, Lawrence Everett, Mickey Almond, and 2-year all-county offensive tackle Grady Bryant.
Chester was a solid, reliable fielder and batter on the baseball team. His leadership was evident. He was a 2 letter athlete. He was considered to be the team's MVP. The team was also bolstered by Thurman "Bump" Patillo, a skillful outfielder, Cubby Wright, a four-year catcher, who had the honor of being considered ESH's GOAT catcher, and pitchers Arthur Simmons and Arthur Whitaker.
The three names above were the nominees. Next week, June 7th, I will publish for the first time, the winner of the AOY recognition citation for 1960. McCoy Ricks was the unanimous winner in 1959. He received a football scholarship to Kentucky State University. Other players who received votes were: Lawrence Weaver, a 4-year starter in football and baseball; Parris Carson; and William Harell-Porter who had outstanding years in football and baseball in his freshman and sophomore years, then fell in love his junior year, but then got his passion back for the games, and had a very good year in both sports in his senior year. After graduation, he played for a college team in North Carolina before playing for an Army team in Germany.
ESH also had a girls' basketball team. Their setup was 6 players on the floor. 3 on defense at one end of the court and 3 on offense at the other end. The players could not cross the half-court line, They generally played during or right after school hours. They got only a little recognition because their games weren't covered by the school's reporter or made available to the local newspaper. They had a winning record and they won the District Championship one year. The outstanding senior players included Sylvia Beamon, Marylene Bolling, and Mary Langston. Their coach was Miss Helen Spencer.
Article 2 Volume 13 August 28, 2023
Dr. Martin Luther King's speech at the Lincoln Memorial on this date in 1963, informed the citizens and the US government what African Americans wanted in the United States. The speech wasn't just about Dr. King's dream, it was about the demand by Civil Rights organizations for the right to vote, full access to jobs and education, and an end to segregated public accommodations. This speech resonated with people worldwide.
Background
In the Spring of 1963, I returned to the United States after a 2-year tour of military duty in France. I spent 30 days in Suffolk before reporting to Ft Chaffee in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It was a challenge for me to return to all the segregation that existed in the city. Things were just different to me, after living in an integrated environment for two years. I adjusted because I was still in the military. I got involved with the local NAACP. We were making plans for Dr. King to visit Suffolk in June. However, in late May, Dr. Freddie Shuttlesworth met with us in Union Hall and advised that Dr. King would be unable to come in June due to his demanding schedule. Dr. Shuttlesworth gave us a good encouraging speech.
Then, on or about June 22, 1963, Dr. King sent word that he would be able to stop in Suffolk on June 28, 1963. That was good news! The local Civil Rights leaders immediately went into action, They confirmed that Peanut Park would be available. They notified the local newspapers, radio stations, and churches and posted notices where deemed necessary in and around town.
It is estimated that on the night of the speech, a crowd of about 7,000 showed up. This attendance was the largest gathering of afro Americans in Suffolk's history. Dr. King's speech was immaculate and inspiring. It gave hope to the Negroes (that's what we were called back then, and we didn't get upset about it) that a change was coming.
Civil Rights Encounters and Deaths
Following are some of the ordeals
a. Medgar Evers, was gunned down in Mississippi. All he wanted to do was attend an all-white state university. b. In May 1963, police used dogs, fire hoses, and clubs on peaceful marchers in Montgomery, Alabama. c. A church was bombed, killing 4 young black children in Montgomery, Alabama.
If you want to know about our trials and tribulations in the Summer and year of 1963, go to the internet and do some self-study, because there is a push in the country, these days to make sure you don't learn anything about black history.
I encourage you to read, study, and read some more about the trials and tribulations we have endured; and be active in ensuring that we do not go backward in our pursuit of total freedom.
In churches, we talk about the Jews and their fight for freedom. Let us, also talk, preach, and teach about our ordeals. We don't have to wait until February or Black History Month.
Copyright 2023, Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved.
Article 1 Volume 13 March 7, 2023
BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION IS A YEAR-ROUND THING
Don't stop now! Just because the month of February ended this year, doesn't mean we have to stop reporting and researching news about Afro-American's accomplishments in the world. Don't grow weary in doing it. Other races and nationalities do it year-round. For example, we spend 11 months of the year talking about Jewish history in black churches. The Jews were slaves in the Bible, but when they left Egypt they had silver, gold, clothes, animals, and some even had slaves, so when God parted the Red Sea for them to cross they were not lacking the necessities needed for survival.
Whereas, when the Negroes (that was our official classification) were emancipated after the Civil War ended in 1865 they only had the clothes on their backs and a small sack of whatever. That is all, believe me. No money, no animals, limited education, no job, lack of essential basic material for basic needs in life.
Though free, many of the ex-slaves agreed to continue to work for their ex-slave owner. They were promised that they would have a better opportunity for survival if they would share crops. For some, it worked out okay, but for many others, it didn't work out. They couldn't read or write. So, their survival was dependent on the integrity of the landowner.
Today, our knowledge is limited on our USA and World History. We really know very little. Although we have come a long way. We still have a long way to go. When I was in school Black History was celebrated for one week in schools. Let me share what we talked about:
1. George Washington Carver and the peanuts, 2. Mary McCloud Bethune, 3. Booker T. Washington, and a few entertainers.
2. Africa was referred to as an uncivilized continent.
3. In the movies, we thought that Tarzan, Jane, Boy, and the monkey ruled all of Africa. We had no idea that it was the largest continent and had more natural resources than any other continent.
4. All of the African people were black, like the real black, that appeared in the movies. This depiction affected the self-esteem of some dark complexion children in schools. Today, we are identified as Black. But in the '50s and '60s if you called somebody Black in school you would be suspended for two days, and subject to 10 licks in the hand, by the teacher with a ruler.
5. I mean, I had no idea that Africa had so many beautiful women, black, brown, tan, light, and many other human shades until I saw more positive news from and about Africa. Realization really hit me, while in the military, I spent two years in France, with a lot of trips to Paris.
I am not going to try and write the whole story at this time. I just want to say, there is so much history to be told or shared.
We cannot be satisfied with just reporting on crime, entertainers, sports figures, political issues, gossip, and a whole lot of other stuff that is happening in this world.
So, keep reporting. Churches need to report more about the Black race. There is a lot of Black History in Biblical studies. Bringing this information to the forefront requires more reading and studying.
Look what is happening in the USA today. The study of Black History is forbidden in many schools. Yet, the same people who say it's offensive, find it okay to teach about how the Indians were massacred and their land confiscated, how the Mexicans were treated in the USA's drive to enlarge its territory.
In February, I read a lot of Black History news presented by a retired teacher, Mrs. Susie H. Bennett of Suffolk, Virginia, and Ms. Liisa Barnes, a current teacher in Fairfax County, Virginia. Great job ladies! Also, add John King, a former high school basketball coach, and resident of Bailey's Crossroads, VA.
So, to everyone with an interest, keep on reporting and studying. Your readers will be enlighting and happy to say, "I'm Black, and I'm proud."
Copyright 2023 Grady E. Bryant Sr. All Rights Reserved.
Article 6 Volume 12
Looking back. It was more than 62 years ago when Mr. W. Lovell Turner, the Principal, of East Suffolk High School wrote the following timeless congratulatory message to one of the school's most endeared graduating classes. The class of 1960. However, we want to share, and believe it can speak on behalf of all the graduates of ESH from 1940-1965.**
Mr. Turner was the only principal for this historic high school in its 26-year active history. It is estimated that more than 2,200 students graduated from this school, directly or indirectly during its tenure.
Mr. Turner a native of Anniston, Alabama was familiar with the trials and tribulations that confronted the African-American race in the United States. Therefore, this compelling message is as true today as it was when it was written and presented to the class in 1960.
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**Racial adjustment. No graduating class in 1957. 12th grade was added for the school year 1957-1958. The 12th grade had been in the high schools for white students for many years prior to 1957.
Mr. Turner's message to the class:
"We are very happy to extend to you the class of 1960 our sincere congratulations on this particular occasion, your graduation from high school. This is an occasion that one never forgets no matter how many degrees he or she may receive. We hope that during your stay here, the faculty and administration have been able to challenge you to the point that you will find yourselves in years to come in positions of influence for good Christian, democratic living in all walks of life we pray that the time will come when you will be able to stand upright and truly say "We are Americans in every sense of the word." This you will be able to do if you work hard and be thorough in all academic details, and treat all people, regardless of race, color, or creed, as human beings."
W. Lovell Turner,
/s/ W. Lovell Turner
Principal
___________________________________________________________________________________ People who read this website also read: www.wbcfallschurch.blogspot.com
Worth noting: This message was written 3 years before Dr. Martin Luther King's famous Message on August 28,1963, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Copyright 2022. Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved
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Students taught by ESH teachers from 1939 to 1965 had major roles in jobs dealing with money management and usage in the United States.
Our introduction to life skills generally started when we were in high school. We knew about teaching and preaching maybe a little about typing and office assistance jobs. But for the most part, we were lost in knowledge about most occupations. I had never heard of an Accounting occupation until I reached high school. Many girls aspired to be good homemakers after graduation from high school and maybe get a job in the local labor force. Many boys just wanted to graduate and get a job at the shipyard or go into military service. One of my favorite classmates expressed a desire to be a seamstress, and it was clear to me that her skills would be better utilized in education. Well, she had a successful career in education and retired as a principal of a school. Another classmate said he wanted to pursue a career in being a jet pilot. It sounded good to him, but he didn't pursue his dreams. In my opinion, we just wanted to graduate when entered high school.
After we launched our high school careers, we were taught about how we could function and be successful in so many more occupations. Thanks to these wonderful teachers we were prepared to pursue careers in jobs that we had never heard about when we entered high school.
Many of these students became millionaires and top executives in government and private industry. Also, many became successful entrepreneurs. The root of all this success started in high school.
To be clear, I'm not saying that we earned ** $15 billion. I am saying that we had a role in the movement of at least that amount of money through its many chains in the united states economy.
In the picture associated with this article, you see the teachers and principal at East Suffolk High in 1961. Every student who went through ESH (East Suffolk High) in its 26-year history, spent some time in the classroom of at least 2 of these teachers.
The $15 billion dollars was calculated based on the ex-students buying homes, selling homes, earning a paycheck, managing a budget, working in money management, or any job that involved money.
**The formula for the estimated figure is hypothetic and based on the GEB index analysis computation.
Copyright 2022. Grady E. Bryant Sr. All Rights Reserved.
Article 2, Volume 12
Memorial Day May 30, 2022
Just to name a few of the many East Suffolk Alums who served proudly in the military
Looking back, it looks like it was an easy task to serve in the military after high school, or as many did just drop out of school and join the Army. But it was not really that easy. We were putting our lives on the line for our country. It does not matter whether we served in peace time or war time, we were making a sacrifice.
Many young men and women from our communities were maimed or killed while serving our country. This story is dedicated to them. Especially, remembering the soldiers who sacrificed their lives so that we could have a better life in the United States.
I cannot name all of them, but there were many who joined the military and returned home more focused on what it takes to be a man. This task was not easy when you consider that the men I'll be talking about came up in the Jim Crow era. We served in an integrated environment and returned home and saw that the job markets and many other opportunities were closed. Using our military skills, and knowledge of brotherhood, many of us were able to adjust and make our communities a better place.
I could name many, but I am just going to name a few now. I will continuously expand the list in the future.
(1) Spear Bullock, dropped out of high school after the 9th grade, joined the Army, became a sergeant, and excelled in the computer field.
(2) James Savage, dropped out of high school around the 9th grade, joined the Marine corp, became a sergeant, and served honorably during the Vietnam war.
(3) Billy Brown, lived on Charlotte Ave, graduated from high school, and served honorably in the Marines during the Vietnam war.
(4) Ernest Gore Dixon, graduated from high school, joined the Army and became a decorated sergeant, and served in Vietnam.
(5) Frank Kahan, graduated from high school and served in Vietnam. Retired as a detective from D.C. Police De[artment.
(6) Eugene Scott, an outstanding athlete, graduated from high school. Served honorably in the Army.
(7) Frank Mabry, graduated from high school and served honorably in the Army.
(8) John Riddick Jr,, brother of Mirian and Yvonne Riddick, served honorably in the Air Force.
(9) Woodrow Green, lived in the Norfolk Roads community, graduated from high school, and retired as a decorated sergeant from the Army.
(10) Lawrence Weaver, perhaps one of East Suffolk High's top 20 all-time athletes, graduated from high school, joined the Army, and retired as a sergeant.
(11) Richard Wheeler, graduated from high school and served in the military.
(12) Archie Elliott, served in the military. Afterward, he became a noted judge in Portsmouth, Virginia
(13) Carol Boone, graduated from HS, class of 1958, graduated from Virginia State Univ, served in the military, and retired with the rank of Colonel or higher.
(to be continued) This list will be perpetually increased
I am receptive to posting names that are sent to me at my email address.
Copyright 2022 Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All Rights Reserved
Article l Volume 12 March 11, 2022
I'm going to talk about a lot of different matters that might be of interest to the East Suffolk High community. If you are not interested in this, you might be interested in that as you read through my list. Please don't be too hard on my writing, as I'm still a student of the craft, despite having written more than 800 published news articles and stories. It all started in 1958 when I was a sophomore at East Suffolk High. I was self-appointed to write a weekly news article for the Journal and Guide newspaper in Norfolk, and shortly after, for the Suffolk News Herald.
Now, let us visit today's topic:
A. In Florida, they passed a law banning the teaching of black history or news in schools or state businesses that would make white children or white people uncomfortable. They call it"the feel-good law".
So, in Florida don't teach about all the lynchings that occurred in Florida and the south; don't teach about the Black neighborhood that was burned down in the 1920s and several blacks were killed; don't talk about all the people who were killed and their neighborhood destroyed in the 1920s in Oklahoma; the massacre of elected officials in 1898 in Wilmington, NC; the ban of blacks from attending Bob Jones University, a so-called religious school in Florida ( that is where it was before moving to Greenville, SC) and the list goes on.
Of course, the black folks could say the teaching of white history makes them uncomfortable. This opposition could include talking about how, perhaps, thousands of Indians were killed.
I encourage you to visit the following website and read about the teaching of black history
https//www.wbcfallschurch@blogspot.com. If that doesn't work, just Google: warner baptist church my journal
I talk a lot about how we came out of slavery. But consider this, the Jews came out of captivity more than 15 times according to the Bible. They would be delivered, after a few years, and then they would be conquered again. So, my message to the African Americans is BEWARE!
B. I talk a lot about local influential people in Suffolk. Today, I'm going to mention 6 people from the Pleasant Hill community.
1. This young man came home from the army, and the neighborhood still did not have any water in the community, except by pumps and wells. So, William "Bro" Porter led the effort to bring public water to the community. Thanks to Mr. Porter, we finally got running water in about 1949. His daughter is Julia Porter, a graduate of East Suffolk, or she certainly did attend there.
2. Person #2- Amanda Riddick Rogers. She grew up on Baker Street. A tremendous teacher in high school. Additionally, she is well-informed about the community's history.
3. Person #3 - Susie Harrell Bennett, she grew up on Baker Street, in that big house next to the railroad track. The train whistle woke her up every morning, and she knew it was time to get busy in preparing to meet the challenges of the day. Very knowledgeable about the community history. Outstanding teacher. Her positive influence had a profound impact on many students. Can't talk about her without mentioning her spouse, Councilman Leroy Bennett. His concern and work for the community and city are beyond measure.
4. -"Bro" Joe Riddick led the drive to get electricity in the community. The county told him he needed a partition and to collect $1.00 from as many families as he could. He was successful in this drive, but there was one man who refused to give because he did not think the community needed electricity.
5. Dr. Phyllis Bivens-Hudson grew up in the 1960s, in poverty, homelessness, and hunger in the Pleasant Hill community. She lived in the Pond Town community of cinder block homes, as well as on Duke Street and Cemetery Street. She was abused and taken advantage of by many adults. At the age of 16 or 17, with a baby in her arms, she left Suffolk to live independently in New Jersey, where she encountered further hardships. However, she was able to continue her education and find a better life. She earned her doctorate degree and taught at Rutgers University. Her book, "Flying on Broken Wings," is excellent.
C. My sympathy goes out to the family of Orvel "Arlee" Beamon (I know they started saying Ali).
Orvel was, in my opinion, the most outstanding athlete to play football in East Suffolk High's history. He led East Suffolk High to its only state championship in any sport in the school's history in 1964. That year's opponents, combined, scored 20 points or fewer against the Wolverines. The team was also anchored by Fred Ballard, the quarterback, and a few other outstanding players.
I recommend that you search this blog site and read the article from 2013, titled "The Glorious Dash" by Orvel Beamon.It is one of the best news articles I have ever read about East Suffolk High. Interestingly, the best and most exciting play in the history of East Suffolk High football was the last play in the game against arch-rival, Booker T. Washington of Suffolk, Va. That play was known as the "glorious dash."
Copyright 2022. Grady E. Bryant, Sr. All rights reserved.
( The top picture was taken in June 2014, the bottom picture in March 2022)
Dr. Martin L. King spoke at Peanut Park
January 18, 2021
In May 1963, Dr. C.T. Vivian, a civil rights, Icon met with a group of civic-minded citizens at Union Hall on behalf of Dr. King's group in Atlanta. Dr. Vivian informed us that Dr. King would be unable to visit Suffolk in June 1963, as planned, due to his workload and tight schedule.
We were disappointed, but we understood because Dr. King was in great demand all over the country, plus, he was making plans for August 28, 1963, the date of the planned Civil Rights March on Washington.
But lo and behold about two days before the scheduled event Dr. King informed us that he would be able to stop in Suffolk on June 28th. That was good news. Hastily, plans were made, and notices were sent to newspapers and radio stations in the region.
So, on June 28, 1963, more than 7,000 people showed up to see and hear Dr. King.
There have been many articles about that historic event. However, my favorite can be found at the following website: www.esh60.blogspot.com 2013/08/martin
or: marting luther king jr.grady e. bryant sr.
Also, check thisweb sight for an inspiring MLK holiday message by Rev. Stan Bradby from January 2016.
www.wbcfallschurch.blogspot.com/2016/01
