Black local leaders of the past

1. Harrison Goree (1861-1925) was the first black principal of the colored free school in Atlanta. He was active in politics and community affairs. He later moved to Texarkana and built a school in the Newtown area.

2. McNoble Harper, (1906-1980) retired in 1975 as a coach, teacher of vocational agriculture, mathematics and campus principal for more than 40 years. The park on Melrose Street was dedicated in his name.

3. Wheeler Young (1906-1972) was the first mobile snow cone vendor in Atlanta and was known as the “snow-cone man”. He made his own syrup for the snow cones of different flavors. During the winter months, he sprayed houses for insects.

4. Selestus William Rhoads (1892-1976) established Rhoads Cleaners and Tailor shop on the corner of Brown and Allday. His wife, Winnie owned Doris Cafe, a store which was located behind Rhoads Cleaners. She served hot dogs and hamburgers. Mr. Rhoads retired in May 1968.

5. Jerry Edwards’ (1890-1979) friends called him “Boskound”, but I don’t know where that nickname came from. He started a cafe in 1957 behind Cameron Grocery Store. He converted an old school bus into a café, and sold sandwiches, chili and his famous Hot Tamales. They were .35 cents a half of dozen. Later he moved his business into his house and would be by the railroad track on Saturdays. He and his wife, Norma had six children.

6. Claude Harper was born on Dec. 22, 1908, and moved to Atlanta in 1918. The family joined Enon Baptist Church. Claude and Willie owned and operated Harper’s Beauty and Barbershop for more than 40 years. It was the first barbershop for blacks in Cass County.

There were only a few named, but others included: Mrs. Effie Brown; store owner, Mrs. Ruby Reed: store owner, Eugene Benjamin; store owner, Georgia Bonner; Mama Georgia drive-inn, Arther L. Edwards; first black butcher, John Bailey; first black fire chief in Cass County, Joe Louis Lockett; first black policeman in Atlanta and Lee Nanze; first black home health care in Atlanta.

Seems like when 1976 came around all these businesses died out. No one picked up where they left off. All we have are good memories of them. I am very proud I did know each one of them.

It was harder then, but these pioneers made it happen. Don’t let anything kill your dreams. This world can take a lot from you, but never your dreams!