James A. Dallas

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James Albert "Jimmie" Dallas Sr.
Born(1917-12-19)December 19, 1917
Monticello, Florida, United States
DiedApril 9, 2004(2004-04-09) (aged 86)
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Other namesJimmie Dallas
Alma materFlorida A&M University
Howard University
Occupations
  • Educator
  • Entrepreneur
Known for
  • Musical patronage
  • Political activism
  • Leader in segregated Fort Lauderdale
SpouseMargie Sweet Dallas

James A. Dallas Sr. (December 19, 1917 – April 9, 2004) was an American educator, entrepreneur, musical patron and civic leader from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.[1][2] He was the first African-American man to have a street in downtown Fort Lauderdale named in his honor.[3]

Early life and education[edit]

James Albert Dallas was born in Monticello, Florida, on December 19, 1917, to Albert and Florida Dallas.[1] His parents died before he was 12 years old.[1]

He graduated from Florida A&M University in 1942, where he played trombone in the university's marching, concert and jazz bands.[1] Dallas entered Howard University's pharmacy program later that year.[1] He was drafted into the United States Army ten days after his admittance into Howard University.[1] He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.[4]

Military service[edit]

He was assigned to Pacific Ocean Operations, and served as First Sergeant of the 24th Infantry Division in Okinawa, Japan.[5] He served a total of four years from 1942 to 1946.[6]

Career[edit]

Teaching[edit]

Dallas began teaching at Dorsey High School in Miami, Florida, following his separation from the Army.[1] He taught English and public speaking.[1] Dallas retired from teaching in 1982 after 36 years teaching in Miami Dade County and Broward County.[1]

Entrepreneurship[edit]

Dallas's business ventures included two nightclubs: O'Dell's Lounge and Grill and The Big Savoy, which served black and white patrons in segregated Fort Lauderdale.[1][7] Musicians who played at Dallas' clubs include Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Charlie Brantly, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Ray Charles, and Lionel Hampton.[3] The Dillard Historical Museum has recognized Dallas for his contributions to Fort Lauderdale culture and entertainment.[3]

His entrepreneurial activities also included owned a grocery store and pest control business.[2][3]

Civic leadership[edit]

Dallas was a charter member and former leader of the Fort Lauderdale Alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi and founding member of the Young Men's Progressive Association.[1] He served as leader of the Pride of Fort Lauderdale chapter of the Elks Lodge.[3] He was also active in the NAACP.[3]

Dallas is also credited with recruiting some to Fort Lauderdale some of the city's most notable African-American leaders, including the first black doctor to serve at Broward General Medical Center, Dr. Calvin H. Shirley, and the city's first black attorney, T.J. Reddick.[1][3] Dallas also served as an adviser to congressman and former federal judge Alcee Hastings.[3]

The Fort Lauderdale City Commissioners unanimously voted to dedicate a portion of 2nd Street in Fort Lauderdale as the "James A Dallas Sr. Street" in honor of Dallas in December 2004.[2][3] James A. Dallas Sr. Street was the first street in downtown Fort Lauderdale named in honor of an African-American man.[2][3] The Mayor of Fort Lauderdale also proclaimed December 4, 2004, James A. Dallas Day.[5]

Personal life[edit]

Dallas married educator Margie Sweet Dallas in 1950.[1] They remained married until her death in 1987.[3] The couple's three children are attorney Ronald K. Dallas, James A. Dallas ll, P.T. and Michele A. Dallas, DDS.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Lewis, Gregory (April 15, 2004). "James Dallas Sr., Lured Jazz Giants Here". Sun-Sentinel. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Tronc. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d Cherin, Starla Vaughns (December 9, 2004). "NW 2nd Street in Fort Lauderdale renamed to James A. Dallas Sr. Street". Westside Gazette Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Lewis, Gregory (December 2, 2004). "He Paved The Way". Sun-Sentinel. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Tronc. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
  4. ^ Lewis, Gregory (January 4, 2011). "Kappas boast 100 years — and a brotherhood of high achievers". Sun-Sentinel. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Tronc. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
  5. ^ a b Proclamation from the Office of the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, December 4, 2004
  6. ^ "Obituary: James A. Dallas, Sr". Sun-Sentinel. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Tronc. April 15, 2004.
  7. ^ Lewis, Gregory (January 10, 2011). "Library to re-create a NW Fifth Avenue that had it all". Sun-Sentinel. Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Tronc. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
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