g et Y our n ational , s tate , l oCal s ports , w eather
C e l e b r at i n g 51 Y e a r s William Blair Jr. Sr. Publisher
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C o m m u n i t Y s e rv i C e
Jordan Blair Publisher
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april 29, 2011
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vol. 51 edition 17
It’s OffIcIal:
William “Bill” Blair Jr. Park is a loving tribute to him from his oldest daughter, Debra:
By Debra Blair-abron ElitE NEws
the Dallas Park and Recreation Board voted on last thursday, by a margin of 12-2, to rename Rochester Park william “Bill” Blair, Jr. Park! the Committee to rename Rochester Park was led by Chairman Jerry Bob Chambers. we were blessed to have on the board people who knew of Mr. Blair’s many, many contributions to this great city! A Dallas native, he attended B. F. Darrell Elementary school and graduated from Booker t. washington High school. He attended Prairie View A&M University and then enlisted in the United states Army, becoming the youngest Black First sergeant in the Army during world war ii. Affectionately called Dr. Blair, he has entertained Presidents (lyndon Baines Johnson, william Jefferson Clinton), Governors (John Connelly, Ann Richards, Rick Perry), senators (Kay Bailey Hutchinson), members of Congress (Eddie Bernice Johnson and Pete sessions), and Mayors (Annette strauss, Ron Kirk
and tom leppert), just to name a few. Mr. Blair has played in the famed Negro Baseball leagues with greats like winfield welch, Jesse “Hoss” walker, and Buster Haywood; and toured with Jesse Owens and the
Harlem Globe-trotters. Mr. Blair was instrumental in the development of the African American Museum’s texas sports Hall of Fame and serves on its Advisory Board. He was inducted in 1996 as a member of its inaugural
class. He is credited with mentoring country music star Charley Pride, and baseball great Ernie “Mr. Cub” Banks. Mr. Blair is married to Mozelle, his wife of 68 years and they have seven beautiful children. Below
let’s vote aBout it!
“Let me just say “thank you” to Mr. Paul Dyer, Mr. John Jenkins, Mr. Kevin Moore and the staff at the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. You have done a wonderful thing in choosing to honor this wonderful and honorable man. The William “Bill” Blair, Jr Park will become a place for fun, entertainment and enjoyment for kids young and old and of all races and ethnicities! We have baseball clinics, local, state and national baseball, and softball games planned and you will even be able to do a little fishing if you like. This is a good one. Well, what more can I say about this Giant of a man. Some of you have had the opportunity to meet him, and for those who have not, you know of him from his efforts and contributions to this City and abroad. Mr. Blair knows something about everybody. I can say that because See Blair, continued on Page 3
D’Ventures Community Day Event
Kunkle, Natinsky, Okpa and Rawlings would like to be Mayor of Dallas. Page 3
Page 9
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