The Steering Committee for the Citywide Class Of 74. Front row L-r: Linda Bush (Dillard), Annie Kelsey (Dillard), Janice Hayes (Dillard)and Marsha Jenkins (Stranahan). Back row L-r: Guy Wheeler (Nova), Ron Hayes (Fort Lauderdale), Vern Dooling (Fort Lauderdale), Johnny McCray, Esq (Nova) and Kenneth Howard (Dillard)
Submitted By Johnny L. McCray, Jr., Esq.
There is something special about the “Broward County-Wide Class of 1974”.
In its 50th Reunion Year—to many of its members, the memory seems impossible to believe that nearly one-half century has passed since last donning the halls of several of Broward’s 20 high schools.
Nearly six months ago, fueled by the energetic leadership of Gwen Wilson (Dillard HS), planning for this golden jubilee began when a conglomeration of 74ers from across the country came together to strategize and fellowship. The county-wide concept was born in 2004, in celebration of the group’s 30th reunion. The aim was to bring together those 74ers impacted by a systemic racial divide that reared its ugly head nationwide. Yet, those resilient 74ers survived and even thrived.
Committee member Guy Wheeler (Nova HS) believes that “the scheduled events are a meaningful way for 74ers to reconnect with each other, their respective pasts, and to celebrate shared history”. Likewise, committee member Vernon Dooling (Fort Lauderdale HS) says that “reunions promote self-reflection as it causes us to ponder where we have been versus where we are now”.
A look at history reveals the Class of ’74ers matriculated during an era where disparate treatment in education, especially in Broward, seemed the order of the day. School desegregation persisted despite the historic and milestone decision in Brown v. Board of Education, where the Supreme Court ruled that separating children in public schools based on race was unconstitutional.
In response, a beloved member of the Class of 1974, Frederick Allen (Boyd Anderson HS), was named as a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by his father, the late Attorney W. George Allen. The gravamen of the lawsuit set forth allegations that the Broward School District was operating a dual system, one that was intentionally racially segregated. Ultimately, the District was ordered by the federal courts to desegregate in 1971.
The County-Wide Class of 1974 proudly boasts many members who, upon graduation, embarked upon a bevy of careers ranging from the military, pastors, lawyers, doctors, electricians, educators, entrepreneurs, substance abuse disorder counselors, and other professions that have left an indelible mark upon the Broward County community and beyond.
For more information, please visit website: www.browardclassof74.org or feel free to call or text Gwen Wilson-Robinson (404) 285-7130.
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