Dr. Lynn Ray Ellison

Dr. Lynn Ray Ellison

Dr. Lynn Ray Ellison shares how he grew up in Texas City with six brothers and two sisters. He talks about the economy and how people migrated to Texas City for work. Ellison states that there were 502 families living in their community, and that everything centered around the church. He discusses the educational inequalities of segregation while attending Booker T. Washington School. He talks about how his mother allowed the siblings to attend whatever church they wanted. He talks about being a paper boy for the Texas City Sun. He talks about the racial makeup of the community. He talks about going to Prairie View A&M University for state events such as singing, typing, one act plays, and other events. Ellison discusses the quality of education he received because many teachers at Booker T. Washington School had advanced degrees such as Dr. William H. Jones, Dr. Kirk, Dr. Reese, and Dr. Berbano. Ellison recounts singing the “Negro National Anthem” as part of their morning routine at school. Despite his desire to have a baseball career, Ellison’s mother forced him to attend Huston-Tillotson College in Austin. He describes how the integration of schools took place between the years 1954 to 1967. Ellison talks about how Texas City was divided over integration but that high school sports brought everyone together. He talks about how discrimination existed post integration. He discusses the annexation of a portion of La Marque to create West Texas City. Ellison discusses the environmental hazards of living next to the plants. He talks about the 1947 Texas City Disaster and being in a classroom when the explosion occurred. Ellison talks about staying with his family at Camp Wallace, a surplus naval base, after the explosion. He talks about voting and the poll tax. Ellison talks about the civil rights movement and the importance of having a strong preacher on your side.

2021-11-22

video

2021OH_AAE003

Theresa Mayfield

Dr. Lynn Ray Ellison