Several Are Recognized for Black History Month
For the last issue of The Monticello News in February, Black History Month, we are spotlighting the Bonner Street Civic Club, and several Jasper County individuals who deserve to be recognized for their contributions.
Jerry Boykin, the son of Mrs. Rubye Boykin and the late James Boykin of Monticello was the first black to graduate from Walter F. George school of Law at Mercer in 1972. Mr. Boykin was officially sworn as an “attorney, solicitor and counselor” on July 10, 1973, in Bibb Superior Court.
Hillard Jordan Jr. who can sometimes be seen sitting around the square with an oxygen tank attached to his body was the third black to stand at the tomb of the unknown soldier.
Ulysses “Pay” Norris played professional football for the Detroit Lions.
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Stacey Standifer was the first black to be hired at the Bank of Monticello.
Linda Marks was the first black to work at what is now McIntosh State Bank.
Gail Marks Harris was the first full time black to work in the office at the City of Monticello.
Ronald Standifer was the first black Georgia State trooper from Jasper County.
The Bonner Street Civic Club was organized when the community PTA of Washington Park School was disbanded around 1970 or ‘71. The community association met at the homes of parents in each community and would come together for a joint meeting at the school each month.
The Bonner Street group was made up of parents from Bonner Street, Hillsboro and Adgatesville. When the civic club was organized, members from some of the other organizations joined Bonner Street.
As a civic organization, the group was politically active. Monetary contributions were made to the Athletic Association, churches and families. At Christmas, gifts were given to the residents at The Retreat, toys were distributed to families in need and a family Christmas party was held for club members and invited guests.
Educational trips were taken at minimal cost to children and adults to such places as: Callaway Gardens, Warm Springs, Tuskegee Institute, Westville, Undergroud Atlanta, the Coca-Cola museum, Herdon House, the Carter museum, the Hay House, The King Center and the Indian Mounds, to list a few.
Today, the club members number in the twenties. Charter members are Mr. and Mrs. Lenton Gainey, Howard Smith, Mrs. Reva B. Standifer and Mary E. Odom. Club members now support the Relay for Life and other charitable causes.
Current members, in addition to the charter members listed above include Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Thompson, Eunice Smith, Stacey Standifer Fannie Marks, Clarence Marks, Willie Marks, Troy Johnson, Dorothy Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Smith, Dr. O.J. Barron, Marshall Tinsley, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Standifer, Odessa Bryant and Sandra Carter.
