July 10—12, 2015

Embassy Suites 2960 John Hawkins Parkway Birmingham, Alabama 35244

Michael L. Hall, President

Mary M. Hughes, Reunion Chair

National Alumni Association R. R. Moton High School Reunion

2015

It’s All About the Legacy: Keep Moton Alive!

1

2

Table of Contents

Greetings! .............................................................................. 3

President Michael L. Hall ........................................................... 3

Office of the Governor -- State of Alabama ............................... 4

Office of the Mayor -- City of Leeds .......................................... 5

Office of the Mayor -- City of Hoover ........................................ 6

Representative -- District No. 45 ............................................. 7

Schedule of Reunion Activities ................................................... 8

Biography of Councilwoman DeVoris Ragland-Pierce ...................... 9

R. R. Moton High School Reunion Program 2015 ......................... 10

Reunion Committee Chairs, Co-Chairs & Members ...................... 11

Executive Board .................................................................... 12

Patrons ................................................................................ 15

Advertisements ..................................................................... 16

School Song ......................................................................... 40

Necrology List ....................................................................... 41

History of R. R. Moton High School ........................................... 45

Visit Our Website at: http://www.rrmotonhighleeds.com

3

Greetings!

President Michael L. Hall

Robert Russa Moton National Alumni Association

It is my pleasure to greet you with open arms and humility as we

celebrate another reunion. Where did the time go? It seems like only

yesterday we were passing the torch and thinking of this event as

something that would occur in the distant future.

This Robert Russa Moton National Alumni Association was created to

provide reunion opportunities and opportunities that support the efforts

of the Robert Russa Moton Alumni Association. As indicated in our

theme, this year, It’s All About the Legacy: Keep Moton Alive!

In order to “Keep Moton Alive”, we must increase our membership, assist with the restoration

and preservation of the Moton School site and provide scholarships for students at Leeds High

School. We are making great strides towards achieving these goals. You can help by making

a concerted effort to commit to assisting the National Alumni Association as we go forward.

The planning committees, Executive Board, officers, members and friends have been working

hard to insure that this year's reunion is exciting, enjoyable, and informative. We have tried to

keep you informed through our Website, FaceBook™, Twitter™ and other communication

mediums. We encourage you to keep in touch with us through these mediums. We want to

hear from you.

So far, we have awarded scholarships to five seniors from Leeds High School since 2012. We

need YOU to help insure the continued success of the scholarship program and the efforts of

the Robert Russa Moton National Alumni Association. We hope you will donate to this worthy

cause and help us Keep Moton Alive!

“Thank You” for your continued support.

Welcome Home Moton High Alumni, Family and Friends!

National Alumni Association R. R. Moton High School Reunion

Officers &

Committees

4

Office of the Governor -- State of Alabama

5

City of Leeds 1040 Park Drive Leeds, AL 35094

COUNCIL MEMBERS

(205)-699-2585 (205)-699-6558 Fax

Kenneth Washington - District 1

Eric G. Turner - District 2

Johnny G. Dutton - District 3

Craig Wadsworth - District 4

Devoris Roscha Ragland - District 5

WHEREAS, the graduates of Moton High School who now live around the country from coast to coast

will convene here and at the Embassy Suites at 2060 John Hawkins ParkWay in

Birmingham on the weekend of July 10-12, 2015, and;

WHEREAS, the city government and citizens of Leeds are pleased to welcome these Graduates

home and who proudly celebrate the illustrious history o this high School

established in 1948 for the African-American students residing in Leeds And the

Eastern Jefferson County communities of Trussville, Irondale, Lovick, Lola City,

Overton, and Rose Hill, and;

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor and on behalf of The City

council of Leeds, I am pleased and honored to extend a Cordial

welcome to all of the graduates of Robert R. Moton High School back to the city and the metro Birmingham area for a

reunion of all of the classes from 1949 to 1970.

Regarding the Reunion of

Graduating Classes

1949-1970 Of Robert R. Moton High School

on July 10-12, 2015

WHEREAS. the Leeds community graduates of former Robert R. Moton High School will host and

celebrate a biennial reunion of all the graduating classes from 1949-1970 and;

Proclamation

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I do hereby set my hand and cause the corporate

seal of the City of Leeds, to be affixed this day of June 1, 2015.

Office of the Mayor -- City of Leeds

David Miller, Mayor

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WELCOME On behalf of the citizens of Hoover, the Hoover City Council and myself, I would like to welcome the Robert Russa Moton High School National Alumni Association to the City of Hoover for their Biennial School Reunion which will take place July 10 - 12, 2015 at the Embassy Suites. We are excited that you have chosen Hoover for your reunion. The Embassy Suites is a beautiful facility with all the up to date accommodations. I am sure you will very pleased you chose that location for your reunion. The theme you have chosen, "It's All About the Legacy: Keep Moton Alive" is very appropriate for what you are trying to accomplish. I believe with your determination to provide and promote programs, activities, and staying in constant contact with your alumni, your reunion will continue to be successful in the upcoming years. While you are in our city, we hope you will take time to experience all that Hoover has to offer. We are the sixth largest city in the state of Alabama. Our residents enjoy a quality of life that is unsurpassed in the state. We are home to Aldridge Gardens, Moss Rock Preserve, the SEC Baseball Tournament and many shopping venues, including the Riverchase Galleria which is the largest shopping mall in the southeast. Best wishes for a very enjoyable time together and it is my hope that your tradition of your school reunion will continue to be passed down through generations. Please feel free to contact my office if we can be of assistance to you during your stay. Again, welcome to Hoover!

Sincerely,

Gary Ivey Mayor City of Hoover

100 Municipal Lane· Hoover, Alabama 35216-5503 • Telephone (205) 444-7510 • Fax (205) 444-7723

Office of the Mayor -- City of Hoover

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Representative -- District No. 45

8

Photography by Gina Thomas

Food for Picnic by Elite Catering

A Special “Thank You” to Everyone!

Schedule of Reunion Activities

National Alumni Association R. R. Moton High

2015

Friday, July 10, 2015 (Embassy Suites Hotel)

Registration ……………………………………………… 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Meet and Greet Entertainment

Music by D.J. Hypnoteyez

Jeff Rose, Legacy

Comedian: Jermaine “Funny Maine” Johnson

7:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Hospitality ……………………………………………… 11:30 PM - Until

Saturday, July 11, 2015 (Moton Park)

Picnic

……………………………………………… 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Free Time ……………………………………………… 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Saturday, July 11, 2015 (Embassy Suites Hotel)

Banquet ……………………………………………… 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Dance …………………………………………….. 9:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Hospitality ........................................ 11:30 PM - Until

Sunday, July 12, 2015 (Embassy Suites Hotel)

Delegate Assembly ……………………………………………… 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Check-Out ……………………………………………… 12:00 PM

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Biography of Councilwoman DeVoris Ragland-Pierce

DeVoris Ragland-Pierce is a native and current resident of Leeds, AL. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Mass Communication from Knoxville College in Knoxville, TN. She has studied at Birmingham School of Law in

Birmingham, AL.

Mrs. Ragland-Pierce is employed with the City of Birmingham Police Department in the Crime Prevention Unit where she has served as Crime Prevention Specialist and Public Relations Officer for twenty years. She has successfully completed numerous programs in the law enforcement arena. She obtained her certification as a licensed Crime Prevention Specialist in the state of Alabama from The American Crime Prevention Institute in

Louisville, Kentucky. She has also earned Certifications of Achievements from Gulf States Regional Community Policing Institute and Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Community Oriented Policing. She has participated in Western Oregon University: Creating Vigilant, Prepared and Resilient Communities for the Homeland Security Program and Auburn University at Montgomery Division of Continuing Education course, Community Doctoring: Crime Prevention Strategies for the 2lst Century.

DeVoris Ragland-Pierce is an ordained Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and also a motivational speaker. She is married to her wonderful husband, Mr. Reuben Pierce, Jr. and

they are the proud parents of two daughters, Erica Cowan & Whittni Pierce.

Ms. Ragland-Pierce’s latest accomplishment was achieved in the political arena on October 9, 2012 where she was elected to the Leeds City Council in District 5. DeVoris made history in the City of Leeds by being the first African American woman to serve on the Leeds City Council.

DeVoris Ragland-Pierce is keeping the Legacy Alive!

DeVoris Ragland-Pierce

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R. R. Moton High School Reunion Program 2015 Mary M. Hughes, Reunion Chair 2015

Edneka L. Haynes, Mistress of Ceremonies, Legacy

“It’s All About the Legacy: Keep Moton Alive!”

Opening Remarks................................................Michael L. Hall, Class of 1969 President

Invocation ......................................................... Rev. Arthur Struggs, Class of 1964

Chaplain

Welcome & Occasion ........................................... Dorothy S. McAdory, Class of 1968

Solo .................................................................. Sharon A. Moore, Class of 1968

Deborah W. Hampton, Class of 1968

Recognition of Special Guests .............................. Dorothy M. Hall, Class of 1971

LaToya R. Hall, Legacy

Praise Dance ..................................................... Shayla J. Hughes, Legacy

Dinner

Introduction of Guest Speaker ............................. Iburia Hall-Haynes, Ph.D., Class of 1968

Guest Speaker ................................................... DeVoris Ragland-Pierce, Legacy

........................................................................................ Councilwoman - District 5

Memorial Tribute ................................................ Ronnie Rose, Class of 1965

Past President, 2010 - 2011

........................................................................................ Melva K. Garner, Class of 1965

........................................................................................ Bettye W. Groce, Class of 1965

Special Presentations/Hall of Fame........................Michael L. Hall, Class of 1969

President

Raymond E. Marbury, Class of 1962

Chair, R. R. Moton High Hall of Fame

Remarks ........................................................... Mary M. Hughes, Class of 1971 Chair, R. R. Moton High Reunion 2015

Past President, 2012 – 2013

Michael L. Hall, Class of 1969 President

School Song (Alma Mater) ................................... “Oh Moton High”

Benediction ....................................................... Rev. Arthur Struggs, Class of 1964

Chaplain

Let’s Dance!

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Reunion Committee Chairs, Co-Chairs & Members

2015

REUNION LOGISTICS Mary M. Hughes, Chair

Dorothy M. Hall, Co-Chair Iburia Hall-Haynes, Ph.D., Co-Chair

Barbara R. Pickett, Co-Chair

Raymond E. Marbury LaToya R. Hall

Raified Clark Allen Lewis

Sandra Russell Sabrina Rose

BUDGET & FINANCE

CO- CHAIRS Raifield Clark, Chair

Allen Lewis, Co-Chair Iburia Hall-Haynes, Ph.D., Co-Chair

PUBLICITY & PRINT MEDIA/

PUBLIC RELATIONS Iburia Hall-Haynes, Chair, Ph.D.

Mary M. Hughes, Co-Chair LaToya R. Hall

Sabrina Rose

CORPORATE/INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS

Sandra McCain, Chair

Shirley Rayford, Co-Chair Carl Marbury, Ph.D.

Robert Hunter James Hunter

Dan Marbury

MEMBERSHIP Sandra H. Russell, Chair

Margaret Abercrombie, Co-Chair Solomon Martin

NECROLOGY

Patricia M. Payne, Chair Marion Anderson, Co-Chair

Margaret Abercrombie

REGISTRATION Barbara R. Pickett, Chair

Mary Williams, Co-Chair Carolyn O'Neil

PHOTOGRAPHY

Dorothy M. Hall, Chair LaToya R. Hall, Co-Chair

PROGRAM, MUSIC, &

ENTERTAINMENT Iburia Hall-Haynes, Ph.D., Chair

Mary M. Hughes, Co-Chair

LEGACY COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

Sabrina Rose, Chair LaToya R. Hall, Co-Chair

Edneka L. Haynes

Shayla J. Hughes

MOTON HALL OF FAME

Raymond E. Marbury, Chair Michael L. Hall, Co-Chair

Rev. Arthur Struggs Carl H. Marbury, Ph.D.

Robert McAdory

DELEGATE ASSEMBLY

Michael L. Hall, Chair Barbara R. Pickett, Co-Chair

Ronnie Rose Mary C. Williams

Kaye H. Burrow

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National Alumni Association - R. R. Moton High

2015

Executive Board

Officers

President ............................................................. .Michael L. Hall

Vice President ....................................................... Barbara R. Pickett

Secretary ............................................................ Mary Williams

Assistant Secretary ............................................... Kaye Burrow

Treasurer ............................................................ Allen Lewis

Assistant Treasurer ............................................... Raified Clark

Chaplain .............................................................. Rev. Arthur Struggs

Parliamentarian .................................................... Carolyn O’Neil

Ex-Officio ............................................................ Mary M. Hughes

Committees

Chair Membership ................................................. Sandra H. Russell

Co-Chair Membership ............................................ Margaret Abercrombie

Chair, Program ..................................................... Mary M. Hughes

Co-Chair, Program ................................................ Iburia V. Hall-Haynes, Ph.D.

Chair, Budget & Finance ........................................ Raifield Clark

Co-Chair, Budget & Finance .................................. Allen Lewis

Chair, Funds Development ..................................... Ronnie Rose

Co-Chair, Funds Development ................................ Iburia V. Hall-Haynes, Ph.D.

Chair, Necrology ................................................... Patricia Payne

Co-Chair, Necrology .............................................. Marion Anderson

State Coordinator Liaison ....................................... Fannie S. Cunningham

Assistant State Coordinator Liaison ......................... Dorothy S. King

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Delegate Assembly Program

National Alumni Association R. R. Moton High

Sunday, July 12, 2015

First Session: 9:00 AM ................. Barbara Pickett, Vice President

Presiding AM Devotion/Invocation ................. Rev. Arthur Struggs Chaplain

Music .................. Children of Joy Choir

Second Session: 10:20 AM .................. Barbara Pickett, Vice President

(General Business) Presiding

Break for Seating of Delegates Seating of Delegates

Minutes From Last Reunion ...... Mary Williams, Secretary Financial Report ...... Allen Lewis, Treasurer

Chapter Reports (3 Minutes Each)

Alabama California

Michigan Ohio

Virginia Additions

Third Session: 11:00 AM (General Business) ....... Michael Hall, President

Presiding

Previous Business

Amendment(s) to the Constitution/Bylaws

Additions

New Business

Election of Officers Additions

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Best Wishes

National Alumni Association R. R. Moton High Scholarship Recipients

2013

Osmara J. Andoanegui

Vanity O. Jones

2014

Maya Everett

Jimeria L. Williams

2015

Jeremy J. Clark

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Patrns

Advertisements

Ms. Diane Hall

Mr. Gerald Miller

Leeds Scenic Byway Management

Mr. Lonnie David Marbury

Ms. Loretta Stove Marbury

Moton Center Foundation

Ms. Alma Watson

Patrons

16

Allstate Agent – John Saddler

Alabama Farmer’s & Flea Market -- Shirley Sailem

Bushelon Funeral Services -- Aubrey Bushelon

E. Richard (Dickie) Drake -- State House of Representative

E▪B▪H & T Associates

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany

Flemings (Patio) In Memoriam - Kathryn Spencer & Jacqueline Fleming Edwards

Guardian Systems, Inc.

The Greater Mt. Calvary Baptist Church

The Hall Family – Michael Hall & Family

I’m Over 50 & I Want to Learn to Use My iPad (Book)

It Takes A Village – Shirley Rayford

Law Office of Katheree Hughes, Jr.

Lehigh Cement Company

Little Rock Baptist Church

Macedonia Baptist Missionary Church

The Marbury Family

Moore’s Tax Service – Sharon A. Moore

Moton -- Class of 1965

Moton -- Class of 1971 “The Transitioning Class of 1971”

Moton the Founding Year -- Leeds Negro Teachers

Leeds Pants Store

Leeds Unity Funeral Services - Howard G. Johnson

The Rock Wool Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Truss Medical Repair Services

Advertisements

17

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bedding and more!

Contact Shirley Dawson Sailem

for more information.

18

Bushelon Funeral Services Congratulates the 2015

R. R. Moton High Reunion

Aubrey Bushelon Funeral Directing & Cremation Services

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19

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20

tion, Greetings & Congratulations

to the

Robert R. Moton High School National Alumni Association in Your Reunion Year 2015

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY 1338 Montevallo Road

Leeds, AL 35094 205.699.2404

http://www.epiphany-leeds.org

21

IN TRIBUTE, GRATITUDE

&

IN MEMORIAM

LEEDS NEGRO SCHOOL - TEACHERS

Standing (L -R): Mrs. Massey, E. B. Canady, Emma Peterson, Mrs. Cunningham,

Ida Smith, Annie P. Brown, Roslyn Green McTier, Mrs. Randall, Rosa Niblett Kneeling: Principal Willliam Bolden

Moton High School -- The Founding Year

by Carl H. Marbury, Ph.D.

22

-

(Fleming Patio)

In Loving Memory of

Mr. and Mrs. Fleming

and the Fleming Patio where

over 30 years of service was

provided to the Leeds Community.

We congratulate the R. R. Moton High Alumni Association for

it’s dedication to the preservation of Moton’s rich history of

providing a stellar educational environment where it has

unlocked several doors of success to so many.

It is befitting that the Alumni Association would strive

to keep this heritage alive.

We celebrate you …

Kathryn Spencer &

Jacqueline Fleming Edwards

23

_________________________

GUARDIAN SYSTEMS, INC. GSI was formed in 1973 and provides many governments, municipal and industrial businesses, both local and national firms with Certified Environmental Analytical Services in support of various projects.

GSI employs professional chemists, scientists, field technicians, industrial hygiene technicians consultants and support staff. GSI is centrally located in the State of Alabama which enables us to conveniently serve your statewide needs from our Leeds, Alabama facility.

CERTIFICATION/ACCREDITATIONS Alabama Department of Environmental Certified Safe Management (ADEM) Drinking Water and Microbiology Laboratory ( LAB ID# 40050) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA LAB ID# AL000025) Quality System accredited to IS017025:2005 Laboratory Standard for Testing Laboratories by the American Industrial

Hygiene Association (AIHA) (LABID#153119)

SERVICES o Safe Drinking Water, Bact & Rads o Storm/Waste Water & Low Level Mercury o RCRA Analysis & Hazardous Waste o SDW & Ground Water Well Monitoring o Industrial Hygiene ( Al HA Accredited ) o Aquatic Toxicity & Bioassay o CCR Preparation & Printing o DMR Completion & eFile o Field Sampling & Courier Services o Consulting & Engineering Services o Permit Applications & Renewals

24

The Hall Family -- Michael & Dorothy Hall

WE EXTEND A WARM WELCOME TO ALUMNI,

FAMILY & FRIENDS

AS WE GATHER TO CELEBRATE OUR LEGACY

25

Learn to Use Your iPad Quickly!

Congratulations

R. R. Moton High Alumni Association

You may purchase this book at: http://www.amazon.com (Type Iburia Hall-Haynes in search field)

or email us at iburiahaynes@aol.com

26

PLUNGE INTO SUMMER Moton Community Center

1721 Moton Street

Leeds, Alabama 35094

Leeds Summer Camp would like to wish the

R. R. Moton High School Reunion All the Best!

Camp includes.... swimming, art, recreation,

lesson reviews, field trips and dance!

Donations can be made to: It takes a Village

P.O. Box 958

Leeds, Alabama 35094

For More Information Contact:

Shirley T. Rayford

205-249-5501

Enrollment Age: 5 - 15

Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Open: Monday - Friday - One Registration Per Child

Email srayford@acninc.net

Join Us or

Sponsor a Child!

27

Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

The Law Office of Katheree Hughes, Jr. extends its congratulations to

The National Alumni Association

R. R. Moton High School

2015 Reunion.

KATHEREE HUGHES, JR. Attorney at Law

2017 2nd Avenue North

Suite 200

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

205-324-6400

kathereeceylon@aol.com

"Intelligence plus character . . . that is the goal of true education."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

28

Moore’s Tax Services

Moore’s Tax Services

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Let us assist you with ... back year’s returns, profit and non-profit, & business returns.

Sharon Moore (Class of 1968)

(205) 780-8448 or (205) 920-4790

Moore’s Tax Services

Moore’s Tax Services

Moore’s Tax Services

celebrates the

Robert R. Moton High School

Reunion where our memories

and joys come together!

“I Love Remembering”

Moore’s Tax Services

We

Service All of Your

Income Tax

Needs...

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Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church 7338 Ruth Ave Leeds, AL 35094

(205) 699-2946

¶

Congratulations

R. R. Moton High Alumni on Your Reunion!

Rev. Frederick Kirkland, Pastor

I was glad when

they said unto me,

Let us go into

the house of

the LORD. ..Psalm 122 King James Version (KJV)

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The Macedonia Baptist Church Would Like to

Wish the R. R. Moton High School A Successful Reunion!

Rev. Randy E. Moore, Pastor

Macedonia Baptist Church 944 Charles Barkley Ave.

Leeds, Alabama 35094

Phone 205) 699-5853

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Best Wishes to the R. R. Moton High

School Alumni Association for a

Successful Reunion!

The Marbury Family

33

Greater Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church

Reverend Curtis White, Sr., Pastor

“Reaching to Reach the World for Christ” Sunday School -- 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship -- 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Bible Study -- 6:00 p.m.

7538 Henry Ellen Road

P. O. Box 950

Leeds, Alabama 35094

205-699-2455

The Greater Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church

of Leeds Would Like to Wish the

2015 National Alumni Association of R. R. Moton High School a Blessed Reunion!

Leonard

Hazel

Arthur Carl

Cleo Willie

Jr. Howard Lonnie

Raymond

Augusta

Willie Sr.

“Dad”

Mary

“Mom”

Sarah

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Leeds Pants Store 8029 Parkway Drive

Leeds, AL 35094 (205) 699-6166

Congratulations to the

2015 Moton High School Reunion!

The Pants Store has some of the best

fashions at the best prices!!

www.pantsstore.com/

35

Best Wishes R. R. Moton High from

Leeds-Unity Funeral Services

Howard G. Johnson, Director

Leeds-Unity Funeral Services

We make arrangements for services and memorials following the death

of a loved one.

7531 Parkway Drive Leeds, Alabama 35094

Phone: (205) 699-7600

36

would like to wish the Moton High Alumni Association a Memorable Reunion!

R. R. Moton High School was closed by Federal Court Order during the 1970-1971

school term so that the schools could be integrated. Members of the “Transitioning

Class of 1971” began the school year in the fall of 1970, but by the second semester,

this class was integrated into Leeds High School, Hewitt Trussville, and surrounding

schools in the East Birmingham area. This class made the transition from the R. R. Moton High School Class of 1971 to “The

Transitioning Class of 1971” or they are better known as "The Survivors of 1971".

37

The Class of 1965 Celebrates it’s

50 th Anniversary & Would Like to Wish the Friends & Family of

R. R. Moton High School a Successful Reunion!

Sixty four (64) students graduated in the Class of 1965.

2013 Reunion

38

39

Congratulations

to R. R. Moton High Alumni Association

Truss Medical Repair

Solutions, Inc.

Melvin C. Truss, Sr.

President

3950 Village Crossing Lane Ellenwood, GA 30294

(678) 699-1905

http://trussmedical.com

40

It’s All About the Legacy: Keep Moton Alive!

Oh Moton High

Oh Moton High, Oh Moton High

We will all be true to thee.

At work and play

All through the day,

We will ne'er forsake your ways.

We will honor, praise and cherish thee

And in our hearts you'll always be.

Our allegiance we pledge be true,

God bless and keep you.

Oh, Moton High, Oh Moton High

To thee we proudly hail.

Oh Moton High, Oh Moton High

Your spirit will prevail.

We'll always love and cherish thee

And sing your praise eternally.

Oh Moton High, Oh Moton High

We will all be true to thee.

~ Florence Zelois Hosea

Class of 1953

School Colors: Maroon & White

Mascot: Hornet

School Song

41

Necrology List

42

Necrology List (Cont’d)

43

Barkley,

Barbara Gaddis 1962

Bennett, Mary 1967

Bradford, – Teacher Raymond Brown, Carolyn

Carter, Margaret 1962 Carter, Mary 1962

Clark, Robert Coleman, Jesse 1961 Craig, Jr. Robert

Edwards, Percy England, Carolyn 1966

Felton, Tommie Feggins, Johnnie M. Formby, Carolyn

Fulford, Annie Gaites Gaddis, Hilda

Gaines, Willie Glenn, Charcey 1962 Glenn, Patricia

Groce, Anita Looney 1961 Hall, Rochelle

Harper, William

Hawkins, Aszlene Abernathy Hinton, Lucky Beverly

Horton, Fannie 1955 Hughes, Talmadge Jackson, Betty Jean

Jackson, Willie Johnson, Gloria

Jordan, Doris Pace Killian, John 1965 Kimble, Jacqueline

King, Earlene Jones 1956

Lake, Jerry Marbury, Robert James

Marbury, Wallace

Necrology List (Cont’d)

44

Howard, McAdory 1965 McAdory, Wallace 1959

McDaniel, Robert Earl 1962

Menson, Mary Jo Mitchell Miller, James Jack 1955

Morgan, Clarence 1961 Patrick, Lester Poole, Hazel Vann 1960

Porter, Cassie Powell, Joseph

Radford, Voncile Ransaw, Jr Henry Reeves, Mary

Reid, Henry Roberson, Edith

Rogers, Lonnie Rose, Lonnie Savage, James 1961

Stone, Hattie Moore 1959 Stove, Gwendolyn Horton 1970

Strickland, Julia M Patrick Swope, Willie Charles 1962 Thomas, Calvin 1958

Thomas, Jerry Thomas, Richard 1959

Thomas, Roger 1965 Thompson, Eula Jones

Threatt, Mary 1957 Truss, Addie Vann, Willie Joe

Washington, Anthony Washington, Nancy Elois

Webb Mattie Wood, Dora Ann 1960 Wright, Mary

Necrology List (Cont’d)

45

History of R. R. Moton High School

1948 - 1970

Education has always been one of the greatest concerns for many of the Black citizens of Leeds and

Black leaders such as Cicero Davis, Marvin Britt, Sr., Harrison Radford, Jeff Harris, Abraham Harris,

Will Black, Sr., Florence White, Homer Harvey and many others whose names are still engraved in a

portion of the sidewalk at the Negro High School, which today is the Head Start Center.

The building was constructed in 1920. Before this school, Black students attended school at the Little

Rock Missionary Baptist Church and Hill’s Chapel C.M.E Church. At that time, Leeds had a Negro

School Trustee Board and a White School Trustee Board until the 1940’s. The Black School Trustee

Board purchased the school property in 1912 for $200 from Lee and Kincaid families. Members of the

Board at that time were Cicero Davis, Marvin Brit, Sr. and Harrison Radford.

The first principals of the school were Mr. John Harris, Mr. J. J. Harrison, Mrs. Ida Forest, Mrs. Emma

Lewis, Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Charles Brown, Mr. William J. Bolden and Mr. John T. Smith. Some of the first

Teachers were Mrs. Ida Smith, Mr. John T. Smith, Mrs. Roslyn Green, Mrs. Emma C. Peterson and Mrs.

Rosa Niblett. Until 1948, Black students who had a desire to graduate from high school and earn a

diploma were bussed to Rosedale High School located in Homewood, Alabama. In the late 1940’s, the

Leeds Negro Trustee Board requested that the Jefferson County Board of Education build a Negro High

School in Leeds, Alabama. The plans of the Principal, Mrs. Emma Lewis, and others were to attempt to

have the school built in the Scott City Community of Leeds.

With the leadership of Mr. Jeff Harris and the Negro School Trustee Board, it was finally decided to

build the school in Russell Heights Community, where the largest Negro population had homes. In the

dispute, Mrs. Emma Lewis was fired as principal after the request of Black citizens and their boycott of

the school. Mr. Jeff Harris was able to talk rich real estate executive J. W. “Skip” Griffin into donating

forty acres of land to the county, earmarked for the Negro School. Students were also to be bussed from

other small Black communities of Irondale, Overton and Trussville, Alabama to attend the school. The

construction of the school was completed in 1948 and graduated her first students in the class of 1949.

The school’s name was changed to Robert Russa Moton High School in the honor of the second president

of Tuskegee Institute, which today is Tuskegee University.

The R. R. Moton High School had three principals during its existences: Mr. William J. Bolden, Mr. John

T. Smith and Mr. John Jackson. During the early years, some of the teachers were Mrs. M. H. Berry,

Mrs. R. J. Greene, and Mrs. Emma C. Peterson, Mrs. M. C. Cunningham, Mrs. L. K. Kyles, Mrs. Phyllis

McArthur (Registrar), Miss Helen Wright, Miss Frankie P. Ware, Mr. R. T. Albritten, Mr. B. F. Bandy,

Mr. Henry B. Russell, Mr. Darcus Haslip, Mr. Lee T. Watts, Mr. Jesse J. Moton, Mr. William H. Bryant

and Mr. Nathaniel Scarlark. In 1954, the United States Supreme Court considered segregated schools

unconstitutional, but Leeds Schools remained segregated. In 1958, Moton High School mysteriously

caught fire and burned down, but was immediately rebuilt on the same foundation. Some additions were

made along with a few structural changes in design. The City of Leeds’ Mayor, Bill Dorrough donated

$500,000 to help build a new gym and a swimming pool on the southwest corner of the land. A new

science building and library were later added to the school.

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History of R. R. Moton High School (Cont’d)

From 1948 to 1970, Moton High School graduated a total of 891 students. After the graduation of the

1970 senior class, the school was closed by order of Federal Judge Pointer. His desegregation decree

allowed all Black and White students to attend the formally all White Leeds High School and

surrounding schools.

The former Moton High School was later re-opened as Moton Junior High School and one year later was

renamed Leeds Junior High School. The old building still remains the same since closing, with the

exception of the upholstery and mechanic shops, which were removed for the construction of a parking

lot. These buildings were used to teach students and veterans. Many of the young men and women who

attended Moton High School have made significant contributions to society, holding responsible

positions in their chosen professions and serve as leaders in many civic, political, social and religious

circles.

Compiled by:

Mr. Lonnie Marbury, Historian

R. R. Moton High School

LEEDS NEGRO SCHOOL - TEACHERS

Standing (L -R): Mrs. Massey, E. B. Canady, Emma Peterson, Mrs. Cunningham, Ida Smith, Annie P. Brown,

Roslyn Green McTier, Mrs. Randall, Rosa Niblett Kneeling: Principal Willliam Bolden

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Thank You!

Scholarships help keep our legacy alive. We Thank You!

R. R. Moton High School is now a multi-purpose center that serves the needs of the community. So far, you have helped us donate approximately $10,000.00 for this restoration project.

Your donations help maintain and restore this facility and keep the memories alive. We Thank You!

We continue asking all alumni members, friends, and family to consider donating $50.00 or more per year to assist with our initiatives. We appreciate any support that you can give.

Membership in the Alumni Association is growing. We Thank You.

Our goal is to raise $10,000.00 each year. We raised approximately $2,000.00 in scholarship money this year.

This year’s scholarship was awarded to Jeremy Clark who plans to attend Jacksonville State University in the fall.

Again we say, “Thank You” and “Congratulations Jeremy Clark!”

We extend a special “Thank You” to Embassy Suites, Dr. Bobby Bramblett, The Pants Store, the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sandra McCain

for donating door prizes for the 2015 Moton High Reunion.

Once again, we say, “Thank You” to everyone for all that you have done and are doing”.

Visit our website at: http://www.rrmotonhighleeds.com for updates on previous scholarship recipients, Moton Center Restoration Projects and other Moton Alumni events. You can also

make donations to the Scholarship Fund and/or provide assistance for the Moton Center Restoration Project on the website at http://rrmotonhighleeds.com/donations.

All Donations Are Tax Deductible!

It’s All About the Legacy: Keep Moton Alive!

Souvenir Booklet Designed and Developed by E▪B▪H & T Associates™

Earlier in the year we made an appeal to our members and friends to support

The Robert Russa Moton High School National Alumni Association.

We requested your support of our scholarships, Moton Center restoration efforts, and membership drive

as a way to Keep the memories of Moton High School alive and you answered the call.

You helped us to provide approximately $9,500.00 to deserving students so far.