Elmo Blatch Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Jackie Robinson probably did more for modern sports than we will ever know. While the arts (and drum corps in particular) has long been a venue of acceptance in many forms, I have to imagine that at one time, the race barrier existed (whether it be with regard to members, teachers, or staff). Taking the courage of Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey as an example, how did we overcome this barrier? Who do you remember that was influential in leading change? What corps seemed to embrace diversity the most? Elmo Blatch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elphaba01 Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 "Cross the Line": One of the "First" junior corps that may have been a "Pioneer" in the integration of African Americans into the "Line" was the St Vincents Cadets. It is mntioned in their history of a trip that the corps took into the deep south (1950s), and their black members were cheered by the local blacks for their inclusion in the performance. Some of the great African American corps include the Wynn Center Toppers, CMCC Warriors, Carter Cadets, Manhattanaires, Privateers, and Spirit of St Louis. The senior Washington Carver Gay Blades of Newark NJ are also well remembered. Elphaba WWW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elmo Blatch Posted February 3, 2007 Author Share Posted February 3, 2007 Thank you Elphaba! Elmo Blatch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bearz Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Who was the first black drum major in a top 12 corps? I know Donald Fitzgerald was in 1976 for the Blue Stars. Were there any earlier ones? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
victorcoly Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Jim Prime... marched years ago, and in the 80's and 90's became one of the best brass arrangers the activity has ever seen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bass5 Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 (edited) I just looked at the Madison Scouts Corps photo from 1938 (their first season) and there are 2 African Americans in the photo. There is also a photo and story of an "entertaining batton twirling drum major" who appears to be an African American. The Scouts web site has a great history section - check it out. I don't know how many African Americans are in the Drum Corps Hall of Fame but I do know Jimmy Elvord, the man who really developed that Madison Horn sound of the 70's is. His cousin Alphonso(Ricky) was Scouts Drum Major in 1974 (as well as M & M clean up man in 75 & 76). Edited February 4, 2007 by bass5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiamiSun76 Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Chris Booker, in 1964 the 1st black marching member of the Miami Vanguards (and to my knowledge any southern corps). Also to those in the administration who withstood the insults and walkouts of several other "adults": Dick Filkins, program coordinator; the late Dick Klund, Business Manager, and; the late Harvey Ford, President of the board (and my dad). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russellrks Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 (edited) 1st black DCI division 1 marching caption head? 1st black DCI division 1 drill designer? I may be wrong but I think it was me. edited to add "DCI" Edited February 4, 2007 by Russellrks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiamiSun76 Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 1st black division 1 marching caption head? 1st black division 1 drill designer?I may be wrong but I think it was me. Barry Swain? Gene Bennett? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiamiSun76 Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 A couple of recognitions for corps who went "above and beyond" with a diverse recruiting program: The Skokie/Des Plaines Vanguard under Frank Pamper and the Long Island Sunrisers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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