A example of what a unified community can accomplish
In 1971, integration came to the Columbus pubic schools and forever changed Columbus, Mississippi as it did the nation, the deep South and our state. While desegregation had begun years earlier with the implementation of freedom of choice in 1971, total integration of the schools came via federal court order and ultimately integration of our society.
The first days, months and years were complete with pain and joy, trial and error, as well as success and failure.
The City of Columbus schools and the entire community in 1971 had arguably its greatest moment when the S.D. Lee High Generals won the state high school football championship during this first year of integration.
Perhaps this wonderful achievement is best represented by the merger and working together of two great football coaches, John Dickerson Jr. and Billy Brewer. These men, who both had been for years successful football coaches in the segregated system, came together and in one brief, shining season led us through and to the pinnacle of high school athletic achievement.
The recent passing of John Dickerson, Jr. has evoked warm memories of what these men; their players, including Lowndes County District Attorney Forrest Allgood, Columbus Mayor Robert Smith, Robert “Fat” Hinton and C.A. House; along with assistant coaches; teammates; parents and the entire community accomplished the first year of integration.
This achievement remains an example of what we can do working together, which is not possible when we allow our differences to be more important than our similarities. Perhaps embodied in Coach Dickerson’s life and legacy is the spirit of unity which our nation, state, region, county, city and communities need to employ to continue the progress of “liberty and justice for all.”
Carl Lee
Humble, Texas
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.