James A. Dallas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Albert "Jimmie" Dallas Sr.
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| Born | December 19, 1917 Monticello, Florida, United States
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| Died | April 9, 2004 (aged 86) Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
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| Other names | Jimmie Dallas |
| Alma mater | Florida A&M University Howard University |
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| Spouse(s) | Margie Sweet Dallas |
James A. Dallas Sr. (born December 19, 1917 – died April 9, 2004) was an important American educator, business owner, and community leader from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is famous for being the first African-American man to have a street in downtown Fort Lauderdale named after him.
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Early Life and School Days
James Albert Dallas was born in Monticello, Florida. His birthday was December 19, 1917. Sadly, his parents, Albert and Florida Dallas, passed away before he turned 12 years old.
He went to Florida A&M University and graduated in 1942. While there, he played the trombone in the university's bands. Later that year, Dallas started studying pharmacy at Howard University. However, he was drafted into the United States Army just ten days after starting at Howard. He was also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
Serving in the Military
James Dallas served in the United States Army for four years, from 1942 to 1946. He was sent to the Pacific Ocean Operations area. He became the First Sergeant of the 24th Infantry Division in Okinawa, Japan.
His Amazing Career
Teaching and Inspiring Students
After leaving the Army, Dallas started teaching at Dorsey High School in Miami, Florida. He taught English and public speaking. He loved teaching and continued for 36 years. He taught in both Miami-Dade County and Broward County. Dallas retired from teaching in 1982.
Becoming a Business Owner
James Dallas was also a successful business owner. He owned two nightclubs: O'Dell's Lounge and Grill and The Big Savoy. These clubs were special because they welcomed both Black and white customers during a time when many places were segregated.
Many famous musicians played at his clubs. These included Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Ray Charles, and Lionel Hampton. The Dillard Historical Museum has recognized Dallas for his big impact on Fort Lauderdale's culture and entertainment scene. Besides nightclubs, he also owned a grocery store and a pest control business.
Leading His Community
Dallas was a very active leader in his community. He helped start the Fort Lauderdale Alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi and was a former leader there. He also helped create the Young Men's Progressive Association. He led the Pride of Fort Lauderdale chapter of the Elks Lodge. He was also very involved with the NAACP, which works for civil rights.
James Dallas also helped bring other important African-American leaders to Fort Lauderdale. He recruited Dr. Calvin H. Shirley, who was the first Black doctor at Broward General Medical Center. He also brought T.J. Reddick, the city's first Black attorney. Dallas even advised Congressman and former federal judge Alcee Hastings.
In December 2004, the Fort Lauderdale City Commissioners voted to name a part of 2nd Street after him. It became "James A Dallas Sr. Street." This was a huge honor, as it was the first street in downtown Fort Lauderdale named after an African-American man. The Mayor of Fort Lauderdale also declared December 4, 2004, as James A. Dallas Day.
His Family Life
James Dallas married Margie Sweet Dallas, who was also an educator, in 1950. They were married until she passed away in 1987. They had three children: Ronald K. Dallas, who became an attorney; James A. Dallas ll, who became a physical therapist; and Michele A. Dallas, who became a dentist.
