Willye Dennis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Willye F. Clayton Dennis
Studio Portrait 2007
Born	Willye Frank Clayton March 14, 1926 Jacksonville, Florida
Died	March 9, 2012 Jacksonville, FL
Nationality	American
Spouse(s)	Leo Dennis

Willye F. Clayton Dennis (born March 14, 1926 – died March 9, 2012) was an American librarian, a champion for civil rights, and a politician in Florida. She made history as the first African-American Chief of Children's Services for the Jacksonville Public Library System. She also led the Jacksonville branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was elected to the Florida House of Representatives.

Early Life and Education

Willye Dennis was born in Jacksonville, Florida. She was the youngest of five children. She finished high school in 1943. Later, she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Clark College in 1953. She then got her master's degree in Library Science in 1957. In 1954, she married Leo Dennis. They were married for many years and had three children: Wilene, Leo, and Byron.

Career and Activism

Becoming a Librarian

Willye Dennis started her career as an assistant librarian. She worked at the Wilder Park Branch Library. At that time, this was the only library where Black people were allowed. In 1969, she became the Chief of Children's Services for the Jacksonville Library System. She was the first Black person to hold this important job.

She created a special program called "LOOP." This stood for Library Operated Outreach Program. LOOP helped bring library services to more children in the community. The American Library Association recognized LOOP as a great example for other libraries. Willye Dennis retired from the library in 1980.

Helping Families Learn

In 1978, Willye Dennis started the Fam-Co Learning and Development Center. This was a non-profit daycare center for children. It was recognized as one of the top ten child care centers in the country by Child Magazine in 1992.

Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast

Willye Dennis helped start the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast in Jacksonville. This event brings the community together to honor Dr. King. She worked with others to plan the first breakfast in 1988. Important leaders like Benjamin Hooks and Rep. John Lewis have spoken at this event. It is still held every year at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.

Leading the NAACP

Willye Dennis was the president of the Jacksonville NAACP from 1984 to 1994. The NAACP is an organization that works for equal rights for all people.

During her time as president, the NAACP worked to make schools fair for everyone. They believed that schools in Duval County were not fully desegregated. Willye Dennis faced dangers because of her work. She once received a dangerous package in the mail. She believed it was a miracle that she did not open it.

In 1990, the NAACP and the Duval County School Board finally reached an agreement. This agreement helped to make schools more equal. Willye Dennis also spoke out against unfair comments made by a judge. She said it was wrong for a person in power to make racist remarks.

Politics

In 1992, Willye Dennis was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. She was a Democrat and represented District 15. She served two terms in this role.

While in office, she worked on important issues. In 1993, she was the first lawmaker to introduce bills about the Rosewood, Florida massacre. This was a terrible event that happened in 1923. She also served on committees dealing with education, money matters, and health services. She left the legislature after her second term.

Legacy

Willye Dennis is remembered for her hard work and dedication. She received many honors for her leadership. An award, called the Willye Dennis Community Leader Award, is given in her name. This award celebrates people who make a difference in their community. She was also nominated to the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame.