Lawrence High School Trivia
A special thank you to Debra Green, Willie Amison, and Steve Janson for their help in preparing the trivia questions for Black History Month 2002.

Who was the first black principal in Lawrence, Kansas?
In the year, 1896, Fred West was the principal of New York School and Lincoln Elementary School (The Ballard Center). Mr. West also served three terms on The City Council. He was married and had two children.

Who was the first black teacher in Lawrence, Kansas?
Mamie Dillard was considered the first black elementary teacher in Lawrence, Kansas and soon she became principal at Lincoln Elementary School. Jesse Milan (PE teacher) was the first black teacher in the modern era of Lawrence schools. At Lawrence High School, Leonard Clark was the first black teacher. He taught classes in the Social Studies Department.

What was the first sport at LHS that was integrated?
Track was the first sport that was integrated at Lawrence High. It was considered a non-contact sport.

In 1968, a black protest walkout was staged. Can you name three concerns?
1. How the Queen candidates were selected
2. How the cheerleaders were selected
3. There were no Black Student Union
4. Black history and black literature classes were not offered at LHS
5. LHS needed more black teachers and administrators

In what year did Lawrence High School adopt the Lion as their mascot?
In 1929 the lion was chosen as the mascot.

After the black protests in the 1960's Black literature became part of the English department offerings for students. Who was the first teacher?
Mrs. Del Fambrough, English Department Head, taught the first class of black literature. Poetry, short stories, novels and other forms of literature by black authors were taught. Many ideas and thoughts were discussed and how they related to the problems of the present day.

What black baseball player at Lawrence High School became a well-known baseball player in the major leagues?
Steve Jeltz played for Philadelphia Phillies and the Kansas City Royals

The first and only black head basketball coach at Lawrence High School and also teaches in the English Department. Who is he?
Ron Lang was the first black basketball coach at LHS. He played basketball at Kansas University. His positions were forward and guard.

What black teacher at Lawrence High School also graduated from LHS in 1969?
Debra Green

Who was the first black American writer to make his living solely as a writer? He lived and attended schools in Lawrence, Kansas.
Langston Hughes

Who was the first black physician in Lawrence, Kansas? He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School. His brother, Edward, was the first black to play football at KU and Frederick, another brother, played baseball at Kansas Unversity.
Sherman A. Harvey, Mrs. Green's great Uncle

There are three black Americans in the Lawrence High School Hall of Honor. Who are they and what is their claim to fame?
Alice Fowler: The first black female on the Board Of Education
George L. Brown: The first Lieutenant Governor of Colorado
Robert E. Lee: Founder of the Lawrence Boy's Club

What two Lawrence High School graduates played on the 1988 NCAA basketball championship team?
Danny Manning and Chris Piper

What black staff member played on Kansas University Football team in 1968? This was the year that the Jayhawks attended the Orange Bowl.
Willie Amison

In what year did the A cappella choir integrate?
1967-1968 school year.

What two black staff members grew up in the same town (Sandusky, Ohio) and now are on the staff at Lawrence High School?
Frances Holt and Willie Amison

In 1996 Gwendolyn Brooks read her poetry at an all school assembly at Lawrence High School. She had lunch with a select group of high school students and the highlight of the afternoon was when she read student poetry. Where was Gwendolyn Brooks born?
Topeka, Kansas

A popular night spot is named after two Lawrence Black Americans. What are their names and what did they do?
Abe and Jake were known for their skill of catching fish in the Kansas River. They were fisherman.

Lawrence, Kansas has only one black physician. She graduated from Lawrence High School. What is her name?
April (Harris) Bremby