1 May 2003
Community Invited for Parade and Program at School, Formerly John Henry Brown
DALLAS— Celebrating 90 years of history, Billy Earl Dade Learning Center invites all former students and faculty of the school, known for many years as John Henry Brown, to attend a parade and program beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, May 2.
Students and teachers will highlight specific decades through dance, song and costumes. A sidewalk parade around the school will kick off the morning activities. A formal program will follow in the auditorium, including remarks from former students and faculty members. Alumni Mitchell Razansky and Leo V. Chaney, both Dallas City Council members, will share thoughts from the past, and students will perform favorite songs from several generations. Also participating on Friday will be Audrey Rollins, a former teacher and librarian whose grandchild now attends the school. Former principal Selena Dorsey, now a district specialist with early childhood education, will also speak.
Tours will be conducted throughout the morning, and displays will reflect fashions and events during the school's history.
Dade is located at 2801 Park Row. For information, call 972 749-3800.Background:
The school's namesakes had a great impact in Dallas.
•John Henry Brown was a pioneer historian, newspaper editor, soldier and legislator. In 1881 he was Texas state commissioner for surveying, marking and locating of school lands. He was Dallas alderman, then Mayor of the City of Dallas from1885 to 1889. From 1888 to 1890 he was justice of the peace. He published several historical books prior to his death in 1895.
DISD opened John Henry Brown School in 1912. On June 24, 1999, the Board of Trustees changed the name of John Henry Brown School to Dr. Billy Earl Dade Learning Center.
Dr. Billy Earl Dade was an adult education teacher, a math instructor and a principal, who led John Henry Brown School during the 1960s. Dade was a master teacher and scholar who left a legacy of love for education. He served thousands of students, staff members, parents and other citizens in his 47 years with the Dallas Independent School District.
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