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Celebrating Black History Month:Alpine native a blast from the pastBy J. Le’RonSkyline ReporterAlpine native Lewis Gordon grew up in the 50s in Alpine, the son of Rita and Lewis Gordon who founded the Morgan School which served three black families.Mr. Gordon, a tall, slender kid and the fourth of six children, recalls the hardships he experienced growing up. As a African American male, matters were more difficult.The financial resources for the Morgan School which went to the eighth grade were limited.The school served as a domicile for the community, providing a place for involvement, education and worship. As the holy scripture states, “the family that prays together, stays together.”Most of their time was spent there with each other. If and when someone had a conflict, they worked it out as a family, following regular devotion.Recently, I took a ride down a scenic lane and viewed the historical monuments of Morgan and Centennial Schools. Morgan was a one-room wooden building with horrible environmental conditions.Mr. Gordon recalls that Ora Lee Bullock was the primary and only facilitator at school. She taught all subjects and all grades and became the teacher, mother, mentor and comforter.After successfully completing the seventh grade, Mr. Gordon saw during trying times that his educational studies and career were being challenged politically, financially and personally.In 1955, he decided to complete his education in the Armed Services and resided with the government until 1958, at which time he returned to Alpine with open arms.Mr. Gordon returned to the work force for many years and became a faithful and loyal citizen and laborer, becoming chief operator of the Ponderosa Restaurant, which recently downsized and closed as Sunday House Restaurant.In 1961, Mr. Gordon decided tojoin with Maria Velia Martinez, a local girl from Alpine, and during this wonderful union, the Gordons produced 10 offsprings.Mr. Gordon chose to live and remain peaceful and humble despite the racial hatred among the human society.As a former employee of Mr. Gordon, I found he regularly expressed genuine warmth and fairness to all his employees.This is why, Mr. Gordon, “you’re a legend to remember.” You labored for many years, many hours, for yourself, family, and surprisingly, the Alpine community.Mr. Gordon, you are a true pioneer. Thank you for employing me when no one else would!
Newspaper Details
Alpine Sul Ross Skyline
Alpine, Texas, US
Thu, Feb 21, 2002
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 27 Jan 2025
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