Sadler Answer Call of Professional Ball cont'd

Clarissa Forte; she may have been one of the first blacks to make the Rockdale High School Tennis team.

White Lightning and Chocolate Thunder

Howard McCollum Jr., was a member of the first organized integrated softball team in the late 60's. They practiced at what is now the site of Madison Industries. The softball team was called White Lightning and Chocolate Thunder. Herman Mulkey was the manager of the team. Calvin 'Jack' Elliott was on the team; he could hit the ball a mile away. The white people would come around to see Calvin 'Jack' Elliott hit the ball because of his reputation as a slugger. Robert Grier could hit too. Dad was usually the third batter because of his consistency of getting a base hit when he was at bat. Other team members included Freddie Lee Flanigan, Albert Flanagan, Lamar Gilstrap and Walter 'T-Wally' Cornell. Danny Hill was one of the white men that played on the team. Danny owned Still Lumber Co. Dad couldn't remember the names of the other white team members. They won a championship against an all white team. 

Anthony Stroud 

Recent retiree from Stone Mountain High School in the DeKalb County School System. He has 39 years of teaching and 26 years of coaching basketball. He is the 4th winningest coach in DeKalb County History with 312 wins. He has carried on the Stroud coaching legacy from his dad Cleveland Stroud well. And, yes there is a third generation in the making; Antoine Stroud, Anthony's son will be starting as head coach at Druid Hills High School this coming school term. Antoine also had the privilege of coaching with his dad this past school term at Stone Mountain. Coach Cleveland Stroud said there has been 49 years straight of coaching in this tremendous legacy. Well done Anthony! All the best in retirement and keep impacting our youth in some way! All the best to Antoine this coming year! 

OUR CONNECTION TO THAT JAY-Z DEAL — Jocelyn Moore, the National Football League's executive vice president of communications and public affairs, was involved in making that deal. She's in the center of this photo. Jocelyn is the daughter of Joseph Moore Sr. and Bessie Ammons Gardner. Bessie is a member of the Citizens Progressive Club of Rockdale County. Jocelyn is the sister of Joseph "J.E." Moore Jr. and the cousin to a bunch of us, including yours truly.

Read about the deal that makes Jay-Z the main man for the NFL’s entertainment endeavors, including the Super Bowl Game.

Our Connection to that Jay-Z Deal

Lonnie Camp 

Mr. Peachtree Road Racer

Lonnie started running the Atlanta Peachtree Road Race in 1996 and he ran 20  consecutive races through 2016. He was sideline 2017 due to eye surgery but he ran again in 2018 and 2019 and plan on running 2020.  He is still running 7 minute miles at the age of 70! This is what taking care of yourself and determination will do for you. Lonnie is married to Jewell Camp and they reside in Conyers.