2016-09-13

Center for Public History, University of Houston; University of Houston Libraries, University of Houston

On September 13th, 2016, Houston History Magazine interviewed seven Wheatley alumni to discuss the now non-existent Turkey Day Classic football game that used to occur between Phyllis Wheatley Senior High School and Jack Yates Senior High School. The group reminisced upon the extravagance and glamour of the events leading up until and after the game such as the Pep Rallies, Thanksgiving Day Breakfast, Thanksgiving parade, the game itself, halftime honoring Mr. and Mrs. Wheatley, and ultimately Thanksgiving dinner that evening. The despair of losses as well as the excitement of the schools victory in the game was both seen with admiration as the game proved to be a very memorable time for the alumni. Aside from the game, many individuals talk about the coaches, the principals, their appreciation of Wheatley HS, and the Houston independent School District. Due to the climate in the 1960s, these individuals as students dealt with the uncertainty that integration brought and many attempts to sever the black community beforehand.

interviews

Sports; African Americans; Civil rights; Phillis Wheatley High School (Houston, Texas)

Houston, Texas

Oral Histories from the Houston History Project

University of Houston Libraries Special Collections

English

Collection
University of Houston Libraries Special Collections
Houston History Archives
Oral Histories from the Houston History Project

Preservation Location: ark:/84475/pm242362072