 Edward
Simmons
1994 Greater Flint
Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: TENNIS
Daughter: Joan
Sons: Ronald, Edward, Jr.
Mr. Edward Simmons came to Flint in 1928, after attending Lincoln
College from Dayton, Ohio where he had established himself as an outstanding
amateur athlete in tennis, basketball, track and baseball. He worked
at the Buick factory and for the Y.M.C.A. before joining the city recreation
department. He played on the Flint Owls baseball team with such stars
as Dodson and Grady Truss, Gus Wells, Wilfred Heller and others.
After leaving Buick and the Y.M.C.A., along with the efforts and support
of others, he helped make available sports and playgrounds to black
youths. Simmons became Flint's first black city recreation supervisor
in charge of Negro Activities. In 1937, along with others, funds were
raised to purchase a house between Wellington and Kennelworth which
became the Clifford Street Center.
Mr. Simmons epitomizes the struggle of Flint black athletes. In 1935
he became the first officially recorded appearance of a black tennis
player in Flint history. From 1936-37 he was beaten in the Semi-Finals
with his opponent becoming the tournament champion. However, in 1938
with a smashing service, a brilliant net game and indefatigable legs,
Simmons merely overpowered his opponents. He became Flint's first black
tennis champion. The first champion to win the tournament in three
straight sets. First black to represent Flint in a State Tennis Tournament,
also the first black to win a State match from Flint. He won the most
straight tournament matches and most tournament matches from 1935-1938.
After winning the Flint tournament and therefore winning the privilege
of representing Flint in other tournaments around the State, Simmons
was denied participation in tournaments held in Owosso, Saginaw and
Eastern Michigan league clubs. He played in three National Negro Tennis
Association Tournaments.
After 10 years with the City Recreation Department, he retired and
left Flint to become Director of the Crispus Attucks Community Center
in York, Pa. In 1976 he retired as a Supervisor of Complaint Investigations.
For this cause we are compelled to preserve these accomplishments of
our black pioneers in sports.
Since his selection for induction into the Hall of Fame, Mr. Simmons
passed away in Harrisburg, Pa., at the age of 91. May he rest in peace.
Thanks for the history.
For 1994 Inductees Only: Back | Forward
<< Hall of Fame Home
|
fpl.info