The Frederick Douglass Alumni Heritage Foundation 2008 Presentation

November 13th was a memorable evening for a group of former students from the original Frederick Douglass J.H.S. "139". (140th street between 7th & Lenox Avenues.) They have formed a foundation to give back some of the valuable lessons they learned in this very worthwhile institution. The giving back will consist of discussions in the schools and scholarships to deserving students. In addition to the delicious food and fine fellowship, it was also an evening of recognition. We invited two outstanding Harlemnites and alumni of the school to attend and receive an award/ citation acknowledging their outstanding service to the community. The two who were chosen were: Dr. Edwin Claude Gilmore and Mr.George Bernard Benta, one of Harlem's leading funeral directors. The evening went well and a great time was had by all. We attracted some new members who promised to join and find other classmates. Remember, this group is made up of classmates from 1938 to 1960. All of whom will be very committed to the work entailed to educating our young people and assisting them with scholarships.

New Statement of Purpose---November 2007

We the men of Frederick Douglass JHS-139, have come together to bring our skills and abilities back to our community. We have pledged ourselves to a new progress and enhancement of the world, know as Harlem.

We will use the knowledge and commitment of those we grow up with.
The wisdom of Countee Cullen, the Panache of James Baldwin;the strength of Sugar Ray Robinson and the intestinal fortitude of Matt Henson.

We will plan and strategize, as done by Thurgood Marshall and his team of lawyers, Who sat for days and days writing the Civil Rights Laws we now enjoy. Leaving the 42 Street and 5th ave Library tired and without meals.

Yes, our mission is clear and we are responding to the call to duty.

SEPTEMBER UPDATE.

We have started meeting at the Central Harlem Senior Citizen's Center at 120 West 140 St. for lunch. This is the site of the old Frederick Douglass Junior High School-139. We hope to make it our permanent meeting place. We also have decided to change our formal name to "The Frederick Douglass JHS-139 Alumni Heritage Foundation" We are now in the process of incorporating and applying for 501c3 status so we can apply for grants and then be able to help local community groups and projects.

More Frederick Douglass JHS-!39 Reunion Photos

FEB 25th REUNION AT ABC

Historical Research Source.

The historical time line comes from the following source:

Frederick Douglass P.S. 139: A Citadel of Inspiration, It's Aura & Impact:
A Story of a Harlem School (Tapestry Press Ltd., 2005)
Author: Dr. Lionel E. McMurren

Lionel Edison McMurren, after serving in the New York City School System for 32 years, began researching material to write his book.
Especially noteworthy is the fact that Dr. McMurren, among several other alumni who after completing their college education, returned to Douglass to teach. He then became Dean, Career Guidance Advisor, Guidance Counselor, Elementary School Assistant Principal and then Junior High School Principal of the relocated Frederick Douglass Intermediate school 10 in 1969 for 13 years.

For those of you who attended Douglass 139, this book contains many memorable moments you can definitely identify with.
You can purchase the book by writing to:
L.E.M. Enterprises
4992 Trestle Court
Sarasota, FL. 34238
or call: 941-922-2710

You can review the book at the Schomburg Library and Research Center, 103 West 135th Street, Harlem NY
Call number: Sca 06-547 (Book Title: Frederick Douglass P.S. 139) Date/Vol. 2005