Mr. Jesse Milan’s impact on Lawrence history is nothing short of extraordinary. His accomplishments are inspirational to many. Raised in Kansas City, Kansas, Milan came to Lawrence, Kan. to make some changes. His first visit to Lawrence was in 1945 when he ran at the Kansas Relays, representing Sumner Academy.

A teacher of physical education and social studies at Lawrence Junior High School (now Central), Milan also coached Intramural Basketball at the High School, among other sports. In 1954, Milan became the first African American teacher hired to integrate the school system in Lawrence. Lincoln Elementary School for African American children only,located in North Lawrence, closed that year.

Milan considers the bond passed for the city pool to be the most rewarding experience in his life. A private pool for white kids only was located at 23rd Street and Ousdahl. “There were no places in the city of Lawrence, KS for a black child to swim,” said Milan.

With the help of his social studies students, he campaigned to pass a bond issue for a municipal pool to be built and after much hard work; the bond passed by 300 votes. “Damn it, you won again,” Milan recalls of the phone call from a city commissioner at the time. The city indeed built an integrated public pool downtown.

A Lawrence resident for 18 years, Milan encountered many obstacles. In his effort to desegregate Lawrence, he was threatened. Threats ranged from letters from the local Ku Klux Klan, to African Americans threatening his efforts to prevent “dope rings.”

The “Drum Major for Justice” speech made by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is a personal favorite of Milan’s. “When you see injustice occur, do something about it. Don’t just let it happen,” encouraged Milan. Making sure everyone has an equal opportunity in school was stressed by him.

Now he believes that the city still needs to address the issue of homelessness. “Housing for poor people is drying up,” Milan informed a student audiencee recently. However, Lawrence now has fair housing ordinances which he worked hard to accomplish, since he had a difficult time in his earlier years finding a home. He was denied renting a house or apartment unless it was previously occupied by an African American family.

Born in Depue, Okla. to Willa May Patterson and Clarence Winston Milan, Milan grew up with four brothers and two sisters. His mother was from an Indian Reservation in Oklahoma and his father was from Tennessee. Growing up, Milan’s father worked maintenance while his mother worked domestically. Milan has two birthdays; Mar. 3, 1928 and Dec. 27, 1927. His mother told him his birthday was Mar. 3rd, while the IRS and Social Security have the other date. Milan doesn’t know which one is accurate, so he celebrates both! He is married to Alversa Brewster of St. Louis, with 4 children; Jesse Jr., John Edward, Julie Ann, and Joy Lynn. The Milan Children are located all over the country from Los Angeles to Maryland.

Currently part of the Bonner Springs, KS National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Milan was also the Kansas state Conference President of the NAACP. Milan does not regret leaving Lawrence, and he works on projects in his retirement such as a book, and an outreach program. His accomplishments have improved the city of Lawrence, and helped secure a better future for the community’s children. He reached his goals with persistence and assertiveness, and will continue to be an important symbol in Lawrence history.

“I met my goals in terms of what I had planned to do.” said Milan.

Article by Leah Newman for "The Hawk Herald," West Junior High, Lawrence, Kansas.