Harambee Connection
Story and photo by Charlesetta Thompson
Leroy Allen was a three-time Golden Gloves Champion and a graduate of North Division.
His book, Just A Little Country Boy, not only tells Allen’s story but the stories of many others
who crossed his path along the way. Allen’s book records many of the changes in the attitudes
toward African Americans in Milwaukee and across the nation during the last half of the
20th century.
This little country boy was born in Arkansas during the depression in 1935. In 1940 his father
moved the family to Milwaukee in search of a better life.
In 1985 Allen was instrumental in the establishment of the Baby Joe Gans Foundation, which
provides scholarships to deserving youth.
Allen’s long-time friend and fellow Golden Gloves Champion Sylvester Sims designed the
book’s cover. The book takes many of us down memory lane with its photos of Walnut Street
and social events from the past.
Riverwest Currents online edition - June, 2007
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