Honoring Dr. James Lee Dickey

My little town of Taylor celebrated its first Dr. James Lee Dickey Day on Saturday.   Events included a parade through downtown, followed by a get-together at Fannie Robinson Park.   Dr. Dickey was an African American physician who lived with his family in Taylor until his death in 1959.   He contributed much to the community and was rewarded with the Taylor Chamber’s “Man of the Year” in 1952, an unheard-of thing in the segregated South for  person of color.  When I hear people criticize Taylor for being a “redneck” area, I’ll remind them of Dr. Dickey.   On Saturday, people turned out in good numbers to honor this man, including his  76-year-old son, James Lee Dickey, Jr. (the dapper-looking fellow in the cap), now an Austin resident, and his wife,  Mae Etta.  Both were raised right here in Taylor.  Among the public attendees were Williamson County Commissioner Ron Morrison and Taylor Mayor Jesse Ancira, Jr.   The celebration was spearheaded by Taylor resident Jennifer Harris.    If the money can be raised, Dr. Dickey’s family home, on Burkett Street, will someday be a museum and community center.   It’s good to see folks come together in unity.  These are photos I took for the Williamson County Sun.