FORT LAUDERDALE — W. George Allen, the prominent attorney and civil rights pioneer, will speak from his autobiographical book, Where the Bus Stops, when the Broward County Historical Commission hosts its January Brown Bag Historical Lunch Program beginning at 12 noon on Thursday, Jan. 17 at the historic West Side Grade School, 301 Harmon (Southwest 13th) Avenue, in Fort Lauderdale.
Allen has maintained his own legal office in Fort Lauderdale for more than 48 years, actively involved in the legal fight for human rights and dignity.
In his book, he chronicles the significant events that propelled him to seek an education, and the people who inspired him to go to high school, college and law school.
A native of Sanford, Allen matriculated at Florida A&M University and served in the United States Army as a special agent with the Counter Intelligence Corps.
After leaving the armed forces, he entered the College of Law at the University of Florida. In 1962, he was the first African American to earn a degree in any formerly all-white institution in Florida, thus integrating higher education in the state.
Allen has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2000 from the University of Florida; induction into the National Bar Association Hall of Fame in 2003; and the Honored Founder of the City of Fort Lauderdale award in 2004.
He is also well known for filing the historic lawsuit that integrated the Broward County School District and ensured that all children of Broward County were entitled to an equal education.
At 75, W. George Allen is a single practitioner with an active and varied practice and a busy fishing schedule. Two of Allen’s sons, Jonathan and
Frederick, respectively, serve as city of Lauderdale Lakes city manager, and operates a franchise of the Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Company at 2877 Stirling Rd. in Hollywood.
Attendees to the special presentation should bring their own lunch. Some light refreshments will be offered. On-street parking is available, however guests are advised to avoid parking in the numbered spaces to the south and west of the Historical Commission building.
For additional information about the program, call the Historical Commission offices at 954-357-5553.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Broward County Historical Commission Brown Bag Historical Lunch Program
features W. George Allen to discuss his autobiography Where the Bus Stops
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 17, 12 noon
WHERE: The historic West Side Grade School, 301 Harmon (Southwest 13th) Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.
COST: Free. Light refreshments, bring own lunch
CONTACT: Call 954-357-5553
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