A HELL OF A JOURNEY!
These photographs, articles and letters are from the archives of Dr. Dorothy & James Purdy, Esq. The couple were the subjects of two exhibits curated by Valada Flewellyn: "He Shook Hands With MLK", at the Seminole County Museum, Sanford. Florida and "Celebrating the Purdy's" at Oakmonte Village in Lake Mary, Florida. David Dinkins former mayor of New York and James Purdy were roommates at Howard University where they joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.(see photo). Purdy was on the swim team at Howard with Andrew Young. He sang in the drama group, "The Howard Players", with pulitzer prize winning author, Toni Morrison. Purdy ran unsuccessfully for the Senate in Massachusetts. Senator Edward Brooks was his close friend and colleague. The Purdy's lives are a fascinating road map through the pages of African American history. As Jim puts it, "It was a hell of a journey."
Dr. Dorothy Purdy, retired from her practice as a psycholgist in NewarK, NJ.
"James Purdy,Esq. is former Director of Veterans Administration Newark.