Name/Title
Lucas, JohnEntry/Object ID
9999.BHF.305Scope and Content
Lucas, John
St. Joseph News-Press October, 30, 1978 John Lucas has replaced Dr. Donald Cottner as director of the East Side Human Resource Center. Some say the whole attitude at the center has changed.
It was reported in May that Cottner's performance as director of the center was questioned by several members of the center's board. Lucas who had been a city councilman for nine years was among those dissatisfied.
Cottner stayed on as consultant in getting grants for the center. Lucas brought to the center physical improvements and attitude changes. The power of the center has returned to the governing board.
August 6, 1973 is a newspaper picture of John Lucas. He was honored during ceremonies dedicating a recreational complex in his name. Also with Mr. Lucas Sr. is William Bennett, Mayor, Dr. Sherman Cox, Bryan Baker, and Dr. Donald Crowder.
St. Joseph News-Press February 26, 2006 under tribute paid to local black leaders is an article about John Lucas Sr. He was the first black City Councilman. He was elected in 1970. He was widely respected in the black and white communities. He was a warehouseman and truck driver and active with youth sports. The John Lucas Recreation Center and Park at 18th and Slyvanie streets is named in his honor.
St. Joseph New-Press February 8, 2001has a column written by Alonzo Weston. He says the impression that John Lucan made on the St. Joseph community is still felt today some 20 years after his death. He always looked out for others. Her played a huge role in the establishment of the East Side Human Resource Center and the playground at 18th and Sylvanie street. Omeaul Lucas, his wife, said he was a Pittsburgh, Kansas native who moved to St. Joseph as a young child. He was born April 5, 1925 in Girard, Kansas. He attended the segregated Lincoln Grade School and Bartlett High School. They grew up together and married in 1943.
Before joining the armed services during World War II he boxed at carnivals for Gust Karras. When he came home from the service, he organized a successful golden gloves boxing team at Muchenberger Center on St. Joseph's South Side.
His job was a warehouseman and truck driver for the Independent Food Company which was a wholesale fruit and vegetable distributor in the city's old Market Square district. This job supported his wife and two sons, John Jr. and Laurence. Also from this job he gained popularity as every one from grocery store owners to local politicians, to little old ladies in the city came to know him as a friendly and wise gentle giant.
He was president of the North Side Council as a member of the Economic Opportunity Corporation and Inter/Serve board and as elder in his Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He also was executive director of the East Side Human Resource Center.
St. Joseph News-Press March 12, 1981. John did not allow his race to be an obstacle nor did he flaunt it when seeking office. To friends he was "Big John". He weighed more than 300 pound. He had long suffered from an ailment which required dialysis treatment yet managed to attend council meetings regularly where his counsel was always valued. The entire city, the council, his family and his race will feel a loss in the death of John Lucas.
St. Joseph News-Press March 11, 1981: John Lucas, veteran city councilman dies. The councilman suffered from a kidney disease and had been receiving dialysis treatment for a number of years. He was a leader in the group which helped obtain such units for use at the medical center, thus eliminating trips to Kansas City for the treatment.
He died of a massive heart attack at the age of 56 in March 1981.
St. Joseph Magazine: October, 1978: Photocopy
Gentle Giant, the Story of Big John Lucas.P.6-9. with Photos.Collection
Black ArchivesLexicon
Search Terms
St. Joseph City Councilman, Black History, Black Politicians, Lucas, John, Black Boxers, Black City CouncilmenRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Bryan BakerPerson or Organization
William BennettPerson or Organization
Dr. Sherman CoxPerson or Organization
Dr. Donald CrowderPerson or Organization
Gust KarrasPerson or Organization
Lucas, John Jr.Person or Organization
Lucas, John Sr.Person or Organization
Laurence LucasPerson or Organization
Omeaul Lucas
