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Gifford Neighborhood Plan 2014 But integration proved to be a double-edged sword. On the one hand black students would receive the same education as whites, but it meant decommissioning the Gifford High School. For a tight-knit community like Gifford, where family, church and school formed a single bond, losing their community school was to have an impact on their social fabric that is felt to this day, especially when it comes to education. During the early 1900s, most blacks who came here were employed as railroad and sawmill laborers as well as cooks, dishwashers, bellhops and N domestic workers. But many black entrepreneurs established businesses to serve their fellow African-Americans. In 1962, Deputy Sheriff Dallas Yates became the first black law officer in the county. By the 1970s, a few blacks were employed by county government and white-owned retail businesses. In the late 1970s, Thomas A. Jackson became the first black doctor to open a successful medical practice serving all residents. Blayne Jennings became the first black lawyer. Dr. A Ronald Hudson, a well-respected teacher, principal and assistant superintendent in the Indian River County school system recalls an incident early in his career. "My wife and I were both teachers and went to the bank to borrow money and build a home. We were making a decent salary between us and had saved money for a down payment. The loan officer told me the bank didn't normally loan colored folks that kind of money unless their boss came in to sign the note. I told him, `My boss is the Indian River County School Board and I don't think they have the authority to sign for me.' He called back several days later and we had the loan. Like this situation, I feel the good has overshadowed the bad and life has improved a great deal from those days." Piper Aircraft hired a number of blacks in general labor and skilled positions. One of them was Freddie Woolfork, now Director of Public Relations and Facilities Operations at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center. "After college I came back here and applied for a job at Piper. At first they said there weren't any openings, but when they realized my father was already working there for ten years,they hired me on the spot." Woolfork's father ended up working there for 30 years, son Freddie for 20 years and was able to advance to the position of Supervisor of Sheet Metal and Fabrication before changing careers. These are but a few situations endured in the black communities of Gifford, Wabasso and the original Carter Hall Subdivision in Fellsmere. The first black settlers came to this area hard-working and hopeful for a share of the American dream. Thanks to them and the sacrifices of many after them, that dream is finally being realized. FACommunity Development\Gifford Plan\2014 update\2014 Gifford Neighborhood Plan.doc Community Development Indian River County 108