Bonner, Elbert

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ELBERT STREETER BONNER

 

Mr. Bonner was born in Blytheville, Arkansas on December 8, 1922. He is married to Lee Annie Adams Bonner and their anniversary is March 20, 1946. Mr. Bonner is tolerant, patient, sincere, loyal, articulate and cooperative.

Mr. and Mrs. Bonner are the parents of two daughters; Janet Harnetta Bonner, and Lenora Bonner Cooper. I believe I have inspired both of my daughters about the importance and value of an education. Both are educators in the East St. Louis School District 189.

As a Black man in this Christian society, Christianity has inspired me to treat my fellow man as I want to be treated, being neighborly and attentive to others, needs.

My greatest personal achievement has been in being the backbone of successful people, my wife, daughters, and others.

An adversity in my life was serving in two wars, World War II and the Korean War. I was very fortunate to have been discharged without a scratch.

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Presently, I am a retired Government employee. The most likable part about the job was there was a variety of work in all aspects of photography, developing and making prints and equipment repair as well as supply procurement of property. The Federal Record Center was my employer.

Organizations to which I have belonged are the Federal Record Center. I served as the captain of the Lincoln High School Track Team and won the first district meet in 1940. 1 served as President of the first Lincoln High School Marching and Swing Bands. I have been business Manager and President of the Frogs Social Club which has contributed many services to the East St. Louis Community.

My most cherished awards include receiving awards from General Eisenhower, the Prince of Luxemberg and the King of England for first place in the quarter, and a half mile relay as a member of Asie Section of France.

My hobbies are swimming, track, tennis, gardening, and fishing. MASH, the news and all televised sports events are my TV favorites. "Time" and "Reader's Digest" are my favorite magazines because these keep me informed and well versed on the happenings of today.

One instance of discrimination which occurred to me was in 1949 when I was directed to train some "White" government employees to receive higher grades than I had. I, among others, refused to train these "white" employees. Consequently, we received the higher grade.

The punishment I received as a child was a good back beating! I'm here to tell you that there is nothing wrong with it! 9:00 PM in our household was the curfew at the time when I received this punishment for getting home late.

In family gatherings the family has always enjoyed discussing mine and my wife's courtship as teenagers.

I live in the community of East St. Louis, IL. There are many good qualities about it. Some sections of town have well-kept properties and yards. But the overall concern of the people for the city is good.

ELBERT BONNER               

 

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