On the avenue
Looking back at Abram Ross, for whom an Oklahoma City avenue was named.
Drive west on NE 10, and where it begins to curve south after crossing Martin Luther King Avenue, is a street sign for Abram Ross Avenue.
There are probably many people, like me, who have passed that sign and wondered — who was Abram Ross? On Sept. 4, 1966, The
Oklahoman reported on the honorees at a special picnic. (Note:The Oklahoman no longer uses this terminology. It is reprinted from 1966.)
“Saturday was Abram Ross’ day to listen while others spoke. Normally it is the other way around.
“Since 1948 Oklahoma Cityans have heard his daily radio program ‘Negroes in the News,’ a broadcast featuring events in the city’s Negro community.
“Ross and his wife, Willa, who joined him on the radio in 1955 when the program was switched from KLPR to KBYE, were honored at a picnic at Washington Park, NE 4 and High.
“Ross was chosen Oklahoma’s outstanding Negro leader of 1966, and to celebrate the honor, Negroes from all over the state gathered at the park under the shade of elm trees for the festivities.
“Seated on a couch mounted on the bed of a bobtail truck, the white-haired newsman and his wife smiled and nodded to friends in the crowd of about 150 Negroes and whites while guest speakers made speeches.”
“Republican gubernatorial candidate Dewey Bartlett came to speak and shake hands. Bill Williams, assistant city police chief was there to pay tribute. And Chief William T. Big Snake, Ponca City Indian, who has joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, in a Negro-Indian alliance dedicated to civil rights, came to assure the crowd that Negroes haven’t cornered the market on discrimination.
“Thinking back on his career, Ross, 54, said ‘We never pull punches on anybody.’
“For his straightforward delivery Ross was selected Negro Disc Jockey of the Year in 1951. He also has been honored as an outstanding newscaster and holds an award from the Negro Womens’ Association for his work.
“But the biggest honor came Saturday, and for Ross it was ‘one of the grandest things that ever happened.’
“The daily business of living has brought still another honor. When Negroes need help they call Abram Ross. A boy in trouble, a man needing medical attention, or a family passing through wanting to know a good place to eat — they all call Abram Ross.
“And even when fire breaks out the first number called is his. As Ross said proudly, ‘They all call me.’ “And he answers.” Besides his career as a radio broadcaster, Abram Ross also ran his own advertising company.
While I could not find exactly when, the street’s name was changed from Alice Avenue to Abram Ross Avenue, the honor came to Mr. Ross before his death on Feb. 2, 1984. His death notice in The Oklahoman gave his address as 1735 Abram Ross Ave. He had lived on the street for at least 18 years.
A fitting honor for a respected man.