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Board names new school for community activist

By JEFFREY S. SOLOCHEK
Published December 17, 2006

James A. Hammond plans to play an active role in the new elementary school that will bear his name.

"I have always enjoyed working with young people and encouraging them in education," said the 77-year-old community activist, who among other things helped create the county's first preschool program. "I get a great deal of satisfaction from seeing others achieve."

The School Board decided to name the school, which is rising next to Walker Middle School, after Hammond because of his long history in promoting education and race relations in Tampa. They selected his name from a field of 300 submissions.

"I'm just overwhelmed and honored," Hammond said. "It's the greatest honor I could have ever received."

Born and raised in Tampa, Hammond left to go to college and then serve in the military. He returned to Tampa in 1955, beginning a long career of public service in addition to working in the private sector.

Among his many activities, Hammond served as Tampa's commissioner of community relations, founded the Tampa Hillsborough Action Plan and chaired the city Civil Service Board.

He has sat on the boards of directors for the Greater Tampa Urban League and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

Four Florida governors appointed him to the state Unemployment Appeals Commission. In 1969, he received the Governor's Medal for community service for helping to quell race riots in Tampa two years earlier. It's just one of dozens of awards he's garnered over the years, though the one he cherishes most.

A longtime school mentor, Hammond said he expects to spend time working with youngsters at the new school, encouraging them to complete their education and work to "be somebody." He'll use his 3P philosophy - positive mental attitude, patience and persistence.

Dozens of community leaders sent letters lauding Hammond as deserving his name on a school, including state Sen. Les Miller, former School Board member Doris Ross Reddick, tax collector Doug Belden, County Commissioner Kevin White, and several ministers and educators.

"James A. Hammond has served this county and his community with integrity, honesty, outstanding leadership and dedicated services," wrote Monroe Mack, a friend and retired director of Tampa General Hospital's pharmacy services. "He may not be an educator in the usual sense. However, he has been a true educator in the practical sense of teaching and helping our citizens learn how to become more productive and contributing individuals in the real world of everyday living."

Hammond said he was humbled by the outpouring of support, and that he simply enjoys being involved, particularly in community things and especially with young people.

James A. Hammond Elementary School is scheduled to open for students in August 2007.

The School Board is expected to set its attendance boundaries early in the new year.

Jeffrey S. Solochek can be reached at solochek@sptimes.com or 813 269-5304.

[Last modified December 16, 2006, 20:45:02]