"Joseph Yancey founded the New York Pioneer Club in 1936. Joe took me in to run with the
Club in the indoor track season of 1953. His assistants were Horace Wall and Edward Levy.
Joe visited several of the Islands in 1947 and selected Jamaica, W. I. as the island with a
unique history of revolution against slavery. He knew no Negro would be allowed to Coach
an American track team for the coming Olympic Games of 1948 to be held in London, England.
During the indoor track season of 1953 held in Madison Square Garden I had the opportunity
of competing against the Great Jamaicans, Herbert McKinley, George Rhoden, Arthur Wint
and Lang. Joe coached the Jamaican Olympic Team in 1948, 1952 and 1956. These
Jamaicans were called the GRAND STREET BOYS. The sacrifices endured by Joe were
enormous.
It is fitting and proper that I pay homage to the MEMORY of Joseph Yancey with the creation of the
JAMAICA FLYER WATCH. ALL JAMAICAN children can become Jamaican Flyers in their respective fields of future
employment. ALL fields of education will be open to these children for they will not forget the
origins of this unexpected GIFT.
ALL JAMAICAN children can become Jamaican Flyers in their respective fields of future
employment. ALL fields of education will be open to these children for they will not forget the
origins of this unexpected GIFT.
In 1838 after 276 years of slavery, the spirit of the Jamaican citizens caused the English
Parliament to see clearly that independence must be given to those Jamaicans whose
revolts continued until such a time that it was not only economically and politically to
free these champions of freedom but a NECESSITY. The Kingston Church was crowded
that day. A coffin was inscribed that day:
"Colonial Slavery died July 31st, 1838.aged 276 years," church members
placed an iron punishment collar, a whip, and chains. As midnight drew
near the congregation sang:
The death-blow is struck-see the monster is dying,
He cannot survive till the dawn streaks the sky;
In one single hour, he will prostrate by lying,
Come, shout o'er the grave where so soon he will lie.
Joe might not have known this unique history of slavery in the West Indies, yet after visiting
several of the Islands, Jamaica, W. I. was chosen. The world records set by the aforementioned
Jamaicans signaled that a future dynasty would come into existence allowing the children of
this Island to undertake track and field as a guide to future greatness in the sciences and even
in all blue collar occupations.
May JOSEPH YANCEY, HORACE WALL AND EDWARD LEVY who guided me in the indoor
track season of 1953 and the outdoor season of 1954 never be forgotten for their true service
to the citizens of Jamaica, W. I. My image is on the www.unclegoosesociety.com web site under
my name William Tatum. I anchored the one mile relay and my jersey reads - N Y P C
William Tatum - Founder
EOGourdin, LLC
Unclegoosesociety, LLC
