Like an echo of the literature, music, and fashion known as the Harlem Renaissance, the African-American community in mid-20th century Wake Forest experienced a surge in creativity, intellectualism, and culture. In this era of lingering segregation, with Jim Crow laws still firmly in place across the South, the residents of northeast Wake Forest were establishing successful schools and businesses. The neighborhood churches were filled to bursting, children played in the streets, and music was everywhere.
Following the music is how a reporter from Wake Forest College first discovered Arthur Young. A songwriter who lived along North White Street in the 1940s, he was the son of Allen Young, founder of Wake Forest’s segregated Normal and Industrial School. Although a math teacher by trade, Young also dabbled in popular music with considerable success. His composition “Let’s Call It Love” was named one of the best new songs of 1941 by Hollywood’s National Songwriters’ Guild.
Young had gotten his start while working as a postal clerk in New York in the late 1920s. In his off hours, he’d stake out the Manhattan theater district, playing his original melodies for music publishers. When that didn’t pan out, he returned to Wake Forest where he taught at his father’s school and studied books on songwriting and composition. Eventually, he teamed up with Mary Gorman, a white lyricist from Richmond, Virginia. Theirs was an unusual partnership. Only composing through correspondence at first, Young came to realize he’d eventually have to tell Mary he was black. As it turned out, Mary’s feelings never changed and she happily made plans to travel to Wake Forest so they could write songs together in a classroom at the Normal and Industrial School.
The next great artist from the town’s northeast neighborhood was a drum major at the segregated DuBois School. Danny Scarborough graduated in 1965, five years before Wake Forest’s public schools were integrated. His talent and early education launched him farther than anyone could have imagined.
Scarborough went on to attend St. Augustine’s College, the University of Massachusetts, Yale University, and Columbia University. He became an assistant professor in the Africana Studies program at San Diego State University, where he founded the Black Repertory Theater Experience. He wrote, directed, and choreographed dramatic dance performances that combined blues and jazz with African-themed movement. In 1978, Scarborough’s group was honored with an Emmy Award for a piece inspired by Alex Haley’s “Roots.”
But Danny Scarborough is also known for bravely coming out as one of the first famous black men in America to be diagnosed with AIDS. He received the devastating news in 1984. Infected by a former lover who later died of the disease, Scarborough made it his mission to reach out to men in the African-American community. Determined to save lives by preventing others from making the same mistakes, he went public in Ebony Magazine in 1989 with a declaration of his bisexuality and a message pleading with black men to use condoms and practice safe sex. This unusual openness about what was still a misunderstood illness remains an enduring and impressive part of his legacy. An icon in the fields of African-American studies and dance, Scarborough remains a legendary figure 25-years after his death.
Today, a documentary film about Scarborough’s life is in production. Written and directed by acclaimed historian and documentary artist Dr. Daniel E. Walker, When Roosters Crow was nominated for Best Short Film at the 2014 San Diego Black Film Festival. A former student of Scarborough’s, Walker was the Associated Students/Student Government Association President at San Diego State University during the final year of Scarborough’s life. The film features 1970s era dance segments and interviews with Scarborough, along with newly recorded recollections from his former students.
The film’s creators are seeking funding to produce a full-length version of When Roosters Crow, and have an indiegogo site for donations.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/when-roosters-crow-the-danny-l-scarborough-story
FABULOUS!! This brought tears to my eyes. I knew him well when he was in Boston. Such treasured memories.
Thank you for commenting. Danny is also well remembered by those who knew him here. Just a person you never forget, from what we’re told. So happy that you were touched by Dr. Walker’s short film. We very much hope he raises funding to complete the long version soon.
Nicely researched and beautifully written. This is information little known in Wake Forest. Thanks for informing us.
Why,Yes! I just came a cross a photo from my time studying with Dr. Scarborough during his summer residences at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. His awesome pride and palpable presence helped to shape my existence as an artist and educator today. Thank you for remembering this icon of 20th century Black history.
Thank you so much for sharing your memories of Dr. Scarborough! You’re so very right… what a beautiful artist and such an icon. He makes us very proud.
Hello Carla!! U may or may not remember me but I danced with Dr. Scarborough during his residence at ODU as well. I was a student there. That man changed my life in ways that have done nothing put push me forward and uplift my spirits in the arts. Finding this has made me so incredibly happy. U may remember his dance capt.(s) Richard Dunston, (RIP) and Cynthia Howell, who I am still in contact with on FB and may see at homecoming next month. I have such fond memories. If u see this please reach out. I’ve got pix, no footage unfortunately. My heart is full right now.
So glad our paths crossed Carla!! I am sure that u & Danny are stomping it out and dancing & sweating out with such pure joy!
I danced with Danny Scarborough for three summers in Norfolk, VA when he would put up his production via SEVAA. This was my greatest experience into the world of dance and lead me to continuing doing so in musical theater. In the clips above I see some of the footage from those shows. People like Richard Dunston, Patricia Jennings, Cynthia Howell Morris, my self Bill Bivens, Kenneth Taylor, Tracey Thomas were often featured in his choreography. One of my favorites “I Put a Spell On You” via Nina Simone was such an impactful piece. Seeing this makes my heart full of joy and pride. It saddens me that he has left us. I remember finding out in an article in Ebony or Essence magazine. Devastated. Been trying to track down footage of those shows for such a long time. A lot of this footage is from the west coast company who I would have loved to work with. If there is any of the east coast footage is available I would love to see it. If any more work has been done on this film…..please let me know. He was a blessing in my life. He changed my life!!!
Thank you for sharing your fondest memories of Danny. He saved and changed many lives. He left big shoes to fill. I have so many fond memories of my uncle Danny. I remember attending his shows in Virginia every summer and looked forward to his return home to Wake Forest, NC for the holidays. My family and I often reminisce as we sit back and watch old videos of Danny’s performances. We miss both Danny and my great-grandmother Bertha Hall Lewis.