All For One

Dozens gather at the annual D.R.E.A.M. banquet in honor of a St. Charles Parish legend and for a sneak peak at the documentary that tells his story

In a time that was smothered by segregation and indifference, a young boy by the name of Don Raymond was born, and although his time on Earth was shorter than most, his impact on St. Charles Parish and the legacy he left behind will live on forever.

On July 19 nearly 200 patrons attended the 16th annual D.R.E.A.M Banquet at the John L. Dorsey Multi-Purpose Center where a sneak peak of filmmaker Glenn Singleton’s documentary depicting this young man’s life was shown.

“I’ve received tremendous feedback on the film,” said David Raymond, Don’s brother. “People have told me that it’s informative, touching and does my brother’s memory well.”

According to David, 22 minutes worth of clips from nearly 17 hours of uncut documentary footage was shown at the organization’s annual benefit, leaving everyone with a lasting impression of Don.

“I’ve been told that the preview of the film left many with mixed emotions of joy and sadness,” said David. “Some didn’t realize all that my brother went through or the impact that he made when he integrated Hahnville High School.”

For those who aren’t familiar with Don’s story, it’s a heart-wrenching tale of a black student-athlete who enrolled at HHS in the 1960s under the Freedom of Choice rule, which allowed voluntary, not forced, integration.

Don’s life was cut short on March 30, 1969 when he and his girlfriend were traveling home along River Road in Hahnville and his car collided with another.

Don was pronounced dead on the scene. He was 16 years old, a junior in high school and a member of the football, baseball, basketball and track teams.

The D.R.E.A.M Banquet is held every year partly as a fundraiser for the Don Raymond Scholarship fund.

Other banquet highlights included a speech from Rev. Torrin Sanders, musical entertainment by the People of Praise and a special appearance by Ruby Bridges, who was the first black child to attend an all-white school in the South.

“It was great that we were able to have Ruby make an appearance,” said Singleton. “She is an idol to many including a young lady named Mya LaGrange who wants to be a civil rights lawyer. Mya being able to meet Ruby reminded me of when I met my idol Muhammad Ali.”

A medallion honoring Don is currently being designed by The Medallic Mint out of British Columbia, Canada.

“My company has produced medallions for five Olympic games, the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee and one for Muhammad Ali,” said Medallic Mint CEO Peter Jederman. “In keeping with the tradition of honoring famous people and events in medallic form, I have the privilege of producing in bronze, silver and gold a 1 3/4 inch medallion of Don Raymond.”

When completed, the medallion will be distributed throughout the world to worthy students who have picked up Don Raymond’s still brightly shining torch.

“I feel as though God has used me as a messenger and put me in the place I needed to be to tell Don’s story,” said Singleton.

Singleton is in the final stages of finishing the documentary and hopes to soon complete his book about Don’s life.