Public Art Installation - Denton, Texas
FRED MOORE
African American Educator in Denton, TX
Fred Moore was a crucial figure in Denton’s history, becoming principal of Denton County’s only African American school in 1915. As a public school educator, Sunday school official and community leader, he influenced generations of students with his philosophy based on the following rules of conduct:
Exercise self-control; control tongues, thoughts, temper and actions.
Be thrifty.
Never ridicule or defile the character of another.
Keep your self-respect and help others to keep theirs.
Kindness; be kind in thoughts and never despise anyone.
Be kind in speech, never gossip or speak unkindly of others.
Good health is important. Keep yourself clean in body and mind.
Be self-reliant, but listen to the advice of wiser and older people.
Develop independence and wisdom.
Act according to what seems right and fair.
Never fear being laughed at for doing what is right.
Be brave. A coward does not make a good citizen.
Always play fair. Never cheat.
Always treat your opponents with courtesy.
Born 1875, Fred’s maternal grandparents had been slaves, and his father was a Native American. Named after Frederick Douglas, the famous African-American leader, his grade school education ended after ninth grade when he had to begin working at a bank and later at barbershops. He later organized a popular 14-piece band that performed across the County, and a string band that played for white people's dances. His wife Sadie convinced him to earn his teacher’s certificate, beginning a career in education spanning 40 years. Denton’s Fred Moore Park and Fred Moore School were named in his honor.