Interviewer’s Note:

Meeting John Ferron, you’d never guess this humble gentleman was at the center of transformative social change in Baltimore or that his life was threatened for standing up against discrimination. He carries himself with a quiet confidence that naturally commands respect.

His clever sense of humor catches you off guard. What resonated most was how, despite all his significant accomplishments in civil rights, he measures his success through his 68-year marriage and the love of his family.

My Roots

I was blessed with rich early memories of my parents. My father was a man of many talents: he made boats, was an exceptional gardener, and possessed numerous skills that inspired me deeply. He worked as a chauffeur for one of the richest families in the city, the Gutmans who owned a department store. Despite the open racism of those times, people called him “Mr. Ferron.” He didn’t demand respect. His presence and mannerisms simply generated it. That’s how we were raised.

My mother was a loving woman and an amazing cook, almost a gourmet chef. I believe that’s where I learned my own cooking skills. Though we lived in the county, my father made the decision to register us in Baltimore City schools, which were recognized nationally for educational excellence. This gave me incredible educational opportunities and inspiration from dedicated teachers.

Education

Education helps you become independent rather than dependent. It broadens your mind and gives you opportunities to make decisions you wouldn’t be in a position to make without being educated.

I attended Morgan State College (now University), an HBCU where I majored in English Literature and Grammar. Morgan was noted for having an excellent educational system, even compared to some of the Northeastern schools. The professors were exceptional. They taught seriously without playing games, they respected their students, and many became friends.

Later, I attended the University of Maryland School of Law, though I didn’t finish. The experience introduced me to important connections and got me involved in politics.

Breaking Barriers

One of my earliest jobs was at Crownsville State Hospital. My brother, another man named W., and I were the first African-Americans hired to work there. At that time, it was a mental hospital that only had Black patients and had developed a very negative reputation. The entire staff before us was white. We had numerous responsibilities, including caring for deceased patients and taking their bodies to the morgue.

I ended up working with a prominent doctor, assisting him in medical and surgical procedures. I even helped with post-mortem examinations and electroshock treatments. It was a fascinating experience. Most of the white staff came to like and respect us because we did our jobs responsibly without complaint, we were inquisitive, and we just focused on doing good work.

A Love Story for the Ages

The way my wife and I met is truly book-worthy. I was 21 years old, living in Howard County, Maryland in a community called Elkridge. Some neighborhood girls were throwing a party, and word got out that a group of girls from Baltimore City would be attending.

My friend D. J. and I went to the party, and my older brother who was a professor at Morgan was there also. During the party, it suddenly grew dark outside and started pouring rain with lightning. Looking out the window, I saw my brother sitting outside in the rain with a beautiful young woman who seemed awestruck by him. I decided to go outside to bring her in out of the rain. Her name was B.

After the girls helped dry her off, my friend and I offered to drive B. and her friends home. On the way, we stopped at the Patapsco River. And guess what happened when we got out. The storm had cleared, leaving a full, bright moon shining on the rippling water. She was just awestruck by the beauty of it.

We began dating, often walking down Pennsylvania Avenue, which was a very popular place at that time. We’d go into certain bars, and the musicians would acknowledge us, asking her “What would the queen like to hear?” B. carried herself in a very dignified way. They’d play whatever music she wanted.

We’ve been married for 68 years. We had three children. One was a journeyman plumber. When we first took the other to church, I handed her to my wife. I said she’s a special child. She’s an angel.

We’ve traveled all over the world except for Asia. One of our most profound experiences was visiting the Holy Land. My friend S. S., who was the director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, invited us to Israel for a two-week study mission. While there, we visited the Dome of the Rock, where Abraham was instructed by God to sacrifice his son Isaac. When I placed my hand on that rock, I experienced a feeling I’ve never known before or since. Something went through my whole body. I knew I had touched a holy place.

Public Service and Standing Firm

When I was growing up, there were some things going on in government that I didn’t like. So I decided to get involved in government to try to change those things. I was appointed by the “Do Good” Mayor William Donald Schaefer to his cabinet as the director of the Baltimore City Community Relations Commission, working in anti-discrimination. The mayor told me I had the second toughest job in city government after his own. It was a difficult position dealing with discrimination and community relations, including police misconduct.

During that time, my life was threatened. I had some friends on the police force who were close to the commissioner who warned me to be careful, saying certain people could easily have me killed. At one point during the hearings on police misconduct, some of the wives of police officials said, “You’re a dead man.” We’ve made some progress since those days, but I don’t take any credit for that. I just did my job.

I was concerned, but I did my job. I didn’t deviate from doing what I was supposed to do. When a high-ranking elected official told me to stay away from the police department during a cabinet meeting, the Sun papers wrote an editorial telling that official to mind his own business and leave me alone. He did.

I was also a member of an influential political club, and I once ran for City Council, coming in close to those who were elected. I was ready to run for mayor with support from a powerful political organization and many political friends. I had a good chance of winning, but B. advised against it, knowing it would bring trouble. So, I listened to her and didn’t run. She’s the boss, he he. A decision I don’t regret. She’s a wise and loving person.

Baseball and Connections

During my time at Crownsville State Hospital, I also had the privilege of working alongside some remarkable individuals who would go on to achieve fame in the world of baseball. Maury Wills, who eventually was nominated for the Baseball Hall of Fame with the Dodgers, was there working as a ward attendant just like me. There was also Charlie Rigby, who went on to play with Detroit.

I played shortstop in our institutional league where we competed against other state institutions. Shortstop is a dangerous position to play. You have to be either half crazy or phenomenal. I was good, but Maury was one of the best all-around athletes I’ve ever known. He even beat me at ping pong, and to my knowledge, he was the only person I can recall who truly beat me at that game.

Maury Wills deserves to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. I believe the ONLY reason he wasn’t selected was because of the racism of the times. The world famous actress Doris Day, a white woman, fell in love with him. This was in the early ’40s. Racism was rampant.

Getting him inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame was on my bucket list. He truly deserves that recognition.

Wisdom and Reflections

I want to be remembered simply as the person I was: a decent, kind, thoughtful, giving, and committed individual. A person who loves his wife and respects other people.

I’ve been blessed to have lived a full life in which I feel I’ve contributed to the well-being and betterment of civilization. That’s the DNA of my family, passed down from my parents.

Each person has the ability to change and affect the future for good or bad. It’s their choice.

What’s the secret to a 68-year marriage? It’s not a secret – it’s love. Love and respect for one another, listening to one another, and trying to follow Scripture.

I don’t believe in luck. I’m not lucky. I’m blessed. With love,

John Ferron