Thomases honored with plaque

City of Cameron officials and members of the O.J. Thomas Alumni Association were on hand Friday, Aug. 9, to reveal a new plaque that was put up in O.J. Thomas Park commemorating the contributions of Oscar John (O.J.) Thomas and his wife Bessie to the community. The park received a new coat of paint and other renovations during a work day this past spring. Mr. Thomas joined the district in 1923 to serve as principal and teacher along with Mrs. Thomas, also a teacher, to continue to serve the educational needs of Cameron’s African-American students. Under his leadership financing was secured to build a new school in 1925. The school was renamed for Thomas in 1938. During integration the school became Cameron Junior High, but in 1974 a petition changed the name to O.J. Thomas Junior High School.