2022-045 Tribute to Abner Haynes and Dr Leon KingAugust 5, 2022 Report No. 2022-045
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Tribute to Abner Haynes and Dr. Leon King
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In September 2021, City Council directed the Parks and Recreation Department to work with the
Public Art Committee to determine the feasibility of commissioning a sculpture honoring Abner
Haynes, a former North Texas State Athlete. Mr. Haynes was one of two African American players
that broke the color barrier in 1956 while playing football for North Texas State University
(NTSU), now the University of North Texas (UNT). Mr. Haynes went on to break records in
professional football eventually retiring from the New York Jets in 1967.
Dr. Leon King, who also integrated the NTSU football team in 1956, went on to earn his doctorate
and serve as a public-school teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal. In 2016, Dr. King
was inducted into the African American Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP)
Hall of Fame for his for his enduring service to the Dallas Independent School District. While staff
researched the players’ history, they learned that the UNT Athletics Department was already
working on a project called “Unity Plaza” that will house sculptures of both Abner Haynes and
Dr. Leon King. Unity Plaza will be located next to the UNT athletic offices near Apogee Stadium.
BACKGROUND
During the September 21, 2021, City Council meeting, Council Member Davis presented a one-
minute pitch to hold a work session exploring the feasibility of commissioning a statue honoring
Abner Haynes. Mr. Haynes was one of the first African American students to play football for
NTSU.
Abner Haynes was born in Denton in 1937, but his family moved to Dallas before he started
playing football. Mr. Haynes returned to Denton with his friend and teammate Leon King to play
football at NTSU in 1956. They were two of the 14 Lincoln High School classmates enrolled at
NTSU and the only two African American players on the team.
Mr. Haynes excelled as a running back on the football team and holds records in punt return
average that still stand. Haynes was later drafted and played for the American Football League
(AFL) with the Dallas Texans (known now as the Kansas City Chiefs). He led the AFL in rushing
in his rookie year and still holds the AFL record in combined yards.
Leon King did not continue to a professional career in football, but instead found his calling in the
classroom. After earning his undergraduate degree, King continued to earn a Master of Education
degree from NTSU in 1972. He ultimately earned a doctoral degree as well and served as an
inspiration to many during his decades-long career within the Dallas Independent School District.
August 5, 2022 Report No. 2022-045
Haynes and King were stars on the football field, but their greatest achievements were in breaking
the color barrier on the NTSU football team, inspiring and easing the way for those who would
follow in their footsteps.
(SOURCE: “Abner Haynes, Leon King broke Texas’ college football color barrier”, Denton
Record Chronicle, author Annetta Ramsay, PhD, 8-27-2021)
(SOURCE: North Texas Athletics Hall of Fame: Abner Haynes)
(SOURCE: “Abner Haynes,” Pro Football Archives, accessed 8/2/22)
(SOURCE: Jill King, “Hall of Fame Educators,” North Texan, Dec. 8, 2016
DISCUSSION:
The Unity Plaza project was nearing completion of the design phase when staff contacted the
Athletic Department. UNT already established the location and a $250,000 budget for the project.
The estimated costs have since grown to $360,000. UNT staff also noted they are looking for
partners to fully fund the project. UNT originally asked if the City could contribute $100,000.
Their current funding shortfall is $190,000. UNT staff noted the City would be recognized for this
contribution on a plaque at the site.
Unity Plaza will be located on the UNT campus outside the athletics offices south of Apogee
Stadium. The project has already broken ground and UNT’s website estimated the project will be
completed in early to mid-fall.
The City Manager’s Office has identified the availability of up to $100,000 in the FY2022-2023
budget that could be allocated for this project. Staff plans to place this item on a future agenda to
allow City Council to discuss the level of interest in support of this public art project.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Exhibit 1 – Unity Plaza Presentation
Exhibit 2 – UNT Athletics to honor Abner Haynes
STAFF CONTACT:
John Whitmore, Park Planning Manager
940-349-7747
John.Whitmore@cityofdenton.com
REQUESTOR:
Jessie Davis, Council Member