Meet the men who fought to integrate bowling alleys in 1960s
Two bowlers faced state police and threats while challenging segregation
NEW ORLEANS (Aging Untold) — Alden McDonald and Walter “Woody” Woodruff faced state police, dogs and the threat of arrest in the 1960s as they worked to integrate bowling alleys in New Orleans.
The two men who are now in their 80s witnessed history and worked to change it during the civil rights era.
Early bowling days
McDonald, Woodruff and others formed the New Orleans Travelers Bowling League. They traveled to bowling alleys in states where facilities were integrated, but could only bowl on certain lanes. Back home, the few Black bowling alleys struggled to stay open.
“It seemed like all our bowling alleys were going to fold up, and we wanted somewhere to go,” McDonald said.
Challenging segregation
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination in public spaces, voting, employment and education. In many cases, whites in the South resisted integration with protest and violence.
McDonald and Woodruff began challenging segregation at local bowling alleys. Their efforts eventually led to equality as more businesses opened their doors to all.
Tisha Powell examines how their courage inspired change that has lasted for generations.
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