A Tribute to "JAP"

Sylvester Lee “Jap” Turner was admired by many. One such youth was Mrs. Cora Mae Fox McIver who wanted her memory and experience of this phenomenal man to be showcased for Black History Month 2024. On Sunday, January 21, 2024, The Black Wall Street Connection met at the home of Barbara Turner, the wife of Mr. Turner and she hosted a lively discussion on “JAP.” You should have seen Mrs. Turner’s face light up as she listened to Rev. John McNeill and Lynn McNeill, Henry Frank McLean, and Terry McNeill talk about their memories of “Jap”. Mrs. Turner said some of the things she heard, she had no idea her husband had done so much!

Sanford NC TBWS · Commemorate, Sylvester Lee "Jap"

Community Swim Instructor

Research proves why Park Supervisor and Pool Manager Sylvester Turner was so respected by asking the recipients of this dedicated man’s unwavering service to the former youth of Sanford, NC. “Jap” supplied youth with summer jobs, dances organized every weekend at Gilmore Terrace, giving swimming lessons, thus students becoming life guards and olympic divers at historic Washington Park, now Horton Park.

Basketball Coaching

JAP also organized baseball and basketball teams supplying team with uniforms and took the children on fieldtrips. This was a rich safe time for our children in Sanford and the parents were pleased to have a place for thieir children to develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually.