Rocky Simmons - What Legends Are Made Of

Thu, Feb 7, 2008

Rocky Simmons
(1915-1994)

by Gloria Winston Al-Sarag and Larry McDonald

There are few who have lived in Rochester, New York anytime during the 1950s through the early 1990’s who have not heard the name, “Rocky Simmons.” Anyone with memories of Rocky Simmons will be able to recall his presence in the Monroe County Courthouse, on a baseball field, in the community as a Ward leader, on someone’s campaign trail, or as the devoted father and husband he was.

Rocky Simmons is a legend, an unsung hero in the Rochester community. “Rocky” as he was affectionately called was born Wynder Damon Simmons, 1915 in Magnolia MS. He attended Wiley College in Morris Texas on a baseball scholarship but was there at a time when the “The Great Debaters” team had begun to make its mark. After serving in the US Army during World War II, Rocky relocated to Utica, NY. It was in Utica that his first interest in politics surfaced. His passion being baseball, he soon found himself managing an all black Little League baseball team called, The Utica Monarchs.

In the late 1940’s Rocky moved to Rochester, NY where his dibbling and dabbling in politics took on legs and gave him direction. His ability to relate to others made him a natural in that arena. Soon after his arrival he quickly moved into the position of Assistant Leader of the 7th Ward for the Republican Party. It was a time when politicians controlled much of what was considered the job market. In that day and time, if you were not a member of the Republican Party then you would find no work available. Each Ward in the City had a Ward leader. They were very powerful individuals who handed out the jobs to their constituents.

In the 1950’s Rocky became the Republican Leader of the 7th Ward, but baseball was never far from his grasp and attention. Even with his new-found responsibilities, Rocky found time to manage the Rochester American Giants who were previously known as the NY Black Yankees. The team would travel to Canada, Pennsylvania, and New York City to play other teams. More often than not, Rocky’s team won. Rocky was a Manager’s Manager.

Simmons’ daughter Roxie remembers going with her father to the public market, churches, and wherever else Blacks could be found, and registering them to vote. Anyone running for office knew it was wise to have Rocky in his or her corner. “He quickly became well known and liked in the city. People trusted him,” said David McMillan, a friend for over 30 years. Among those he helped with their campaigns, was Nelson Rockefeller when he ran for Governor of New York. People knew that if Rocky endorsed someone, it must have been because they were someone who could be trusted. Rocky’s wife, Beatrice, remembers that he was not only known because of his involvement in elections and political events, but because he “was a people person.”

In 1963, Rocky joined the campaign team of Judge Caroline Blanche. When she was elected the first female judge in the county, Blanche appointed Rocky as the first African American court attendant for Monroe County Family Court. While working in Family Court, Rocky saw an opportunity to help those in need. His community service was a natural extension of the job he was to do for the Courts. If he noticed someone dressed inappropriately for court, he would take them aside and advise them of the proper attire for a courtroom. If someone was in need of a lawyer, he became a referral service. He not only made referrals to the lawyers of the public defender but his community service gave him knowledge of the many services available for families in the community. For decades he was a fixture in the Monroe County Hall of Justice. He was everyone’s father, big brother or uncle.

Rocky was always willing to help the unfortunate find jobs, clothes, and even housing. He often held his well-known talent shows, sponsored by Judge Blanche, Mayor Stephen May, and Sheriff Albert Skinner. These talent shows helped to not only keep youth out of trouble, but also helped people like Stephen Humphrey, of the group The Bottom of the Bucket (now Fagan Dance), make it to the Apollo Theatre. His son Wynder Jr. remembers Rocky being the first Black Santa Claus in Rochester. Visiting churches and community centers Rocky would deliver clothes and toys to families who would otherwise not have been able to have gifts for Christmas. According to his son Dwayne, family was important to Rocky, not only his family, all families. “If a man doesn’t have a family, he doesn’t have anything,” Rocky was often heard to say.

Besides sports, politics, and helping the less fortunate, Rocky managed to become a skilled photographer. Taking photos of weddings, events, and churches, adding yet another reason to why he was a much sought after person.

After serving Monroe County for 24 years, Simmons retired in 1988. He spent the remainder of his life with family and friends and found a new passion in gardening. In 1994 Wynder Damon “Rocky” Simmons passed away. He is buried in the Veteran’s Section of Riverside Cemetery.

On Friday, February 1, 2008 the U of R held a ceremony honoring Rocky Simmons. A display of photographs both of and by Rocky Simmons is available at the University of Rochester’s Rush Rhees Library through April 30, 2008. For more information, please call 585-275-4477.

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