Wade Watts - Early Life

Early Life

Wade Alexander Watts was born September 23, 1919, in Kiamichi, Oklahoma, to Charlie Alexander Watts and Mittie Harris on the hillside of the Kiamichi Mountains. The family moved to Canada, lived there 5 years, and then moved back to Oklahoma and settled in Eufaula.

When Wade was a young boy he made friends with a white boy and was invited to his home to play. The young boy's mother came to the door and told the boys that lunch was ready. Wade went inside and washed his hands and then proceeded to sit down at the kitchen table where he saw two plates sitting there. Wade's young friend said "You can't sit there, Wade, as those places are for me and my mama. Your lunch is outside on the back porch." Wade went outside and there was his friend's mama who handed him a dish of food. As Wade was eating a dog came up and started barking and tried to bite him. As he struggled with the dog his friend came outside and stated "The reason my dog is mad at you Wade, is because you're eating out of his dish!"

Wade joined the church at an early age. His strong drive for equality led him to join the NAACP when he was 17 years old and received his calling to the ministry in his early 30s.