On Dec 1st 1949 a handsome baby boy was born to Allen Sr. and Della Merchant, and was named Allen Merchant Jr. He was the only child and was known at school and around town by the nickname “Butch”. All of his formal education was in the Kashmere Gardens community area, graduating from McDade Elementary School. McDade Elementary sits adjacent to Kashmere Gardens High practice field so Allen got a …

  Class of 1967 Varsity Football Center and Line Backer All-District, All-City, All-State, All-American Team Captain Three-Year Letterman, Two-Year Starter Alex was reared in the Bottom neighborhood of Fifth Ward his family later moved into the Kelly Courts where his interest in sports excelled. Alex attended E. O Smith Junior High where he was a standout linebacker. He decided to attend Kashmere Gardens Senior High, along with his childhood friend …