William had entered the seminary while John was still at West Point and kept in close contact with him after he was discharged from the military. In February 1917, John formally entered the Society of Jesus as a novice at St. Stanislaus Seminary in Florissant, Missouri. Here, he would begin his formal religious training that marked a turning point in his life. The strict regime of his West Point training was not so different from John’s new lifestyle, now filled with mediation, silence, and reflection instead of field exercises and battle tactics. He would build his knowledge of philosophy, theology, and faith that would set a foundation for his contributions towards racial justice and equality. Following in William's footsteps, John immersed himself in the mission to help the surrounding settlements of those previously enslaved by the Jesuits. (Photos, B12F13)
After the denial of his application to become an army chaplain in 1925, Markoe’s last chance at saving his military reputation, and his demotion from university positions to high school teaching in 1929, Markoe unfortunately fell to his old drinking habits. He was sent to forced rehabilitation at St. Joseph’s Infirmary. Here, Markoe spent over seven years struggling with his alcoholism and his faith. With the immense support of his brother William and the rest of his family, Markoe was able to successfully complete his rehabilitation and renew his Jesuit vows and spiritual commitment. He eventually switched from being a patient to a priest at St. Joseph’s, but was ready for more active roles in ministry by the 1930s. (Photo, B12F10)
Photo of the Douglas County courthouse where the DePorres Club held their first sit-in at Dixon's Cafe in 1948.
Photo via Wikimedia under the Creative Commons License
Architect: Kimball, Steele & Sandham and George B. Prinz The U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska met here until the late 1950s or early 1960s.
Still in use by the federal government.
After his novitiate (beginning years), Markoe continued his studies at St. Louis University until he was ordained a priest in 1928. He was also assigned active ministry and teaching duties in the surrounding area, which was heavily divided along racial lines. Together, John and William would minister to underserved population that was the minorities of St. Louis, finding their cause with those people. On August 15 of 1917, the two brothers pledged a lifelong commitment to advancing the spiritual and material lives of Black Americans — an early and personal declaration of solidarity during a period when racial segregation and discrimination were deeply entrenched in American society. They would do much work integrating schools, churches, and communities in the area, as well as the overall promotion of the immorality of racism. (Photo, B12F4)
During the DePorres Club boycott of the purchase of Coca Cola Bottling Company, the management staged a photoshoot to claim the hiring of African Americans.
Box 8, Folder 8
During the DePorres Club boycott of the purchase of Coca Cola Bottling Company, the management staged a photoshoot to claim the hiring of African Americans.
Box 8, Folder 8
During the DePorres Club boycott of the purchase of Coca Cola Bottling Company, the management staged a photoshoot to claim the hiring of African Americans.
Box 8, Folder 8
During the DePorres Club boycott of the purchase of Coca Cola Bottling Company, the management staged a photoshoot to claim the hiring of African Americans.
Box 8, Folder 8
During the DePorres Club boycott of the purchase of Coca Cola Bottling Company, the management staged a photoshoot to claim the hiring of African Americans.
Box 8, Folder 8
