Who is Andrew Arthur Allen Sr? Meet Phylicia Rashad’s Father

When people talk about famous names like Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad, the spotlight usually shines on their success. But behind their achievements stands a strong and steady figure — Andrew Arthur Allen Sr.

Instead, Andrew Arthur Allen Sr was something just as powerful — a respected dentist, a U.S. Army Captain, and a proud father who believed in education, discipline, and community.

In this Article, we’ll walk through his early life, education, military service, and professional journey — the foundation that shaped everything that came later.

Profile Summary: Andrew Arthur Allen Sr

Andrew Arthur Allen Sr’s Early Life

Andrew Arthur Allen Sr was born on July 30, 1921, in Louisiana. Some records list Lobdell, while others mention Port Allen. What matters most is this — he did not grow up with privilege. He grew up with responsibility.

His parents were Lloyd James Allen Sr. and Goldie M. Jackson. He was one of nine children. That means he learned early how to share, work hard, and stand on his own feet.

As a child, he later moved to Houston, Texas. Houston would become the place where he built his career and his legacy. But before he became a doctor, he was just a young man trying to find his path.

At 18 years old, before medical school, he worked as a janitor in Houston while living with his father. Think about that for a moment. A future doctor cleaning floors. That says a lot about his work ethic. He was not afraid to start small.

Andrew Arthur Allen Sr’s Education and the Dentistry

Education mattered deeply to Andrew Arthur Allen Sr. He first graduated from Jack Yates High School in Houston’s historic Third Ward. That school was known for producing strong leaders in the Black community.

After high school, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Augustine’s College in North Carolina. This was already a big step. But he did not stop there.

He then attended Howard University School of Dentistry and graduated in 1946 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Howard University was — and still is — one of the most respected historically Black universities in the country.

This connection to Howard became a lifelong bond. Years later, his name would be tied to scholarships at Howard. But at that time, he was simply a young graduate ready to serve.

He later became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a title that showed his dedication to learning and excellence in his field. He did not just want to be a dentist, He wanted to be a great one.

Andrew’s Military Service

Before settling fully into civilian life, Andrew Arthur Allen Sr served his country.

He was a Captain in the United States Army. His service included time connected to World War II and the Korean War. During the Korean War, he worked as a dental officer. That means he helped care for soldiers during difficult times.

His service ended in the early 1950s. When he passed away in 1983, he was laid to rest at Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. His grave marker carries the words that reflect his rank and service.

He was not just a community leader. He was a veteran who gave years of his life to his country.

Andrew Arthur Allen Sr’s 36-Year Career in Houston

After the military, Andrew Arthur Allen Sr returned to Houston and built what would become a 36-year dental career.

His office was located on Dowling Street, which is now called Emancipation Avenue. The location was important. It sat directly across from Emancipation Park, one of the oldest parks in Texas and a major center of Black culture in Houston.

This area, known as the Third Ward, was more than a neighborhood. It was a place where Black businesses, professionals, and families built strong communities during times of segregation.

For 36 years, Dr. Allen served patients from that office. He became known as one of the most trusted orthodontists in the region.

His daughter Phylicia once shared that she loved spending time at his office. As a teenager, she even worked there as a summer receptionist. That small detail shows how involved he was in both his work and his family life.

Andrew was described as kind, He was described as supportive. He believed in treating patients with empathy. Dentistry for him was not just about teeth, It was about care.

His Leadership, Community, and Civic Duty

Beyond his dental chair, Andrew Arthur Allen Sr was deeply involved in professional and community groups.

He served as President of the Charles A. George Dental Society. He also worked as Treasurer of the Gulf State Dental Association. He was a member of the National Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Andrew was a life member of the NAACP. He belonged to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, He was active in the Howard University Alumni Association. He was also a faithful member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and involved with the YMCA.

There is even a story shared in the family that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited their Houston home in 1967. Photos from that visit reportedly show Dr. King holding young Hugh Allen. That connection places Dr. Allen within the wider civil rights story of his time.

Andrew Arthur Allen Sr’s Marriage to Vivian Ayers Allen

In 1945, Andrew Arthur Allen Sr married Vivian Ayers Allen. Vivian was not just a wife and mother. She was a powerful mind in her own right. She was a poet. A scholar. A thinker. A woman ahead of her time.

She wrote a poetry book called Spice of Dawns in 1952, which earned a Pulitzer Prize nomination. Later, in 1957, she wrote a long poem called Hawk. The poem compared freedom to space flight. Decades later, NASA honored her as a “Hidden Figure” because her work connected to the dream of space travel.

Imagine that kind of home. A father who was a disciplined Army Captain and respected dentist. A mother who was a poet and scholar. That mix of structure and imagination shaped everything.

Together, Andrew Arthur Allen Sr and Vivian had four children:

• Andrew “Tex” Allen Jr.
• Phylicia Rashad
• Debbie Allen
• Hugh Allen

Even though Andrew and Vivian later divorced in 1954, both stayed active in their children’s lives. They may not have remained married, but they remained parents first.

The Mexico Move

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, something bold happened.

Segregation was still strong in Texas. “Colored only” signs were real. Schools and public places were divided. Life was unfair and painful for many Black families.

So Andrew Arthur Allen Sr and Vivian made a powerful choice. They moved their children to Mexico City for a period of time.

Debbie Allen later said that in Mexico, they were able to see a world where being Black was beautiful. They felt free. They felt seen.

A Father Who Supported the Arts

Even though he was a dentist and Army officer, Andrew Arthur Allen Sr loved the arts.

He attended his daughters’ performances. He showed up on opening nights. There is even a newspaper photo of him backstage hugging Debbie Allen after a Broadway show. He believed in education. But he also believed in creativity.

His home was a safe space. In 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reportedly visited their Houston home. A photo shows Dr. King holding young Hugh Allen. That moment says a lot about the kind of household this was.

Andrew Arthur Allen Sr’s Second Marriage and Later Years

After his divorce from Vivian, Andrew Arthur Allen Sr later married Eleanor Ann Hall Allen. She remained his wife until his passing.

Andrew continued working in Houston, He continued serving his patients. He continued being involved in his church and community groups.

But like many families, health challenges were present. He passed away on October 14, 1983. Some records say he was 62. Others say 63. What is clear is that he died too soon.

He is buried at Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. His service as a Captain in the U.S. Army is forever marked there.

His daughters often share tributes to him on Father’s Day and Veterans Day.

Legacy Through Andrew’s Children

His son, Andrew “Tex” Allen Jr., built a respected career as a jazz musician. Hugh Allen became a successful banker and leader in North Carolina. Phylicia Rashad became a Tony Award–winning actress and served as Dean at Howard University until 2024. Debbie Allen continues to lead the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and produce major projects in film and television.

Then, Debbie and Phylicia created a production company called D.A.D.. That name stands for “Doctor Allen’s Daughters.” It is a direct tribute to their father.

They also helped establish the Dr. Andrew Arthur Allen Sr Memorial Scholarship at Howard University. The scholarship supports students, including graduates from Jack Yates High School, his alma mater.

In 2025, the scholarship was revived with support from actress Taraji P. Henson, awarding $25,000 to a Howard student. That shows that even in 2026, the name Andrew Arthur Allen Sr is still opening doors for young people.

Final Thoughts

The life of Andrew Arthur Allen Sr is a story of discipline, courage, and quiet strength. From Louisiana to Houston, From janitor to Army Captain. From dental school at Howard University to a 36-year practice in the Third Ward. From raising four talented children to leaving a scholarship in his name.

And today, through his children, grandchildren, community work, and scholarships, the name Andrew Arthur Allen Sr continues to stand for service, dignity, and belief in the next generation.

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