African American High Schools in Louisiana Before 1970

Southdown High School, Houma, Louisiana, Terreborne Parish is a contradiction in its origin, mission and its name.  “Grinding season” conflicted with “education season” and held an upper hand for decades resulting in a shortened school year,four months.  Southdown High School, named after a plantation, was born out of competition between the school board and a parochial school. The school’s history is as rich as the land,”terre bonne”, “good earth”.