African American High Schools in Louisiana Before 1970

Second Ward High School, nestled on the western bank of the Mississippi River in St. John the Baptist Parish was isolated by the river and by its agrarian roots. Fortunately, a young World War II veteran who served in all theaters of the war, Africa, Europe and Pacific, was chosen to engineer a high school in Edgard, Louisiana. Drawing from positive prior education experiences from his old high school, he patterned the school after a very successful secondary high school experience he had at McDonogh 35 in New Orleans, Louisiana. His success was assured , however, “in-fighting” and “ white-flight “ caused him to become a casualty as  integration was ushered onto the west bank. Both, he and Second Ward High School were replaced in the struggle for significance.  His efforts in both war and peace  should not be forgotten or underappreciated by all Americans. Please see the significant notes section for his eye-opening interview.