Albert J. Taylor was a graduate of Holy Ghost School in 1947 and Xavier University in New Orleans in 1951, with a BS in Physical Education. He joined the US Army after graduation, serving in the Korean War. He separated from the Army in 1953, having attained the rank of sergeant. He went to Springfield College in Massachusetts, graduating in one year with his MA in Physical Education. He returned home to Opelousas.
Albert was an educator “extraordinaire,” in Eunice and Opelousas, LA,
finishing his career as “The” principal at Cresswell Elementary in Opelousas.
Albert was a” man on a mission”, the “General” as the family called him (under our breath) , a mission of “service “, service to his family, service to church, service to the public and parochial school systems, service to the community and service to his country. He felt a debt of gratitude to Holy Ghost Church and especially Xavier University for providing this “young negro boy” the opportunity to attend and be the first in the family to graduate (in 4 years) from a Catholic university that so few of his generation ever dreamed of attending, much less graduating.
Coach Albert Taylor
Submitted by Mrs. Adessie Chaise Francois
1957-1969 Coach Albert Taylor was a teacher and head coach at Charles Drew High School in Eunice, LA. During this time, he was the athletic director, taught physical education and served at various times as head basketball coach, football coach, head track coach and tennis coach.
He was a member of the Louisiana State Officials Association and the local organization chapter.
1969-1971 He taught physical education at Eunice Junior High School and was a member of the Lafayette Football association.
1971-1974 Coach Taylor became a certified high school counselor and served at Eunice High school, Eunice LA. in that capacity.
African American High Schools in Louisiana Before 1970 