African American High Schools in Louisiana Before 1970

Second Louisiana All-State High School Biographical Annual Review

October 29, 2018

As the United States approached the end of World War II, there were nearly 60 African American high schools scattered throughout the state of Louisiana. These high schools had the underpinnings of “Training School” and “Colored School” attached to their names. As times passed “Training School” was removed from most schools and all schools removed “Colored” from their names. After 1950 most of the new names of African American high schools were for local individuals who made significant contributions to their communities or the names of prominent educators, politicians and philanthropists on the national scene such as Joseph S. Clark, Charles P. Adams, Lord Beaconfield Landry, Booker T. Washington, Mary McCleod Bethune, George Washington Carver, President William McKinley, Julius Rosenwald and Carter G. Woodson. The list of names of schools and their namesake is quite extensive.

The Second Louisiana All-State High School Biographical Annual Review lists all of the African American high schools existing in Louisiana in 1944. This almost coincided with the termination of World War II. These schools were active in preparing the African American community for a period when each community would have its own school. This period began in the 1950’s when over 200 high schools were constructed and extended to the late 1960’s when most of the African American high schools were closed.

Holy Ghost High School, Opelousas, LA

October 23, 2018

There was a uniqueness to Holy Ghost High School, a symbol hidden in clear daylight for everyone to see. Their mascot, the Dove , symbolized peace , love, tranquility and the message. Mascots in other schools symbolized ferocity, lions, tigers, bears, dragons, eagles, rams, bulldogs and bloodhounds.

The nuns arrived by horse drawn wagons in 1874 and they established the St. Joseph School. They worked tirelessly to have a secondary school graduation in 1906 and a second graduation followed in 1913. Construction followed the good news with a new building erected in 1914.

Holy Ghost High School grew out of a new parish developed in Opelousas for African Americans by the Diocese of Lafayette. The first graduation was in 1924.

A new building was erected in 1955 for the Doves. Holy Ghost High School was merged with Academy of the Immaculate Conception in 1970. The new school became Opelousas Catholic School. The Doves and their accomplishments are a tribute to the horse -drawn wagons filled with nuns with a mission of peace, love and tranquility. The message survives and the Doves are remembered.

W. O. Boston High School, Lake Charles, LA

October 19, 2018

W. O. Boston High School was a fixture in the African American High School community; it endured into the early 1980’s. A thoughtful alumni decided to commemorate its graduates from its inception until its demise. We are elated to celebrate its legacy. The Panthers imprint has extended to the African American community nationwide. The Panthers leave their footprint upon this site as a shadow of all of its graduates who have wandered through its halls and classrooms. Panther-lore continues.

Audrey Memorial High School, Cameron, LA

October 11, 2018

An ominous event lead a community to a decision that the victims of a natural disaster, Hurricane Audrey, would not be forgotten. Audrey Memorial High School was born out of this tragedy; 500 people lost their lives. Dedicating a high school to such a catastrophic event made every student, the parish, the state and the country know the pain and despair experienced by this community.

The Audrey Memorial High School mascot was part of the same theme of catastrophe and rebirth as the mere presence of the mascot, Hurricanes, reminded everyone about this historic event. The Hurricanes were well versed in tragedy. Finally, in 1970 the Hurricanes could not muster any more energy, the winds of time descended upon the school. Audrey Memorial High School and its symbolic name and mascot ceased to exist. They must never be forgotten. We understand the importance of remembering triumphs and catastrophes because they make us who we are.

LIALO Newspaper Articles 1970

October 8, 2018

The LIALO was the North Star for African American high schools. Future generations witnessed its demise as a “shooting star” across the Louisiana sky. Prior to 1970 St. Augustine was the sole member of the LHSAA( Louisiana High School Athletic Association). February , 1970, marked the admittance of 34 LIALO members into this organization. Needless to say, this admittance was the death knell for the LIALO. The LIALO became disenfranchised.

Meanwhile , competitions in the LIALO continued at a feverish pace. The last sign of a once proud and accomplished organization ended with the North-South Basketball Game. The South squad prevailed; we lost.

Combs-McIntyre High School, Oak Grove, LA

October 4, 2018

Combs-McIntyre 1

Combs-McIntyre High School, Oak Grove, LA

The Bears at Oak Grove, Louisiana awakened from hibernation in the early 20th Century with an appetite for enlightment. They desired education; they proactively addressed their situation. Discovering the Rosenwald Fund provided the impetus for a new relationship with the West Carroll Parish School Board and the African American community. April 3, 1956, marked the beginning of a goal set by all stake-holders for the new Combs-McIntyre High School.

The Bears were on the high school scene until 1969. Very much was accomplished since the awakening occurred. The Oak Grove community, Louisiana, and our country have prospered as a result of the brilliant decisions that lead to the creation of Combs-McIntyre High School. The Bears are part of our heritage and we invite them to help us tell their story.

Chaneyville High School, Zachary, LA

October 1, 2018

Chaneyville High School by Twentieth Century standards was considered a small school and one would not think they would have an impact upon this website. However, Dragons are known for their ambition and dominance seeking tendencies. Records are usually broken incrementally; The dragons disposed of the expected and soared to unimaginable heights. The Chaneyville High School Dragons delivered in a most dramatic fashion on September 29, 2018. Previously 200 visitors in 24 hours was the bar for the most visitors within 24 hours. An echo of amazement overshadowed this website on this date, 400 visitors and 650 views. Chaneyville High School accounted for 527 views. The Dragons made us believe in the Dragons’ magical touch. Since that time there is continuing interest in Dragon-lore on this site. We salute the Chaneyville High School Dragons for another golden record.

Wisner Gilbert High School, Wisner, LA

September 25, 2018

Wisner Gilbert High School was formed as a consolidation of two schools, Wisner School and Gilbert School. Wisner Gilbert High School was the Devils’ Den. The Devils were proud of their facilities and anyone who dared to enter their gymnasium was aware of the consequences. The Devils’ ferocity and guile on the basketball court was legendary. The Devils were true to their name; they had accomplishments in the academic arena. The Wisner Gilbert High School Devils can rest with a new home on this website. A year book from 1964 is present.

Southern University Laboratory High School, Baton Rouge

September 21, 2018

Southern Laboratory High School was an invention of Dr. J. S. Clark and originated in 1922. The Laboratory School presently exists and thrives on its main campus. The school is noted for its scholars, athletes and alumni. The Kittens have had their share of success during the LIALO days and in the LHSAA days. The Kittens’ 1941 Year Book was added to their site page. We encourage the alumni to present more year books.

LIALO Newspaper Articles

September 18, 2018

Newspaper articles from LIALO (Louisiana Interscholastic Athletic and Literary Organization) participating schools that appeared in The Times Picayune (New Orleans) and The Advocate (Baton Rouge) were compiled and arranged chronologically. The reader can formulate an idea about how competitive the schools were and the level of participation. A picture from one of the stories is used to symbolize each year. Presently, The 1969, 1968 and 1967 newspaper articles can be accessed through the Significant Notes Section from the menu bar.

The Invisible African American High Schools