Recognition of achievement was made by Southern University of New Orleans in 1968 for athletic accomplishments for schools in New Orleans and the surrounding area. Coaches were recognized as well. This program can be found in the History Section of Significant Notes on the Menu Bar.
The Nineteenth Century was marked by a commitment by Baptists in education of the African American. Institutions and people who were some of the forerunners in preparing educators for a gigantic task of educating masses of African Americans is presented. They can be considered as part of the pillars of African American education.
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.
Beauregard Parish Training School’s (BPTS) entry in the national register of historic places has been added into the significant notes section of the site. This is one of the few schools that we have information for in the List of High Schools by Parish Section and Significant Notes section. If you combine this information with the information from alumni, you will have a very detailed history of the school and history surrounding the school’s creation and effect on the Deridder, Louisiana African American Community. BPTS entered the national register of historic places on March 1996.
This entry not only displays the historical importance of Beauregard Parish Training School, it also shows the importance of alumni contributions to history. Information from both sources have different points of emphasis. The government cannot be the sole historical provider.
St. Matthew’s High School of Melrose, LA is the latest entry to the Significant Notes section of the site.
St. Matthews High School of Natchitoches Parish was the first public high school building constructed for African Americans in Lower Natchitoches Parish. When it opened in 1952, it was one of two public senior high schools for African Americans in the Natchitoches Parish. This entry from the National Register of Historic Places shows the growth of the school from a “church school” serving elementary schools in 1916, until its growth to a full fledged high school in 1952.
Despite the name, St. Matthew’s was a public school with its original classes held in the church.
St. Matthews High School discontinued in 1989.
In the Significant Notes Section: “The Black Side of Desegregation: The History of Paul Breaux High School”
On February 4th, 1982, Louisiana Public Broadcasting presented an episode of “Folks” featuring Sharon Elizabeth’s Sexton’s documentary about the history of Paul Breaux High School in Lafayette Parish. “The Black Side of Desegregation: The History of Paul Breaux High School” Part I details everything from the opening of the school by Paul Breaux in 1989 until desegregation in 1970. Part II details the immediate effects of desegregation on the African American Community in Lafayette as the county enforced integration. The documentary reminds the viewer various controversies construction of the second school. It also tells the viewer that desegregation was not merely as simple as placing African American people together with Caucasian people.
We have added Plaisance High School to the SIGNIFICANT NOTES SECTION. Plaisance High School of Opelousas, LA was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. It is the only Rosenwald School in the state of Louisiana in its original location. The other remaining school in Davidsonville was moved there. Plaisance High School was consolidated into North West High School on June 30th 1991 and is now known as Plaisance Elementary School. Opelousas students from fifth to eighth grade are taking classes in the historical classrooms.
Cohn High School has been added to the Significant Notes portion of the site.
Cohn High School in Port Allen, Louisiana was the only African American High School in West Baton Rouge Parish. It ran from 1949-1969. Prior to its opening, West Baton Rouge Parish’s African American children attended school for grades 1-8 at The Port Allen Colored School. After eighth grade, students had to stay with family or strangers in Iberville Parish or Baton Rouge City. The establishment of Cohn High School enabled the African American youth to attend college and contribute to the education and development of Port Allen. Cohn High School closed due to integration in 1969. Despite the efforts of the Alumni Association, the school was demolished in 2014 due to its condition.
The West Baton Rouge Museum commemorated the school with a special exhibit from February – March 2016. The exhibition received an Award of Merit on September 16, 2016.
Recent news:
WBR Museum receives national award for exhibition.
From WBRZ: ALUMNI REMEMBER COHN HIGH BEFORE DEMOLITION
African American High Schools in Louisiana Before 1970 