African American High Schools in Louisiana Before 1970

History of Central Consolidated High School

Central Consolidated High school began in the early 1920’s when several community leaders realized the need for Black citizens in the southeastern end of Webster Parish to receive a formal education. Prior to 1920 the Bailey, Coleman, Mt. Nebo, and Tillman schools were organized in various communities by parents and citizens as private schools. The Rosenwald Movement started in 1924 with schools combining to establish one school: The Central Consolidated Rosenwald School. Superintendent E. R. Richardson, Mr. Modiciah Luke (The first Black supervisor of Webster Parish schools), and other community leaders spearheaded this movement.

A new building was constructed, and Mr. Barney Edward Mullen was hired as the principal. In 1943 the main Rosenwald School structure was burned. The school session was completed using the agriculture building and the Mt. Nebo church to house the school. During the session of 1943-1944, the eighth-grade class was added and the during the following session 1944-45, the ninth grade was added. Later on, the seven-month school term was added and accepted and Central became a Junior High school with grades 1-9.

In 1943 a new frame building was erected. Several years later, Galilee, one of the Rosenwald Schools was consolidated. This consolidation resulted in more teachers and students attending Central. During this time and agriculture building was erected and another teacher was added allowing more extracurricular activities and more academics.

As a result of further consolidation in 1953, the school gained the status of a four year and state approved high school with a nine-month school term. The schools consolidated were St. John, Pleasant Grove, Hopewell, Sibley, Birt, Mt. Elam, and some students from Pleasant Hill. Mr.

Mullen continued to serve as the principal along with seventeen teachers. Mr. Mullen retired in May of 1962.

Beginning with the 1962-63 school session, Mr. O.D. Mims, having his roots in the community became the new principal. The school building burned again during the 1966-67 school session and Mt. Nebo Church and the old gymnasium served as the educational facility for students in the community. The school was rebuilt in time for the 1967-68 school year and students enjoyed a brand-new modern school.

Mr. Mims accepted the position of principal of Webster High school in Minden following the death of Mr. W. Leon Hays. Mr. Walter Morgan Sr. Another devoted educator from the Central community was assigned the responsibility of guiding Central Consolidated High school during the 1970-71 school session.

In 1974 schools  in Louisiana  were integrated  and Central Consolidated  returned to the status of  a junior high school with grades 6-8. Currently,  the  school  serves the community  as an elementary school.