The Panthers at McKinley Senior High School do not disappoint. They have the record for the oldest high school year book on this website, 1928. A journey through their year book is a journey into another time. Then, again, its a journey into our time of the 60’s and 70’s and connects with the present time.
Booker T. Washington High School, Shreveport, Louisiana Booker T. Washington High School was iconic, not only for African American high schools ,but, for all American high schools. The school’s architecture bridged the gap from the previous architecture and technologically the school soared. The Lions were positioned at the top of the hill. Their history is compelling, their exploits are sources of admiration and pride for the state of Louisiana. The Lions are still on the prowl today.
Mythical dragons were interested in gold. The Chaneyville High School Dragons were gold seekers as well. A goal short of first place was not tenable. The Dragons were fiery fierce competitors. Their beginnings were in community churches and donations of land and money were expectations of the times. The community was very generous and the Dragons thrived. The Dragons were a proud group and they had dreams and accomplishments. This web site is enriched by the golden addition of the Chaneyville High School Dragons.
Charles H. Brown High School, Springhill, Louisiana, Webster Parish Charles H. Brown High School took a conciliatory approach to their situation. Their argument for tolerance and respect as delivered by their student government president was commendable. A proud group of youth with an accomplished record of their own could only add to another institution. The tigers held their heads high, their reality changed. They marched toward the future and their mark will be present into the future. Please review their story because it will give lessons to future generations.
Union High School, Mer Rouge, Louisiana, Morehouse Parish The name was indicative of its origin, the united communities. The red soil, Mer Rouge, was reflected in its mascot , the red fire-breathing dragon. The school had much to cheer, much to love and they felt loved. A detailed history gives one the impression of a well organized and vibrant high school experience.
W. O. Boston High School, Lake Charles, Louisiana, Calcasieu Parish, though this information is incomplete, hopefully more information regarding its history provided by its alumni will clarify its legacy. W. O. Boston High School was geographically situated in the state and this fact along with its early evolution had historical significance among Louisiana African American high schools. For a long time it was a regional cornerstone of the high school experience in Louisiana. We are eager for its alumni to help us understand its significance by providing documentation so we can visualize the W. O. Boston High School experience.
An interactive Arc GIS Map of African American High Schools Before 1970 was added today on the List By Parish page. Click on the Arc GIS Map , and visualize the remnants of yesterday. Zoom to see the satellite picture of these sites.
In the past four months, we have obtained and posted information for 50 African American Schools in Louisiana before 1970. We thank all contributors.
There are over 150 schools remaining without a history posting on this site. If you know anyone from these schools, please contact them and introduce them to this website. If you know anyone from any unrepresented schools, please ask them to contribute information to the website.
Please tell your school’s history to the world. Alumni from our schools have made valuable contributions to the world. These schools are our story. Please share our story with future generations by contributing to the website. Your championships are our victories, your news clips are flowers representing our memories of successes. Any written documentation or photos from your school should be considered for presentation.
You can contribute by clicking on Contact and telling us about what you would like to contribute. We accept pictures, articles, and even website links to school history.
We have a special and unique history. We are the ones left to give an accurate account of our existence before 1970. This site is a means of crowd-sourcing and displaying our history. Let us show our children, their progeny and the world our proud legacy.
Joseph Celestine High School, Mamou, Louisiana is the latest entree in the list of African American high schools before 1970. This is another example of the progressive attitudes towards education in the African American population in its infancy.
Bethune High School, Shreveport, Louisiana, was added as the latest entry. We look forward to sharing the a culture of competition , both academic and athletic. Thank you cougar country for sharing.
African American High Schools in Louisiana Before 1970 