|
|
||
Caroline's first African-American high school has rich history Date published: 5/24/2010
BY EDIE GROSS
John Richardson never went to school, and his wife, Clara, completed only seventh grade. But the African-American couple wanted more for their children. "My parents were determined we'd all graduate from high school," said 81-year-old Lillian Richardson Sizer, who, along with her four siblings, did just that in segregated Caroline County. "It took a big effort. It was a sacrifice for them." The Richardson kids attended Union High School in Bowling Green, and Sizer graduated from there in 1946. It was the only high school in the county for black students until 1969, when Caroline schools integrated. Times were difficult, but the teachers and parents created The school's rich history, which stretches back to the early 1900s, is no secret to those who attended or worked there. But a Maryland genealogist with roots in Caroline County hopes to educate others about the school's impact through a book. Marion Woodfork Simmons first started talking to Caroline residents while researching her family's connections to the county. Her immediate ancestors left Caroline in the 1880s, but she has plenty of extended family still there. Many of the people she interviewed mentioned Union High School and its importance within the African-American community. She decided to write a book about the school, and has interviewed at least 50 graduates and former employees so far. "I think the thing that impresses me most is everybody talks about the teachers and the principals. They say, 'The teachers really cared about us--not just academically but they cared about the whole student.' Teachers had very high expectations of them," said Simmons. "Society was telling them they were inferior. They had an environment where they were nurtured and encouraged, and they just flourished. It was like their little oasis," she said. "Adults put their arms around the children and protected them. The school, the parents, the church did a lot to counter all the negative." HUMBLE BEGINNINGS The county's first high school for black students was founded by the Caroline Sunday School Union, an association of Baptist churches.
Read more stories about Caroline Date published: 5/24/2010
Great article ! Kids these days have it easy. They have no clue the sacrafice that was made to make things better.
Great story Edie! Can't wait for part 2!
|
|
|||||||||||||||
