An African-American Man is a Guest Speaker to a White Women’s Business Club…in 1939.

I want you to read the article for a moment, then sit back and reflect on the fact this article and photo was published in a northern paper in May, 1939. There had been a lynching of a black man in Ruston just a few months before. For a black man at that time to … Continue reading An African-American Man is a Guest Speaker to a White Women’s Business Club…in 1939. →

Blind Tom: America’s Forgotten Musical Prodigy

I wrote the following article for Louisiana Road Trips Magazine, May, 2015: Blind Tom: America’s Forgotten Musical Prodigy The Ouachita Telegraph, Friday, January 20, 1883, Page 3, Column 1: “The concerts given by Blind Tom, the musical phenomonen [sic], at the Opera House Friday and Saturday, including matinee, were largely attended – in fact … Continue reading Blind Tom: America’s Forgotten Musical Prodigy →

The Birth of Magnolia Cemetery?

I found this little article a year ago and it makes me wonder if this is the birth of Magnolia Cemetery. For years there was a section of the Old City Cemetery reserved for the exclusive burial of African-Americans. The cemetery began running out of room. I have always heard that the African-American burials were … Continue reading The Birth of Magnolia Cemetery? →

Ouachita Parish Public Library Historical Photos

I just wanted to take a moment and highlight what my boss has been working on. She has set up a new section on the Louisiana Digital Library to upload historical photos of the Ouachita Parish Public Library. I especially love the photo of Carver Library with the Miller-Roy Building in the background! Check it … Continue reading Ouachita Parish Public Library Historical Photos →

Reverend G.W. Longwood

This one comes from the collection of the New York Public Library. They also have the Monroe Broadcast newspaper from the mid 1930's I would love to get my hands on, but they are not doing reproductions at this time. It is the earliest known African American newspaper in Monroe! Ah well. This photo dates … Continue reading Reverend G.W. Longwood →

A Documentation of a Movement.

Back in 1967, Ms. Shirley Cross Russ wrote a thesis for her study at Atlanta University, documenting the movement in Monroe to give library service to the African American community. This is one of the most detailed accounts I have found about the founding of Carver-McDonald Library. You can read it online here: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/30605734.pdf .

The Kings of Casino Park

About ten years ago, there was a push to put a historical marker in Monroe in honor of the 1932 Monroe Monarchs baseball team at the site where they played, where Casino Park once stood. Along with that marker, a book was written called "The Kings of Casino Park". It a great detailed account of … Continue reading The Kings of Casino Park →

Two Great Monroe Books

If you are interested in the African-American experience in the Monroe area, I highly recommend the above two books by Dr. James O. McHenry. They are available at the Ouachita Parish Public Library and you can buy them from your favorite book retailer.

School Integration…in 1908?

This article made me smile! Daily Enterprise-Leader (New Iberia) December 19, 1908, Page 6 Whites in Negro School. Monroe, Dec. 19. - Two Italian children are attending a private negro school with a negro teacher, who says they presented themselves and that she sees no harm in it. I found another article (New Orleans Times-Picayune, … Continue reading School Integration…in 1908? →

Clark School – circa 1953

In the early 50's Carroll High School was built as the new African-American High School in Monroe. The old Monroe Colored High became Clark School for the younger kids. A teacher at the old Monroe Colored High became the new principal. Mr. B.D. Robinson is a very important educator, businessman and civil rights leader in … Continue reading Clark School – circa 1953 →