Teachers of Monroe Colored High School – 1944

There are some heavy hitting names in this photo! Those identified starting in the bottom row: Unknown, Katie Black Williams, Mrs. McClanahan, Henry Carroll (principal of the school), Clara Andrews, Henrietta Windham Johnson, Unknown. Second Row: B.D. Robinson, Zerita Thompson, Ruby Gilbreath, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, George Mills. Third Row: Unknown, Mary Louise Coleman, Unknown, Eula … Continue reading Teachers of Monroe Colored High School – 1944 →

Odalie Richardson McDonald: OPPL’s first African American Librarian

I have always LOVED this picture: https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-arc%3A18 . It shows the moment Ms. Odalie Richardson (later McDonald) receives the keys to the Carver Branch Library from B.D. Robinson. The African American community had fought hard for this moment. I always thought Mrs. McDonald looks so REGAL here! What brought this picture to mind was an … Continue reading Odalie Richardson McDonald: OPPL’s first African American Librarian →

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 →