Monroe’s Ties to a Lost Black University

I am just recently hearing about a private school for African-Americans that was here in the 1890's and the early 1900's. To call out my own biases, I thought that Wisner Colored High School was the only school for African Americans during this time period. I knew of at least one small private school, but … Continue reading Monroe’s Ties to a Lost Black University →

The College Education of Professor Frank Barrington

I have posted before about Richard Barrington, the former enslaved manservant of Senator Solomon Downs. I knew Mr. Barrington and his son Francis W. "Frank" Barrington founded one of the earliest schools for African-Americans in Monroe called Wisner Colored High School. I knew Richard sent his son north to receive his education, but until now, … Continue reading The College Education of Professor Frank Barrington →

Talking Headstones: Richard Barrington

Robert Tanzy has acted in many plays locally. He had retired from the library but was convinced to come back and help us by playing Richard Barrington. He even grew a beard to look the part! https://youtu.be/LuMW5R_jLg8

Wisner Colored High School

Wisner Colored High School was one of the earliest African-American high schools in Ouachita Parish. It was founded by the Barrington family right after the Civil War. The Excellence Academy school building sits on the site. This grainy newspaper clipping was recently found and was identified as Pruitt High School, 1915. The distinguished gentleman in … Continue reading Wisner Colored High School →