Robert"Free Bob" Vernon donated the land for the first school for African American children in Arcola, Louisiana., The school closed it doors in the mid 60s according to Tony Stone. Free Bob didn't know how to read or write but he made sure that the African American children in the community had a school to attend. He was born a slave and he purchased his own freedom. He also purchased 2300 acres of land. Giving each one of his children who married one hundred acres to help them get started. There is a community called "Vernon Town" in Arcola, Louisiana.
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| Photo Credit Luther Tolliver |
