Tangipahoa Parish Earlier Black Schools

Westside Marching Band

The historical context of education for Black children in the United States is rooted in systemic exclusion and resilience. During slavery, education was denied to Black children, and those who sought to learn often faced severe punishment. In the southern states, laws and social customs actively barred Black children from formal education, whether enslaved or freed. Despite these barriers, many Black churches became crucial spaces for education, serving as makeshift classrooms and providing a safe haven for learning. This period also saw the establishment of a segregated education system, which persisted until the push for integration. During my research on Black churches in Tangipahoa Parish, I discovered the names of several churches and schools. Reconstructing lost records is a complex task, hindered by the absence of primary sources and firsthand accounts. This lack of documentation makes it difficult to verify historical details and develop a comprehensive understanding of past events. While some older individuals possess records, their willingness to share and preserve them for future study remains crucial to this effort. If you know of others schools, please contact me at nurturingourroots@gmail.com.

Ponchatoula Color School
Photo Courtesy: Ella Mae Badon

1897 Lea's High School, Amite, Louisiana, Kind of Instrument D, Book 29,  Page 8

1903 Oak Grove School,  Book D1, Page 204

1908, Blades Reid School,  D1, Page 338

1911, School, Independence, Kind of Instrument D, Book 63, Page 478

1911, Tangipahoa Parish Negro Training School

1942, Amite Color School, Amite, Louisiana

1917, Color Citizens, Kind of Instrument D, Book 81, Page 470

1920, Tangipahoa Color School,  Kind of Instrument D, Book 88, Page 608

Gordon Chapel Church of God in Christ School, Amite, Louisiana 

Tasker AME Zion Church School, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 

Perrin High School, Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Ponchatoula Color School, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 

Greenville Park High School, Hammond, Louisiana 

1915, Hammond Color School, Hammond, Louisiana, Kind of Instrument D, Book 75, 187

1912,  Big Zion School, Roseland, Louisiana, Kind of Instrument, D, Book 64, Page 227, 350

1958, Westside High School, Amite, Louisiana 

1920, Tangipahoa Colored School, Instrument D, Book 88, 607

1896,  St. James African Methodist Episcopal, Kind of Instrument D, Book D1, Page 136

1926, St. James Mission, Kind of Instrument D, Book 109, Page 27

A tireless effort led by Dr. Antoinette Harrell to establish African American collections at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies

Left to right: Alex Richardson, Dr. Antoinette Harrell, 
Earl Richardson, Jr., Dr. Valarie Richardson
Photo Credit: Eddie Ponds

Dr. Antoinette Harrell's leadership and expertise has played a crucial role in establishing five African American Collections at the Center for Southeast University Studies. Her commitment to preserving and promoting African American history and culture has been invaluable to the institution. Currently, she is assisting the Vernon School Committee of Washington Parish in preserving the school's history before integration. The collection would include photographs of the school's alumni, faculty, staff, and school reunion booklets, letters, etc.

Under Dr. Harrell's guidance, the University has made significant strides in collecting and curating artifacts, documents, and artworks that highlight the rich contributions of African Americans made to Tangipahoa, St. Helena, East Feliciana, and Washington Parishes. These collections serve as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and perseverance of the African American community.

Through her leadership, Dr. Harrell has ensured that these collections are accessible to students, researchers, and the general public. She has implemented innovative strategies to digitize and catalog the materials for anyone to explore and learn from. This has not only expanded the reach of the collections but has also encouraged further research and scholarship in the field of African American studies in the four  Louisiana Florida Parishes.

Eddie Ponds and his daughter Sharon Ponds
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

In addition to her work in establishing the collections, Dr. Harrell has also been instrumental in organizing exhibitions, lectures, and events that celebrate African American history and culture. These initiatives have not only provided a platform for dialogue and education but have also fostered a sense of inclusivity and diversity on campus.

Dr. Harrell's leadership has not only transformed the University's African American Collections but has also had a broader impact on the academic community. Her dedication and passion for promoting African American history and culture have inspired other institutions and individuals to follow suit, ensuring that this important aspect of our collective heritage is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

In conclusion, Dr. Antoinette Harrell's leadership in establishing the African American Collections at the University has been exemplary. Her tireless efforts to preserve, promote, and educate about African American history and culture have made a lasting impact on the institution and the wider academic community. Through her vision and dedication, Dr. Harrell has created a legacy that will continue to inspire and educate future generations. 

The link to the five collection can be found below.

Antoinette Harrell Collection

https://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/h_k/harrell_collection.html

Richardson Funeral Home Collection

https://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/r_s/richardson_funeral_home/

Bernice Alexander Bennett Collection

https://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/a_b/bernice_alexander_bennett.html

Dr. Kingsley B. Garrison Collection

https://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/e_g/garrisonkingsleyb.html

Eddie and Carrie Wells Pond Collection

In process of being archived

John Wesley Richardson 1885-1952

John Wesley Richardson
1885-1952
Photo Courtesy: Lorraine Deemer Lizana & Supt. Jimmy Richardson

John Wesley Richardson ws born on August 15, 1885 in Darlington, St. Helena Parish, Louisiana and died on November 8, 1952 in New Orleans according to the Louisiana U.S. Statewide Death Index, 1819-1964.  He is buried at Black Creek AME Church Cemetery in St. Helena Parish. He was married to Minnie Ada Richardson.  They were the parents of:  Emmett Nathaniel Richardson, John W. Richardson, Inez Richardson, Myrad T. Richardson, Gladys Richardson, Mildred Richardson, Janie Richardson.   and Flora Christine Williams.

According to the 1940 United States Census, John was a farmer by occupation and he owned his land. He and his family was living on Amite Riner Road. John completed the 4th grade. 

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