Colored Industrial Institute of Pine Bluff
I stumbled upon this while researching the history of my hometown of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Now called St. Peter's Catholic School, it's 122-year history of education in Pine Bluff is well noted. First named The Colored Industrial Institute, it began with an enrollment of 140 pupils on September 9, 1889. St. Peter’s was the first school founded for African-American children in Arkansas and was staffed by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Kentucky. I hope you enjoy this bit of history as I did. Comment and share.
I always find this kind of history interesting because America seems to be more in touch with black history than I find in England. I came across a blog that informed me of the Jim Crow museum via BC and I found it so enlightening and always go back every now and again to educate myself. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteDuring February is usually when it is more prevalent in America, but it is mostly well known black history, more significant history you really have to dig.
DeleteThat was really interesting, Tony. A Roman Catholic school for blacks in Arkansas? I'll bet the Catholics took some flack for that, but good for them for having the compassion and innovation necessary to establish such a program.
ReplyDeleteI know, it was a unique find, i'll have more info tomorrow, i dug up quite a bit of info on African Americans in Arkansas.
DeleteTony, would love to hear more about the school, its curriculum, and what happened to its early graduates.
ReplyDelete