Booker T. Washington was born an enslaved person, but grew up to become the founding principal and first president of Tuskegee University, a historically Black school in Alabama, in 1895. Atlanta’s storied high school is named for the famous Black educator, and is celebrating its 100th anniversary this month.
The school opened its doors in September 1924 and was the only public high school that served Black students in Georgia. The school sits just north of Atlanta University Center on the city’s west side. Atlanta City Council member Byron Amos hosted a reception Monday and presented a proclamation in honor of the school.
Here are five things to know about Washington High.
It’s historic. In addition to it being the first secondary school for Black students in Georgia, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places.
It has many distinguished graduates. The list includes the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.; actor Lena Horne; Leroy Johnson, who was the first Black state senator in the South since Reconstruction; business pioneer Herman J. Russell; Dr. Louis Sullivan; and rapper Lil’ Baby.
Credit: Library of Congress
Credit: Library of Congress
It has a mix of architectural styles. The school is a four-story building made of “reinforced concrete with brick veneer walls,” according to the city of Atlanta’s website. The architectural design “incorporates an eclectic mixture of medieval and Byzantine elements,” the website says. “The elaborate main entrance contains five arches in two tiers using terra cotta and twisted columns. Brick is used for many of the building details including corbeling for a cornice across the front facade.” Over time, the school added the cafeteria, a science lab and a gymnasium.
It has some prominent artwork. The statue in front of the school was dedicated May 20, 1927. It shows Washington “lifting the veil of ignorance” from the head of a former enslaved person. A mural depicting the dignity of manual labor, painted in 1928 by Wilmer Jennings, who was a student, is located in the hallway.
Credit: Atlanta Public Schools
Credit: Atlanta Public Schools
It’s had some high profile guests. Michelle Obama visited the school as first lady in 2014 to talk about the importance of getting a postsecondary degree. Then-President George W. Bush came to Washington High in 2002 to promote the Teach for America program.
About the Author
