Historic Black High School's Quest for National Landmark Status Highlights Educational Legacy of Resilience
Alumni of Sumner High School, the first Black public high school west of the Mississippi, are leading a groundbreaking effort to secure National Historic Landmark status. Their campaign illuminates the profound impact of Black educational institutions in shaping American civil rights history and fostering academic excellence against systemic barriers.
The historic Sumner High School building in St. Louis, a 115-year-old monument to Black educational excellence and resilience
A Legacy of Excellence and Resilience
In St. Louis's historic Ville neighborhood, Sumner High School stands as a testament to Black educational achievement and perseverance. As the institution marks 150 years of existence, its alumni are embarking on a pioneering mission to secure its place in American history through National Historic Landmark designation.
Breaking Barriers in Education
As the first Black public high school west of the Mississippi River, Sumner High School has cultivated a remarkable legacy of excellence. The institution's alumni roster includes luminaries like tennis champion Arthur Ashe, music icon Tina Turner, and Tuskegee Airman Wendell Pruitt.
"Sumner High School is the epitome of Black excellence, Black excellence in education," emphasizes Michael Blackshear, PRFC Sumner, Inc. President and Class of 1977 graduate.
Preserving a Cultural Monument
The push for national recognition gained urgency in 2020 when the school faced potential closure. Alumni formed PRFC (Protect-Restore-Forever Celebrate) Sumner Inc., launching an unprecedented effort to secure National Historic Landmark status through the National Park Service.
National Significance in Civil Rights History
The landmark designation process has revealed a crucial gap in American historical recognition. Sumner's application marks the first time an all-Black high school has sought national significance status, prompting the National Park Service to conduct broader research into Black public schools' contributions to American history.
Educational Excellence Against the Odds
The school's early faculty included some of the nation's first Black PhD holders, delivering education comparable to prestigious institutions like Yale and Harvard - at a time when many African Americans were legally barred from accessing secondary education.
Progress and Community Support
Recent developments include a $28,000 National Park Service African American Civil Rights Grant to fund professional documentation of the school's historical significance. The initiative represents a crucial step in preserving not just a building, but a vital chapter in American civil rights history.
Looking Forward
While the school currently sits empty due to tornado damage, the campaign for national recognition continues. Success could unlock preservation funding and ensure this beacon of educational excellence endures for future generations.
Rachel Whitman
Rachel L. Whitman is a political columnist and investigative journalist based in Washington, D.C. Her writing focuses on democratic resilience, civil rights, and the intersection of technology and public policy. With a background in law and public affairs, she brings sharp analysis and a deep commitment to progressive values.