Preserving memories, promoting education
Douglass School reunion highlights effort to revitalize historic building
Today's article is brought to you by the men and women of Carpenters Local 615. Professional carpentry is one of the oldest and most respected trades in the world. If you like seeing your work produce immediate results, and if you have a good work ethic, you have the fundamental tools to build the career of a lifetime.
Entering the Carpenters apprenticeship is the best way to start a career as a carpenter, millwright, pile driver, or floor coverer. They take an “earn-as-you-learn” approach to apprenticeship, ensuring a good, living wage with benefits right from the start.
For more information about becoming an apprentice Carpenter, call (574) 527-9352 or click the link below the Carpenters logo.
It was a joyous occasion for the third year in a row, as Douglass School held its annual Douglass School reunion on Saturday evening, Aug. 13.
From the time Rev. Dr. William J Smith, pastor of Second Missionary Baptist Church, stepped foot in Kokomo, he had his eyes set on Douglass School. After learning the history of the school, he told Mayor Greg Goodnight at the time, “I want that school.”
The Douglass School project, which goes hand in hand with the reunion, began amid COVID. It is an effort to revitalize the historical landmark that sits right smack in the middle of the city’s northeast side neighborhood.
Douglass was home base for all African American students in the early years of their education, in the early 20th century, in the time of school segregation. Pastor Smith, upon arrival, placed fresh eyes on the site and decided he wanted to lead in the effort to preserve an important piece of the city’s history.
The reunion places great emphasis in two areas. It brings awareness to the effort to breathe life back into the school, but also, to give former students an opportunity to share the history of the school.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Kokomo Lantern to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.