Born from humble beginnings Frederick Douglass High School stands as a testament to perseverance. Originally Marlboro Colored High School it opened in 1923. This was a significant event for African American students in Prince George’s County. Before this they had to travel far for a secondary education. Imagine the journeys to Baltimore or Washington DC. They needed to find families to stay with.
Marlboro Colored High School provided more access to education. However students still traveled long distances. Some traveled 25 miles or more to attend. In 1928 additional schools opened in the county offering more options.
A new and improved Marlboro High School was built in 1934. This new school boasted eleven classrooms an office and a library. That same year Doswell Brooks secured the first school bus for Black students in Prince George’s County. A monumental achievement for its time.
In 1935 the school’s name changed. It became Frederick Douglass High School. The school continued to grow and expand. A new building opened in 1959 at the school’s current location. The 1934 building became offices for the county’s Board of Education. It was later demolished in 1980. The Class of 1950 erected a bronze plaque to honor the 1934 building.
Frederick Douglass High School didn’t just offer academics. It became a hub for the community. It served as a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations of students. It served as a reminder of the fight for equality. The school’s legacy continues to inspire. It stands tall as a symbol of progress. Its history resonates far beyond its walls. From humble beginnings to a prestigious institution its story is one of resilience and achievement. It is a story that deserves to be told. A story that deserves to be remembered.