Perhaps you’ve heard of Frederick Douglass. Now prepare to step into the world of Frederick Douglass High School. This is a place where history echoes in the hallways. Douglass School has a rich story. It stands as a monument to educational aspirations. It represents the activism of African American residents. These residents lived in Baltimore and Maryland.
This school first opened its doors in 1923-1924. It was the first public high school in the city. It may even have been the first in Maryland. It was specifically built for black students. For years, it was the only secondary school in the Baltimore area for black students.
Back then, the design of Douglass School reflected the prevailing philosophy. It offered vocational training and academic pursuits. The exterior was elaborately decorated. But the interior plan was simple. The school remained a “colored” high school until 1954. That’s when Baltimore desegregated its schools. The high school then moved to another location.
Baltimore was a hub during the 1920s. It was the state’s center for many industries. These included railways and manufacturing. Also important were banking and insurance. Law, medicine, and education thrived here. Nearly half the black population lived in the northwest sector. This area was influential in city politics. It secured the location for a new school for black students.
Douglass School represents the struggles and triumphs. These struggles and triumphs belonged to black citizens. They lived in Baltimore, Maryland, and the nation. Education was seen as a key to success. This building symbolizes that pursuit.
In 1885, the Colored High School became a separate unit. It was within the High and Grammar School. In 1897, a separate building was erected for advanced students. In 1901, the school relocated. It included normal and polytechnic departments.
As late as 1920, Douglass School provided the only training. This was beyond the elementary level for black residents. They lived in Baltimore and the surrounding area. Students traveled from across the state to attend Douglass. The academic standards of the school were high. The teachers and administrators were committed. Douglass earned national recognition for its excellence.
Community groups worked hard to get a new building for Douglass. Finally, in 1925, the facility was erected. It had an auditorium and a music room. There was a gymnasium for boys and girls. The building also had classrooms. Space was provided for offices. The industrial arts program was housed in an adjacent building.
Douglass was used during the day. At night, it served as an educational center. This was for those unable to attend the day program. Douglass was also a center for community activities. These included cultural and educational events. The high school remained at this site until 1954. Then, it relocated.
Douglass students attended the old building from 1981 to 1984. This was while the present school underwent renovation.
Many prominent black Americans graduated from Douglass. These include Cab Calloway and Ethel Ennis. Also among the alumni are Thurgood Marshall and Parren J. Mitchell. Juanita Jackson Mitchell and Avon Long also attended.
The Frederick Douglass High School stands as a testament. It embodies the pursuit of education. It represents the enduring legacy of a community’s fight for equality.