Powell Point School Plaque

From humble beginnings to a beacon of hope, the Powell Point School Plaque tells a story of resilience. The Powell Point School Plaque stands as a testament to the power of education and community. It’s a story etched not just in metal, but in the very heart of Kendleton, Texas. William E. Kendall, a lawyer from Richmond, subdivided his plantation into 100-acre farms in 1869. He sold these tracts exclusively to freedmen. By the 1880s, a thriving African American community known as Kendleton emerged. The Powell Point School, named after its location on the Elizabeth Powell land grant, became a cornerstone of this community. In the 1890s, the school was transferred from Kendleton to a nearby black settlement. It continued to serve the community, appearing on county maps in the 1930s and even into the early 1990s, despite joining the Kendleton Independent School District. The story of Powell Point School is intertwined with the remarkable Tellie B. Mitchell. A Kendleton native and Wiley College graduate, Mitchell returned to her roots in 1904. She established the Powell Point School in a modest two-room schoolhouse. The school flourished under her leadership. In 1918, six students graduated, with five going on to college and becoming educators themselves. Mitchell’s vision for Powell Point extended beyond its humble beginnings. In 1923, she secured funding from the Rosenwald Foundation. This allowed for the construction of a new facility, complete with six classrooms, a library, and an auditorium. Powell Point School transformed into a model institution. Entry into its student body became highly sought after by African Americans across Southeast Texas. Mitchell’s dedication to education continued until 1954. Today, the Powell Point School Plaque serves as a reminder of her legacy and the school’s impact. Powell Point School, now an elementary school within the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, remains a cherished institution. It symbolizes Kendleton’s unique cultural heritage. It is a beacon of hope for the future, built upon the foundation of education and community spirit championed by pioneers like Tellie B. Mitchell.