In the early 1900s, philanthropist Julius Rosenwald teamed up with educator Booker T. Washington to enhance education for African-American children in the South. Their efforts led to the establishment of many schools designed to provide better educational opportunities.
From 1912 to 1932, over 300 Rosenwald Schools were built in Louisiana. Today, only about 60 of these historic structures remain. One notable site, the Beauregard Parish Training School, was even the first African-American school listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
Carolyn Johnson, an educator from Lake Charles, taught at the Tensas Rosenwald School after moving to North Louisiana. She reflects fondly on her time there, saying, “I felt comfortable because the principal was a Southern graduate, and his wife taught music.” Her dedication to education lasted for 37 years.
Johnson also shared how her life changed dramatically when she married. “At that time, aside from doctors, teaching was really the only option for many black individuals,” she explained.
She experienced a cultural shock when moving to North Louisiana. “When the school bell rang, I thought it was lunchtime, but the students actually left to pick cotton. Everyone had to do that. I was appalled,” she recalled.
In Southwest Louisiana, about 18 Rosenwald Schools were established, with seven located in Calcasieu Parish. Rosenwald’s initiative didn’t stop at schools; he also funded homes for African-American teachers in rural areas, helping to support the entire educational community.
