By Dr. Sharon Jefferson

On February 10, 2024 Lincoln Memorial High School Alumni and guests gathered to hear stories about the school’s educational legacy and achievements. Moderated by Mr. David Wilkins, President of Manasota ASALH, guests learned and listened attentively to Dr. Geneva Presha, Suffragan Bishop Lawrence Livingston, and Mr. Moody Johnson as they engaged the audience with their experiences as students who attended Lincoln Memorial High School, the only high school for African American students until its closing in 1969. The panelists shared stories and experiences that took their audience on a journey back to a time where “separate was not equal.”

Black schools during segregation had inadequate learning materials, poor building structures, and lack of funding. Black teachers did not receive as much training as white teachers. In fact, the salary for black teachers was so low that it was hard to find fully qualified black teachers.

These conditions did not diminish the pride of Lincoln Memorial High School teachers and students. Despite the effects of racial segregation, students were taught to be disciplined with the spirit of excellence. The Trojan motto was: NOT TO BE AS GOOD AS, BUT TO BE THE BEST.

“In spite of the very early attempts to educate Blacks in inadequate facilities such as: churches, homes, etc… Lincoln has produced some of the most distinguished American citizens we have ever known.”

–Ms. Lynette Edwards, Lincoln Memorial High School Alumni and Former Assistant Superintendent of Manatee County Schools Edwards, L. (1984). History of Black Education in Manatee County Past and Present. Bradenton; Manatee County Public Library System Eaton Room.

Facts provided by Mrs. Minnie Rogers, Mrs. Louise R. Johnson, Mr. Carlos E. Haile and Mr. Steve L. Lewis. Gathered by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (1984)

BRIEF HISTORY OF LINCOLN MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

Lincoln Memorial High School was established in 1949 and served as the only public high school in Manatee County for African American children until it closed in 1969 in order to complete the desegregation of Manatee County’s public school system. In the early 1900’s, Garfield Devoe Rogers together with the Colored Law and Order Organization and Black residents of Manatee County purchased land to house the first school for African American children in Bradenton. Named Lincoln Academy, the school educated students up to eighth grade. In 1930, grades nine through twelve were added to the curriculum. In 1945, due to the increase of African Americans in Manatee County, the Manatee County School Board of Public Instruction created Lincoln High School in the town of Manatee. The former Lincoln Academy became Bradenton Elementary School. In 1944, the Trustees of Memorial High School of Palmetto, Florida led by Mrs. Arjancy C. Moss purchased land in Palmetto to construct a school for African American students. In 1949, the two schools were consolidated into Lincoln Memorial High School. In 1954, with Brown vs. The Topeka Board of Education, the United States Supreme Court declared racial segregation of public facilities, including schools, to violate the U.S. Constitution and ordered the desegregation of America’s public school system. In June of 1969, Lincoln Memorial High School closed. During two decades, Lincoln Memorial High School was one of the most important places in the life of Manatee County’s African American community creating future leaders, educators, public servants, and athletes who have served their community with dedication and pride.

“In this current legislative attack on Black History, it is imperative that we fight back by continuing to research, educate, and share our stories and experiences. Although our past and present has been challenged by racism and discrimination, it has been through those challenges that we gained our strength”. – – D r. Sharon Jefferson, Founder and President of RECESS Education, Inc

From left: Mr. Omar Edwards, Mr. Tom Ehren, Dr. Sharon Jefferson, Dr. Barbara Ehren