The Historic Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School
History Overview – Long Ridge Community, Mars Hill, NC
The Vision of Dr. Booker T. Washington & Mr. Julius Rosenwald
In the 1900s, Dr. Booker T. Washington, world renowned educator and founder of the Tuskegee Institute, knew that early education was needed for children of color.
Due to Booker T’s personal sojourn, determination and passion for education, a vision was born and a destiny was put into play. Dr. Washington and Mr. Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears and Roebuck, would meet, connect and take a stand for children of color. FOR MORE
Julius Rosenwald, president and leader of Sears, Roebuck and Company, donated millions of dollars to have black schools built in the South. By 1920, the Rosenwald Fund in Chicago, established its office for the school building program in Nashville.
African-American Public Education in Madison County
After the Civil War, public education began again in North Carolina by the 1870’s, including free public education for elementary colored students in Madison County.[i]
Later, by 1901, Madison County operated colored schools at Hot Springs, Little Pine, Marshall, and in the Mars Hill area.[ii] The Madison schools were fully integrated by 1965.
After the Civil War, public education began again in North Carolina by the 1870’s, including free public education for elementary colored students in Madison County.[i]
Later, by 1901, Madison County operated colored schools at Hot Springs, Little Pine, Marshall, and in the Mars Hill area.[ii] The Madison schools were fully integrated by 1965. FOR MORE
Calling on your memories! If you can identify or know of alumnae, please contact Fatimah’ isaqueen@live.com
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A Pioneering School for Black Children in Madison County
Featured photo Rosenwald school alumni Fatimah Shabazz and Omar McClain. Photo by Pat Barcas
Cameron Huntley wrote an amazingly in-depth article for the Mountain Xpress. The cover of the January 23, 2015 issue featured Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald school alumni Fatimah Shabazz and Omar McClain.