*History*

Foreword: By destroying Black Schools, desegregation also destroyed the sense of urgency and importance that the African American community had previously vested in schools. While segregated schools were in some ways figureheads of the African-American community, and resources invested by the community in their schools clearly went directly to helping other members of the community. Integrated schools had no such ties to the community and as such did not enjoy the same level of community support. In integrated schools, black students received an education that, even though superior, didn't to the same degree involve the whole community. 

THE HISTORY OF

ALEXANDER HIGH SCHOOL

BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI

          The history of Alexander High School is a history that dates back more than a hundred years with the creation of the Brookhaven Colored School. History gives its first location as being on East Monticello street near the present Brookhaven High School. Some records indicate that the school was first run by a superintendent, then there was B. T. Shumpert. Research has shown that the first principal of the Brookhaven colored school was Professor Prince Cameron; (of whom little history can be found). Professor Cameron was in turn followed by Professor P. D. Gulledge. Professor Philip Davenport Gulledge was indoctrinated as principal in 1891 and served a tenure of 42 years until 1933. Being born(Dec. 15, 1854) into the dark history of slavery Professor Gulledge became principal of the School at the age of 37. He was an educator and administrator well into his late seventies.

              The first Brookhaven Colored School was ravaged by fire. Students had to find other refugee until a new permanent building could be occupied. In the meantime students had to attend classes in the Benevolent Hall and K P. Hall in Brookhaven. The dates surrounding this are rather vague; however a two story building housing grades 1-10 was built in "Italy"(a location familiar to local residents) where Smith Motel is presently located. The school name changed from "Brookhaven Colored School" to "Gulledge School" in honor of Professor Gulledge.

                 The two story framed building consisted of pot belly stoves, wooden tables/chairs and shelves for hats and personal belongings of the students. This occupancy would continue until 1937. As it was tradition in those days, the school day started out with morning devotion(a song prayer and Pledge of allegiance) followed by roll call and personal hygiene inspection. Professor Gulledge was a stern disciplinarian with determination that his people be provided with the utmost available education in Brookhaven. Professor Guilledge left a legacy that many who graduated from the school would continue their education or seek degrees in a technical vocational field.

                  In 1933 Mr. A A Alexander became principal of Gulledge School. Mr. Alexander came to Brookhaven after spending a number of years at Lanier High School in Jackson Mississippi where he was a teacher and a coach. The year 1933 saw the beginning of the Alexander Years. Withstanding all adversity Mr. Alexander had extraordinary results as principal. Under his administration a new campus and facility was erected. The facilities was erected under the directions of the Works Progress Administration(A program put in place in 1935 by President Hoover during the Great Depression). The new campus and facility was located where the present Alexander Junior High School is now located. In 1937 the grades of 11th & 12th was added and the new facility was named "Alexander High School". In 1937 under Mr. Alexander's administration the school's first PTA was established. Under the watchful eye of Mr. "A" many were encouraged to graduate and seek higher education. He also fought for quality teachers for the Brookhaven School. Alexander High School being in the Seventh Educational District was among the poorest schools in the district. 

       However; Alexander High School would be the proud owners of the first Gymnasium built for blacks in the Seventh District. The gymnasium was built with funds raised by the PTA Much credit is given to the leadership of Cecile Brown. The first Alexander High School building was destroyed by fire on March 6, 1952. The inferno destroyed the main building along with all the furnishings. In an Obit to continue education, temporary building and the gymnasium became classrooms to house some 1100 students. The make shift campus would survive until 1956 when a new state of the arts building and campus was erected. It was of the few campuses Black or White to host a separate cafeteria and gymnasium.

      Through its history Alexander High School endured many adversities. The years could be called "Glorious" or "Gracious" because God's grace brought Alexander High School it's glory. The tenure of AA Alexander came to an end in 1958 after he accepted employment with the State Department of Educaton. When Prof. Alexander left he left behind 1900 students and 39 teachers which included the legendary C.O. Tanner; who was a sponsor of the graduating class of 1957. Also to include the Legendary Mae Robinson who came in 1957 Upon the departure of Mr. Alexander an interim successor was appointed by the name of C. N Buchanan. The appointment of Buchanan was short-lived until the summer of 1958 as Mr. Amos Wright was appointed principal. As history would have it, Mr. ItWight had an affiliation with Alexander High School dating back to at least 1941 when he established the school's first band. The educational excellence continued under the direction of Mr. Wright. The principalship of Mr. Wright was replaced by Mr. Jesse Buie.

      Mr. Buie was a graduate(Class of 1947) of the now famous and increasingly popular high school. Under the tenure of Mr. Buie, Alexander High School became academically accredited by the Mississippi State Department of Educaton and the Southern Association of Secondary Schools. This meant that the education standards of Alexander High had excelled to newer heights. Teacher's pay improved, student to teacher ratio improved, and the educational system took a turn for even higher accolades when black students begin to received brand new and up-to-date text books due to the long overdue accreditation. Mr. Buie guided the school through the foreseen grips of court ordered integration and graciously laid to rest the annals of one of the greatest blessings to be bestowed upon Brookhaven Mississippi. Usually when there is a beginning there is an ending. The beginning of integration brought the ending of Alexander High School. The class of 1970 was the last graduating class of the Alexander era. Integration stranded many young panthers/pantherettes and prevented the plateau of graduating ftom the mighty Alexander. 

ALEXANDER'S TIME LINE

Brookhaven Colored School established  Circa 1886?

B. T Shumpert(Early Superintendent)  ?

Professor Prince Cameron-1st Principal  ? - 1891

Professor Philip Davenport Gulledge(Principal)  1891 - 1933.

Brookhaven Colored School burns  ? year

School rebuilt in "Italy" renamed "GULLEDGE SCHOOL"  ? year

A A Alexander(Principal)  1933 - 1958.

New Gulledge School built renamed Alexander High School (Beauregard St)..I937

First Big "8" Conference Championship Trophy; Basketball(Mr. Buck)....I937

First Football Trophy for school(Mr. Buck)  1939

First School Band formed(Mr. Amos Wright)  1941

First Alexander High burns  March 6, 1952

New two story Alexander facility built(housing grades 7-12)  1956

C.N. Buchanan named interim principal  1958

Amos Wright named Principal  Summer 1958

Jesse Buie(Principal)  1960 -1970

Integration/Last year of Alexander High School  Sping 1970