Tuscaloosa Public Schools During The Jim Crow Era: "What the Negroes of Tuscaloosa Are Accomplishing" (1916)
In its May 29, 1916 edition, the local Tuscaloosa newspaper showcased the post-emancipation achievements of the African American community. The various articles and advertisements of “What the Negroes of Tuscaloosa Are Accomplishing” promoted a thriving community centered on the First African Baptist church, its schools, and middle-class professionals. Below are select transcriptions of the Tuscaloosa News special feature.
A pdf version of the full coverage is included here: What the Negroes of Tuscaloosa Are Accomplishing.
A pdf version of the full coverage is included here: What the Negroes of Tuscaloosa Are Accomplishing.
Document 1: Biographical Sketch of Professor Jeremiah Barnes
Formerly enslaved by Judge Washington Moody of Tuscaloosa, this brief biographical sketch details the educational activities of an early Tuscaloosa educator-activist from emancipation to Jim Crow.
Prof. Jeremiah Barnes, superintendent of the negro schools of Tuscaloosa, a leader of his race not only in an education way but in many of their fraternities and along progressive lines. Both in slavery time on the plantation of Judge Washington Moody, eight miles west of Tuscaloosa, he at every opportunity learned to read and write and in the years to come sought knowledge in the library of his master and every way possible carried it to his people.
In the early 60’s he was a brick-mason, in the 70’s a variety storekeeper, alderman of Tuscaloosa, a grand jurer of the county and a teacher in the public schools from 1874 up to the present, being promoted from time to time until he is now the head of the colored schools of Tuscaloosa. His graduates have not only gone to all parts of the United States but one of his graduates is the wife of the famous colored missionary, Dr. W. H. Shepperd, who has done such good work in the Congo Free State in the wilds of Africa.
Prof. Barnes was made a master Mason in 1877 and has served his lodge for three terms as worshipful master. He was honored by the grand lodge by being made chairman of the committee on foreign correspondence in which capacity he served for fourteen years. The grand chapter of the O. E. S. of Alabama elected him as grand patron in 1904 and he had a most successful term. He was a charter member of the Oak City lodge No. 1785, G. U. of O. F., and has twice served the district grand lodge as deputy grand master. He is also a member of several orders; and has been signally honored in many of them.
Prof. Barnes became a member of the A.M.E. Zion church in 1866 and has been a constant attendant to the church and an exemplary member. For 25 years he was superintendent of the Sunday school, choirster [sic], and organist.
This is but a brief outline of Prof. Barnes, whose life work is that of an earnest worker in the cause of education, benevolence, religion and the general uplift of his people.
Source: “Professor Jeremiah Barnes,” Tuscaloosa News, May 29, 1916, 6.
Prof. Jeremiah Barnes, superintendent of the negro schools of Tuscaloosa, a leader of his race not only in an education way but in many of their fraternities and along progressive lines. Both in slavery time on the plantation of Judge Washington Moody, eight miles west of Tuscaloosa, he at every opportunity learned to read and write and in the years to come sought knowledge in the library of his master and every way possible carried it to his people.
In the early 60’s he was a brick-mason, in the 70’s a variety storekeeper, alderman of Tuscaloosa, a grand jurer of the county and a teacher in the public schools from 1874 up to the present, being promoted from time to time until he is now the head of the colored schools of Tuscaloosa. His graduates have not only gone to all parts of the United States but one of his graduates is the wife of the famous colored missionary, Dr. W. H. Shepperd, who has done such good work in the Congo Free State in the wilds of Africa.
Prof. Barnes was made a master Mason in 1877 and has served his lodge for three terms as worshipful master. He was honored by the grand lodge by being made chairman of the committee on foreign correspondence in which capacity he served for fourteen years. The grand chapter of the O. E. S. of Alabama elected him as grand patron in 1904 and he had a most successful term. He was a charter member of the Oak City lodge No. 1785, G. U. of O. F., and has twice served the district grand lodge as deputy grand master. He is also a member of several orders; and has been signally honored in many of them.
Prof. Barnes became a member of the A.M.E. Zion church in 1866 and has been a constant attendant to the church and an exemplary member. For 25 years he was superintendent of the Sunday school, choirster [sic], and organist.
This is but a brief outline of Prof. Barnes, whose life work is that of an earnest worker in the cause of education, benevolence, religion and the general uplift of his people.
Source: “Professor Jeremiah Barnes,” Tuscaloosa News, May 29, 1916, 6.
Document 2: Biographical Sketch of Professor Benjamin Barnes
As the son of Jeremiah Barnes, this brief biographical sketch details the educational and religious activities of an Tuscaloosa educator-activist during the Jim Crow era.
Sixteen years president of the State Baptist Young People’s union convention of Alabama and fifteen years teacher in the public school of Tuscaloosa, Ala., is the record of Professor Benjamin H. Barnes, A. M., one of the most noted educators in the south and a man of rare ability.
In the case of Professor Barnes merit along has been his guide and the cause of his promotion from time to time and has placed him in the front rank among the young people in this section of the country. He has made his way in his own home town because it was in this place where he was born and it was here where he got his foundation for an education, and he owes much of his inspiration and progress to his father, Professor Jeremiah Barnes, one of the oldest educators in the south and who has been principal of the school here for many years.
That is, Professor Barnes started the education work among the people in this section of the country, and, while he was not principal of the school at the opening, yet he has held that position for twenty-five years, and he had much to do with the laying of the educational foundation for his worthy son.
He has taken work from the University of Chicago through correspondence and has a fine library, where he spends much of his idle hours in digging out information. He is regarded today as one of the best posted young men in the state.
“Serve” has been his motto, and he has never lost an opportunity to serve his people or any one needing his service. He is a Christian, has been since a small boy, and has been active both in church and Sunday school. His main forte has been with the young people. They have recognized his worth by placing him at the head of their convention, where he could render good services.
The First African Baptist church of Tuscaloosa knows his worth because he has almost for a quarter of a century been at the head of the school as superintendent, rendering good service. They have a well organized Sunday school, due to his work. Then, too, he has been organist of the church for nearly twenty years and is considered one of the best pipe organ men in the south.
Professor Barnes is considered a musical genius in Alabama. His talent has been used for the development of his young people. He is serving his church and his race, placing the racial needs first.
In everything that tends to develop and uplift the race this young man takes an active part. He is connected with a number of fraternal societies and benevolent organizations and is active in them all.
During the summer, while not in the schoolroom, he devotes his time to the insurance business, being connected with the Union Central Life Relief company of Birmingham. He is kept busy all the time. He is manager of the Tuscaloosa office.
Many honors have been given him in his state and his native home. Two years ago Selma university recognized his worth in the literary world by conferring on him the degree of masters of arts, one well merited by the young educator.
The First African Baptist church is, indeed, a large church. Professor Barnes is one of the trustees and was chairman of the building committee when a structure at a cost of $25,000 was erected by them. Not only is he the secretary of the trustee board and financial secretary of the church, but he is one of the deacons as well. In fact, he is in everything that means progress for that church and his people. He has assisted a large number of young people through school.
Source: “Active Career of Noted Educator: Graduate of Tuskegee, 1891,” Tuscaloosa News and Times-Gazette, May 29, 1916, 7.
Sixteen years president of the State Baptist Young People’s union convention of Alabama and fifteen years teacher in the public school of Tuscaloosa, Ala., is the record of Professor Benjamin H. Barnes, A. M., one of the most noted educators in the south and a man of rare ability.
In the case of Professor Barnes merit along has been his guide and the cause of his promotion from time to time and has placed him in the front rank among the young people in this section of the country. He has made his way in his own home town because it was in this place where he was born and it was here where he got his foundation for an education, and he owes much of his inspiration and progress to his father, Professor Jeremiah Barnes, one of the oldest educators in the south and who has been principal of the school here for many years.
That is, Professor Barnes started the education work among the people in this section of the country, and, while he was not principal of the school at the opening, yet he has held that position for twenty-five years, and he had much to do with the laying of the educational foundation for his worthy son.
He has taken work from the University of Chicago through correspondence and has a fine library, where he spends much of his idle hours in digging out information. He is regarded today as one of the best posted young men in the state.
“Serve” has been his motto, and he has never lost an opportunity to serve his people or any one needing his service. He is a Christian, has been since a small boy, and has been active both in church and Sunday school. His main forte has been with the young people. They have recognized his worth by placing him at the head of their convention, where he could render good services.
The First African Baptist church of Tuscaloosa knows his worth because he has almost for a quarter of a century been at the head of the school as superintendent, rendering good service. They have a well organized Sunday school, due to his work. Then, too, he has been organist of the church for nearly twenty years and is considered one of the best pipe organ men in the south.
Professor Barnes is considered a musical genius in Alabama. His talent has been used for the development of his young people. He is serving his church and his race, placing the racial needs first.
In everything that tends to develop and uplift the race this young man takes an active part. He is connected with a number of fraternal societies and benevolent organizations and is active in them all.
During the summer, while not in the schoolroom, he devotes his time to the insurance business, being connected with the Union Central Life Relief company of Birmingham. He is kept busy all the time. He is manager of the Tuscaloosa office.
Many honors have been given him in his state and his native home. Two years ago Selma university recognized his worth in the literary world by conferring on him the degree of masters of arts, one well merited by the young educator.
The First African Baptist church is, indeed, a large church. Professor Barnes is one of the trustees and was chairman of the building committee when a structure at a cost of $25,000 was erected by them. Not only is he the secretary of the trustee board and financial secretary of the church, but he is one of the deacons as well. In fact, he is in everything that means progress for that church and his people. He has assisted a large number of young people through school.
Source: “Active Career of Noted Educator: Graduate of Tuskegee, 1891,” Tuscaloosa News and Times-Gazette, May 29, 1916, 7.
Document 3: A Survey of the Central Colored School
As part of the special coverage, the Central Grade School for African American children is extensively discussed as an exemplar school within the school system.
The Tuscaloosa Central Colored Grade school. The first session was begun in 1886. The school was organized under the direction of the city board of education, with a faculty of five teachers, the present principal being one of that number.
Jeremiah Barnes was elected principal in the year 1893, he has served continuously as such until this day. For about five years the school was taught in three different places, a hall and two different churches rented by the board. A very substantial five room school building, with cloak rooms and other modern improvements, was erected by the city and furnished with single patent desks. All of which were destroyed by fire on the 20th of November, 1908, also a library of 200 volumes. One hundred volumes of which were donated from the late philanthropist, W. A. Ogden, of New York. In 1909 the city erected another large frame building that contains ten large recitation rooms, eight being on the first floor and second floors, and two being in the basement.
In the basement in addition to the two recitation rooms there are two toilets, a furnace and fuel room. On the second floor is an office room for the principal. The lot is situated on West Ninth street, between Twenty-eighth and Twenty-ninth avenues, and is large enough to afford a play ground for the students of both sexes. The school grounds are well drained.
The first year the enrollment was 261, and it has continued to increase annually, so much so, that another building is needed for the high school and trades.
Domestic sciences and sewing have been added and much good is being done in the way of helping the students, and much progress has been made by the pupils. Each lady teacher conducts a class of sewing, a part of a day, in each week. A part of two days is used in the teaching of domestic science.
The city donated a nice plot of ground for a school garden, where the boys spend a part of a day cultivating it.
Twenty or more students from this school have successfully passed the state examinations and are now teaching school.
This school compares favorably with the other city schools of Alabama.
Faculty of Central Colored Graded Schools, 1915-1916, Jeremiah Barnes principal. He has about forty years experience in the school room.
Benjamin H. Barnes, A. M. Selma university 1891; Tuskegee N & I institute; special work, University of Chicago.
In charge of High school department:
Miss Callie J. McDonald, class of 1914 A &M college, Normal Ala, teacher of seventh grade.
Miss Irma T. Gulley, class of 1912 Selma university, Selma, Ala., teacher of sixth grade.
Miss Ethel L. Smith, class of 1908 A & M college, Normal, Ala., teacher of fifth grade.
Miss Mattie L. Pope, class of 1912 A & M college, Normal, Ala., teacher of fourth grade.
Miss Marie Teresa Mitchell, class of 1902 Mobile Public High school, teacher of third grade.
Miss Rose Mae Bruce, class of 1915 Haines Normal and Industrial institute, teacher of second grade.
Miss Elina Elma Yancey, class of 1912 Mary Holmes seminary, teacher of senior first grade.
Miss Eliska G. Jones, class of 1910 Tuskegee institute, Tuskegee, Ala., teacher of the junior first grade.
Source: “Tuscaloosa Central Colored School Are a Great Asset to Tuscaloosa,” Tuscaloosa News and Times-Gazette, May 29, 1916, 8.
The Tuscaloosa Central Colored Grade school. The first session was begun in 1886. The school was organized under the direction of the city board of education, with a faculty of five teachers, the present principal being one of that number.
Jeremiah Barnes was elected principal in the year 1893, he has served continuously as such until this day. For about five years the school was taught in three different places, a hall and two different churches rented by the board. A very substantial five room school building, with cloak rooms and other modern improvements, was erected by the city and furnished with single patent desks. All of which were destroyed by fire on the 20th of November, 1908, also a library of 200 volumes. One hundred volumes of which were donated from the late philanthropist, W. A. Ogden, of New York. In 1909 the city erected another large frame building that contains ten large recitation rooms, eight being on the first floor and second floors, and two being in the basement.
In the basement in addition to the two recitation rooms there are two toilets, a furnace and fuel room. On the second floor is an office room for the principal. The lot is situated on West Ninth street, between Twenty-eighth and Twenty-ninth avenues, and is large enough to afford a play ground for the students of both sexes. The school grounds are well drained.
The first year the enrollment was 261, and it has continued to increase annually, so much so, that another building is needed for the high school and trades.
Domestic sciences and sewing have been added and much good is being done in the way of helping the students, and much progress has been made by the pupils. Each lady teacher conducts a class of sewing, a part of a day, in each week. A part of two days is used in the teaching of domestic science.
The city donated a nice plot of ground for a school garden, where the boys spend a part of a day cultivating it.
Twenty or more students from this school have successfully passed the state examinations and are now teaching school.
This school compares favorably with the other city schools of Alabama.
Faculty of Central Colored Graded Schools, 1915-1916, Jeremiah Barnes principal. He has about forty years experience in the school room.
Benjamin H. Barnes, A. M. Selma university 1891; Tuskegee N & I institute; special work, University of Chicago.
In charge of High school department:
Miss Callie J. McDonald, class of 1914 A &M college, Normal Ala, teacher of seventh grade.
Miss Irma T. Gulley, class of 1912 Selma university, Selma, Ala., teacher of sixth grade.
Miss Ethel L. Smith, class of 1908 A & M college, Normal, Ala., teacher of fifth grade.
Miss Mattie L. Pope, class of 1912 A & M college, Normal, Ala., teacher of fourth grade.
Miss Marie Teresa Mitchell, class of 1902 Mobile Public High school, teacher of third grade.
Miss Rose Mae Bruce, class of 1915 Haines Normal and Industrial institute, teacher of second grade.
Miss Elina Elma Yancey, class of 1912 Mary Holmes seminary, teacher of senior first grade.
Miss Eliska G. Jones, class of 1910 Tuskegee institute, Tuskegee, Ala., teacher of the junior first grade.
Source: “Tuscaloosa Central Colored School Are a Great Asset to Tuscaloosa,” Tuscaloosa News and Times-Gazette, May 29, 1916, 8.
Document 4: Detailing Fifty Years of Progress Since Emancipation
As part of the special Tuscaloosa News series entitled “What the Negroes of Tuscaloosa Are Accomplishing,” Benjamin H. Barnes, a Tuskegee graduate and Central Colored School educator, chronicled the state of affairs among African Americans living in Tuscaloosa. His account also embodies the politics of respectability in negotiating Jim Crow public racial discourse and racial uplift activism.
The negroes of the city of Tuscaloosa have tried to keep pace with the progress of it, morally, religiously, educationally and industrially for the past 50 years. Fifty years are but a “brief span,” and yet the progress made will compare favorably with the emancipated Russians for the same period of time. Statistics will show this. The negroes progress has not been “one grand sweet son.” This was not to be expected, it was necessary for them to labor diligently and uncomplainingly and cheerfully, showing their right to enjoy citizenship by their integrity and industry.
Morally, this race has been steadily improving, its morals in Tuscaloosa and in said county. A large percentage are still ignorant, yet they are not degraded. A so-called Christian once said in a church meeting that “Thank God, I have broken all of the ten commandants but have not lost my ‘ligion yet”; well, they do not say that now, they have a better idea about morality and the religion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The environments of the colored race in Tuscaloosa have been and are now exceptional. Being in the midst of a superior race of unsurpassed enlightenment; it is no wonder that this race has improved so much morally; it will continue to improve as long as the same conditions obtain here. Sympathy and co-operation, it is predicted, will be perpetual in our beloved City of Oaks. No stranger need dare to disturb the peace and happiness existing between the white people and the black people here. In the language of the Scripture with a slight modification: “If any man love not the peace and harmony now existing here, let him be Anathema Marantha.”
Religiously, the negroes of Tuscaloosa and vicinity spend a great deal of money building good churches. This proves to some extent that they are not willing to bow their knees to “Baal.” If there is anyone thing more conspicuous than another in which the negroes are indebted to the white people it is for the Christian religion. They have striven long to teach the colored race real Christianity, and, as has been pointed out, they have succeeded. There are many colored churches in the city of Tuscaloosa, which compare favorably with the churches of this race in the larger cities of the state. The following colored churches flourish here, viz.” The First African Baptist church, the A. M. E. Zion church, the A. M. E. church, the Presbyterian church, St. John Baptist church, Elizabeth Baptist church, St. Paul Baptist church, et. al.
It is well to note that those churches are well organized under competent leadership. Nearly all of them have trained choirs with musical instruments, organs, pianos and violins. One has a pipe organ.
Two model churches in the district may ben seen at Taylorsville and Liberty, the Rev. A. Bishop, pastor. And there is steady improvement throughout the whole district of Tuscaloosa. The negroes delight to sing and praise the God of their Salvation.
Educationally, the city of Tuscaloosa can boast of splendid schools. This doesn’t say that there is not need of improvement from every view point. The city controls the Central Colored Graded schools and the Castle Hill school for colored children. Hon. James H. Foster is superintendent of these schools; also he has brought the schools up to the high degree of efficiency. The Central school has primary, grammar and high school departments under trained teachers. The qualifications of these teachers is passed upon by the state and city. It is the policy of the board of education to employ only graduate teachers from accredited institutions. The teacher with a third grade license is not given much consideration. With [continued from page 7] more unselfish co-operation on the part of the colored citizens, their schools will continue to improve, and there will be a higher degree of efficiency.
Stillman Institute
This school has always been taught by white graduate teachers, for the colored people. It has turned out many trained preachers and teachers, who are making themselves felt for good in the various fields of endeavor in which they are engaged. Some are foreign missionaries, while many are doing tangible work in America. May this institution continue to thrive is our prayer. This school is on a beautiful site, an ideal place for study.
This school is fostered by the great white Presbyterian church of the south.
Industrially, the negroes here are chiefly laborers, and in the service for white people, however, they are operating some concerns of their own. One may note here and there a grocery store, some excellent cafes, some splendid up to-date blacksmith shops, reliable colored insurance companies, a printing and jewelry shop, and a first class drug store. There are three colored physicians and surgeons and a druggist here. All of these are doing well. The colored people operate and control one cemetery, known as the “Pine Ridge Cemetery,” on Race Track. The colored people believe in fraternities. They own many society halls. Hence there a few pauper burials among them. This is a distinct asset to the city. One of the halls referred to is built of brick.
Source: Benjamin H. Barnes, The Story of the Negroes, Tuscaloosa News and Times-Gazette, May 29, 1916, 6, 7 and 8.
The negroes of the city of Tuscaloosa have tried to keep pace with the progress of it, morally, religiously, educationally and industrially for the past 50 years. Fifty years are but a “brief span,” and yet the progress made will compare favorably with the emancipated Russians for the same period of time. Statistics will show this. The negroes progress has not been “one grand sweet son.” This was not to be expected, it was necessary for them to labor diligently and uncomplainingly and cheerfully, showing their right to enjoy citizenship by their integrity and industry.
Morally, this race has been steadily improving, its morals in Tuscaloosa and in said county. A large percentage are still ignorant, yet they are not degraded. A so-called Christian once said in a church meeting that “Thank God, I have broken all of the ten commandants but have not lost my ‘ligion yet”; well, they do not say that now, they have a better idea about morality and the religion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The environments of the colored race in Tuscaloosa have been and are now exceptional. Being in the midst of a superior race of unsurpassed enlightenment; it is no wonder that this race has improved so much morally; it will continue to improve as long as the same conditions obtain here. Sympathy and co-operation, it is predicted, will be perpetual in our beloved City of Oaks. No stranger need dare to disturb the peace and happiness existing between the white people and the black people here. In the language of the Scripture with a slight modification: “If any man love not the peace and harmony now existing here, let him be Anathema Marantha.”
Religiously, the negroes of Tuscaloosa and vicinity spend a great deal of money building good churches. This proves to some extent that they are not willing to bow their knees to “Baal.” If there is anyone thing more conspicuous than another in which the negroes are indebted to the white people it is for the Christian religion. They have striven long to teach the colored race real Christianity, and, as has been pointed out, they have succeeded. There are many colored churches in the city of Tuscaloosa, which compare favorably with the churches of this race in the larger cities of the state. The following colored churches flourish here, viz.” The First African Baptist church, the A. M. E. Zion church, the A. M. E. church, the Presbyterian church, St. John Baptist church, Elizabeth Baptist church, St. Paul Baptist church, et. al.
It is well to note that those churches are well organized under competent leadership. Nearly all of them have trained choirs with musical instruments, organs, pianos and violins. One has a pipe organ.
Two model churches in the district may ben seen at Taylorsville and Liberty, the Rev. A. Bishop, pastor. And there is steady improvement throughout the whole district of Tuscaloosa. The negroes delight to sing and praise the God of their Salvation.
Educationally, the city of Tuscaloosa can boast of splendid schools. This doesn’t say that there is not need of improvement from every view point. The city controls the Central Colored Graded schools and the Castle Hill school for colored children. Hon. James H. Foster is superintendent of these schools; also he has brought the schools up to the high degree of efficiency. The Central school has primary, grammar and high school departments under trained teachers. The qualifications of these teachers is passed upon by the state and city. It is the policy of the board of education to employ only graduate teachers from accredited institutions. The teacher with a third grade license is not given much consideration. With [continued from page 7] more unselfish co-operation on the part of the colored citizens, their schools will continue to improve, and there will be a higher degree of efficiency.
Stillman Institute
This school has always been taught by white graduate teachers, for the colored people. It has turned out many trained preachers and teachers, who are making themselves felt for good in the various fields of endeavor in which they are engaged. Some are foreign missionaries, while many are doing tangible work in America. May this institution continue to thrive is our prayer. This school is on a beautiful site, an ideal place for study.
This school is fostered by the great white Presbyterian church of the south.
Industrially, the negroes here are chiefly laborers, and in the service for white people, however, they are operating some concerns of their own. One may note here and there a grocery store, some excellent cafes, some splendid up to-date blacksmith shops, reliable colored insurance companies, a printing and jewelry shop, and a first class drug store. There are three colored physicians and surgeons and a druggist here. All of these are doing well. The colored people operate and control one cemetery, known as the “Pine Ridge Cemetery,” on Race Track. The colored people believe in fraternities. They own many society halls. Hence there a few pauper burials among them. This is a distinct asset to the city. One of the halls referred to is built of brick.
Source: Benjamin H. Barnes, The Story of the Negroes, Tuscaloosa News and Times-Gazette, May 29, 1916, 6, 7 and 8.
