Across the state, and throughout the South, many historically African American schools are confronting possible extinction. In recent years, Virginia has seen a steady drumbeat of applications led by former students for commemorative markers to adorn historically black schools, according to Randy Jones, a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The department also has witnessed a rise in requests that formerly African American schools be added to state historical registers. Sometimes, officials re-purposed African American high schools as integrated middle schools or as storage space. Booker T. — which is more than 80 percent African American — still struggles to get first-rate equipment and adequate funding, Monroe-Hester said.

Source: Washington Post January 04, 2020 13:02 UTC