Celebrating Black History with Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson

“Dr. Edwin Henderson’s activities in physical education, civil rights, and writing were all intertwined, each complementing the other. He began his teaching career in Washington, D.C. in 1904, as the first Black instructor of physical education in the nation. At that time, no physical education on a formal basis was provided Black schools in Washington, D.C. In 1906, Dr. Henderson instituted the first Black school and college track meets. In 1907, he organized the first Negro athletic conferences and official groups. In 1925, he name Director of Health and Physical Education for Colored Schools in District of Columbia, a position he held until his retirement despite lucrative offers elsewhere. He was the first Black to receive the National Honor Fellowship in the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.”

Reference provided by The Crisis, January 1985, vol. 92 excerpt from the book, Colors of Recreation.

Celebrating Black History with Pearl H. Vaughn

Pearl H. Vaughn was an innovative educator, community recreation leader, and a true trailblazer. As an active member of NRPA, “Mother Pearl,” as she was known, was an enthusiastic participant in the affairs of the Society of Parks and Recreation Educators, and the Ethnic Minority Society. It was through her efforts and leadership that Grambling State University hosted the first NRPA National Workshop to be convened on a historically Black college campus. The NRPA forum, “Careers in Parks and Recreation: The Role of the Black College and University,” was held at Grambling College in Louisiana in May 1970. It provided the first opportunity to bring together black professionals and students to discuss the problems encountered in preparing recreation professionals and paraprofessionals for careers in the recreation and park field. During her tenure at Grambling College, Vaughn served as coordinator of the Recreation careers program. She was meticulous with her students, insisting on excellence and hands-on leadership experiences. She believed in and practiced the art and science of recreation leadership and community development, promoting recreation services for all people. An example of her leadership in community development is her report “Improving Recreation Programs and the Quality of Recreation Leadership in Louisiana,” published in 1970. In 1992, she became the first African American to be posthumously presented the National Distinguished Pioneer Award of the Roundtable Association, Inc.

Celebrating Black History with Ernest Attwell

Ernest T. Attwell began his career with the National Recreation Association in 1919, few cities were providing recreation programs for African Americans. As a result of his leadership, more than 230 communities established playgrounds and community centers for African-American citizens. During his 30 years of service with the National Recreation Association, he accomplished more than any other individual in expanding recreation opportunities for minority groups. His work constituted a major contribution to the growth of the recreation movement in America. Ernest was “a pioneer in the field of providing a more abundant life, an inspiration to workers in the recreation profession, and a man who left an indelible imprint upon hundreds of communities across the country,”

Citations provided by Colors of Recreation (1996) and the Play and Playground Encylopedia.

Celebrate Arbor Day with FREE Trees!

Celebrating Black History Month in Decatur

The first school for African Americans in Decatur was a small parochial school started by a Presbyterian minister. In 1902, the first public school for African-Americans opened. That school relocated in 1913 and became known as Herring Street School.  With support from the community, the school expanded and was rebuilt as Beacon Elementary School and Trinity High School in 1956 and 1957. Although the Supreme Court ruled in 1954 that segregated schools were unconstitutional, it would be 18 years before Decatur’s public schools were completely integrated.  Despite the scarcity of resources available to them teacher formed a Teacher’s Club at Herring Street School to provide college tuition scholarships for underprivileged students. Teachers and school administrators were widely respected throughout the Beacon community, and school principals were admired civic leaders.

Key Historical Educators:

Charles M. Clayton, principal of Herring Street School 1933-1953 Sara T. Blackmon, first principal of Beacon Elementary Albert J. Martin, appointed principal of Herring Street School in 1953 and went on to serve as Trinity High School’s only principal from its opening in 1956 to its closure in 1967.

Note: Ebster Recreation Center, City Schools of Decatur Administrative Building and the Police Department sit on the site of the historical schools. The original brick wall remains along Electric Ave and the original entrance to the school remains on site.