The Colored Graded School teachers who walked off their jobs in 1918 to protest abuse were Mary C. Euell, Georgia Burke, Sallie Roberta Battle, L.B. Wayland, M.L. Garrett, S.D. Wiseman, M.A. Davis, Mary M. Jennings, J.B. Pride, Glace [Grace] M. Battle, Sarah D. Hines, and Elba Vick.
Several of the teachers went to work at the community-funded Wilson Normal and Industrial Institute (also known as the Training School, the Independent School, the Normal School, and the Industrial School) when it opened later that year. The school lasted about ten years. Mary M. Jennings was listed as principal of the new school in the 1920 city directory, and I have found these additional teachers:
- Wilhelmina Gaston, teacher, Wilson Training School, 1925
The “Armena Crawford” listed in the 1920 Wilson city directory is likely the same person. Willie Mena Gaston died 5 June 1929 in Wilson of pulmonary tuberculosis contracted “in the North.” She was 26 years old; was born in Wilson to Daniel Crawford of Alamance County, N.C., and Annie Whitted of Orange County, N.C.; was married to Augusta Gaston; was a housewife; lived at 605 South Spring Street; and was buried in Wilson [most likely Vick Cemetery.]
- Willie Hargrove, teacher, Wilson Training School, 1925
In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 606 East Green, Luvenia Hargrove, 40, widow, and daughter Willie, 20, public school teacher.
- Hattie Langley, teacher, Wilson Training School, 1925
In the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: Jarot Langley, 40, blacksmith at wagon factory; wife Lydia, 38; and children Hattie, 15, Thedore, 14, Marie, 12, Carnell, 7, Ruline, 6, Alcestus, 4, and Oris, 2.
What a blessing a to see these valiant women being honored. It was not until I read your blog that I became familiar with the history of this school My mother only told me that she attended this school but I did not know the details. She later attended Shaw University and taught school in some of the rural schools outside of Wilson. In the 1950’s I saw Porgy and Bess at the National Theater in Washington, D.C. My mother told me that Georgia Burke, who appeared in the play, was one of her teachers. Again your blog completed that story for me