Community gathering to celebrate the legacy of Lincoln Academy.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesLeon County honors the legacy of Lincoln Academy during Black History Month, recognizing its importance in educating newly freed Black individuals since 1869. This institution, which operated for a century, has left a lasting impact, paving the way for many educational leaders and community trailblazers. Notable figures from Lincoln Academy include John G. Riley, Aquilina Casanas Howell, and Devurn Glenn, who broke barriers in education. Today, efforts continue to preserve this legacy and celebrate the contributions of those who transformed the educational landscape in Leon County.
Leon County honors the legacy of Lincoln Academy during Black History Month, recognizing its importance in educating newly freed Black individuals since 1869. This institution, which operated for a century, has left a lasting impact, paving the way for many educational leaders and community trailblazers. Notable figures from Lincoln Academy include John G. Riley, Aquilina Casanas Howell, and Devurn Glenn, who broke barriers in education. Today, efforts continue to preserve this legacy and celebrate the contributions of those who transformed the educational landscape in Leon County.
As February rolls in, residents of Leon County are coming together to honor a vital chapter in their history—Black History Month. This year, the spotlight shines bright on Lincoln Academy, an institution that played a critical role in the education of newly freed Black individuals starting from its establishment in 1869 by the Freedmen’s Bureau.
Imagine a place dedicated to uplifting a community through the power of education. That was Lincoln Academy, which thrived for a remarkable hundred years before closing its doors in 1969 as part of wider desegregation efforts. To ensure its legacy endures, a new Lincoln High School was built in 1974. This school stands as a tribute to the rich history and contributions of the original institution, reminding the community of the pioneers who forged the path for future generations.
Among Lincoln Academy’s many notable alumni were educational leaders who made profound impacts in Tallahassee. One of the standout figures was John G. Riley, who, after being born into slavery, became the first principal of Lincoln Academy in 1893. Under his leadership, which lasted an impressive 33 years until his retirement in 1926, Lincoln Academy flourished. Riley also broke barriers by becoming the first African American to obtain a state teaching certificate in Florida in 1906. His influence extended beyond the classroom as he registered to vote at 94 years old, making him the oldest registered voter in Leon County in 1952.
Another remarkable figure was Aquilina Casanas Howell, a steadfast educator for 43 years, who made history in 1982 as the first Black woman assistant superintendent in Leon County. Her roots trace back to Lincoln High School, where she graduated in 1934 before returning to educate future generations for 15 years. In recognition of her legacy, the Aquilina Howell Center was named in her honor in 1995, serving as an administrative office for the district.
Just as vital was Devurn Glenn, another key player in Leon County’s educational landscape. He was at the helm of Nims Middle School during its opening in 1971 and made waves as the first Black assistant superintendent in 1973.
Let’s not forget Doris N. Alston, who was appointed to the Leon County School Board in 1975 alongside being one of the first Black teachers in Florida to earn merit-based recognition, breaking down barriers in a time when such commendations were rare.
The legacy of Lincoln Academy is further enriched by sports, too. Harry Nims served as a coach at Lincoln High from 1951 to 1968, gaining recognition by being inducted into the National Negro High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. His athletic contributions added yet another layer to Lincoln Academy’s deep history.
Robert Frank Nims, who served as principal for 17 years, was instrumental in expanding programs for students, ensuring that they received a broad education that prepared them for diverse futures.
The 1960s marked a significant turning point when students Harold Knowles, Marilyn Holifield, and Phillip Hadley bravely integrated Leon High School in 1963. Their actions were not just another chapter but a defining moment within the broader narrative of education in Leon County.
The original Lincoln High School was more than a place of learning; it was a beacon of hope that educated countless Black students and offered vocational training before ultimately closing in 1967. Community members today are passionately working to highlight the history of Lincoln Academy. Efforts are in progress to unite the community for an initiative that pays homage to the legacies of former students and faculty, ensuring that the contributions made are not forgotten.
As we celebrate Black History Month, the impact of Lincoln Academy continues to resonate throughout Leon County. It serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of pioneers in education who changed lives, transformed communities, and paved the way for future generations. The legacy lives on, reminding us all of the power education has to uplift and inspire.
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