James & Joy North at Garcitas Cemetery standing in front of the just completed new Garcitas monument with letters that state, "Joy comes in the morning."
Edna Colored School: Where Black Brilliance Bloomed Despite Segregation's Shadow
In 1912, a beacon of hope emerged amidst the racial inequalities of the American South: the Edna Colored School, later renamed the George Washington Carver School. Though shrouded in the mists of time, its legacy stands tall as a testament to Black resilience and educational aspirations.
Though pinpointing the school's exact origins remains elusive, whispers from the past suggest its humble beginnings near Dry Creek, where the Edna Police Station now stands. Born in the throes of a nation grappling with its own racial demons, the school became a sanctuary for Black students in a segregated Jackson County, Texas. Even after the supposed dismantling of segregation in 1954, the insidious "two-race" system lingered until 1965, casting a long shadow over equal educational opportunities.
Yet, within the walls of the Edna Colored School, Black brilliance blossomed. Despite limited resources and systemic hurdles, generations of Black students emerged, armed with knowledge and a fierce determination to carve their own paths. They became doctors, lawyers, educators, and changemakers, forever etching their mark on the fabric of Jackson County, Texas and beyond.
The story of the Edna Colored School is more than just bricks and mortar; it's a testament to the unyielding spirit of Black communities in the face of adversity. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the pursuit of education can be a powerful tool for liberation and empowerment.
Today, the legacy of the Edna Colored School lives on, not just in the hearts and minds of its alumni, but also in the ongoing fight for racial justice and educational equity. As we strive to build a more inclusive future, let us remember the lessons learned within the walls of this historic school: that Black education matters, Black voices deserve to be heard, and Black brilliance will continue to shine, illuminating the path towards a brighter tomorrow.
[01/29/16] Some old books used to write down the minutes from Sunday school classes have been found, and I am currently scanning each page of these 5 books, hoping to make a DVD of them or find some other format to preserve them. As this church enters its 120th year of existence, it humbles me to see the recordings in these books. The church was founded by black Americans in 1896, some 30 years after slavery, after the Civil War. The earliest writings in these books are from 1914, only about 40 years from slavery and the war. These church founders were born in to slavery. It is remarkable to me that the records kept by people who were forbidden to write and/or express themselves are so detailed and well written. As one of their descendants, Marion Green, commented, "I'm surprised they knew how to write." And the record keeping is faithful, each Sunday, a church member carefully detailed the events of the Sunday school class from the date, to who was present, who said the prayer, who read the scripture, and which scripture, and the topic of the lesson, and of course, how much offering was provided. These books travel all the way to the 1960s. In some of them, you find girls as young as 10 leading the Sunday school class, and inscribing in the book the usual events; but, sometimes, writing down their fantasies about some boy, or changing the way their last name is spelled. As we approach the month designated to celebrate history such as this, I am overwhelmed with amazement and even more appreciation for a people who kept God first, and persevered when it would have been easier to surrender.
[01/29/16 - Joy ] Some old books used to write down the minutes from Sunday school classes have been found, and I am currently scanning each page of these 5 books, hoping to make a DVD of them or find some other format to preserve them. As this church enters its 120th year of existence, it humbles me to see the recordings in these books. The church was founded by black Americans in 1896, some 30 years after slavery, after the Civil War. The earliest writings in these books are from 1914, only about 40 years from slavery and the war. These church founders were born in to slavery. It is remarkable to me that the records kept by people who were forbidden to write and/or express themselves are so detailed and well written. As one of their descendants, Marion Green, commented, "I'm surprised they knew how to write." And the record keeping is faithful, each Sunday, a church member carefully detailed the events of the Sunday school class from the date, to who was present, who said the prayer, who read the scripture, and which scripture, and the topic of the lesson, and of course, how much offering was provided. These books travel all the way to the 1960s. In some of them, you find girls as young as 10 leading the Sunday school class, and inscribing in the book the usual events; but, sometimes, writing down their fantasies about some boy, or changing the way their last name is spelled. As we approach the month designated to celebrate history such as this, I am overwhelmed with amazement and even more appreciation for a people who kept God first, and persevered when it would have been easier to surrender.
