Houston first Black high school seeks financial support for score board, bleachers and track renovation

Booker T. Washington Junior-Senior High School marks its 110th birthday in 2003. First known as Colored High, it was established in 1892 and was occupied in the fall of 1893. The first principal of “Colored High” was Charles Atherton, who was principal from 1893-1912. It was the first high school established for Black people in the city of Houston and was built on the corner of West Dallas and Frederick Street, 57 years after the founding of Houston by the Allen Brothers. The first graduate of BTW was Wright Munger, who finished the prescribed course of study in 1896. The following year there was a grand total of 14 graduates. The student enrollment outgrew the original building by the year 1927, and it became necessary to rehabilitate and enlarge the educational plant. The school was rebuilt at the same site and named “Booker T. Washington Junior Senior High School” in honor of the late Booker T. Washington (1856-1915), famed educator, founder of Tuskegee Institute and author of “Up from Slavery” and “My Larger Education.”

Mr. William E. Miller was named principal at this time. Naturally, a newly named school had to develop its peculiar identity symbols. Miss Virginia B, Miller, English teacher, whom no Washington student during these years will ever forget, selected “Wisdom” as part of the school’s motto: “Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore, Seek Wisdom.”

The colors, “Blue and Gold,” were chosen by Mrs. Magorie Teal, physical education teacher, and Mrs. Freddie Lights Kemp, music teacher. Royal Blue represents Stateliness and Loyalty and Gold represents a thing of great value or goodness. The Golden Eagle was chosen as the school’s mascot because it was the mightiness, most powerful and sharp-visioned bird that soared through the air. The school song was written by accomplished poet, orator and English teacher, Mrs. Mary E. B. Issacs, penning very stirring words, and Mr. J. Will Jones, the music supervisor of all Black schools, furnishing the rollicking rhythmic musical setting.

These words will always linger in the memories of all Washington students: “Just like a Mighty Eagle flying So, will we too thy sons and daughters Tow-er-ing O’er this fellow’s flight (fellow’s flight) Soar O’er wrong to fields of right.” In January 1965, the current principal, Mr. F.D. Wesley, began his administration. Under his most capable and progressive leadership many innovations have been developed and initiated so that the students enjoy a well-balanced academic and extracurricular activity program. The students excelled in both.

This wide-range developmental activity program has been planned for the students because Wesley believes that the busy student is a happy and productive student. He also believes that quality time must be devoted to instructing students in social and moral graces; attention must also be given to the physical well being of the students. Booker T. Washington has had only 6 principals during its existence of almost 110 years of service to the Houston community: Mr. Charles Atherton (1893-1912); Dr. Ira B. Bryant (1938-1957); Mr. James D. Ryan (1912-1926); Mr. Arthur L. Huckaby (1957-1965); Mr. William E. Miller (1926-1938); Mr. Franklyn D. Wesley (1965- )

In 1974, the High School for Engineering Professions was conceived and designed on the campus of Booker T. Washington to provide a high quality college preparatory program for students interested in engineering and applied sciences. The “school within-a-school organizational plan enables students to enjoy the privileges of a comprehensive high school and the benefits of a special-interest high school. There have been over 20,000 graduates from this grand old institution.

Some of the most competent and dynamic professional leaders of our state and the nation received their training at Booker T. Washington HS/HSEP. Some of the school’s most recent accolades include: being named an Exemplary School by the State of Texas for two consecutive years; local, state and national recognition in the areas of football, basketball, track, Special Olympics, robotics, swimming, One Act Play, tennis, volleyball, the Navy ROTC Drill team, both girls and boys Step Teams, a record number of Texas Scholars and academic scholarship winners.

This year all new and returning students will have an opportunity to participate in the Eagles Jump Start program. All new students will have an opportunity to participate in new student orientation and all returning students will be able to checkout textbooks, pick-up schedules, and take ID pictures.
Booker T. Washington HS/HSEP is not only a community school, they have proud graduates located throughout the city of Houston, the state of Texas, and all around the world. The staff members are now calling on graduates, the families and friends of BTW, and supporters of BTW.

They would like to add a score boards, bleachers and renovate the track on the campus. There are limited amounts of funds available from the district for these types of projects therefore, they are accepting donations for this special project. Interested persons can make a tax-deductible donation to the Booker T. Washington HS/HSEP Special Project Fund. To help please contact Coach Ricky Oliphant or Dr. Victor