Tigers Gather for Reunion

B D H M FOR THE ITEM

The alumni, teachers, and friends from around the world will return to Huntsville to share stories, laugh, and remember their time spent at Sam Houston High School during the 19th Biennial School Reunion and 50th Sam Houston National Alumni Association meeting.

The creation and formalization of this institution dates back many years. During the 1900s, schools for African Americans were limited to small rural churches, or community schools. The individual who understood the importance of education was Samuel Walker Houston. He was born a free man in 1864 and was the son of Joshua Houston, a former slave of General Sam Houston.

Samuel Walker’s education included Hampton Institute, Howard University and Atlanta University. He returned to this area and established the first training school for emancipated slaves in 1906.

This school was in the western part of Walker County in a community known as Galilee. The training school produced for this community the first generation of teachers, skilled craftsmen, and entrepreneurs. The current Huntsville ISD Middle

See TIGER, page 6A

Continued from page 1A

School (Scott Johnson) is named for one of the graduates of this training school who later became an outstanding educator and civic leader in the

community. In 1926, the small schools for African American students in Huntsville and the county, were consolidated into the Huntsville Negro School system. Between 1929 and 1930 these schools were consolidated with the Huntsville ISD which remained segregated.

Samuel W. Houston was instrumental in collaborating with local officials to organize the schools and became the superintendent of the Negro School System.

An all-grades school was constructed on 10th street for Black students in 1930. This facility later became an elementary school, and the high school was built on the east side of Huntsville and was named Sam Houston High School.

The Huntsville ISD schools integrated in 1968 and the last senior class graduated from SHHS The memories of their unique experiences, athletic accomplishments, spirit of excellence, and long-lasting friendships for those who attended Sam Houston High School will be celebrated at the reunion.

“In 1951 the football and basketball teams won state championship,” said Gilbert Glaze (class of 1952).

The football team representing the fighting Tigers in maroon and white was coached by Lincoln Rolling, Percy Howard Jr. and Johnnie Roberts.

“I was excited to represent my class as the valedictorian for the class of 1961,” said Lovie Hall Cunningham.

Cunningham later attended Prairie View A&M and became a technology executive for IBM.

“We wanted to excel because our teachers were committed to us and our learning. They understood the bigger picture of what was required of us then and in the future,” said Cunningham, the current Executive Director of the

Samuel Walker Houston Museum & Cultural Center.

“Attending Sam Houston High was the best learning experience I’ve ever had,” said Dr.

Shirley Tucker Wallace.

“The teachers were involved in your personal life. Which created the trifecta of parents, church and school/community in your education. The fundamental learning I received propelled me to additional education and training.”

Dr. Wallace is a nurse practitioner with a doctorate in education.

“Over the years thousands of alumni, family and friends have traveled from as far away

as Alaska and Oregon to attend the reunion, which is organized by the National Alumni Association,” said Sarah Wiley, organizer and an alumni.

The 2024 SHHS Reunion will include a Gospel Concert with a Memorial Tribute, a White Affair Dance, tours of the Culture Center & Museum, Picnic, and other activities, which begin Thursday, July 18 and run through Sunday, July 21.

The complete information with times and registration can be found at www.samuelwalkerhoustonmuseum. com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019