Honoring Local Black Educators!

George Boston Rhynes (229) 251-8645

5004 Oak Drive

Valdosta, Georgia 31605-1144

TO:  The Quitman Free Press (Letter To The Editor)

Its been fifty (50) years since graduating from Washington Street High School Class of 1970 in Quitman-Brooks County Georgia School System. 

This was an all-black segregated school with all black educators and I say thanks to Mr. Robert Cornelius Marshall B.S. M.S. (Principal) along with all the other Black Educators.  They took old hand-me-down-books from the white schools and provided Black students with an education that prepared us for schools; technical colleges; universities; political endeavors; all branches of the armed forces and the world. 

As a retired military veteran of the Vietnam (War) Era; I am compelled to REFLECT upon this little South Georgia Segregated school named Washington Street High School for laying the foundation for our success through the maze of life.

After I read in the Quitman Free Press Newspaper dated December 16, 2020, about Ms. Florence Louise Butts (a former educator) passing away at the age of ninety (90) that taught during the period of racial tension and segregation.  I feel obligated to write this article about these educators achievements much like Jesus journey when he was led up into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil for the good of all mankind (Matthew 4:1).

Therefore, it is with deep thanks and appreciation for all Brooks County Schools that propelled us to excellence in difficult times.  When many Americans fought for integration into the white schools believing equality and acceptance would (finally) become a reality across our nation. 

However, today many Blacks and Whites alike will agree that integration was a failure due to the level of hate that remains in our beloved nation between the two races. 

Washington Street High School only existed for fifteen-years (1955-1970) before it was dissolved and Blacks entered into the white Brooks County School System with a majority of white teachers leaving many black educators without a job. 

Yet, history records that Black students served in all the wars of this nation and (WE) must never forget the Black pioneers in the field of education that left their indelible mark on the historic landmark of Brooks County; the State Of Georgia; our beloved nation and the world and to God be the Glory. 

 

GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES

Retired United States Armed Force Military Veteran

Founder of The Getto Free Press/Freelance Journalist

Valdosta, Georgia