Monroe County unveils historical Marker at West Amory Elementary
AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) – A historical marker commemorating the Monroe County Training School was unveiled on June 21.
It’s a unique piece of history being remembered on the Juneteenth weekend as part of black history in the area.
The Monroe County community joined in to celebrate the segregated school’s history and bond with one another, while keeping history alive.
Members of the Monroe County Historical Society unveiled its historical marker at the Arch on the campus of the West Amory Elementary.
The marker represents the Monroe County Training School and is the second of seven sites proposed to receive signage.
“I am filled up really because I am part of this, I remember my upbringing as a child at Monroe County Training School,” Joe Gunn said. “To remember the old-school and to be able to talk to some of those people who are still actually living today, it’s just an amazing feeling. It’s just a big thrill for me to be able to be a part of this undertaking.”
All of the attendees got the opportunity to honor and amplify the stories of people who attended and supported the schools.
“Many people of the area became more successful or moved outside of the area and then came back to celebrate with those folks who were doing well or those folks who were not doing well in the area. It’s very rewarding to see people come together from all across the country,” Charles Darden said.
The history marks from the 1920s to the 1960s.
The Reverend Benjamin Wax community center was once the West Amory High school.
While at the event, the classmates celebrated new members of the school’s Hall of Fame.
Organizers said it’s their mission to spread the word of history to the community.
“My mother had taught at one of these schools and I started by showing a documentary at my church in Washington, DC,” Vyllorya Evans said. “Then, I reached out to some of my classmates and we started trying to put more of the history together. Another thing what I wanted to do was bring the story back to Monroe County.”
Those involved with the event also raise money to give college scholarships to students in Monroe County.
Former students apart of both schools said they will continue to share the rich education history.
