News Summary
A.H. Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama, celebrated its 125th anniversary with a weekend-long event attended by over 1,000 people. The festivities included alumni speaking to students, scholarship awards totaling $50,000, a sneaker ball, and an all-white gala. Established in 1900, A.H. Parker played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement and holds historical significance with numerous notable alumni. The event emphasized the school’s ongoing commitment to education and community involvement, highlighting its legacy in shaping civic-minded citizens.
Birmingham, Alabama – A.H. Parker High School is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a weekend-long event that started on Thursday. The celebration gathered over 1,000 attendees, including staff, students, and alumni, to honor the school’s long-standing legacy and history.
The weekend events featured a range of activities including alumni speaking to current students, a meet and greet, and the annual alumni scholarship day, where $50,000 in scholarships were awarded. Additionally, attendees enjoyed a sneaker ball, an alumni picnic, and concluded the festivities with an all-white gala. LaKeaton Pearson, a member of the organizing committee, noted that approximately 750 alumni participated, many of whom traveled from locations as far as Albuquerque, New Mexico to join the celebration.
A.H. Parker High School was established in 1900, making it the first school in Birmingham for Black students, initially operating with just one teacher and 19 students. By 1946, it emerged as the largest high school for Black students in the world and gained national recognition after a visit from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1937.
Significance in Civil Rights Movement
The school’s historical importance extends beyond academics; it played a pivotal role during the Civil Rights Movement, particularly known for its involvement in the Children’s Crusade. A.H. Parker High School is known for producing prominent graduates, including Oscar Adams Jr., Alabama’s first Black Supreme Court Justice, civil rights attorney Arthur D. Shores, and renowned musician Erskine Hawkins.
Legacy of Education and Community
Throughout its history, A.H. Parker has placed a strong emphasis on education across various fields, including practical skills, engineering, and the arts, striving to produce capable and civic-minded citizens. This educational philosophy was rooted in the vision of the school’s first principal, Arthur Harold Parker.
The tradition of returning to the school and sharing experiences among alumni has become a significant aspect of these celebrations. As part of the festivities, five teachers were inducted into a Hall of Fame, recognizing their contributions to the school’s enduring legacy of excellence.
Future of A.H. Parker High School
This anniversary celebration occurs every five years, with the last event held in 2015. In conjunction with the school’s historic milestone, the Thundering Herd football team achieved a significant victory by winning their first state championship in December 2024, further marking the celebration of A.H. Parker High School’s 125 years of excellence.
Teacher Barry McNealy emphasized the ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards among faculty and students, ensuring the legacy of A.H. Parker High School remains strong for generations to come.
Families often have a long-standing connection to the school, with many multi-generational lineages highlighting its role as a cornerstone in the community. A.H. Parker High School continues to be affectionately referred to as “the World’s Biggest Negro High School,” exemplifying its historical significance and ongoing influence within Birmingham and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- WVTM13: A.H. Parker High School Anniversary Events
- Wikipedia: A.H. Parker High School
- Birmingham Times: A.H. Parker 125th Anniversary Celebration
- Google Search: A.H. Parker High School
- Birmingham Times: A.H. Parker Education Tradition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: A.H. Parker High School
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
