Okolona College

Okolona College

Formerly Okolona Industrial College was founded in 1902 by Wallace A. Battle. He talked to several groups of interested citizens and got support as he felt that the answer to the “race problems” was a proper education for blacks. Some white families, including the Stovalls, Chandlers, Edens, Morrisons and Abbotts, became interested in the school and served on the Board of Trustees. They also served as Good Will Ambassadors of the community, thereby easing animosity concerning education for blacks. A. T. Stovall served as President of the board until his death. R. W. Chandler was Treasurer for many years and served on the Board of Trustees. In 1933, the school became a Junior College with emphasis son ‘Teacher Training’. The first class graduated in 1935. May graduates went on to other colleges to obtain Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

In 1964, a study showed that 85% of all black teachers in the tri-county area were graduates or former students at Okolona College. All the bandmasters of the period had studied in Okolona. During the peak years, enrollment reached about 300 students, including day and boarding students. Until 1959, there was not a county high school for blacks. Okolona College provided high school training for the county students for a tuition fee paid by the county.

In 1965, after 63 years of service to the community, the Okolona College closed. Many outstanding citizens and leaders of our town graduated from Okolona College and later went to senior colleges to obtain higher degrees. To mention a few: Nellie Adams, school principal, City Councilman Archie Raspberry and his wife, Ida, and Ambrose Kirk who was school principal. After successful careers, Mrs. Winfred Coleman and Mrs. Frances Brannic retired and came back to Okolona and invested in homes. They were excellent citizens of our town.

Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Raspberry lived on the campus of Okolona College and were teachers and promoted the college, their church and were always an asset to Okolona. Their son, William Raspberry of Washington, D.C., was a famous syndicated newspaper columnist. His articles were in many newspapers all over the U.S. Dr. Charles Wheeler practiced medicine here for many years. Matt Prophet and his wife, Elzira, were always highly regarded citizens of Okolona. Elzira taught music and Matt was an excellent interior and exterior decorator. In his earlier years, Matt had a dance band. Matt served as city councilman in his later years. Their son, Matthew W. Prophet, Jr. had a high rank in the military and has excelled in the field of education administration. Charlie Gilliam was owner of C.W. Gilliam general Merchandise store and was one of Okolona’s oldest merchants on Main Street.