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About Us
About
Brown-Williams High School Group was founded by Clyde Adams, Jr., Ester Adams Jones, and Joyce Worsham Adams April 22, 2016 to facilitate annual Brown-Williams High School class reunions and perform other activities on behalf of former classmates of Brown-Williams High School alumni.
With research and continuous planning to determine ways to bring Brown-Williams High School Alumni together, the founding members were prepared to kick off the 1st Brown-Williams High School Reunion On Tour in Chicago, IL. The “Reunion On Tour” is for classmates to meet up, have fun, and a way for everyone to stay connected. The catch phrase "Reunion On Tour" is just that, different cities will host the reunion. Thus, creating an opportunity for classmates near and far to attend, while considering constraints related to finances and health.
One of the goals of Brown-Williams High School Group is to save the legacy of Brown-Williams High School by erecting a structure to commemorate the Colored Schools in McCrory, Arkansas, which will always be part of our history. With the school being torn down and no historical marker left, this will let everyone know the Colored Schools once existed in McCrory, Arkansas.
History
How Brown-Williams High School was formed as told by Dorothy Crockett.
COLONA BLACK SCHOOL
Colona was a large community and had several landowners there in 1909. Mrs. Foster was the first teacher, and she taught several years. Others who taught in Colona include: Mrs. Burden, Dewitt Williams, C.C Merriwether, and Reverend Eason.
Around 1940 or 1941, students at this school were sent to the Black school in McCrory.
Some of the old settlers were; Dolphus Brown, Gabe Brown, Elige Whitmore, Frank Vann, Shed Brandon, Bob Washington, Gus Farmer, Elmore Swan, and Tommy Swan.
HISTORY OF BLACK SCHOOLS OF McCRORY
There was a Black School in McCrory as early as 1889, and Professor Rodgers was the teacher. Later Professor Crown of Cotton Plan taught. After he left, the school was moved to the old Sturdivant gin, which was located where the late Dolph Massey home is now located.
In 1889 Professor George Blake began teaching, and the school was moved to the site of the present Gerald Morris office. This building burned, and another building was erected at the same place. This was known as the old tin school.
Some of the teachers were Professor Dinwiddy, Blake Foster, Nash Merriweather, Miss Amy Miller, and Mrs. L. V. Davenport. There were others whose names I don’t know. In 1940, Mrs. J.J. Brown was elected principal, and the school was moved to the New Addition of the town. The new building was finished, and the school was named Elmira Brown High School. At this time Beedeville, Bel Grove, Patterson, Colona, and McCrory were consolidated and formed this one school.
Ms. Brown taught for several years. She moved to Hot Springs, and Mrs. Matilda Davis was elected principal, serving only one year. Then Professor Edwards was elected principal. After he left, W.C. Williams was principal, and a new school was built and named Williams High School. In 1968 the schools were integrated and all black students entered McCrory schools.
Some of the old settlers who were here in 1889 were Reverend John Barron, Dave Crockett, Lot Davenport, Bert McCarral, Henry Garner, Byrd Garner, John Glispie, Sr., Zollie Jackson, John Ware, and John Spain.
Event Highlights
Brown-Williams High School Reunion on Tour
Next Stop!!
TBD
Past Reunions
- Little Rock, AR, June 7 - 8, 2019
Theme: "70s Strut"
- Chicago, IL June 8 - 9, 2018
Theme: "Back Together Again"
- St. Louis, MO June 3 - 4, 2022
Theme: "Fist Full of Dollars Western Roundup"
Brown-Williams High School Mascot Monument
Please Support Us
Your contribution will enable us to commemorate Brown-Williams High School, the Colored School located in McCrory, AR (Woodruff County). We are very grateful for your generosity. We hope you will take a moment to mail your Brick Campaign Order Form. For questions or assistance, contact Joyce Adams at 901-859-9636.
Brown-Williams High School Group Brick Campaign Order Form
The 2023 BWHSG Brick Campaign Order From is now available to download.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
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Contact Us
Do you have questions or comments about the upcoming Reunion? Are you interested in participating and sharing your skills & talents? Do you need assistance in completing your donation for Brown-Williams High School Mascot Monument? Send us a message, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Brown-Williams High School Group President, Clyde Adams, Jr., 773-314-6172 Interim Secretary, Natasha Adams, 901-289-3134 Treasurer, Betty Teague, 501-281-5852 Communications, Joyce Adams, 901-859-9636
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