Education

      Because of the prominence of Iberia Parish’s agricultural industry, many African Americans were unable to attend segregated schools in town. However, many African Americans understood the importance of education and worked diligently to establish schools for Blacks in the area. In 1888, the St. Paul Congregational Church of New Iberia, with the assistance of the American Missionary Association and philanthropist Peter Howe of Illinois, developed Howe Institute as an educational space for Blacks in Iberia Parish. Under the eventual direction of the Union Sixth District Baptist Association, Howe Institute operated until 1933 with Professor Jonas H. Henderson serving as its longest and most successful residing principal from 1896-1933.  Devoted to its vision of providing access to education for African Americans, Howe Institute became a community safe haven from natural disasters, like the 1927 Flood, as well as a place that accommodated the educational needs of  Iberia Parish’s Black population.

      In 1915, Howe Institute gained the attention of Booker T. Washington, who visited the school as a part of his historic tour of Black schools in Louisiana. Record shows that thousands of people gathered to listen to the renowned professor speak. The success of Howe Institute allowed for the creation of more schools that supported academic learning for Blacks. According to witness accounts, systemic differences in naming the schools existed. Black schools, like Iberia Parish Training School, were named after the parish where the schools were located, whereas white schools, like New Iberia Senior High, were named after the city. Eventually, Black schools would be named after educational leaders, such as principals Jonas Henderson and A. B. Simon, paying homage to their endless efforts of establishing schools within their own communities.

Listen to the oral histories below to hear more about African Americans’ experiences with education in Iberia Parish.