September 7th 2024.
A small school in Port Salerno, Florida, has recently gained recognition for its historical significance. The 1934 Salerno Colored School, a one-room elementary school for Black children, has been approved for a historic marker. This is just the beginning for the school, as it could potentially receive further awards in the future due to its rich history.
Holly Griffin, chair of the Martin County Black Heritage Initiatives, expressed her excitement about the recognition of the school's history. In an interview with Treasure Coast Palm, she said, "We have this incredible structure. People should know it's there." Griffin's organization aims to improve race relations by preserving and educating about Black history, specifically in the Florida area. By doing so, they hope to promote a better understanding of the legacy of the Black community in Port Salerno.
The Salerno Colored School was officially dedicated in 1934 by the county Board of Public Instruction as a project led by the Civil Works Administration. It was one of the first schools for Black children in Martin County and was a significant step towards supporting Black education. The school, which is only 25-by-31-foot in size, provided education to first through fourth graders at a time when Black children were not allowed to attend school with white children.
Recently, Griffin and others have been advocating for the school to be reopened for educational programming. They believe that this would further connect the community to the rich history of the space. "It's important to remember the past," Griffin explained. "Going back and touching the past is bringing us closer to who we are."
In an interview with Treasure Coast Palm, former student Boyize Herring shared his memories of attending the Salerno Colored School in the 1950s. He recalled how the teachers taught first through fourth grade in the same one-room schoolhouse. Herring said, "It was pretty strict, but I consider myself very fortunate to be able to live to see the school receive a historical marker."
Despite being rejected in the past, the Salerno Colored School may potentially be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the future. Julie Preast, a historic research volunteer in charge of completing the application for the marker, stated that they will be trying again to get the schoolhouse listed under a different criterion. Their ultimate goal is to secure a place on the list, regardless of any previous setbacks. The school initially applied for the National Register of Historic Places based on its unique architecture, but it was rejected due to a small portion of the original building being reconstructed in the past. However, this setback has not stopped the community from striving towards recognition and preservation of this significant piece of Black history.
In a similar effort to honor and promote the legacy of the Black community, a new marker has been added to the Mississippi Freedom Trail in New Jersey. This marker serves as a reminder of the milestones achieved during the civil rights movement and the ongoing fight for equality and justice. By recognizing and preserving these important historical sites, we can learn from the past and move towards a more inclusive and understanding future.
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