Columbia High School
The Columbia High School is one of the oldest African-American school sites in Arkansas.
Columbia High School (c. 1950s)
The land was first purchased in 1914 by Magnolia School District to build
a "Negro School"
in town. By the middle 1930s, the original structure was gradually replaced
by the structures that stand today. The Gym needs repair, but the Auditorium,
Home Economics, and Administration buildings have been restored to working
order.
A. Columbia Gym B. Columbia Shop
In the video "A Place We Called Our Own: A History of Black Schools in Columbia County, Arkansas," Mrs. Malvie Giles, a 1947 graduate of Columbia High School, reports that Magnolia School District bought the school site for $200. A two-story wooden building was constructed and an elementary school for black children was started. It was called Magnolia Colored School, and Mr. Charlie Green was principal, a position he held for twenty-seven (27) years.
C. Columbia Elementary
By 1939 Columbia had become a 4-year public high school. Mr. Fairbanks Buffington became principal in 1942 and also stayed for twenty-seven (27) years.
There was a fire in 1948, but the school was rebuilt in 1949. In the interim classes were held in local churches.
Columbia High School continued until 1971-72 when integration brought it to an end as an educational facility.
Columbia High School today is home to SWACDC, the Southwest Arkansas Community Development Corporation, a grass-roots organization working for the people.
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