SCHOOL SEGREGATION: THERE WAS A TIME -- NO LONGER

Middletown School -- Class of 1922
Courtesy of Jesse Ward, Madison County School District

Middletown School was one of many that were segregated in Kentucky until President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which disallowed segregation in schools along with giving rights of equality. 


February is Black History month. Segregation was a part of the history of Madison County, Kentucky where this photo was taken in 1922. Not only was segregation prevavlent in Kentucky it was widespread across the nation. It was a time of complexities that left an indelible mark on our nation. 


This photo was taken when Middletown School was a wooden building. It would later be rebuilt as a brick school as seen in the following photos. 

Middletown School -- Class of 1934-35
Courtesy of Jesse Ward, Madison County School District

Jesse Ward, Madison County School District Historian has compiled old school histories of Madison County for some time now -- they include one room school- houses as well as former segregated schools.I sat down with him to view some of his photos and talk about his findings.

The class members above came with a student teacher list.  Jesse had it copied and placed on a CD with some other great photos for me to keep with some of my research on Madison County. What a great guy.

Class of 1934-35 -- Student Teacher List
Courtesy of Jesse Ward, Madison County School District

The last graduation class of Middleton School.
Courtesy of Jesse Ward, Madison County School District

The 1964 year meant the above students would be phased into the public schools. It took a long time to end this separate but equal charade.