Submitted by Frequita Barrington
Louie Barrington Jr. was born into a large African American family in Lloyd, Fla. He worked hard from an early age, grew up and attended and graduated from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). He was one of the most enthusiastic Rattlers you would ever meet. He loved God, his wife, his family, friends and his community.
Upon graduating from FAMU, he was hired by Eckerd Youth Alternatives (EYA) to become a counselor in their Wilderness programs for youth. He loved his job and was one of the first African Americans to hold that position. Louie remained at Eckerd for more than 30 years, making his way through the ranks to become a regional director.
Upon retiring, he returned to his home in Monticello. But his work did not end. He worked with the Glorious Angels Re-Entry Program through its relationship with the Jefferson County Correctional Institute. Enthusiastic about helping youth, he tutored adolescents on judicial terminology and processes. He was the president of the Jefferson County Retired Educators Association (JCREA) and was a founding member and first elected president of the Howard Academy Educational & Recreation Council Inc. (HAERC).
HAERC was formed by a group of citizens concerned about the deteriorating status of the original Howard Academy School buildings. The education of African American children, once forbidden by law and social norms, was still a challenge in 1936 when the doors of the Howard Academy opened to students of color in Jefferson County, Fla. The Howard Academy became a source of education and pride for the African American Community. It produced teachers, doctors and other professionals whose positive impact is still felt today.
The building sat empty after integration and after the Boys & Girls Club and other organizations had used it at various times. HAERC was given the deed to the property found at 835 Mamie Scott Drive in Monticello. Restoration grants required matching funds, so efforts to seek donations via fundraising were begun. Annual events such as the Community Field Day and Black History programs were staples in the imploring strategy.
Two buildings still stand, and both need repair. HAERC received a grant to replace the roof on the smaller of the two buildings, and the shiny metal rooftop reflects that accomplishment; but more is needed. The roof on the larger building has a hole, and rain is damaging the original flooring. A tarp is needed to stop the water damage.
Months ago, the HAERC board sent an application to the Division of Historical Resources for a historical designation for Howard Academy. In a letter from Governor Ron DeSantis and Laurel M. Lee (Florida Secretary of State) dated July 27, 2021, the historical designation was awarded by the National Park Service. The property is now referenced in the National Register of Historic Places. This designation benefits Monticello, Jefferson County and the State.
It was the dream of my husband to have Old Howard restored as a museum and community center for the African American Community. He believed that the community needed a place of its own where its history could be housed, events may be held and resources for the community may be given. I hope that the community and businesses in Jefferson County will support the HAERC in its effort to make his dream come true. I hope that they will help HAERC restore “Old Howard Academy” the building and the relevance back to the community it served so well. I felt this time, the celebration of my husband's birth, was a fitting occasion to ask for that support. Let’s make this dream come true of all of us.
More Information about HAERC or the Howard Academy Restoration Project may be found on the organization’s website https://howardacademycouncil.org/. Inquiries by phone may be sent to the current president, Gladys Roann Watson, at (850) 997-5209. HAERC is a 5013C organization. Donations may be sent to HAERC, P O. Box 124, Monticello, FL. 32345. All donations are tax deductible.
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