By Nancy Figiel, Public Affairs Director
Despite the U. S. Supreme Court’s ruling in 1954, segregation continued throughout the United States for many years. It wasn’t until 1964 that New Bern allowed students to choose which desegregated school they would attend.
In 1955, the West Street High School’s high school department was moved to a new location, 1700 Cobb Street. The newly constructed black high school was named the John Thomas Barber High School, or J.T. Barber. The new school was named for John Thomas Barber whose meritorious work during his 39 years of teaching and leading educational programming as a principal in the City of New Bern’s Public Schools created a legacy that continues today.
Recently, on September 4th, an historical marker was unveiled in front of Prof. Barber’s former New Bern home where, while a teacher and principal, he offered affordable rooms to other black teachers, so they too could provide the city’s black youth with the best education possible. For J.T. Barber, the most enduring satisfaction for teachers was the success of their students.
John Thomas Barber passed in 1945, but his success as an educator endured. On September 2nd, Tryon Palace hosted “The Legacy of John Thomas Barber High School 1955-1970,” the opening program and reception for a new exhibit entitled, “Looking Back: J.T. Barber High School 1956 – 1970.” The exhibit honors the 50th anniversary of the last segregated class of high school seniors that graduated from J.T. Barber High School in 1970, but it also honors so much more.
Despite facing inequality under segregation, the students of J.T. Barber from 1956 through 1970 persevered and achieved many accomplishments. Some excelled academically, going on to work in medicine, engineering, education, law, and other fields. Others went on to professional sports careers.
Linda Henry, an alumnus of the 1970 class, spearheaded the exhibit and program. Looking back on her time at J.T. Barber she said, “One of my favorite quotes is from Plato, ‘The direction in which education starts a man/woman will determine his/her future life.’ The teacher’s we had a J.T. Barber set that precedence for us and wanted each one of us to succeed. We stand on so many great shoulders to mold and shape us today.”
Other alumni were there that night for the program and exhibit opening. During those years from 1956 to 1970 at J.T. Barber, they were known as the Warriors for the football team that brought a first-time state championship to New Bern. That night, the Warriors told their stories, and they were proud of their accomplishments, and of their school and classmates. John Thomas Barber would have been proud too.
The exhibit is featured in the Cannon Gallery at the North Carolina History Center, 529 S. Front Street. It will be on display through March 20, 2022. For more information, www.tryonpalace.org, or call 252.639.3500.
Tryon Palace • 529 South Front Street • New Bern, NC 28562 • 252-639-3500 • www.tryonpalace.org