Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Bates: The Center of Community Life
1931 - 1966
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 1, 2020
1. Bates: The Center of Community Life Marker
This site was the first freestanding secondary school for all African American children in Anne Arundel County. Citizens groups, including the Stanton Parent-Teachers Association, led the charge for its construction. Bates opened its doors on January 1, 1933, consisting of seven classrooms and a multipurpose gymnasium. Enrollment increased rapidly and additions made in the 1940's and 50's more than tripled the school's size. Its last segregated class graduated on June 8, 1966.
With teachers and staff dedicated to excellence, eager young minds distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, and the vocational arts.
Bates became the cultural center for all African Americans in the County. Here residents could attend social, theatrical, and sporting events — even night school.
Next to the abolition of slavery itself, education has been the primary route to liberation for African Americans. While the doctrine of segregation threatened this goal, many communities of color countered this challenge with a spirit of self-reliance.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans
this page online
Location. 38° 58.506′ N, 76° 30.681′ W. Marker is in Annapolis, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. It is on Smithville Street 0.1 miles east of South Villa Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1101 Smithville St, Annapolis MD 21401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in the Chesapeake Bay Region, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wiley H. Bates: The Man (here, next to this marker); Wiley H. Bates (here, next to this marker); Wiley H. Bates: His Educational Legacy (a few steps from this marker); Original Bates Flagpole (a few steps from this marker); Bates: The Community Commitment
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 1, 2020
2. Bates: The Center of Community Life Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 248 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 1, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
