Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Fifth Avenue School
Site of Alabama's First Public School Integration
Photographed By Harry Gatzke, May 27, 2012
1. Fifth Avenue School Marker
Opened in 1944, the Fifth Avenue School became the focal point for major educational change on September 9, 1963, when Sonnie Hereford IV became the first African-American student to integrate public schools in Alabama. Following a lengthy court battle, Dr. Sonnie Hereford III enrolled his son in the first grade at the school. Veronica Pearson (Rison School), David (Piggee) Osman (Terry Heights School) and John Anthony Brewton (East Clinton School) enrolled in other Huntsville City Schools later that day. Other Alabama school systems began desegregation in the weeks that followed. The school was razed in 2003.
Sponsored by Huntsville Public School, College and University Foundations & Friends 2004
Erected 2004 by Huntsville Public School, College and University Foundations & Friends.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1848.
Location. 34° 43.165′ N, 86° 34.861′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Alabama, in Madison County. Marker is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of the Huntsville Slave Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Baptist Church Huntsville, Alabama (approx. 0.4 miles away); William Hooper Councill High School Site (approx. half a mile away); Birthplace of General Morgan (approx. half a mile away); Huntsville's First Black Women Voters (approx. half a mile away); Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); Twickenham Historic District (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Public Inn (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.
More about this marker. Governors Drive was formerly called Fifth Avenue from which the school's name was taken.
Photographed By Harry Gatzke, May 27, 2012
2. Foundations and Friends Sponsoring This Marker
Photographed By Harry Gatzke, May 27, 2012
3. Medical Tower Now Located at Site of Fifth Avenue School
Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2012, by Harry Gatzke of Huntsville, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,460 times since then and 169 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 27, 2012, by Harry Gatzke of Huntsville, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
