Aliceville in Pickens County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
R. J. Kirksey High School
1958–1971
Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 19, 2016
1. R. J. Kirksey High School Marker
Inscription.
R. J. Kirksey High School. 1958–1971. Summerville Industrial High School, the first high school for African Americans in the southern part of Pickens County, was moved to this site in 1958, becoming Robert Jackson Kirksey High School. The new name honored a long-term member of the school board and donor of the land. Otis James Brooks, principal of the Summerville Industrial High School since its 1937 beginning, continued in that role at Kirksey High School, remaining there until 1971. Pickens County schools were integrated in that year and the school was designated to serve as a middle school, becoming Aliceville Middle School.
Summerville Industrial High School, the first high school for African Americans in the southern part of Pickens County, was moved to this site in 1958, becoming Robert Jackson Kirksey High School. The new name honored a long-term member of the school board and donor of the land. Otis James Brooks, principal of the Summerville Industrial High School since its 1937 beginning, continued in that role at Kirksey High School, remaining there until 1971. Pickens County schools were integrated in that year and the school was designated to serve as a middle school, becoming Aliceville Middle School.
Erected 2012 by Summerville/Kirksey Alumni, Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1958.
Location. 33° 8.189′ N, 88° 9.375′ W. Marker is in Aliceville, Alabama, in Pickens County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Columbus Road (Alabama Route 14) and 10th Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 Columbus Road, Aliceville AL 35442, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker
2. Former R. J. Kirksey High School, now Aliceville Middle School
Photographed By Mark Hilton, February 19, 2016
3. Aliceville Middle School entrance sign and the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 802 times since then and 105 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on February 20, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
