The education system in Vicksburg has a rich and vibrant history of progressive approaches to education. Following a ceremony Thursday, one of the schools that created a lasting legacy and impacted a generation of students will never be forgotten.

A new historical marker was unveiled Thursday on Bowman Avenue honoring Magnolia Avenue High School, which was open from 1923 until 1958. Magnolia was the second African American high school in Vicksburg. It was later replaced by Rosa A. Temple.

The marker was revealed at the site of the school on Bowman Avenue, which is named after J.G.H. Bowman who served as the school’s principal for 38 years. The school was also eventually renamed for Bowman following his death in 1944.

A college preparatory school that was recognized as one of the best African-American high schools in the southeast, it is important to remember the legacy of Magnolia.

“We felt it was important to make sure Magnolia was not forgotten. People know Temple because it came later and was the next school, but they don’t know very much about Magnolia. It was an outstanding school, a very distinguished high school,” Bettye Gardner, the co-chair of the marker committee, said.

After replacing Magnolia, Rosa A. Temple continued the dedication to progressive education and greatly impacted the next generation of students before being closed when the school system integrated.

The legacy of these two schools continues in Vicksburg where the Vicksburg Warren School District is routinely honored as being one of the most progressive systems in the state.

That desire to be on the cutting edge and to positively impact students started way back in 1923 with Magnolia and now the important contribution the school made to this community will always be remembered.