A state historical marker was unveiled at the Bernard Community Center on October 17. The marker was erected to honor the 100-year legacy of the former O.H. Bernard High School, at 113 Bernard Avenue. The event opened with a host of Americana songs performed by Daniel Bey, followed by a speech from 1968 O.H. Bernard alumnus Nathaniel Grimes.
Speeches from others followed before the sign was finally revealed to the crowd, made up of former O.H. Bernard graduates, Bernard board members and government officials.
Bernard graduate Nathaniel Grimes spoke.
The sign reads:
“On this site in the early 1920s the All Vesta School opened as the first school in Hickman County to provide educational opportunities for African-Americans. It was a two-room building that accommodated approximately eighty students and two teachers. In 1930 it was replaced by a Rosenwald School, named after Rosenwald State Agent Ollie H. Bernard. The Bernard School became the only school in the county for African-American students in grades one through twelve. As a result of desegregation, the Bernard School closed in May 1969.”It continues on the back:
“In 1979, a Bernard School reunion attracted some 250 people, including former students, teachers, family, and community members, with almost every graduating class represented. Following a groundswell of support to save and renovate the Bernard School, a group of alumni purchased the building in 2006, and with community supporters, founded the Bernard Community Center. Inc., providing economic, social, and educational benefits to the community.”
A tour of the renovated building as well as lunch followed the ceremony.
