Unforgettable: Jackson P. Burley High School, 1951–1967

Lucille Stout Smith has researched and produced a unique history of Jackson P. Burley High School. She is generously making the 267-page book, Unforgettable Jackson P. Burley High School, available for free download in a PDF format. As she writes in the introduction,

Jackson P. Burley High School is located at 901 Rose Hill Drive in Charlottesville, Virginia. With the forward thinking of the combined School Boards of the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, the school was built to unite the three area black high schools. The school was jointly operated by the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. For years the parents of Black students had fought hard and prayed their children would receive a better education to prepare them for a brighter future. As Black schools in the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County were, separate and unequal, Burley High School strove to meet the educational needs of the students, offering cultural, athletic and educational opportunities.

This book contains a history of Jackson P. Burley High School from its opening in the fall of 1951 to the closing of the school during “desegregation” in the spring of 1967. It also contains a pictorial overview of the school from opening to closure.

This book allows the Burley Varsity Club to continue one of its goals, which is, “Dedicated to Preserving the Educational Legacy” of Jackson P. Burley High School. Seventy years later, documenting the history of one of the most memorable times for the students and their ancestors will make for a lasting legacy. It is of utmost importance to preserve history for the students who attended the school, as well as all faculty, administrators and others, who contributed to the success of the students.

A brief history of Albemarle Training School, Esmont High School and Jefferson High School is included in this book.

Lucille Stout Smith is a native of North Little Rock, Arkansas. After a 34-year career in information technology, she retired from the U.S. Army National Ground Intelligence Center. She spends much of her time volunteering with boards, committees, and groups, and working at her church. Many years ago, she began researching family histories, and the great joy that followed motivated her to continue writing. She believes history is educational and inspirational, and reveals much about a time gone by. Her husband, Rauzelle, is a 1966 graduate of Burley High School.