News Summary
Alumni of Notre Dame High School in Shreveport are pushing for historical recognition as concerns rise over the school’s potential demolition.
Shreveport, Louisiana – Alumni of Notre Dame High School are advocating for the historical recognition of their alma mater, reflecting on its significant past and expressing concerns over its potential demolition. The school, which closed its doors in 1987, stands as an important symbol of education for Black students during a time of racial segregation in the United States.
Notre Dame High School was established in the early 1960s, coinciding with a period marked by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954, which aimed to desegregate schools across the nation. However, many districts continued to fight legal battles, delaying real change for years. During this time, three new high schools were established to serve Black students, including Notre Dame, along with Walnut Hill High School and Herndon High School. As a Catholic school, Notre Dame provided Black students with an educational option that was otherwise inaccessible due to prevailing racial policies.
As discussions arise regarding the future of the Notre Dame property, which may be demolished to make way for a new apartment complex by 2023, alumni are increasingly concerned about the school’s deteriorating condition. Signs of decline are evident, with fallen ceiling tiles and other structural issues noted by former students. Many fear that the demolition of the school would erase an important historical landmark.
Reflections from Alumni
Edward Holden, a former student who attended Notre Dame from 1961 to 1963, later returned to coach the school’s baseball team in 1972. He recalls the efforts of Paul O’Brien and local Irish businessmen who built the school to provide a quality education for Black students during a time when other local high schools, such as Jesuit, enforced racial segregation policies. Holden highlighted the sense of community and support that prevailed within the school’s environment.
Another graduate, Robert Stewart, who completed his studies at Notre Dame in 1967, described the school as disciplined, desirable, and magical. Under Holden’s coaching, the school’s football team achieved remarkable success, winning back-to-back state championships, showcasing not only the talent of the students but also the dedication of the faculty.
Ronald Jones, an alumnus who attended from 1964 to 1968 and was a member of the school band, reflected on the prestige and significance of Notre Dame High School. Together with fellow alumni, Jones has joined efforts to ensure the school’s legacy is preserved through measures such as getting its property listed on the national historical registry.
Community Impact and Future Initiatives
The close-knit community fostered at Notre Dame has left a lasting impact on its alumni, many of whom attribute their foundational values and skills to their educational experience there. Alumni stress the importance of remembering the contributions of Notre Dame High School to the local area, particularly as conversations around its demolition gain traction.
Efforts by alumni are focused on raising awareness about the school’s historical significance and advocating for its preservation. The proposal for the property’s demolition has served as a rallying point for those who cherish the school’s legacy and wish to highlight its role in educating and uplifting the Black community in Shreveport.
As the dialogue surrounding the future of the Notre Dame High School property continues, alumni remain hopeful that their efforts will lead to recognition and respect for the history embedded within the school’s walls. Their strong attachment to the institution reveals a deep-seated appreciation for the profound role it played in shaping the lives of its students and the community at large.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- KTBS News: Remembering Notre Dame High School’s Season of Academic Excellence
- Wikipedia: Notre Dame High School
- Shreveport Times: Benton Quarterback Malachi Zeigler’s Second Trip to Notre Dame
- Google Search: Notre Dame High School history
- AtoZ Sports: Notre Dame Football Recruitment News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in the United States
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Shreveport High School Football Standings
- Google News: Historical Schools in Shreveport
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
