Enslavement to
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Re: Old Downey Elementary School
From Calobe Jackson, Jr., November 24, 2006 in reply to James R. Murphy's letter of 16 November 2006.
James, this is a great picture. The name of Downey school is one of the oldest in the Harrisburg School District. There were at least three buildings named for [John] Downey. Downey was the first person to petition the state legislature for free schools (circa 1795).
I know that originally it was an all white school. Then it had a few separate Black classes, taught by Black teachers. I am trying to determine when it became an all Black School.
I have heard that at lest ten Black female graduates of Downey eventually earned PhD's. The males did a great job also. Thanks again for the picture.
Calobe Jackson, Jr.