THE DOUGLASS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES ITS 4TH REUNION

April 12, 2014 — The Douglass Junior High School 4th Reunion will be held August 15-17, 2014 at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Hotel, 630 Naamans Road, Claymont, Delaware 19703. 

This three-day extravaganza kicks off on Friday, August 15^th with an All-White Meet and Greet Party, 7:00PM-11:00PM. On Saturday, August 16^th there will be a Red Carpet, Black Tie Banquet and Dinner Dance from 6:00pm-11:00pm. The festivities will conclude on Sunday, August 17^th with a Worship Service from 9:00AM-11:00AM. All events will take place at the Crowne Plaza and all attire is suggested only.

This ALL classes reunion was started by the Douglass Alumni Association in 1989 to honor the legacy of the historical schools namesake as well as offer the opportunity to gather united with those who attended and graduated Frederick Douglass Junior High School to celebrate its vital importance to the City of Chester’s African American community as a beacon of education, sports and cultural activities. Additionally, although many of the esteemed faculty members have passed on, the Douglass Class Reunion 2014 comes together to reflect upon their tireless dedication which is displayed in the quality education passed on to the former students. Their commitment to the principles of a quality education and high moral standards was the force that caused many students to excel in their future career endeavors. Subsequently, many graduates of Douglass have reached the pinnacle of success in various industries whereas these accomplishments are something to be proud of and, we as a race of people, thankful.

During the spring of 1931, directors of the Chester Public Schools voted to construct a new junior high school in the west end of the City for “colored children only”. It was to be erected at Eighth Streets and Central Avenue and designed to accommodate the increased enrollment of the existing Booker T. Washington Junior High School located directly across the street at Seventh and Central Avenue which received “colored students only” from any area of the City of Chester. Hence, children who lived as far east as Eighteenth and Walnut Streets walked to Washington School and later to Douglass. Frederick Douglass Junior High School represented a landmark in the community as an African American educational facility for students and educators. 

Sadly, Frederick Douglass closed its doors as a junior high school (later middle school) in 1982. Since that time the Douglass Reunion Committee has held three historical reunions, 1989, 1992 and 2009 to honor its legacy. Today, the original building continues to stand where it currently houses the World Impact Christian School. 

Over the years the Douglass Reunion has been a time to catch up and reconnect with old friends.  The committee has organized a number of activities for attendees to enjoy for a full-weekend and of course, you are welcomed to attend all the events. 

For additional information, please contact Ruth E. White, Coordinator of the Douglass Class Reunion 2014 via ruthewhite@gmail.com, 404-516-6430 or feel free to friend the Douglass Class Reunion Facebook page.