Booker T. Washington High School (Norfolk, Virginia)

Booker T. Washington High School was named in honor of Booker T. Washington who was an African-American educator, author, orator, and adviser to presidents of the United States. In April 1911, when the Norfolk School Board agreed to allow one year of high school at the site of John T. West Elementary School. For each of the next three years, a grade was added culminating in the State Board of Educations approval. Thus Washington became Virginia first accredited public high school for African-Americans.[2]

In 1915 the high school was moved to Princess Anne Road, where Norfolk Mission College had been located and adopted the name Booker T. Washington High School.[3][4] In 1917, Booker T. Washington High School became Virginia’s first accredited public high school for African Americans. A new building opened on Virginia Beach Boulevard in 1924. There were 1,750 students in grades 7–12. There were 63 teachers. The school became known as The Mighty Booker T, and the athletic teams were nicknamed The Fighting Bookers.[5]

In 1974, the school moved into a new facility, which was built for $8 million. The school marching band Marching Bookers was the first African-American band to perform in a presidential inauguration parade, when they performed for President Harry Truman in 1949. The band also performed in both of President Eisenhower's inauguration parades.[6] They also performed in the 2014 Virginia governor inauguration parade.[7][8]

Composed by: Phyllis Hoggard and Wanza Sulton Class of 1960

Oh dear, old Booker T,
Our love for thee will never die.
We’ll love these halls, adore these walls,
As all the years go by.
We’ll always sing your praises.
And of your glories tell.
Then, when we leave, forget you never.
Booker T. forever.

We’re striving hard to reach,
The goal that you prepared us for.
We’ll always meet the challenge;
For knowledge we implore
Booker T., our Alma Mater,
Dear ole Booker T.,
In heart and mind, our fondest love
Shall yours forever be.

• Michael Basnight, NFL player

• Aline Elizabeth Black, educator
• Tony Brothers, NBA referee
• Don Carey, cornerback, Norfolk State University, 2009 NFL Draft Pick
• Roy Ebron, ABA–NBA merger (ABA).
• Samuel L. Green Jr., pastor and bishop
• Bruce Smith, Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end
• Antoine Thompson, cornerback, Nevada-Reno, signed with the St. Louis Rams in 2010
• Wilson Washington, played for two seasons in the National Basketball Association
• Pernell Whitaker, several-time World Boxing Champion
• Jack Williams, cornerback, Kent College, 2008 NFL Draft Pick

• Official website