The Power Academic and Performing Arts Complex in Jackson, named after a Confederate colonel, will become the Ida B. Wells Elementary School. Wells was a Holly Springs native who went on to become a journalist, educator and civil rights leader. Photo courtesy JPS
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Two Mississippi elementary schools named for Confederate leaders will get new names, officials said.
Robert E. Lee Elementary School in Jackson will be renamed Shirley Elementary School after doctors Aaron and Ollye Shirley, WAPT-TV reported.
Aaron Shirley became the first African-American resident at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1965 and went on to help develop several medical institutions in the state. Ollye Shirley is the former president of the Jackson Public Schools Board of Trustees.
The Power Academic and Performing Arts Complex in Jackson, named after a Confederate colonel, will become the Ida B. Wells Elementary School. Wells was a Holly Springs native who went on to become a journalist, educator and civil rights leader.
Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
More like this story
- Majority-Black School Closer to Shedding Confederate Name
- Power APAC Elementary Dropping Confederate’s Name; Students to Vote for New One
- Doing Good: A ‘New Focus' for At-Risk Youth
- Jackson’s Confederate-Named Schools May Change After JPS Board Vote
- Jeff Davis Elementary School in Biloxi Removing its Confederate Name
Support our reporting -- Follow the MFP.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
comments powered by Disqus