Documentary made about legendary high school

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Post a comment | E-mail this story | Print

Longtime friends meet after years apart.

MANATEE COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A large reunion is taking place this week as alumni from a formerly all-black high school gather to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its founding.

Lincoln Memorial High School shut its doors in 1969 during the integration process, and the building was torn down.

Ora Murray, 70, says that it seems like just yesterday that she was in high school.

"Wonderful years," says Murray. "I was the school queen and the drum majorette."

Murray (with the maiden name Kelly) graduated from the Palmetto school in 1957.

Hundreds of former classmates are expected at the gathering, even though their alma mater no longer exists.

"We didn't want to lose support of our neighborhood," said 1961 graduate Lawrence Livingston.
Standing in the former high school's place is Lincoln Middle School.

More information

"It's like a family reunion," said 1966 graduate Floyd Roundtree. "All of us coming together. Years and years of experience attending Lincoln to honor and share experiences we shared in school."

A documentary film called Through the Tunnel about the school will be shown for the first time.

It tells the story of Lincoln Memorial High School, its football program, and how it dealt with integration.

That screening will be held on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Neel Performing Arts Center on the campus of the State College of Florida in Bradenton.

It is free and open to the public.

For more information, call 941-722-9171.

Be in the Know with Bay News 9 Now!

Get news, weather, and traffic alerts delivered directly to your computer desktop, e-mail, or cell phone with Bay News 9 Now.

Subscribe for free!

July 4th

Happy 4th of July from Bay News 9! From the best firework displays in town to other fun-filled festivities- there's something for everyone.
July 4th events