Yesterday's Greensboro Daily Photo post was Dudley High School and today, as promised, we feature the great man behind the name. Dudley High was named for James Benson Dudley (1859-1925) who was an educator, administrator, scholar, and leader. J.B. Dudley lived in a pivotal time in America's history. He was born a slave of Governor Dudley of North Carolina and died a prominent North Carolina leader himself.
James B. Dudley was born in Wilmington, New Hanover County and was educated in several instutions of higher education, including Shaw University , Livingstone College, and Harvard University. From 1896 until his death in 1925, he was President of North Carolina A&T University (originally called The Agricultural and Mechanical College for the Colored Race).* During his tenure, the school grew from 25 to 125 acres; from two to thirteen buildings; from 58 to 527 students; from 8 to 28 faculty members.** In 1929, the name James B. Dudley was chosen for the new high school, located a few miles south of NCA&T, in recognition of Mr. Dudley's work for the community.
The above photo was taken on Lincoln Street, at the school's sign (donated by the class of 1976). The book is Mrs. Arnett's, opened to page 184 with the picture of Mr. Dudley, facing the direction of the school. Mrs. Arnett said it best: Mr. Dudley overcame great adversity, including social injustices and "instead of becoming disheartened, he was inspired to a life of useful activity" (p. 181) and was a friend of all races with good will to all humanity. If not every North Carolina public school student, at least the students at his namesake high school, should read the biographical information about James B. Dudley.
* reference.
**reference Ethel Stephens Arnett's book, For Whom Our Public Schools Were Named, Greensboro, North Carolina.
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