Locke High Graduation

The End came too soon for Locke High, its' Students and Faculty.  For many it was the end of a long tradition at Locke.  The High School was built in the late 1960's (1967) and originally served a large African American population before community demographics changed. It was named after Alain Leroy Locke, the first African American Rhodes Scholar.  He was a graduate of Harvard University and served as an educator, writer, philosopher and a "chief interpreter of the Harlem Renaissance".  Locke High School was named after this great man, and out of this school came many other African Americans; including Patrice Rushen, Tyrese Gibson, Gerald Albright, Ozzie Smith, Cynthia Cooper, and Valerie Brisco-Hooks to name a few.  Locke High was the home to many debates, both political and social that fueled change in the surrounding communities.  It was the beginning of life for many because of its vast course offerings that gave hope and meaning to urban living. It was refuge before it was chaos (May 10, 2008).  As I left Locke for the last time, I remembered the poorly reported great things that happened in the past year, such as an art exhibit mirrored after Graciela Iturbide's work by Locke Students and the student discussions with author, Luis Rodriguez at the Getty Museum, a fashion show complete with original fashion designs, and faculty and staff that persevered despite the ongoing obstacles.  The 07-08 school year was filled with unreported greatness-it's students and faculty.

Locke will close its doors this year to transform into a Green Dot Charter School.  Many will be observing Locke High School's progress to see if it's students will be better served by a newfound order.  I am optimistic and am hoping that the legacy of Alain Leroy Locke will bless newcomers and torchbearers.