Hughes' Visit
The Darden Performance
Taking a trip down Carroll Street, Langston Hughes arrived at Darden High School. The exact location of his performance has not been confirmed, but it is believed that he spoke inside the gymnasium, which was located on the far left side of the school’s building as shown in its ariel view below.
Hughes' performance at Darden was turned into a fundraiser for the Wilson County Negro Library to fund their bookmobile project. In the advertisement below, Hughes is noted as the "Internationally Known Negro Poet" who spoke on the evening of Thursday, February 10th. Adults were charged $1.00, patrons $1.50, and children $.50.
At the event, the Negro Anthem was performed and Mrs. R.J. Johnson-board member of the library-spoke on the difficulties of not having enough books for the residents' demands. Hughes performed to ½ of Darden school at an assembly, speaking on his “Poems of Negro Life,” the color line, and his travels to Africa. Hughes also spoke about his life experiences, testifying to the purpose of historically Black schools inviting successful Black figures during the Negro History Week programs to inspire their Black children. Spirituals were also sung by the local Wilson natives.
Both articles were published in the Wilson Daily Times.
History of the School
The information provided below comes from the historical Wilson County Blog, Wilson County Public Library Local History and Genealogy Blog, written by the Wilson County Library.
For a more extensive history of Darden School, please see Sallie Barbour School and C.H. Darden High School, Two Pioneering African American Schools in Wilson, NC.
Prior to the early 1920s, there were no high schools for Wilson's Black students in the local area, which meant children had to leave home to receive secondary education. In 1918, Wilson County Superintendent Charles C. Coon slapped Mary C. Euell, an African American teacher. The Black community took their children out of the public school systems in protest, and their demands for better education led to the establishment of a Black high school.
Credit: Lisa Y. Henderson, Black Wide Awake
Presently
Location: 504 Carroll St E, Wilson, NC 27893
The original Darden High School building was torn down. Samuel H. Vick Elementary School-named after another successful Black businessman in the area-was erected in its spot. Outside of the school are various markers reminding people of the historic Darden years.
The Darden Alumni Association still exists.
Address: 1600 Lipscomb Rd E, Wilson, NC 27893
They continue to spread their Trojan history and pride in their alumni building. Below are some of the class posters, plaques, photos, and more that are dedicated to the Darden memory:
