Last week, the Westside community came together for an unforgettable celebration marking the 100th anniversary of Booker T. Washington High School—a cornerstone of Atlanta’s historic Westside and a beacon of African American excellence and resilience. The event brought alumni, students, educators, and community members together to reflect on a century of academic achievement and cultural significance. 

Founded in 1924, Booker T. Washington High School was the first public high school for African Americans in the state of Georgia. Named after the famous educator and leader Booker T. Washington, who served as the first president of the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), the school quickly became a symbol of hope and progress for African Americans in Atlanta and the Southeast during the Jim Crow era. Its halls have nurtured some of the most influential leaders and changemakers in history, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who graduated in 1944. The school has produced generations of scholars, athletes, artists, and activists who have gone on to shape not just the Westside but the nation.

The centennial celebration paid homage to this rich history with a week full of events, starting with a centennial anniversary assembly honoring the class of 2025. Students and alumni gathered in the school gym where they heard remarks from City Councilman Byron Amos, a fellow graduate of the school, who shared that 20 members of his family have also graduated from Booker T. Washington High School.

On Saturday, alumni, current students, faculty, and esteemed guests joined for the signature event of the celebration, the Experience the Best of Booker T. Washington Atlanta Alumni  Centennial Gala, to honor a century of educational excellence.

Earlier this summer, the Westside Future Fund Volunteer Corps partnered with Boston Consulting Group for a mobilization of over 300 volunteers who helped spruce up the school for the 100th school year. Volunteers landscaped, designed murals, and touched up the halls of the school with fresh coats of paint. 

For the residents of Atlanta’s Westside, Booker T. Washington High School has always been more than just a school. It’s a pillar of the neighborhood, providing not only education but also a sense of identity and pride. Through decades of social and economic changes, the school has remained a steadfast institution, adapting to new challenges while staying true to its mission of empowering African American youth. 

The 100th anniversary celebrations were not just about looking back at the past; they were also about looking forward. Several speakers highlighted the ongoing efforts to support the next generation of leaders emerging from Booker T. Washington’s classrooms. With partnerships between Westside Future Fund and organizations across Atlanta, the school continues to be a key leader in the Westside’s revitalization. 

As we reflect on this momentous milestone, it is clear that Booker T. Washington High School is not only a historical landmark but a living testament to the power of education in shaping a brighter future. The weeklong celebration reminded us all of the profound impact that one school can have on an entire community and beyond. 

Here’s to the next 100 years of Booker T. Washington High School—an enduring legacy of excellence and a beacon of hope for the Westside.