The Langston Center, formerly known as Langston High School, is reopening its doors to the public on Nov. 17.
The project was spearheaded by Langston Education & Arts Development (LEAD).
LEAD was founded by alumni of Langston High School, and according to their website, they are “committed to providing responsive educational and multi-cultural opportunities designed to bring diverse groups of people together in a safe learning environment.”
For more information about the organization itself, visit leadlhs.org.
Natnael Tadesse, a graduate of Milligan, is working with the alumni of the high school to build the center. “We started talking and meeting regularly and we showed some interest in continuing the legacy of the school.” He said they initially created interest groups for the rebuild, and he said this is where he really became interested. “A lot of the people in the community were interested in preserving this,” he said.
The multicultural, multigenerational education center will be later used to host special events including performances and professional networking socials. Tadessee said there are some events that are being considered to put on in the center, but it is not a major concern as of now.
Langston High School originally opened its doors to the community in 1863 to serve Johnson City’s African American student population. It remained open until 1965 when the school system became integrated.
The grand opening of the new center has been purposefully scheduled to be near the same time as the original school opening in November 125 years ago.
In February of 2017, the original building was demolished, but the old high school gymnasium was kept intact.
The updated building is sure to be a community attraction. “It is really, really nice,” said Randy Trivette, the city’s director of facilities management. “I think once people get inside and get a chance to see it, they’re going to be very, very pleased…with what everybody who has been on the project has accomplished.”
According to Tadessee, the community has had great reactions to the rebuild and supported it till the end. “Even from the city businesses, there is a huge interest,” said Tadessee. “It has been a very positive response.”
The reopening ceremony will commence at 2 p.m. on Nov. 17 and tours will be held of the renovated facilities. Light refreshments will be served.
Headline photo: The Langston Center being rebuilt. Photo credit to Johnson City Press.