A Legacy to Remember…
For many of us Lincolnians and Lincolnites we attribute part of our success to our experience at the Castle on the Hill. Whether it was making some of our best friends, discovering new passions and talents, or understanding what we could achieve academically...it holds a special place in our memory. Our time there would reveal an atmosphere of intentionality that empowered its students, teachers, staff, and parents to do “the hard stuff” when it came our education. For me (Class of 2015), there’s also something about adding “College Preparatory Academy'' when I’m speaking to folks…it just adds a lil’ more razzle dazzle. The Lincoln High School/R.T. Coles National Alumni Association serves as a space to celebrate over 150 years of Lincoln’s existence, its alumni, and preparing its future alumni. Becoming a member of the Lincoln High School/ R.T. Coles National Alumni Association (LHRTC) allows you to actively participate in preserving these schools' legacies and contribute to the success of future alumni beyond the castle.
Historically, Lincoln was created based on a growing demand from Black Kansas City families to educate their loved ones after Missouri law allowed Blacks to participate in the U.S. education system. In an article about Lincoln’s 150 years of success, the Jackson County Historical Society described Lincolnians and Lincolnites as those “who exhibit academic excellence and public service”. All of this excellence…despite battling American racism and educational inequality through teacher shortages, harmful policies, and lack of adequate resources and learning spaces.
While many of us know, experience, relate, and understand the experiences of Blacks within United States history, it’s helpful to call out its effects on Kansas City’s social and cultural landscape. This was a tough time for Black families. The friction of all the new laws colliding with those it set to cancel out was exhausting to Black identities existence, including their experience in the classroom. But the desire for knowledge within the Kansas City Black community continued to grow. As Black students excelled in the classroom, enrollment numbers grew in the classroom. Lincoln and its legacy was created despite these confines and it continues to thrive academically today.
Learning about the history, sacrifices, and successes achieved by Lincoln and R.T. Coles should inspire us to contribute to upholding its legacy by encouraging students to go on to higher education. Once we’ve completed our time at The Castle on the Hill, the Lincoln High/R.T. Coles National Alumni Association is the space to continue the work by connecting with our roots, encouraging one another, and contributing to the success of alumni and future alumni.
Join us in celebrating all that we are and more at The Legacy of Excellence Scholarship Brunch on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center from 11am-1pm.
