Webb School Alumni Hold Annual Homecoming

McKENZIE, Tenn. — The Webb School Alumni Association hosted its annual homecoming and General Assembly over Labor Day weekend, a celebration of the historic institution that served African American students throughout Carroll County for decades.

Webb School's history began in the early 20th century as a one-room schoolhouse known as Booker T. Washington High School. In 1927, the name was changed to Webb School to honor John L. Webb, whose financial contributions significantly funded the facility. Following a devastating fire in 1936, the school community and McKenzie Mayor Glen King worked to acquire the vacated 30-acre McTyeire College grounds to relocate the campus.

The school facility was constructed in 1958 in the Modern Movement style. However, following the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the desegregation of southern schools, Webb School closed its doors in 1966. To preserve its enduring legacy, Professor James L. Seets spearheaded the formation of the Webb Alumni Association in 1969. The association successfully purchased the campus in 1976 and later secured the school's listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

The building on Walnut Avenue serves as a community center and housed the Webb School Historical Museum, archiving memorabilia from the faculty and students who shaped the institution.

The festivities began Friday, September 4, from 6–8 p.m., featuring a youth block party, line dancing, card games, and hospitality.

On Saturday, September 5, the General Assembly of Webb School Alumni held its annual meeting with guest speaker Gloria Harris of Milwaukee. A parade followed at 1:30 p.m., concluding with a dinner and dance from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

One of the highlights of the parade was seven riders of a motorcycle group that memorializes the Buffalo Soldiers. They came from Nashville, Clarksville and Oklahoma. One of the riders was Daniel Webb, whose father Buford Webb, Sr. graduated from Webb School in 1961.

They were given a brief tour of the historical library at the former African-American School in McKenzie.