Urgent Celebration: Coles High School Marks 100 Years of Legacy
UPDATE: On Sept. 12, 2023, community members and alumni gathered in Corpus Christi to celebrate a monumental milestone: the 100th anniversary of the Solomon M. Coles High School and Education Center. This historic institution, founded by Solomon M. Coles, has been a beacon of education for Black children in the area since its inception, transforming lives and communities.
The celebration highlights the enduring legacy of Coles, who began teaching local children shortly after arriving in Corpus Christi in 1877. His vision led to the establishment of the area’s first school for Black children, a foundation that has educated generations and fostered talent in academia, music, and sports.
As the school evolved over the years—from a high school to an elementary institution, and now an alternative high school—its significance remains profound. Initially, 80 students attended on the first day of classes in 1925, according to archives from the Corpus Christi Caller. The school’s musical groups, particularly in the 1930s, gained local acclaim, with the choral ensemble praised for its “soulful” performances.
The celebration was not just a reflection of the past but a rallying point for community members who fought to preserve this vital institution. Gloria Scott, a key figure in the campaign to keep the school open, was honored during the event. “Oh, no, this cannot happen,” she declared, recalling her efforts when the school faced closure.
Guy Nickleson, whose father graduated from Coles in 1959, emphasized the importance of the school’s survival. “Without the efforts of community members like Scott, these doors would have been closed,” he stated, highlighting the risk of erasing a century of history.
Today, Coles High School continues to operate as an alternative campus, serving approximately 100 students. For the 2024-25 school year, it received a commendable B rating from the Texas Education Agency. Bruce Wilson, assistant superintendent of school leadership for Corpus Christi ISD, encapsulated the school’s impact: “Solomon Melvin Coles gave our community an unshakable belief in the transformative power of education.”
As the community reflects on a century of achievements, the legacy of Solomon M. Coles remains a vital part of Corpus Christi’s history. The enduring spirit of education continues to inspire current and future generations, making this celebration not just a tribute to the past, but a call to action for the future of education in the community.
This milestone is a reminder of the power of grassroots advocacy and the importance of preserving educational institutions that enrich the lives of students and their families. The ongoing celebration of Coles High School is a testament to the resilience and dedication of a community committed to education and equity.
