Story by Cathy White with courtesy photos
Anyone familiar with North Alabama sports during the 1960’s will likely know of Central High School in Lawrence County, AL. Back then, the school garnered the attention of many because of its undefeated football seasons under Coach Hoover White and Principal R. A. Hubbard.
White, a former student and athlete, attended an earlier school in the area overseen by Principal Hubbard known as Courtland Colored High School, also during the era of segregation.
Courtland Colored High School, predating Central High School, saw its beginnings long before White entered high school. In 1940, the “colored” communities, led by a younger, then Professor.
R. A. Hubbard, united to raise $750 in funds for five acres of land, which was deeded to the state of Alabama for the purpose of starting a high school serving “colored” children barred from public schools. Old Army barracks from Courtland’s Airbase were purchased to establish the school facilities.
Today, the incorporated town of North Courtland continues Mr. Hubbard’s vision. An appointed group known as the Hubbard Governing Committee, established the R^3 Initiative (Refocus, Reimagine, and Revitalize), to honor this proud legacy. Their goal is to transform the recently closed R. A. Hubbard High School into the R. A. Hubbard Center, ensuring this historical landmark continues to serve communities across Lawrence County and beyond.
HISTORY – Background
Early education for African Americans in Courtland and neighboring communities initially relied on churches, homes and even the Muscle Shoals Colored Missionary Baptist Association Academy to serve as de facto grade schools. Frank Davis’s home which served as a schoolhouse for older kids, was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 2021.
Returning as a teacher after completing his education, Hubbard became Lawrence County’s first Black principal, marking a significant milestone in local educational history.
In the mid-1940s, Hubbard acquired unused barracks from the decommissioned Courtland Army & Air Force Base, transforming them into vital school buildings through community-driven initiatives. His resourcefulness and dedication expanded educational opportunities.
Expansion and Growth: Building for the Future
In 1952, Lawrence County began funding Courtland Colored High School, a pivotal moment. Over time, the school expanded with new classrooms, a gymnasium (also a band room), restrooms, athletic amenities and more, solidifying the school’s role by 1966.
Before 1970, mobile classrooms housed art and reading rooms. The last major addition pre-1970 was the science lab and library. From its humble start with four teachers and 100 students, Courtland Colored High School grew into a comprehensive institution, becoming Central High School. By the late 1960s, it boasted 36 teachers serving over 1,000 students, leaving a lasting legacy in Lawrence County.
Legacy
Desegregation brought changes: Central students moved to the former “Whites-only” Courtland High, and “White” elementary kids transitioned to Central, becoming Courtland Elementary. In 1982, Courtland Elementary, formerly Central High School, was renamed R.A. Hubbard Elementary to honor Mr. Hubbard’s legacy. He held a historic tenure at Central High from 1936 to 1971 and then at Courtland High until retirement. The school later became R.A. Hubbard High School until its recent closure.
Over the years, this community has enjoyed a legacy of winning in sports as well as success in academics. Coach Hoover White later became Principal of the community’s Courtland High School in the 1970s. Two younger brothers, also students much later under Principal R.A. Hubbard, went on to become another winning Coach and Principal of Courtland High School, Louis White and Mylun White, respectively. The community has had many students reach great heights in sports and academics. Ironically, neighboring rival Hazlewood High School has seen state championships, and both have roots tied to Mr. Hubbard whose students comprised both communities during the days of segregation.
Present Day Programs and Services
Today, planned services at the new R.A. Hubbard Center includes a Library and Resource Center, After-School Program, Tutoring, Computer Labs, Health Clinics, Fitness, Nutrition, Community Policing, Cultural Events, Business Incubators, Financial Literacy, Career Exploration, and Parent Resource Center.
The R.A. Hubbard Center recently received a transformative $100,000 Health and Wellness Grant through a partnership with Johnson & Johnson and North Alabama AHEC, significantly enhancing the ability to provide essential health and wellness services. The center needs funds to bring additional resources.
A recent Juneteenth celebration at the R.A. Hubbard Center commemorated an important historical milestone and raised some crucial funds for operational expenses, facility maintenance, and ongoing community programs.
Looking ahead, support from community members, local businesses, and others will enrich lives across the community and beyond, fostering community engagement and empowerment. Those desiring to support this initiative can do so by donating online: bit.ly/hubbardcenter or visiting www.northcourtlandhubbardcenter.org or Email: info@northcourtlandhubbardcenter.org.
