Columbus, Mississippi, marked a significant moment in its history on Friday, February 20, with the dedication of historic markers honoring both Henry Baker Jr., a pioneering figure who overcame immense racial obstacles, and Union Academy, a cornerstone of education for the city’s Black community for nearly a century. The project, driven by research conducted by students at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS), aims to preserve and celebrate African American heritage in the face of growing concerns about the erasure of history.
The unveiling ceremonies, attended by students, educators, and community leaders, highlighted the enduring legacy of both Baker and the academy. State Representative and Chairman of the Mississippi Black Caucus, Kabir Karriem, emphasized the importance of remembering these stories, particularly in a climate where historical narratives are increasingly contested. “It’s always the right time to tell the truth,” Karriem said. “And with the mood of the country going the way It’s, with denying history being taught, it’s even more reason to do all You can to make sure folks know who Henry Baker Jr. Was and he did his life’s work preserving history.”
A Life Dedicated to Overcoming Obstacles
Henry Baker Jr.’s story is one of resilience and determination. Born enslaved in Columbus a few years before the start of the Civil War, Baker excelled in his studies after gaining his freedom. He went on to become only the third African American appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, and the first from Mississippi, a remarkable achievement given the pervasive racial discrimination of the time.
Despite facing harassment and threats, Baker persevered, only to be dismissed from the academy due to racial prejudice. Undeterred, he continued his education at Howard University’s Law School and ultimately found employment at the U.S. Patent Office. There, he used his knowledge to champion the work of Black inventors, documenting their contributions in two published books. Chuck Yarborough, a history teacher at MSMS, noted Baker’s unwavering spirit: “He overcame challenge after challenge for his period to do the best he could. We like to say we’re standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, his shoulders are the shoulders we’re standing on right now.”
Union Academy: A Foundation of Educational Opportunity
The second marker commemorates Union Academy, established in 1865 by the Freedman’s Bureau. For approximately 40 years, it served as the sole educational institution for African Americans in Columbus. The original site of the academy, located on 9th Avenue, was the focus of the dedication. Yarborough explained the significance of the location, stating, “This is where over 140 years of educational opportunity started.” The school later relocated to a more prominent location on the north side of Columbus in 1903.
The historical context of Union Academy’s founding is particularly striking. Yarborough pointed out that at the beginning of the Civil War, 70% of Lowndes County’s population was enslaved. Union Academy provided a crucial pathway to education and empowerment for a majority of residents in the aftermath of emancipation. Karriem underscored the symbolic importance of the marker at the original location, stating, “This school was built, set aside so that blacks would have a chance at education. This marker here is symbolic because it shows the foundation, the site, where this school once stood.”
Students Lead the Charge in Preserving History
The initiative to research and dedicate these markers was spearheaded by students from the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. Althea Wells, a senior at MSMS, expressed her hope that the markers will serve as a reminder of the triumphs of the past. “I just want people to know, their circumstances do not have to hold them back,” Wells said. “I hope people remember our history because these are triumphant moments of our history. We should glance at the past and consider it, but be proud of how far we’ve come.”
Vincent Young, another MSMS senior and a Columbus native, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preserving local history. “Just remembering what Union Academy has done for Columbus…it was an incubator that shaped the community and created leaders,” Young said. “It just shows perseverance to beat the odds, to overcome your challenges and push through hardship.”
Yarborough added that honoring the past is essential for inspiring a better future. “I think honoring our past and all the people who contribute to the community we have is a way to inspire people to then work toward a better future. So, I think the lives of those who dedicated their lives to educating people in this community is that we have to carry on that legacy.”
The markers commemorating Henry Baker Jr. And Union Academy are located at Main Street and 9th Street South, and 9th Ave. South between 8th and 9th Street South, respectively, and are now open to the public. The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science continues to offer educational opportunities, including a Summer Enrichment Camp with applications now open for the 2026 session, which will run from June 7-12. More information about MSMS programs can be found on their website.
Looking ahead, the continued preservation of local history and the promotion of educational opportunities remain vital for the Columbus community. The dedication of these markers serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and achievements of those who came before, and a call to action to continue building a more inclusive and equitable future.
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