Historical marker unveiled at old Douglass High School in Live Oak

July 26, 2018

LIVE OAK, Fla. (WCTV) -- It was a monumental moment for the city of Live Oak Thursday morning as a new historical marker was unveiled on the property of the old Douglass High School.

Douglass was an African-American school during segregation, closing in 1969. It's named after abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

"We’ve got to keep this spirit alive and the recognition of all that this great school has done for our community alive," said Live Oak Mayor, Frank Davis.

Douglass High School closed in 1969, ending the era of segregation.

"It means a lot to me. I graduated from here, and so to have my grandson standing here, it means a lot to me," said Jimmy Cherry, a Douglass High School alumni.

Cherry was in the final graduating class in 1968. He was drafted into the Army shortly after, but he says keeping the memory alive at Douglass has always been his mission.

"We educate our kids in our community, so that's a blessing to me," Cherry said.

Not much sits on the campus now. Students use the gym for camp during the summer months.

But alumni are determined to preserve the buildings and the history there.

"That was a different time and day. Of course, this community has come a long way and we're all very proud of it. But the history is important,” said Live Oak City Manager and Douglass High School alumni, Ronnie Williams.

This is the third historical monument in the city of Live Oak, and the fourth in Suwannee County.