Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-29

HONORING THE HISTORY AND LEGACY OF HAILFAX COUNTY SCHOOLS

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On 2026-05-29, Representative Donald G. Davis (D-NC-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE HISTORY AND LEGACY OF HAILFAX COUNTY SCHOOLS" in the House.

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HONORING THE HISTORY AND LEGACY OF HAILFAX COUNTY SCHOOLS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E501-E502] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE HISTORY AND LEGACY OF HAILFAX COUNTY SCHOOLS ______ HON. DONALD G. DAVIS of north carolina in the house of representatives Friday, May 29, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the enduring legacy of the Johnson Hill School and the Eastman School, and I recognize the continued commitment of Halifax Country Schools to educational excellence, community empowerment, and opportunity for future generations. The story of Eastman began in 1894 with the opening of Johnson Hill School, a modest one-room wooden schoolhouse located along a rural road in Halifax County. Though small in size, the school stood as a powerful symbol of hope and determination for Black children seeking access to education during a time of limited opportunity. Under the leadership of the school's first principal, Miss Frankie B. Myrick, Johnson Hill School became the foundation of a proud educational tradition. Her words still reflect the spirit of the Halifax County Schools today: ``We simply worked it up from the ground and prayed it down from the skies.'' In 1920, through the combined efforts of local families, community leaders, public support, and philanthropic contributions, Eastman School was established. Support from George Eastman, Julius Rosenwald, and the Black community helped create one of the region's most significant rural Black schools. As enrollment and community pride grew, Eastman expanded into a center of learning, culture, and leadership. Under the leadership of Principal W.A. Holmes beginning in 1934, Eastman entered a period of extraordinary growth. New classrooms, vocational facilities, teacher housing, and beautification projects transformed the campus into a model of rural Black education in North Carolina. Enrollment eventually grew to nearly 600 students with a faculty of 14 teachers. Though the historic school closed in 2009 following consolidation, the spirit and legacy of Eastman endured within the Halifax County community. That legacy entered a new chapter in 2016 under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Eric Cunningham and the Halifax County Board of Education. Through years of planning, community engagement, and investment, the vision for Eastman Leadership Academy became a reality when Halifax County Schools was awarded the needs based public school grant. In December 2022, Halifax County Schools broke ground on a $52.9 million state-of-the-art Pre-K through 8 facility dedicated to preparing students for future success while honoring the school's historic roots. On June 2, 2026, that dream will become a reality and the community will gather once again to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Eastman Leadership Academy and the school will open for students August 24, 2026. We honor the generations of educators, students, families, and community members whose faith and perseverance made this moment possible. May Eastman Leadership Academy continue to stand as a symbol of resilience, excellence, and opportunity for Halifax County and for generations yet to come. [[Page E502]] ____________________

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HONORING THE HISTORY AND LEGACY OF HAILFAX COUNTY SCHOOLS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 91 (Friday, May 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E501-E502] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE HISTORY AND LEGACY OF HAILFAX COUNTY SCHOOLS ______ HON. DONALD G. DAVIS of north carolina in the house of representatives Friday, May 29, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the enduring legacy of the Johnson Hill School and the Eastman School, and I recognize the continued commitment of Halifax Country Schools to educational excellence, community empowerment, and opportunity for future generations. The story of Eastman began in 1894 with the opening of Johnson Hill School, a modest one-room wooden schoolhouse located along a rural road in Halifax County. Though small in size, the school stood as a powerful symbol of hope and determination for Black children seeking access to education during a time of limited opportunity. Under the leadership of the school's first principal, Miss Frankie B. Myrick, Johnson Hill School became the foundation of a proud educational tradition. Her words still reflect the spirit of the Halifax County Schools today: ``We simply worked it up from the ground and prayed it down from the skies.'' In 1920, through the combined efforts of local families, community leaders, public support, and philanthropic contributions, Eastman School was established. Support from George Eastman, Julius Rosenwald, and the Black community helped create one of the region's most significant rural Black schools. As enrollment and community pride grew, Eastman expanded into a center of learning, culture, and leadership. Under the leadership of Principal W.A. Holmes beginning in 1934, Eastman entered a period of extraordinary growth. New classrooms, vocational facilities, teacher housing, and beautification projects transformed the campus into a model of rural Black education in North Carolina. Enrollment eventually grew to nearly 600 students with a faculty of 14 teachers. Though the historic school closed in 2009 following consolidation, the spirit and legacy of Eastman endured within the Halifax County community. That legacy entered a new chapter in 2016 under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Eric Cunningham and the Halifax County Board of Education. Through years of planning, community engagement, and investment, the vision for Eastman Leadership Academy became a reality when Halifax County Schools was awarded the needs based public school grant. In December 2022, Halifax County Schools broke ground on a $52.9 million state-of-the-art Pre-K through 8 facility dedicated to preparing students for future success while honoring the school's historic roots. On June 2, 2026, that dream will become a reality and the community will gather once again to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Eastman Leadership Academy and the school will open for students August 24, 2026. We honor the generations of educators, students, families, and community members whose faith and perseverance made this moment possible. May Eastman Leadership Academy continue to stand as a symbol of resilience, excellence, and opportunity for Halifax County and for generations yet to come. [[Page E502]] ____________________