O.J. Thomas High School
Cameron, Milam County, Texas
Marker Inscription
O.J. Thomas High School Early efforts to serve the educational needs of Cameron's African American students centered on church instruction at a place called "Little Rocky" Church in the Marlow Community. In 1923, Oscar John Thomas (1894-1977) joined the district to serve as principal and teacher. Under his leadership, the district secured financing from the Julius Rosenwald fund and built a new facility in 1925. The school was renamed for Thomas in 1938. Thirty years later, during integration, the facility became Cameron Junior High. A 1974 petition changed the name back to O.J. Thomas. In 1995, the junior high closed, and in 1998, the building was sold to an alumni group for use as a community center. (2002)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Education for Cameron's African American children began in church instruction at the "Little Rocky" Church in the Marlow community until Oscar John Thomas arrived in 1923 as principal and teacher. Under his leadership the district drew on the Julius Rosenwald Fund to build a new school in 1925, later renamed in his honor. The building became Cameron Junior High during integration, regained the O.J. Thomas name by petition in 1974, and after closing was sold in 1998 to an alumni group for use as a community center.
Why it matters
The school stands as a testament to the Rosenwald-funded push to educate Black children across the segregated South, and to a community that fought to keep its founder's name on the door.
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Related people
- · Oscar John Thomas
Themes & tags
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