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Friday, March 29, 2024

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Rappahannock Industrial Academy monument set for dedication

Rappahannock Industrial Academy’s Towles Hall included the women’s dormitory, chapel, dining rooms, and administrative offices. Although the academy was in Essex County, it also served some students from Middlesex County. (Contributed)

In operation from 1902 to 1948, the Rappahannock Industrial Academy (RIA) was a Baptist-run African-American high school that began operation at a time when there were no public high schools for African Americans in rural Virginia. Located at Ozeana in Essex County, it was established by the Southside Rappahannock Baptist Association and supported by the Association and the African-American community. Although the academy primarily served students from Essex, Middlesex, and King and Queen counties, some of its students were from other parts of Virginia and beyond.

The Rappahannock Industrial Academy Alumni Association is looking for persons who attended the RIA, even if they did not graduate. Because the school closed 74 years ago few alumni survive. However, the group would like to identify any who do, as well as to hear from families of alumni, faculty, administrators, and trustees.

An RIA Virginia historical highway marker will be dedicated at the academy site in Dunnsville. The dedication ceremony is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21. “The goal is to involve as many persons as possible who have connections to the Rappahannock Industrial,” one of the organizers of the event, Jamaica’s Bessida White, told the Sentinel via email.

Any persons who can be of assistance in this regard are asked to call 804-651-8753 or to email RIAcademyAlumni@gmail.com.