URGENT UPDATE: On September 12, 2023, the Corpus Christi community gathered to celebrate a remarkable century of education at the Solomon M. Coles High School and Education Center. This historic institution has educated generations of Black children in the area, starting from its founding in 1925, and continues to serve as a vital educational hub today.
The celebration marked 100 years since local residents established the school to honor Solomon M. Coles, who pioneered education for Corpus Christi’s Black community after his arrival in 1877. Coles opened the first school for Black children, a legacy that has endured through decades of change and growth in the community.
As the festivities unfolded, alumni and community members reflected on the school’s profound impact. From its early days with 80 students to its current enrollment of about 100, Coles High School has evolved from a high school to an elementary school and now serves as an alternative high school.
Gloria Scott, a key figure in the fight to preserve the school during its closure in 2005, spoke passionately at the event. “This cannot happen,” she recalled, emphasizing the community’s determination to keep the school open against all odds. Her efforts were pivotal in the school’s reopening a year later, as it received $500,000 in upgrades after a community lawsuit highlighted its historical significance.
The school has not only provided education but has also been a cultural cornerstone in the neighborhood. Throughout the years, it has hosted numerous events and produced talented students recognized for their academic, musical, and athletic achievements. In the 1930s, its choral and band groups gained local fame, with one 1935 article describing the school’s choir as having “some of the richest and smoothest voices ever heard in Corpus Christi.”
Today, as an alternative campus, Coles High School received a B rating from the Texas Education Agency for the 2024-25 school year. Bruce Wilson, assistant superintendent of school leadership for Corpus Christi ISD, praised Coles’ enduring legacy, stating, “Think of how many lives he changed for the better during his years as an educator and in the 100 years since his name became linked with public education.”
Alumni, including Guy Nickleson, whose family has deep ties to the school, echoed Wilson’s sentiment. “If Coles had been closed too, there wouldn’t be any history left,” he stated. His commitment to preserving the school’s legacy highlights the importance of this institution in shaping the community’s identity.
As Corpus Christi looks to the future, the celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education and the enduring spirit of a community dedicated to preserving its history. The legacy of Solomon M. Coles continues to inspire current students, offering them a pathway to success and reminding everyone of the importance of education in bridging gaps and creating opportunities.
The excitement surrounding the centennial celebration is palpable, and the community’s commitment to the school remains strong. As Solomon M. Coles High School continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of a community that values its history and its future.
