Trailblazers: Integrating Public Education In Fayetteville, 1866-1965
Study Group (2-3 session | Registration opens Tuesday, August 19, 2025 10:00 AM
Discover the often-overlooked history of Black public education in Fayetteville—from its beginnings as a mission school for emancipated students in 1866 to eventual district-wide integration nearly a century later in 1965. Margaret Holcomb, Jimmye Whitfield, and Cory Perry, documenting collaborators of historic Black public education in Fayetteville, will examine the stark disparities Black students experienced in their segregated school and introduce the trailblazers who played a part in integrating our public education over this nearly 100-year period.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this presentation offers insights into a vital part of our shared history—one that continues to shape our community today.
This program will meet in person at OLLI Headquarters (HQ), located at 481 S. Shiloh Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72704. Please read your class reminder email for the exact room location.
Class changes occasionally happen, please watch for (and read) announcements or emails from OLLI regarding your class.
Click on the link below for a Google map shot of our location:
OLLI HQ
Margaret Ann Holcomb
Margaret Holcomb is a Fayetteville native, and an author and local historian. Graduating Fayetteville Highschool in '69 and is collaborating with Jimmye Whitfield and Cory Perry on documenting black public education in Fayetteville 1866-1965.
Cory Perry
Cory is a Fayetteville native and graduating in '08 and collaborating with Margaret Holcomb and Jimmye Whitfield on black public education in Fayetteville in 1866-1965.
Jimmye Whitfield
Jimmye is a Fayetteville native and graduated in '62 and is collaborating with Margaret Holcomb and Cory Perry on black public education in Fayetteville 1866-1965.