Howe Institute legacy noted with historical marker
Published 8:00 am Sunday, November 21, 2021
- The new historical marker at the Iberia Parish Courthouse lists the history of New Iberia’s Howe Institute notes the school’s establishment by the St. Paul Congregational Church, with help from the American Missionary Association and an endowment from Illinois philanthropist Peter Howe. The instidtute was established to educate Black residents of Iberia Parish and surrounding communities in 1888 and continued through 1933. The school, which was located at the curren site of the Iberia Parish Courthouse, also was a refugee camp for Blacks feeling the Great Flood of 1927.
The Iberia African-American Historical Society unveiled a new state historical marker at the Iberia Parish Courthouse Saturday afternoon.
The marker commemorated the legacy of the Howe Institute, which was established in 1888 to educate the area’s African-American population prior to integration. The institute was founded by the St. Paul Congregational Church of New Iberia with assistance of the American Missionary Association and an endowment from philanthropist Peter Howe of Illinois.
The institute was located where the Iberia Parish Courthouse is located today.
The other side of the marker commemorates Booker T. Washington’s visit to the Howe Institute on April 24, 1915. Washington, a celebrated orator, educator and presidential advisor, made a trip to New Iberia specifically to visit the institute.
Iberia Parish President Larry Richard and New Iberia Mayor Freddie DeCourt unveiled the marker to applause from a crowd of people who were there to witness the new addition to the courthouse.
“We just want to thank all of you,” John Reedom said. “This has been a journey, and a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Today has been one step, and if you take one step He will do the rest.”
Apart from the marker unveiling, the IAAHS secured art historian and Booker T. Washington scholar Michael Bieze, PH.D, to speak on Washington’s farewell tour and stop at Howe Institute.
A presentation on education was also held, as well as music performed a capella of Amazing Grace led by Reedom.
