About Blackburn

Overview

Blackburn Middle School is one of seven middle schools in the Jackson Public School District. It serves scholars in grades 6 - 8. 

History

Blackburn Middle School/Blackburn Laboratory Middle School was originally called "The School of  Color" and was located on the corner of Dalton and Pearl Streets. Eventually, the school was moved to  what is known today as the Masonic Temple on Lynch Street. As time passed, the school was relocated  to its current location on the corner of Dalton and Pearl Streets and included first (1st) through eighth  (8th) grades.

In 1952, the school was named Blackburn Junior and Senior High School after the late Williams W.  Blackburn (1873 - 1957). The first graduating class was in 1953 with Emmitt Hayes and Luther Marshall  serving as the Junior High and Senior High principals respectively.

A native of Port Gibson, Mississippi, William W. Blackburn (1873-1957) attended Natchez, Hampton, and Benoit Colleges. He served as a teacher of mathematics at Alcorn and as a teacher and principal in the public schools of Claiborne, Covington, and Grenada counties for more than 20 years. In 1918, he organized and served as principal of the first county training school for blacks in rural Mississippi near Mount Olive. In 1925, he was appointed the Rosenwald Agent in Mississippi by the state Department of Education. In that position he traveled widely, endeavoring to improve educational opportunities for black scholars. As an organizer of the Mississippi Teachers Association, Blackburn devoted more than 30 years to the organization, serving as its president, executive secretary and editor of its official journal.

Mission Statement

The mission of Blackburn Middle School is to develop scholars through world-class learning experiences to attain an exceptional knowledge base, critical and relevant skill sets, and the necessary dispositions for great success.

Vision Statement

The vision of Blackburn Middle School is to prepare scholars to achieve globally, to contribute locally, and to be fulfilled individually.

Motto

Determined to Rise, Destined to Succeed!