Untold History Foundation Preserving African American History in the Louisiana Florida Parishes

Welcome to the Untold History Foundation, a distinguished organization committed to the preservation and commemoration of African American history within the Southeast Louisiana and Florida Parishes regions. Our mission is accomplished through a multifaceted approach that includes gathering oral histories from community elders, safeguarding historical artifacts, and curating comprehensive archives of significant documents and photographs

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Mt. Canaan: Where Education Began for Black Children in Arcola, Louisiana

Mt. Canaan School
Front and extended building
Roseland, Louisiana
Photo Credit
Luther Toliver

Robert "Free Bob" Vernon, despite being illiterate, donated land to establish a school in Arcola, Louisiana, to provide educational access for Black children in the community. The building was also used as a Masonic Lodge. Robert was born in Rankin County, Mississippi, in 1835. He migrated to Louisiana, where he accumulated extensive landholdings and apportioned 100 acres to each of his children as a foundational resource.

Side view of Mt. Canaan School
Photo Credit
Luther Toliver