Orlando’s first African-American public school to host a “multilateral” banquet

ORLANDO, Florida. — Jones High School, Orlando’s first African-American public school, is hosting its first-ever “multiversal” banquet, which invites alumni from multiple generations to come together and celebrate a school with a rich history.

“I remember all those instructors. Ms. Braboy taught math, chemistry and Latin… She was the first black certified teacher in Orange County,” Wardell Sims said, pointing to black-and-white photographs displayed on the walls at the Jones High school museum.

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At 83, Sims remembers a lot about his time at the Jones School in the 50s.

“At that point, we had a class of 108 graduates,” Sims said.

Founded in 1895, the school we now know as Jones High was one of the first black high schools in the country.

It was located in several buildings in Orlando before the current school was built in the Parramore neighborhood along Rio Grand Avenue.

A brick of the original building is on display at the school museum on campus.

Jones High School had many prominent black leaders, such as Mary McLeod Bethune, who spoke at the school in 1927.

Throughout history and even today, The Jones School has been known for its music programs. Sims recalled that the Jones High band was the highlight of the Orlando Christmas parade.

“Most of the people stood on the rooftops to see the Jones band perform. They made a mistake the first time and put Jones in front, and when Jones’ group passed, the crowd dispersed and there was no one left to see Santa Claus at the end of the parade. From that day forward, they put the Jones group last, with Santa Claus following them,” Sims said.

The Wind Ensemble and Choir even performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall to a standing ovation.

“I graduated from high school in 1963 and my father taught at the Jones School from 1952 to 1985, so I am forever a tiger,” said David Brewer.

Brewer is very proud of his alma mater, and he helps bring many generations of Tigers together at the school’s first “multiversary” banquet.

“I hope that my generation, for example, can share some knowledge and experience with the younger generation. That’s the whole life,” Brewer said. “I think this generation clearly has more opportunities than us because they were isolated when I went to school. What we are trying to explain to this generation is to take advantage of the programs that are provided to you. Yes, Jones High is the highest poverty high school in Orange County public schools at 70%, but that doesn’t mean you can’t succeed because we’ve seen success.”

Brewer is part of a large group of alumni who still live in the community and participate in Jones High programs. Sims also supports students by working as a substitute teacher since the 80s.

“I’ve seen where people need to share wisdom and some knowledge and try to help maintain a certain set of morals among these kids that they need, and I feel like I can do that,” Sims said.

Because the tide lifts all boats. And that means you need support. Every generation needs the previous generation to support them, help build them,” Brewer said.

The Jones High Museum is open to the public. For more information on hours and availability, click HERE.

The Jones High Gala will take place on Friday, February 24 at 8:00 pm at the Rosen Center Hotel in Orlando. For more information, you can contact Sharon Bell at [email protected].

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