Mittie J. Campbell Honored with Historical Marker

**Conroe Honors Trailblazing Educator Mittie J. Campbell with Long-Awaited Historical Marker**

**CONROE, Texas – May 4, 2024** – Decades in the making, a significant piece of Conroe’s history was officially enshrined Saturday as Mittie J. Campbell Elementary School dedicated a new Texas Historical Commission marker, commemorating its namesake and its vital legacy as the first public school for African American children in the area.

The moving dedication ceremony, held at 10 a.m. at the school located at 1002 N. Thompson St., drew a large and diverse crowd of community members, school officials, local dignitaries, and, most notably, numerous proud descendants of the trailblazing educator, Mittie J. Campbell. The event was a powerful testament to the enduring impact of a woman who shaped generations and a school that served as a beacon of learning and hope during a challenging era.

“This marker isn’t just a plaque; it’s a testament to perseverance, to vision, and to the unwavering belief in the power of education,” Dr. Donna Campbell, Mittie J. Campbell’s granddaughter, shared with emotion. “My grandmother poured her heart and soul into this community, ensuring that Black children in Conroe had access to quality schooling, even when resources were scarce. To see her finally honored in this way, here at the school that bears her name, is incredibly moving.”

Born in Conroe in 1894, Mittie J. Campbell attended the esteemed Prairie View A&M University, a historically Black institution dedicated to educating African American leaders and professionals. She returned to Conroe and dedicated an astounding 42 years of her life, from 1918 to 1960, to Conroe Independent School District. Her remarkable career included an impressive 32 years as the principal of the Conroe Colored School, which later evolved into Washington High School.

Beyond her administrative duties, Campbell was a formidable pillar of the community, deeply involved in organizations that championed Black advancement and civil rights. She was an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a historically Black Greek-letter organization focused on public service; the Order of the Eastern Star, a fraternal organization promoting charity and fellowship; and the NAACP, the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Her involvement in these groups underscored her commitment to social justice and community upliftment until her passing in 1985.

The school itself boasts a rich and transformative history. It first opened its doors in 1935 as the Conroe Colored School, providing essential education for grades one through eight during a period of racial segregation. In 1938, a high school division was added, leading to its renaming as Washington High School. As the district evolved, the elementary portion of the campus was fittingly renamed Mittie J. Campbell Elementary in 1957, a direct tribute to her foundational leadership. After serving generations, the school closed its doors in the 1980s but was triumphantly reopened in 2003 as a vibrant pre-kindergarten through second-grade campus, continuing its legacy of nurturing young minds.

The initiative to secure the historical marker began in 2019, spearheaded by the persistent efforts of the Campbell family. Dr. Donna Campbell detailed the rigorous process of meticulously gathering historical documentation, conducting extensive research, and collaborating closely with the Texas Historical Commission to meet their stringent requirements. The distinctive $2,600 marker, a permanent testament to Campbell’s legacy, was generously sponsored by the Campbell family, Conroe ISD, and the Conroe Normal and Industrial College Alumni Association.

Attendees at the dedication included several of Campbell’s grandchildren, including Dr. Donna Campbell, Dr. Tamara Campbell, and Willie George Metoyer, who shared heartfelt reflections on their grandmother’s profound impact on their lives and the broader community.

“Grandmother believed in us, in every child who walked through these doors,” remarked Willie George Metoyer. “She didn’t just teach subjects; she taught character, resilience, and the importance of striving for excellence despite the odds.”

Conroe ISD board member Dr. Curtis Jefferson, along with other district officials and local dignitaries, also spoke to the profound importance of preserving Campbell’s story and the school’s indelible place in Conroe’s historical narrative.

“This marker serves as a visible reminder of our past, a celebration of a remarkable woman, and an inspiration for our future,” said Dr. Jefferson. “It ensures that the challenges overcome and the triumphs achieved by Mittie J. Campbell and this school are never forgotten, continuing to educate and empower new generations.”

Looking ahead, Conroe ISD is commissioning a statue of Mittie J. Campbell, which will be prominently displayed at the front of the school. This forthcoming monument will further solidify her legacy, ensuring that her pioneering spirit and dedication to education continue to inspire students, educators, and the entire Conroe community for decades to come.

For more information about Mittie J. Campbell Elementary School or Conroe ISD history, please visit conroeisd.net.

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