Green School
The School On The Hill
Established 1909
MOTTO
"Not to Equal But To Excel"
Green Flash, 1940
1909
A New School for "Colored" Children
Green School was established in 1909 at 405 Payne Avenue to teach and foster the education of Black children in Knoxville. It was needed to relieve the crowded lower grades at Heiskell Elementary and Austin High School. At the time, Dr. Henry Morgan Green, a Black physician in Knoxville, had been serving on the Board of Alderman in which he represented the 5th Ward – which was largely populated by Black citizens.
To build the school, it cost the city $10,000. Dr. Green, who often advocated for the Black community, dedicated his efforts to securing the funding which led the city council to naming the school in his honor June 1909.
A formal dedication ceremony for the new school was held in January of 1910. Dr. Green presided over the afternoon exercises which consisted of an organ voluntary followed by speeches and other musical performances. Green began operations the following month.
Important Figures
Green School’s history is deeply tied to the vision and service of these three individuals. As educators and leaders, their contributions laid the foundation for academic achievement and community pride.
Dr. Henry Morgan Green
Dr. Henry Morgan Green was a physician, scholar, scientist, author, elected official, and financier who led several causes here in Knoxville but also in the world of medicine. Between 1908-1912, he was the only Black representation on the Board of Alderman. His commitment to the betterment of Knoxville's Black community led to several strides including the establishment of Green School.
CHARLES W. CANSLER
Of his many achievements, prominent educator and attorney Charles W. Cansler was instrumental in the establishment of the Carnegie Library for Black citizens in Knoxville and served as a principal in the public Black schools for nearly 30 years. He had an extensive run as principal for Green School, serving for 12 years when the building temporarily operated as Knoxville Colored High School and another 9 years after Green School's name was restored.
Dewey W. Roberts, Sr.
Dewey W. Roberts was a civil rights activist and educator who served as Green School's principal for 21 years. Prior to this position, he became a local hero after he successfully led the fight to equalize Black and white public schoolteacher salaries' in 1939. His work had a lasting influence on public education in Knoxville, advancing equity for Black educators and setting a precedent for future civil rights efforts.
Dr. Lula C. Powell
Dr. Lula C. Powell was a retired educator from Knoxville, Tennessee, known for her 40-year career in education, including 27 years as principal of Green School, now Green Magnet Academy, and for the street in front of the school being named after her, Lula Powell Drive. Her leadership defined an era at Green School, setting high standards and fostering a culture of excellence that influenced both students and staff for decades.
