There are several museums across the Mid-South that highlights Black history, such as the National Civil Rights museum in Memphis, the Eddie Mae Heron Center in Pocahontas, and the Northern Ohio schoolhouse at the Parkin Archeological State Park.
But, a lesser known museum explores the desegregation of schools in Craighead County and the accomplishments of African-Americans in Jonesboro. KASU's Brandon Tabor spoke to Roger McKinney, the City of Jonesboro building supervisor for the E. Boone Watson Center and curator of the Craighead County-Jonesboro African-American Cultural Center located inside.
The museum and the center are both available for tours by calling the city parks and recreations department at 870-933-4604.
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Brandon Tabor / KASU
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This marker talks about the Jonesboro Craighead County Training School, which was also known as Booker T. Washington High School. The E. Boone Watson Center is located in the former spot of this all African-American school in Jonesboro.
Brandon Tabor / KASU
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This plaque describes the community center and it's namesake, E. Boone Watson. Watson was a prominent educator and activist in the Jonesboro community. She was credited for developing the Head Start program in Jonesboro.
Brandon Tabor / KASU
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Roger McKinney giving a tour of the exhibits inside of the cultural center in the E. Boone Watson Center.
Brandon Tabor / KASU
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Rights for Education for Students/Parents, or RESP, advocates for the educational rights for students and parents in public schools. The organization meets in the E. Boone Watson Center and helps promote the Craighead County-Jonesboro African-American Cultural Center.
Brandon Tabor / KASU
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Many of the artifacts of African-American culture donated by Craighead County residents to be preserved in the cultural center.
Brandon Tabor / KASU
