2018 Steering committee pictured (l to r): Anna Wallace, Emma Hudson, Sandra Campbell, Mary Dunn, Robert Stockard, Mattie Morris, Patricia Gregory-Chairperson, Helen Hill-Emeritus, and Gwendolyn McClain (not pictured: Melvin Black, Emeritus and Alfred Coleman, Treasurer).
To view photos from the reunion, click HERE.
Pearl High School graduate classes of the 1960s work all year in celebration of their class reunions and to raise funds for their alumni chapters. The individual classes are hosts to many activities in the city and worldwide.
The different classes hold annual theme parties, galas, cruises in a variety of locations (such as Punta Cona vacations), and even a Class of ‘65 Platinum 70th Birthday celebration!
This year, the 2018 Steering Committee gathered and hosted a four-day affair that hailed the theme ‘Keeping Our Legacy Alive.’ The event took place from August 9-12, Thursday-Sunday, at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, bringing alumni students together for the ‘18th Time Around Reunion’ of all classes.
Pearl High School was first erected in 1887 in Trimble Bottom in Nashville. In 1916 a new school was built near Fisk University after the efforts of Richard Henry Boyd and other members of the Negro Board of Trade persuaded the city government and the mayor. The third and last Pearl School was built and opened on the corner of 18th and Jo Johnson. Pearl High School was considered one of the best secondary schools in the nation. Following integration, Pearl was later joined with Cohn High School to become Pearl/Cohn. A historical marker was unveiled in 1993 as a dedication located on the North West corner of 17th and Jo Johnson Ave. The school now functions as Martin Luther King Magnet School.
The All Class Reunion consisted of bowling, church activities, hospitality gatherings and socials, a night of entertainment from the Jimmy Church Band, a City Bus Tour, a banquet, a memorial tribute event, awards scholarships and a brunch.
“I commend the work that was done for this event as we seek to preserve our heritage,” said Tennessee state Rep. Brenda Gilmore, a Pearl High alumni.
“We just wanted to have a memorable event for those who travelled far and those here at home to take back memories of the years that we spent at Pearl High School,” said Patricia King Gregory, Class of 1965 and chairperson for 2018. “I am honored to have served and appreciate all of the diligent work of the entire steering committee.”
The Pearl High Alumni Association is a non-profit organization. For more information about alumni events, visit the Pearl High Alumni TN website.
