TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – East Texas is the home of the first Black barber college in the country.
The Morgan Barber College that once stood proudly in the Rose City was founded back in the thirties. It was during the Great Depression when Tylerite Henry Miller Morgan took a leap of faith.
He followed his dream to open a barber school, even though there were Texas laws requiring licenses for barbers, and segregation was preventing African Americans from getting the needed training.
Tylerite Henry Miller Morgan(KLTV)
In 1929, Morgan began developing ideas for a barber college for African Americans, and five years later, in 1934, he opened Morgan Barber College. It was the only Black barber college in the country at that time.
The college is located in Tyler at 212 Erwin Street, and it became a place where hundreds were able to learn a valuable trade. It wasn’t long before the headquarters expanded to provide training to African American barbers from across the country.
Not long after the success of his school in Tyler, Morgan started a chain of colleges to train barbers and beauticians.
The Texas Historical Commission approved a marker commemorating Morgan’s success.(KLTV)
Fast forward to 2004, and the Texas Historical Commission approved a marker commemorating Morgan’s success as a barber, entrepreneur, activist and philanthropist. This historical marker was put up at the location of what was once the home of Morgan Barber College.
In 1961, Morgan died and was buried in the Evergreen Cemetery in Tyler. To this day, he is remembered for being a successful leader in his profession.
The historical marker at 212 Erwin Street is near the courthouse. It was taken down for the new Smith County courthouse to be built.
After construction is finished, the marker will stand proudly once more in downtown Tyler.
To this day, Morgan is remembered for being a successful leader in his profession.(KLTV)
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Publish date : 2024-09-14 09:12:00
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