Historical Marker
State Historical Marker to Honor the Luther H. Foster High School
Letter to the Courier-Record written by Sandra Branch
Dear Sir:
On June 15, 2023, the Virginia Board of Historic Resources approved the installation of a new state highway marker to commemorate Luther H. Foster High School.
This marker holds significant historical value as it symbolizes the struggles and triumphs of African American students during a time of segregation.
The approval of the Luther H. Foster School marker is a momentous occasion for the state and Nottoway County. It highlights the important role that African American schools played during the era of segregation and the contributions of their students to society, despite facing immense challenges and racial discrimination.
Luther H. Foster High School, which operated from 1950 to 1970, stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its graduates who, against all odds, went on to become leaders, trailblazers, and change-makers in their respective fields.
By highlighting the achievements of the graduates, the marker showcases the power of education and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and communities.
The high school was named after Dr. Luther Hilton Foster (1888-1949), who was a nationally-known figure in Black higher education and former President of what is now Virginia State University.
In the broader context of Virginia's history, the marker serves as a reminder of the importance of desegregation in schools and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.
A dedication ceremony is forthcoming.
Sandra Branch, President of the Luther H. Foster High School Alumni Association
On June 15, 2023, the Virginia Board of Historic Resources approved the installation of a new state highway marker to commemorate Luther H. Foster High School.
This marker holds significant historical value as it symbolizes the struggles and triumphs of African American students during a time of segregation.
The approval of the Luther H. Foster School marker is a momentous occasion for the state and Nottoway County. It highlights the important role that African American schools played during the era of segregation and the contributions of their students to society, despite facing immense challenges and racial discrimination.
Luther H. Foster High School, which operated from 1950 to 1970, stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its graduates who, against all odds, went on to become leaders, trailblazers, and change-makers in their respective fields.
By highlighting the achievements of the graduates, the marker showcases the power of education and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and communities.
The high school was named after Dr. Luther Hilton Foster (1888-1949), who was a nationally-known figure in Black higher education and former President of what is now Virginia State University.
In the broader context of Virginia's history, the marker serves as a reminder of the importance of desegregation in schools and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.
A dedication ceremony is forthcoming.
Sandra Branch, President of the Luther H. Foster High School Alumni Association
Old Nottoway School to Get Marker
Written by The Courier-Record July 5, 2023
The Virginia Dept. of Historic Resources has approved a state historical marker that will honor and call motorists' attention to the former Luther H. Foster High School in Nottoway County.
The school building stands on Old Nottoway Road. After schools were consolidated in Nottoway, it became home of Nottoway High School and today houses Nottoway Intermediate School.
Approved June 15th in Richmond, the marker will read:
"This school, built at a cost of more than $600,000, provided secondary education to Black students from 1950 until 1970, when Nottoway County fully desegregated its schools. Although planning for the new high school had begun by 1946, the county proceeded with urgency in 1948 after a federal court ruled for the plaintiffs in equalization lawsuits elsewhere in VA. The school was named for Halifax County native Dr. Luther H. Foster (1888-1949), a nationally known figure in Black higher education and former president of what is now Virginia State University. Despite racial discrimination, many graduates became educators, attorneys, physicians, civil servants, and military service members."
The application was made by L.H. Foster Alumni Association President Sandra Branch, who collaborated with former Blackstone Mayor Billy Coleburn on the project. Then-Mayor Coleburn in 2019 won state approval for the "Hokie Fight Song" marker on South Main Street, which commemorates "Tech Triumph" written at 1020 South Main Street by two Blackstone residents in 1919.
Coleburn in Jan. 2021 sought approval from the Nottoway School Board and received a 5-0 vote to place the marker on school property, should the marker be approved in Richmond. Coleburn this week said Mrs. Branch "took the project and ran with it. Sandra did all of the heavy lifting on the application process. She deserves all credit."
The school building stands on Old Nottoway Road. After schools were consolidated in Nottoway, it became home of Nottoway High School and today houses Nottoway Intermediate School.
Approved June 15th in Richmond, the marker will read:
"This school, built at a cost of more than $600,000, provided secondary education to Black students from 1950 until 1970, when Nottoway County fully desegregated its schools. Although planning for the new high school had begun by 1946, the county proceeded with urgency in 1948 after a federal court ruled for the plaintiffs in equalization lawsuits elsewhere in VA. The school was named for Halifax County native Dr. Luther H. Foster (1888-1949), a nationally known figure in Black higher education and former president of what is now Virginia State University. Despite racial discrimination, many graduates became educators, attorneys, physicians, civil servants, and military service members."
The application was made by L.H. Foster Alumni Association President Sandra Branch, who collaborated with former Blackstone Mayor Billy Coleburn on the project. Then-Mayor Coleburn in 2019 won state approval for the "Hokie Fight Song" marker on South Main Street, which commemorates "Tech Triumph" written at 1020 South Main Street by two Blackstone residents in 1919.
Coleburn in Jan. 2021 sought approval from the Nottoway School Board and received a 5-0 vote to place the marker on school property, should the marker be approved in Richmond. Coleburn this week said Mrs. Branch "took the project and ran with it. Sandra did all of the heavy lifting on the application process. She deserves all credit."
The state's estimated $3,000 cost of the marker is being split by the Luther H. Foster Alumni Association and former School Board Member Clive Pettis, who made the pledge in 2021 when voting to approve placement of the marker on school property.