History of SSD

As we reflect on the history of State School for the Deaf during this heritage aspect of our 150-year celebration, the question may arise, “Are we different?”  Overall the answer is “certainly not.” However, we must admit and maintain that there were varied experiences and numerous “stepping stones” that enabled us to reach a level of camaraderie so we can enjoy this day.

A school for the benefit of deaf blind children of the Negro race was established by a legislative act in 1920. The blind division was put into operation in 1922 – 1923. The deaf division was not established until 1938 – 1939. This deaf institution was known as the Louisiana State School for the Deaf (LSSD) Negroes.

The residential school was located about 5 miles north of Baton Rouge on the grounds of Southern University, near Scotlandville, Louisiana. It was open to all Negro deaf children of the state between the ages 6 and 21 whose hearing impairment or deficiencies could not be addressed in the public schools.

Operation of the Louisiana State School for the Deaf Negroes began October 1938. Its total program was housed in a one-story brick structure with an operating budget of $12,000. The initial enrollment at the opening of the school consisted of 44 pupils.

The principal of the school was E.L. Gordon. Since the school was housed on the campus of Southern University, President J.S. Clark served as Superintendent. There were 9 faculty members, none of who had seen a deaf child before. However, they were willing to accept that challenge. The original roster of the faculty members included Helena Arthur, Owens Joyce Bames, O.M. Hamilton, I.R. Johnson, J. Marie Spotts, Felton Tate, J.H. Theus, Joseph Eugene Peterson, and Noah Woods. These teachers received extensive training under the supervision of Mrs. Lillian Jones, a white supervisor teacher at the Louisiana State School for the Deaf (LSSD) Whites.

During the second year of its operation, Wallace L. Bradford was appointed principal of LSSD. He served in this capacity continuously until the merger of a unitary system in 1978. During his tenure as principal, Dr. F.G. Clark was elected president of Southern University. Dr. Clark and Dr. Bradford sought purposeful change. They asked the Department of Education for a name change to better distinguish the two deaf intuitions for Whites and for Negroes. The names were changed to LSSD and SSD. Many thought and some still think the acronym or initials SSD stand for Southern School for the Deaf rather than State School for the Deaf.

The school colors were blue and silver and its mascot was the wolf. After 14 years of operation the high school department was in its infancy. Academic offerings were similar to those of the public school; however, training in the trade and vocational areas were more extensive. Training was offered to the areas of tailoring, home economics, beauty culture, shoe repair, laundering (cleaning and pressing), upholstery, woodwork, automotive, keypunch, etc. Teachers instilled in their students a sense of dignity, impressing upon them that skills attained through training and utilized through training are alternatives to welfare.

Serving the school in its early operation was a beautician, Helena Arthur; a physician, Dr. R.M. Baranco; a residential school nurse, Mary Ellen Brown; a secretary Nellie Wilder Hamm; a school matron, Earlene L. Bradford; a dietician and cafeteria staff known then as a cooks and helpers.

At one time it may have seemed that most deaf blacks could have been doomed to a life of mediocrity and seclusion, but that concept is erroneous. One example to nullify this myth is Joseph Sarpy, a 1969 graduate of SSD. His talent for theatrical arts at SSD eventually placed him as a member of the National Theater for the Deaf. Sarpy is just one of many black deaf students who have aspired to become productive, self-sufficient citizens of society.

For approximately 40 years of SSD operated as a predominantly segregated deaf institution. SSD was the last black deaf school in the United States to close its doors. In 1977 the Louisiana Legislature passed on act that provided for the unitary operation of SSD and LSSD. On August 24, 1978, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) voted to locate and operate the unified Louisiana School for the Deaf on the North and South campuses, which previously housed the Louisiana State School for the Deaf.

As an additional by-product of this move, the school was able to offer expanded program utilizing educational and vocational equipment and materials previously located at Southern University. This included programs in the area of cosmetology and shoe repair as well as other services.

We do not forget from whence we came as we reclaim our rightful place. We look at the strides we have made, and it is with pride that we now operate as a unitary, non-discriminatory, high quality educational program where all children in need of our services can maximize their potentials and become productive citizen of society.