Founded in 1829, Baltimore City Public Schools has a rich history of teaching and learning, which has supported the growth of students who have gone on to shape the city, the state, nation, and world. During Black History Month, we highlight a few of our notable graduates who have made significant contributions to history and who got their start in one of our classrooms in this special edition of #IAmCitySchools.
The Artists
Frederick Douglass High School, established in 1833, is the second-oldest high school in the United States created for Black students. One of its remarkable early achievements was its dedication to the arts and music. The school offered classical training, rigorous standards, and community performances—including operas like “The Flying Dutchman”—at a time when most art venues were segregated.
This training inspired great musicians like Eubie Blake, a famous jazz pianist and composer. His Broadway musical “Shuffle Along” was one of the first to be composed and directed by African Americans.
Another notable Douglass’ music program alumni was jazz vocalist and bandleader Cab Calloway. His career spanned over 65 years, and he was the first African American musician to sell one million copies of a record.
Douglass was also the alma mater of Dr. Carl J. Murphy, the writer, journalist, and publisher of The Afro-American newspaper, which his father founded. Dr. Murphy grew the paper into a publication of national significance, expanding its circulation from 14,000 to more than 200,000. He was also a civil rights leader and actively involved with the Baltimore chapter of the NAACP.
The Political Leaders
Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the United States Supreme Court, was a proud Baltimore City Public Schools graduate. He attended Frederick Douglass High School, where he excelled academically and developed an early passion for justice. Known for being a mischievous yet brilliant student, he was a leader on his debate team and graduated with honors in 1925. Marshall’s experiences in Baltimore’s segregated school system inspired his lifelong fight for equality, leading to his landmark victory in” “Brown v. Board of Education” and his enduring legacy as a civil rights icon.
The first Black woman to refuse to give up her seat on a bus for a white passenger, Irene Morgan Kirkaldy, was a native of Baltimore. She attended local schools but stopped attending high school because of the Great Depression. Her case made it to the U.S. Supreme Court. She famously said, "If something happens to you which is wrong, the best thing to do is have it corrected in the best way you can. The best thing for me to do was to go to the Supreme Court."
Congressman Elijah Cummings, a champion for civil rights and social justice, was another proud Baltimore City Public Schools graduate. He attended Baltimore City College, where he honed his leadership skills and commitment to serving others. Despite numerous challenges growing up in Baltimore, Cummings remained steadfast in pursuing education and justice. He ultimately became a powerful voice in Congress and a tireless advocate for his community and the nation.
The Athletes
James Carter, an accomplished Olympic athlete, is a proud Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School graduate. Specializing in the 400-meter hurdles, Carter represented the United States on the world stage, competing in multiple international championships, including the Olympics.
Muggsy Bogues, a legendary basketball player and the shortest athlete to ever play in the NBA, also graduated from Baltimore City Public Schools. He attended Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, where he led the Poets to a state championship and gained national recognition for his exceptional skills and leadership on the court. Overcoming significant challenges, Bogues used determination and grit to defy expectations and inspire others.
Black History Month and the Future
These are just a few of the many students from Baltimore City Public Schools who have walked through our halls and gone on to make their mark on the world. As an urban school district serving more than 70% of Black students, Baltimore City Public Schools celebrates Black History every day, and we know there are history-makers in the halls of great schools today.