Friday, April 14, 2023 was a historic day for Roanoke Rapids Graded School District and Chaloner Middle School. After months of planning, a historical marker was finally placed recognizing the school as the first modern African American school in Halifax County.
John Armstrong Chaloner was born John Armstrong Chanler and was the great grandson of John Jacob Astor. Chaloner was instrumental in helping bring industry to Roanoke Rapids. He gifted the 10 acres of land where the school now stands to the Roanoke Rapids School Board in 1923. Several of his relatives were in attendance at the ceremony, including his great-nephew, John Winthrop Aldrich, and his great-great-nephew, David S. Chanler.
Those in attendance didn’t let a little rain stop them from enjoying the day. The program included several speakers, such as Superintendent Julie Thompson and Chaloner Principal Angela Mallory. Thompson thanked several people for contributing to the success of both the ceremony and placement of the marker, stating, "This process of many people partnering to do great things exemplifies our district’s vision of Together, We Succeed." Mallory shared fond memories of Chaloner and stated, “With the placement of this marker, the rich legacy of John Armstrong Chaloner School will be forever remembered for years to come.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, those in attendance were ushered outside for the unveiling of the marker. The marker is similar in style to the one placed at Roanoke Rapids High School and reads, “First modern African American school in Halifax County stood here. Founded by Julius Rosenwald, Roanoke Rapids Graded School District and public donations. High School operations ended in1970 when Halifax County moved from segregation to integration.”
The link to watch the ceremony on YouTube can be found here.
