HR 351 Summary

• Honors the legacy of Linden Academy, established in 1903 by trustees of four Baptist Church Associations to provide high school education for Black youths in Marengo County.

• Reverend E. W. Shields donated 10 acres of land for the school and served as a teacher; the school later transferred to state control and was renamed George P. Austin High and Elementary Schools under Principal Austin's leadership.

• Recognizes the school's significant impact, including producing notable graduates Autherine Lucy (first Black person admitted to the University of Alabama) and Reverend Dr. Ralph Abernathy (civil rights movement leader).

• Directs that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Superintendent of the City of Linden School System for display in the system's central office and the school.