The commemoration also served as a fundraiser to build a memorial that will honor the students of Lincoln High School. The school s closure 50 years ago marked a painful episode that left hard feelings and deep disappointment, as well as pride in what had been. The alumni groups of both Lincoln High and A.L. Mebane High have remained active since both schools were closed as part of desegregation.
Lincoln High closed because of federal desegregation law
Now Lincoln Middle School, Lincoln High became the second accredited all-Black public high school in in Florida in 1926. The school was an epicenter for the Gainesville Black community.