About Us
“Just because there is no longer the building that was Lincoln Memorial High School doesn’t mean there is no more Lincoln. As long as there is someone alive who attended Lincoln or graduated from there, the school’s spirit lives on.”
– Mr. Robert Brown
Our Story.
What began as a 2023 reunion planning meeting became a renewed mission: to honor Lincoln Memorial High School’s legacy by investing in young leaders. Twelve alumni from the Class of 1968 founded LMHS Class of 1968, Inc. to continue the spirit of excellence, strong character, and service that defined their alma mater.
Our Mission
To equip young people with the tools to lead vibrant, healthy, and stable lives.
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Our Vision
To support Lincoln Memorial Middle School students with skills and resources to thrive—while uniting alumni, parents, educators, and community partners.
Our Goal
Holistic student success—academically, socially, physically, and mentally.
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Leadership.
Our Executive Committee brings decades of expertise in education, law, community service, and leadership—all committed to empowering students and preserving the LMHS legacy.
Members At- Large
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LOIS SHAFFERS Bradenton, FL
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JO ANN PERRY Dallas, TX
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DAVID POLLOCK Atlanta, GA
Our Legacy.
Founded in 1930, Lincoln Memorial High School was a cornerstone of Black education and community pride in Manatee County. From academic excellence to championship athletics, its graduates became educators, leaders, and changemakers. Though the high school closed in 1969 due to desegregation, its spirit lives on through Lincoln Memorial Middle School and our work today.
The Story of Lincoln Memorial High School
A Legacy of Excellence and Pride
Lincoln Memorial High School was the cornerstone of education and pride for Manatee County’s African American community. Founded in 1930 as Lincoln Academy, it merged with Memorial High School in 1949, becoming Lincoln Memorial High School in Palmetto. The merger site was chosen for its larger African American student population and lower transportation costs. The school adopted the Trojan as its mascot, representing strength and resilience—qualities nurtured in its students.
Under the leadership of Principal Carlos E. Haile (1949–1963), Lincoln Memorial thrived, emphasizing academic success, discipline, and personal development. Subsequent principals—James Gant, James Tillman, and Joseph Bivens—continued to build on this strong foundation. The number of graduates steadily increased, from W.G. Frazier, the first and only graduate of Lincoln Academy in 1931, to more than 130 in later years. Among the school’s notable alumni were Mrs. Louise Johnson, the first African American member of the Manatee County School Board, and Henry Lawrence, a star player for the Oakland Raiders who earned three Super Bowl rings and received the Alpha Phi Alpha Jesse Owens Achievement Award.
For two decades, Lincoln Memorial High School—recognized for excellence by the Association of Colleges and Schools—served as a beacon of achievement in academics, music, sports, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including drama, Spanish, science, and other student clubs. Many Lincoln graduates went on to attend historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and later returned to the community as teachers, public servants, and athletes.
The school closed in 1969 due to desegregation and was renamed Lincoln Memorial Middle School. Although students were dispersed to other schools, the spirit and heritage of Lincoln Memorial High School continue to inspire and influence generations.
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Timeline of Key Events:
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1949: Bradenton Lincoln Academy merged with Palmetto Memorial High School, creating Lincoln Memorial High School; the Trojan was selected as the mascot.
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1969: The final graduating class received their diplomas; the school became Lincoln Memorial Middle School to accommodate desegregation.
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1999: The gym and other parts of the original structure were demolished, and new construction began on the site.
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