School History

Founded in 1916, Blackshear Elementary opened as one of the earliest public schools dedicated to serving African American students in Houston’s Third Ward.

It is named in honor of Edward Lavoisier Blackshear (1862–1919)—born to formerly enslaved parents—who served as the first principal of Emancipation Park School before leading Prairie View State Normal and Industrial College (now Prairie View A&M University). Throughout the mid-20th century, the school underwent several significant expansions—in 1960, 1965, and 1980—to accommodate growing student enrollment and community needs. In 2009, portions of J. Will Jones Elementary and Turner Elementary were consolidated into the Blackshear zone due to declining enrollment and broader district rezoning efforts.

In 2016, Blackshear marked its 100th anniversary with a gala hosted at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. The celebration brought together parents, alumni, educators, and community leaders, including support from the University of Houston Board of Visitors and Third Ward Task Force, to honor the school’s century-long legacy.

The current principal, Jesseye Brown, was appointed in 2024. She previously led Cullen Middle School to jump from an “F” to a “B” rating within a year and has a proven track record in boosting student reading levels, staff effectiveness, and community collaboration

Blackshear Elementary stands today not only as a foundational institution in Houston’s African American educational history but also as a testament to resilience, community pride, and ongoing transformation.