Unsung Hero: Uncovering the Legacy of J.B. Lafargue
A story of resilience and impact, waiting to be told.
In 2023, a buzz spread across Louisiana as renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns made his way to Alexandria. But this wasn't your typical location scouting trip. Burns was on a mission to uncover the life and legacy of a man named J.B. Lafargue, a name that might not ring a bell for many, but one that holds immense significance in the history of Black America.
"It's intriguing how a man like Lafargue, with such an influential story, could remain relatively unknown," shared Bill Sumrall, a local from Alexandria. And he was right; Burns was indeed working on a project titled "Emancipation to Exodus," a documentary set to air in 2027, exploring the rich history of Black Americans during the Great Migration.
But why Lafargue? The answer lies in the very heart of Alexandria. Lafargue called this place home, and here, he made his mark.
Lafargue's journey began in Marksville, Louisiana, in 1863. His father, Arnaud Denis Lafargue, was a prominent politician and newspaper editor in Avoyelles Parish, and also served as a lieutenant in the Confederate Army. His mother, Mary Jackson, was an enslaved woman with roots in Virginia, who was transported to New Orleans and sold into the Lafargue family. Despite these circumstances, Lafargue's father ensured his son received an education, sending him to a school supported by the Peabody Education Fund, a post-Civil War initiative to promote education in the South.
As Lafargue grew, so did his impact. He established the Peabody Industrial and Normal School in Alexandria in 1895, alongside his wife, educator Sarah Mayo. This school, now known as Peabody Magnet High School, was named after George Foster Peabody, a philanthropist who granted funds for its construction. Lafargue and his wife dedicated their lives to this institution, and their efforts laid the foundation for educational reform for Black Americans in Louisiana.
"His grave, a humble marker in the Wesley Methodist Church Cemetery on Hunter Street in Pineville, is a testament to his legacy," shared Alexandria historian and author Michael Wynne. "I had to clear away the overgrowth to find it, but it was worth it to uncover his story."
Both Wynne and Burns were drawn to Lafargue's remarkable journey—from being born into slavery to becoming a national education pioneer. "He achieved so much, yet his name is not as widely recognized as it should be," Wynne noted.
Lafargue's accomplishments are indeed impressive. He founded the first Parent-Teacher Association in Louisiana, known as the Mother's Conference, in 1907. He also established the Louisiana State Colored Teachers Association, serving as its first president in 1902. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the creation of Alexandria's Carnegie-endowed library on Washington Street in 1908, although it remained largely inaccessible to Black citizens during his time.
But Lafargue's influence extended beyond education. He was a journalist, founding two newspapers: the Louisiana Progress and the Advanced Messenger. He was the first Black man in the state to become a newspaper editor and later founded the Alexandria Advocate newspaper in 1929. Politically, he made history as the only Black man in the nation to serve in a party leadership position during the nomination of William McKinley for the presidency in 1896. Lafargue and McKinley formed a friendship, and Lafargue even received the flag that liberated Cuba from McKinley.
Lafargue's personal life was just as remarkable. He married Sarah Mayo, whose father was the first Black representative in the Louisiana legislature. Sarah was a principal at a Black school in Rapides Parish when she met Lafargue, and Wynne believes she might have been the first Black female principal in the state.
However, Lafargue faced challenges. His family ignored him, and when his father passed away, Lafargue was unable to inherit any part of the estate due to the illegality of his parents' relationship at the time. He sued, and although the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled in his favor, the court expenses bankrupted the estate.
Despite these obstacles, Lafargue's impact endures. His legacy lives on through initiatives like the popular Marching Stampede marching band at Peabody, a testament to his dedication to education and the arts. And now, with Ken Burns bringing his story to a national audience, Lafargue's name will be remembered and celebrated.
As we reflect on Lafargue's life, we're left with a powerful reminder: sometimes, the most impactful stories are the ones that have been overlooked. So, let's ensure that Lafargue's story, a true testament to resilience and achievement, is not lost to time.
And this is the part most people miss... Lafargue's story is a reminder that history is often complex and layered, with unsung heroes waiting to be discovered. It's a story that deserves to be told, and with Burns' documentary, it will be.
What do you think? Should we be doing more to celebrate the often-overlooked heroes of history? Share your thoughts in the comments!
