Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts—the mother institution that became a legendary arts magnet in 1976—is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. From the movement for desegregation to decorated musical artist alumni, nothing calls for a jubilee more than this display of seminal Dallas history. Welcome to 100 years of innovation, passion and excellence at Booker T.
The year that Booker T. Washington High School opened its doors making it the first African-American high school in the city.
The number of students in the institutions’ first graduating class in 1926—a landmark for African American students everywhere.
A brand new state-of-the-art $65 million facility designed by nationally-celebrated architect, Brad Cleopfil, was completed in 2008. The main building was preserved and incorporated as a historic landmark into the fabulous new complex
The year Booker T. graduate and Neo soul artist Erykah Badu won her first Grammy for hit song “Badzuim” in 1998
Eighties alternative sensation and Booker T. alum Edie Brickell’s chart-topper “What I Am” reached number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1988.
The number of talented young students that currently attend Booker T., immersing themselves in the arts—from dance and music to theatre and visual arts.
The year that the school was declared a National Historical Landmark
With a diverse population, Booker T. is home to students from 67 different zip codes.
The Dallas institution is highly decorated with over 600 awards in dance, theatre, visual arts and creative writing from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.
The number of Grammy Awards won by Booker T. alumni
Photography by: COURTESY OF BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
