Ike Gilbert: Preserving the History of Webb School

For decades, Ike Gilbert has worked to ensure that the legacy of Webb School remains alive. As a leader in the Webb School Alumni Association, he has dedicated himself to preserving the memory of the historic Black school in McKenzie. More than half a century after its closure, Webb School’s impact continues to resonate, thanks to his unwavering commitment to education, community, and history.

A Lifelong Connection to Webb School
For Gilbert, Webb School is more than a historical institution—it is a vital part of his identity. Growing up in McKenzie, he witnessed firsthand the role the school played in educating Black students at a time when opportunities were scarce.

“The teachers at Webb weren’t just teaching,” Gilbert said. “They were preparing us for life.”

Webb School provided education for Black students when segregation severely limited opportunities. The school became a cornerstone of the community, producing generations of teachers, business leaders, and professionals. Though it closed in 1966, its alumni have never let its memory fade.

Gilbert has made it his mission to ensure the school’s story is not forgotten. Walking through its halls, he points out original photographs and artifacts, each carrying a piece of history. “This isn’t just a building,” he said. “It represents everything we fought for.”

Preserving History and Overcoming Challenges
The Webb School Alumni Association has worked tirelessly to maintain the school’s historical significance. The building, filled with original photographs and artifacts, stands as a testament to the school’s lasting impact. However, preserving the site has been no small task.

“We bought the school and 30 acres for $95,000,” Gilbert explained. “Now it’s worth nearly $4 million. But that also means our insurance and upkeep costs have skyrocketed.”

The alumni association has relied on grants, community fundraising, and private donations to cover maintenance expenses. Recently, they secured a $50,000 grant to help with restoration efforts, including repairs to the front entrance and auditorium.

Webb School’s aging alumni are still working to preserve what they can. Gilbert, alongside Neil Williamson, a former president of the association, meets every Tuesday to go over school affairs, discussing repairs, fundraising, and alumni outreach. The need for funding is constant, with recent projects including replacing damaged flooring, maintaining the fire suppression system, and making structural repairs to the auditorium.

Williamson, who served as president for eight years, emphasized the challenge of sustaining the school’s upkeep. “Every time we fix one thing, there’s another issue to deal with,” he said. “But we won’t stop. This place matters.”

The building itself tells a story of resilience. The auditorium, once a central gathering place, now requires extensive maintenance, including a costly fire suppression system upgrade. The library has been converted into a conference room, a necessary adaptation for the association’s meetings. Structural repairs continue to be an ongoing concern, with the group balancing financial constraints and historical preservation.

Over the years, the school has faced not just physical deterioration but also historical erasure. Fires destroyed portions of the school’s early records, and when the school closed, much of its furniture and materials were either discarded or destroyed. Gilbert and other alumni have worked to recover lost pieces of history, including the school’s original cornerstone, which was found buried in a nearby field.

“Finding that stone was like finding a piece of our past,” Gilbert said. “It’s proof that this school stood strong.”

Investing in the Next Generation
Beyond maintaining the physical structure, the alumni association remains committed to investing in future generations. They continue to award scholarships each year, reinforcing the school’s long-standing mission of education and empowerment. The alumni have also discussed shifting their annual gatherings, which have traditionally taken place twice a year, to a single large event to ease logistical and financial burdens.

“We’re still giving back,” Gilbert said. “That’s what Webb School was all about—building a future.”

However, sustaining these efforts requires new leadership. Many alumni association members, including Gilbert and Williamson, are now in their seventies and eighties. Finding younger individuals to carry on their work has been a challenge.

“We need younger people to get involved,” Gilbert said. “This history belongs to them, too.”

Webb School’s General Assembly, an annual event, has long been a pillar of alumni engagement. This year, the gathering will be held in Jackson on April 27, drawing attendees from across the country. The event serves as both a reunion and a strategy session, determining the future of the association’s work.

The alumni also continue to push for historical recognition. The school is already on the state’s historical registry, and efforts are underway to expand its recognition through additional preservation grants. “We’ve got to protect what’s here,” Gilbert said. “Once history is gone, you can’t bring it back.”

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
Webb School’s legacy is one of resilience, perseverance, and progress. For Gilbert, the work he does is not just about preserving a building—it’s about ensuring that future generations understand the school’s role in shaping lives.

As part of ongoing efforts to bring more attention to Webb School’s history, the association is expanding outreach efforts to local schools and community organizations. They are working to bring in more visitors and ensure that Webb School is remembered not just by those who attended, but by those who benefit from its lasting influence.

“We have to tell this story,” Gilbert said. “Because if we don’t, who will?”

Thanks to his efforts, Webb School’s history will not be forgotten. Through restoration, scholarships, and community engagement, Gilbert continues to honor the past while inspiring the future.