Burke High School: A Legacy of Education and Achievement in Charleston
Burke High School, located in the inner city of Charleston, South Carolina, boasts a rich history and legacy of providing quality education to African Americans and all students in the Charleston area. Despite facing numerous challenges, Burke High School has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions to their communities and beyond. This article explores the history, struggles, and triumphs of Burke High School, highlighting the achievements of its distinguished alumni and the ongoing efforts to ensure a bright future for the school.
A Storied Past: Education Amidst Segregation and Integration
Burke High School's history is deeply intertwined with the struggle for equal education for African Americans in Charleston. Before desegregation, the school played a crucial role in providing educational opportunities to the Black community. Following public school integration in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, Burke continued to serve as a vital institution for all students.
In 1894, Reverend John L. Dart opened the Charleston Industrial Institute, which later became Burke High School. The school initially focused on vocational education, reflecting the prevailing belief that academic careers were not suitable for African Americans. However, Burke's supporters remained deeply committed to providing access to a quality education for all students, much like their historic predecessors.
Numerous students and teachers from Burke High School became influential figures in the civil rights movement of the mid-twentieth century in Charleston, the state, and in the nation. Their contributions helped to pave the way for desegregation and equal rights.
Notable Alumni: Trailblazers and Leaders
Burke High School has produced a remarkable array of alumni who have excelled in various fields. Among the most notable is Harvey Gantt, a 1960 graduate who went on to become the first African American mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina. Mr. Gantt was also the first African American to graduate from Clemson University with a bachelor's degree in Architecture in 1965 with honors. After desegregating Clemson, Harvey Gantt completed a degree in architecture. He remained civically engaged throughout his life, and served as mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina for two terms in the 1980s. In 1990, Gantt became the first African American to win the Democratic primary in North Carolina and run for the United States Senate. Though he lost to conservative Senator Jesse Helms, Gantt continued to participate in political activism for social justice and equality.
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Several other Burke graduates have made significant contributions to the civil rights movement and the field of education. Minerva (Brown) King, the oldest daughter of J. Arthur Brown (president of South Carolina's NAACP from 1960 to 1965), initially served as the lead plaintiff in the NAACP-sponsored court case to desegregate the state's public school system. The court case started in 1959 when King was attending Burke. By the time she graduated in 1961, South Carolina still maintained desegregated schools. King's younger sister and fellow Burke student, Millicent Brown, replaced her as the primary plaintiff in the lawsuit Millicent Brown v. Charleston County School District #20. King continued to participate in the Charleston Movement, especially during the summer of 1963-the height of the nonviolent protests in Charleston. She also continued her student activism while attending Lincoln College in Missouri. King earned a teaching certificate at Lincoln, and today she continues to teach and mentor youth in Charleston and the Lowcountry. After desegregating Rivers High School, Millicent Brown received a B.A. from the College of Charleston and earned a Ph.D. in history at Florida State University.
Cecelia Rogers participated in the Charleston Movement as a Burke High School student, where she graduated in 1960. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in early childhood education from the College of Charleston, as well as as master's degree in education administration and supervision from the Citadel. Rogers continues to work in the contemporary educational reform movement.
Burke High School faculty members similarly proved active in ongoing civil rights efforts, and made significant contributions to the field of education, especially during the era of desegregation. Lois Simms began teaching at Burke High School in 1945. She earned a masters degree in education from Howard University and completed further postgraduate work at Syracuse University. After teaching for over thirty years in Charleston, Simms concluded her career by teaching in the formerly all-white Charleston High School in 1973. Eugene Hunt began teaching at Burke High School in 1941. He earned his masters degree in Theater and pursued post-graduate work in Speech Education at Northwestern University. After teaching at Burke, Hunt desegregated the faculty at the College of Charleston in 1972. The College had just admitted its first black student in 1970.
Other notable alumni include:
Demetria Noisette Clemons (’75): An educational consultant specializing in data analysis, educational administration, and situational leadership. She retired after more than 34 years in education, working as a principal specialist for the S.C. Clemons is a trustee emerita, having served as a member of the College of Charleston Board of Trustees from 2004 to 2024, including as vice chair from 2018 through 2023 and chair of the Student Affairs Committee. Clemons grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. She completed all the required courses for early graduation from high school and enrolled at the College at age 16. Three years later, she walked across the Cistern with a bachelor of science in psychology. She earned a master of education in counseling from The Citadel. For her dedicated service as a member of the Board of Trustees and her exemplary efforts for the betterment of both the Board and the College, in May 2025, Clemons received the College of Charleston’s Doctor of Humane Letters degree - 50 years after graduating from the institution. She has also been awarded the President Theodore Stern Visionary Award and the IMPACT Award. The Excellence in Collegiate Education and Leadership (ExCel) awards program at the College acknowledged her services to the student community by establishing the Demetria N. Clemons' generosity of time, spirit and wisdom contributed significantly to the past, present and future success of CofC students.
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Arlinda Locklear (’74): Has a particularly distinguished career in federal Indian law. During her nearly 50 years of experience in the field, Locklear has represented tribes throughout the country in federal and state courts on treaty claims to water and land, taxation disputes with states and local authorities, reservation boundary issues and federal recognition of tribes. In particular, she is a nationally recognized expert in federal recognition of tribes and Indian land claims. Locklear has represented tribes in all levels of federal courts across the country, including the United States Supreme Court. Locklear began her career as an attorney at the Native American Rights Fund in Boulder, Colorado, and later transferred to the office in Washington, D.C., where she was directing attorney for seven years. In 1987, Locklear left the firm and has continued to represent only Indian tribes since as a solo practitioner. Locklear earned her law degree from Duke University School of Law and is a member of the bars of Maryland, North Carolina and the District of Columbia.
Marcus Hammond (’09): Is a dynamic entrepreneur and community builder. At the College, the business administration major was captain of the men's basketball team. His leadership on and off the court prepared the foundation for a career rooted in teamwork, vision and impact. After building his professional acumen as a business banking relationship manager at First Horizon Bank, Hammond launched the Black Food Truck Festival in 2021 to celebrate Black culture across generations through food and music. Once recognized as the fastest-growing Black-owned festival in the nation, the three-day festival - which takes place the fourth weekend of April in Ladson, South Carolina - draws upwards of 18,000 people per year. His dedication to youth development is just as strong: He coached at Burke High School from 2017-21 and continues to mentor students. In 2024, he was named to the Charleston Regional Business Journal's Forty Under 40 list, a testament to his bold leadership and community-first mindset.
Cynthia Marcengill Legette (’93): Is a relationship manager and principal at Diversified Trust's Charleston office, where she brings years of experience serving the complex financial needs and priorities of high- and ultra-high-net worth individuals and families. Clients regard Legette as their trusted advisor, as she works to identify specific goals and implement strategies that include investment management, trust, estate planning and philanthropic objectives. In addition to serving her clients, Legette serves as the chief operating officer for the Charleston office. Trust). Her decades of experience allow her to advise families on multigenerational planning and address all aspects of their balance sheets. Legette's expert background in lending strategies allowed her to advise clients on investment real estate transactions, personal residences, yacht, aircraft, farm and ranch properties as well as art and collectibles. The business administration major earned an MBA from The Citadel after graduating from the College. Legette is actively involved within the community, serving as past president and board member for the Charleston Animal Society, as well as past vice president of the College of Charleston Alumni Board of Directors and a Community Investment Review team member for Trident United Way. She is a founding member of the College of Charleston's Women for Women Summit Committee.
Youlanda Gibbs (’98): Is the founder and executive director of The Palmetto Palace, a nonprofit dedicated to improving access to health care and essential resources for underserved communities across South Carolina. Under her leadership, The Palmetto Palace has reached thousands of individuals annually through mobile health services, chronic disease prevention and health education. With a leadership philosophy rooted in empowering communities through service, dignity and access, Gibbs believes that every person deserves hope and the opportunity to thrive. Gibbs majored in elementary education at the College, and went on to earn her master of education in creative arts from Lesley University in 2001 and her doctor of education in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2009.
Lancie Affonso (’96): Graduated with a B.S. in business administration from what was then the College of Charleston Honors Program. Though he left for a few years to receive an international MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, Affonso couldn't stay away from Charleston. He returned to the College to teach and earn a master of science in computer and information systems - software engineering. In more than two decades of teaching at the College, Affonso has developed into a gifted faculty member. He is a senior instructor of computer science, entrepreneurship, marketing, management, data science and international business; an Honors College faculty fellow; and director of the Honors Entrepreneurship Living and Learning Community. Affonso's true passion lies in mentoring. He has received the Demetria N. Clemons Distinguished Mentoring Award and was the inaugural recipient of the Distinguished Undergraduate Mentor Award, and it's clear why. No matter his obligations, he always makes himself available to students for whatever they may need. He is a fixture at university events and at Liberty Street Food Hall, where he connects current students with alumni.
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Deniz Houston (’16): Is the digital policy officer for the Delegation of the European Union to the United States in Washington, D.C., where she advances European Union technology and transatlantic policy coordination. After earning her degree in international studies at the College, Houston received a master of European public policy from Johns Hopkins in Bologna, Italy. As an undergraduate minoring in Russian studies and political science, she was a member of the Russian Club and was inducted into Sigma Iota Rho, the international studies honor society. She was also involved in Leadership CofC and Cougar Excursion.
Modie Risher: Risher was a 1946 graduate of Burke High School. After obtaining his master’s degree and a stint in professional baseball, Risher returned to Charleston and became a P.E. teacher and coach at Burke. Under his leadership the school won a state championship in football. For over three decades, Risher was affiliated with the Bulldogs. He coached basketball, track and field, and other sports as well, and served as athletic director and department chair. Later Risher became a consultant and school evaluator for the South Carolina Department of Education, and even a health and P.E. curriculum writer for CCSD.
Linard McCloud: McCloud is a lifer at Burke. He graduated in 1972 and attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee before returning to the high school to teach in 1978.
Audrey Jean Lucas: Audrey graduated from Burke High School in Charleston, SC in 1950. She attended Allen University in Columbia, SC and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in1953. Audrey Lucas married the late Eugene Lucas Jr. and became a military spouse living and teaching in numerous places in the United States and abroad. She culminated her successful career teaching in several elementary schools in Charleston County. Ms. Audrey kept a sense of humor about life coupled with a fearlessness in making a difference and encouraging others. She shared one of her favorite hobbies, collecting clowns with her students to help them appreciate looking at the positive side of things even when circumstances were challenging.
These alumni, along with many others, exemplify the spirit of Burke High School and its commitment to fostering success in its students.
Challenges and Triumphs: Navigating the 21st Century
Today, Burke High School continues to serve the Charleston community as the largest public high school on the downtown peninsula. However, it also confronts major challenges in the twenty-first century. Burke's struggles connect to a much larger problem with public education in a city undergoing major demographic and racial shifts.
Starting in 2001, the No Child Left Behind Act introduced a controversial school assessment policy that deemed Burke to be one of many schools across the country to be "at risk" schools. This designation led to increased pressure on the school to improve its test scores and academic performance.
In recent years, Burke has faced declining enrollment and funding cuts, leading to the elimination of programs like chorus, drama, and art. The school's facilities, including Stoney Field, have also suffered from neglect and lack of investment.
Despite these challenges, Burke alumni, faculty, students, and the local community demonstrate great pride in this school and its history. The Burke High School Marching Band, the Steppin' Bulldogs, is renowned throughout the state. Most importantly, Burke's supporters remain deeply committed to providing access to a quality education for all students.
Community Efforts: Revitalizing Burke High School
Recognizing the importance of Burke High School to the Charleston community, alumni, community members, and local leaders have rallied to support the school's revitalization.
In 2008, Dr. Barbara Dilligard and other dedicated Burke alumni co-founded the Friends of Burke High School foundation. This organization works to raise funds, provide resources, and advocate for the school's improvement.
In 2015, following a community meeting for Burke, Dr. Barbara Dilligard had volunteered to work on the front lines to save Burke from the perils of so many underperforming schools in the Lowcountry. She wanted to ensure that Burke did not go the way of Lincoln High School in McClellanville or Cainhoy High School in Huger. Together, along with other dedicated and determined Burke alumni, she co-founded the Burke High School foundation, Friends of Burke, in 2008.
The Charleston County School District (CCSD) has also taken steps to improve Burke High School. In August 2016, CCSD approved $1 million in funding from the Phase IV Sales Tax Capital Program (2017-2022) for the Stoney Field Improvements project. The CCSD relocated the Lowcountry Tech Academy to Burke at the start of the 2016-2017 school year, as well as several other programs to entice students to return.
These efforts are focused on improving Burke in four major areas: academics, fine arts, career and technology offerings, and early college programs.
State Senator Marlon Kimpson and State Representative Wendell Gilliard have also taken special interest in helping Burke thrive. Gilliard is part of the team that has plans in the works to improve the athletic facilities at the school, including a potential partnership with The Citadel.
A Vision for the Future: Diversity and Unity
As Burke High School moves forward, its supporters envision a future where the school embraces diversity and serves as a unifying catalyst for the Charleston community.
Alumni and community members emphasize the importance of open communication about race and a commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all students.
The goal is to create a neighborhood school that succeeds for everyone while embracing its history and legacy. By fostering a close-knit, family atmosphere and providing a quality education to all students, Burke High School can continue to be a source of pride for the Charleston community for generations to come.
Preserving the Legacy: Honoring Tradition and Progress
For the past, present and future alumni of Burke High School, we request for the name of the school to remain the same in honor of the tradition and legacy of the school. We are aware that the local inner City of Charleston, South Carolina is currently going through re-gentrification and we know the demographics that make up the student body will one day change. Burke High School’s history reveals a powerful legacy of long-term contributions and struggles to secure quality education for African Americans in the Charleston area before desegregation, and for all Burke students following public school integration in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
The school facility is highly regarded and the Burke High School Marching Band, the Steppin’ Bulldogs, is renowned throughout the state.
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