RCSD Names School After WDKX Founder Andrew A. Langston

The Rochester school board voted to change 7 different school names, and one school is being named after Andrew A. Langston. The Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Monroe County Broadcasting Company and WDKX-FM.  Andrew A. Langston Middle School at the Jefferson Campus at Edgerton Park. The schools are listed below, along with the district’s descriptions of their new namesakes.

• Ida B. Wells-Barnett Elementary School 34 for the school on Lexington Avenue, replacing the name of Louis Cerulli.
  • “A prominent journalist, activist, and researcher in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ida B. Wells-Barnett spearheaded a vigorous campaign against lynching in the United States. She embraced the women’s club movement throughout her lifetime, urging women to participate in clubs where they could take charge and wield influence.”
• Austin Steward Elementary School 46 for the school on Newcastle Road, replacing the name of Charles Carroll.
  • “A prominent journalist, activist, and researcher in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ida B. Wells-Barnett spearheaded a vigorous campaign against lynching in the United States. She embraced the women’s club movement throughout her lifetime, urging women to participate in clubs where they could take charge and wield influence.“

• Loretta Johnson Middle School, replacing the former Madison High School and Wilson Foundation Academy location on Genesee Street.
  • “A longtime Rochester school administrator, Loretta Johnson became the first woman to lead the District as Interim Superintendent from 1994 to 1995. Ms. Johnson came to Rochester in 1969 and taught elementary school.”
• Thurgood Marshall Middle School at the Charlotte Campus.
  • “Thurgood Marshall was an American civil rights lawyer and jurist. He served as an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1967 to 1991, becoming the first African American justice on the Court.”
• Dr. Freddie Thomas Middle School
  • “Dr. Freddie Thomas excelled in numerous fields throughout his lifetime. Hailing from Virginia, he pursued studies at Virginia State University, Wagner College, Albany Medical School, and the University of Rochester. Notably, he made significant contributions to biological research at the Eastman Kodak Company and the University of Rochester.“

• Padilla High School, replacing the Franklin High School.
  • “One of the earliest migrants to reach Rochester was the Padilla Family, led by patriarch Ramon. He began his new life in Rochester working for American Home Foods, a major employer of Puerto Ricans. The Padilla family included Mr. and Mrs. Padilla and their ten children, several of whom have held positions within the District and are pillars of the Rochester community.”

Source: Rochester First