The Bridge That Brought Us Over: The History of Westfield High School

An historical memoir of an African-American high school in the deep south from 1933 until present day.

Westfield High School came into existence in 1933 to meet the needs of mining and steelworking families who desired that their children would be prepared to have a better life than they did. The history of "the little white schoolhouse on Tin Mill Road" shows a motivated and determined group of African-American students who overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to become successful in many areas far beyond what might have been expected. The students not only experienced the love and nurturing of their parents, there was a mutual bond of love and respect between the teachers and students. Excellence was encouraged and expected. This book chroncicles not only the history of Westfield High School and the events surrounding its founding and subsequent closing in 1971, it gives a view of student activities and campus life through the eyes of former students. Forty-seven years after the unexpected closing of the school a book is being written about Westfield. As of 2018, annual all-class reunions have been held since 1969. Established alumni chapters (six remaining out of a total of nine) currently meet regularly, participate in various projects, and plan and host the yearly reunions. These and other ongoing activities are helping to insure that Westfield High School will never be forgotten.

Birmingham Chapter of Westfield High School Alumni Association is one of six remaining alumni chapters which were formed after the 1971 closing of Westfield High School. The founder of the alumni association, Clarence Reeves, Sr. determined that the close relationships shared between the students and with the teachers and principals deserved to be continued in the form of yearly all-class reunions which would be hosted by the various chapters formed in several cities around the country. The Birmingham chapter was formed in 1973 under the leadership of founder and first president James Jordan.(1973-1982) As of 2018 the succeeding presidents of the chapter have been Luzadie Grant (1982-1983), Edgar Terry (1983-1996), Alma Green (1996-2011), Murray Morrow, Jr. (2011-2013), Eddie Hendrix (2013-2015) and Mary L. Milner (2015-present). The Birmingham chapter, as well as the other chapters, is still actively involved in ongoing projects and activities, such as scholarships and charitable causes that will insure the continuation of the "Ole Westfield Spirit."