First African American school in Okaloosa to be demolished and rebuilt

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – A historic part of Okaloosa County is about to be changed. The county’s first school for black children still exists, but not for long.

Brooks School in Fort Walton Beach has undergone many changes over the years. It first opened in the 1950s after the Brooks family donated the land when it became clear it was needed.

“It was the only option we had. At that time, there was no other school for African-American students,” said Felix Cole, senior pastor of Beulah First Baptist Church.

The school is located next to and is owned by Beulah First Baptist Church. It has not been used for many years and sits empty and run down. The weather and time have taken a toll on the school’s old walls, windows and doors, but they are still standing strong.

Cole said because the buildings are in such disrepair, church members have to decide what comes next. He said there was a lot of back and forth and the group was passionate about preserving the school and its history. But he said ultimately they would have to make a very tough decision.

“Because we lacked investment from outside sources and were unable to repair and bring it up to code, we had to make the difficult decision to demolish the school,” Cole said.

The old school buildings are scheduled to be demolished between the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025.

But that’s not the end of the Brooks School story.

Cole said they would build new buildings on the campus and open a K-8 school, to be called Brooks School. He said one of their main priorities in this new chapter will be preserving the past, with things like the current plaque and other items from the original school preserved and displayed for years to come.

“We want to preserve history and rebuild it,” Cole said.

Cole also said the school will be a Christian school and will include STEM classes so the children can explore different fields, passions and their faith.

But the dream is to make the campus more than a school. Cole said there are plans to expand and provide resources to the community, such as creating a family life center, partnering with historically black colleges to hold courses on campus, providing resources for those who have previously been incarcerated, and creating space for activities for senior citizens were just a few that were mentioned.

One of the big things they want to add, Cole says, having served our country himself and knowing it’s desperately needed: affordable child care.

“There is a waiting list throughout the county,” Cole said. “But having something you can rely on and that’s affordable is one of the biggest expenses families are facing right now.”

There is currently a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program at Beulah First Baptist Church, but Cole said they hope to transfer it to the school and expand it.

However, to make all of these goals a reality, the church needs the support of the community.

“Everything we fund now, from demolition to building, currently depends on the generosity and stewardship of the members of Beulah First Baptist Church,” Cole said. “We hope that investors will engage with us knowing that they’re not investing in Hurst Baptist, they’re not investing in Brooke School, but that the things we’re trying to offer are investing in its community.”

Once the school begins its new chapter, it will be a place where the community comes together.

“It’s not about black, white, gender or anything else. It’s about community,” Cole said.

Before all this begins, the community is invited to celebrate and remember the school’s past and impact.

A memorial service for Brooks School will be held at Beulah First Baptist Church on Saturday, October 26, at 2 p.m. Click here for updates.

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