Setting the Record Straight: The True Story of RH Lewis School in Kinston and when it actually was closed !

There’s been some confusion in our community about the history of RH Lewis School. Some have claimed that the school closed its doors in 1990, but that simply isn’t true. RH Lewis School remained open and active, serving students and families in Kinston until the 2005-2006 school year.

During those years, students didn’t just attend classes—they graduated and proudly walked across the RH Lewis stage to receive their diplomas. These graduation ceremonies were important milestones, filled with joy, pride, and the support of family, friends, and teachers. The memories made on that stage are a testament to the school’s lasting impact on our community.

However, not all memories from RH Lewis School were positive. Devonna Watkins-Holloway, who graduated in 2004, had to seek legal advice just to receive the diploma she rightfully earned. Her determination and perseverance highlight both the struggles and the triumphs experienced by RH Lewis students during those years.

Another former student, Vickie Rhem, recalls being treated like a prisoner at the school. She describes having to adhere to strip searches that included squatting and coughing, as well as being subjected to canine searches just to enter the building. These experiences are a stark reminder of the challenges some students faced and the resilience they showed in pursuing their education.

Transparency is everything in a community. The organization that purchased the RH Lewis building should have done thorough research before acquiring it in the community’s name. I pray that they will reestablish the truth: this building, once an all-white school, is now an inheritance in our Black community. At the very least, the name should be changed to reflect its new legacy. We must also ask—what was the purpose of spreading the falsehood that the building has been vacant for more years than it actually has?

Let’s honor the real legacy of RH Lewis School by sharing the truth—the achievements, the struggles, and the stories of those who lived them. If you or someone you know walked across that stage or has a story to share, I invite you to add your voice in the comments. Together, we can ensure the history of RH Lewis School is remembered accurately and with pride.