Tampa’s Harlem Academy

Designated The Mother of African-American Schools, the historic Harlem Academy was the first public school for African-American children in Tampa. Classes were originally held in the Hillsborough County Courthouse until 1868, when a permanent building was erected (financed by the The Friedman’s Bureau of the government). At its opening, this structure was known as Tampa School No. 2. By 1889, a new building had been constructed and it officially became known as Harlem Academy. Four years later, this building was destroyed by fire. The African-American community raised funds to rebuild the school. In the meantime, space for the students was provided by the nearby St. Paul AME church.
The new school opened in 1895, eventually to be replaced by a all brick building in 1912. One of the school’s principals, Christina Meacham, helped to organize the Florida Negro Teacher’s Association. As a result, in 1923, the school was renamed in her honor.
​ Harlem Academy (now known as the Meacham school) closed in 1968, later to be demolished to make way for apartments and condos. A historic marker was erected on the site of the school in 2008.

Located on East Harrison Street near North Morgan Street, this Historic Harlem Academy marker was erected by the School District of Hillsborough County, Historic Harlem Academy Alumni, and the Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council.

When the Academy was destroyed by an 1892 fire, the nearby St. Paul AME Church provided space until a new building was completed in 1895.

The all brick Harlem Academy School of 1912.

This archival photo is of the Class of 1960...

...and of an earlier Class (probably taken in the 1950’s).