HEROD HOUSE RESIDENTIAL MUSEUM
James A. Herod
“Who is James A Herod? And why is he being honored?”
James A. Herod is known as the Father of African American Education in Vermilion Parish. James A. Herod was born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 12, 1860. Herod was sent to Louisiana by the American Missionary Association to attend Straight College and New Orleans University (both which are now Dillard University in New Orleans). He entered Louisiana during the late 1800’s when slavery was abolished, but Jim Crow laws were in effect. Upon understanding how the Jim Crow laws impacted minority education, Herod wanted to ensure that African American youth and other minorities received an equitable and inclusive education.
In addition to the fight for educational equality, James A. Herod and his wife, Josephine, decided to teach and give African American students strong role models to follow. According to the Vermilion Historical Society, the first building he used to teach in was St. Mary Congregational Church. This church, located at 213 S. Louisiana Avenue in Abbeville, Louisiana, still stands today. Through Herod’s work at St. Mary Congregational Church, schools and other educational facilities were built in his name. While Herod’s main focus was education for the children and youth of the community, he embraced all subjects and he also taught the Bible to the elders of the town. The legacy of James A. Herod has transcended both time and generations.
With all that James A. Herod has sown into Vermilion Parish and other communities of Louisiana, our organization is honored to pay homage to a man who gave his life to empower and uplift African Americans through education and ministry.
Dedication of the Herod House Residential Museum
