Lincoln School in Atchison, Kansas opened in 1921 as the school for all African-American students through 8th grade and became the hub of the community as well as the focal point for the drive to integrate Atchison’s school system. Led by Principal Evelyn Weaver (Harper) beginning in 1947, the school prepared students for life and helped lay the groundwork for ending segregation through strong parent involvement, high expectations for students, and a well rounded program of education, extra-curricular activities, thrift programs, sports, and mandated teacher involvement. When classes began in September 1955, Atchison became the first community in Kansas to comply with the Brown v. Topeka Board of Education decision to end segregation in the schools. The school first opened to students in September 1921, its gymnasium was added in 1937 as the only major addition to the structure, it served African-American students until integration was completed in 1955, and it remained in use as one of the district’s five elementary schools until 1997.