Black students attended Earlington Colored School by 1891. A wooden school was replaced by a brick building in 1905 by St. Bernard Mining Co. on land donated by J.B. Atkinson. Inspired by Rev. Joseph W. Million, activist and pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, the school was renamed the J.W. Million School in 1938. Prof. Lester G. Mimms, a dedicated principal and educator, served the Hopkins County School System for 37 years, was the renowned basketball coach of the J.W. Million Purple Waves from 1935-1964, and received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities in 1980 from Simmons Bible College.