African American Students in Classroom, Whittier Primary School, Virginia, 1899-1900

Whittier Primary School in Hampton, Virginia was a historically significant school for African American children during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was established around 1899-1900 as a part of the efforts to provide education for African American children during the era of segregation in the United States. The school was part of a larger movement to provide equal educational opportunities for African Americans, despite the challenges posed by segregation and discrimination.

At the time, public schools for African American children in Virginia were underfunded and inadequate compared to schools for white children. The establishment of Whittier Primary School - and similar schools - was a response to these inequalities, and aimed to provide a basic education for African American children.

Whittier Primary School played a significant role in the African American community of Hampton and the surrounding areas, providing education and creating opportunities for future generations.