First Black student to integrate Fayette schools recognized for ‘bold and historic step’

The first Black student to integrate Fayette schools received Lafayette High School’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the school’s graduation ceremony Friday.

Helen Caise Wade, 83, became the first Black student to attend a white school in Lexington when she went to Lafayette for summer school in 1955.

In a speech about the award, Hannah Kohm, the 2022 senior class treasurer, called Wade’s action “a bold and historic step.”

Wade, a sophomore at the original Douglass High School, which was a predominantly Black school, experienced challenges when she attended Lafayette, Kohm said:

“Nine family members escorted her back and forth to school each day to ensure her safety. Her family received threats and her father’s business suffered,“ said Kohm.

She graduated from Douglass and briefly attended the University of Kentucky before studying at Kentucky State University to become a teacher.

After graduating, Wade moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she taught for 45 years. She is now a retired teacher living in Lexington, said Kohm.

Wade was also recognized during the ceremony as an honorary alumni member of Lafayette High School.

On Saturday, Wade said receiving the recognitions was “an honor and it was a shock and it was appreciated.”

This story was originally published May 31, 2022 at 11:25 AM.