Wrisley, Winifred M.

The Allen High School was a girls school located in Asheville, North Carolina, which served the African-American population from 1887-1974. It was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church Woman's Home Missionary Society. The original name was Allen Industrial Training School. It was one of two high schools for black students in the 17 counties of western North Carolina to be accredited by the SACSC. Presidential Scholar award winner Andrea Williams and jazz singer Nina Simone are among graduates od Allen High School. Allen High School was closed in 1974 because of a lack of funds and a decrease in enrollment due to desegregation. By 1978, an Allen High School Alumnae Association was formed.