The Southgate Street School, once on the brink of becoming a parking lot, stands today as a symbol of community spirit and history, largely due to the efforts of two pivotal figures: Robert Ingguls and Patricia Headen. Born in Lexington, Robert was deeply influenced by his education at Southgate and became a prominent advocate for preserving its legacy. Similarly, Patricia, deeply rooted in community and faith, was not just an alumnus but a guardian of the school's history. Together, they worked tirelessly to maintain the school's heritage and ensure its stories weren't forgotten. Both often recounted the school's educational excellence and the community's unique approach to integration. Their dedication ensures that the legacy of Southgate Street School continues to inspire future generations.

This series is based on the book "The Legacy of Southgate Street School, Preserving a Landmark of the Black History of Newport, Kentucky", authored by Liz Farwick, Olivia Blake, Ella Cooper, Maddy Del Rio, Eli Dunn, Hannah Steffen, and Zac Trice, and edited by Dr. Nicholas Caporusso. The book is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2SG2HQJ.

This project is dedicated to Robert Ingguls and Patricia “Patty” Headen, remembered for their help and dedication to preserving the legacy of Southgate Street School in Newport, Kentucky. Special thanks to Mark Neikirk, Executive Director of NKU's Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement, Scott Clark, Historic Preservation Officer of the city of Newport, Kentucky, and Daylin Garland from Southgate Street School museum.

If you want to learn more about the project, visit http://www.cprnhl.com/southgate.