TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The historic St. Peter Claver Catholic School is at risk of closing and a social media influencer is stepping in to help. 

St. Peter Claver Catholic School is the oldest surviving historically Black primary school in Florida. It has been a part of our community since 1894. Right after the school was built, people burned the building down, but after rebuilding it has been educating local youth ever since. 

“Tampa doesn’t look the same,” said John Davidson, principal of St. Peter Claver. 

Davidson grew up in downtown Tampa’s historic Central Park neighborhood just three blocks away from the school he now leads. Davidson is in his first year as principal at St. Peter Claver. 

“I’ve always known the history of St. Peter Claver and understanding it was a cornerstone and a really important piece to the Central Park area especially when the projects were here, but now sitting in this seat and understanding what this school means to the families, it’s exciting,” he said.

Nestled right off Governor Street, St. Peter Claver Catholic School has been educating kindergarten through eighth-grade students for 131 years. Established during segregation, only African American students were allowed to attend. Today, with 98 students enrolled, 99% of students are Black. 

“We remind them that they are sitting in a building, not just the age of the building, but the intention of the building was to make sure a quality education was provided for all,” Davidson said. 

However, even as a historic staple, enrollment numbers are low, and there are fears the school could close. 

“There have been fears before due to missing enrollment numbers, and that has been the case for a while,” Davidson said. “Meanwhile we know the 8th grade outcomes, that’s still there.”

The school is now moving to a micro school model with the hope that helps turn things around. Meantime, people in the community are stepping in to help, like Anthony Gilbert. 

“St. Peter Claver means so much just knowing my family grew up here” Gilbert said. 

Gilbert is a social media influencer. He uses his “Call Anthony” platform for food reviews but recently to advocate for St. Peter Claver. 

“When he did, we got a lot of feedback just from him doing a quick 20-second post about the history of the school, and what it is, so very grateful for Mr. Anthony,” Davidson said. 

“My goal is for the school to maintain what it has been for so many years to provide that quality education to minorities to African Americans just to see it here for another 100 years,” Gilbert said. 

Together, Gilbert and the school are holding community enrollment drives where you can learn about the school and apply for scholarships. The next drive is April 6 at the school. They will also host a golf tournament fundraiser on March 3.

To support or sponsor, head to the school’s website to contact school officials.