The Negro Einstein

Lucien Alexis Sr.Lucien  Victor Alexis (1887-1981)

 Not very much is known of Lucien Alexis’ early childhood in New Orleans, but what is known are the achievements he would make in later years to come. Born on July 8, 1887 to Louis Victor and Alice Saucier Alexis, he was educated in the local schools where he excelled academically. Alexis was determined to attend Harvard University. Not having the finances to do so, he began working in 1907(at the age of twenty) as a railway mail clerk, saving for the education he so desperately desired.

By the time he reached twenty-seven, he had set aside enough money for four years of college. He applied and was accepted at Harvard but was asked to attend (for one year) Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, a prestigious preparatory high school. While at Exeter, he lived in the home of Mr. H.F. Quimby and soon developed a keen interest in foreign languages and the sciences. By now he had only enough money for three years upon entering Harvard, so he managed by graduating “cum laude” a year early (1917). It was there, at Harvard, that he earned the nickname: “The Negro Einstein.”

That same year, Alexis entered Officers’ Training School in Des Moines, Iowa and was commissioned as a 1st lieutenant and assigned to the 367th Infantry on October 15, 1917. World War I was raging in Europe and Alexis sailed for service in France on June, 1918. Two months before departing, Alexis married Rita Holt in Gulfport, Mississippi and together they would have one son, Lucien Victor Alexis Jr.

  Upon returning to New Orleans, Alexis took up the profession of teaching. He was assigned to McCarthy Elementary in 1921 and appointed Assistant Principal in 1923 at Willow Elementary. But his greatest reward came in 1926 when he became principal of McDonogh#35, the only public high school opened for the education of colored students in the city of New Orleans. For the next nearly 30 years, he would leave an indelible mark on this institution which is still being echoed by many of his formal students up to the present day.

“It was not unusual to spot our principal walking up and down the corridors of the Rampart Street School reading scientific works printed in German. Noted for his mastery of Latin, he often found time to instruct advanced classes in the subject.”  (Class of 1936)

Other graduates affectionately tell stories of his successful administration but also his dreadful “army”. Being a former military man, Lucien was said to be strict but fair as well as famous for his method of disciplining students. Students who violated his dress or discipline code were forced to join Alexis’ “army” and ordered to march up and down the second floor of the school building.

Respect for Mr. Alexis soon extended beyond the school grounds and into the community. Since McDonogh#35 was located on South Rampart and Girod Streets, the students had to pass through a neighborhood of sleazy bars, houses of prostitution and various other vices. Often the girls were meddled by men on the way going and coming from school. Fortunately, once it was known that you were an “Alexis” girl, you were never meddled again. They respected Mr. Alexis and knew to show respect to his students.

The “Negro Einstein” did not give up his interest and love for science once he became principal. For five years he engaged in serious scientific study and soon published a 40 page brochure outlining his principles of a new theory which he termed his “ethonic” theory.

 From 1929 to 1937, he published the following scientific articles: Fundamentals in Physics & in Chemistry, The Thermo-Electric Formula, The Riddle of the Magnetic Field, An Empirical Disclosure of the Fallacies of Relativity, A Counter-Deduction from Bent Alpha Tracks, Radiations-Their Loci of Travel and Their Loci of Origin, The Co-Origin of Gravity&Cosmic Rays, Simple Formulae for Measuring Atoms, Their Speed, and the Speed of Light.

Upon retirement, the brilliant educator and published author opened Straight Business School on North Claiborne near Esplanade Avenue and Mrs. Alexis basically ran it. Lucien Alexis also was president of the Supreme Industrial Life Insurance Company, founder and executive director of the School of Post-Modern Science in New Orleans, and a charter member of Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

 Alexis also spent a great deal of time on his favorite hobbies at home. On the 25th Anniversary of his graduation from Harvard, he told the Harvard press of these hobbies:

“Don’t interfere with my physics and chemistry, which I have raised from the ignoble position of a hobby into the dignified status of a science. Don’t interfere with my Italian which I have picked up since leaving you fellows. Don’t interfere with my German, my French, or my Spanish which I have kept plugging at. These are my near hobbies. You may interfere with my gardening and my frequent efforts at directing operettas, especially the Gilbert and Sullivan ones, for there you are in the field of real hobbies of mine.”

Lucien Alexis passed away December 18, 1981. He is buried in the family’s tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No.3.

For more on this family read… “Lucien Alexis Jr. (1921-1975)” posted here on CreoleGen on July 19, 2015.

SourcesHarvard Class of 1918: Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Report (1943), Harvard University Archives; Orleans Parish School Board Minutes 9/23/1921p.467 and 9/14/1923p.336 (University of New Orleans); 50th Class Reunion Booklet-McDonogh#35- graduating class of 1936 (University of New Orleans); Photo taken from The Roneagle 1931 Yearbook (personal copy); The Louisiana Weekly 18 Sept. 1926 p.1; The Times Picayune, 03 October 1992 (B1); Southern Discomfort- The Boston Globe, 12 Dec.,2004 p.4

Lolita V. Cherrie

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37 thoughts on “The Negro Einstein

  1. I totally agree with your comments. I’ve always admired Mr. Lucien Alexis ever since students from McD#35 started telling me about how he affected their lives when they were there in the 1930s and 40s. I was amazed to find that very little research had been done on him and hardly anything ever written. It’s probably because he was a humble person and didn’t care for the limelight. Harvard Univ. was of great assistance and slowly Jari Honora and I were able to piece together Alexis’ story. I am so proud that now his accomplishments are here for others to read. He so deserves it and should stand as a role model for other young people.

  2. Mr. Alexis was my Business Economics teacher at Straight Business School. I attended the school from 1963-1965 and graduated. Mr. Alexis started each Business Economics class with a quote that I remember until this day: “The business of business is to make money.”

  3. Brenda,
    The Alexis you are referring to that taught you at Straight Business School was probably his son, Lucien Victor Alexis Jr., since he eventually ran the school.

    • My grandmother attended Straight before it became a college and said this Alexis is the one that taught there.

  4. He had a wonderful career but what did African Americans and America lose because of its insane racism. This man was Presidential , Fortune 500 material and more. I am so inspired.

  5. My grandmother graduated from McDonogh #35 in 1945. I shared this with her and she was elated. She sent me a text at 2 am to tell me about the great man that he was.

    • Hello! My name is Wanda Romain–a McDonogh #35 graduate of 1985. I am working on a project to collect information and histories about “Golden Roneagles” with rich stories to share. Our school’s Alumni Association is planning a Centennial Celebration in 2017–a school-year long celebration of McDonogh #35’s impact on the New Orleans community. I would love to speak with your grandmother (if she is still living and able to speak) about her experiences at our school. If this type of visit is possible, please contact me at warteachnola@yahoo.com.

      Thank You!

  6. Most of us learn about these great individuals by pure research or happenstance. After reading about Mr. Alexis, I am thinking that if not for racism, the man was presidential.

  7. Great story … great man. Also equally nice to learn he was an Alpha Phi Alpha brother (Motto: “The Light Of The World”) — Much like other men whose intelligence and drive are lived out in the tradition of our original 9 Cornell Univ Alpha Jewels, bothers Paul Roberson (Rutgers), Thurgood Marshal (Howard), MLK, Jr, (Morehouse, Boston U), myself (GW), and many, many others.

  8. Wow, This man was the real deal. He would have made a fine President in those times, Maybe our nation would be in better condition. There should be some kind of national rcognition for this man.

  9. Let us be extremely diligent, to assure the next Mr. or Miss Alexis does become president..

  10. I have often thought that principals should find time to continue in the classroom…as an example of true leadership and guidance.

  11. Very interested fellow! I never heard of him and would definately want to know more about his live. Keep me posted…
    thx!

  12. So glad to have had the opportunity to attend Straights Business School for the six week summer programs for children. They gave me a great foundation for my Accounting education and career later.

  13. Lucien Victor Alexis was the brother of my grandfather Benoit Victor Alexis. I attended Straight Business School upon graduating from St. Mary’s Academy in New Orleans. The education I received at Straight Business School has served me extremely well over the years of my work career.

    • I am doing research about the options for African Americans living in New Orleans to get an education in business, especially women, during the period between 1963 to 1972. I am interested in finding out more about the Straight Business School. For instance, the cost, how they were financed, if they offered scholarships, their curriculum, teachers, and track record. If anyone could help in my research I would be grateful! Thank you.

  14. This is so inspirational! We must continue to expose such great history of our people! It will benefit all people in a world full of misinformation and ignorance of our accomplishment and value to the world that all enjoy today.

  15. It is very heart warming to read so many comments about my grand uncle Lucien Victor Alexis. Both he and his son
    Lucien , Jr. were very intelligent men. It was an honor to have received a major part of my education at Straight Business School.

  16. Presidents have been reduced to puppets. His leadership was needed exactly where he ended up as a principal and businessman, not to mention family man.

  17. I am thrilled to come across this phenomenal article of Lucien V. Alexis! He has left quite a legacy for all of us to be proud of. I am astonished, because I’ve taught over 1000 hours of “Black History ” on facebook and I’ve never heard of Lucien. These are the kind of stories that was kept from us in school and it’s very unfortunate. Lucien was brilliant! He was Deep & Profound with Great Merit!!!!

  18. Born at the wrong time, I often think of this with Malcolm X …if only? So many brilliant black men and women falling through the cracks in this world, just because of their color. How many could have given more if they were allowed to do so?

  19. Graduated from Straight Business School in 1953 and worked for Supreme Life Insurance. Mrs Alexis and Alexis Jr were my teachers. I took shorthand and business machines plus also bookkeeping.

  20. Pingback: Charter schools nearly destroyed McDonogh 35. Now it will become one

    • Obilo Nwokogba…It is such an honor to meet you. I am a great admirer of your great-grandfather, Lucien Alexis !! Even though I never met him nor attended McDonogh 35 High School, I know so many older citizens (many now who are deceased) that spoke of your great- grandfather with the greatest respect. He led the first black public high school that turned out generations of professionals, teachers, principals, business and political leaders in this city. They succeeded not only by the high academic standards he set but also by the high ethical values he demanded. You should be proud…Lolita

  21. Yet another great black man who stepped out of the darkness into the light. His life was bright and very strong. I’m so proud to have learned about his life and so many accomplishments!

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