* Before the Civil War: While formally enslaved people were largely prohibited from education, some clandestine schools and informal educational opportunities existed, often led by free Black individuals or sympathetic whites. These were, however, extremely limited and risky.
* After the Civil War (Reconstruction Era): The period following the Civil War saw the founding of many schools for formerly enslaved people. The Freedmen's Bureau played a significant role in establishing and supporting these schools. However, even then, access to education was far from equal, and resources were often severely lacking. The exact date of the "first" school is difficult to pinpoint due to the informal nature of some early initiatives and the lack of comprehensive records.
* Post-Reconstruction: The establishment of schools for Black people continued after Reconstruction, but faced significant challenges due to segregation, limited funding, and persistent racism.
In short, there's no single definitive date. The creation of schools for Black people in the South was a long, uneven, and contested process that spanned decades and didn't happen all at once.