RSTS Presents at the Landmark Conference 2024

RSTS Presents at the Landmark Conference 2024

by | Mar 22, 2024 | Conference, CVSC, Rosenwald School, WeGOJA

by Timika M. Wilson

From Vision to State Park: A study of Rosenwald Schools will help determine the viability of a new historic trail.

Speakers, Timika Wilson, Dr. Larry Watson, Dr. Valinda Littlefield, Tripp Muldrow, Holley Springs, and Zach Bjur presented the rich history of the Rosenwald Schools in South Carolina at the 2024 Landmark Conference at SC State University. These early-20th century schools were built to serve rural African American children. Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald helped to ensure that the Black community could have a sustainable network of schools focused on community and education based on a cost shared model with funding from the Rosenwald Fund, the community, and the state. With over 500 schools built in SC, this network has regrettably been lost over time. At least 44 schools remain in some shape or form across SC. The Rosenwald Schools Trail Study seeks to determine whether a set of extant sites could become South Carolina’s first state park focused on African American and Jewish history. The study is a collaborative effort of the Conservation Voters of South Carolina, the WeGOJA Foundation, the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, the SC Department of Archives and History, and Rosenwald preservation organizations across the state. The study will focus on six sites: Great Branch Rosenwald School and Teacherage. Lincolnville, Hope School, St. George, Mt. Zion, and Pine Grove.

During the study, the Master Planners and Oral Historian will engage with alumni and community stakeholders to assess site integrity and build a descriptive narrative to design a plan that shares this important history with the public. This 18-month initiative will provide a report that any school and stakeholder could utilize to develop an interconnected trail both virtually and physically highlighting the success of the students and surrounding communities.

Key concerns from participants at the conference included: how other schools may be incorporated and included in a wider trail, what to do if you know a Rosenwald School isn’t depicted, but should be, and how best to assist in this important work. Join our community of volunteers, stakeholders, and advocates at our website for project updates and inquiries.

For more information on the study, go to https://scrosenwaldtrail.org/ or contact us at info@wegoja.org.

CVSC and WeGOJA at Pine Grove Rosenwald School

CVSC and WeGOJA at Pine Grove Rosenwald School

by | Feb 7, 2024 | CVSC, Rosenwald School, WeGOJA

by Timika M. Wilson

Seated is Pine Grove Rosenwald School student, Iris Taylor Simpkins. She conveyed her memories of going to a Rosenwald school, how education was valued in the community and how that education produced many outstanding students who became educators themselves. Brenda McGriff, volunteer curator and member of the SC Rosenwald Schools Trail Study Steering Committee, detailed the unique role of the school to the community to the Conservation Voters of South Carolina Board of Directors and the WeGOJA Foundation Project Leader. While the Rosenwald Fund helped to pay for the initial school in 1923, it was the Black community that came together to fund the remaining requirements to build and staff the school.

Iris will be featured in the upcoming February 28th SC Rosenwald Schools Trail Study Bulletin. This hard copy booklet features information on the contributors to the study and how the final product will include a master plan and oral histories that highlights both Jewish and African American stories. Pine Grove is one of the six schools initially included in this study.

To learn more about the Pine Grove Rosenwald School go to https://richlandcountyrecreation.com/rosenwald-school/