The Network
Historic Black schools are at the center of the network. Participating schools represent communities across the Midlands and beyond, each with its own history, preservation journey, and vision for the future.
The South Carolina Historic Black Schools Preservation Network brings together representatives from historic Black schools, community leaders, and supporting organizations to connect, share resources, and strengthen preservation efforts across South Carolina.
Central Carolina Community Foundation serves as a convener, helping schools and partners build relationships, identify shared needs, and work toward common goals while supporting locally led efforts in the communities these schools call home.
The South Carolina Historic Black Schools Preservation Network began as an effort to bring together individuals and organizations working to preserve historic Black schools across the Midlands. Recognizing that many of these groups face similar challenges related to historic preservation, fundraising, sustainability, and access to resources, Central Carolina Community Foundation, along with members of the Lincoln High School Alumni Association, saw an opportunity to create a space for collaboration, shared learning, and connection.
What began as a small group of stakeholders has evolved into a growing network committed to preserving the history, legacy, and future of South Carolina’s historic Black schools in the Midlands and beyond.
The South Carolina Historic Black Schools Preservation Network exists to preserve, connect, and celebrate the legacy of South Carolina’s historic Black schools.
Through collaboration, shared learning, and collective action, the network seeks to:
Preserve the physical structures, stories, and cultural significance of these historic schools.
Connect alumni groups, communities, and preservation partners to strengthen their collective voice and impact.
Educate and engage younger generations, educators, and the public about the vital role these schools played in shaping African American history and community life.
Empower communities through shared resources, economic opportunities, and creative reuses that sustain these sites for future generations.
Historic Black schools are at the center of the network. Participating schools represent communities across the Midlands and beyond, each with its own history, preservation journey, and vision for the future.
Booker T Washington High School — Richland County — [Visit Website]
Bull Swamp Colored School and Community Center — Orangeburg County — [Visit Website]
Jackson High School — Kershaw County — [Visit Website]
Jordan Elementary School — Clarendon County — [Visit Website]
Lakeview School — Lexington County — [Visit Website]
Long Point School — Charleston County — [Visit Website]
St. John School — Sumter County — [Visit Website]
The Historic Black Schools Preservation Network members represent communities across South Carolina.
The network also includes organizations that bring expertise, resources, research, preservation knowledge, and other support to participating schools.
Supporting Members:
African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, National Trust for Historic Preservation
University of South Carolina Center for Civil Rights History and Research
South Carolina Humanities
Every school represented in the network carries a story shaped by the people who learned, taught, gathered, and built community there.
[Short feature or interview quote highlighting the school’s history, preservation work, community significance, current efforts, and hopes for the future.]
[Short feature or interview quote highlighting the school’s history, preservation work, community significance, current efforts, and hopes for the future.]
Participating schools are invited to complete an ongoing network survey that helps build a clearer picture of historic Black schools across South Carolina.
The information helps the network better understand where schools are in their preservation journeys, identify shared needs and opportunities, and inform future resources and collaboration.
Possible data points for future infographic or visual content:
[XX schools represented]
[XX counties represented]
[XX schools restored or actively being restored]
[XX schools currently serving their communities]
[Other survey findings]
If you represent a historic Black school, preservation organization, community group, or other organization interested in the network, we would like to hear from you! Learn more about participating in the Network’s meetings, supporting the network, or staying informed about future opportunities.
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