Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (BLEC) is the recipient of a grant for the Lakeview School Museum from the Association of African American Museums in partnership with the National Park Service’s African American Civil Rights Network Grant Program.
BLEC is one of only two South Carolina organizations selected for a grant. Eighteen other organizations from across the nation will share $447,205 in total awards.
“We are excited to support these impactful initiatives that amplify the voices and experiences of African Americans in the fight for equality,” said Dr. Vedet Coleman-Robinson, President & CEO of the Association of African American Museums. “Through this grant program, we aim to empower organizations to continue their vital work in preserving and sharing the rich history of the African American community.”
Added Dr. Turkiya Lowe, National Park Service Principal Historian/Deputy Federal Preservation Officer, “The partnership between the National Park Service and the Association of African American Museums is crucial in ensuring that funding reaches organizations equipped with the expertise and dedication to preserve and promote African American cultural heritage, especially in relation to Civil Rights history.
“AAAM’s role as the leading organization supporting African American cultural institutions uniquely positions them to identify and support projects that authentically represent the diverse tapestry of African American history and culture. Together, we are dedicated to advancing the preservation and celebration of African American heritage for generations to come.”
The former Lakeview School, which is now the site of the BLEC, is listed on the National Register for Historic Places. Lakeview School existed from 1925 to 1968 as an all-Black elementary and high school in Columbia prior to the desegregation of public schools in South Carolina. The Lakeview School Museum was established in 2018 by Dr. Rudolph and Mrs. Corliss Wise to preserve the legacy of the Lakeview School and the Lakeview community. Dr. Wise attended Lakeview High School prior to integration, but later graduated from Airport High School.
“We are thankful for and appreciative of this grant,” said Bennie L. Sulton, chairperson of the BLEC Board of Directors and a top honor graduate of Lakeview High School. “This grant is significant in our effort to preserve the proud legacy of our school to empower and instill in students the values of hard work, academic preparation, and the commitment and determination to face the challenges and opportunities of the future with confidence.”
Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, BLEC executive director, was equally ecstatic about the grant.
“We are excited that our application was approved for funding under tough competition,” Dr. Richburg Cotton said. “Lakeview holds a special memory for students who attended the school, and we are committed to ensure it remains a living legacy.”
