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Lincoln School Project Overview The Lincoln School Project is a community-based initiative in West Plains, Missouri, that began as an organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the historic Lincoln School, a one-room segregation-era Black school. With the restoration now complete, the project's focus has shifted primarily to programmatic themes, community engagement, and the development of the Reflection Plaza, which will be located on the school grounds. History Lincoln School, built in 1926, located in West Plains, Missouri, was established to educate African American students during the era of racial segregation in the United States. The area where the school is located was initially known as "Nigger Hill," later referred to as Illinois Town, and is now simply referred to as "The Hill." After the school closed following desegregation, it became a community facility that hosted various organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the 4-H Program, and Alcoholics Anonymous. Recognizing the importance of preserving this historic site, the community-initiated efforts to restore Lincoln School. The Crockett and Tonya Oaks III purchased Lincoln School from the city on July 28, 2023, and the Lincoln School Project officially launched under the leadership of the Oaks Family. The project aims to honor the legacy of the teachers, students, and families associated with the school. The restoration was successfully completed, and the Lincoln School now serves as a cultural center that promotes historical awareness and education. Visual Art The Lincoln School houses significant art installations that celebrate its historical and cultural legacy. Among them is By God's Grace, a mural by Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo, which captures the community’s resilience, unity, and hope. The mural honors the experiences of students and educators who once filled the school, using vibrant colors and symbolic imagery to reflect both past challenges and achievements, while aligning with Lincoln School’s present role as a cultural center. Artist Heather Legler's stained-glass installation further enhances the school’s visual storytelling. Her work brings light and color to the space, with designs that highlight Lincoln School's historical significance and the broader heritage of the community. Together, Ogunwo’s mural and Legler’s stained glass are focal points within the school, embodying its mission to preserve and celebrate local history. Additionally, artist Paul Jones is currently completing a mural that portrays life at Lincoln School in the 1940s, enriching the cultural experience for visitors and deepening the connection to the community’s past. Restoration and Reflection Plaza The completion of the restoration has allowed the Lincoln School Project to focus on enhancing the cultural significance of the site. A key component of this vision is the development of the Reflection Plaza, which will feature two custom statues created by Big Statue, Inc. from Provo, Utah. The plaza is designed to serve as a space for reflection and community gatherings. One notable statue, sketched by artist Cbabi Bayoc, depicts a little boy saluting, and is titled "I Am America Too." The other statue, entitled "Feel the Love," is based on a childhood photo of Tonya L. Oaks, one of the founders of Lincoln School Project. These artistic elements will deepen the plaza's connection to the community and its history. Cultural Programs and Community Engagement As a cultural center, the Lincoln School Project offers a variety of programs aimed at fostering community engagement and promoting Black history. The project has hosted significant speakers, including exoneree Lamar Johnson, acclaimed artists, Cbabi Bayoc, Charly Palmer, and Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo, a lecturer and international artist. National scholars, Dr. Karida Brown, Dr. Marlin Barber, Dr. Jason and McCollom. Events during Black History Month, Juneteenth, Women History Month and other occasions provide platforms for dialogue and celebration of our collective contributions to society. Fundraising and Support The Lincoln School Project is sustained through local fundraising efforts, grants, and community support. Successful initiatives, such as the Soul Food Fundraiser, celebrate African American culinary traditions and raise essential funds for the project. Partnerships with various donors and sponsors play a crucial role in its ongoing efforts. Future Plans With the restoration of the Lincoln School complete, the project is focused on expanding its programming and community outreach. In 2025, the Lincoln School Project plans to host a special Black History Month event, further enriching the community's cultural landscape. Recognition and Impact Lincoln School is slated to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical significance. Through its restoration and ongoing programming, the Lincoln School Project continues to have a profound impact on the local community, fostering understanding and appreciation of African American history while promoting cultural diversity.
References
editReferences 1. “A New Chapter for History: The Revitalization of Lincoln School by Crockett and Tonya Oaks III,” West Plains Daily Quill, [November 9, 2023], [A New Chapter for History: The Revitalization of Lincoln School by Crockett and Tonya Oaks III | West Plains Daily Quill]. 2. “The Renovated Lincoln School Opens its Doors”, West Plains Daily Quill, [January 22, 2024], [The Renovated Lincoln School Opens its Doors | West Plains Daily Quill] 3. “Reflection Plaza at Lincoln School,” West Plains Daily Quill, [September 20, 2024], [Reflection Plaza at Lincoln School | West Plains Daily Quill] 4. “Unity and Heritage: Lincoln School dedication ceremony marks new chapter,” West Plains Daily Quill, [January 29, 2024], [Unity and Heritage: Lincoln School dedication ceremony marks new chapter | West Plains Daily Quill] 5. “Chris’ Corner The Lincoln School Welcomes Cbabi Bayoc,” West Plains Daily Quill, [October 1, 2024], [Chris’ Corner The Lincoln School Welcomes Cbabi Bayoc | West Plains Daily Quill] 6. “Lincoln School Dedication: Restoration culminates with a ceremony on Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” West Plains Daily Quill, [January 3, 2024], [Lincoln School Dedication: Restoration culminates with a ceremony on Martin Luther King Jr. Day | West Plains Daily Quill] 7. “Major Donations Bolster Restoration of Historic Lincoln School Project in West Plains,” West Plains Daily Quill, [December 7, 2023], [Major Donations Bolster Restoration of Historic Lincoln School Project in West Plains | West Plains Daily Quill] 8. “DAR plants white dogwood at Lincoln School for Arbor Day,” West Plains Daily Quill, [May 30, 2024], [DAR plants white dogwood at Lincoln School for Arbor Day | West Plains Daily Quill] 9. “West Plains Bank and Trust gives $5K to Lincoln School Project,” “West Plains Daily Quill, [September 19, 2023], [West Plains Bank and Trust gives $5K to Lincoln School Project | West Plains Daily Quill] 10. “Chris’ Corner – The next guest at Lincoln School is…,” “West Plains Daily Quill,” [March 12, 2024], [Chris’ Corner | West Plains Daily Quill] 11. “Crockett Oaks III to present Lincoln School history, updates to DAR,” West Plains Daily Quill,” [January 19, 2024], [Crockett Oaks III to present Lincoln School history, updates to DAR | West Plains Daily Quill] 12. “South Fork students learn about Lincoln School Project,” West Plains Daily Quill,” [March 1, 2024], [South Fork students learn about Lincoln School Project | West Plains Daily Quill] 13. “W.P. City council to hear proposal to sell Lincoln School property to Oaks family,” “West Plains Daily Quill,” [February 17, 2023], [W.P. City council to hear proposal to sell Lincoln School property to Oaks family | West Plains Daily Quill] 14. “Soul Food fundraiser unites community and honors tradition,” “West Plains Daily Quill,” [October 15, 2024], [Soul Food fundraiser unites community and honors tradition | West Plains Daily Quill] 15. “Newlywed Widow’ WPHS grad returns as successful author,” “West Plains Daily Quill.” [May 17, 2024], [‘Newlywed Widow’ WPHS grad returns as successful author | West Plains Daily Quill] 16. “A Beacon of Light: Honoring Representative David Evans with the Lincoln School Project Light Award,” “West Plains Daily Quill.” [July 19, 2024], [A Beacon of Light: Honoring Representative David Evans with the Lincoln School Project Light Award | West Plains Daily Quill 17. “Former All-Black School in Rural Missouri To Be Turned into Cultural Center,” “The Daily Yonder.” [Former All-Black School in Rural Missouri To Be Turned into Cultural Center] 18. “Lincoln School, West Plains' former Black school, to become cultural center,” “The West Plains Daily Quill,” [August 25, 2023], [Lincoln School, West Plains' former Black school, to become cultural center | West Plains Daily Quill] 19. “National Night Out at Historic Lincoln School,” “The West Plains Daily Quill,” [July 26, 2024], [National Night Out at Historic Lincoln School | West Plains Daily Quill] 20. “Community invited to "The State of Public Education" with Dr. Grenita Lathan,” “West Plains Daily Quill,’ [August 9, 2024], [Community invited to "The State of Public Education" with Dr. Grenita Lathan | West Plains Daily Quill] 21. “Lincoln School essay contest winner,” “West Plains Daily Quill,” [June 28, 2024], [Lincoln School essay contest winner | West Plains Daily Quill] 22. “Lincoln School restoration in West Plains creates cultural center,” “Columbia Missourian,” [May 23, 2024], [Lincoln School restoration in West Plains creates cultural center | Southeast Missouri | columbiamissourian.com] 23. “An All-Black School Shut Down In Missouri. This Family Bought It To Restore Its Legacy,” “Essence News,” “Essence,” [December 29, 2023], [An All-Black School Shut Down In Missouri. This Family Bought It To Restore Its Legacy - Essence | Essence] 24. Black Family Purchases Historic Lincoln School In Missouri To Transform A Segregated Past Into An Inclusive Future,” “Black Enterprise,” [December 11, 2023], [Black Family Purchases Historic Lincoln School In Missouri] 25. “Lincoln School, West Plains former Black school, to become cultural center,” “Ozarks Alive,” [August 23, 2023], [Lincoln School, West Plains former Black school, to become cultural center — Ozarks Alive] 26. “Historic Lincoln School renovation complete in West Plains,” “OZARKFIRST.com,” [February 1, 2024] [Historic Lincoln School renovation complete in West Plains] 27. “Lincoln School: West Plains, MO,” “Unlock The Ozarks,” [Unlock The Ozarks - Institutions - Schools - Lincoln School] 28. “Missouri Historic Property Inventory Form for Lincoln School, West Plains, MO (2001),” “Office of Historic Preservation,” [June 30, 2001], [SWAS023-S.pdf] 29. “Reviving a Missouri Schoolhouse With Ties to Black History,” “National Trust for Historic Preservation Magazine,” [Summer 2024], [Reviving a Missouri Schoolhouse With Ties to Black History | National Trust for Historic Preservation]. 30. “Missouri – Things To Do,” [Things to Do | Lincoln School] 31. “West Plains, Missouri,” “Wikipedia,” [West Plains, Missouri - Wikipedia] 32. “Lincoln School Project Mural Revealed,” “Youtube,” “Ozark Radio News,” [Lincoln School Project Mural Revealed]