The Baltimore School in Bladen County, NC- Built on a Rosenwald plan in the 1940s
I had the privilege of visiting the historic Baltimore School in Bladen County, NC last spring. Thanks to Jean Lloyd (pictured in the yellow jacket, pointing to the school bell), a dedicated alumni association member, Rich Gehron and I were able to film some interviews there. Ms. Evelena Bryant (seated, wearing a pink top and white hat), who is 95 years young and who taught at the Baltimore school, recalls that she encouraged students to create stories and played with them on the playground. May Day was a big event at the school every year.
Although the early history of the Baltimore School is not entirely clear, Ms. Lloyd’s research has revealed that the community donated land for the school, raised money, and that the school was apparently built on a Rosenwald plan (the plans were made available to counties free of charge and were used even after the Rosenwald School building program ceased operation in 1932). This school is another example of the far-reaching effects of the Rosenwald Fund and the school building program created by Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald.
The school operated very much in the traditions of many NC African American schools of that era. They used drama, music, community celebrations, and instilled an ethic of service in their students. To learn more about Rosenwald schools you can view UNDER THE KUDZU on Amazon Prime Video https://www.amazon.com/Under-Kudzu-Claudia-St…/…/ref=sr_1_1…
Watch for a new film project I am creating with Richard Newkirk called LESSONS FROM THE ROSENWALD SCHOOLS – it will include video from the Baltimore School!
