Specifically, the program honored the memory of three people who have helped preserve the legacy of the school, which sits on the grounds of 4-H Rural Life Center — Senator Ed Jones, Barbara Bell Jones and Frankie Young.

Lauren Hamilton-Buell, the great-granddaughter of Cary Pittman, a prominent black contractor who built the Allen Grove school, said, “Since the school has been dedicated here, it has withstood and endured the test of time. It is a symbol of hope and dreams of our ancestors.”

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Pittman, she said, “Built this Rosenwald school and 22 others. Clearly, every Rosenwald school left an indelible impression and holds a precious place in history.”

Built to better the education of black children, the evolution of the schools came between two critical times in African-American history, Hamilton-Buell explained, the end of the Civil War and the Brown versus Board of Education ruling.

Halifax County Commissioner Vernon Bryant read a letter from Senator Angela Bryant, touting the Rosenwald schools as treasures that must be preserved.

Hawkins remembers Barbara Jones.

Margaret Hawkins remembered her aunt, Jones, as an educator who was immensely proud of her students and her family. “She was a role model for old and young. She loved being among the young and yet nothing was more important to her than giving honor and respect to the seniors in her life.”

Commissioner Bryant remembered Young as one of the pillars of the Allen Grove community.

Wray talks about Senator Jones.

State Representative Michael Wray remembered the late Senator Jones as a man not only dedicated to his family, but as a politician who worked hard to make a difference in education. “He believed the Rosenwald schools should be important to history. He worked hard to have this facility here.”

To contribute to the preservation or learn more about the Allen Grove Rosenwald School contact Joe Long at the Halifax County Cooperative Extension Office at 252-583-5161.