The former Cayce Colored School, a segregated school for African-American students in Virginia, will receive a historic marker on its site, thanks to the efforts of its alumni and supporters. The school, which operated from 1927 to 1969, was one of the many state-equalization schools that were funded by the state to preserve segregation by improving Black schools. The historic marker will honor the legacy of the school and its students, and also raise awareness of the history of racial discrimination and injustice in the state.
The Cayce Colored School: A Brief History
The Cayce Colored School was established in 1927 as a wood-frame school house on the site of the current Mt. Zion Church of Cayce. It served the African-American residents of the city, who had no access to public education before. The school had about 200 students each day, and was expanded in 1930 to accommodate more grades. In 1953, a new 10-classroom building was built south of the old school, and was renamed as Cayce Negro Elementary School. It was funded by the South Carolina Equalization Program, a state effort to preserve segregation by improving Black schools. The school was later renamed again as Ida A. Bull Elementary School, in honor of a local teacher. The school was closed in 1969, following the desegregation of public schools in the state.
The Historic Marker: A Symbol of Recognition and Remembrance
The historic marker for the former Cayce Colored School was unveiled on February 24, 2024, in a ceremony attended by many former students, alumni, and supporters of the school. The marker, which is made of cast aluminum and has a text that summarizes the history of the school, is the first state marker to recognize a former all-Black school in the city. The marker was sponsored by the Cayce Historical Society, the Mt. Zion Church of Cayce, and the Cayce Colored School Alumni Association.
The historic marker is a symbol of recognition and remembrance for the former Cayce Colored School and its students, who endured the hardships and challenges of segregation and discrimination. The marker also serves as a reminder of the history of racial injustice and inequality in the state, and the need to preserve and learn from it. The former students and alumni of the school expressed their pride and gratitude for the marker, and hoped that it would inspire new attention and funding for the preservation and restoration of the school building, which is currently owned by the church.
The Future of the Former Cayce Colored School: A Vision of Preservation and Education
The former Cayce Colored School building, which is still standing on the site of the historic marker, is in need of renovation and maintenance. The building, which has been used by the church for various purposes, is also a potential site for a museum or a cultural center that would showcase the history and culture of the African-American community in Cayce. The former students and alumni of the school, along with the church and the historical society, have a vision of preserving and restoring the building, and turning it into a place of education and inspiration for future generations.
The historic marker for the former Cayce Colored School is a step towards realizing this vision, as it will raise awareness and interest in the school and its history. The marker will also attract visitors and tourists to the site, and generate revenue and support for the preservation and restoration project. The former students and alumni of the school hope that the historic marker will not only honor their legacy, but also spark a dialogue and a movement for racial justice and reconciliation in the state and beyond.
