Celebrating a Milestone in West Columbia: The Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center

Local Nonprofit Joins National Civil Rights Network

A local nonprofit in West Columbia, the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center, has recently achieved a significant milestone by being added to the African American Civil Rights Network. This network, a program of the National Parks Service, aims to highlight properties, facilities, and interpretive programs associated with the African American Civil Rights movement in the United States.

The Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center, which seeks to enhance the quality of life and opportunities for underserved communities in the area, now stands alongside other significant sites that commemorate the struggles and triumphs of the civil rights movement.

Preserving History and Promoting Equality

The center, located at the former site of the segregated Lakeview School, was added to the National Register of Historic Places last year. The school, established in 1925 and operating as a segregated institution until 1968, holds a rich history of resilience and progress.

Cindye Richburg Cotton, the center’s executive director, expressed her delight and appreciation for this achievement, stating, “The rich history of Lakeview School is now on a national platform, much to our delight and appreciation.”

Expanding Reach and Impact

By joining the African American Civil Rights Network, the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center gains increased visibility on a national scale. This recognition not only honors the center’s past but also amplifies its ongoing efforts to empower and uplift the community.

Continuing the Legacy of Progress

As the center continues its mission to create positive change and promote equality, being part of the national civil rights network serves as a testament to its dedication and contribution to the larger narrative of civil rights in America.

Entrenching History, Educating Generations

With each milestone achieved, the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center solidifies its place in history as a beacon of hope and progress for future generations. By preserving the legacy of the past, the center paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

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