Black Student Union Strives to Keep History of Buena Vista Colored School Alive
The Black Student Union is organizing efforts to assist mother and daughter duo Irma and Danta Thompson in preserving the Buena Vista Colored School, with the goal of educating the community about African American history in the area.
Michael Benjamin, co-president of the Black Student Union, took an interest in the Colored School his Freshman year when pamphlets were passed out with information about the school. He was surprised to learn that one of these school had survived over the years. “When I found out about it, I thought, ‘Oh wow, there’s still some out there.’”
Two years later, with the establishment of the Black Student Union, Benjamin reached out to Irma Thompson (President of the Restoration Committee) and Danta Thompson (Chairperson of the Restoration Committee) to see how they could help in the renovation of the school. So far, a couple members from the Union have volunteered hours cutting grass. Other groups of volunteers have also helped to clean the bricks of the building.
Irma attended the school in 1924 during which time public schools were segregated. Danta attended the school during the mid-50s for elementary before the coming integration of African Americans into the Buena Vista public school system.
The Buena Vista Colored School was deemed a National Landmark on the Virginia Register in December 2002, and the Thompson pair intend to preserve it to its original condition. Due to the women’s personal investment in the school, they have advocated for continued progress, and know how to achieve the vision of restoring the school to its original state.
As of October 2017, a tremendous amount of progress has been made on restoring the Buena Vista Colored School. Entry doors for both classrooms, sub flooring, and porches have been installed. The main classroom has been repaired to replicate what it looked like before the school was closed, and each entry has a porch that has been painted.
Grants received from the Patterson Foundation for $25,000 and a $4,000 grant from the Historic Lexington Foundation made it possible for these elements to be restored, and for the purchase of incoming windows. At the celebration of Irma Thompson’s 100th birthday, she raised $35,000 worth of donations. “Instead of giving it to me, I asked to give it to the school,” she said.
Currently, Danta Thompson says there is no work available for volunteers. The Restoration Committee is in the process of commissioning an electrician and installing windows. Once these features have been completed, however, volunteers are welcome to assist in painting and landscape grading. The estimated date for needed volunteers is still uncertain.
The goal is to restore the Colored School and open it to the public. They plan to house student records, papers, books, photographs and other relics to educate the people of Buena Vista about African American history in the area. Irma and Danta do not have a secured opening date for the school, and do not plan to open it this year.
Benjamin and the Black Student Union have decided to hold a fundraiser to give aid to the Thompson’s project. The Union shared ideas of a Halloween party, a poetry night or some other form of a get-together for the fundraiser activity. They are still brainstorming ideas, and encourage student suggestions.
Students who wish to participate in the Union and give fundraiser ideas can attend the club’s weekly meetings, held Thursdays at 7pm. “Everybody’s welcome!” said Benjamin.
When they settle on an activity, tickets will be between $1 to $2, and Benjamin has promised “Food will be there for sure!” The goal is to hold the fundraiser sometime in November.
For students interested in service opportunities, the Black Student Union holds two service activities each semester: one on-campus activity and one off-campus activity. When the Thompson’s need volunteers, the Union plans to help paint the Colored School as their off-campus activity.
