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Groundbreaking Ceremony for Sterling High School Memorial Grove

Concept design of the Sterling High School Memorial Grove

News Summary

Greenville prepares for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sterling High School Memorial Grove on April 12. This event honors the legacy of the city’s first Black public high school, established in 1896, marking its historical significance and community impact. The Memorial Grove will feature symbolic elements and is a tribute to resilience and remembrance, supported by local organizations.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Sterling High School Memorial Grove in Greenville

Greenville is buzzing with excitement as the community prepares for a significant milestone—the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sterling High School Memorial Grove is set for April 12 at 11 a.m. This special occasion aims to honor the rich legacy of Greenville’s first Black public high school, Sterling High School, which was established in 1896 by Rev. D.M. Minus.

A Legacy That Shaped a Community

Sterling High School holds a cherished spot in the hearts of many. It was more than just a school; it was a beacon of hope and achievement for Black students during a time of segregation. Over its years of operation, it educated approximately 12,000 students, serving as the only high school for Black youth in the area during the Jim Crow era. Students traveled from regions as distant as Georgia, all seeking the quality education that Sterling provided.

The school’s legacy didn’t just end with academics; it became an essential gathering space for cultural and social celebrations, fostering a sense of community that resonates even today. Many noteworthy individuals graduated from Sterling, including prominent civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson, who went on to make his mark on history.

A Beautiful Memorial Grove

The upcoming Memorial Grove will be located at the site of the former school on the corner of Jenkins and Maloy streets. The design team, led by Thomas Schurch and graduate students from Clemson’s landscape-architecture program, has put together an impressive vision. This serene grove will feature stone memorials, benches crafted from local pecan trees, and a stunning symbolic torch perched on a column, serving as a reminder of the past and a beacon for the future.

To further enhance this tranquil space, Trees Upstate is set to plant 24 trees, each representing the pursuit of learning and drawing inspiration from Plato’s Academy. These trees will provide shade and beauty, creating a peaceful environment for reflection and remembrance.

Community Support and Involvement

The construction of the Memorial Grove is being led by the Sterling Land Trust, which emphasizes the importance of this project as a tribute to community resilience and remembrance. This endeavor, made possible through a generous $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Greenville, is managed in partnership with the Greenville County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, as well as Sexton Design and Development.

Community involvement is highly encouraged, and there are various ways to contribute to this meaningful project. For those wishing to leave a lasting mark, brick memorials are available for purchase at $200, alongside naming rights for both benches and memorial stones. This allows individuals to become an integral part of honoring the history and legacy of Sterling High School.

Remembering Through Action

As the groundbreaking ceremony approaches, the essence of what Sterling High School represented continues to inspire and engage the Greenville community. Mack Lockhart, a graduate and historian, has shed light on the historical significance of the school and the profound effects of segregation on educational opportunities. This is a moment to reflect not only on the past but also on the ongoing journey towards equality and community solidarity.

Mark your calendars for April 12, and join in honoring the legacy of Sterling High School at the Memorial Grove groundbreaking ceremony. Celebrate the resilience of a community, embrace the history that shaped it, and witness the dawning of a new chapter dedicated to remembrance and learning.