Mark Sandford should make a donation to the center and have a press conference, maybe that will make him look good for a hot minute.
AIKEN --- Her goal will be to raise funds for history's sake. And in the coming months the Aiken community should start noticing some of her efforts.
"My job is definitely to coordinate events and keep the center in the forefront, just to highlight the center and the day-to-day activities because we are definitely gearing up. We're progressing," said Jo-Anne Saunders, who was hired this month to be a development consultant for a planned African-American History, Art & Culture center in downtown Aiken.
She said an executive director will be needed when the center opens in late 2010 or early 2011.
Ms. Saunders, who has been working for the Aiken Downtown Development Association, was hired to focus on fundraising efforts for the center through grants and community events.
The center, to be located at the former Immanuel School on York Street, is five years in the making and recently picked up steam when officials started working with a Tennessee design group, Access Museum Services, which is helping design potential exhibits.
The center's goal is to preserve and present black history, art and culture and recognize the contributions of blacks to Aiken.
Recently the former school, which was built in 1889 to educate black children, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Officials have said the recognition could prove helpful as the center seeks grants.
The school closed in 1932, according to the National Register listing.
Volunteers have completed a first-phase renovation to the exterior of the building. Fundraising will now begin to help pay for the center's exhibits.
Ms. Saunders said it's a job she's looking forward to.
"I'm very excited."
Anyone interested in donating to the cause can call Aiken's Downtown Development Association at (803) 649-2221 or go online to www.aikenculturalcenter.org.
Comments
Mark Sandford should make a donation to the center and have a press conference, maybe that will make him look good for a hot minute.
Wes neva gets no white cultua center. We ain't 'versify
Do you think they will include a "gangsta" wing in the culture center?
Thanks to jackfruit for the dumbest comment of the day....again.
Little Lamb call her and ask, if enough white people donate, they might have a "white wing"
She should ask Mark Sanford to be the keynote speaker at an event, if that happens for sure the center will get some much needed money. If he accepts this center will get international news and will put Aiken on the map.
maybe they could get the naacp to help,no that want work they are spending all there time and money trying to take down a flag
It is great to hear about positive endeavors within our community. Moreover this will be a positive addition for the whole CSRA community. We can all be enriched by acknowledging the contributions of those in our pasts who have made sacrifices to benefit this community and who have worked to bring justice and equality for all people. I have studied about and visited various historical sites including those centered around Native American people and European Immigrants. This knowledge has given me a richer understanding of this country and a respect for the values, traditions, and contributions of citizens not so unlike myself who appreciate being able to build a life in a place of freedom and justice. I don't consider such inquiries or efforts such as the one being undertaken in Aiken to take away from the accomplishments of any other groups. I think that it is inappropriate for these efforts to be a target of derision or to be considered an opportunity to demean or denigrate the efforts of anyone. I believe that the knowledge we gain from the cultural center will increase understanding and unity within our community. Only indifference and ignorance are the enemies here
confederate american maybe Mark can win back some black hearts by taking down the flag, surely this will make NATIONAL news. I can see the pundits NOW and OMG the NAACP will probably have a parade. If he does that before leaving office, his legacy would be saved.
Sorry, Jack Fruit Paper, but leaving the flag up or taking the flag down is a LEGISLATIVE function. The governor is powerless. It would take the General Assembly to vote to take down the flag.
justthefacts, so you think that PT's was brilliant?
No, not really.
Aw, come on justhefacts, I spoke truth to the man. As a black American that has been passing for (snow) white for 59 years, I just want to make a comment for the white cultural centers that the government supports. Diversity, not unity!!!
when you let the news media,hollywood,politicans black and white,rep and dem,so called preachers,etc play the white man against the blackman,and the blackman against the whiteman.they know this will keep us apart and feel there pockets.wake the hell up people.
Where is Jessie and Al, I know they are ready to contribute!
So simple and so obvious. The evil people want everyone to be responsible for their actions and the really good people want diversity instead of unity. It has to be true, I read it in the NYTimes.
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