Relocated and rebuilt, the Cornland School — a one-room schoolhouse that served Black children in Chesapeake before de-segregation — is continuing its mission to educate the community.
Th e school, built in 1902, was slowly falling down at its original location on Benefit Road. Water was rising and plants and wildlife were encroaching on the old building when community members and city officials started raising money to save it 14 years ago. In 2021, the school was moved 6.2 miles to Glencoe Street, and a ribbon cutting last week welcomed alumnae and local residents to the newly restored building, now a museum. “I can’t describe it,” said Mildred Brown, an alumna, at the event. “The last time I saw it, it was in crumbles.” Brown, a lifelong Chesapeake resident, attended the school when she was 6 years old. She will turn 94 next month. She and three other women, all in their 80s and 90s, toured the restored building then circled a Maypole — a tradition that has traveled from one continent to another, and has deep roots in African American history.
Emma Nixon, 88, and Pauline Sykes Smith, 89, walked with colorful ribbons wrapped around their hands. They both attended Cornland. Wanza Snead completed the group. Her husband went to the school too. The building was located on the Sneads’ property, and it was Snead who approached Chesapeake council-member Ella P. Ward in 2010 about preserving it. The group of women represent the last surviving classes of the school. It closed its doors around 1953, according to the Cornland School Foundation, a group dedicated to its preservation. Brown v. Board of Education, the supreme court ruling to desegregate schools, was decided in 1954. Before that, Cornland had been operating since Reconstruction. Some historical records indicate it started in 1885. It was founded by formerly enslaved people, and is one of the region’s earliest Reconstruction-era efforts at formalized education for African American students.
In 1902, an old school building was sold for $18. Another structure — the current Cornland School — was built for $314.50. Raising money to preserve the school has been a labor of love, councilmember Ward said. She chairs the Cornland School Foundation, and the group has been meeting monthly for the last 13 years. Ward initially raised $150,000 through fundraisers, but it wasn’t enough to move the school. Th e city contributed $400,000. Th e Parks, Recreation and Tourism office also contributed the 12 acres of land where the school now stands on the edge of the Great Dismal Swamp near Lake Drummond.
“Th is is the cornerstone of what’s going to be a historical district in the city of Chesapeake for years to come,” Ward said, “so that people know what it was like for people of color, for African Americans to go to school in 1903.” A $5 million contribution from the state will go toward the historical district as well. The Cornland School is a stop on Chesapeake’s African American Heritage Trail. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. The schoolhouse, with its fresh coat of white paint, shined in the sunlight the Saturday it made its debut as a museum. Inside, a classroom is recreated with school desks, a teacher’s desk and a chalkboard. Th e roof was replaced, and lighting, air conditioning and a ramp added.
But elements of the original building remain — in the walls, the floors and the original potbelly stove that used to be stoked to keep students warm. The historical classroom is augmented with modern displays that tell the story of the school, like posters and a touch screen that plays video interviews. Sykes Smith attended Cornland School in 1947. “I’m just enjoying what I see,” she said. “It’s beautiful inside and out.” Nixon said the refurbished building brings back many memories. “It’s so good that they finally got it here and the Lord spared me to see it,” she said. “I’m thankful to everybody that helped to get it done. They did a good, good job and I’m so proud of it.”
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
