If there was ever an entity rightfully named, “The Little Engine That Could,” it has to be the Rosenwald Recreation Community Center, located in the Tillman Street area in Shelbyville.
It seems that good things are on the horizon for the little, brick house and its neighbors. Many growing up within its walls and still living here, continue to follow in the footsteps of many who diligently worked hard to protect the center.
The City of Shelbyville discussed a lot of upcoming agenda items on Tuesday night. But a neighborhood just off the Elm Street were interested in one item in particular.
Next Thursday, the City will consider a resolution at its regular monthly meeting that recognizes the Rosenwald Community Center for its cultural and historic contributions. Council members spoke favorably Tuesday night during study session for supporting the center’s application for registration into the National Register of Historic Places for Cultural and Community Significance.
“This is a very significant building in history,” said Mayor Randy Carroll.
Tom Batchelor, planning commission director, showed Council the map of the Rosenwald Center.
Council person Marilyn Ewing asked if getting on the National Register could help the center with grants. Batchelor said yes, to have those boxes checked helps a lot in the grant process.
This is what many families working with the Rosenwald Center have been waiting on-for generations.
The Rosenwald Education Center from 1912 to 1932 was supported by Julius Rosenwald Fund with a mission to administer grants and architectural plans and construct an African American school in the South.
That was provided the local African American community contributed substantial support and funding from “the local white school board.” Remember the Rosenwald Education Center began way before desegregation.
The Rosenwald program began as a partnership between Julius Rosenwald, the head of Sears-Roebuck and Company and Booker T. Washington, president of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
Over the years, it has been an uphill battle, with court documents to prove it. And considering that “colored,” (term used in a lot of local court documents) weren’t even allowed in a courtroom for a long time, many bravely defended their little community center and won!
Some people have tried to rename it. Others even wanted to quick deed own it.
Today, the Rosenwald Center still stands neat and proud, graced by beautiful flowers and a group of caring people. The brick building is near the former Harris Middle, now the Bedford Learning Academy.
There are a lot of plans, should grants become available in the future. The center advocates say they finally feel like they’re headed in a very positive direction for the future.
This is the first in a series of articles about the Rosenwald Community Center-past, present and future.
See upcoming editions of the Times-Gazette for more history and updates.
