Listen, Learn, Preserve, and Celebrate Latimer School History

The Town of Latta and the Latimer Historic School Committee are undertaking a significant effort to gather and safeguard historical information and artifacts that vividly portray the vibrant Black history and stories associated with the former African American School and the broader Latta community. The Latimer School was the only school for black residents of Dillon County from its construction in 1954 until integration in 1970.  SC Humanities supported this project with a Planning Grant.

The “Listen, Learn, Preserve and Celebrate” project will commence with a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the construction of the Latimer School in the Town of Latta, SC at the Latimer Gymnasium on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 4:00 pm. This event will mark the school’s recent listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The school represents African American education in Dillon County, SC during the 1950s after the passage of Brown v Board of Education. Dr. Christina Butler, Butler Preservation L.C., Charleston, SC, will share the significance of this historic equalization school, and more broadly the importance of this momentous accomplishment, with Latta residents young and old, and especially the students of Dillon County today, who can draw inspiration from the educational heritage of their community’s past.

The “Listen, Learn, Preserve and Celebrate” project transcends mere data collection; it will be an ongoing, community-wide effort that will involve engaging with the public, preserving local heritage, and sharing the community’s collective history. Plans include conducting compelling oral history interviews, which will be captured on video, and a series of five community meetings to give local residents, especially Latimer school graduates, the opportunity to provide input on the future of the building. Additionally, the committee will establish a drop-off site for citizens to donate artifacts and memorabilia that hold significance to the school to be placed in a Latimer School Museum in the future.  Ultimately, the goal of the project is to ensure that future generations of African Americans not only recognize their history but also actively participate in the legacy that the Latimer School embodies in the community.

The “Let’s Talk About It” series will feature thought-provoking discussions with local residents, inviting them to share their perspectives on how they envision their heritage and legacy being documented, honored, and preserved for future generations. The series aims to actively engage community members in shaping the future of the school. The first program will be led by Jannie Harriot, Executive Director of Development and Programs at the SC Civil Rights Museum in Orangeburg, SC. The events will take place on 2nd Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. at different venues in the community

December 14, 2024 | 3:00 p.m.
Let’s Talk About It with moderator Jannie Harriot
St. John Missionary Baptist Church
215 Covington Street
Latta, SC 29565

January 11, 2025 | 3:00 p.m.
Let’s Talk About It
New Hope Baptist Church
131 Berry Circle
Latta, SC 29565

February 8, 2025 | 3:00 p.m.
Let’s Talk About It
Weston Chapel AME Church
428 S. Richardson Street
Latta, SC 29565

March 8, 2025 | 3:00 p.m.
Let’s Talk About It
Berean Church of God in Christ
818 Allentown Drive
Latta, SC 29565

April 12, 2025 | 3:00 p.m.
Let’s Talk About It
Latta Community Center
429 E. Academy Street
Latta, SC 29565

For more information about the “Listen, Learn, Preserve and Celebrate” project, contact the Latimer Historic School Committee Chair, Carolyn McDaniel, at 843-598-9290.

The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. Established in 1973, this 501(c)3 organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. It presents and supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos, and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors. The National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.