Interview: Zach Bjur Discusses Rosenwald Schools State Historic Trail
This month, we caught up with Zach Bjur, Land, Water, and Ocean Project Manager, to discuss recent progress in our efforts to preserve South Carolina’s historic Rosenwald Schools. A newly completed 18-month study lays the foundation for securing funding to establish the first-ever SC Rosenwald Schools State Historic Trail. Read on to learn what’s next—and how you can help bring this vision to life!
Q: Hey Zach! Since 2022, you’ve been leading CVSC’s charge to preserve Rosenwald Schools as cultural landmarks that would also provide public parks and green space within the communities they served. For those who may not be familiar, can you give some background on the cultural and historical significance of Rosenwald Schools?
A: Rosenwald Schools were a game-changer for Southern Black education in the early 1900s. Built between 1912 and 1923 through a groundbreaking partnership between educator Booker T. Washington and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, these schools brought modern, high-quality education to African American students across South Carolina at a time when they were being systematically excluded from that opportunity. These schools opened doors to higher education, boosted social mobility, and helped lay the groundwork for the civil rights movement. Their impact is still felt today.
Q: Thank you for that valuable context. Back in 2023, CVSC helped secure funding for a study to determine what would be needed to protect the Rosenwald School sites and the invaluable stories they hold, before they’re gone for good. Can you explain how we got to where we are now?
A: This study and the advocacy that led to it would not have been possible without the incredible passion of Rosenwald advocates across the state. The groups at our six pilot sites–St. George Rosenwald School, Great Branch Teacherage, Lincolnville Rosenwald School, Pine Grove Rosenwald School, Mt. Zion Rosenwald School, and Hope Rosenwald School–have worked tirelessly to preserve these schools’ legacy for decades, and their input and guidance drove the process from start to finish.
We helped connect these advocates with legislators who were moved by their commitment to preserving the legacy of their schools and granted our funding request for the study.
Q: Now that the study’s findings have been released, what have we learned?
A: The study had a few key objectives. First, we worked with our Rosenwald advocates across the state to find out what they needed help with and how the state could be an effective partner. Second, we assessed the feasibility and logistics of adding Rosenwald sites to the state parks’ inventory in a way that respected the autonomy of these communities but also provided necessary support and resources.
We learned that these schools face some common challenges, like promotion and interpretation, and many unique needs specific to their sites, ranging from community support to basic restoration needs. The study helped find pathways to solving these individual challenges while also attempting to establish a model for future additions to the State Historic Trail that will also come with their own unique challenges.
We were excited to learn that, if funded, this will be the first State Historic Trail in South Carolina and the first offering from the state parks’ inventory focusing solely on Black History. SC Parks, Recreation, & Tourism (SCPRT) was incredibly generous with their time and expertise and helped our steering committee identify all the necessary components to establish a functional state park network and conceptualize how our pilot sites would fit in with their existing inventory.
Q: If the purpose of the study was to determine a clear path forward, what’s next now that we have that information?
A: This study established buy-in from communities across the state and our state agency partners, like SCPRT. Together, we’ve solidified our vision into tangible next steps, including how much money it will take to make it happen.
With these findings in hand, we can show our state’s legislators the value that this State Historic Trail will bring to South Carolina. There’s not only inherent value in protecting and preserving these remarkable pieces of history, but there’s the added benefit of providing community gathering spaces, green spaces, and economic development opportunities.
I know CVSC supporters have been excited about this project for a long time, and as we gear up to secure funding in 2026 to bring the SC Rosenwald Schools State Historic Trail to life, your voice will be crucial.
Legislators will want to hear from you on this issue, so stay connected, and I’ll be in touch with all of the ways you can make a difference!