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Lincoln School Project

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The Lincoln School post major renovation efforts.

The Lincoln School Project is a community focused initiative located in West Plains, Missouri and founded by Crockett and Tonya Oaks in July 2023. Originally focused on restoring the historic Lincoln School, a one-room school for African American students, the project has since transitioned to programmatic efforts, community engagement, and the creation of a Reflection Plaza on the school grounds. The restored Lincoln School now serves as a cultural center, promoting historical awareness and education.

History

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Lincoln School was constructed in 1926 in West Plains, Missouri, to provide education for African American students during the era of segregation in the United States. The area surrounding the school, historically known as "Nigger Hill" and later "Illinois Town," is now referred to as "The Hill." After desegregation, the school closed and served as a community facility, hosting organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the 4-H Program, and Alcoholics Anonymous.

On July 28, 2023, Crockett and Tonya Oaks III acquired the school from the city and launched the Lincoln School Project. Under the Oaks Family's leadership, the initiative aims to honor the legacy of the teachers, students, and families connected to the school. Following the completion of the restoration, the Lincoln School now functions as a hub for cultural and historical programs.

Interior of the Lincoln School as it appeared before the renovation.
Interior of the Lincoln School as it appeared before the renovation.

Visual art

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The Lincoln School features significant artistic installations celebrating its historical and cultural legacy:

Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo poses with the mural he created inside Lincoln School.
Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo poses with the mural he created inside Lincoln School.
Just Kids,”: A mural by artist Paul Jones will depict life at Lincoln School in the 1940s, further enriching the visitor experience.
Just Kids,”: A mural by artist Paul Jones will depict life at Lincoln School in the 1940s, further enriching the visitor experience.
  • “By God's Grace" Mural: Created by Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo, this vibrant mural reflects the resilience, unity, and hope of the Lincoln School community. It honors the experiences of past students and educators while aligning with the school’s current role as a cultural center.
  • Stained Glass Installation: Artist Heather Legler’s stained-glass work adds light and color to the space, highlighting the school’s historical significance and community heritage.
  • “Just Kids,”: A mural by artist Paul Jones will depict life at Lincoln School in the 1940s, further enriching the visitor experience.

Reflection Plaza

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Reflection Plaza is a thoughtfully designed outdoor space that honors the legacy of the Lincoln School while creating a place for remembrance, reflection, and inspiration. The plaza features a walking path and seating areas, inviting visitors to pause and consider the rich heritage of the school and the community it served. At the heart of Reflection Plaza are two large bronze statues, each deeply symbolic of the school’s past, present, and future.

I, Too, Am America is a powerful tribute to resilience and patriotism. Created from a sketch by world-renowned artist Cbabi Bayoc and inspired by a ca. 1941 photograph of Lincoln School students, it portrays a young boy standing in salute.

The first statue, titled I, too, am America, depicts a young boy saluting. It is based on a photograph from a ca. 1941 Lincoln School class photo and was reimagined by artist Cbabi Bayoc. This statue stands as a powerful symbol of inclusion and pride, reflecting the aspirations of children who passed through the doors of the historic one-room schoolhouse. Its title, an echo of Langston Hughes' famous poem, underscores the message that all children, regardless of background, are a vital part of the American story.

Feel the Love, depicts a young girl with her hands shaped into a heart—a modern gesture of love and connection. This statue is modeled after a childhood photo of Tonya Oaks, one of the founders of the Lincoln School Project, and embodies a timeless expression that resonates deeply across generations

The second statue, Feel the Love, was inspired by a childhood photograph of Tonya L. Oaks and captures the spirit of love and community that has long defined the Lincoln School. Through its warm and expressive design, it conveys a sense of belonging and the enduring connections between generations.

Together, the statues in Reflection Plaza serve as lasting tributes to the values that defined the Lincoln School—resilience, hope, inclusion, and love. They offer a space where the past is honored, the present is celebrated, and the future is envisioned with optimism.

This photo, captured in the early 1950s, is the known class photo taken inside the Lincoln School.
This photo, captured in the early 1950s, is the known class photo taken inside the Lincoln School.

Cultural programs and community engagement

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The Lincoln School Project offers a range of programs that foster community connection and celebrate Black history. Past events have included guest speakers, such as exoneree Lamar Johnson, and notable artists like Cbabi Bayoc, Charly Palmer, Solomon Thurman and Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo. National scholars, including Dr. Karida Brown,Dr. Geoff Ward, Dr. Edward Williamson, Dr. Grenita Lathan, Dr. Craig Albin, Dr. Phillip Howerton, Dr. Marlin Barber, and Dr. Jason McCollom, have contributed to the project’s educational initiatives. Organizations such as the Milly Sawyer Center and the Celia Newsom Coalition have provided impactful programming. Events such as Black History Month celebrations, Juneteenth commemorations, National Night Out, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Women’s History Month programs serve as platforms for dialogue and cultural appreciation.

"By God's Grace," is a mural that hangs inside the Lincoln School depicting a scene from the one room schoolhouse during segregation.
"By God's Grace," is a mural that hangs inside the Lincoln School depicting a scene from the one room schoolhouse during segregation.

Lincoln School Scholarship Program

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Established in 2025, the Lincoln School Scholarship was created to honor the legacy of the historic Lincoln School and to invest in the future of local students. The annual scholarship is awarded to a student who not only shows academic promise, but who also exemplifies the values, spirit, and resilience of those who once walked the halls of the one-room schoolhouse. More than just a financial award, the scholarship serves as a bridge between generations—recognizing the determination of past students while supporting the potential of future leaders. The inaugural recipient of the Lincoln School Scholarship was Nakeshia Davis.

Recognition and impact

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Lincoln School was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 29, 2025, underscoring its historical importance. Through its restoration and cultural programming, the Lincoln School Project continues to foster appreciation for African American history and promote cultural connectedness, leaving a lasting impact on the West Plains community. In 2024, the Founders of Lincoln School Project awarded their first Lincoln School Light Award to the 154th District State Representative, David Evans. On May 17, 2025, Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo and Kevin Cupka Head were awarded this prestigious honor. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]

Owners Crockett and Tonya Oaks standing in front of Lincoln School before the restoration project began.
Owners Crockett and Tonya Oaks standing in front of Lincoln School before the restoration project began.

References

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  1. ^ Herbolsheimer, Chris (2023-11-09). "A New Chapter for History: The Revitalization of Lincoln School by Crockett and Tonya Oaks III".
  2. ^ "The Renovated Lincoln School Opens its Doors". West Plains Daily Quill. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  3. ^ "Reflection Plaza at Lincoln School". West Plains Daily Quill. 2024-09-20. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  4. ^ Staff, Quill (2024-01-29). "Unity and Heritage: Lincoln School dedication ceremony marks new chapter". West Plains Daily Quill. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  5. ^ Herbolsheimer, Chris (2024-10-01). "Chris' Corner The Lincoln School Welcomes Cbabi Bayoc". West Plains Daily Quill. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  6. ^ Herbolsheimer, Chris (2024-01-03). "Lincoln School Dedication: Restoration culminates with a ceremony on Martin Luther King Jr. Day". West Plains Daily Quill. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  7. ^ Staff, Quill (2023-12-07). "Major Donations Bolster Restoration of Historic Lincoln School Project in West Plains". West Plains Daily Quill. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  8. ^ Herbolsheimer, Chris (2024-03-12). "Chris' Corner". West Plains Daily Quill. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  9. ^ "An All-Black School Shut Down In Missouri. This Family Bought It To Restore Its Legacy". Essence. 2023-12-29. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  10. ^ "Lincoln School, West Plains former Black school, to become cultural center". Ozarks Alive. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  11. ^ "Reviving a Missouri Schoolhouse With Ties to Black History | National Trust for Historic Preservation". savingplaces.org. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  12. ^ "A future for Lincoln School". Howell County News. 2023-09-05. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  13. ^ Williams, Daniel (2023-08-31). "Lincoln School Project Officially Opens". Ozark Radio News. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  14. ^ "Historic Lincoln School renovation complete in West Plains". KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. 2024-02-01. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  15. ^ Baniewicz, Michael (2024-05-23). "Lincoln School restoration in West Plains creates cultural center". Columbia Missourian. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
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