In Arkansas a formerly all-Black school, Ouachita County Training School, has launched a national fundraising effort to restore the campus following its designation as a site on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the first corporate donations to OCTS, located in Bearden, Arkansas, came from the Katherine Anthony Foundation.

Anthony’s nephew, Steve, and CEO of Anthony Timberlands, presented a $10,000 check to the historic committee.

“We are happy to support the work of the Greater Bradley District Association and the Ouachita County Training School committee in their efforts to maintain the infrastructure and grounds of the training school, which is such an important part of the Bearden community,” Anthony said.

The National Park Service listed OCTS on the prestigious register in 2023.

“Since we received the news, we have been excited and motivated to raise the fund necessary to preserve this part of our history!” Virginia Ashley, committee president said. “We recognize the pivotal role OCTS played in educating several generations of young people who started right here and went on to contribute greatly to the Black middle class and the world.”    

The gift of education

For education advocates, December holds a special place in American history. During the Christmas Season in 1952, the Supreme Court first heard arguments to eliminate segregation in the nation’s public schools. But, it took two more years before the Court issued its landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education, declaring segregation unconstitutional.

During the 1950s, OCTS educated Black students in the small southern town south of Little Rock, which became known internationally for The Little Rock Nine and their efforts to integrate Central High School. In Bearden, several Rosenwald Schools had consolidated to create the larger OCTS campus that educated students from the first through the 12^th grades.

“I have such wonderful memories of my days as a student at OCTS,” recalled Pearlie Newton, a retired educator and executive director of the OCTS historic committee. “My dad helped pour concrete at the campus, my husband and I met there and it was in one of the classrooms that my goal to become an educator took shape.”

Despite the Supreme Court’s 1954 decision eliminating “separate but equal” schools, OCTS remained segregated until 1971 when it merged with the white school district in the area. An association of Black Baptist churches known as the Greater Bradley District Association purchased the campus for use as its headquarters.

Pastor and Association Moderator, Verna Thompson, said, “We are excited about the renovation and look forward to holding our church services and meetings in a modernized facility that holds so much historic significance.”

As the year draws to a close, displays of generosity are as visible as other signs of the Holiday Season. Amid the ornaments and decorations, you will find Black Americans donating to others, ranging from the collective efforts of the Salvation Army’s annual bell ringing campaign to organized church ministries to individual outreach that is often spontaneous. Overall, 62% of Americans plan to donate in November or December while 15% of adults give to charity only during those two months.

In Little Rock, Arkansas, a heartwarming demonstration of philanthropy unfolded recently in a parking lot.

Jessie, who declined to give his last name, found himself on the receiving end of an unexpected gift.

“I’ve been seeing him up here every day, and he sits right here, and he doesn’t ask anybody for anything,” Sandra, who asked to remain anonymous, explained. “One particular day he was really, really hungry.”

Jessie nodded and added, “I was starving, and it was cold. The Holidays are coming up, and I don’t have any family.” 

Sandra immediately changed her plans and invited Jessie to follow her on his bicycle to a nearby restaurant where he ordered food. 

“At the restaurant, I heard the lady say, ‘That’ll be $82.00,'” Jessie recalled. “Sandra said, ‘That’s all you want to eat?'”

Jessie picked up the story from there. 

“She paid for the food. And before she left, she also gave me $60.00.”

Sandra and Jessie embraced as they shared memories of that day. She pointed heavenward with tears in her eyes.

In towns and cities around the country this Holiday Season, there will be many examples of neighbor helping neighbor. Most will remain unknown, but they are impactful and underscore the powerful legacy of Black Americans helping others in need. 

Formal organizations like GiveButter identify national efforts to uplift and assist through year-round campaigns sponsored by non-profits. August has been designated as Black Philanthropy Month, but the giving nature of Black Americans is not limited to one month. Ask Jessie and the millions of others sustained by kind hearted strangers and friends.  

With only a week until Election Day, Vice-President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are holding their final campaign rallies and crisscrossing the battleground states. Both candidates know the importance of every vote, and they are rallying their base in the closing days.

Vickie Newton, founder of The Village Celebration and Love Black History, traces the history of Black voters in America on the eve of the historic 2024 presidential election.