News
In the News: Free Lance-Star Article on Restoration of RBHS Gymnasium
Claudette T. Jordon
President
On July 14, 2022, Fredericksburg, Virginia’s local news agency, The Free Lance-Star, reported on the planned restoration of the Ralph Bunche High School gymnasium. The article, titled, “Ralph Bunche group sees that old school has ‘good bones, no arthritis at all'” begins as follows:
If Ralph Bunche High School was once the hub of the Black community in King George County, then the school gymnasium might have been the heart of the facility, given the many activities held there.
And even though the old gym floor probably will have to be replaced with modern hardwood if the school does get restored, according to plan, there’s one key part of it that will be preserved.
Dyson, Cathy. “Ralph Bunche group sees that old school has ‘good bones, no arthritis at all’.” The Free Lance-Star, 14 July 2022.
The key part referred to in the article is the original “B” in the center of the old gym floor, designed in the school colors. It’s a great article that goes on to discuss other extensive plans for the building’s restoration, as well.
The article quotes RBAA President Claudette Jordon, who offered:
“None of it is impossible to fix,” Jordon said, noting that the building remains structurally sound. “It’s got good bones. No arthritis at all.”
Below are two photographs from the article:
Thank you to Cathy Dyson, reporter at the Free Lance-Star, for doing such a wonderful job telling the story of Ralph Bunche High School and the effort to restore and revitalize such an important part of our community’s history!
Read the full article online by following the link below!
Related Articles
Interested in more information about the renovation of the Ralph Bunche High School building? Have a look at these articles, as well!
Slides from the Wiley-Wilson School Building Refurbishment Presentation
Watch The Road to School Desegregation Documentary
Produced by the Ralph Bunche Alumni Association and King George County School Board, The Road to School Desegregation is a documentary video detailing the struggle for educational equality in King George County, Virginia and across the United States. Deepen your knowledge of this part of our nation’s vital history and support the mission of the Ralph Bunche Alumni Association in the process!
TAKE ACTION
Your contributions and involvement with the Ralph Bunche Alumni Association directly fund historic preservation, community education and the college scholarship award. Find out more about how you can get involved and make an important difference.