Discover Historic Pleasant Grove School's Rich History

Pleasant Grove Elementary School -Equalization School 

The former colored school is a one-story school building constructed in 1933 in Alcolu, South Carolina. It is the only known surviving school building exclusively serving African-Amer icans in Clarendon County. Pleasant Grove Elementary School opened for African-American students, “as a separate, but equal schoo l “

In the 1950s, throughout the South, lawsuits were piling up in response to Pleasant, versus Furguson, the law of separate, but equal in education. Even more threatening to white supremacy in South Carolina, one lawsuit has been rolled into the collection of suits was Brown versus Board of Education, which would ultimately make segregation illegal.

Initially, Briggs versus Elliott, the South Carolina suit, focused on African-American schools in South Carolina that were ridiculously unequal. Politicians realized that of course, they were going to lose in court; therefore, hoping equalization could start integration, the state launched a $75 million campaign to build schools.

This is an important reminder of racial segregation in South Carolina and illustrates how education afforded critical opportunities and skills to black students as they struggled against discrimination and inequities that were part of their daily life.

The 4 classroom school is 30 foot wide 60 foot long with multi pane windows, four separate entries, and four separate spaces. Adjacent to the schoolhouse was a baseball field and basketball court . 

The former school was associated with important African-American teachers and students . The school Principal Estella Samuels was the first and only principle at Pleasant Grove Elementary from 1933- 1953. 

In addition, several of the school graduates became prominent leaders in the field of Education , Public service and Olympic sports.

Although the building is no longer used as a school, the building has remained and was used for other purposes. The almost 90 year old building exhibit, in the school house.

As we continue to work towards the restoration of Pleasant Grove Elementary School, we are also working towards being

recognized, on the National Registry of Historical Places. We are asking the members of the Clarendon County, community, families, and friends, to help and fund both the restoration of the building and the continual process for National recognition. 

In celebration of 90 years of Pleasant Grove Elementary School, We ask that you consider donating an amount that is meaningful for you.