The Attucks Community Center Overcoming a History of Segregation Story and Photos by Jennifer Vaughan / Ponca City Monthly Staff Writer Since its formation in July 1998, The Attucks Community Alliance has been changing Ponca City in countless ways. The Alliance is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization and is composed of a core group of 10 volunteers offering programs, events and oversight for the Attucks Community Center. Attucks Community Alliance provides direction and guidance in the ongoing restoration, operation, and maintenance of the Attucks Community Center. The Alliance also provides programs for all ages in the safe and orderly environment of the Center. The Attucks Community Center is the focal point of positive growth for our community. Its mission seeks to •
increase citizen participation,
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reduce poverty,
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address social problems of immediate concerns,
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plan for long-range growth and development by working to improve economic and social conditions, and
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establish direct lines of communication between the many diversified groups within the community.
The Attucks Community Center is located at 1001 South 12th Street. It is housed in one of the oldest school buildings in Ponca City. Prior to the school’s opening, Ponca City’s Black students endured an hour-long bus ride to Langston to receive their education. Construction of “Attucks Separate School” was completed in 1926, with three add-ons completed in 1928, 1936 and 1937.
is in direct correlation of the guidance, nurturing and love bestowed upon me as a child growing up in the Black section of Ponca City.” He continues, “As I look back at the isolation and separation of this section of Ponca City, I now understand the drive and determination of our Black community leaders, parents and business owners to instill that same drive and determination in us to succeed even though we have to work harder. I continue to accept this challenge as Attucks is not merely a memory, it is a way of life, tradition and quite frankly a badge of honor.” The Attucks Community Alliance is planning much-needed major repairs to the Center. Phillips66 has served as a partner with employee volunteer grants and company philanthropic donations. The City of Ponca City is working closely with The Attucks Community Alliance to provide guidance for available building grants, park improvements and building code updates. Private and corporate donations, along with community support help provide financial stability to The Alliance. The greatest need of the Alliance during this time of building repairs is financial support and volunteers with construction experience and skills. “When I became involved with Attucks Community Alliance, it was to be a part of saving a building that was historical in our community,” says Dwain West, Chairman, Attucks Community Alliance Board. “I attended Attucks School through most of grade school. I remembered how dedicated the teachers and other staff were in making sure we were equipped and prepared to go to the next level of our education. I wanted
Among the many subjects available to its students, Attucks Separate School offered a home economics program, orchestra and band as well as cosmetology. Notably, the school housed a health clinic and provided the first hot lunch program in Kay County. The school celebrated its first graduation in 1932. In 1956, Ponca City Schools desegregated grades 7th through 12th. It wasn’t until 1966 that all grades were desegregated in Ponca City, and Attucks Separate School was closed. The school building laid mostly dormant for years, and a couple of fires destroyed several sections before the Attucks Community Alliance was formed. Attucks School was named to the National Register of Historic Places on December 4, 2017, nominated by Ponca City’s Historic Preservation Advisory Panel. “The Attucks facility is the soul and heart of the community in south-side Ponca City,” says Norris Frederick, board member. “What I do today in volunteer work and support of those in need,
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July 2020
Attucks Community Alliance board members, Dwain West, Dolley Rolland, Diane Anderson and James Roland are pictured sitting outside the Center.
