SMASHING OBSTACLES AND BUILDING LEGACIES

In 2020 I learned about a 26-year-old Quaker Lady who came south, alone, in 1866 and started a school for the newly emancipated people in my hometown of Mt. Pleasant, SC. I started doing research and discovered a fascinating story that begins with this trailblazing lady and continued for over one-hundred-fifty years. I decided to write this story about Laing School which I had attended as my Elementary School. In conducting the research and writing the story I learned so much. I learned about the rich history in that South Carolina Lowcountry area and about historic movements created by ordinary Americans as they responded to great the crises in the nation. Yes, there were negative aspects of the story that brought tears to my eyes. But I also discovered unsung heroes whose perseverance, generosity and expression of their faith, blew me away. History is like life. There’s the good and there’s the bad. But we must be truthful about it and let it teach us the needed lessons it will show us. I believe that it doesn’t have to divide us but can in fact serve to unite us.

 

That bold young lady who started Laing School in 1866 was Cornelia Hancock. Abby Munro from Rhode Island came after her and led Laing for 37 years. Eight other Principals came after Abby Munro continuing to guide Laing on its 150-year journey. This wonderful group of educators kept Laing School going, often in the face of very tough odds.  This much beloved School provided a safe place for children to grow and flourish during racially challenging times. Quaker Organizations played a very major role in Laing School. They provided the vast majority of its financial support from 1866 until the 1940’s.

 

I tell the history of Laing School through the eyes, words and experiences of three of the female Principals. In Part 2, I share stories and hidden history about the Freedmen Schools Movement. Laing School was born of that historic Movement.