BINFORD – The Rosenwald Schools Initiative of Monroe County invites the public to the unveiling of the Sandy Clay Rosenwald School Historical Marker on October 25, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Mount Union Missionary Baptist Church, located at 10259 Highway 25 South. This event celebrates a vital part of Monroe County’s educational and cultural past.
The unveiling is a joint effort supported by several local organizations, including the Prairie RCDC, Amory Regional Museum, and the Monroe County Historical Society, with funding assistance from the Mississippi Humanities Council and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
155 Years of Faith and Education
The unveiling coincides with Mount Union Missionary Baptist Church’s 155th anniversary celebration. Founded in 1878, the church has long served as a cornerstone of faith and education for the Muldon Junction community, providing opportunities for African-American students when access to formal schooling was limited.
The newly installed historical marker recognizes the Sandy Clay Rosenwald School, an institution that educated African-American children from 1927 to 1960, symbolizing a critical chapter in Monroe County’s journey toward equality and community empowerment.
Expanding the Historical Marker Program
This dedication marks the third of seven Rosenwald school sites in Monroe County to receive official recognition. Additional markers are planned for the former Jarmon, Smithville Colored School, Watkins, and Young Cross Road sites.
Earlier installations include the Higgason School marker unveiled on September 24, 2024, and the Monroe County Training School in Amory, which received its marker on June 21.
The broader initiative was honored with a Merit Award from the Mississippi Historical Society on March 7, 2025, for its dedicated work in preserving, documenting, and sharing the legacy of Rosenwald Schools across the county.
Preserving Stories for Future Generations
Organizers encourage residents to share photographs, memories, and stories from the 1920s through the 1960s to help build a comprehensive record of Monroe County’s African-American educational history. These contributions may become part of future public exhibits and archives, keeping the legacy of these schools alive for generations to come.
Community Invitation
This free and public event invites all to celebrate Monroe County’s deep-rooted African-American heritage. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with community members, local historians, and descendants of those who studied and taught in the Rosenwald Schools, reaffirming a shared commitment to preserving history.
