Upcoming Events
MLK Day Book Reading
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, join us for a community book reading featuring selections from Dr. King's works and other influential African American authors. This event will encourage reflection on Dr. King’s legacy and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Dr. Geoff Ward Presentation for Black History Month
Dr. Geoff Ward will discuss his book The Black Child Savers: Racial Democracy and Juvenile Justice, which examines the rise, fall, and lasting remnants of Jim Crow juvenile justice. The presentation will highlight the efforts of Black women in the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACW) to protect and provide opportunities for African American youth, linking these historical efforts to the story of Lincoln School and current challenges. Dr. Ward will bring copies of his book for attendees, with the option to purchase or receive a donation of proceeds
George Washington Carver Presentation
Join us for a special presentation on the life and contributions of George Washington Carver in celebration of Black History Month. Dr. Edward Williamson will lead the discussion, highlighting Carver's legacy and impact on agriculture and education.
Lincoln University Music Department Ensemble Choir Performance
Join us for an evening as the Lincoln University Ensemble Choir showcases their talents in preparation for their spring touring season. This event promises an inspiring musical experience.
Justice for Celia Coalition Presentation
The Justice for Celia Coalition, part of the Celia Newsom Legacy Foundation, will present on the legacy of Celia Newsom and the impact of her story on local history. The presentation team includes:
Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge - Coalition Leader and 2nd Great Granddaughter of Celia and Robert Newsom
Nancy Fogle-Compos - 4th Great Granddaughter of Robert Newsom and Elizabeth Gwinn Newsom
Dr. Nichol Allen - Museum Studies and History Professor at Westminster College
Solomon Thurman, Jr. - Celia Portrait Artist and Historian
Reflection Plaza Dedication
Join us for the official dedication of the Reflection Plaza, a space honoring the history and legacy of Lincoln School and its significance to the community. The event will include a ceremony with speakers, a blessing of the plaza, and community participation to celebrate this milestone in our ongoing preservation efforts.
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus Visit
A festive event where Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will visit Lincoln School to spread holiday cheer. Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa, take photos, and enjoy holiday treats.
Fireside Chat with Frank Martin III
An engaging town hall-style discussion led by Frank Martin III, focusing on historical themes of West Plains. This event will tie into the mission of the Lincoln School Project and encourage community dialogue.
Ozarks Healthcare Mobile Mammogram Coach at Lincoln School
In honor of Jeanette Forbes, former Lincoln School alumni, we will partner with the Ozark Healthcare Mobile Mammogram Coach on site to screen for breast cancer. Pre registration is required. To register call 417-257-5912 or have your physician fax 417-257-5952 ATTN: mobile Mammo to get you scheduled, please include pt. name, phone number and any other pertinent info such as DOB, address, insurance information etc. all personal information for registration goes directly to Ozarks Healthcare!
Cbabi Bayoc at the Historic Lincoln School
Join us for a special evening of art and inspiration as renowned artist Cbabi Bayoc visits West Plains! On October 29, 2024, Bayoc will be at the Historic Lincoln School for a presentation titled "Artistic Inspirations."
Bayoc, known for his vibrant and socially conscious art, will share his journey, creative process, and the powerful messages behind his work. His celebrated series "365 Days with Dad" and public murals challenge stereotypes, celebrate Black identity, and inspire unity and social change. This is a rare opportunity to hear from a true artist and storyteller.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with art that matters. Mark your calendar for October 29 from 5:30 pm at the Historic Lincoln School, and be a part of this memorable event!
Soul Food Fundraiser
Selling Soul Food Dinners - Smothered Chicken or. Smothered Pork Chops, Mac-n-Cheese, Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Cornbread, assorted desserts.
Donations accepted using the link below!
Book Reading with Bronwen Elizabeth Madden | "“How Bronwen Got Her Smile Back”
Bronwen Elizabeth Madden is the author of HOW BRONWEN GOT HER SMILE BACK. She is from the rural Missouri Ozarks.
This event has a target age group from 3 to 7 years old.
Master Class - It’s Food for the Soul!
MasterClass ~ It’s Food For The Soul!
Judith “Judy” K. Forbes, a West Plains Native and 1976 Graduate of WPHS - Zizzers, now residing in the KCMO area, will lead us through a historical discussion about cultural cuisine, affectionately known as “Soul Food.”
Judy’s career has span over forty (40) years in the food service industry. In addition to her formal training and work, Judy comes from a long line of seasoned chefs who poured lots of love into the lessons she was thought about cultural culinary cooking! We are so pleased that she is willing to share some of the history and practices of soul food cooking with us!
We would be honored for you to join us on Saturday, September 14 from 10am - 12pm at historic Lincoln School! Don’t delay RSVP, via Messenger, right away!
Be Informed with Dr. Grenita Lathan
Lincoln School Project, in collaboration with Edward Jones’ Regina Gleghorn, are proud to offer our community an opportunity to be informed!!
On Sept. 5th, at 5 pm, Dr. Grenita Lathan, the Superintendent of Schools for the Springfield Public School System, will provide an informed perspective on “The State of Public Education” at historic Lincoln School, in West Plains. RSVPs are now being accepted, via Messenger.
Come be a part of the discussion and hear, first hand, how this seasoned Administrator is managing the ever-increasing complexities of educating our youth.
This should be an informative, exciting evening!
National Night Out
Come out and meet your neighbors and enjoy an evening of fellowship.
Moderated Discussion - 154th District State Representative Candidates Lisa Durnell, Larry Lindeman, and Mark Collins
Join us for a moderated discussion with 154th District State Representative Candidates to get to know who is running to represent you!
Mr. Lamar Johnson - Juneteenth
Lincoln School Project, in collaboration with Privette Law Office, is offering an awe-inspiring, thought-provoking programming option!
On Juneteenth (June 19, 2024), you will hear firsthand from Mr. Lamar Johnson, a man who was released from prison after serving twenty-eight (28) years for a crime (1st-degree murder) that he DID NOT commit!
Much like those who were enslaved on Juneteenth, 1865, in Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Mr. Johnson’s freedom came way too late…
In combination to this, Lincoln School and Privette Law will offer a Juneteenth Essay Contest! Please follow the guidelines below!
Special thanks to my friends, Frank and Erin (Lovelace) Priest for your time and talents; this is going to be EPIC y’all!
Link to the 48 hours Episode Below:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d1v7sUmCh-I
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for details!! Lincoln School Project and Privette Law Office proudly offer our community a significant programming opportunity!
Newlywed Widow by Beverly Short
The month of May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, thus Lincoln School Project, in conjunction with Lincoln School friend, Ms. Beverly Short, author/playwright/ZIZZER, are proud to present NEWLYWED WIDOW, a one women play, that will show for one night only at the Historic Avenue Theatre on May 11th @ 6pm. Stay tuned for ticketing details; this will be EPIC!
The Newlywed Widow Book Signing and Discussion
Please join us as Beverly Short discusses and signs her Best-Selling Book, “Newlywed Widow.” Books will be available for purchase onsite. We look forward to seeing you there!
Stamp Memorabilia Signing
Judge Constance Motley is famously quoted as saying, “I reject the notion that race or sex would bar my success in life.” As a civil rights lawyer in 1954, Motley had a significant role in Brown v. Board of Education, which made segregation in education unconstitutional. This is the piece of legislation that effectively ended Lincoln School’s existence as a place of education exclusively for the African American children of West Plains, Missouri! After its beautiful restoration in January 2024, Lincoln School resumes its purpose as an oasis of education, via its programming, but this time it’s for ALL!
Play it forward 70 years, the artist that created a portrait of Judge Motley, which became a US Postage Stamp, will be available for our collective learning at Historic Lincoln School on April 12 @ 5pm (discussion/signing books). Mr. Palmer will sign stamp memorabilia on Saturday, April 13 @ 9:00 am at the Frame Shop & Gallery in West Plains. The Frame Shop & Gallery will be selling the exclusive piece of memorabilia that will be signed by Mr. Palmer. Get yours early, along with your copy of the “New Brownies’ Book and Gravity” at the Frame Shop. A portion of the proceeds are going towards the sustainability of Historic Lincoln School. Programming exists because, WE CARE! Many thanks in advance for your support of our efforts to “remember the past as we move toward the future!”
Book Discussion and Signing with Charly Palmer
OPEN TO ALL—The author of “The Legend of Gravity—A Basketball TALL Tale” will discuss and sign his books purchased from the Frame Shop and Gallery, located at 403 Washington Ave, West Plains. A portion of the proceeds goes towards the sustainability of Lincoln School. Buy your books now at the Frame Shop and come out to hear CHARLY PALMER discuss this award-winning book!
Book Discussion and Signing with Dr. Karida Brown and Charly Palmer
The authors of these great books will be at Historic Lincoln School discussing and signing their books on April 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm.
Books can be purchased at the Frame Shop & Gallery, 403 Washington Ave, West Plains, now!
A portion of the proceeds will go towards Lincoln School’s sustainability. Let’s make this a great tour for these two great authors/artists/scholars/creatives; many thanks in advance for your support!
By the way, The New Brownies Book was selected as “the perfect gift for your holiday list” by Oprah Magazine in 2023!! The Legend of Gravity just received the coveted Texas Bluebonnet Award! Watch the announcement here.
Book Reading with Charly Palmer
Welcome to anyone, at the West Plains Public Library, Charly Palmer will be reading from his book and closing the time with an open discussion!
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Join us on Friday, April 12th for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Lincoln School!
Come and celebrate our official opening, tour the building, and listen to our story.
Green Thumb Gardening Workshop
Come join Hocomo Industries for a morning filled with greenery, knowledge, and fun at the Historic Lincoln School. This event is perfect for the beginner gardener needing guidance or a veteran needing to brush up on their knowledge. Learn from our local gardening expert, Becky Bradley, as she guides the class to discovering their green thumb. A great event to learn, laugh, and grow alongside other locals! See you there!
Celebrating Women's History Month
Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month with several women in the community as we listen to a few of our very own female community leaders!
Speakers:
Florence James - Owner of Kloz Klozet
Karent Eggert - VP at Wood & Houston Bank
Andi Hillburn-Vaini - The largest female owner/operator of McDonald’s restaurants in the United States with a total of 28 locations!
