Crockett and Tonya, the visionaries behind the Lincoln School Project, met during their shared time at Langston University, eventually leading to their marriage and the birth of their three children and grandchild. Tonya grew up in Wichita, Kansas, while Crockett is a native Ozarker and West Plains High School Graduate born and raised in West Plains.

His father, Crockett Oaks Jr. (among other family members), attended Lincoln School until it closed in 1954 following the Supreme Court ruling in Brown vs. the Board of Education. Crockett grew up in Lincoln School's history, having always known about it and its past, but he and his wife both discovered renewed interest upon their move to West Plains in 2020.

They both saw the immediate need to preserve West Plains' African American history and culture. They felt a sense of passionate obligation to save Lincoln School and its historical value. This pursuit for preservation led to their purchase of the building from the City of West Plains, a restoration project in 2023, and now their vision to make Lincoln School a cultural hub for community programs, events, and connections.

Crockett and Tonya’s goal is to continue providing viable and credible programming options for all people. What was once a symbol of division and marginalization in the West Plains community is now having a positive impact on a more inclusive future.

The ultimate vision is for the entire community to accept ownership of Lincoln School's past while moving toward a brighter future, individually and united through Lincoln School’s programming.