May 30, 2007

Before Martin Luther King had a dream, Charles Sumner, an abolitionist from Massachusetts had a vision.

Consider if you will 1840's America. How few children of any race were afforded quality education.

This man Charles Sumner considered not just the plight of underprivileged white children, but also that of the Free Black children living in Boston.

In 1847 Charles Sumner filed suit against he City of Boston on behalf of a Black child named Sarah Roberts. This was the first desegregation lawsuit filed in the U.S.

What divine irony that a school building named in his honor became the focal point of the Brown v Topeka Board of Education in 1954.

Once again Historic Sumner School stands poised to honor this great American Visionary by leading the way to safer, saner education of people in our community.

Womb to the Tomb, regardless of any here to fore divisive component of their being.

The proposed Sumner project will be a multi-tenant employment hub.

This is actualizing the 2002 Vision of the Ward Meade NIA (Neighborhood Improvement Association). Approved by City Council. Now in 2007 we are adding a school plan which will encompass a Pre-School and a Pre-Kindergarten with approximately 50 students.
A proposed Charter School K-8, with an emphasis on Back to Basics, Character, Wellness and a Multi-Lingual Curriculum.

An Intergenerational Seniors Program (Surrogate Grandparents and Mentors) Seniors will have a Day Care (Crafts & Reading Buddies) and Friendship Meals Program

The Community Officer (Law Enforcement) will be housed in the school, providing community service and programs

A Clinic, Social Worker, and Counselor will provide wrap around services for the students and families

A Music and Arts Academy

Topeka Firsts, Leading the Way in America Museum