About the Springfield Center for Arts, Education & Civil Rights Legacy
The Springfield Center for Arts, Education & Civil Rights Legacy is restoring the historic Springfield School in Lucama, North Carolina—preserving a vital Black educational landmark while transforming it into a living hub for learning, creativity, and community connection.
❊ About Us
Our Story
The Springfield School campus holds decades of history shaped by educators, students, and families who believed in opportunity—even when access was limited. For generations, this school served as a cornerstone of learning and leadership in the community.
Today, that legacy is at risk of being lost.
The Springfield Center exists to protect this history and carry it forward by restoring the school building and activating it for modern use. Our work ensures that the stories, resilience, and contributions rooted in this place are not only preserved—but made visible, useful, and accessible for future generations.
❊ Mission & Vision
To preserve the historic Springfield School while creating meaningful, modern opportunities through arts, education, technology, and civil rights storytelling for Wilson County and surrounding communities.
Mission
A restored campus where young people gain skills for the future, elders share lived history, artists create and teach, and the community gathers—rooted in Black legacy and built for long-term impact.
Vision
What We're Restoring
The Springfield School is being restored in phases to ensure safety, sustainability, and responsible growth.
Phase One focuses on Section 1—the operational core of the building. This area includes administrative space, classrooms and labs, community gathering areas, restrooms, and essential circulation. Restoring Section 1 allows us to reopen the building for daily public use and begin offering programs while additional phases are planned and funded.
Restoration work includes critical upgrades such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, windows and doors, accessibility improvements, and life-safety systems.
This phased approach allows the Springfield Center to establish a functional “front door” for the community while honoring the building’s historic integrity.
Our Values
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Decisions are guided by local history, lived experience, and community need.
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Rural communities deserve modern educational and creative resources.
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Elders, youth, and families all have a role in shaping the future.
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We steward resources carefully and communicate openly with supporters and partners.
Leadership
The Springfield Center for Arts, Education & Civil Rights Legacy is led by community members committed to preservation, education, and long-term impact.
Rickey Kirby
With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. They set the tone for everything we do.
Co-founder & President
Chandler Kirby
Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care.
Co-founder & Treasurer
Co-founder & SecretaryBrenda Carter
Creative and strategic in equal measure, our marketing director brings fresh ideas to every campaign. They turn insights into action and help our message resonate with the right audience.