COEHS and UNF engineering students help preserve a legacy of education and community

Last Summer, three UNF civil engineering students, (Alexander Anderson, Lionela Agastra and Jacob Fiallos), who were enrolled in Dr. Adel ElSafty's "Design of Reinforced Concrete" course, helped with the restoration of the Jacksonville Beach Elementary School #144 for the Rhoda L. Martin Cultural Heritage Center.

Established in 2007, the Rhoda Martin Cultural Heritage Center promotes appreciation for and preserves the value of the early African American educational experience and the cultural history of the Jacksonville Beaches area. In addition to Elementary School #144 being the school for Black children during segregation, the building served as voting precinct, medical clinic, place for social events and the only building in the area where Black people were allowed to shelter during hurricanes and storms. In recent years, the center served as an after-school tutoring site run by retired teachers, many of whom had taught or attended the school. The building now serves as a museum with a replica of a second-grade classroom and a place for local events and art shows.

With Anderson, Agastra and Fiallos's cost estimates and design plans, they were able to raise $30,000 to replace the roof of Elementary School #144 and continue the legacy of preserving African American history in Northeast Florida. Utilizing Agastra and Fiallos's estimates and designs, a grant was submitted by Dr. Katrina Hall, Associate Professor in the College of Education and Human Services, and Mrs. Lillie Sullivan, Board President of Jacksonville Beach Elementary Preservation Fund, Inc. (DBA Rhoda L. Martin Cultural Heritage Center).

We are pleased to announce that the grant is now funded for $500,000 and will go toward restoration and repair efforts. Restoration will begin soon, and a plaque will be installed to recognize the contributions of the UNF Engineering Students.

Dr. Hall, who serves as board treasurer, stated that the funds will help greatly with restoration and beautification efforts, but that the center, which operates as a 501C3, relies on volunteers and financial contributions for operating costs such as electricity, insurance and other expenses.

In addition, the Jacksonville Beach Elementary Preservation Fund board, whose members include retired and active educators and community leaders, offer educational programs, art and history exhibits and a variety of community events, including an upcoming meet and greet for the annual Jacksonville Beach #144 reunion in October.

Annual museum memberships are $25. Individuals who are interested in touring the center, scheduling an event, volunteering, or making a contribution can visit the website www.rhodamartin.com or call 904-853-5027.