Restoration of The Madame C.J. Walker School

07/08/2026

The need for a new roof has become increasingly urgent, making it one of the highest priorities in preserving this historic building. Does anyone know of people willing to donate or discount construction supplies or labor?
If not, can you share this post to help us out?
If you would like to donate, click this link and just select "Project Revive and Restore".

To teach and preach the Word of God to the lost, to edify the believer, encourage the downtrodden, and to be a beacon of light to our community. To encourage application of God's Word in our lives.

07/03/2026

Happy 4th of July Weekend! Stay safe everyone!!

07/01/2026

We were featured in the Johnson County Post. It is behind a paywall, but if you register, you should be able to read it for free.

The Madam C.J. Walker School in Merriam is now on the National Register of Historic Places for its — and its community's — impact on school desegregation.

06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth!

Today we commemorate June 19, 1865, the day that news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Texas. It took more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued for them to be freed, and many people call it the nation's second independence day.

At the CJ Walker School, we recognize that the story of freedom did not end in 1865. Generations later, families in South Park were still fighting to ensure that all children had access to equal educational opportunities. They won their case, but we recognize that in many ways, the struggle is still ongoing.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we honor those who fought for freedom, those who continued the struggle for equal rights, and those who worked to ensure that future generations would have greater opportunities than those who came before them.

06/11/2026

On this day 77 years ago, Webb v. School District 90 was decided.

On June 11, 1949, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the South Park families who fought for equal educational opportunities for their children. The story of this building is about more than bricks and mortar, and we are honored to help preserve that history and share it with future generations.

06/06/2026

BIG NEWS!!!!
We are thrilled to announce that the CJ Walker School has officially been listed on the National Register of Historic Places!

This designation recognizes the school's significance not only to our local community, but also to the broader story of civil rights and education in America.

This achievement is the result of countless hours of research, advocacy, and support from many dedicated individuals, and we are grateful to everyone who has helped preserve and share the story of this remarkable place.

Being listed on the National Register is an important milestone, but our work is far from over. We remain committed to preserving the school, sharing its history, and ensuring that future generations can learn from the people who fought for equality and justice right here in our community.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this effort. Today, we celebrate a well-deserved recognition for a truly important piece of Kansas history!

05/17/2026

Today is a special day around here because it marks the 72nd Anniversary of the landmark Brown v Board decision. This decision ruled that separate was inherently unequal, and overruled the Plessy v Ferguson case of 1896. This decision paved the way for school desegregation nationwide.

05/16/2026

If you all haven't seen what these folks are doing to restore their church, you need to check them out!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090470810816

The only remaining Black Church in the region, this important Parkville, MO. landmark is in need of extensive renovation so the building can again be used by everyone for religious and community purposes..

03/05/2026

If you find yourself in Topeka, the Kansas Museum of History just reopened and it is fantastic. And as a bonus, look what we found there!

02/21/2026

This week, we’re spotlighting Corinthian Clay Nutter for Black History Month.

She’s often remembered for her role in Walker’s Walkout, but her impact — and her story — go far beyond that single moment in history.

Corinthian was born in Forney, Texas on December 10, 1906. She was born into a very religious Baptist family, and at least one of her parents was a former slave. Due to the rigid environment at her home, she married at age 14 to escape that environment and dropped out of school. The marriage didn’t last long and she was divorced by age 16. After hearing stories about Kansas City’s nightlife, Corinthian packed up and moved — even though she didn’t know anyone here. The YMCA helped place her with a roommate, Willie McWashington, drummer for the famous Bennie Moten Band. And according to Corinthian, Count Basie would show up at their house and play piano quite frequently!

She realized that education was important and went back to school. She earned her high school diploma in 1936 (at the age of 30!) and then obtained a teaching license by 1938. She took a job at Shawnee’s Dunbar School (another historic all -black school) and later took a teaching position at the CJ Walker School.

As the controversy over the new South Park School heated up, Corinthian became an outspoken advocate for the conditions at the Walker school. She was fired for her trouble. When Esther Brown suggested the boycott of the Walker school, she called Corinthian and Nutter agreed to come teach the students. Her and another teacher, Hazel McCray-Weddington taught in living rooms for little pay for a year.

When the case went to the Kansas Supreme Court, Nutter testified about the conditions of the school and eventually the case was decided in favor of the Walker School Students. South Park School would be integrated. According to an interview with Nutter, she said that “Schools shouldn’t be for a color, they should be for children”.

Corinthian was not re-hired by the school district, but went on to teach at Olathe’s Lincoln School (another all-black school) and then later accepted a position at Olathe’s Westview Elementary. She was the only black teacher there, but eventually became principal of that school. After her retirement she was honored for her role in Walker’s Walkout by the NAACP and the American Association of Women. She passed away in her home at the age of 97 in 2004.

Photo Courtesy of the JoCo Museum