Benjamin E. Mays Family Center Commences Operations in Pacolet

Pacolet, South Carolina- A significant historic edifice located in Pacolet has been transformed into a significant community resource. Known originally as the Benjamin E. Mays Consolidated School, the institution was one of the first to bear the name of famed minister and civil rights pioneer, Benjamin E. Mays. Today, this esteemed building has embarked on a new journey by opening its doors as the Benjamin E. Mays Family Center.

A Look into the Past

Opening for the first time in 1953, this revered educational institution upheld the name of Benjamin E. Mays until 1970. This re-naming marked the commencement of mandatory integration, catalyzing a new phase for the school. Subsequently, the formerly known Mays school evolved into the Middle School of Pacolet.

However, in 2023, the premises encountered a period of vacancy following the consolidation of middle schools by Spartanburg School District 3. Sensing the potential for a unique community contribution, Spartanburg School District 3 decided to donate the former middle school building.

The Benjamin E. Mays Family Center

In homage to its distinguished name predecessor, the building is introduced anew as the Benjamin E. Mays Family Center. The center is expected to serve as a invaluable resource for families in the region. It is highlighted by Otis McCollum, a member of the Benjamin E. Mays Alumni Association, that Dr. Mays was a significant mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This mention underscores the Center’s connection to a legacy of valiant leadership and the pursuit of civil rights.

As a newly established family resource center, the Benjamin E. Mays Family Center is envisaged as a beacon of strengthening community bonds and facilitating resources to enrich local lives.

A Continuing Legacy

The opening of the Benjamin E. Mays Family Center is seen as a continuation of the enduring legacy left by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the community that an important historical building could be given a fresh lease of life, while continuing to honor its historical roots.

As a pioneering minister, academic, and a relentless civil rights advocate, Benjamin E. Mays’ work and influence remain preserved in the community through this transformation of the former school building into a useful community resource – a family center named in his honour.