Since the beginning of the 1900s, the African-American community has played as vital role in the growth of Scotland County and its business economy. This impact initiated with the founding of 14 Rosenwald schools throughout the county. Created and funded by Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, these schools provided the foundation for an education.
These efforts were joined in 1904 by the creation of the Laurinburg Institute. As the community expanded, businesses formed by leaders of the African-American community took hold, especially along Main Street, where doctor offices, shops, hotels, restaurants and automobile-related businesses fueled the economic growth of Laurinburg.
The annual celebration of our African American culture is known as Kuumba. Kuumba means “creativity” and the festival lives up to that billing. Kuumba features dancing and drumming, storytelling and socializing, as well as a musical menu that runs from gospel to jazz. Look for information as the fall approaches.
