TLC - Walking in the Footsteps of a Leader: TLC Visits the Dr. Benjamin Mays Historic Site

On June 24, The Learning Current participants traveled together to one of Greenwood’s most significant landmarks: the Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historic Site. This field trip offered not only a glimpse into history but also a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on education, justice, and society.

Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, often called the “Schoolmaster of the Civil Rights Movement,” was a mentor to leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a tireless advocate for education and equality. At the historic site, participants learned about Mays’ childhood in the Greenwood area, his journey from humble beginnings to becoming president of Morehouse College, and his influence on generations of leaders who helped reshape America.

The visit included tours of the preserved Mays family home, the one-room schoolhouse where he studied as a boy, and the museum dedicated to his life and work. Each space told a piece of Mays’ story, connecting visitors to the determination and resilience that carried him from rural South Carolina to the forefront of national change.

Throughout the visit, participants reflected on the relevance of Dr. Mays’ words and legacy in today’s world. His insistence on the power of education, his vision for racial justice, and his belief in moral leadership resonated deeply with the group.