By Betsy Finklea
A ceremony was held to dedicate a historical marker at the site of the former Leland Grove School on Saturday, June 21st.
In addition to recognizing the school, the marker also honors James Knox Braboy, who was the educator at the school.
The marker reads: “Leland Grove School: This is one of a few American Indian Schools in South Carolina, built in 1934 as a one-room school. It averaged about 50 Lumbee Indian students a year, from the Carolina community and other areas of Dillon and Marlboro Counties. At first for grades 1 – 7, it added grades 8 – 12, building a second room in 1940. James Knox Braboy (1906-1976) was principal, teacher, and custodian 1934-1970.”
The second side of the marker reads: “Braboy, a Lumbee Indian and a native of North Carolina, was named South Carolina Teacher of the Year in 1970 for his dedication to his students. He walked them to school across the McInnis Bridge over the Little Pee Dee River before the county bought a bus, then drove the bus for many years. Leland Grove School closed after the 1969-1970 school year with the desegregation of the South Carolina schools.”
At the ceremony, the welcome was given by Judge James E. Lockemy followed by the invocation by Dr. Robert Mangum.
The Lumbee Warriors Association Color Guard presented the colors, and Ron Stubbs sang the National Anthem.
Yolanda McCormick offered comments on behalf of the Dillon County Historical Society.
Amanda Hayes presented a House proclamation on behalf of Rep. Jackie Hayes to members of the Braboy family.
The proclamation reads as follows:
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE LEGACY OF JAMES KNOX BRABOY IN HIS DEDICATION AND TENACITY AS AN AMERICAN INDIAN EDUCATOR AT LELAND GROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN DILLON FROM 1934 TO 1970.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the significant contributions of James Knox “K” Braboy during his 46 year crusade to eliminate ignorance and poverty; and
Whereas, a Lumbee Indian and native of North Carolina, K Braboy was born in 1906 and did not earn a bachelor’s degree until the age of fiftyone, but he served Leland Grove Elementary School in Dillon from 1934 to 1970 as principal, custodian, bus driver, and adult educator for fortysix years; and
Whereas, built in 1934 as a oneroom schoolhouse, Leland Grove Elementary School was one of the few American Indian schools in South Carolina, averaging about fifty Lumbee Indian students each year from the Carolinas community and other areas of Dillon and Marlboro counties; and
Whereas, the school initially served grades one through seven until another room was added in 1940 to accommodate grades eight through twelve; and
Whereas, Mr. Braboy would walk his students across the McInnis Bridge over the Little Pee Dee River before the county purchased a bus for the students, and then he drove the bus for many years; and
Whereas, in 1970, Mr. Braboy was named South Carolina Teacher of the Year and was honored on the U. S. Teacher of the Year Finalist Honor Roll of Look magazine. He died in 1976; and
Whereas, on June 21, 2014, the legacy of Mr. Braboy as an American Indian educator will be honored at the dedication of an historical marker at the site of the historic Leland Grove Elementary School in Little Rock, and a reception will follow at Fairview United Methodist Church to celebrate his heritage. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the legacy of James Knox Braboy in his dedication and tenacity as an American Indian educator at Leland Grove Elementary School in Dillon from 1934 to 1970.
Remarks were given by Carley Wiggins, a local historian and freelance writer who wrote about Braboy, and John D. “Jack” McInnis, Jr., whose father taught at the school before Braboy and who at one time owned the school before he sold it to Lee Locklear. The school is now a private residence.
Louisa Locklear and Reverend Mattehue sang “Beulah Land,” which was said to be Braboy’s favorite hymn.
Dr. Bobby Braboy recognized the James K. Braboy family and the Leland Grove students.
Alaina Herndon was also recognized during the ceremony for her part in making the historical marker a reality.
After closing remarks, Rev. Jimmy Oxendine gave the benediction. A reception followed the ceremony hosted by the Dillon County Historical Society and the Braboy family.
