Florence Bethune Section of NCNW Present Plans For First African American Cultural Center in Florence

Modestine Samuel, President of the Florence Section National Council of Negro Women, presented plans to the Florence City Council during the July 10, 2023 regular meeting of the City Council in Council Chambers at the City Center located at 324 W. Evans Street, Florence, SC, to potentially establish the first African American Cultural Center in Florence

Samuel provided City Council with an informational packet, including letters of support from Belle Zeigler at the Eastern Carolina Foundation, and Andrew Stout, curator for Florence Museum.

“We started this with Mr Drew Griffin...we told him we had been bequeathed a parcel of land located at 1511 Stokes Road in Florence County...it is 1.9 acres,” says Samuel to the City Council and attendees.

Samuel stated the group is looking for benefactors for the idea while the City of Florence keeps the parcel of land in trust for upkeep and safekeeping. Since NCNW is a 501(c)(3) organization, Samuel states, “We do not have the money to conduct the feasibility study, so we are asking [for help with coming up with the funds] to conduct the study.”

The feasibility study will be to determine the type of center that would be most beneficial to the Florence community and surrounding areas.

“The mission of the Florence Section National Council of Negro Women is to empower the African American community,” says Samuel, “And to keep the dream alive by supporting endeavors that will enhance the lives of the African community in Florence and surrounding counties.”

Councilwoman NesSmith-Jackson questioned the costs associated with a feasibility study, in which Samuel commented it would depend on who is secured to conduct the study ranging into the thousands.