Press Release: City of Lexington selected for national grant in Lincoln Park
Neighborhood National Register Nomination
LEXINGTON, NC – The National Park Service Underrepresented Communities grant program has selected the City of Lexington for a $26,000 grant to complete a survey and inventory of the Lincoln Park Neighborhood. The survey will result in the submission of a National Register nomination.
"The National Register is the official list of our Nation's historic places that are worthy of preservation," National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said. "The National Park Service is proud to work with our Tribal, State, and local partners through the Underrepresented Communities grant program to ensure that the
National Register better reflects the important places and significant stories of all Americans." Lincoln Park is an African American community of historic significance. Started in the 1950s, it was the first neighborhood in Lexington where African Americans could purchase platted and developed property. The homeowners established it as a safe haven for its residents and African Americans from surrounding communities.
The neighborhood reared children who became educators, politicians, and entrepreneurs, among other professions, hosted iconic entertainers at American Legion Banks-Miller Post 255 as part of the Chitlin' Circuit during segregation, employed a unique system of heritage property ownership, and continues to serve as a local symbol of civil rights.
The City of Lexington pursued the Underrepresented Communities grant at the request of the neighborhood residents, who provided photos and information for the grant application. Lifelong Lincoln Park resident, Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart, spearheaded the push for national recognition of her community, getting
it successfully placed on the State Study List of potential nominations to the National Register in 2022.
"It's hard for me to express, in words, how excited I am about Lincoln Park receiving this grant from the National Parks Service," said Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart. "To me, this award confirms what those of us who were reared in this community know - it's special. The pillars of this neighborhood were diligent in creating a joint family legacy that would outlast their time here. What we're witnessing are the ongoing fruits of their labor and answers to their prayers. A few years ago, another lifelong resident, Ms. Vickie Jones, suggested researching the National Register of Historic Places nomination process. I'm humbled by the fact that my Lincoln Park village trusts me to spearhead this endeavor. It's an honor, and we're looking forward to taking the next steps to preserve the foundation, integrity and history of Lincoln Park."
"I am truly excited for the residents and the legacy of the Lincoln Park neighborhood," Lexington Mayor Jason Hayes said. "This is an affirmation of the historical significance of Lincoln Park and an important step toward the National Register Historic Register designation. On behalf of the Lexington City Council, I
am appreciative of Ms. Lockhart's ongoing dedication and Lincoln Park residents' input in this process."
The City of Lexington would like to recognize and thank the National Park Service, the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, Davidson County Historical Museum, Davidson County Chapter - Lexington Branch of NAACP, and the residents of Lincoln Park for their support in recognizing the historic Lincoln Park neighborhood.
