Richard Allen Coalition, Inc.

At Richard Allen Coalition Inc, we strive to achieve to following: (1) To preserve the history of public education of African-Americans in Sussex County, Delaware; (2) To conserve the heritage and contributions of African-Americans in Delaware; (3) To foster tolerance and a sense of community among all Sussex County residents; and (4) To inspire young people to continue the work for civil and human rights.

$750 raised from 4 donors

Richard Allen Coalition Inc in Georgetown opened its doors in the 1920s as one of the 80 schools built by Philanthropist Pierre S. DuPont for African-American children in Delaware. This is one of the “DuPont Colored Schools” that continued to serve as the heart of the African-American community for more than half a century.

With the community help, we have painted, sanded and worked to bring portions of the building into a useable facility. We are continuing to raise the funding needed to begin the renovation and restoration project of the Richard Allen Coalition School. It is an ambitious goal, but with the help of donors like you, we can do it efficiently. Learn more on our website at richardallenschoolgeorgetown.com.

About Richard Allen Coalition, Inc.

Mission: At Richard Allen Coalition Inc, we strive to achieve to following: (1) To preserve the history of public education of African-Americans in Sussex County, Delaware; (2) To conserve the heritage and contributions of African-Americans in Delaware; (3) To foster tolerance and a sense of community among all Sussex County residents; and (4) To inspire young people to continue the work for civil and human rights.

Many years ago, the late "Bill" William Gibbs and his coalition strived to turn Richard Allen Coalition Inc into a community center in Georgetown, Delaware when the kindergarten moved from the school. The district decided instead to utilize the school as an alternative school.

With the moving of the alternative school to Frankford, members of the community agreed that the school would be a perfect place for a community center. The group who formed the Richard Allen Coalition Inc. began working to have the school deeded to the Richard Allen Coalition, Inc. to be used as a community center and a facility to house historic artifacts of the African American community in and around Sussex County.

Through the coalition's tenacity and perseverance and with the help of Senator Brian Pettyjohn and Representative Ruth Briggs King, legislation was drafted allowing the Boys and Girls Club to transfer the school to the Coalition.

We received funding to begin the initial aspect of the restoration of the original section of the school. A planning committee has been formed and are meeting with Commonwealth Heritage Group, Inc. on the next phase of the restoration/utilization of the school.