The Peoples Community Center

The Peoples Community Center. Victoria, Virginia. , On May 13, 1947, several African American leaders in Lunenburg County met at First Baptist Church in Victoria to discuss the need for a centrally located building large enough to accommodate county-wide gatherings. Out of a need to deal with the effects of racism, Jim Crow laws, and the "separate but equal" legal doctrine, the idea to build the Peoples Community Center was born., Mr. John E. Williams, a local mortician and shoe repair shop owner, and Mrs. Eugene Smith, chief builder and designer, led the effort in promoting and executing the plan for a new building. With no available funds, the small group was encouraged when Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Williams, owners of Victoria Supply Company, donated land and extended credit for building materials. The resulting sturdy cinder-block building was constructed mainly with volunteer labor, mostly from returning World War II veterans. It was paid for through a variety of fund-raising activities and opened around 1952., After opening, the center was used mainly by African Americans for numerous social, educational, religious, recreational, and political activities. it was also a voting precinct and meeting place for senior citizens and civil rights planning sessions. From 1952 to 1966 the center was used by Lunenburg High School (formerly Lunenburg County Training School) for graduations, basketball games, proms, and other school-related events., In 1996 the center was condemned after the roof collapsed as a result of heavy snowfall and ice accumulation. However, through public and private efforts, another building was constructed using the architectural design of Mr. Joseph E. Epps. The new center was opened and dedicated on September 9, 2000.