Historian to address Seneca luncheon

An historian will address a Seneca luncheon next month to help mark the city’s observance of Black History Month. From the state Historic Preservation Office, Rebekah Dobrasko will tell how a little-remembered school building campaign had a large impact on an attempt by South Carolina to equalize its dual public school systems, one for whites and one for blacks. The 1951 school equalization program, led by Governor Jimmy Byrnes, created South Carolina’s first permanent sales tax. That equalization program would fund the construction of Seneca’s Blue Ridge High School, the area’s only all-black high school. Blue Ridge High operated until 1969, the year that Oconee ended segregated public schooling. Dobrasko speaks during the February 7 luncheon at the Lunney House Museum. Seating is limited, so reservations should be made by calling 710-7494. Both Thursday, February 7 and Friday, February 8, Dobrasko will speak to students at three Seneca schools: Seneca Middle School and Northside Elementary and Blue Ridge Elementary.