Lincoln School Memorial Project Brings History to Life Through Art

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In the quiet town of West Plains, Missouri, a powerful tribute now stands where generations of Black students once gathered to learn. The Lincoln School Memorial Project has officially unveiled two breathtaking bronze statues as part of its Reflection Plaza—a space dedicated to preserving the legacy of Lincoln School and the resilient community it served.

A School with Deep Roots

Established in 1926, Lincoln School was the only school available to black children in West Plains during segregation. For decades, it stood as a pillar of education, pride, and unity amid injustice. Though the school closed following desegregation in the 1950s, the stories and impact of its students and teachers have never faded.

Thanks to the vision of Tonya and Crockett Oaks III —whose families have personal ties to the school—those stories now have a permanent, powerful voice in the form of public art. The old Lincoln School is now a center of civic engagement. It is a place for community members to gather. 

Telling Stories in Bronze

The plaza features two original bronze sculptures, created by Big Statues.

 “I, Too, Am America”

This statue depicts a young Black boy standing tall and proud, inspired by a 1942 photograph of a Lincoln School student saluting the flag. It captures both the innocence and strength of a child who believed in the promise of a country that didn’t yet fully believe in him. The base of the sculpture features a mural of the American flag, spiritual symbols, and a family tree, bridging African heritage with American identity.

See more photos here

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 “Feel the Love”

Based on a childhood photo of Tonya Oaks herself, this second bronze statue shows a young girl forming a heart shape with her hands. Her pedestal is adorned with African floral motifs, cotton imagery, and 30 portraits of strong Black women—local figures, historical icons, and community trailblazers. Together, the statue and its surroundings honor the role of Black women in shaping both families and futures.

See more photos here

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More Than Monuments

These sculptures aren’t just decorations, they’re invitations. Reflection Plaza is designed as a place for visitors to pause, learn, and connect. The plaza was unveiled on May 17, 2025. This date was purposefully chosen to align with the anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark decision that desegregated schools due to the civil rights movement.

The project has received support from donors, local government, and cultural organizations, all recognizing the importance of remembering even hard parts of american history.

Why It Matters

In a time when so many stories are at risk of being lost, the Lincoln School Memorial Project ensures that the contributions, struggles, and triumphs of Black students and families in West Plains are etched into public memory. It is a testament to how art can heal, teach, and unite.

And most importantly, it reminds us that history doesn’t just live in books—it lives in the hearts of communities willing to tell it.

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Learn more about the Lincoln School Project here

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