May Day event raises money for new community center in Minter

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

The Dallas County community of Minter hosts its annual May Day Celebration this weekend.

The event helps to raise money for the effort to build a new community center in the small rural community.

“We couldn’t get a grant from the USDA. So, we decided that we would just fundraise and raise the funds to put it up,” said Lionel Smith.

The new center is located on the site of the historic Street Manuel Training School — which was founded by Emanuel M. Brown.

Brown was the son of sharecroppers. He was a graduate of Snowden Institute — and Harvard University.

“And then he came back and started a one room class with 15 students to 450 students before it closed,” said Smith.

The school shut down in 1972.

Smith says the community center project is also a way to honor the work and legacy of the historic educator.

“He did extraordinary things to help educate his peoples when he started up in 1904.”

The May Day festivities include — craft and food vendors — a car and motorcycle show — inflatables — music — games — and door prizes.