Historic Columbia Foundation, in cooperation with the Ward One Organization and the University of South Carolina, will unveil a historic marker in commemoration of the Celia Dial Saxon School September 20 from 10 am to 11 am at the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center, 1000 Blossom Street where the school once stood at the corner of Blossom and Gates (now Park) Streets. After the Blossom Street School burned in 1915, a brick school was built in the location for black children in Ward One in 1929. The school was renamed Celia Dial Saxon School in 1930 to honor the long- time Columbia educator.

Celia Dial Saxon (1857- 1935) believed in promoting a strong community by helping others around her. When not in the classroom inspiring students, Saxon was heavily involved in civic improvement efforts, helping found such institutions as the Fairwold Industrial School for delinquent Negro girls; the Wilkinson Orphanage for Negro Children; and the Phillis Wheatley YWCA, home to Columbia's first African- American public library. Saxon was recently honored by the Historic Columbia Foundation during the 30th annual Jubilee: Festival of Heritage as one of the "30 Most Significant African Americans in Columbia and Richland County."

For reservations, call 803.252.7742, ext. 27 or email reservations@HistoricColumbia. org.