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Saving the Eleanor Roosevelt School: A Conversation with Voncher Walker

Author
Holley Snaith
Published
Wed 06 Aug 2025
Episode Link
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/holley-snaith/episodes/Saving-the-Eleanor-Roosevelt-School-A-Conversation-with-Voncher-Walker-e38catl

Historic preservation is more than saving buildings—it’s about honoring stories, communities, and the legacies that shaped who we are.

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring story of the Eleanor Roosevelt School—the last of the Rosenwald Schools, born from a visionary partnership between philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and educator Booker T. Washington.

Located in Warm Springs, Georgia, this historic institution was built with the support of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the local community. We explore its origins, its impact, and the remarkable efforts of Voncher and her brother Debron, who are working tirelessly to preserve this vital piece of Black history.

You’ll hear about the challenges they’ve faced, the rich legacy of the Rosenwald School movement, and the enduring influence of Eleanor Roosevelt’s advocacy for human rights and education.

This episode is a tribute to resilience, community, and the power of preserving our shared history.

Key Highlights

  • Voncher Walker shares her passion for historic preservation and the significance of the Rosenwald Schools.
  • The role of Eleanor Roosevelt in supporting Black education during the Jim Crow era.
  • Insights into the challenges and triumphs of restoring the last Rosenwald School.
  • The importance of community investment and strategic partnerships in transforming communities.

Voncher Walker Biography

Voncher Walker is an entrepreneur and investor who, along with her brother Debron Walker, purchased the historic Eleanor Roosevelt School in Warm Springs, Georgia, in 2020.

This National Registry landmark is one of the original Rosenwald Schools built with funding from the Julius Rosenwald Fund and personal contributions from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

As the owner of The Eleanor Roosevelt School, Walker is transforming the 1936 school into a museum, event space, and educational tourism destination while preserving its legacy as part of the network that educated over 660,000 Black children across the South.

Links

Books Recommended by Voncher

  • The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter Godwin Woodson
    Amazon link
  • Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
    Amazon link
  • Growing Up Roosevelt by Nina Roosevelt Gibson
    Amazon link

Holley’s Links

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