Sewell presents $750K to Selma University for renovation of Foster Hall

Congresswoman Terri Sewell was in her hometown of Selma Oct. 28 to present a check to Selma University President Dr. Stanford Angion.

The $750,000 check from the National Park Service is for stabilization and restoration of Foster Hall, which Angion said is “the oldest extant building on campus.” 

Sewell, who representsthe 7^th Congressional District, said it’s important to preserve and learn our history because “we cannot forge a better future if we do not know our past.” 

“Selma University teaches the students of today about the people and places of the (Civil Rights) movement,” Sewell told the crowd at the check presentation. She saidby preserving these historic institutions “we’re also increasing the economic viability of Selma."

 “It was the African American Baptist women who led the effort to raise the money to build Foster Hall in 1910,” Angion said. He then called the historic building “a towering trophy to the legacy of African American women throughout the state of Alabama” 

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The funds from the NPS grant will help to stabilize the structure and renovate the first-floor meeting and classroom space, according toAngion. He added that the two upper floors will eventually be renovated and used for “their original purpose, which was women’s dormitory.” 

Over the past three years, Selma University has received three NPS grants totaling $2 million, according to Angion. The funds have been used to repair and renovate Dinkins, Pollard and Foster halls.

“These projects are important for preserving historically significant buildings and for providing greater resources for uplifting the local communities,”Angion said.

Sewell said she was unable to attend Angion’s investiture on Oct. 22, but on that day, she had read into the Congressional Record a document commending Angion for his leadership. Sewell read the document to the crowd and then presented Angion with a framed copy.