Sewell presents $750K check to Selma University to renovate historic Pollard Hall

Rep. Terri Sewell presented a $750,000 check to Selma University on Tuesday for renovations to a key property on campus that will serve as a museum and cultural community center.

Selma University President Dr. Stanford Angion accepted the check in a press conference in front of Pollard Hall on Boynton Street that will be renovated with the funding from National Park Service that is part of a $9.7 million investment to preserve historic structures on the campuses of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Pollard Hall was built in 1916 and served as the home for Selma University presidents and later as dormitory space for students. 

“Pollard Hall has been a prominent part of Selma University for over 100 years, and we are thankful for the funding so we can preserve the legacy of this building,” Angion said. “We plan to use the funds to tell our story.”

The first floor will be a museum featuring the history of Selma University that has taught many prominent Black leaders, including Booker T. Washington and Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, a well-known Birmingham civil rights leader for whom the airport is named.

Angion said the second floor will be dedicated as a cultural and communal living space with rooms for telecommunication and video equipment that will allow them to “reach out and help students and community to better themselves.” 

“This will allow us to preserve the history that is also preserving the city of Selma for many years to come,” Angion said.

Sewell said HBCUs have played a vital role in shaping history of our nation as well as educated the next generation of Black leaders and scholars.

“I am proud to lead the effort to secure resources for HBCUs to preserve historic civil rights sites on those campuses,” Sewell said. “Where we give our funding is a direct reflection of what we value. And we are sending a messaging that HBCUs are worth fighting for.”

Several buildings on Selma University’s campus were listed on the National Register of Historic Places last summer. Last year, Selma University got another $500,000 grant from US Rep. Terri Sewell for renovations of Dinkins Memorial Hall on campus