On May 13, 1947, several African-American leaders in Lunenburg County met at First Baptist Church in Victoria to discuss the need for a centrally located building large enough to accommodate countywide gatherings and educational activities for blacks. Arising from the effects of racism and the state policy of “Separate, But Equal,” the idea for The People’s Community Center took shape. Lunenburg Training School, the high school for “negroes,” consisted primarily of an assortment of wooden buildings, without a gymnasium or adequate space for large group gatherings such as graduations. John E. Williams, a local mortician and shoe repair shop owner, led the effort to plan, promote, and carry out the project for a new building. With no available funds, the group was encouraged when Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Williams, owners of Victoria Supply Company, donated land and extended credit for building materials. The sturdy cinder block building that resulted was constructed mainly with freely given volunteer labor, mostly from returning World War II black veterans, and it was paid for through a variety of fundraising activities. Since its opening, the Center was used mainly, but not solely, by the African-American citizenry for numerous social, educational, religious, recreational, political, and other activities. It also served as a voting precinct and a meeting place for senior citizens and Civil Rights planning sessions. From 1952 to 1969, the Center was used by the African-American high school for graduations, basketball games, proms, and other countywide school-related events. In 1966, the Center was condemned after the roof collapsed as a result of heavy snowfall and ice accumulation. However, through coordinated private and public efforts, it was rebuilt and reopened on September 9, 2000.