Old things become new again, and one community building in Benton is no exception. Three partners have worked together to reopen the newly renovated Ralph Bunche Community Center. This is thanks to the Ralph Bunche Neighborhood Association and the Ralph Bunche Men’s Alliance for Progress together with Everett Buick GMC.
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The Community Center is a gathering place for the neighborhood to celebrate, mourn, and serve others, but the history of the building dates back to 1947 when it opened as the Ralph Bunche School. The school remained open until 1968. In 1969, the school building was converted into a Head Start pre-school by the Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) and was later purchased by the Ralph Bunche Men’s Alliance for Progress in 1976.
The facility’s reopening is just in time for the 22nd annual Back to School Picnic hosted by the Ralph Bunche Community Action Committee (RBCAC) on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 at this newly renovated facility. The Back to Schol picnic provides a backpack and school supplies for families in the Benton School District.
Water damage and plumbing issues rendered the facility unusable over the past several years. The facility was renovated thanks to a considerable donation from Everett Buick GMC. The project was constructed by local contractor Liveco Construction.
Come on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. to see the building. The address is 1600 Dixie Street, Benton, AR 72015.