Beverly Steele, founder of Young Performing Artists, Inc., discusses Royal's history and the efforts to have Royal listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1865, newly emancipated Black Americans established this small farming community on 40+ acre land grants received through the Homestead Act of 1862.
Today, Royal is one of only two surviving Black homesteading communities in the entire country. But its continued existence is being threatened on all sides by encroaching development – including industrial, transportation, and high-density residential construction.
To help protect the community's historic boundary integrity, Royal residents are seeking to have Royal listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is our country’s official list of historic districts and properties that are worthy of preservation. Find out more about the SPLC's work with Royal residents here.
Will you join SPLC and Ms. Beverly Steele's organization, Young Performing Artists, Inc., in supporting the residents of Royal as they seek to preserve the history of this unique American treasure and secure their community's future for generations to come? Add your name, and join the growing movement to protect Black communities.
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