Selma Council Approves Return Of Richard B. Harrison Alumni Building

SELMA, N.C. — The Town of Selma is one step closer to regaining ownership of the entire Richard B. Harrison campus after town leaders unanimously approved an agreement June 23 to accept the return of the Richard B. Harrison Alumni Association building at 405 S. Brevard Street.

The vote came during a special meeting attended by representatives of the Richard B. Harrison Alumni Association, which has owned the building since it was conveyed by the town in 2006.

Under the agreement, the nonprofit organization will voluntarily return the building to the Town of Selma at no cost. The transfer will become final once the deed is executed and recorded. Association leaders indicated the organization no longer uses the facility to the extent it once did and felt the property would be best served under town ownership.

The approximately 6,440-square-foot building is the only portion of the Richard B. Harrison campus not already owned by the town.

Mayor Byron McAllister said the property remains an important part of Selma’s history.

“This is an important building with historical value,” McAllister said. “I hope we can return it to its former glory as soon as possible.”

Town officials said they plan to begin exterior improvements later this year. Interior renovations could begin in 2027 as funding becomes available.

The agreement preserves several features associated with the building’s history, including the Jacqueline Lacy Classroom, Mary Leftwdrige Banquet Room, Myrtle Williamson Kitchen and George Maye Athletic Room. The town also agreed to maintain the building’s traditional blue-and-white Bulldog color scheme and preserve existing Bulldog-themed artwork and signage.

All rental agreements currently scheduled through the end of 2026 will be honored. Future rentals will be subject to the Town of Selma fee schedule and rental policies.

Historic Campus

The Richard B. Harrison School campus occupies an important place in Johnston County history.

The school served African-American students from across Johnston County until the public school system was integrated in 1970.

In 2012, the Richard B. Harrison School complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its historical significance.

The transfer will allow town officials to oversee future preservation and improvements while maintaining the site’s historic character.