In the heart of Colleton County, a once-vibrant school is on the path to renewal. Ruffin High and Elementary School is a former South Carolina equalization school for Black students in Ruffin, the unincorporated community in rural Colleton County.
Mr. Luke Washington, a Ruffin community member, sold 26 acres of land to educate the children of Ruffin. The Ruffin School was built in 1954 during the equalization-era in response to the new desegregation laws. While the state fulfilled its obligation the differences between schools were obvious. Ruffin was built using a minimalist design meant for efficiency a style common for most equalization schools. The school doors closed in 2012, forcing students to attend Colleton High School—a decision met with strong opposition from parents and community members. For over a decade, the building sat in uncertainty, its halls silent, its purpose lost.
But in 2023, new hope emerged. Private owners purchased the building with a bold vision—to restore Ruffin School as a thriving community center. This ambitious project seeks to reignite the spirit of Ruffin by providing academic and social programs, sports and arts initiatives, as well as rental space for entrepreneurs and small businesses. It will also serve as a gathering place for family reunions, weddings, and special events, ensuring the school remains a cornerstone of the community.
Currently, one of the most exciting developments is the revitalization of the school’s baseball field. Aspire2Inspire Initiative, Inc. 501(3)(c), was awarded a “Healthy Eating and Active Living” mini grant from “Wholespire”, further reinforcing their non-profit’s commitment to fostering wellness and opportunity in the community. Generous in-kind donations from local Walterboro businesses, community members, and dedicated volunteers have helped to move this initiative along. With their support—offering time, labor, and expertise—the field will be ready for teams this spring, bringing youth sports back to Ruffin for the first time in years.
In addition, the Ruffin Community Garden is set to go “Green” by March. Thanks to a grant from the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) in partnership with Clemson Extension, Aspire2Inspire Initiative, Inc. offers community members access to four raised garden beds for them to grow fresh produce at no cost. All supplies will be provided, offering a hands-on opportunity to promote healthy eating and self-sufficiency.
The next major project? Restoring the football field, which has been overtaken by nature, with trees and overgrowth covering what was once a proud playing ground for Ruffin athletes. Clearing the land will require significant effort, manpower, and resources. Aspire2Inspire Initiative, Inc. continues to work on the removal of the many trees in the common areas of the school to ensure the space is open, safe, and welcoming for all.
Join Aspire2Inspire Initiative, Inc. in Making History
As the project gains momentum, support is still needed—whether through monetary donations, in-kind services, or volunteer efforts. The dedicated board is working tirelessly to bring these goals to fruition, ensuring that the future Ruffin Community Center will be a safe, welcoming space for all. Considering the school’s rich history, on January 3, 2025, the Ruffin High and Elementary is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
For the past two years, Ruffin School alumni have returned to celebrate and honor their beloved school, sharing memories and stories of its impact on their lives. “We cannot wait for the day we open these doors again—for them to see not just a building, but a renewed legacy, built on the foundation of their history and dreams for the future. This isn’t just about restoring a building,” said a representative from Aspire2Inspire Initiative, Inc., “It’s about bringing Ruffin back to life as a place where people can gather, learn, grow, and create new opportunities for generations to come.”
As the vision for the Ruffin Community Center takes shape, community members and others are encouraged to contribute to its future. The contact information; www.aspire2i.com, aspire2_inspire@yahoo.com or https://gofund.me//b08a7689
