Candidates highlight Rosenwald school and Chipman Cultural Center as local preservation priorities

Conservation of historic sites in District 1 emerged as a distinct topic when both candidates recounted the community value of Rosenwald schools and the Chipman Cultural Center.

Councilwoman Ushanie 'Shanie' Pinkett Shields described the Rosenwald schools’ history and architecture, citing Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington’s collaboration to build schools that used banks of windows for lighting and passive heating. "Think of Sears and Roebuck," she said when explaining Rosenwald's background, connecting the philanthropist's name to a recognizable brand to explain why the schools were funded.

Shields said the San Domingo Rosenwald school had been restored through coordinated fundraising efforts: "My brother ... started the working to secure money" and the Mardela Historical Society and other grants were significant contributors. She called the building "totally restored right down to the floor" but warned that continued attention and funding are needed to prevent deterioration.

The candidates also raised the Chipman Cultural Center, describing it as a historically important community church-turned-cultural-site with renovation work dating back decades. Shields recounted early renovation efforts from the mid-1980s and noted Maryland Historical Trust as a supporter of minority historic buildings.

Both candidates encouraged partnerships with local foundations and volunteers to find grant funding and technical assistance for preservation. Shields invited groups working on Wetipquin and Calvin Burrell school efforts to consult with her brother and local foundation contacts for fundraising guidance.

The segment presented local preservation as a community priority rather than an item linked to immediate council votes or budget approvals; no formal preservation actions or funding decisions were recorded on air.