MISSION
The mission of Franklinton Center at Bricks is to provide a nurturing home to local, national, and global programs and organizations seeking liberation.
Our vision is to manifest a world where systemic oppression does not exist; the whole divinity of a person is realized; the memory, contribution and resilience of our ancestors is embraced; and the environment is healed. This world embodies the gifts of learning, outdoor play, teaching, health, safety, love, and connection to beloved community.
History
Franklinton Center at Bricks is located on the site of what was formerly a plantation. The Center traces its beginnings to the founding of the Franklinton Christian College in1871 and the Congregationalist Bricks School in 1895. Both schools closed; and in 1946 the Franklinton Center formed to provide opportunities for Christian Education, fellowship and recreation. It moved from Franklinton, NC to Bricks in 1954 and was named the Franklinton Center at Bricks in 1994 as a ministry of the United Church of Christ managed/staffed by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries. Franklinton Center at Bricks became a stand-alone 501c3 tax-exempt organization in 2015.
Four Pillars of Franklinton Center
The Center for African American Historic Preservation
The Center for African American Historic Preservation
Recognizing that 75% of Black families in the counties surrounding FCAB can trace their roots and lineage to the land and center, from enslavement in the 1600s to today, this Pillar seeks to elevate this history through the story of the land, the multiple roles Franklinton Center at Bricks has play in the lives of residents in a 150 year liberation journey and to guarantee that the story is told by the community, as well as returning ownership of artifacts and documents stored elsewhere to the FCAB archive.
Center for Rural Community Development, Education and Engagement
Center for Rural Community Development, Education and Engagement
Through our vital services to rural Eastern North Carolina, FCAB engages its commitment to help residents grow and thrive. Through partnerships with local towns, schools, communities and individuals FCAB identifies pressing concerns and works to develop and implement initiatives that address expressed community needs.
Social Justice Conference and Retreat Center
Social Justice Conference and Retreat Center
This pillar leverages resources and assets to empower people through training and education. Each year Franklinton Center at Bricks hosts thousands of guests from a variety of organizations including social justice advocates, nonprofits, schools, foundations, faith groups, municipalities, and families. The center provides welcoming facilities and meeting spaces and offers responsive, innovative, and community-centered social justice programs that promote resilience and growth.
Center for Land-Based Innovation
Center for Land-Based Innovation
The 250 acres that FCAB occupies sustains local and regional residents in several ways. As a resiliency hub it is the center of support, communications and distribution of resources, including freshly grown produce. Building on its role in emergency management during the COVID pandemic FCAB will increase its engagement in environmental mitigation of the climate crisis, promoting food sovereignty, and social equity in order to create and strengthen the conditions for community self-determination, social connection and success before during and after the inevitable disruptions the climate crisis promises to bring,
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Franklinton Center at Bricks (FCAB) builds upon the lessons of history by creating forward looking programs that are relevant to the global struggle for justice and equality. FCAB has a rich and varied past, with many names and uses. Today it is a conference center where local, regional, national and international justice advocates, leaders and truth seekers continue to learn and do the work needed to transform lives. Your generous contributions support the life of Franklinton Center at Bricks and our community.
