DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida Representative Rob Long (D-Delray Beach) is seeking $200,000 in state funds to rescue Sherman Williams American Legion Post 188c, a historic sanctuary built by Black World War II veterans.

In the Jim Crow era, Long explained that black veterans were barred from white posts:

The ‘C’ in Post 188c stands for ‘color.’ The word reflects a painful and segregated past. They were excluded from other American Legion posts, so they did what many in this community have done throughout history: They built their own.

The 70-year-old building at 196 Northwest Eighth Avenue served for decades as the heartbeat of Delray’s Black community. But over the years, it’s fallen on hard times.

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The facility currently faces critical threats, including structural deterioration, roof damage, and failing electrical systems. Without the requested “fixed capital outlay” from the state, the post cannot safely resume its mission of serving veterans and families.

Long was joined by Deputy Vice Mayor Angela Burns and Post Commander Charles Blake, who have worked to return the deed of the hall to the community.

Long framed the restoration as a moral obligation rather than a simple construction project.

“This is about recognizing that historic Black veteran institutions were systematically under-resourced,” Long said. “Preservation is not charity. It’s a responsibility. It’s about ensuring veterans are served with dignity and safety and respect.”

During the press conference, Blake said the project is in the “planning and designing phase,” ensuring the final result reflects the “history, values, and pride” of the community.