This Topeka home played a pivotal role in Brown v. Board case. Here's why it needs repairs

Many say the house at 1007 S.W. Jewell Ave. in Topeka is where the legacy of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case began.

The home, which formerly belonged to couple Lucinda and Alvin Todd, not only was a place of residence for them, but it became a key meeting space in 1948 when Lucinda Todd began serving as the secretary for the Topeka chapter of the NAACP.

As secretary, Lucinda Todd played a pivotal role in the Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit, which brought about the historic 1954 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that banned racial segregation in schools.

Todd was among 13 Topeka plaintiffs in the Brown v. Board case. Those plaintiffs and attorneys for the NAACP made plans while sitting around the dining table of the Todd home.

Lucinda Todd died at age 93 in 1996.

Lucinda Todd home faces water damage, roof issues and more

But today, nearly 70 years later, it is owned by Eastside Church of God in Christ, which is looking for resources to begin proper repairs for the site to be accessible.

The Rev. Ben Scott, of Eastside Church, said his major concern for the home is the water damage in the basement and the exterior roofing that needs to be replaced.

Scott said before the COVID-19 pandemic exploded in March 2020, many were having conversations and making plans to save the home. But almost four years later, getting back on track has been difficult.

"I hope people will just appreciate the significance of the building," Scott said, "and I think if they understand that they might have an incentive to do something to perpetuate hopefully in the future."

Scott said Eastside Church hopes to learn about grants and financial aid opportunities available to keep the building maintained because of its rich history.

How much would repairs cost on the Todd home in Topeka?

Although no bids have been placed by companies on the work of the home, Scott estimates it would cost around $30,000 for work to be complete.

"We're going to do whatever we can try to do to maintain this building," he said. "We do know that there's a lot of significance that happened in this building. A lot of things that went on that I think our children, our grandchildren need to still learn about it.

"And really, it's not that much in the textbooks about facilities like this."

If repairs to the house are completed, plans would be to use it as a historic learning site for children to learn more about Lucinda Todd and the NAACP.

To know more about the Todd home or reach out to Scott with information, email eastside2cogic@gmail.com.

Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at klately@cjonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka home played key role in Brown v. Board case. It needs repairs.