Perfectly nestled in the historic Walker Grove Settlement—3.5-square mile swath that stretched over Beaver Dam Creek near Keysville, Georgia, a young preacher, Reverend Dr. John Lawrence Phelps saw a vision. In 1906, with the help of Walker descendants who donated land, he planted the seeds of Boggs Academy. What began with fewer than ten students under a brush arbor became one of the South’s most respected boarding schools for Black youth. For decades, Boggs prepared leaders, lifted families, and proved what was possible when vision meets opportunity in the rural America.

Today, through the charitable work of Boggs Rural Life Center, Inc, Just as Dr. Phelps once looked at Walker Grove and saw potential, we now look at our rural community and see new opportunities. We see affordable housing is being offered to families who need stability; We see organic farmers are leasing land and selling at local markets; keeping the community fed and the soil cultivated. Spaces that once shaped young lives are being reclaimed to spark innovation, education, and rural development again.

Resident farmer on Boggs’ land and founder of Starlit Roots Farm, Tianna Neal, grows fresh produce for the local community, teaches sustainable farming practices, and inspires others to connect with the land. Her work transforms the soil into opportunity—and embodies the living legacy of Boggs today.

Realizing that the bold legacy of Boggs Academy calls for the same vision of our founder, Boggs Rural Life Center, Inc. casts BIG vision for a future worth building, investing and growing—and we cannot do it without you.  

We’re asking you to GO B.I.G. with us in our efforts to stabilize and preserve the legacy of the Boggs experience: 

Build – partner to restore and repurpose historic spaces to serve the community again.
Invest – partner to strengthen housing, agriculture, and economic opportunities in rural Burke County.
Grow – partner to carry forward the Boggs legacy of education, leadership, and faith for a new generation. 

This vision needs partners, volunteers, and financial gifts.  However, your gift and support are not just charity—it’s a continuation of a promise made in the Walker Settlement more than a century ago. A promise that this sacred land would be used to uplift, not oppress. A promise that education and opportunity would be accessible, not withheld. A promise that community would thrive, not wither. Your gift brings life at Boggs. 

Now it’s our turn. Let’s GO B.I.G. together.

Give $120/month for 12 months to honor 120 years of Boggs, or choose a level of support that reflects the legacy you want to build. Every seed you sow grows into opportunity for generations that needs us to show up like never before.