Projects

Repairing Senate's Record on Lynching

Apology would be Congress's first for treatment of blacks
By Avis Thomas-Lester - The Washington Post
Updated: 10:22 a.m. ET June 11, 2005

WASHINGTON - Anna Holmes remembers hearing about the bridge when she was a little girl It stood somewhere near the spot where the Collington and Western branches of the Patuxent River met in Upper Marlboro, less than a quarter-mile from the Marlboro jail. "I used to hear them talking about the lynching," said Holmes, 79, who grew up in central Prince George's County. It was on the bridge that a black man named Stephen Williams, accused of manhandling a white woman, was beaten and hanged about 3 in the morning on Oct. 20, 1894. A masked mob snatched him from his jail cell and dragged him as he pleaded for his life.

"When the MarlThe Senate is set to correct that wrong Monday, when its members will vote on a resolution to apologize for the failure to enact an anti-lynching law first proposed 105 years ago. "The apology is long overdue," said Sen. George Allen (R-Va.), who is sponsoring the resolution with Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.). "Our history does include times when we failed to protect individual freedom and rights."

The Senate's action comes amid a series of conciliatory efforts nationwide that include reopening investigations and prosecutions in Mississippi. Advocates say the vote would mark the first time Congress has apologized for the nation's treatment of African Americans. Allen's involvement could help mend his rift with black Virginians who criticized him for hanging a noose outside his law office, displaying a Confederate flag in his home and proclaiming a Confederate History Month while governor. boro bridge was reached the rope was quickly tied to the railing and amid piteous groans Williams was hurled into eternity,"

The Washington Post reported at the time, there was no federal law against lynching, and most states refused to prosecute white men for killing black people. The U.S. House of Representatives, responding to pleas from presidents and civil rights groups, three times agreed to make the crime a federal offense. Each time, though, the measure died in the Senate at the hands of powerful southern lawmakers using the filibuster. The Senate is set to correct that wrong Monday, when its members will vote on a resolution to apologize for the failure to enact an anti-lynching law first proposed 105 years ago. "The apology is long overdue," said Sen. George Allen (R-Va.), who is sponsoring the resolution with Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.). "Our history does include times when we failed to protect individual freedom and rights."

The Senate's action comes amid a series of conciliatory efforts nationwide that include reopening investigations and prosecutions in Mississippi. Advocates say the vote would mark the first time Congress has apologized for the nation's treatment of African Americans. Allen's involvement could help mend his rift with black Virginians who criticized him for hanging a noose outside his law office, displaying a Confederate flag in his home and proclaiming a Confederate History Month while governor

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VALLEY HERITAGE TOUR

In an effort to continually present programming that will inform, educate and further cultural understanding, the West Virginia Center for African-American Art & Culture, Inc. will collaborate with other organizations, businesses, and individuals to provide a journey into the past for a limited period of time for tourists, guests, and local citizens.

VALLEY HERITAGE TOUR will be a remarkable opportunity for everyone to enjoy historical tours within and around the Kanawha Valley on August 2 & 3rd 2003. These excursions will allow those interested to visit lands or structures with unique and significant historic value and hear of the people associated with them. These sites, some having been placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the people associated with them, have contributed immensely to Valley growth. They will also provide an educational opportunity to learn of times past while offering an inspirational benefit to all those who take advantage of this once in a lifetime ride into history. During these tours, individuals with intimate knowledge of these sites will provide descriptive commentary.

To grant a pleasurable, scenic and informative tour, transportation will be provided by a turn of the century trolley streetcar. These streetcars played a major role in the development of Charleston’s public transportation system in the early 1900’s. During this period city streets were strewn with tracks that allowed it to flourish as they transported passengers from one destination point to another. The streetcar became an icon in the minds and the hearts of all Valley residents for nearly forty years and their significance has never been forgotten. They have been maintained by the local public transit system, Kanawha Valley Regional Transit Authority (KRT). Today they can be seen traveling along city streets shuttling passengers as they did long ago. Your support toward the success and sustainability of the project is very much appreciated.

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"Shared Stories & Dreams African-American & Jewish Connections a panel presentation & forum"

Schoenbaum Family Enrichment Center
Moderator was Dr. Charlene Byrd Panelists were Rev. Homer Davis, Rev. Ron English, Judge Tod Kaufman, Helaine Rotgin, Mary Snow, Betty Hamilton.

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"THE GATHERING PLACE"

One primary and ongoing corporate project for the West Virginia African American Art & Culture, Inc. is our Virtual Data Center (VDC), whereby through the use of technology and dedicated research, we will offer a central location for retrievable information relating to the African - American community in West Virginia. This data center will be called "The Gathering Place" and it will be the destination point for information relative to our community.

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PROJECT PRESERVATION

The Restoration & Renovation of
Harden-Gilmore Home

Greetings,

The Elizabeth Harden-Gilmore Home (1922-1986), located at 514 Leon Sullivan Way, is a landmark placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. It is one of five sites* that have been placed on this prestigious list in this section of the city. Formerly known as the Harden-Harden and Scott Funeral Home, it’s 60 year history embodies the spirit of a once vibrant African- American neighborhood and business district, (See “Black Past” By James D. Randall & Anna E. Gilmer). As the years passed and urban renewal surged forth, this vibrant and energetic neighborhood became non-existent. All that is left of a thriving community once home to many are Preston Funeral Home, *Simpson Memorial United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church, *Garnett High School, *Samuel Starks Home, A. H. Brown Building, and *Mattie V. Lee Home.

Now, Leon Sullivan Way, formerly known as Broad Street, has become a gateway to the city of Charleston and an artery leading to the heart of a major historical district. The opportunity to recapture and maintain a valuable segment of Charleston’s history lies in the restoration and renovation of this property.

Join Simpson Memorial United Methodist Church as we begin a major restoration process of this historic property. When completed it will offer an opportunity for tourists, visitors and the community to participate and absorb the rich history embedded in the walls of one of the largest concentrated number of African - American historical sites in West Virginia. Your interest and financial support is needed to help revitalize an essential part of our city.

JOIN US FOR PROJECT PRESERVATION!

* National Historic Register Sites

Sincerely,
Anthony Kinzer Sr.

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CONNECTED THEN AND NOW:

An African American and Jewish Dialogue

In an effort to continually present diverse programming that will inform, educate and inspire cultural bonding, the WV Center for African-American Art & Culture, Inc. which is a non-profit organization located in Charleston, WV, is collaborating with The Social Action Committee of Temple Israel in Charleston, The National Center for Human Relations at West Virginia State College, and University of Charleston in a culturally educational initiative. Inspired by an exhibit called Bridges and Boundaries Revisited: African Americans and American Jews, which was a thought provoking exhibition organized by the Jewish Museum in New York City. This exhibition explored the relationship between two rich and diverse cultures in our country. In Atlanta Georgia, from August to October 2001, the NAACP sponsored a series of lectures and seminars centered on this relationship, specific site tours, and implementation of a number of programs with an incredible display of cultural artifacts and personal memorabilia highlighting connections between these two communities.

Thus, an encouraged imitative has begun in West Virginia to explore this meaningful and enduring relationship. Connected: An African American and Jewish Dialogue will combine a variety of programs and performances to heighten the awareness of a historical relationship built during a significant time in the life of our State. It will continue with the efforts of numerous individuals and organizations to engage in a productive dialogue discovering interconnecting ties within our communities and other facets of our lives. These discussions will offer an opportunity to reveal to some and for reflection for others of continuous partnerships that grew out of joint efforts during a critical period of racial growth in the State of West Virginia. These endeavors unified African - American and Jewish community leaders with common goals while providing a chance for years of friendship and trust.

In conjunction with the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, and the WV Center for African- American Art & Culture wish to highlight this period by inviting the author Rebecca Walker to participate in The Secretary’s Lecture Series and discuss her book, Black, White and Jewish: Autobiography of a Shifting Self. Ms. Walker tells of her lineage and struggles of growing up at a time of unknowing her true identity in a polarized society. Ms. Walker is the daughter of the acclaimed African-American writer, Alice Walker, author of the book: The Color Purple, and Mel Leventhal, a prominent civil rights attorney from New York.

We hope this social communication can assist in building bridges of educational value and become a source of cultural enlightenment that will provide the stimulus for a unique learning experience.

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