What began with Carter G. Woodson’s determination to publicize, and subsequently familiarize the enumerable achievements of Blacks, first to the Blacks of legally segregated schools (spreading slowly against the wishes of many, Black as well as White), to newly integrated school systems–and ultimately to society as a whole, came gradually into its own through actual association!
It was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who stated, “People hate each other because they don’t know each other.” And they don’t know each other because that’s what hate, separation and segregation are all about!
Today more and more activities of all dimensions are uniting people across all man-made or other inconceivable divides, despite the innumerable negative influences among us that threaten its accomplishment.
It was a tiny, humble Chinese lady, Pearl Fu, however, who put Roanoke on the map with her annual “Local Colors” parades and subsequent activities that continue to date–yet not quite the same since her departure from Roanoke to live with her daughters elsewhere.
St. John’s Episcopal Church in Downtown Roanoke has likewise provided the perfect setting in Downtown Roanoke for many Black History or other services and activities. Among the statistics. . .
* L. Douglas Wilder – The Nation’s First Black Governor
* Mike Crawley – First Black Chief of Police in Salem, VA;
* Calvin Johnson – Postmaster/sectional Mgr, 226 area Post Offices
* Mignon C-Hale – Outstanding City Public School Teacher (among numerous others.)
Our area Black History makers also include: Dr. Reginald Shareef, a native Roanoker and professor of Political Science and Public Administration at Radford Univ. and Adjunct Prof. of Public Management at Virginia Tech’s Center for Public Administration Policy. In addition he has published numerous journal articles and books.
Lastly, having uniquely been an intricate part of our local and immediate area Black History for the better part of a century now through The Roanoke Tribune, I feel immeasurably blessed! My greatest encouragement however comes through “a statement made by “dust” through the Baha’i Holy Writings:
“Look at me! I allow myself to be trodden under the feet of man and beast and considered the lowest form of matter. Yet everything comes from me; will return to me (in some form) and is totally dependent upon me in between!”
Black History is the most likely beginning of human HISTORY, occurring closest to the equator where the least amount of additional warmth is required for survival. Study well “Black History”–in its entirety!
