13th annual event honors the life and legacy of the famed educator
by Shawn Nowlin
In her role as President of the Friends of Booker T. Washington National Monument (FBTWNM), Dr. Barbara Board is responsible for chairing meetings, setting agendas and guiding strategic direction, among other things.
Preserving the legacy of Washington, an American educator who founded Tuskegee University in 1881, is near and dear to her heart.
The Annual Booker T. Washington Legacy Event, now in its 13th year, took place on April 25 at the W.E. Skelton Educational & Conference Center in Wirtz, Va. The event began with FBTWNM Board Member Brian Hairston welcoming all in attendance and concluded with Dr. Board providing the closing remarks.
The jam-packed event featured remarks from several other individuals: Jim Bailey, Superintendent of the Booker T. Washington National Monument; Damien Wainwright, Elder at Galilean House of Worship; Kelli Preston, FBTWNM Treasurer; Kenneth Morris, great-great grandson of Booker T. Washington; Lillie Head, FBTWNM Founder; and FBTWNM Board Members Brenda Muse, Darnell Wood, Odette Board, Margie Lee, John Williams and Shawna Banks.
Educator Glenna Moore and Dr. Robert Holland were recognized as Legacy Builder honorees. The Change Maker Award was given to former Superintendent Carla Whitfield.
Vocalist Angela Fowler delivered moving musical selections that reflected the spirit of the event.
“We look to the example of Mr. Washington every single day. This is a man who actively in his speeches spoke about hope and change. A man who financed lawsuits to increase civil rights. Despite all that was going on around him, he chose to make a real difference,” said one speaker.
“My great-great-grandfather was born into slavery, yet he rose to become one of the foremost African Americans and leaders of his time. He understood something that still challenges us today – that freedom alone is not enough,” Morris said.
He continued, “Without education, preparation and opportunity, freedom can remain fragile. He believed that education was not about personal advancement. It was about strengthening communities and creating pathways where none had existed before.”
Tickets to the event cost $40.00. Among the many financial donors were Learlene Lanier, Phil Hager, Roger Hopkins, Bennie Hopkins, Natalie Trotter, R.C. Lawncare, Renee Naden and Barbara Wiggins.
Olga Vasquez, who will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall, and future Longwood University Lancer Jonah Bowman were both given a college scholarship to ease the financial burden.
“This moment was more than just a brunch. It was a moment of remembrance and renewal. It was an opportunity to honor a legacy rooted not only in history, but in action,” Board said.
She added, “Booker T. Washington’s legacy reminds us that progress does not begin with circumstances or perfect conditions – it begins with conviction. The story of a change maker is never finished. It is written again and again…wherever purpose meets action. We cannot allow Booker’s story to fade because we are all beneficiaries of his legacy.”
