This week, I had the honor of presenting at Bethlehem Bible College on the life and legacy of Dr. John Henry Pinkard, and it turned out to be one of the most powerful experiences of my journey so far.
Before the presentation began, I was nervous. I had spent countless hours studying and preparing because I wanted to honor Dr. Pinkard’s legacy the right way. When I first arrived, we started having technical difficulties with the TV and presentation setup. Instead of panicking, I took a few deep breaths, calmed myself, said a prayer, and placed everything into the Creator’s hands. Moments later Mrs. Marsh stepped in and helped resolve the issue.
The evening began with a prayer led by an elder, followed by powerful drumming from my good friend Rudy, a master spiritual drummer whose rhythms helped set the atmosphere before the presentation began. Mr. Marsh then introduced me, and from there, I stepped fully into the moment.
As I shared Dr. Pinkard’s story, I spoke about his challenges, his rise as a healer and businessman, and his impact on both Black and white communities during a time when healthcare access for African Americans was limited. I also spoke about how his work represented a larger tradition of African American healing rooted in herbs, spirituality, faith, and community care. Historical research shows that Black folk healing traditions often worked alongside Christianity and community life throughout the South. Studies on Black folk medicine in Appalachia also document the importance of traditional healers and herbal knowledge within African American communities.
One of the most impactful parts of the night was seeing how many people were hearing about Dr. Pinkard for the first time, while others remembered hearing stories about him years ago. After the presentation, multiple attendees suggested for this presentation to go further – into schools, churches, museums, and universities.
What Dr. Pinkard was doing was ahead of his time. In many ways, he represented a holistic model of healing before holistic wellness became mainstream. His story reminds us that our ancestors carried wisdom that still has value today.
This presentation confirmed for me that this work is bigger than history alone. It is about reclaiming knowledge, honoring overlooked brilliance, and helping our communities reconnect with traditions of healing that once sustained generations of African American families throughout Virginia and the South.
For those who missed the event, another presentation is already being planned for July at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture. More details will be shared soon.
My goal moving forward is simple: continue researching, preserving, and promoting the genius and legacy of Dr. John Henry Pinkard so that future generations can learn from his example and draw inspiration to help heal our communities today.
