Can you explain what Chesterfield County’s African American History Committee is?

The African American History Committee is a group within the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia that focuses on preserving, documenting and sharing African American history in Chesterfield County. The committee works on initiatives such as educational programming, community events and historical research to ensure these stories are not only preserved but also accessible to the public.

Why is the work this committee does important?

This work is important because many stories related to Black history have historically been underrepresented or overlooked. The committee helps bring those stories forward and ensures they are recognized as a central part of Chesterfield’s history. Contributing to work locally that preserves and shares Black history is very important to me. On a personal level, this work is especially meaningful to me. Coming from a diverse background, I have always been interested in exploring and better understanding the stories of other biracial women like myself, as well as Black history as a whole. Historically, many biracial people have had to learn to navigate between two cultures while also managing expectations, limitations, and stereotypes placed on them in society, and this has been the case for generations. It is important to me to research and uncover these stories, along with broader histories related to Black communities and other marginalized groups.

How does this project relate to Chesterfield history?

The African American History Committee of CHSV focuses on specific sites, stories and community experiences within Chesterfield County. For example, Pleasant View School reflects African American education in the county during segregation, and the committee, alongside Chesterfield Parks and Recreation, works to preserve and share that history with the public. My final project in HIST 655: Digital History this semester will actually focus on this site, and it has been nice to incorporate Chesterfield County history into this project. This past March, a state historical marker was dedicated at First Baptist Church Bermuda Hundred, a site with deep historical significance. The church was formally established around 1866 and is located on what was once a colonial-era marketplace and major port where thousands of enslaved Africans were brought and sold. The marker acknowledges this history while also recognizing the Black community that developed there following emancipation. Rev. Herbert C. Townes, a member of the African American History Committee (AAHC), served as master of ceremonies, and the Society also supported the marker. It was really meaningful to see the committee involved in that effort.

How did you initially get involved with this committee?

I am originally from the Virginia Beach area, but I spent five years living in Maryland, where I worked after completing my undergraduate degree and earned my MBA. During that time, I continued photographing historic sites, conducting independent research, and created my history blog, Exploring with Alexandria, in 2021 as a way to document historic architecture and share stories highlighting marginalized histories, with a focus on Black history. I also conducted historical research with the Howard County Historical Society in Maryland related to a Black history project. After moving back to Virginia and settling in Chesterfield County, I wanted to get involved with another local historical society. I joined the Chesterfield Historical Society last August and became a member of its African American History Committee in September. When I decided to apply to VCU’s Public History Graduate Certificate program, I wanted to continue my work with the committee, so I chose to complete my graduate internship hours with CHSV. I will continue my work as a member after my spring and summer internships are completed.

Have there been any challenges you've faced on this committee?

It has been a great experience working with the committee, and I have not faced any major challenges. The committee’s chair, Charlotte Wood, has been wonderful, and I have really enjoyed working with my supervisor, Sandy Parker, who is also a member of the committee. It has also been a pleasure speaking with Rev. Herbert C. Townes, a member of AAHC who brings deep knowledge of slavery in Chesterfield County. I have truly enjoyed getting to know Martha Atkinson, who serves as executive manager of the Society, as well.

What classes best prepared you for this role?

My public history coursework at VCU has been very helpful, particularly HIST 655: Digital History. This course has strengthened my ability to think about audience, storytelling, and accessibility, which are all essential to the work I do with the African American History Committee. I have also found that my undergraduate and graduate degrees in business have been very helpful, especially when it comes to networking, event coordination, organization and the operational side of this work.

What has been your favorite aspect of working on this committee?

My favorite aspect has been engaging with the community and seeing how people connect with history. For the Black History Month Market: Celebration of Black Business, hosted by Richmond Night Market in partnership with Chesterfield Parks & Rec, our committee hosted a booth where we invited participants to reflect on what Black history means to them through writing and art. (Here is a link of this event from my Instagram blog: BHM Event) I coordinated this effort as my first initiative with the committee, and it was especially meaningful to see people of all ages take part. I also really value the opportunity to connect research with storytelling, whether through community engagement or upcoming projects, such as a virtual Black History Trail focused on sites in Chesterfield County that I will begin developing as part of my graduate internship.

Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share?

I think it is important to continue finding ways to make history accessible and relevant, especially today. I truly believe understanding the history of different groups helps us better understand one another and appreciate different cultures. A big part of my work, both academically and personally, is centered on connecting people to history through storytelling, whether through digital projects, community initiatives, or photography. I am excited to bring these ideas to fruition and continue sharing history in meaningful ways! If interested in joining our African American History Committee or becoming a member of CHSV, additional information can be found on their website.