After 6 years in the making, Beloved Community Cville has finally launched BelovedCommunityTours.org. It’s now possible to learn a more inclusive history of Charlottesville in an accessible and honest way, direct from the community.
Over 200 people attended the launch event held on Saturday, Oct. 26th at Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church. Charlottesville Tomorrow published an article about it (see below) and you can watch a recording of the event HERE. A selection of 5 tour videos were selected for screening at the event (out of 16): Court Square, Slave Auction Block, Vinegar Hill, Jefferson School, and Burley High School.
A big thank you to all the speakers who made the launch event a wonderful success! Much gratitude to special guest Charlene Green for traveling all the way from Connecticut to be with us and to Apostle Sarah Kelley for sharing her beautiful ministry of prayer, memories about the Slave Auction Block, and her song, "Trouble of the World." We also couldn't have done it without James Bryant, Helena Estes-Johnson, and Jimmy Hollins who spoke about Vinegar Hill, Jefferson School, and Burley High School respectively. It was wonderful seeing the former students who were asked to stand and be acknowledged!
Last but not least, we couldn't have done it without the excellent filmmaking of our partners at Light House Studio, as well as the many volunteers & donors who’ve contributed all along the way. Thank you!
How to access the tour – Go to our brand new website, solely devoted to the tour: BelovedCommunityTours.org. It’s that easy! you’ll be impressed by how clear and simple it is to use. And of course it’s FREE to the public.
Soon we’ll be offering programming about Beloved Community Tours throughout the community. It’s important that this history, which has long been marginalized, be given the attention and respect that it deserves.
Please give us your feedback on the tour as well as your thoughts about locations and audiences for our events. Many thanks to our readers and supporters!
Elizabeth Shillue, Director
Michael Cheuk, Assistant Director
PS - Click here to view the video recording of this event.
Click here to read the article about this event published by Charlottesville Tomorrow.
Photos taken by Eze Amos
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