Vision Statement To recognize and embrace 350 years

Vision Statement To recognize and embrace 350 years of African American culture, contributions and accomplishments.

Overview n n n n n History of African Americans in Stafford County Feature historical African American Churches Prominent African Americans Recognize key area non-profit organizations Look for unearthed local history and little known facts Identify Stafford African American family lineages Collaborate with National Archives/Smithsonian and Virginia Historical Society Organize multi-cultural family reunion (Juneteenth) Interact Library of Virginia: Recently returned Stafford Courthouse ledger

African Americans in Stafford County n n n African Americans arrived in Virginia in 1619 as indentured servants. Locally owned slaves worked on farms and docks, and at stone quarries and iron industries such as Accokeek Furnace, owned by George Washington’s father Augustine. They also worked in mercantile and construction businesses and provided domestic services. Others became blacksmiths, coopers, cobblers and draymen. Due to Stafford’s location between the Rappahannock and Potomac River, some African-Americans also worked as commercial fishermen and on ships. Most Stafford whites were not slave owners; the largest numbers of agricultural slaves were held on the larger farms or plantations, such as Chatham.

African Americans in Stafford County (cont) n n In 1810, Stafford County had a population of about 4, 200 slaves, 350 blacks, and 5, 400 whites. By the 1850 s, the issue of runaway slaves became a concern. One of the most important cases to test the Fugitive Slave Act involved a Stafford slave, Anthony Burns, who escaped by ship and was captured and tried in Boston; later he was freed.

African Americans in Stafford County (cont) n n After the Civil War, many African Americans left Stafford to go north to Washington, D. C. and other cities for better job opportunities and a better life; the black population decreased by 60 percent. African Americans who stayed began their own lives, schools and churches. During this period, many black churches were organized in Stafford, initially in homes and in brush arbors. Churches were important to the black community, not only for religious services but also as gathering places for civic, social, and civil rights meetings.

Safe keepers of the African American Community “The Churches” Mount Olive Union Bell Oak Grove

Mount Olive Baptist Church • First African American Church in Stafford County • Founded in 1818 near Roseville by Rev. Horace Crutcher and five other members; the original place of worship was a slab wood harbor (shelter). “They hewed out the wilderness and drew up a highway for coming generations to have a path to follow. ” • The oldest living member, Blanche Parker, was a 102 years old; active member for over 86 years. • J. W. Owens, a member for 65 years, was presented by members of Congress with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor for the Montford Point Marines. 1963 • Mount Olive Baptist Church participates in many organizations, provides care, financial assistance, food, clothing, school supplies and other items to the less fortunate and senior citizens in the Stafford community and provides Bibles and eyeglasses to the Zambia, Ghana and New Zealand. • Church Theme - “The church where everybody is somebody for God. ” 1818 2011

Shiloh (Old Site) Baptist Church n n n Established in Ruby in 1870 by purchasing one acre of land that was purchased for $1. 00. The first church was a bush harbor; the second a log one and in 1894 a frame structure was erected. John 8: 32 “…the truth will set you free. ”

Mount Hope Baptist Church n n Established in 1880 Land two miles south of Brooke was donated for the church but, it was later built closer to Brooke in 1904. Baptisms were usually conducted in nearby Accokeek Run before a pool was installed in the church.

Little Forest Baptist Church, Circa 1949 n n Organized in 1904, built in 1905. Before the church was constructed, church services were held under a persimmon tree at members’ homes. In 1959 the Department of Transportation needed the land to build Interstate 95; thus, in 1960 the current church edifice was built. Each 4 th Sunday in August an annual homecoming celebration is held to remind members of their connecting thread to the past. Circa 1960 -2012 1 9 6 0 2 0 1

Union Bell Baptist Church n n Established in 1922 The first worship was held in the Union Branch of the True Vine Lodge Hall located in what is now the driveway of the church.

African American Historical Church Bus Tour n n n Dedicated Bus Tour during church revival in September, 2014 Guided tours at each church location Church cookbooks, live choir performance, cookouts Brochures available at key locations

African American Education By the 1870 s, Stafford had its first two black schools with a total of 99 students; both had white teachers. By 1883, there were eight one-room schools for blacks, some of which had black teachers; by 1904, all of Stafford’s black schools were taught by blacks. n The Stafford school system started the integration process in September, 1961, seven years after the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, when Doretha and Cynthia Montague entered the all white Stafford Elementary School. Total integration of Stafford schools took place in 1966. n

African American Educators n Some notable black educators were E. H. John and Lizzie Dishman (1880 s), Rev. Albert Ray (1880 s), Jason Grant (1890 s), F. E. and Robinette Cunningham (1900 s), Annie Morton (1920 s), Addie and Henry Harrison Poole (1930 s -1950 s), and Edward Smith (1950 s).

African American Educators (cont) n n n Rev. Edward Smith was the father of Stafford’s African American education. He was born in July, 1923, was a native of Prince Edward County, Virginia, and became principal of Stafford Training School which later became H. H. Poole Junior High School where he remained for nine years. At one time he also served as Pastor Mount Hope Baptist Church in Brooke and Shiloh New Site Baptist Church in Fredericksburg. Rev. Smith was the driving force behind the Stafford School Integration Movement. Mr. Smith and seventh grade class, H. H. Poole Junior High School, 1953 -1954

African American Educators (cont) n n Henry Harrison (H. H. ) Poole was appointed supervisor of African American schools in Stafford and King George Counties. A school was named for him in 1954 and later renamed the Rowser School in honor of Ella Rowser, a distinguished teacher and black school leader. In the 1990 s, a Stafford school was again named for Mr. Poole. H. H. Poole formed a countywide league of black PTAs in 1933 to raise funds to buy property and build a training school for blacks on U. S. 1 north of Fredericksburg. Over time, the facility served various grades-and went by several names-but was the largest school for Stafford blacks during segregation.

African American Educators (cont) n n n Ella Rowser came to Stafford in 1945, initially teaching fifth and sixth graders at Concord School. She also served as principal there between 1948 and 1950. In the mid-1950 s, she moved to H. H. Poole Junior High School, now the Rowser Building. Rowser taught at the school through separate and unequal times. Resources, from toilet paper and soap to teaching equipment, were scarce for the all black school.

African American Educators (cont) n n On December 6, 2010, Dr. Randy Bridges, became the first appointed African American Superintendent of Stafford County Schools. Ironically, in 1939, the highest grade level an African American child could obtain was the seventh grade.

African American Artist n n Born on January 15, 1890, Palmer Hayden’s original name was Peyton Cole Hedgeman. He was given the name Palmer Hayden by his commanding sergeant during World War I. He grew up in Widewater and was a self-trained artist. Hayden was one of the first in America to depict African American subjects in his paintings. He won the esteemed Harmon’s Foundation Gold Award for painting twice: first for a seascape entitled Schooners in 1926. One of his most famous pieces was made in 1931 -32, a still life called Fetiche et Fleurs. After receiving his Harmon award, supportive patrons granted Hayden money to study in France. Fetiche et Fleurs

African American Businessmen n n John De. Baptiste served as a sailor in the Virginia Navy during the American Revolution on the Dragon which patrolled the Rappahannock River and part of the Chesapeake Bay. They saw action when they engaged in battle with a British ship on the Bay. The Dragon, built in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1777, had the distinction of having more African-Americans serve on her than any other ship during the war. John came from the island of St. Kitt's and was a successful businessman in Falmouth. He owned a wharf and operated the ferry across the Rappahannock before there were bridges; he was Note the inscription the owner of a considerable amount of land. uses an initial instead of De. Baptiste and damage has obscured the final E in the name.

African American Businessmen (cont) n Manuel Johnson was a slave that disobeyed his master and was sold to a slave owner in the south. After the war he returned to Stafford County and purchased “Valley View Farm” on Eskimo Hill Road. This land was the childhood home of the Confederate Secretary of War, Thomas Seddon.

African American Businessmen (cont) n n In November, 2011, Mike Lovitt, was the first African American to be elected as the Soil and Water Conservation Director for the Tri-County/City District. He is also the owner of a Chick-Fil-A and a retired Colonel, U. S. Army.

African Americans - We Are: n n n n Educators and Administrators Healthcare Professionals Lawyers Firefighters Sales Construction Workers Caterers Architects and Engineers n n n n n Fitness Instructors Sheriffs Deputies Entrepreneurs Military Private Industry Accountants Art and Design Social Workers Farmers and Fishermen

African American Politics n In 2008, Robert “Bob” Woodson, was the first African American elected to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors representing the Griffs-Widewater District.

African Americans in the Military n n The 54 th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was established under the leadership of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw; he was offered this position by the Governor of Massachusetts. Colonel Shaw was stationed near Stafford Courthouse when this infantry regiment saw extensive service in the Union Army. It was one of the first official African American units in the United States during the Civil War. The 54 th was active March 13, 1863 to August 4, 1865.

African Americans in the Military n n Black soldiers fought in the Sylvester Hamm, U. S. Continental Army and the Army Medical Corps, British Service because they About 1943 were promised freedom for their service. Two brothers from White Oak, Howard and William Pvt. Reginald Montague, White, Jr. , were drafted and U. S. Army, Circa 1943 served during World War I in Paris, France.

African American Athlete n James Torrey Smith, born January 26, 1989, is an African American wide receiver in the National Football League. He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2011 NFL Draft. Smith attended Stafford Senior High School.

African American State Troopers n Leonard B. Lacey n Lem S. Terry In 1976, the first two African American Virginia State Troopers served Stafford County. Presently, retired Trooper Lacey is the Pastor of United Faith Christian Ministry in Stafford and Trooper Terry is the 1 st Sgt. at the State Troopers Academy in Richmond.

Non-Profit Organizations n n The Stafford County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was established in Stafford County in the 1950 s; the first President was Frank White, Sr. Frank White, Jr. is the only African American “Keeper of the Knowledge” designee by the Stafford County Historical Society. The NAACP remains the primary civil rights organization in the county. The NAACP, National Council of Negro Women, and the Stafford County Historical Society have all contributed to the preservation and dissemination of African American history through their programs and publications.

Non-Profit Organizations (cont) n The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) was founded in 1935 by Mary Mc. Leod Bethune. Their mission is to lead, develop and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities. They fulfill our mission through research, advocacy and national and community-based health, education and economic empowerment services and programs in the United States and Africa. Through section and affiliate volunteers in 34 states, NCNW addresses local needs while impacting communities nationwide. n Fredericksburg/Stafford NCNW Chapter

Non-Profit Organizations (cont) n n The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated, was founded in 1930, at Howard University, in Washington, D. C. Purpose and Mission - “Unanimity of thought and action as far as possible in the conduct of Greek letter collegiate fraternities and sororities, and to consider problems of mutual interest to its member organizations. ” Comprised of the following nine international Greek sororities and fraternities: Fredericksburg/Stafford Chapters n n n n n 1906 Cornell University - Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity 1908 Howard University - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority 1911 Indiana University - Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity 1911 Howard University - Omega Psi Phi Fraternity 1913 Howard University - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority 1914 Howard University - Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity 1920 Howard University - Zeta Phi Beta Sorority 1922 Butler University - Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority 1963 Morgan State University - Iota Phi Theta Fraternity

Non-Profit Organizations (cont) n n n In 1983, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Xi Upsilon Omega Chapter (Fredericksburg/Stafford Chapter) was established. Debutante Cotillion Ball (provides scholarships from $500 to $12, 500) 2010 Census Complete Count Committee Assistance to the Mayfield Civic Center American Red Cross Partnership n n n n Fredericksburg Area Food Bank Quarterly Assistance Voter Education/Registration Drives SIDS/Buckle-Up Awareness Programs AKA Coat Day Hearth Fairs Contributions UNCF, Hope House, Ann Hamrick Preschool and VEFC Senior Citizens' Extravaganza

Non-Profit Organizations (cont) n n n The US Slave Song Project (USSSP) is solely dedicated to educating the public about authentic US Slave Songs. Presentations provide opportunities for discussion and questions. Results include increased racial understanding and appreciation for this unique contribution. US Slave Songs are also known as Negro Spirituals circa 1619 -1865. Spirituals are true American folk music. There were no new Spirituals after the ones that celebrated the emancipation of the slaves. James (Jim) E. Thomas is founder and President of USSSP. He serves as principle narrator for events and Director of the "Spirituals" Choir. He has given presentations on Spirituals in Germany, Brazil, Austria, Sweden, Africa and various locations across the United States.

Non-Profit Organizations (cont) n n The Virginia Black History Month Association (Va. BHMA) is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to plan, organize and execute positive events in recognition of Black History Month. The BHM Association is comprised of volunteers from the Northern Virginia, Maryland Washington, D. C. area including the Stafford Chapter. Annually, they host several cultural events with an effort to commemorate, celebrate and educate the community on the accomplishments of African Americans. Their events are done in a warm. , inviting atmosphere and attended by guests of all different ethnic backgrounds. The annual events consist of the Annual Prayer Breakfast, Chapel Service, Theater Presentation and a Formal Dinner.

Non-Profit Organizations (cont) n In 1985, the United Horsemen’s Association (UHA) was established. The UHA is a western riding organization headquartered in Stafford, Virginia. They are a multi-cultural organization participating in trail rides, parades, pony rides, charitable and civic events with their horses.

Little Known Facts n n n Moncure Conway House - Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site. Union Church Cemetery, official gravesite for slaves. Aquia Landing, Gateway to Freedom Historic Port of Falmouth, Trail to Freedom Government Island, slaves quarried the stone that built the two most famous monuments to freedom--The White House and the U. S. Capitol. Belle Plains, along the Potomac Creek in White Oak, was a large contraband camp during the Civil War.

Little Known Facts (cont) n n In January, 1805, Chatham House, had a slave uprising wherein slaves overpowered and whipped their overseer and later an armed posse ended the rebellion. Rowser Building nominated for National Landmark Registry and Virginia Landmark. Preston Triplets, Guinness Book of Records, world’s oldest living triplets, born on a farm in White Oak in 1917. John Washington escaped through Stafford to freedom in April, 1862. He wrote one of two known narratives of his journey.

Little Known Facts (cont) n n n In 1970, Percy Poindexter became the first African American President of a Volunteer Fire Department, Widewater Volunteer Company #3. Henry "Box" Brown (c. 1815–after 1889) was a 19 th century Virginia slave who escaped to freedom by arranging to have himself mailed to Philadelphia abolitionists in a wooden crate. For a short time, he became a noted abolitionist speaker and later a showman, but later lost the support of the abolitionist community, notably Frederick Douglass, who wished Brown had kept quiet about his escape so that more slaves could have escaped using similar means. In 1989, Stafford Businesswoman Marie King established LOK Custom Fashion and in 2011 she established the LOK Fashion Academy.

References “A History of Our Own: Stafford County, Virginia, ” written by Albert Z. Conner, Jr. , multiple pages. n “A Different Story, ” by Ruth Coder Fitzgerald, pages 110 -112. n White, Frank, Stafford County Historical Society, interview. n Office of Economic Development and Tourism, M. C. Moncure. n