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Over 100 people turned out for the Juneteenth celebration in Glasgow at the James Thompson Community Center Friday evening. After a prepared dinner, Rockbridge Historical Society Director Eric Wilson (above) gave a presentation on local school segregation and desegregation. The Thompson Center was formerly Glasgow’s last school for Black elementary school students in the area. (all photos by Stephanie Mikels Blevins)
Valerie Black Harris, with Glasgow Town Council Member Brandall Branch, shares her memories about growing up in Glasgow’s segregated and integrated schools.
Natalie Harris reads from the book “Ripe for Emancipation.”
Attendees sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often known as “The Black National Anthem.”
Those attending the Glasgow Juneteenth celebration make their food selections for the evening’s dinner.
W&L professor Alison Bell provides an overview of the oral history project on school desegregation begun by the late Ted DeLaney that she is now leading.
The program’s youngest attendee waves a traditional pan-African flag in the opening dedications.
