In February of this year, nearly 50 people gathered at the Botetourt County Historical Society’s Museum at 26 E. Main Street in Fincastle. The impetus for this gathering was to hear and share stories of the Black community in Botetourt County to celebrate Black History Month.
The Historical Society partnered with Historic Greenfield Preservation Advisory Council for this event, with Cheryl Sullivan Willis facilitating the afternoon’s storytelling. Members of the community shared stories about Central Academy, teaching in Eagle Rock, Cloverdale native Charles Follis – who was the first paid professional African American football player, as well as various family members that once lived in the county.
The audio recording and transcript from the event are now available on Botetourt County Historical Society’s website for folks that may be interested in listening.
BCHS thanks everyone that attended this event and to the Historic Greenfield Advisory Council for their partnership. The Society is thrilled to add these unique stories to the museum’s permanent collection. BCHS hopes to present another African American Oral History event in the future.
In November, Fincastle Library will host BCHS for a Veteran’s Oral History event – more details coming soon.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
