Re-visioning Virginia Foremothers through their Lives and Legacies

FAIN: AB-264248-19

Virginia State University (Petersburg, VA 23803-2520)
Merry Lynn Byrd (Project Director: July 2018 to December 2022)

A three-year program of faculty development, curriculum enhancement, and community engagement focused on eight important Virginia women from the colonial era into the twentieth century.

This literature and history based program will provide faculty enrichment and course development opportunities as well as a bridge immersion program for honors students as we study the lives, legacies, and textual representations of eight Virginians from colonial times to the twentieth century.

Associated Products

Race, Gender, & Labor in Albemarle County (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Race, Gender, & Labor in Albemarle County
Abstract: Professor von Daacke explores the ways that Jefferson's views on race contributed to the physical design and academic programs at the early UVA campus. He also examines several specific case studies.
Author: Kirt von Daacke
Date: 11/20/2019
Location: North Courthouse Branch Library, Chesterfield, VA

Romancing Pocahontas: A Landscape of Early Virginia Narrative (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Romancing Pocahontas: A Landscape of Early Virginia Narrative
Abstract: Dr. Thomas compared two early fictional narratives to Pocahontas' actual biography and then traced the connections between cultural encounters and mapping.
Author: Leah Thomas
Date: 9/25/2019
Location: Ettrick-Matoaca Library, Chesterfield, VA

Elizabeth Keckley Lecture (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Elizabeth Keckley Lecture
Abstract: biographical overview focusing on material culture
Author: William (Bill) Andrews
Date: 02/05/2020
Location: Chesterfield County Public Library, Meadowdale Branch

"Making a Way out of No Way: Black Women in the Civil Rights Struggle" (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: "Making a Way out of No Way: Black Women in the Civil Rights Struggle"
Abstract: Introduction of lesser-known Civil Rights activists in Virginia.
Author: Amy Tillerson-Brown
Date: 03/15/22
Location: VSU and Zoom

Frank X Walker: Poetry Reading (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Frank X Walker: Poetry Reading
Abstract: a poetry reading focused on regional representation and historical inspiration--with Q&A
Author: Frank X Walker
Date: 02/23/22
Location: VSU and Zoom

"A Visit to Anne Spencer's Artistic House" (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: "A Visit to Anne Spencer's Artistic House"
Abstract: Curator offered a virtual tour of the Lynchburg museum while discussing the artifacts as well as restoration efforts.
Author: Shaun Spencer-Hester
Date: 03/30/22
Location: VSU and Zoom

"Dorothy Height, Crowns of Leadership for Challenging Times" (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: "Dorothy Height, Crowns of Leadership for Challenging Times"
Abstract: Dr. Crewe reviewd Height's life within the lens of public service and social work goals.
Author: Sandra Edmonds Crewe, Howard University
Date: 04/12/22
Location: VSU & Zoom

"Seed-Keeping: Preserving Tradition & Building Community" (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: "Seed-Keeping: Preserving Tradition & Building Community"
Abstract: Ms. Wallace examined the narrative and social impulse and import in seed-keeping and exchange.
Author: Ira Wallace, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Date: 05/02/22
Location: VSU & Zoom

"Anne Spencer Said: "You Can Write on My Walls. . . " (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: "Anne Spencer Said: "You Can Write on My Walls. . . "
Abstract: A descendent of the Harlem Renaissance poet discussed the Virginia native's social milieu and her connection to VSU via Amaza Lee Meredith.
Author: Shaun Spencer Hester
Date: 04/22/21
Location: VSU/Zoom

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