Untold Stories: Growing Up in Ashland/Hanover — Black & White Experiences
Sunday, February 23, 2020
4pm at Patrick Henry High School.
In this one-of-a-kind oral history program, local residents tell their own personal stories of segregation, integration, and civil rights.
This year’s event will also feature an interview with local resident and National Park Service Ranger Ajena Rogers to discuss her Hanover County ancestors’ history in slavery and freedom. The program will close with an uplifting performance by the Community Gospel Choir.
2020 marks the seventh annual Untold Stories event. Each year’s program is a transformative experience for both the presenters and the audience.
Downtown Ashland Association asked several past speakers why they made the brave choice to participate in the Untold Stories program and why the continue to support the event:
“Untold Stories provided me an opportunity to share my perspectives through the eyes of my early years, to acknowledge personal biases I would later overcome, and to publicly proclaim the positive influences others have had in my life — Untold Stories has people talking! ”
“I think sharing our stories of growing up in Hanover County strengthens personal connections among panelists and the audience. By opening ourselves up and sharing personal experiences a deeper, more authentic understanding is developed and a healthy dialogue created. It is rewarding to see increased attendance each year as a result of discussions in the community about what they heard during Untold Stories.”
“We continue to be indebted to the legacies of unspoken heroes and champions of our communities. These visionaries, by their own means, have their own experiences and wisdom worthy of sharing with generations. We encourage others to reap the history of the Untold Stories of a time not so long ago and not forgotten. In the spirit of community, thank you for entrusting their stories and indelible markings as a part of American history.”
Earl Hunter, Hilda Kelly, John Gordon, Eloise Piccolo, Woody Tucker, and Beryl Carter (not pictured) spoke to a standing-room-only crowd at the inaugural Untold Stories event in 2014.