February marks Black History
Month across the country. Here in Hampton Roads you can visit landmarks throughout
the area. Many of these historical sites tell stories of determination and
strength in overcoming social injustices and leave a lasting impression for generations
to come. Here are some of the notable landmarks around the area.
Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center- - 2803 Oak Avenue J.
Thomas
J .Newsome was many things a respected attorney, journalist, churchman and
civic leader . He served the community with dedication and fought against many
social injustices faced by the African American community at the time. His home
today serves as a museum and cultural center that is a lasting memorial to an
inspiring human being.
James Fields House -617 27th Street
James Fields was born into slavery but escaped during the civil war. He ran his law practice out of his home and also allowed 4 doctors to use the 4thfloor as a hospital so the community would have a safe place to receive medical care. Before these wonderful men established the hospital the only place available for African Americans to recieve care was the City Jail.Hampton
Aberdeen
Gardens Historic District – 57 Mary Peak BLVD
In
1934 the process of building and planning Aberdeene Gardens “ a neighborhood built by blacks for blacks” began. This neighborhood was the first of its
kind planned, built, and managed totally by African Americans. When it was completed 154 homes were built on
half acre lots. A Greenbelt was left for community farming and live stock,
making the neighborhood totally self sustaining.
70
years later the homes still stand. Many of them house relatives of the original
inhabitants. The community continues to work together to maintain the history.
Hampton
University and Hampton University Museum
The
University is more than a historically black campus it is the sight of many
triumphs for the African American community. The emancipation Oak stands
proudly today on the university grounds and was where the first southern
reading of the emancipation proclamation was held.
The
Hampton University Museum is the oldest African American Museum in the country
and one of the oldest in Virginia. The museum houses over 9,000 objects.
Some
notable Alumni
·
Booker T. Washington
·
Samuel
Chapman Armstrong
·
Alberta Williams King
Little England Chapel – 4100 Kecoughtan Road
The Chapel was built in 1879 and is the only known African American missionary Chapel in Virginia. Today you can visit the chapel to glance into the lives of the post civil war congregation.
Chesapeake
J.
J. Moore Visitor, Archives & Family Life Center - 2216 Long Ridge Road
The only visitor center in the Commonwealth of Virginia with an Afro-Union and Afro-Virginian repository theme.
The only visitor center in the Commonwealth of Virginia with an Afro-Union and Afro-Virginian repository theme.
Norfolk
The
West Point Marker, African American Civil War Memorial –
The
monument depicts Sergeant William H. Carney, Carney a Norfolk native who while
badly wounded saved the US flag from capture. He was one of the first black
soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor. It is a lasting tribute to those brave
men who fought and died for freedom.Attucks Theatre - 1010 Church Street
Opened in 1919, it is one of the only theaters in Virginia to be financed, designed, and built exclusively by African Americans. It's named after Crispus Attucks, a black man killed in the Boston Massacre of 1770 who was the first casualty of the American Revolution.
Blyden Branch Library - 879 E. Princess Anne Road
The Blyden Branch library was the First Public Library for African Americans supported by a city in Virginia. It was not an easy task for those who worked relentlessly to open more doors for the black community but in 1921 the library opened.
The John T. West School was the first accredited African American high school in the south. It is the only remaining African American school in Norfolk and is one of the earliest reaming schools in the city
Emanuel
A.M.E. Church -
637 North Street
Emanuel AME Church congregations has a long history dating back to 1772. It was not only a place to worship for African Americans but a stop on the Underground Railroad. The church is the second oldest church building in the city of Portsmouth
Emanuel AME Church congregations has a long history dating back to 1772. It was not only a place to worship for African Americans but a stop on the Underground Railroad. The church is the second oldest church building in the city of Portsmouth
Fisher's
Hill Cemetery -
southern edge of I-264 off Deep Creek Boulevard
prominent local African Americans are in their final resting place here such as I.C. Norcom, Jeffry Wilson, Ida Barbour, and others. This is one of 3 all black adjoining cemeteries.
prominent local African Americans are in their final resting place here such as I.C. Norcom, Jeffry Wilson, Ida Barbour, and others. This is one of 3 all black adjoining cemeteries.
Medal
of Honor Monument -
at intersection of High Street and Water Street
This monument honors 11 African American soldiers who received the Medal of Honor during the civil war. These brave men rushed in to take control of the nations colors from one of their dying comrades.
This monument honors 11 African American soldiers who received the Medal of Honor during the civil war. These brave men rushed in to take control of the nations colors from one of their dying comrades.
Truxtun
Historic District
The
district was the nation’s first government funded housing district built
exclusively for African Americans. Construction began in 1910 on 250 homes. A
school was also built on these grounds but was demolished in 1990 .Today many
of the decedents of the original owners live in the homes.
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