Preserving African-American History in Staunton

Guest Blog by Chris Lassiter

It was once considered hopelessly lost. Now, it’s preserved through historical landmarks.

Collectively, the historical landmarks tell an important part of the history of Staunton’s African-American community. The stories have been preserved by local Black historians like Moonyene Jackson and Susie King, president of the Staunton-Augusta County African-American Research Society.

King has spent the last 20 years making sure that African-American History in Staunton preserved.

“Most of the people that would be 100 (years-old) are dead,” King lamented. “There are only a handful left… If I didn’t get it the last 10 years, you’re not going to find it, and it’s sad.”

However, there is good news.

King has recorded much of that history.

And not only did she unearth and record it, she went through great lengths to make it permanently accessible for generations to come through a collection of historical landmarks throughout Staunton.

Each historical landmark is displayed publicly outside at various locations around Staunton.

A brochure, available at the City of Staunton’s Visitor Center, helps guide history-loving locals or tourists through the exhibit. Starting at Montgomery Hall Park and ending at Fairview Cemetery, the self-guided tour takes just over 45 minutes to complete by vehicle.

“We have tried over many years to get a place, but it seemed like the door never opened,” King said. “My next step was, ‘Let’s take it to the people and make it free of charge.’”

King believes everyone should take the tour.

“Anybody who loves history could take this and learn a lot about what we went through during segregation,” she said. “It takes you another step further into history if you just open your eyes or your ears and listen to the stories. They are fascinating.”

The SACAARS president is thankful for the City of Staunton’s help with preserving such an important part of the community’s history.

“As long as the City of Staunton – our council and our mayor – acknowledges all races, and embraces everyone, I think we can go far,” King said. “Once we stop learning and stop loving, hate takes over. We can’t fall into that trap.”

Along with her displaying the work, King is putting out an open invitation for the next generation of historians to pick up the mantle and keeps telling the story.

“There’s still history to be recorded,” she said. “I hope someone hears this cry and will pursue this journey of trying to find out more about their ancestors.”