The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE — The Clifton Forge Public Library is currently featuring a display titled “Some African-American Female Trail Blazers in Clifton Forge, Va.”
The exhibit is presented as part of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s current focus on Virginia’s American Evolution which highlights 400 years of culture, customs and cuisine.
“It has been 100 years since women’s suffrage solicited votes for women,” said Rachelle Moore Melecio. “It has been over 50 years since African-American women were able to freely exercise those voting rights.
“Such pivotal times in our history have inspired generations of positive change led by African-American female influences who blazed trails across all sectors of work and life,” she added. “Then and now, many of these women are the everyday hero, who at times overcome great odds to make a difference in the face of adversity and bias because of race or gender.
“According to Michelle Obama, the first African-American first lady of the United States and one of the most influential African-American women in recent history, ‘the difference between a broken community and a thriving one is the presence of women who are valued,’
“Clifton Forge, Virginia, is proud to be the home place of many inspirational African-American women, past and present, who are valued for their dedication and service to the community,” she continued. “Presently, there are several notable African-American women to whom the community pays tribute. They are trail blazers in their own right, having set the course as first in each of their professional fields, including but not limited to, finance, ministry, medicine, photography, behavioral and mental health, public service, politics, and arts and crafts.
“In the words of Misty Copeland, first African-American principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre, ‘All you can do is be your best self. I’m very lucky to be where I am… It’s possible.’
“These local luminaries represent such perseverance and epitomize the ‘everyday hero’ with their gracious contributions, and also given that, in one way or another, they are devoted friends, family, neighbors, caregivers and colleagues to many people throughout Clifton Forge and greater Alleghany Highlands,” she concluded.
Clifton Forge African-American female trailblazers featured in the display include Ione Callender, Arlene Cooper, Roslyn Thomas, Jennifer Hughes, Jada Callender, Irene Williams, Carolyn Barnette, Ingrid Barber, Pam Marshall and June Mansfield.
Local historians Oteria W. Broady and Ettrula C. Moore compiled the information for the exhibit. They will also share the exhibit at the “Journey Home Historical Expo” presented as part of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism activities. The Expo will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 6-7 p.m. at the Historic Masonic Theatre’s Underground Lounge and Café.
The “African-American Female Trail Blazers” exhibit will be on display at the Clifton Forge Public Library through November.
The library is located at 535 Church Street. For information on any library programs or activities, phone 863-2519.
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The Clifton Forge Public Library is currently featuring a display titled “Some African-American Female Trail Blazers in Clifton Forge, Va.” The display will be exhibited through the month of November. Here with the exhibit are local historians Ettrula C. Moore, left, and Oteria W. Broady, right, who compiled the information for the display. (Photo Courtesy Clifton Forge Public Library)
