The Shadow
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The White Sulphur Springs Library will be hosting a series of historical talks featuring New River Community and Technical College instructor Stacy Reikowsky.
The first lecture will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 19, beginning at 6 p.m.
Ms. Reikowsky will be speaking about the history of civil rights in West Virginia, and the longer struggle behind the movement that culminated in the mid-20th century. There will be a focus on the seminal people, events and historic legislation that collectively defined a new era of social justice in the state of West Virginia.
The series will also explore how the state played a role in the national Civil Rights Movement.
During this series, Ms. Reikowsky will reference original newspapers, photographs, videos, and personal accounts to discuss how events unfolded and how West Virginia and the rest of the country responded to advocates, agitators and activists as part of the greater historical narrative on behalf of traditionally marginalized groups.
Ms. Reikowsky aims to illustrate the differing approaches people took across generations in the spirit of achieving a single goal of basic human equality.
It is her desire for all attendees to have the opportunity to analyze various documents, videos and photographs of the movement from their own perspective.
Ms. Reikowsky invites everyone to actively participate in the conversation, and craft their own interpretation of West Virginia’s place in the history of civil rights.
The series is intended to help the audience to reach their own informed conclusions and garner a better understanding of the people and movement that helped fuel transformative change in the state.
All attendees are encouraged to share their own stories as they relate to the larger discussion.
Ms. Reikowsky is currently working on her Ph.D. from North Dakota State University with a focus on American history, the minority experience and public history as well as teaching at NRCTC. She is excited to now call beautiful southern West Virginia home, and looking forward to continuing her studies and learning more about “Mountaineer” history.
She hopes this will include hearing new stories and experiences from West Virginia, and working with people from across the local communities.
Light refreshments will follow the program. The library is located at 344 West Main Street in White Sulphur Springs. Please call 304-536-1171 if you have any questions.
