News release from the Saluda Community Land Trust:
The Saluda Community Land Trust is thrilled to announce The Reclamation Park Project, an endeavor to establish a memorial park that commemorates Saluda’s African American Heritage. In conjunction with the project, we will be hosting a public programming series aimed at illuminating Saluda’s African American History. In partnership with local historians, descendants, and community organizations, this series promises to engage and educate audiences of all ages.
The Saluda Community Land Trust and the Reclamation Park Project invites the general public and history enthusiasts alike to join us for these informative presentations as we explore various aspects of Saluda’s African American history, highlighting often overlooked narratives and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared past.
The series kicks off on June 28 with “What is Reclamation Park?”—a presentation that explains how this project came to be, what we plan to do, and how you can get involved.
On July 9, we will be joined by public historian and graduate student from Western Carolina University, Danielle Duffy for “Incarcerated Labor and building the WNCRR.” This presentation will explore the use of incarcerated labor to build the Western North Carolina Railroad.
On July 26, will be “Saluda’s African American History,” where we will present our research about the people and the neighborhood that once inhabited Reclamation Park, as well as the larger regional African American community.
August 16 brings “The Kingdom of the Happyland and Reclamation Park.” For this presentation we will be joined by Henderson County librarian and regional expert on local Black history, Ronnie Pepper, for an exploration of the connections between Saluda’s African American history and the famed post-emancipation community.
We will conclude our series, on September 6, with “The Sullivan Family Legacy,” a presentation about the Sullivan family and the life of their matriarch, healer, and prophet, Madame Phoebia Cheek Sullivan, by John Wilkins, a descendant and executive board member of the Madame Phoebia Cheek Sullivan Memorial Park.
All events will take place at the courtyard next to Saluda Moon Glass Studio on Main Street, beginning at 4:00pm. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.