Black Resistance Theme Brought to Life Through Exhibit
The Hardeman County Commission for Black History (HCCBH) theme for 2023 is Black Resistance and the organization has set up a free exhibit in the old Curves building located in Bolivar. The theme is brought to life by several displays that depict the evolution of the Black Resistance through music, literature, politics, inventions, and more.
One of the first displays you see when you walk into the building is of several books that feature black characters with a variety of stories ready to be told to an eager listener or reader.
“The books that are displayed here will enlighten our young people,” said HCCBH Secretary Bobbie Hurde. “Some of the books at the exhibit are on sale or can be ordered by parents, so they can read them at home and share with their child.”
The HCCBH was formed in 1980 at Campbell Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Bolivar by founding members Reverend Dr. James R. Grimes, Mrs. Alfreeda L. McKinney, Mrs. Nannie S. Pratt, Mr. Ned M. Rawls, Mr. Evelyn C. Robertson, Jr., Representative Johnny H. Shaw, Mrs. Opal Shaw, Bishop Jessie E. Williams, and Mr. John A Williams. The organization received its charter from the State of Tennessee in 1981.
Through the commission, African American churches in Hardeman County come together each year to host one county-wide service in recognition of Black History month. During the month of February, the HCCBH holds events { see HCCBH events } to raise funds for the Elizabeth W. Lake Memorial Scholarship that is awarded to a high school senior from both Bolivar Central High School and Middleton High School. Funds for the scholarship are received from offerings given at the annual county-wide worship service and tickets sales from the handmade quilt giveaway.
HCCBH member Lesa Jones hand made a log cabin quilt last year for the annual giveaway and has made another quilt which will be a grand prize for the person holding the winning ticket.
“Last year I did a log cabin quilt and this year, the quilt I made is called A Trip Around the World. It took me about one month working on it after midnight, every night,” said Jones, who has been HCCBH member for three years and grew up watching her two grandmothers quilt by hand. “I watched one grandmother, Bernice Jones, quilt and the other one, Marie Taylor, I would thread all her needles and roll her quilts. Watching both of them, I learned a lot and combined my experience. I love quilting and donating my time.”
HCCBH President Bettie Boyd has served previously as president and again for the last six years. She graduated from Bolivar Central High School in 1978, and continued to UT Martin graduating in 1983. Boyd grew up in Vildo, Tennessee, a town that once existed where Vildo Road dead ends after passing Highway 100. Her grandparents and mother stressed education, and Boyd does the same with her family. She appreciates the value of an education and understands the need for people to know their history.
“People need to know about our history in Hardeman County . . . our history in Tennessee, and our history in the nation. It is all tied together,” said Boyd. “While the National Civil Rights was going on in the 60s and the 70s, there was something going on here [in Hardeman County]. While our first was our firsts here, firsts were going on everywhere. Somebody had to brave enough and step out and do it [be first]. Someone had to be the first for others to be able to do the same. It shows our next generation they can be anything they want to be as long as they educate and apply themselves.”
Boyd believes children in the county need to know about these people, some who are deceased, and were a part of history right here in Hardeman County.
“They go to school with their great grandchildren and do not know their family members were a part of notable history. You need to know where you come from to know where you need to go,” said Boyd.
As you follow the footsteps placed on the floor as part of the exhibit, you will see sights that were common during the Civil Rights Movement such as segregated classrooms, bathrooms, and water fountains.
Other displays include a timeline of notable events in history from 1619 to 2000. If you do not know the history of Ruby Bridges, you will become familiar with a brave little who alone at the age of six was the first to integrate the Louisiana school she attended.
Many notable music artists who are familiar to people from that generation are introduced to a new generation.
Although the theme of the HCCBH exhibit is Black Resistance, the history shared is information that affects all people, and there is a lot one can learn regardless of their race. It is also family-friendly with handouts of activity and coloring sheets for children to take home to learn more. Notable Hardeman County storyteller Gladis Thomas is also scheduled each Saturday at 2 p.m. for story time when she will read from some of the book selections on display.
The Black Resistance exhibit is located at 112 West Lafayette Street, Bolivar, 38008. It is open to visitors Monday through Wednesday by appointment only, Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, March 12, 2023.
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