News Summary
The fourth annual Journey to Racial Healing Ceremony brought together over 75 individuals in Williamsburg. Keynote speaker Charles Holman shared his personal genealogy, revealing a painful connection to former President George H.W. Bush’s family. The event included an art exhibit showcasing handmade quilts that tell stories of resilience and healing. Holman emphasized the importance of acknowledging historical injustices to foster understanding and encourage community change. The Virginia Racial Healing Institute organized the ceremony with support from various local organizations, highlighting the ongoing work needed for racial reconciliation.
Williamsburg – Over 75 individuals gathered on June 21 for the fourth annual Journey to Racial Healing Ceremony, featuring Charles Holman as the keynote speaker. Holman, an attorney, shared his personal genealogical research that revealed a painful historical connection between his enslaved ancestors and the family of former President George H.W. Bush.
The event was organized by the Virginia Racial Healing Institute and supported by several sponsors, including the Let Freedom Ring Foundation, Williamsburg Christian Church, Greater Williamsburg Movement, and St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. It featured an art exhibit titled “Stitched Stories of Strength” at the Williamsburg Regional Library, showcasing over 40 handmade quilts and textiles that narrate the ongoing journey toward racial healing.
Attendees were treated to a catered lunch provided by Corey’s Southern Catering, which included a variety of dishes such as shrimp, turkey, ham, roast beef sandwiches, fresh vegetables, summer fruit, and iced tea, contributing to the communal atmosphere of the event.
During his keynote address, Holman presented a PowerPoint detailing his family history, tracing his lineage back to 1714. His research uncovered that the Bush family’s ancestors lived approximately 70 miles from Williamsburg before relocating to Kentucky. Holman recounted that his second great-grandparents, Anderson and America, escaped from slavery on a Kentucky plantation, aided by the Quakers. Holman detailed the courageous journey of America, who disguised herself as a white widow traveling by train to Canada, while Anderson navigated the treacherous roads of the Underground Railroad, eventually becoming a conductor in the network.
Despite the significance of his findings, Holman expressed disappointment over the lack of acknowledgment from the Bush family regarding their shared history. He emphasized that silence cannot erase this painful connection and highlighted the importance of addressing their intertwined past to foster understanding and healing.
Holman advocates for racial healing, emphasizing that while the past may bind individuals with painful memories, it does not need to cause division. He urged attendees to use their shared history as a catalyst for positive change within the community. His message centered on the potential for love and intentionality in the pursuit of racial reconciliation.
Laura D. Hill, the executive director of the Virginia Racial Healing Institute, remarked on the critical need for communities to unite during challenging times. She reflected on the importance of discussions surrounding racial healing, as events like these can facilitate dialogue and promote understanding among diverse groups.
The Journey to Racial Healing Ceremony serves as a reminder of the ongoing work required to address historical injustices and the path toward a more inclusive future. Holman’s personal narrative and the collective efforts of all those present reaffirm that although the past holds painful truths, it is possible to strive for a better future together.
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Williamsburg Hosts Fourth Annual Journey to Racial Healing Featuring Notable Speakers
Additional Resources
- Wydaily: Journey to Racial Healing
- Wikipedia: Racial Healing
- Daily Press: Building a Bigger Table
- Google Search: Racial Healing
- Wydaily: Juneteenth Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Race
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
