News Summary
The fourth annual Journey to Racial Healing event will be held in Williamsburg, focusing on the legacy of slavery and racism in America. This year’s event features prominent speakers such as Charles Holman, who has uncovered significant ties to historical figures, and Bill Sizemore, who is healing connections with descendants of enslaved individuals. The community-driven initiative, supported by local organizations, aims to foster dialogue and understanding. Admission is free with prior registration, alongside a concurrent Juneteenth art exhibit.
Williamsburg Hosts Fourth Annual Journey to Racial Healing Featuring Notable Speakers on Ties to Slavery
The fourth annual Journey to Racial Healing event will take place in Williamsburg on June 21 from 1-4 p.m. at the Stryker Center. Sponsored by the Virginia Racial Healing Institute, the event aims to foster community dialogue and healing regarding the legacy of slavery and racism in America.
Among the distinguished speakers at this year’s event is Charles Holman, a lawyer and genealogist who has made headlines for his research linking his family history to significant figures in American politics. Holman’s exploration revealed that his paternal great-great-grandfather was enslaved by the ancestors of former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. This connection has led to greater conversations about race, heritage, and legacy.
Charles Holman, who became one of the youngest lawyers in Michigan’s history at the age of 22, has a profound professional background. His paternal great-grandfather, a formerly enslaved man, was one of the first lawyers of color in Michigan. Holman gained national attention for his work as an assistant U.S. attorney, particularly for prosecuting criminals responsible for the arson of Black churches in the South, showcasing his commitment to justice and civil rights. He has further contributed to this cause as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Joining Holman is retired journalist and author Bill Sizemore, who has similarly engaged with his family history. Sizemore discovered that his paternal great-great-great-grandfather enslaved 16 individuals on his tobacco farm in Mecklenburg County. His journey has led him to establish connections with the descendants of those enslaved individuals, contributing to healing and reconciling past injustices.
The event promises to be engaging, with refreshments provided for attendees and an opportunity to visit the annual Juneteenth art exhibit concurrently held at the Stryker Center. Admission is free, but registration is necessary to manage attendance effectively.
The Virginia Racial Healing Institute manages the Coming to the Table-Historic Triangle initiative, part of a broader national effort towards racial reconciliation. Additional sponsors include the Let Freedom Ring Foundation, Williamsburg Christian Church, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, and the Greater Williamsburg Movement, all demonstrating a community commitment to addressing racial issues in a constructive manner.
Laura Hill, the founder of Coming to the Table-Historic Triangle, expressed gratitude for the support from the community in making the event possible. She highlighted the significance of having influential speakers like Holman, emphasizing the importance of sharing personal histories to promote understanding and healing.
As the Journey to Racial Healing prepares to take place, the event encapsulates a significant moment for the Williamsburg community, focusing on the importance of addressing historical injustices while fostering dialogue for future generations.
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Journey to Racial Healing Featuring Notable Speakers
- Wikipedia: Racial Healing
- Daily Press: Racial Healing Event with Notable Lawyer
- Google Search: Racial Healing Events
- WYDaily: National Day of Racial Healing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Racism
- Williamsburg Families: 4th Annual Journey to Racial Healing Ceremony
- Google News: Racial Justice
