What an honor to have been invited to view an exhibit that represents so much of Winston-Salem’s history and highlights the impact Black folk have in Winston. The creator of the written and visual art of the exhibit transitioned before viewing his work in its current form, however, he made sure it would live on! In fact, I learned tonight that signing the agreement for the exhibit was the final thing his neighbors saw him do before his transition.
Winston-Salem remains rich in history, and I’m so happy there are those making sure our stories are told BY US, and are documented so those who only know the gentrified version can understand who we are, and why we fight to protect what our ancestors built.
Thankfully, Jerry Lee Hanes, Sr. shared a lot with Jerry Lee Hanes, Jr., yet there is still a lot to say and know about Old Salem, Happy Hill Gardens, Depot Street, The Safe Bus Company, Winston Mutual, Mechanics and Farmers, Katie Bitting Hospital, WAAA aka Triple A, Slater Industrial Academy, etc. If you, or someone you know, has information to add about Mr. Jerry, or the timeline he created, reach out to Dr. Mike Wakeford at Muse Winston-Salem. [email protected]
I remain grateful for invitations like the one tonight, as it reminds me of the many conversations held at my grandparents’ (maternal and paternal) dinner tables, and they are also reminders of why the city/county and citizens must do right by Black folk 💁🏾🤷🏾✊🏾!
