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Alexandria library to host exhibit on 400-year Black equality struggle

By James Cullum
Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equity​ Exhibit will be open at the Kate Waller Branch Library (717 Queen Street) from Sept. 24 until Oct. 25 (via Facebook)

A new traveling exhibit chronicling 400 years of struggle for Black equality in the U.S. will open in Alexandria on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

The Kate Waller Branch Library (717 Queen Street) will host Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equity​ Exhibit from Sept. 24 until Oct. 25 (Saturday). The traveling exhibit from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture highlights the stories of Black Virginians who fought against injustice. Alexandria history makers are included in the exhibit, and the opening on Sept. 24 will be hosted by Alexandria Library Director Rose Dawson and feature a presentation from genealogist Char McCargo Bah on 15 African Americans “whose lives and legacies shaped the city’s journey toward equality,” according to Alexandria Library.

The Alexandrians to be highlighted are:

According to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture:

Across the ensuing 400 years, Black people and their allies have fought for freedom, equal justice, and access to opportunities. They have overcome excruciating conditions and have made remarkable achievements, yet progress has been hindered by setbacks and persistent racism.

Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality traces four centuries of Black history in Virginia through stories of extraordinary individuals who struggled for equality and, in the process, profoundly shaped the nature of American society and the meaning of our collective ideals.

Their stories help us to understand the origins of today’s problems and to reckon with the painful legacies of slavery, segregation, and white supremacy. These determined individuals also inspire us to create a better future.

Image via Facebook

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.