When: October 16, 2019 @ 4:00 pm
Where: JW Blind Boone Home, 10 N 4th St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA

In two upcoming events, 13 new markers for the African American Heritage Trail will be unveiled to the public, says James Whitt, chairman of the Sharp End Heritage Committee, which has worked for more than[...]

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When:
October 16, 2019 @ 4:00 pm
2019-10-16T16:00:00-05:00
2019-10-16T16:15:00-05:00
Where:
JW Blind Boone Home
10 N 4th St
Columbia, MO 65201
USA
Cost:
Free

In two upcoming events, 13 new markers for the African American Heritage Trail will be unveiled to the public, says James Whitt, chairman of the Sharp End Heritage Committee, which has worked for more than five years to create the two-mile walking trail.

“We are excited to show off the markers, which will complement the five historic markers that have already been installed in the north-central part of Columbia,” Whitt said.

The events will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 16 and Wednesday, Oct. 23 at the Blind Boone Home, 10 N. Fourth Street and both will start at 4 p.m. About half the new markers will be unveiled at each event.

“These markers share important stories of people and institutions in the black community from Columbia’s earliest years to the late 1960s. Many of these stories are largely unknown in the greater community today but are a significant part of Boone County’s history over the last 200 years,” said Whitt.

The markers to be unveiled include histories of black churches founded soon after the conclusion of the Civil War, the first school for blacks in Columbia and its significance, several black business people, legendary horticulturalist Henry Kirklin and more.

The people and businesses that provided funding for the historic markers will also be recognized at the events.

The first African-American Heritage Trail marker, dedicated in 2015, recognized Sharp End, the block on Walnut St. between Fifth and Sixth streets where all the businesses were black-owned until Urban Renewal displaced them in the 1960s. Since then, four other markers have been installed and dedicated.

After the upcoming events, Columbia Parks and Recreation will begin installing the new markers in their designated locations. Whitt says the committee has funding for at least one more new marker, which should be ready for installation by early spring. After that, the committee plans to host an event to celebrate the completion of the trail, which will have more than 20 historic markers when completed.

The public is encouraged to attend the upcoming events. They will be held in the courtyard behind the Blind Boone Home and no seating will be provided. Those who need to sit during the programs are encouraged to bring portable chairs and to dress accordingly for the weather.

For more information:

James (Jim) Whitt, james.whitt@como.gov, 573.289.2095
Vicki Russell, vrussell.columbia@gmail.com, 573.219.1281
Barbra Horrell, bahorrell@yahoo.com, 573.999.9401

 

James Whitt
Director Supplier Diversity Program Development
City of Columbia Missouri
500 East Walnut St, Suite 102
Columbia, MO 65201\
(573) 441-5544
james.whitt@como.gov
MWBE.COMO.gov