In celebration of Black History Month, the Knox County Public Library’s McGrady-Brockman House hosted an event on Saturday called Rooted Together. The event was part of the Black History Preservation Project of Knox County, aimed at collecting oral histories from local residents to preserve their stories for future generations.
One notable participant, William Henry Morris, shared his experiences of growing up in Vincennes during the 1960s. He highlighted his view of race and community, stating, “There is only one race, the human race. We all have something to offer.” Morris also reflected on segregation, recalling that while he could swim in public pools with white residents, Black people were confined to the balcony at the local movie theater.
The Black History Preservation Project is a collaborative effort to document and share the untold stories of Knox County’s Black community. For Morris, preserving this history is crucial, noting that “Blacks have contributed so much to this country, the good and the bad. History is history, and it’s important to accept it all.”
Lincoln High School students, led by teacher Angela Baldwin, also played a significant role in the preservation efforts. As part of the Black History Preservation Project, Baldwin’s students conducted interviews with local Black residents, recording their personal stories. The students developed their own questions, trained in StoryCorps interviewing techniques, and ensured the interviews would be archived in the Indiana State Library’s Indiana Memories database.
“This project allows students to create history, not just learn about it,” Baldwin said. The students’ work helps make local Black history more accessible and ensures that these important stories are preserved for future generations. Baldwin emphasized that the project provides valuable intergenerational learning, allowing students to engage directly with history by hearing firsthand accounts from those who lived it.
The collaboration between students, local community members, and the Black History Preservation Project highlights the ongoing effort to ensure that the rich history of African Americans in Knox County is not forgotten.