st. Petersburg, Fla. (WFLA) – Dr. Carter G. Woodson has launched a new series in which natives over the age of 85 share stories.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson The African American Museum has been preserving and celebrating local and national black history since 2006. As the 20th anniversary approaches, the museum is reevaluating its approach to maintaining black history.
“Preserving this history is extremely important here in Woodson, as it is our mission to preserve and celebrate African-American history,” said Terry Lipsey Scott.
Terry Lipsy Scott is executive director of the Carter G. Woodson African American Museum. She said they launched the “Foot of the Elders” series thanks to grants from the Florida Humanities Council in collaboration with the Smithsonian.
The initiative will allow St. Petersburg residents over the age of 85 to share direct stories about their living experiences through separation, school integration, and civil rights movements.
The first article in the museum series featured residents Mozelle Reese Davis, Ruben Mayes, and Inez Ford.
“At the age of 99, Inez Ford is in a tall, powerful position,” Lipsey Scott said. “She is a dedicated member of her alias sorority who continues to attend her monthly meetings. On her sister’s walk, she is a community commitment to service, and she is something she should consider.
This was the sold-out event of the first event in this series, in which Davis, Mays and Ford shared their stories. Additional St. Pete Native will share stories in September, October, January, February and March.
All recorded stories will eventually be exhibited next year at the Woodson Museum and the Smithsonian.
“Most of what I’ve gained in relation to African-American history in St. Petersburg comes from books and second-hand sources,” Lipsy Scott said. “We look forward to storing these voices in real time, where we can capture the essence of what their life stories represent in some eras.”
The event sold out within a few days of its announcement. Check the Woodson Museum Facebook page and website for more information about future dates.
