THE PINE GROVE GAZETTE
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THE PINE GROVE Message from the It is almost mind-boggling how swiftly 2023 moved. Time flies, but it is up to you to be the navigator. AMMD Pine Grove Project efficiently navigated as we executed programs, worked on the school building and grounds, continued partnerships, and enhanced areas within our 4 pillars: I. Community Engagement II. Education III. Environmental and Social Justice III. History and Historic Preservation 2023 was definitely a “Jordan year” (23 is the number the great Michael Jordan wore) for AMMD Pine Grove Project; it was a comeback year, post-COVID and stellar in developing stronger community relationships, and commitments . The breadth of our organization's vision and strides were recognized in ways beyond our imagination.
THE PINE GROVE GAZETTE
In the wake of the trials and tribulations that marked the recent years (2020 , we have learned a vital truth: we are all interconnected, bound by the threads of a shared destiny. In this tapestry of life, we must nurture each other, for only in this warmth can strong communities flourish. Historically, our community has never been stagnant but a living, breathing entity, evolving to embrace equity in education, preservation, and environmental justice. I often reflect on the oral histories of my ancestors who resided in the Hamilton District, the Pine Grove community, both those who were fortunate enough to be educated and those who were not; the common thread always remained the same: COMMUNITY. As we reflect upon the memories woven in the year 2023, we are humbled by the enduring spirit that drives us. We have adapted, we have transformed, and in doing so, we have found even more profound ways to extend our hand and influence. Let this be a reminder that our mission is our anchor, and we will continue to weave our lived experiences, our combined talents, our cadre of scholars, and our blessed partnerships to nurture the roots of our beloved Pine Grove Community, one thread at a time. We hope that this edition of The Pine Grove Gazette will enlighten you about our work and encourage you to #joinusaswegrow. Looking ahead,
~Sonja
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PILLAR I: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT written by: Sonja Branch-Wilson
The purpose of the Community Engagement Committee is rooted in the mission of the AMMD Pine Grove Project to “preserve history and expand community.” Inspired by the philosophy of Dr. Booker T. Washington, our Committee works to promote self-determination and -empowerment, mutual aid, and collective action within the Pine Grove and broader Cumberland County community. We regularly engage in activities that help build and sustain the social ties of our historical community of care. Through deep
Membership Team gives out door prizes!
listening, we identify needs and shared interests, and facilitate responsive programming and resourcing. On October 7, 2023 the Community Engagement Committee sponsored its first Holistic Health Fair at the old Luther P. Jackson High School. The theme was “HealScape Holistic Health Fair:
Mind, Body, and Spirit” and was
informative and fun-filled. The attendees had a wonderful time reminiscing to music played by DJ X-Cell, and getting in a line dance or two which he also led; listening to the captivating keynote speaker, Dr. Nicholas Spears; or perusing the stations of the vendors present who offered either services and/or products that coincided with improving physical, mental, or spiritual health. C&F bank was a co-sponsor, donating $500.00 toward the event.
Attendees exploring the stations.
DJ X-Cell gets the crowd moving with line dancing.
Mrs. Henshaw, Branch Manager at C&F, interacts with booth visitors.
Founder, Muriel Miller Branch, stands beside her class graduation photo.
A FIRST LOOK written by: Sonja Branch-Wilson
A documentary premiere event was held on November 18th, 2023, for "PINE GROVE: MORE THAN A SCHOOL," produced by Departure Point Films and funded by the UVA Law Clinic. The alumnae of Pine Grove School received exclusive invitations. The room was filled with approximately 50 attendees to incldue the V.I.P.’s (alumni) and their guests, including Jerry West who represented
Florine Doughty
his brother Tyrone West (in memoriam); Janelle Proulx and Tyler Kirby (film producers); Cale Jaffe and UVA Law Clinic students; Sandra Bolling (New Hope member) helped tremendously with logistics; she was an MVP! For two years, Departure Point Films shadowed our organization to tell our story through a documentary. While the film is currently on a festival circuit, it was important for our alumni to get an exclusive “first look” before the big premiere, scheduled for April 5, 2024. We were grateful to New Hope Baptist Church, who provided a space for this event and has remained an exceptional partner throughout the past year.
Muriel Miller Branch
The documentary evoked a range of emotions, and the alumni spoke highly of the film and the caterers, The Chef and the Baker RVA. “Last night was inspiring, and the food and fellowship were good too. I know you and your mom put a lot of time and effort into making these events possible. For that, I thank you both.” - Florine, PG Alumnus “So much has been accomplished in the three years since I joined AMMD Pine Grove Project. Last night, I felt we are on the road to bigger dreams. The work has just begun.” - Robin, PG Alumnus and AMMDPGP Membership Co-Chair
Michael D. Scales
Professor Cale Jaffe, UVA Law Clinic
“Thanks so much! It was a wonderful, moving event. The caterers were great. I told a friend in RVA about them this morning! Thanks again!” - Patricia, PG Alumnus “We had a great time last evening! The film was very well done. Thank you!” - Bruce, PG Alumnus “We truly enjoyed the award-winning movie production premiere, and the food was delicious!” - Joanne, AMMDPGP member “Pine Grove: More Than A School is a movement-propelling film.” Justin, descendant “Janelle and Tyler, you filled my heart with sheer joy and hope. Thank you for exquisitely weaving the urgency of neglected preservation of Black built spaces and the threat of toxic industries to their continued existence. I am too full of thanksgiving and reflection to sleep.” - Muriel, AMMDPGP Founder and PG Alumnus. To keep up with the film during the circuit and any latest news regarding it, please visit www.pinegrovefilm.org.
Tyler Kirby and Janelle Prioux, Departure Point Films
PILLAR II: EDUCATION written by: Kamira Holman, Student Ambassador
ANNUAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST
Kamira Holman AAMMDPGP Student Ambassador
Hip, hip, hooray for Roger Jamerson and Mikayla Hall, two Cumberland County Middle School students who took home the gold as co-champions of the AMMD Pine Grove Project Essay Contest! Each deservedly snagged a $100 gift card for their efforts. The essay prompt cooked up by the committee was... When the March on Washington took place in August 1963, the women of the Civil Rights Movement were all but forgotten." This quote comes from the preface of Lynne Olson's path breaking work, Freedom Daughters. You have been asked by the School Board to suggest a new name for a local high school that was originally named for a confederate general. Your job is to make the case to have the school named for a woman who was active in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. In your proposal, using good standards of rhetoric and composition, explain why the woman you chose is worthy of this honor. (provide and elaborate 3-4 reasons why)
2023 Winners Makayla Hall and Roger Jamison
Ready, set, WRITE! The Education Committee is jazzed to announce that our essay contest will launch in January, so you can dive into creativity without SOL Writing Test stress. As added fun, we have plans of hosting writing workshops for high schoolers in February, just before the Writing SOLs in March. We're all about teamwork, so we're excited to connect with Cumberland County English teachers and make this a win-win for everyone!
ANIMATION PROJECT
Hold on tight, because the AMMD Pine Grove Project Education Committee is bringing history to life with some epic animations! The best part? These short stories are straight out of the Partners in Philanthropy Curriculum Guide, written in 2020 by our very own education experts along with two top Cumberland County School History Teachers, Mr. Andrew Ronemus and Mr. Lew Longenecker. We'll be focusing on some incredible stories, like the inspiring tale of Delegate Shed Dungee, the legendary Tuskegee-Rosenwald Schools, and the fascinating story of Pine Grove School and Community; and many more. Thanks to our passion and excitement, the team at Virginia Humanities saw the potential and awarded us a grant to make sure these stories speak to young people. And, we've got the best of the best, TJ Green of TJ's Animation Workshop, on board to create a series of two-minute videos divided into chapters. Get ready to witness HISTORY COME ALIVE!
AMMDPGP STUDENT AMBASSADORS written by: Nashai Jean-Davis
Picture this: a spark of inspiration lit up in Kamira Holman and Alana Johnson's minds when they won the Women's History Month Essay contest in 2021. "How can we take this further? How can we get involved?" they asked, brimming with energy and ideas! Their contagious enthusiasm ignited a fire in educator Sonja Branch-Wilson's heart, who quickly put together a master plan to create the AMMD Youth Council, where young members would be hailed as Student Ambassadors.
Nashai Jean-Davis AMMDPGP Student Ambassador
The goal? To foster leadership skills, educate the youth about local Black and Pine Grove history, and bring generations together through our monthly meetings, and taking a lead role in our newly rolled segment, "History in Our Backyard." Fast forward to today, and these Student Ambassadors are taking the county by storm! They've developed their own Instagram page, been interviewed by VPM Media about the significance of Pine Grove School, did some hands-on work during our May Day celebrations, researched and created a Rethinking Waste presentation and infomercial for our EJ Forum, and even served as top-notch docents during the Unveiling Ceremony for the Historical Marker for Pine Grove School, attracting all the attention. They started as a dynamic duo, but now they've grown to a mighty team of ten and counting! In their own words, they welcome you to join the Youth Council and become a part of the action!
Pictured below (L-R): Kelson Wilson Kamira Holman (1st Vice President) Alana Johnson Nashai Jean-Davis (2nd Vice President) O’Naje Jackson Jamiya Smith Sydney Caban (President)
AMMDPGP STUDENT AMBASSADORS written by: Nashai Jean-Davis
Let's give you the lowdown in our own words on why you should jump on board! “Being an AMMDPGP Student Ambassador is actually fun! You get to experience new events and be a part of the planning process, while learning about your own history!” ~Sydney “While being an AMMDPGP Student Ambassador your mind will grow as you learn more about your history!” ~Keith “Being an AMMDPGP Student Ambassador is empowering and prepares us to be future leaders! We have to opportunity to meet new people, alumni and supporters of the organization, who can open doors for us to be successful in our pursuits. We work together as a team and really, a FAMILY!” ~Nashai “Being an AMMDPGP Student Ambassador helps you expand your knowledge on history as well as helps connects the roots to our heritage.” ~Alana
Keith Holman, Jr.
“Being an AMMDPGP Student Ambassador allows you to get an understanding of the challenges and experiences that students face while attending school. We get first--hand historical accounts of TuskegeeRosenwald Schools from the Pine Grove alumni and the importance of these schools for African-Americans during that time period. We also do fun activities and get to know each other!” ~Kelson “Being an AMMDPGP Student Ambassador provides new experiences for us, that are fun and exciting! You not only enjoy yourself, but you get to make new friends in Cumberland and beyond!” ~Kamira “Being an AMMDPGP Student Ambassador can impact your social skills by meeting and interacting with new people while learning more about Pine Grove School.” ~Hailey “To serve as one of the AMMDPGP Student Ambassadors is an extraordinary honor. This role holds immense significance, particularly in preserving the often-forgotten tales of African-American history and heritage. As an ambassador, I am humbled and eager to share the stories of my ancestors, safeguarding the authenticity of their oral histories and honoring their legacy. My passion and dedication are unwavering in advocating for public access to Pine Grove School, a national treasure deserving of more than being overshadowed by a mega-landfill. I am committed to amplifying the organization's voice and helping it soar to even greater heights. I am proud to serve as an ambassador.” ~O'Naje
Hailey Crump
Jordyn Crump
PILLAR III: HISTORY & HISTORIC PRESERVATION SITE IMPROVEMENTS written by Muriel Miller Branch
Site improvements at Pine Grove School were made possible through a generous grant from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation- Get Outdoors Fund, managed by our own Reverend Stephanie Hicks Willett, and the generous gift of volunteer time and labor donated to us by Jody Lahendro, Tyler Kirby, George Collier, members of AMMD Pine Grove Project, and the men of Lord Hannibal Lodge #327. The VOF grant funding enabled us to secure the property with a gate, get the well inspected, install a new well pump, hire a grounds manager, and install an electric pole and pay for services. In addition the grant funded the creation of a base site map of current landscape with layers showing historic features. All of these important site improvements are precursors to the beginning of the contracted stabilization work, which is being funded in part by the National Park Service, African American Civil Rights grant. A Preservation Contractor has been approved by AMMD Pine Grove Project, and will begin construction in early 2024. Jody Lahendro is the Project Manager. Roger Munford and Dion Leehoisting the tarp up toward the roof.
(L-R): Michael Scales, Leonard Hawkins, Dion Lee, Jody Lahendro, Marcel Wilson, and Eugene Shelton
Roger Munford and Jody Lahendro are standing on the top.
THE PINE GROVE GAZETTE
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written by Muriel Miller Branch We have always known Pine Grove School is an irreplaceable treasure, and on Saturday, April 29, 2023, a permanent monument, a historical marker, was dedicated and unveiled to secure its place in history. Approximately 100 people attended from a grand array of diverse communities, state and local policy makers, preservation organizations, faith communities, alumni, universities, and community partners assembled at the historic Pine Grove School, 267 Pinegrove Road, Cumberland, VA to witness this seminal event. Young people from the Cumberland County JROTC, the AMMD Pine Grove Project Youth Ambassadors, choir, and the two authors of the Tuskegee Tuesday media project were the bright stars of the unveiling ceremony. The festive unveiling ceremony was the culmination of weeklong events that included Memorabilia Monday where alumni gathered to share and record memories, placed their written memory in a time capsule, and cleaned and arranged the school in preparation for the main event. Tuskegee Tuesday, Cumberland County Public School Middle School students created a promotional video to promote the critical role Tuskegee Institute played in the development of the school plans, piloting the community schools program, and training teachers to staff the Tuskegee Rosenwald Schools. Also during this event, the leadership of AMMD Pine Grove Project, emphasized the importance of changing the nomenclature of our community schools and giving Dr. Washington his well-deserved recognition in the development and design of these schools. We are #TuskegeeRosenwaldSchools!
Chloe Buckner and Jack Parker dicuss Tuskegee-Rosenwald Schools and the impact of Cumberland County residents that made them a reality.
THE PINE GROVE GAZETTE
Stitching Together History and Community was held in the Bethlehem Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, and was facilitated by visual artist, Veronica Jackson, who is creating a tapestry using the names of former students and teachers of Pine Grove School, and Sonja Branch-Wilson, who is stitching together a different story- The Biography of a Black Community - using funeral programs, census data, and funeral records.
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Florine Doughty and Cora Cooke preparing Alumni Swag Bags for the big event!
History display on the inside of the school during the unveiling ceremony. The display was put together by: Florine Doughty, Robin Stocks, and Niya Bates.
Sonja, Genay, Muriel, and Niya doing a site prep visit before the BIG DAY (marker unveiling).
Visual Artist Veronica Jackson presenting the “Stitching Together History and Community” event, Showcasing a sampling of the tapestry.
BIOGRAPHY OF A BLACK COMMUNITY: 1920-1960 by Muriel Miller Branch
A trailblazer's tale continues with AMMD Pine Grove Project’s President, Sonja Branch-Wilson's, selection as an inaugural fellow for Preservation Virginia's African American Fellows Program. Out of 40 applicants, only three were chosen, including Sonja, whose trade name "SonietheConnectaholic" exemplifies her passion for connecting people and researching genealogical and community ties. This opportunity was a natural progression for her research project, "Funeral Programs: The Biography of a Black Community." Her investment in historic preservation began in childhood, fueled by a strong curiosity about her family's history and the stories passed down by the only set grandparents she knew, Frank Adolph and Missouri Virginia Miller. She gained a deeper understanding of her ancestors, their struggles, sacrifices, and the wisdom they left behind. However, as elders pass away, so do their stories, unless they are recorded. For over 20 years, Sonja has been doing genealogical research, focusing mainly on her ancestral home in Cumberland County, VA. Her research project, "Funeral Programs and Records: From the 1920s to the 1960s," examines and extrapolates biographical details from funeral programs and records to connect people to places within the Pine Grove Rural Historic District. Her project will be composed of three phases, with the first phase involving digitizing funeral programs and records from one of Cumberland's longest-serving Black Funeral homes, Bland-Reid Funeral Home. The data collected will be used to make place-specific connections to the surrounding ethnographic cultural landscape and historical sites. This will "revive the voices" of those who once lived, worked, worshiped, and were educated in the community. The first phase will use a combination of descriptive, historical, field research, and digital humanities methods. One of the end goals is to create storyboards for each person and to have these displays exhibited. at a museum.
*photos are courtesy of AMMD Family Association archives
AMMDPGP ORAL HISTORY PROJECT The initiative spearheaded by Niya Bates and Justin G. Reid has proven to be an enriching and rewarding experience.
Niya Bates, Public Historian
Why are these stories so important? They serve as primary sources that document history through community memory. The project aims to collect oral histories from community members, Pine Grove School alumni, and descendants who recall stories passed down through generations. These stories derive from various sources such as: freedom papers, land deeds, archaeological investigations, church records, marriage licenses, and most importantly, from individuals like YOU. If you possess a story worth sharing and would like to participate in the AMMDPGP Oral History Project, kindly schedule an appointment by tapping this paragraph (link embedded) or scanning the QR code below.
Justin G. Reid, Public Historian and community descendant
*photos are courtesy of the: AMMD Family Association archives
AND THE AWARD GOES TO….
Our hearts continue to overflow with gratitude for being among those were recognized and received a distinguished award; the Katherine Glaize Rockwood Award for Outstanding Community Preservation. One of our guiding principles comes from Proverbs 3:5-6, ““Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” AMMD Pine Grove Project will continue to acknowledge that God has cleared paths, made new paths, and directed us along them. On September 29, 2023, we were recognized for staying on the path by Virginia’s premiere preservation organization, Preservation Virginia. We are grateful to PVA, and thankful for every milestone, goal, and objective we have met; every award achieved, and every achievement recognized; every person and organization who have joined our preservation protection, and advocacy work; every prayer or words of encouragement, and every monetary blessing from individuals, corporation, and/or grants.
Chief G. Anne Richardson, Keynote Speaker
Thank you one and all who have believed in AMMD Pine Grove Project’s vision to, ““preserve history, expand community”: Preservation Virginia, The Texas Freedom Colonies Project, Sierra Club, UVA Environmental Law and Community Engagement Clinic, UVA School of Architecture, Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), Cumberland County Public Schools, Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, The Frederick Douglass Foundation of Virginia, Virginia Interfaith Power and Light, Virginia Dorothy Rice and Marcel Wilson, spent Humanities, Scuffletown LLC, Campbell County Training School Complex, their birthday celebrating with AMMDPGP. Ellis Acres, Virginia Outdoors Foundation, Virginia Organizing, and CCLA..
PILLAR IV: ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE written by: Dr. Lakshmi Fjord
A significant symposium unfolded amidst the verdant fields of Cumberland County. The Environmental Justice Committee and Cumberland County Landfill Alert (CCLA) joined forces to create a forum of advocacy and enlightenment on October 22, 2023. Caylea Barone (UVA) discusses landfill harms.
The two organizations hosted the event at the Cumberland County Middle/High School complex, where a gathering of community members, with a focus on education, engagement, and advocacy. Frontline and fenceline communities united, strengthened by knowledge and language to advocate for a safe and healthy environment, free from the toxic grasp of landfills. The forum was inspiring, featuring presentations on environmental justice, rethinking waste, the harmonious connection of protection of water and air, navigating the permitting process, and preserving historic resources.
AMMDPGP Student Ambassadors awaiting their turn to present.
Presenters included Dr. Lakshmi Fjord, Co-chair of the EJ Committee, Betty Myers and Tim Kennel of CCLA, AMMD Pine Grove Project Youth Ambassadors, Megan Salters from the University of Richmond, Karen Camplin of Virginia NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice, Cale Jaffe and Caylea Barone from UVA Environmental Law and Community Engagement Clinic, and Muriel Miller Branch of AMMD Pine Grove Project. Their expertise and insights empowered the community with the tools needed to safeguard their well-being.
Breakout sessions
Cale and Muriel in deep discussion.
Caylea Barone (UVA) and Megan Salters (U of R))
THE PINE GROVE GAZETTE
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FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024 The AMMD Pine Grove Project intends to host a film screening and panel discussion of the documentary "Pine Grove: More Than A School," produced by Departure Point Films. The objective of this event is to highlight the historical significance of TuskegeeRosenwald Schools, with a particular focus on Pine Grove School, and also celebrate the end of school segregation. The documentary also draws attention to the environmental challenges and harms facing a historically Black community due to the construction of a mega-landfill. The event will be held in Farmville, Virginia, the location of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1964, which marks its 50th anniversary in 2024. .
Robert Russa Moton Museum 900 Griffin Blvd. l Farmville, VA 23901
More details to come
S W E N
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sonja Branch-Wilson, President
Cheryl Belt-Jackson, Vice President
Leadership Development
Membership
Community Engagement
Charlene Flood-Liggon, Recording Secretary
Dr. Fatemia Moore-Cozart, Treasurer
Bill Obrochta, Education
Dr. Lakshmi Fjord, Environmental and Social Justice
Muriel Miller Branch, President Emeritus Community Engagement
Technology & Public Relations
Student Ambassadors
Rev. Tammy Mitchell, Corporate Community Liaison
Genay Hines, Corresponding Secretary
History & Historical Preservation
Alesha Holman, Member At Large
Fannie Robinson, Member At Large
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GET INVOLVED, THERE IS SPACE FOR ALL! The Membership Committee Co-Chairs, Cheryl Belt-Jackson and Robin Stocks, are determined to achieve their committee's goal to recruit and retain members, to "expand community." They firmly believe that by working together with a shared sense of purpose, grounded in community and nurtured with love, we can accomplish the impossible. Please consider becoming a member of the AMMD Pine Grove Project by scanning the QR code below and selecting the appropriate membership level. (grades 6-12) (former Pine Grove students ONLY) (ancestral ties to Pine Grove School; will be verified)
You can also contribute to the project by volunteering your talents on one of our committees. Meeting dates and times for each committee are listed below.
*Note: paper applications are available by emailed request only, send request to: ammdpinegroveproject@gmail.com
2024 MONTHLY MEETINGS
SCHEDULE All meetings, in person and virtual, will begin at 3:00 PM.
We look forward to fellowshipping with the community, partners, and all of our stakeholders. Join us each month as we share organizational updates as well as educate through our new, "History in Our Backyard" segment. In person meetings will be held at New Hope Baptist Church's fellowship hall.
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FEBRUARY
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AUGUST
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Contact Us 1.202.643.AMMD (2663)
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APRIL
27
JUNE
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Email Visit Our Website www.ammdpinegroveproject.com ammdpinegroveproject@gmail.com
THE PINE GROVE GAZETTE
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CONTACT US
Website: www.ammdpinegroveproject.com Email: ammdpinegroveproject@gmail.com Phone: 1.202.643.AMMD (2663) Mailing address: P.O. Box 28332 I Henrico, VA 23228 Facebook: AMMD Pine Grove Project YouTube: AMMD Pine Grove @ammdpinegrove2444 Instagram: @projectpinegrove