"From Enslavement to Empowerment: The Story of the Belmead on the James"

"From Enslavement to Empowerment: The Story of the Belmead on the James"

An inspirational story and historical narration of how a former Virginia plantation transformed into two historic African American schools.

By John Plashal Photo

Date and time

Saturday, July 27 · 1 - 3pm EDT

Location

Norfolk Collegiate

7336 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

About this event

  • 2 hours

Join us on July 27th on the campus of Norfolk Collegiate School at the Meredith Center for the Arts for an inspirational and educational experience that is symbolic of the beauty and the power of the human spirit. The Belmead on the James is a former plantation in central Virginia that ultimately transformed into a rural oasis characterized by a climate of intense intellectual, physical and spiritual growth for thousands of young African Americans over the course of seven decades. Made possible by the heiresses of the Drexel fortune, the life lessons learned by those that attended the St. Emma Military Academy and St. Francis de Sales School produced immeasurable moral values and guiding principles that have transcended generations of the alumni from both highly historic, but little known, schools - both of which were built on the grounds of a former Confederate General's plantation that once enslaved 130 individuals. This sharp juxtaposition of the property, made possible by a handful of saintly individuals, represents a monumental cultural achievement that deserves a permanent imprint on the continuum of African-American history. YOU WILL ALSO GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS TO ACTUAL ST. EMMA AND ST. FRANCIS ALUMNI AT THE END OF THE PRESENTATION!

PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO THE ROCK CASTLE GROUP, COMPRISED OF ALUMNI DEDICATED TO PROJECTS THAT PRESERVETHE LEGACY OF ST. EMMA MILITARY ACADEMY AND ST. FRANCIS DE SALES SCHOOL.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I park?

There will be plenty of parking in the adjacent lot at the Norfolk Collegiate School. Once you park, please enter the Meredith Center for the Arts.

Is the theatre handicap accessible?

Yes it is. Our guests with disabilities should notify the box office upon arrival. They will re-direct you to a separate door that offers ramp access to the theatre.

What if I am interested in attending both of your presentations that day?

The "Stories of an Abandoned Virginia" presentation will begin at around 4PM. If you have tickets for both programs, you will not need to leave the theatre and then re-enter. You are welcome to stay put. A wristband will be issued for our "double feature" guests.

I am a St. Emma / St. Francis Alumnus and would like to attend this presentation.

It would be an honor to have you in attendance. Please contact me at "john@johnplashalphoto.com" to make arrangements for your visit.

What is the format of this program?

It is a visual presentation comprised of a historical narration and fascinating anecdotal stories delivered by John Plashal , a local public speaker and former tour guide of the Belmead on the James. There will also be an Alumni Panel present during a Q & A session.

What is the refund policy?

This is a non-refundable program, with no exceptions.

Organized by

John Plashal is a Virginia based photographer, adventurer, professional storyteller and author of the popular photographic coffee table book, "A Beautifully Broken Virginia".