Join us for a virtual discussion livestreamed from the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington on the development of African American communities in Arlington County. Dr. Lindsey Bestebreurtje, a historian of African American History and Culture, will begin the discussion sharing the details of Arlington County's first predominantly Black communities, specifically the communities within East Arlington, as well as the history of the Green Valley neighborhood, shedding a light on suburbanization, social systems of inequality, and segregation in the mid-20th Century.

Following Dr. Bestebreurtje's presentation, Mrs. Portia Clark and Dr. Alfred Taylor, two well-known community activists and researchers, will join the discussion to share a historical and in-depth narrative on the evolution of the Green Valley community, one of the area's first predominantly Black neighborhoods. This discussion will highlight stories of the original creators and innovators who helped build, shape and influence not only the Green Valley community, but also the greater Arlington community and its development, despite the laws of Virginia that often denied them access to the educational, financial, land purchasing opportunities to enable them to compete on level playing ground.

*Please note, we will be providing a free copy of Dr. Alfred Taylor Jr.'s book, "Bridge Builders of Nauck/Green Valley," to the first 100 registrants. If you are interested in receiving this book, please add your shipping information when registering for the event.

Speakers:

Dr. Lindsey Bestebreurtje, PhD, Historian of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian (Moderator)

Mrs. Portia Clark, Arlington Community Activist and Researcher

Dr. Alfred Taylor, PhD, Author, Arlington Community Activist and Researcher

Photo Citation: "Green Valley Pharmacy," Arlington Public Library