Guardians of African American Community Culture and Tradition

African American elders teach us the traditions and practices of our community. They serve as guardians of African American culture and tradition that define our resilience and strength. At its 2018 annual meeting, the Community Group recognized African American elders who define our caring, giving community by lives of service faithfully led. Each senior received a flower corsage or boutonniere, a certificate of appreciation, and the thanks of a grateful community.

Penny Franklin, president of TCG welcomes the community elders, their families and friends to the Community Group annual meeting recognition event. The scene of the gathering is the fellowship hall at Asbury United Methodist Church, generous partner welcoming of the overflow audience of elders.

Rev. Kathy Carpenter welcomes the elders, their friends and families to Asbury United Methodist Church, thanking them for their dedicated service to community.

Blacksburg High School students, members of the Black Awareness Club share their experiences of visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. They expressed their deep appreciation for the history of African Americans, for their elders whose histories came alive for them at the national museum. The Community Group funded the student trip through its New Mountain Climbers Fund at the Community Foundation of the New River Valley. The two teacher sponsors of the Black Awareness Club joined the students in the presentation.