The Orange County African American Historical Society (OCAAHS) held its Juneteenth community celebration last week in the Town of Orange.
Dozens attended the event, which was held at the African American Commemorative Park located on the corner of Church and Chapman Streets. The park was dedicated in 2022 and honors the town’s historic Black commercial district and residential areas on Church, Chapman and Mill streets and Railroad Avenue. The district served as a hub for the Black community and was home to a variety of Black-owned businesses. The park was created by the OCAAHS in partnership with Love Orange Virginia.
The park is just one way the OCAAHS fulfills its mission to explore local Black contributions to the cultural and historical heritage of Orange County. In her opening, vice president Mary Freeman said the society is not actively involved in political undertakings, but rather seeks to enhance and promote awareness of the accomplishments and contributions of people of African descent as organic and essential components of the community and the nation.
Orange County High School Teacher Rachel Carlton, serving as the event’s featured speaker, spoke about the importance of African American history for the youth of today. She said learning Black history is not a luxury, but rather a necessity and democracy thrives when citizens are educated.
Four members of the OCHS Class of 1966 shared their personal history. The four were among the first African American seniors to graduate from OCHS following segregation. They spoke about their experiences being at the school.
Today, the high school is filled with a diverse population of students. During the Juneteenth celebration, the school’s African American Club-created Step Team performed for the first time.
Also performing were Chris Walker and the Roebock Singers, the OCHS African American Club and dancers Amira Lott and Alaiyah Brooks.
For more information about the Orange County African American Historical Society and to see videos from the Juneteenth event and others, visit https://www.ocaahs.org.
