By Tom Markland, The Journal
CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. – Dozens of people gathered at Fisherman’s Hall in Charles Town Saturday night to hear local stories celebrating Black History and learn more about the proposed Affrilachian Trail project, aimed at celebrating black history throughout Appalachia.
The event featured multiple speakers, telling the stories of African American participation in John Brown’s raid as well as Robert Smalls, known for escaping slavery by commandeering a Confederate ship and eventually becoming a politician and prominent leader during Reconstruction. Added late to the roster was a section about Post 63, the Green Copeland African African American American Legion post in Charlestown, named for Shields Green and John Copeland, who participated in John Brown’s raid.
“The theme of it was that freedom is not free,” said Jamila Jones, who organized the event. “Whether they gave their lives or risked their lives, they were doing it for freedom.”
The event also highlighted the larger goal of Jones’ Affrilachian Trail project, which is to tell the stories of black contributions to Appalachian culture. Jones has been working on the project for the past two years, and recently managed to obtain a trademark for the name, which was announced during Saturday’s event.
