Celebrating, preserving local African American History
A Gala was hosted at The Fly Arts Center Saturday night celebrating the May 23, 1966, graduates from the Bedford County Training School. They were the last all-African American class to graduate before Bedford County was desegregated in 1967. Funding received from this event provided scholarships to benefit the “Senior Class of 2024.”
Joe Frazier was one of the winners of the door prize giveaway at the event.
From left, Dora Tillman, Shirley Owens, Marie Castleman, and Della Nelson.
From left, Pastor John Thomas Jr., from the Galilee Baptist Church, with Tiffany Thomas and Shirley Dandy.
Shelbyville-Bedford County Community Clinic Director Fredia Flack Lusk with a book she co-authored highlighting the history of African Americans in Bedford County from 1820 to 2020.
Ivan Draine received a $500 scholarship from the event. It was presented by Lisa Carden, left.
Kyler Trice received a $500 scholarship from the event. It was presented by Lisa Carden, left.
Standing, from left, Steve and Stacie Bowers, from Cooper Christian Academy; Rosie Biggs, from the Gilliland Historical Society; Albert Nelson, from the Nelson and Sons Funeral Home, on the event’s sponsors; and seated, Mary Brame.
James E. Claybourne
Gladys Flack
Shirley and William Head. William Head was the guest speaker at the event. He spoke on the importance of preserving and writing down local African American history.
Miss Shelbyville Teen Lydia Sanders, left, and Miss Lynchburg Keenan Pasztor.
