Personal Statement

I grew up in a household where the history and culture of Black people were passions of my parents — and became one of mine. I majored in US history as an undergraduate, with the good fortune to take several classes from a professor, Dr. Otey Scruggs, who guided my readings and helped me to translate and interpret the role and impact of Black folks on that history. He helped me to understand that history is written from the perspective of the victors and that I needed to learn all the facets of that history — and try to change the narrative about the role of enslaved African people in it.

I met Ann Chinn in 1984 when we both worked for the DC Government; she is brilliant, hardworking, fearless, artistic, and passionate about making a difference in the condition of Black people. We became lifelong friends over the next four decades, and over the years, she, her husband, author Charlie Cobb, and I have talked about history, politics, culture, genealogy, and life. In 2011 Ann told me about the plan to focus her time on the Project, and over the last decade, I have tried to support her efforts, beginning with attending the marker dedication in Yorktown, VA. — where I met Ann Cobb.

Last year when they asked to consider joining the Board of MPCPMP, I enthusiastically agreed. It’s a perfect way to bring together my interests and skills and employ the advice Dr. Scruggs gave so long ago — to help change the narrative about the history of the US by learning more about and then sharing the impact of enslaved Africans – while working with friends who are like family.