WILLIAMSBURG — Coming to the Table — Historic Triangle, a program of the Virginia Racial Healing Institute, is hosting an encore presentation of “Life in the Reservation Community,” a documentary that chronicles the history of a free African American community settled along the York River from 1862 to 1922.
“Life in the Reservation Community” will be shown on Thursday, March 20 starting at 6:30 p.m. at Williamsburg Christian Church. Attendance is free but, registration is required.
When the federal government seized the land to build a military depot, which would later become the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, more than 75 families lost their homes, businesses, churches and opportunities to return to visit their loved ones’ grave sites, according to the organization.
The documentary, produced by the Village Initiative for Equity in Education, a grassroots
nonprofit organization dedicated to equity and justice in Williamsburg-James City County
Schools and community, gives members of the Reservation Descendant community an
opportunity to tell their story.
“We are honored to collaborate with the Village Initiative and Williamsburg Christian Church to host a screening of “Life in the Reservation Community” for our annual Black History Month program,” said Laura Hill, Executive Director of the Virginia Racial Healing Institute.
It is through uncovering and sharing stories that people and communities heal from racial wounds of the past, the organization said.
In addition to the documentary there will be refreshments provided by Corey’s Southern
Catering, a Q&A period with members of the descendant community and an uplifting musical selection, it added.
“We hope this event will bring the Greater Williamsburg community together to learn from the past so we can work towards a brighter future,” Hill added.
The event is free, but registration is required through Eventbrite.
