Composing a Bridge of Lament

Goals and Definition for Our Project

This project intends to use the days between Juneteenth and Independence Day to reflect on the people, places, and events in Lynchburg that have been impacted by white supremacy throughout the city’s history. Through daily written pieces of history, poetry, or personal essays, we hope to offer a moment of deeper reflection on something local and familiar, to see with new eyes, to become aware of how our city’s past still lives with us.

Goals

To provide space for lament over the legacy of white supremacy in Lynchburg.

To recognize the contributions of enslaved and marginalized people to the wealth and cultural vibrancy of the city.

To encourage collective work that reflects the principles of freedom and equality aspired to at America’s founding.

To honor the perspectives and guidance of the African American community above white perceptions.

The Williams Viaduct crossing the James River - a novel feat of engineering during the days of Jim Crowe - with downtown Lynchburg in the background, ca. 1920. Photo is available online courtesy of Lynchburg Museum.

Next Week

Stay tuned for next week’s post, which gives a glimpse of the context and heart behind our content.