Community Spotlight

Honoring the impact of individuals in the local community.

Remembering William A. Good: A Local Historian

John 11:34, Jesus ask, “Where have you laid him” The people answered, “Lord, come and see.'' Local historian and author, Mr. William A. Good, passed away on September, 6, 2020. Mr. Good spent a lifetime researching and uncovering the lost burial grounds of the enslaved in the Shenandoah Valley. Because of his diligence and hard work, we are able to gain access, place markers, and bring dignity to those who toiled continuously to make the Valley what it is today. The center is working hard to place a marker in his honor near the Soxman Cemetery, as he suggested in his book.The SVBHP is indebted to Mr. Good for sharing his research, knowledge, and help. Our hats are off to you Mr. Good. Farewell thy faithful servant.

Honoring Doris Harper Allen: A Local Author

Doris Harper Allen's book "The Way It Was not the way it is" is so wonderful. Her memoire tells about growing up in Newtown, Harrisonburg. How it was and how is isn't today. Through her heart warming stories of childhood, her book reminds us that we are more similar then different. Her strength through love of family and faith inspire. But most importantly how one stands up and lives life despite it's challenges.

Mayor Deanna Reed: Harrisonburg's first African-American on City Council and Mayor

Deanna Reed, is a leader in the community. Born and raised in Harrisonburg, her family has been in this area for over 200 years. Her work with young people inspires. Deanna is the first African-American woman elected to the City Council of Harrisonburg and continues to make history as the city's new Mayor. Deanna is the Program Director for the On The Road Collaborative Program but before she became Director in August 2015, Deanna served as the co-founder and director of Precious Gems Academy, a youth empowerment organization that served 65 ‘at-risk’ youth annually through its network of after school programs in the Harrisonburg City Schools, and created an original summer enrichment program for the Roberta Webb Childcare Center. Beyond her leadership and achievements in serving youth, Deanna has 20 years of experience in retail management and community development work. Deanna is currently the Advisor for the Iota Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at James Madison University and holds numerous offices for community organizations, including John Wesley United Methodist Church and the Harrisonburg Parks & Recreation Commission. She is also Vice President of Service of the Harrisonburg Women’s Service League and she serves on the Harrisonburg Alliance Cultural Board. Deanna received the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award by the Xi Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at James Madison University. Deanna was recognized by Commonwealth Attorney Marsha Garst as Citizen of the Year for 2015 and was featured in the Curio Magazine for her work with youth development in her community. Deanna currently resides in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She remains passionate in her work to enrich the lives of our youth.

Honoring Pat Johnson Blakey: A Educator and Mentor

Pat Johnson Blakey was recently honored at a ceremony on October 18th. Mayor Ted Byrd read a proclamation given her by the City of Harrisonburg. Judge Anthony Bailey was the Master of Ceremonies. There were many tributes and a large crowd turned out to honor her. The Northeast Neighborhood Association sponsored this event and the one that took place later the same afternoon called "Building Justice".

Wilhelmina Johnson receives NAACP Community Service Award in January 2016.

Honoring Wilhelmina Johnson: A Prominent Community Member

Wilhelmina Johnson not only was the first Director of People Helping People, in 1992, she was a founding "mother" of the organization. From 1969 - 1992 she worked with the Harrisonburg Social Services. There she worked to help those in need of financial assistance for paying electric bills, etc. She reached out to local churches, whose ministers saw the need and responded. After a time the Ministers suggested an organization be created for the purpose of helping those in need of assistance. In 1992 People Helping People was created and the Ministers knew who would best serve as the first Director, Wilhelmina Johnson. She served as Director for six years and continued as a volunteer until the early 2000's when she stopped to take care of her ailing husband and mother.

She was celebrated in the Spring 2015 Issue of the Daily News Record's Bloom Magazine. In this article she is quoted "I've learned to appreciate each day as a gift from God, and what I do with that day is my gift to God and others." She was honored during the Rockingham/Harrisonburg NAACP's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 2016 program. Long recognized for her support of her church, community and most importantly family. But her care and love for children is clearly a large part of her motivation to help others. Her reputation for giving and knowledge of the Simms High School community continues to this day as she is on the Community Advisory Board for the new exhibition on the Lucy F. Simms High School, her alma mater. She will be working with JMU students on the exhibition and what a wonderful inspiration she will be for them.

Honoring Laten Bechtel and Barb McSweeney

Laten Bechtel and Barb McSweeney were local historians focused in Augusta County.

Honoring Al Jenkins and volunteers for the restoring Long's Chapel

Over fifteen years ago Al & Robin Jenkins "uncovered" Long's Chapel literally. October found Al Jenkins, Pastor Evan Davis and members of St. Jacob Spader Lutheran, Church, Mt. Crawford, hard at work weed whacking and helping to uncover more valuable history. It was only recently discovered that St. Jacob Spader Lutheran Church owns the land the cemetery is on, as it across the road from the church. The neighbors of the cemetery have offered to help maintain it. What would we do without the help of these wonderful volunteers.After volunteer hours, the little chapel has been restored and named to the Registry of Historic Places. It continues to be supported and maintained today by Horizon's Camp. John Hall and many from Horizon's are largely responsible for the chapel's restoration. They continue to work on the chapel and more renovations are in the works!

Honoring Bishop Edgar A. Love

Founder Bishop Edgar A. Love was born September 10, 1891 in Harrisonburg, VA. The Beta Delta Delta chapter at James Madison University will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the chapter charter in 2015 with a memorial tribute to Bishop Edgar A. Love. Bishop Edgar A. Love's parents were Reverend Julius C. Love and Susie Carr. Born in Harrisonburg in 1891, the members of the Beta Delta Delta chapter at JMU are currently researching Bishop Love's history in Harrisonburg. They will be honoring their Founder this year with an historical marker. His father was associated with the John Wesley Methodist Church. Several members of the Harrisonburg community and beyond have helped in contributing information about Bishop Love's history and connections to Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Honoring Earl Martin and the Carpenter's Guild

We are honoring Earl Martin and the Carpenter's Guild for their amazing donation! Our future home, 425 Hill Street in Harrisonburg is a "fixer upper" and many of those much needed repairs were fixed on July 1st. The the carpenters started to arrive by bike and truck. The next thing we know the saws are buzzing and the carpenters are seamlessly working together. They built a handicap ramp and repaired a window in our book room, removed old paneling and widened our bathroom door. We had a nice lunch together and Dorothy Dickerson, Twila French and Doris Allen came by to express their appreciation for the great work being done. We can't thank them enough for this amazing donation.

Honoring Michael D. Knapp

I am honoring Michael Knapp for his amazing contribution to the Mt. Jackson Colored Cemetery. I was fortunate to be able to have attended Michael's Eagle Scout Ceremony on June 14, 2014. I have included an excerpt of the power point presentation shown at the ceremony. It is about his project to clean, restore and build a fence around the cemetery in Mt. Jackson. With the help and support of his Scout Troop and family he not only cleaned up the cemetery but installed a permanent fence. This is a donation that will literally last for generations to come. A few months ago I honored DeLois Warr for her work in Shenandoah County rescuing and documenting cemeteries. During her work on the Mt. Jackson cemetery, Michael reached out to her and a wonderful friendship and working relationship developed. Seeing this young man's contribution to this cemetery truly inspires.