- April 26, 2024
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Randall Herron and Erlene Turner stand in front of the Historic New Bethel AME church's quilt. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The display of books was composed of Erlene Turner's own collection. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Traditional African garments are on display in the exhibition, courtesy of Erlene and Jerome Turner, and Carolyn Parker. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Celebrating black history isn't limited to just the month of February.
The Ormond Beach Historical Society is celebrating black achievers in the United States through an exhibit, titled "Stitching Lives Together: Stories and Symbols of Freedom," which will be on display through May 22. The exhibit explores the people and symbols that supported African-Americans as they escaped through the Underground Railroad through displays, biographies on abolitionists, as well as storytellers and artifacts representing local black history.
It was an effort put together very quickly thanks to a hardworking committee, said Erlene Turner, education chair for the Historical Society. She presented the idea to her fellow committee members in January, and thanks to a mini-grant by Volusia County's parks, recreation and culture division, sought after Historical Society Executive Directtor Julia Bussinger, the idea came to fruition in late February.
“Without them catching on to the vision, and going forth, I don’t think it could have been done," Turner said.
Many of the exhibits on display feature a personal touch. The numerous books celebrating black history in the library of Anderson-Price are from Turner's own collection, having acquired them through the years while working with young people.
Turner is also featured in one of the videos that is part of the display, where she tells her great-great-grandparents' story as they relocated after being granted their freedom from slavery.
One of the key historical figures featured in the exhibit is Harriet Tubman, who after escaping slavery, conducted 13 trips south to help others do the same. That's what stands out the most to Turner.
“Some people would say, ‘I made it to freedom, I’m free,’" Turner said. "But she thought about those that she had left behind. She had the love and compassion for others.”
Not only does the exhibit feature black history, but it is a history of how working together can benefit all, something Turner said is a needed reminder in today's age.
The centerpiece of the exhibit is a quilt that is currently on loan from the Historic New Bethel AME church. The quilt was made by Ruth Mielke, Nora Sgro and Joan Radula and donated to the church in 2018 during a raffle fundraiser to help restore the church's steeple after Hurricane Matthew damaged it. Each of the 14 squares on the quilt illustrate symbols that Tubman used to lead the slaves to freedom.
The church has not yet opened back up for services due to COVID-19 and Turner thought the exhibit would be a great place to showcase it in the meantime.
“It was just hanging in [the church] and I said, ‘Oh, that’s a good idea,’” she recalled.
In addition, storyteller Judy Yenwo will host two events — one on March 20 and the second on April 17 — where she will conduct presentations about Tubman's life. Another storyteller, John Anderson Jr. will present the life of American abolitionist Frederick Douglass on May 8.
The beautiful part of the exhibit is the length of time it will be displayed. When Turner was growing up, black history was only celebrated during a week in February. Now, black history has the whole month dedicated to it.
“But through our exhibit, it’s going to last for three more months," Turner said. "... I think that’s history and something that I’m very appreciative and thankful for.”
