Kevin Grigsby, student alum of our school, strives to share the untold stories of Black people in Loudoun County history. He recounted that as a high school student, he would question his history teacher when he noticed that Black people were not mentioned in history books or lessons. He wanted to know more about the rich Black history of Virginia, so he began researching.
Now a student assistance specialist within the county, he has written several books about local history. His first book, titled “Howardsville: The Journey of an African-American Community in Loudoun County,” tells the story of Howardsville and experiences of people from there.
Howardsville is a town that was built completely by Black people starting in 1874. Although not well known or understood by the public eye, it is rich with history evident by their lineage and modern day descendents.
“Having seen how far my family has come and knowing that I’m only three generations removed from family members who couldn’t even go to high school, this county is more than just a place to live,” Grigsby said.
To learn more about Howardsville, he began talking with his family to learn more about his ancestors.
“I started with what I know, like parents and grandparents,” Grigsby said. “I was also really lucky that I grew up around I was so close to my grandmothers, brothers and sisters, so I got to hear all these stories that they used to share.”
On January 16, Grigsby shared his research and methods with students at our school. He told students that in addition to interviewing living sources, he also sought information online at ancestry.com and the local archival library Thomas Balch Library. He talked passionately about what he had learned, such as the story of Helen Marie Ramey, the first Black person to ever attend County. His talk highlighted the importance of taking action and finding out more about what interests you.
“We don’t even know the name of Helen Marie Rayey. She was our Jackie Robinson, so knowing her name and appreciating our local history is huge,” Grigsby said.
Grigsby attended County in the 1990s, and when I talked with him after his presentation, I shared what students are currently taught about African Americans. He agreed that information available to students about the Black experience has improved, such as the county offering an African American honors history class, but there are still many elements that we skim over.
One element Grigsby believes is important is “trying to have open and honest conversations, because we grow by being able to talk to each other and really taking time to hear someone else’s perspectives.” “It’s important to understand the impact of history and how things affect people from generations.”
As a final note, Grigsby encouraged students to remain curious and active in their learning, both inside and outside of the classroom.
“I would like for every student to realize you’re part of a story, too,” Grigsby said. “Sometimes it is tough when the outside world doesn’t doesn’t see you, and that’s where it is important to know who you are.”
Grigsby has also written “From Loudoun to Glory”, which discusses Black infantries during the Civil War, and is releasing a new book “A Story of Hope and Freedom: The Proctors of Loudoun & Fauquier Counties, Virginia.”