BY JESSICA HATFIELD

Staff Writer

The Williamson City Council received a chance to document history at their meeting held on July 23.

The Council was approached by representatives Cindy Crigger with Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College (SWVCTC) and John Fuller with the NAACP about the council about lending their support to a documentary about growing up as an African American in Williamson.

Fuller explained to the council that Richard Bryant, a graduate of Liberty High School and current minister, came up with the idea for the documentary a couple of years ago, but hadn’t been successful in pursuing it until recently.

Dee Kapourales, WV Humanities Council president, was contacted and thought the project would be a great idea.

Kapourales then enlisted the help of SWVCTC and now Crigger, who is overseeing the project, is working to obtain a grant through the Humanities Council.

Fuller and Crigger stated that the film would take a look at the entire county but wanted to especially focus on Williamson’s black district, which was formerly 3rd Ave and the African American business district. The film will also take a look at other minorities who immigrated to the area.

“We do want to encumber other parts of the county,” stated Fuller. “But Williamson stands out because the black communities were usually placed out of the way, but in Williamson the black’s weren’t separated.”

“This will be a win win situation because it will benefit the town,” he said. “I think it will be a good idea for the town to go on record in support of the project.”

Fuller explained that the previous council had worked with the NAACP on obtaining a monument in town and hoped that the new council would be as accommodating. Fuller stated that all the council needed to do was submit a letter showing support of the project.

A Liberty HIgh School reunion is scheduled to take place in Charleston and the groups hope that this will be an opportunity to obtain interviews from graduates.

Fuller stated that the success of the project will depend on the energies of the Town Council, SWVCTC and the NAACP to make this dream a reality and that the Liberty reunion will be a good place to begin. They also hope that the people of Williamson will submit pictures.

Mayor Darrin McCormick showed complete support for the film

“Let me know where to send the letters,” stated McCormick.

McCormick also offered assistance as a drop-off point for pictures and offered to accept donations through the town’s foundation.

At this time the SWCTC is accepting donations through their foundation, for more information about submitting pictures or making a monetary donation contact Cindy Crigger at SWCTC at 304-896-7412.