It’s really nice to be back in Virginia, even if it is just for a few days. I started the day off with a morning run along the beautiful Canal Walk and I am getting ready to check out a session on black Civil War soldiers before heading out to do some research. So far I am having a wonderful time. The ASALH is definitely less stuffy than what I’ve come to expect in a history conference. You can still pick out the academic types from a mile away, but this conference includes a wide range of participants from social workers to community activists, and clergymen. It definitely makes for a lively Q&A and for someone interested in historical memory it offers a wealth of perspective from within the African American community.
What I’ve heard thus far reinforces the obvious that there is no consensus among African Americans about how to remember the Civil War. While walking along the booths I noticed a number of copies of Lerone Bennett’s, Forced into Glory: Abraham Lincoln’s White Dream
Kevin, during the session I attended Wednesday it looked like they were filming it for an archive project. I hope that is indication all the others were too. Were there large video cameras in the room during yours? I would like to assume they would be available down the road for online viewing. Any insight?
A few sessions were recorded. Ken Wyatt, who recently completed a documentary on black Confederates, decided to come up from NC on Friday. He filmed most of our session and promised to try to get some clips to me at some point soon. Of course, I will post them on the blog if possible.
Sorry that my session is the same time as yours–I would love to see what kind of discussion you all have.
Hope a few people will come to mine, with papers on Gabriel, Emmitt Till, and Crispus Attucks (mine) in American memory.
Your talk was right across the hall from ours. We had a packed house and the Q&A was first rate. At some point we will be able to chat in person. Have a safe trip home.