Wednesday, June 22, 2016

The James A. Fields House


Have you ever had an experience that literally changed your life? Well, visiting this house was one of those that did. I had no idea of the magnitude of information this trip held for us!

 
 
This is the James A. Fields house.
 
 
First off, I am eternally grateful to my new best friend, Historian, and hospitality queen, the beautiful Councilwoman Dr. Saundra N. Cherry. My husband and I were blown away with the tour. It was beyond fascinating, it was life changing. I only wished it all could have been recorded in order to share all that I learned.

James A. Fields was enslaved, along with the rest of his family. He and his brother escaped during the Civil War. Later he went on to graduate from college and eventually, Howard University Law School, in Washington, DC.


After becoming an attorney, he went on to serve his community and eventually practiced law from his home. Later, this same home was turned into the first hospital to serve black people in the community.

His legacy of fortitude and love still remains standing today, because of the efforts to restore his home by the late Gregory Cherry, a well loved and respected historian in Newport News, Va. His lovely wife (Councilwoman Dr. Saundra N. Cherry) continues his work today.  
  

Me and the lovely Councilwoman Dr. Saundra N. Cherry.
 
A suit made by William Ward Pinkett, Sr. More on his legacy later.

 
I’ll share pictures here, but, understand the pictures simply can’t do the tour justice.


Can you guess what this is? Hint: It kept food cold.

The Whittaker Memorial Hospital was the first one to serve blacks in the community.

Cha ching!

I remember seeing my grandfather type on something similar to this





It is such a powerful thing to be able to educate our children in a way that honors our heritage. If you ever want to see and hear a powerful legacy, take a trip to Newport News, VA and visit the James A. Fields House.

Check out the website here: www.jamesafieldhouse.blogspot.com

Our plans, His hands.

 

2 comments:

  1. Thanks Aisha!! Means a lot coming from you. Thank you for taking time to read and comment. Feel free to share this blog.

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