John C. Dean
Contributing Writer
With no fanfare or national media attention, students and professors from eight historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) arrived at the historic Pleasant Green Church and Cemetery on Seebert Road near Hillsboro last Wednesday.
They were ready to listen, work, learn and assist. The group listened attentively to U.S. Forest Service (USFS) specialists and professors prior to a cleanup, restoration, repair and gardening initiative at the structure and cemetery that is on the National Register of Historic Places.
It was Juneteenth, and the students represented educational institutions across the U.S. – Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama; Howard University, Washington, D.C. Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland; Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas; Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia; Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, North Carolina; and Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
The students described how important it was to learn about the background of those who came before them, but to also prepare themselves for the future. Morgan Joiner, a junior at Howard University, majoring in History with a minor in African Studies, said it was great to learn more about history and that coming to West Virginia gave her a “hands-on” feel for the impact it has had. She also noted that this journey is part of a one-month internship with the U.S. Forest Service. The previous week, she spent time at Wayne National Forest and after this session in West Virginia, Joiner will be spending time at the Advisory Council on Historical Preservation in Washington, D.C.
Professor Dwayne Moore from Prairie View A&M University and Latif Tarik, assistant professor of history at Elizabeth City State University, were on hand to teach the students about the area.
“It’s important to get the students involved with this and, especially, to learn about the forest service and opportunities there,” Tarik said. “It’s vital for our next generations to know this and to come on board now.”
Just what was on the day’s agenda and what was accomplished on Juneteenth?
Students toured the church and the nearby cemetery with historical background presentations by local resident and Pleasant Green Church and Cemetery expert Ruth Taylor. The day’s events were explained by several members from USFS, including Lauren Bowlin, an archaeological technician. Bowlin explained how Pleasant Green is connected to Watoga State Park and its proximity to the nearby park. Gordon Scott, former park employee, is buried at Pleasant Green Cemetery. Scott became the first-ever black ranger at a West Virginia state park when he began at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park in the 1950s.
The front door of the church was repaired and painted to preserve its historical integrity. The framing restructuring needs a few final touches and will be completed in the near future.
In addition, two flower beds at the entrance to the church were installed along with wooden borders.
Dena Miles, a student at Prairie View A&M University, said she had never been on the East Coast, and was taking in the region while also learning.
“The history just seems deeper down here,” Miles said. “I have learned a lot already and am glad that I came.”
Elijah Godette, a senior at Morgan State University, majoring in Sociology, said he wants to attend law school, but that he also wanted to participate in this project because of the impact of black history on this area.
“I have learned that this was one of the few black settlements in West Virginia at that time,” she said. “And it was a large one.”
