By Suzy Alstrin
A new exhibition at the Cherokee County History Center featured a presentation by Dr. Ken Wheeler, dean of the School of Humanities, Sciences, and Technology, on April 22nd. Dr. Wheeler’s research as a historian aligns with the current exhibition Sacred Spaces: The Legacy of Black Churches in Cherokee County.
Dr. Wheeler described how African American residents of Cherokee County built their lives in the generations following the end of the Civil War and slavery. His research painted a fuller picture of aspects of the community’s life, including religion, entertainment, holidays, elections, food, sports, and employment. “I am unaware of other efforts to recapture how Black people in Cherokee County constructed their lives after emancipation, and my reading of the Canton newspaper has given me interesting stories to tell,” explained Dr. Wheeler.
The exhibition, curated by History Cherokee’s Black History Committee, showcases the dynamic role Black churches have played for more than a century in shaping the spiritual, social, and civic life of the community. It continues through August 30th. https://historycherokee.org/visit/
