Monday, Jan 30, 2006
In celebration of Black History Month, the National Park Service invites the public to a talk by Professor Karen Ann Ford from James Madison University at 2:00 PM on February 11, 2006, at the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site. Dr. Ford earned her Doctor of Social Work from Howard University in 2000. Dr. Ford will discuss her doctoral dissertation on Maggie Walker?s friend, Janie Porter Barrett, and her Virginia Industrial Home School for Colored Girls at nearby Peake, VA. Janie Porter Barrett served as President of the Virginia Federation of Colored Women?s Clubs, and worked closely with Maggie Walker for ?racial uplift.? Both Mrs. Walker and Mrs. Barrett were members of the National Association of Colored Women, whose motto was ?Lifting as We Climb.?
A firm believer in the power of women, Mrs. Walker was especially interested in helping women to become economically self-sufficient. She assisted many women to get an education by creating scholarships through her Independent Order of St Luke, and raising money for Mrs. Barrett?s school through an organization she founded for that purpose, the Council of Colored Women. Maggie Walker also served on the board of the school. Janie Porter Barrett was a very close friend of Maggie Walker and a frequent visitor in her home. Janie Barrett?s ?Home School? was said to be one of Maggie Walker?s favorite charity.
The FREE program will last about an hour and will take place in the auditorium at the Maggie L. Walker National
Historic Site, located at 600 North 2nd Street. For more information, call 804-771-2017 X 24.
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