Seminary Civic Association Response to OHA's Draft Report Presentation

Seminary Civic Association

1005 N. Quaker Lane

Alexandria VA  22302

November 11, 2013

Mr. Lance Mallamo

Director

Office of Historic Alexandria

Lloyd House

220 N. Washington Street

Alexandria, VA   22314

Dear Mr. Mallamo:

The Seminary community is deeply concerned and utterly dismayed over the treatment accorded them by the City with the announcement of a November 16 public presentation of the “draft report” on their ancestral history at the Fort without the courtesy of a review by its chosen representatives, who have worked diligently with the City on this project over the past four years. As you are undoubtedly aware, once this document is out there, it’s out there.  Errors are taken as fact, after all it was put out by a legitimate government body, opinions are formed and decisions made affecting others’ lives based on sometimes erroneous information.   Attempts to make crucial modifications, or to correct misinterpretations often become useless and ineffective after the fact.

There’s a feeling here of de-ja vu with this process; history repeating itself.  More than 50 years ago, with the construction of the Ft Ward Park & Museum followed almost immediately by construction of TC Williams High School our community and church representatives, who worked in collaboration with the City to protect our interests, needs and property were largely ignored and dismissed as the City did what it chose to do to benefit itself; what it wanted to do regardless of their input. We, subsequently, had to live with the consequences of having our two communities disrupted, many relocated and the remaining downsized into little more than a mere cul de sac.  We would have thought that years later, much past the Civil War and civil rights era, we would have been accorded more respect; that we would not be deemed as too intellectually challenged and/or culturally deprived to be consulted and included in the plans for the final review of  the draft report of our history before it went public, and on the selection of an author of the report as well as the location for the venue.

We salute our ancestors, for had it not been for them and the Lord on our side, we would not be where we are today.  During a turbulent, frightening and unsettling time, through sheer strength of will, determination, fortitude, guts, and against all odds, they fashioned a life here at Ft Ward; then out of necessity, developed an entire viable self-sustaining, family-oriented community that’s still very much in existence today.  This is our story. No one elses. One which we wish to accurately pass on to our descendants and to all of the African American children in the City of Alexandria, the metro area and visitors to the Park.    

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As you have undoubtedly surmised by now, we are extremely troubled by your actions and are, therefore, requesting that the November 16 presentation be delayed and that we be accorded an opportunity to meet with you to discuss these very legitimate concerns.

Sincerely Yours,

        Signed

Frances Colbert Terrell

President, Seminary Civic Association

Cc:

Mayor Euille

City Council