We’d like to introduce our newest campaign to ‘Acknowledge the Greatness‘, highlighting the strength and beauty that comes from the Alabama Black Belt. This community has given rise to so much good, and there’s still plenty of impactful work happening here and history being made daily. It’s crucial that we tell our own story – we own the space we occupy, and we will make sure the world knows about the greatness that exists in the Alabama Black Belt.
LaWanda VanHorn-Rossell - Hale County
BBCF Hale County Community Associate, Mrs. LaWanda VanHorn-Rossell of the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, was recently recognized for her outstanding leadership with a Lean Excellence Award for the Black Belt Project: “Decreasing Suicide By Stepping Up.” This prestigious honor was awarded by VA Southeast Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 7 in recognition of her efforts in Systems Redesign & Improvement (SRI) across eight VA medical centers spanning Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Mrs. VanHorn-Rossell played a pivotal role in leading this impactful project at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center. The initiative aimed to ensure that all areas of the medical center were not only educated on the importance of annual suicide screenings but also actively conducting them. As a result, the facility achieved a sustainability rate of over 85% in completed screenings. Her leadership and dedication to veteran care were instrumental in streamlining the suicide screening process by implementing proactive intervention strategies and enhancing care coordination within the VA system.
Mrs. VanHorn-Rossell is honored to have received this recognition and remains committed to advancing mental health resources and suicide prevention efforts for veterans.
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Harris, Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Willie King - Pickens County
Willie King, a legendary blues artist who grew up and spent most of his life in Pickens County, Alabama, used his music as a powerful tool for social change. Born into the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South, Willie’s experiences shaped his deeply soulful and socially conscious lyrics. Known for his powerful voice and impactful storytelling, he connected deeply with his community, founding the Freedom Creek Festival, which continues to inspire and bring together music lovers.
Beyond his musical legacy, Willie was a civic leader who believed in uplifting his community. He served on the inaugural board of directors for the Black Belt Community Foundation, where he championed growth and empowerment for the underserved communities of Alabama’s Black Belt region. His dedication to both music and social justice has left an indelible mark on history.
Willie King’s legacy is a reminder of the powerful impact one person can make. As we continue to honor Black history, we celebrate his life and contributions.
Sources: ccbp.ua.edu; encyclopediaofalabama.org; mississippifolklife.org
Dr. William J. Edwards - Wilcox County
Founded in 1893 by Dr. William J. Edwards, the Snow Hill Normal and Industrial Institute in Wilcox County became a pivotal educational institution for African Americans. It offered both vocational and academic training to Black students in the Black Belt region, significantly advancing education and economic opportunities for African Americans during the early 20th century. Dr. Edwards, born in Snow Hill, Alabama (Wilcox County) in 1869, overcame a challenging childhood marked by illness and poverty. In 1889, he enrolled at Tuskegee Institute under Booker T. Washington, working his way through school while learning various trades. Inspired by Dr. Washington’s teachings, Edwards was determined to return to his hometown and support the Snow Hill community. He graduated in 1893, ranking second in a class of 20. After completing his studies, Edwards returned to Snow Hill with the goal of founding a school. At its height, Snow Hill Institute boasted 27 buildings, a staff of 35, over 400 students, and ownership of nearly 4,000 acres of land. Edwards served as principal for 31 years, from 1893 to 1924. Even after his retirement, he remained dedicated to the school, traveling, lecturing, and raising funds (with no public funding received until 1925). Dr. Edwards passed away in 1950 and was laid to rest on the grounds of Snow Hill Institute, which he had devoted his life to nurturing.
Sources: docsouth.unc.edu; wikipedia.org; wilcoxhistoricalsociety.org
Autherine Lucy - Marengo County
On February 3, 1956, Autherine J. Lucy became the first black student to attend the University of Alabama. Born in Shiloh, Alabama (Marengo County), Lucy graduated from Linden Academy and attended Selma University and Miles College before pursuing a graduate degree from UA. After only 3 days of attendance at UA she was suspended ‘for her own safety’ due to violent riots and later she was expelled on a technicality. In 1988, the University of Alabama officially annulled Lucy’s expulsion and she was able to re-enroll; graduating in 1992 with an M.A. degree. In November of 2010, The Autherine Lucy Clock Tower was dedicated in a new space honoring her and two other individuals who pioneering desegregation at the University of Alabama. In May 2019, Lucy attended the University of Alabama’s spring graduation, where the school presented her with an honorary doctorate. Later, in February 2022, the building that houses the College of Education, the building in which she took refuge during the riots of 1956, was renamed Autherine Lucy Hall in recognition of her role in desegregating The University of Alabama, as well as her teaching career. During this ceremony she was named a master teacher by the state of Alabama, which is a title that will only be given to her.
Sources: aaregistry.org; news.ua.edu; tuscaloosanews.com
TEll your history
We’ve talked to BBCF family and friends encouraging them to ‘Tell Your History’ in celebration of Black History and in an effort to ‘Acknowledge the Greatness’ that is among us in the Alabama Black Belt. Please read the stories below and reach out to us at communications@blackbeltfound.org to share your story!
