One of the highlights of annual Black History Month observances are the colorful and informative displays presented by the Rev. Bernadette Watkins of Huntington Outreach Ministries in the Huntington High School and J. Taylor Finley Middle School main lobbies.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented Rev. Watkins from sharing her remarkable collection of artifacts in the two schools this year, so she did the next best thing and put even more items on display in a large room at Tri-CYA in the Big H Shopping Center.
Rev. Bernadette Watkins has been presenting the school displays since 2009
Rev. Watkins created the display to recognize the culture and contributions of outstanding people of color in the United States. Dozens of Huntington UFSD students passed through the display room along with local public officials who all marveled at the breadth of the collection and commented on its educational value.
The items on display came exclusively from Rev. Watkins’ personal collection and were carefully selected for exhibit. The longtime local resident said she views Black History Month as an important teaching tool. She took delight in watching people of all ages examining the artifacts, asking questions and learning from them.
“I absolutely love teaching young people about this important history,” Rev. Watkins said. “This exhibit helped ignite so many questions and discussions. It was well worth the effort.”
The exhibit featured historic stamps, paintings and drawings, books, arts and crafts, posters, jewelry, figurines, carvings, compact discs, record albums, masks, dolls and statues.
Profiles and photos of great Americans of color were displayed as were stories about local slaves and other interesting facts and vignettes. Some of the items are more than a century old.
There was an original red and gold shoeshine box in pristine condition that Rev. Watkins acquired from a funeral home. Also on display was her invitation to attend the inauguration of President Barack Obama. She traveled to Washington, DC for the event and was treated like royalty, she said.
Rev. Watkins said her collection has grown dramatically in recent years. She is always has her eyes open for historical items in antique shops, flea markets and yard sales. “People frequently do not understand what they have and the historical significance of the piece,” she said.
The Black History Month display filled an entire room at the Tri-CYA complex. Rev. Hawkins said she has spoken with town officials about the possibility of creating a museum in a town building to house her collection and use it for ongoing educational purposes. “I am hopeful this will come to be,” she said.
