A LIVING HISTORY LESSON
I.C. Norcom High School was the setting for Law and Reason at the Library Door. Portsmouth Mayor Dr. James Holley III discussed the successful 1959 federal lawsuit, which he initiated with fellow dentist and former Chesapeake Vice-Mayor Hugo Owens that integrated the Portsmouth Public Library. Presented by the African American Historical Society, the evening included a discussion and question/answer session, a dramatic reading, entertainment and community service awards.
I.C. Norcom High School ROTC students Lanisha Dudley, Deyontray Reese, Eric Hammonds, Tonika Broadnax and Keenan Bragg served as ushers and greeters.
Lena Simms, AAHS Board Member a Educational Director of the Portsmouth Living Museum and Mae Breckenridge-Haywood, AAHS President and program coordinator.
Former Portsmouth City Councilman and former Portsmouth City Treasurer, Charles B. Whitehurst, Sr., who is the founder of the AAHS.
Award honoree Richard Hartman, Chief Engineer for the City of Portsmouth. He provided the technical services to move the Portsmouth Community Library to its current location on Elm Avenue.
Bernard Griffin, Jr. and his father, former Portsmouth Vice-Mayor and retired Chesapeake educator Bernard Griffin, Sr.
Local author Billie Montgomery-Cook, director of the drama ministry at Third Baptist Church in Portsmouth.
Mayor James Holley III with award honorees Luke McCoy, retired Portsmouth City Manager, and Ray Smith, Sr, Portsmouth City Councilman.
