Hampton University
My wife and I recently had an educational, and at times emotionally moving, visit to Hampton University. HU is nationally ranked among America’s historically Black colleges and universities and a culturally significant Hampton Roads gem.
Start at the beautiful Emancipation Oak, near HU’s entrance. Members of the Virginia Peninsula’s Black community gathered under the great tree’s now 100-foot diameter limbs in 1863 to hear the first Southern reading of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Close your eyes and imagine the joy, tears and first feelings of freedom.
Next stop, the Hampton University Museum, founded in 1868 and billed as the nation’s oldest African American museum. Note the neoclassical and Jeffersonian architectural elements of the 1903 building. Inside there are more than 9,000 objects representing African, African American and Native American cultures, among others. Parking and museum admission are free.
Legacy Park is a short walk across a lawn. It features life-size statues of U.S. presidents, civil rights icons and people who impacted HU. Bronze likenesses of Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglas, former President George H.W. Bush and former President Barack Obama gaze across nearby Hampton harbor from park benches. Pose for a selfie with a great American. Linger in the park long enough to hear the hour tolled on the nearby 150-foot tall Hampton University Memorial Church bell tower. It features clock faces on all four sides and a dozen bells, one weighing 2,000 pounds.
Whether a Hampton Roads newcomer or native, you’ll leave the campus with both your head and your heart touched by the experience.
Jay Moore, Portsmouth
Thank you
I would like to commend Barbara Carraway for the wonderful service she has provided to Chesapeake for more than 30 years as city treasurer.
It was approximately 25 years ago that I attended a flower arranging class that Carraway was also taking. The residents of Chesapeake were able to view the beautiful display by her at City Hall. She made arrangements to fit and change with the seasons and holidays.
For me, personally, the idea of paying out money is not actually enjoyable, but while standing in line waiting, it was very nice to view all of the unique and beautiful flower arrangements. This act was accomplished on her own time and with her own money. I and many other Chesapeake residents will miss her. Lots of well wishes.
Connie Hanson, Chesapeake
Border stunt
Re “Guard deployment to Texas smacks of political opportunism” (Our Views, July 8): I applaud the editorial regarding the futility of deploying the Virginia National Guard to try to stem the increased flow of fentanyl across the border. This endeavor is unfortunately a wasted effort given the current conditions of unrestrained movement across the border of these drugs and ineffective federal jurisdiction at curtailing it.
Although a noble gesture, you are correct that it sadly doesn’t amount to much more than a “photo op.” I believe you also have an obligation to propose or point out a more effective solution to the problem. If you don’t think the “open border policies” of the current administration are the cause, please voice your opinion on what is and how it can be reduced. If you don’t believe that the drug flow is a problem, please state that when referencing the billions of dollars wasted.
If you agree that the drugs coming across the southern border are a serious threat, then just sitting back and criticizing the GOP’s efforts without pointing to a more effective solution is rather sophomoric.
Ernest Hartman, Williamsburg
