University Of Alabama: A Voice For The Voiceless

Press release from the University of Alabama:

Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, bryant.welbourne@ua.edu

October 27th, 2021

As a member of the Capstone Men and Women as an undergraduate student, Royce Dickerson spent countless hours serving as a well-versed ambassador for the University, sharing a wealth of UA history and knowledge during his time with the group that included 365 campus tours.

But as Dickerson prepared to enter his first year as an MBA candidate with the UA Manderson Graduate School of Business, he had the rare opportunity to provide historical context to a prominent national landmark.

Through a connection with a fellow UA graduate, Dickerson helped bring history to life by voicing the audio narration of the Wayside Exhibit in Lafayette Square across from the White House.

Two years ago, when Dickerson was serving as a Capstone Man, he met Stewart McLaurin at an event prior to a football game. McLaurin, a UA alumnus and president of the White House Historical Association, and Dickerson both shared an interest in history and exchanged contact information.

“When I met Stewart, I told him I was fascinated with the work being done by the White House Historical Association,” said Dickerson.

Founded in 1961 by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, the White House Historical Association protects, preserves and provides public access to the rich history of the White House through lectures, exhibits, digital resources and outreach programs. All proceeds from the sale of the association’s books and products are used to fund the acquisition of historic furnishings and artwork for the permanent White House collection, assist in the preservation of public rooms and further its educational mission.

After Dickerson graduated in May with his bachelor’s degrees in management and marketing, he planned a trip to visit some fellow UA alumni in the northeast that included a stop in Washington D.C. He reached out to McLaurin through LinkedIn and the two met for lunch, discussing a variety of topics that included the upcoming installation of three display panels in Lafayette Square that would tell the history of the area.

A few weeks later, McLaurin called Dickerson to ask if he would help narrate the historical panels.

“I immediately agreed,” said Dickerson. “I love history and the mission of the White House Historical Association. They wanted to have a natural, authentic and homegrown voice bring the story to life, and it was an honor to have the opportunity to provide that voice.”

The White House Historical Association sent Dickerson the needed equipment and he was able to record his part of the narration in the comfort of his home in Atlanta during the summer. Hilary West, an executive director at JP Morgan Chase, joined Dickerson as the second voice of the panels.

The Wayside Exhibit in Lafayette Square commemorates the history of the park — from its construction using free and enslaved labor through to its preservation and long history as a site for political demonstration and protest.

As Dickerson recorded his segments, he grew a strong sense of pride in sharing the story of those enslaved laborers who helped construct the White House and would later describe the experience as giving a voice to the voiceless.

“As a descendant of slaves, I know the history is complicated,” said Dickerson. “Whether it wasn’t recorded or not acknowledged, a number of Americans don’t know how to discuss difficult issues that are part of our history.

“For me, it was relatively easy to speak on behalf of those who did all of the wonderful work and built America’s house. It was great to be able to share that story and show all the good they had to offer our nation.”

This press release was produced by the University of Alabama. The views expressed here are the author’s own.