Neighbor News
A Crowd for Program on African American Presence in Vienna
Sylvia Taylor and Gloria Runyon Speak to "sold out" audience at AAUW of Vienna and Patrick Henry Library Event
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Vienna Area Branch is pleased that its program featuring Sylvia Taylor and Gloria Runyon on February 2nd was attended by over 70 people at the Patrick Henry Library (co-sponsor of the program, with thanks to Deborah-Smith Cohen).
Sylvia Taylor and Gloria Runyon presented a dynamic program on the African-American Historic Presence and Contributions in Vienna and the Surrounding Area, arranged by AAUW member Aimee Martin. Gloria Runyon is a lifelong Vienna resident and descendant of a family involved in the growth of the Town of Vienna for several generations. Gloria explained that the First Baptist Church was the first church of any type in Vienna and was first built on Lawyers Road in 1867. Sylvia Taylor, Secretary of Historic Vienna, Inc., has written a history of Vienna’s black community. Sylvia discussed the many town members who helped with the development of the town and the improvement of conditions for black residents. In addition to discussing numbers of historical houses, cemeteries, and locations like Salisbury Spring, Sylvia also focused on the admirable history of Louise Archer Elementary School (founded 1939) and Mrs. Louise Archer as a caring educational leader. Several members of the audience contributed to a lively discussion of Vienna history.
Go to the AAUW Branch website for more information on the AAUW Vienna Area Branch.
