ALLENTOWN, Pa. – February is Black History Month, and there is a new exhibit in Lehigh County looking at the past and how it shaped today.
“Strength lies in confronting our past, not concealing it. Healing requires embracing history not hiding from it,” said County Executive Josh Siegel.
History is on display in Allentown where ‘Rooted Beyond Removal: Black History in Lehigh County’ is now open to the public.
“People say you don’t want history to repeat itself, but there are a lot of good things in history we should actually try to do,” said speaker Daniel Bosket.
Local milestones, personal narratives, and community organizations that have shaped the county are now displayed for the public to learn and remember.
The new exhibit highlighting the contributions of black residents throughout the county’s history.
“There is no American culture untouched by African American influence, which is why the idea that black history can be removed from American history is not just misguided its actually impossible. The roots are too deep,” said Rev. Gregory J. Edwards.
At the grand opening of the exhibit, speakers highlighting the importance of preserving and sharing the full story of our community. They say they hope this exhibit is more than just artifacts, rather a living testimony of how we all have shaped this country and our stories are woven together.
“We are in this space and in this moment, I believe fulfilling the words to the preamble to the Constitution. We are striving to create a more perfect union,” said James Higgins of the Lehigh County Historical Society.
You can see the display now at the Lehigh County Government Center.