A powerful gathering at Hooper Renwick Library reminded the community that the voices of our elders are living history—stories that must be heard, preserved, and carried forward.

On Sunday, March 8, the historic Hooper Renwick Library in Lawrenceville became a space for reflection and storytelling as my granddaughter and I joined community members for Truth Telling with the Elders, part of the Black History Series hosted by Black Art, Culture & Education, Inc. (BACE).

The afternoon began with Ms. Rubye Neal, a 1956 graduate of Hooper Renwick School, guiding attendees through the museum space. As someone who once walked those halls as a student, she brought each exhibit to life with personal memories and insight. She pointed out artifacts and explained their significance, even noting how the carpet patterns inside the library represent the original twelve classrooms of the former Hooper Renwick School—once the only public school available to Black students in Gwinnett County.

Following the tour, guests gathered for a dialogue moderated by Marlene Taylor-Crawford. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with food, laughter, and conversation filling the room. The discussion felt less like an interview and more like two friends reflecting on life, history, and community. Ms. Neal’s wit and remarkable memory captivated everyone present. She shared stories about her childhood, her family, and what it was like growing up as the child of a sharecropper in Gwinnett County.

As audience members asked questions, Ms. Neal expanded on experiences that are rarely recorded in textbooks—untold stories of Black life, education, and resilience in the community. Her recollections carried both seriousness and humor, reminding those in the room that history is not just something we read about, but something people have lived.

One message she emphasized stood out clearly: we must continue creating spaces to tell our stories. Ms. Neal spoke about the importance of community involvement—especially from younger generations and Black churches—in preserving these narratives. Too often, the journeys and contributions of Black communities are misunderstood, overlooked, or rewritten by others. When elders share their truth, they protect the integrity of our history.

As the afternoon came to a close, it was clear that the event was more than a conversation—it was an act of preservation. The stories shared by Ms. Neal reminded everyone present that our elders carry history that cannot be found in textbooks or archives alone. When communities create space to listen, document, and honor those voices, they ensure that the lessons, struggles, and triumphs of the past continue to guide and inspire future generations.

Learn More & Connect

Black Art, Culture & Education, Inc. (BACE)
https://blackace.net

EmoryRose Photography
https://www.emoryrosephotography.com

Lens2Pens
https://www.instagram.com/lens2pens

Hooper-Renwick School (Gwinnett County Public Library)
https://www.gwinnettpl.org

Dedra Walker
https://dedrawalker.com

About the Author

Dedra Walker is a community storyteller, writer, and creative who documents local history, culture, and community voices throughout Gwinnett County and the surrounding areas. Through her writing and visual storytelling, she captures meaningful moments and helps others share their stories with purpose and impact. With a background in education and a passion for service, she collaborates with organizations and creatives to inspire, empower, and uplift communities.