By Angela Jones
The Fayette Area Historical Initiative (FAHI) is bringing back the June German Ball on June 22 to celebrate the past.
“It is like taking a step back in time and reliving history,” said Leutisha Galloway, FAHI director. It will be a celebration of the past, allowing people today to relive history, she added.
The German Balls originated in 1938 by the Baldwin Brothers. They recognized the culture and heritage of African American area residents.
The events were held each June. They featured entertainers from the Jazz age such as Jimmie Lunceford & His Dance Orchestra, who performed at the inaugural event that was held on the Baldwin Block, where the New College Institute now is located.
“We want to bring it back yearly and allow people to remember our culture and heritage,” said
Galloway.
This year’s event will be the first since 2015. It will be held at Albert Harris Elementary School, 710 Smith St., Martinsville. The Field Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the dance will start at 6 p.m.
For more information, call 732-3496 or visit the FAHI website at www.fahimuseumva.org.
