Riding Away from the Dark Past

Last weekend I traveled to Mathews, Virginia, a tiny little town (population 1145) on the beautiful and peaceful Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. I was there for an organized bike ride, the Tour de Chesapeake, which has been hosted by the town for many years. Lots of itty bitty towns host rides, or races, or other events to bring tourists into the area, show off the sites, and bring in a little revenue. It’s fun to visit someplace new, seeing it all from the saddle of a bike.

The event was well organized with lots of friendly volunteers, well-stocked rest stops, the best pound cake I have ever eaten, and even free camping! 

The hub for the event was Thomas Hunter Middle School. That’s where you picked up your registration packet and goodies like t-shirts, maps of the route, mementos, and the like. The camping area was behind the building.

The school has an interesting legacy. The first Thomas Hunter School was built in 1926-27 for black children, who were prohibited from attending school with white children. It was named for a formerly enslaved man. 

The original structure was assembled with funds raised mostly by the black community. Additional money came from white individuals and the Julius Rosenwald Fund. Julius Rosenwald was President of Sears, Roebuck back in the day, which was then wildly successful. As a result, Rosenwald became extremely wealthy. Unlike some of the rich men who make headlines today, Rosenwald spent much of his fortune helping others. For example, he supported the causes of the African American community, such as the NAACP, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and schools in communities with a high percentage of black students. The latter were known as “Rosenwald Schools.” 

In the lobby of the school was displayed a photo of a beloved principal of the school, who served for 28 years, J. Murray Brooks. He was black.

This institution developed out of partnerships and care for students who were being overlooked and neglected by the majority culture. It felt comforting and welcoming to be in a school with this kind of history.

That’s why it came as a shock to see the massive memorial to the Confederacy just across the street. A towering flagpole bearing a Confederate flag anchored the site. Below stood four statues: two of soldiers in uniform, one of a woman in a long dress, and one of Jesus. Yes, that Jesus. Beside it was a sign proclaiming “April is Confederate History and Heritage Month.” (It was mid-May.)

I nearly crashed my bike. 

Later I learned that the monument was built by private citizens – not at the end of the Civil War – but in 2024, 159 years after the Confederacy was defeated.

How could this celebration of slavery be parked across the street from a community facility with a history of supporting black children? Why would someone target youth with their message of racism? Why is our country moving in the direction of exclusion and divisiveness? Is that good for anyone?

I was at least glad to see the when the monument was erected, staff at the school “love bombed” the students in an attempt to soften the oppressive experience. 

The world that I want to live in has more love bombers and Julius Rosenwalds and fewer haters. I won’t be back for the Tour de Chesapeake, but I will work with people trying to make a positive change to have a go at healing our troubled country.