A gathering of storytellers and historians that has taken place at the end of Black History Month for the past 25 years held their annual celebration bringing together a gathering of storytellers and historians.
Held in her Springfield home, host Carlottra Guyton and friends” culminated the month of reflection with the annual “Weaving the Web of Our History.”
The intimate yet cordial evening is open to all, and the event’s silver anniversary once again shared the trials and triumphs of history makers known and unknown.
The event began as an informal gathering to share family photographs, documents and other artifacts that connected each speaker to the black experience.
Over the years, it has evolved, attracting historians and civil rights legends such as Jacksonville Woolworth sit-in veterans Rodney Hurst and Alton Yates, politicians, and history lovers of all ages, races and creeds. In multiple stand-room-only rooms, guests lock their speaking spot in upon entry and wait patiently for their turn to tell their story and relation it to it. They often bring pictures, artifacts and other mementos.
“Throughout the years we have seen it all. Someone brought in a vintage washboard that has been passed through their family since slavery. We’ve also seen a Madame C.J. Walker Straightening Comb from a visitor whose grandmother was one of her students. There have also been college degrees from the 1800s.
“One of the things that I believe we’ve lost, and that creates a tremendous amount of problems for us, is a sense of family,” Alton Yates said in a 2009 Florida Times Union interview. “I’m just one who believes that if we can ever get the family back together, then all of our problems will be resolved.”
“This started as just a notion and has grown and grown over the years”, said Guyton. Joined by close friends in hosting the event in guiding the evening along, everyone takes with them a piece of someone else’s life – thus weaving the fabric of history.
During its 25-year run, Weaving the Web has seen a lot of the trailblazers it has highlighted transcend but their memory has remained in the lives of attendees which they fondly reflected on during the celebration.
“We have had so many “firsts” right here in this living room,” said co-organizer Sylvia Perry. “It’s sad when I think of them no longer being here, but I remain eternally grateful for the time they spent sharing with us.”
in addition to bringing an artifact or memento from their family’s history, guests are asked to bring a covered dish to share in a potluck feast.
After each attendee has shared their story, guests enjoy partaking in a rich buffet style potluck dinner. With each person connected by touch and united in prayer, they thank the ancestors and God for their time together. Ranging from Grandma’s Pound Cake recipe and home-made cornbread and collard greens to chicken wings and spareribs – no palate is spared. Year after year, no matter how many attendees participate, there is always more than enough food. Paying it forward, Guyton has even donated food to homeless veterans following the feast.
Guyton’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. She was recognized by U.S. Congressman Al Lawson for her dedication to preserving history in 2022 and the event has been featured in several news articles throughout the years.
She graciously stands firm that the event is open to all who want to participate. The last Saturday in February in Springfield is a firm date in the heart of many that is to be appreciated and revered.
“It is important that we share these stories with our children and remind them of their rich heritage, said Guyton. “I’m, ready to take ‘Each One Teach One to a new level as we honor the past and celebrate the future.”
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