ASHEVILLE, N.C. — (AP) — Officials with Great Smoky Mountains National Park have scheduled three town hall events to introduce the public to Black history within and around the park.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about Black history in the park by attending a 30-minute program, according to a news release. Facilitators will then lead an open discussion about current research and upcoming projects.
[ ALSO READ: Talking About Race: The history of race in Charlotte’s Schools ]
(Watch Below: Black History: Selma Burke)
“While African Americans have been in the Great Smoky Mountains region since at least the early 16th century, knowledge of their presence is relatively low,” a press release from GSMNP said. “The park is conducting this research effort to better understand the untold history of the African American experience in southern Appalachia.”
The first town hall is scheduled for Thursday at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Future town halls are scheduled for October at the University of North Carolina Asheville and Western Carolina University.