My mother is a native of Newport News, Virginia, but has spent almost three-quarters of her life in Wilson. I often rely on her to clarify my recollections or test tentative connections I make in my research for this blog. She introduced me to museums and historic sites and gladly fed my very early appetite for reading. I’m not sure what Black Wide-Awake would look like without her deep influence, and I ask you to join me in wishing Beverly Allen Henderson a wonderful 87th birthday. I love you, Ma!
Photo by Tracey E. Leon, February 2025.