
Upcoming DEC Events

"Silenced Voices" Screening
Saturday, March 1 | 2pm | Jefferson School African American Heritage Center
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"Silenced Voices" is a short film documenting and describing the process and results of collaborative storytelling at a site of slavery. Descendants from both the enslaved communities and the enslaver’s family from Pharsalia Plantation came together, as Pharsalia descendants, for a week-long workshop exploring shared stewardship and concluding with a round table discussion. The film demonstrates what collective storytelling at a site of slavery can look like when all the stakeholders are committed to moving the narrative forward by presenting authentic and truthful accounts of slavery. Silenced Voices brought together Pharsalia descendants to share their ideas in an open, safe, and welcoming environment. Everyone had a voice; everyone’s voice was heard; and most importantly there was the shared understanding that people require different methods and amounts of time to process difficult truths.
Past Events

Descendants Symposium and Descendants Day 2024
Descendants Symposium: Friday, September 13
Descendants Day: Saturday, September 14
On Friday, September 13, join us for our Descendants Symposium at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. The DEC Symposium will explore the journey of African Americans from historical oppression to present-day progress. Hear from inspiring speakers, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with others as we journey together towards the descendant movement. Join us for this important discussion and stand in solidarity with us as we journey forward. DEC-UVA Members receive free admission to this symposium! You won't want to miss this!
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On Saturday, September 14, join us for our annual Descendants Day: The Family Reunion at the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers. Join us as actor Jason George reviews his geneaology with genealogist and DEC-UVA board member Nicka Smith, connect with partners, and enjoy a day full of enriching programming. This event is free.

Screening of SELMA,
In Honor of MLK Day
Monday, January 27 | 7pm | Alamo Drafthouse Charlottesville | $10​​
History is made by many people coming together, working together, believing together. Martin Luther King, Jr. may have led the marches in Selma, Alabama, but the Best Picture nominated SELMA isn’t just about him. Ava DuVernay’s searing film tells the stories of many people who were enraged, many people who were engaged, and many people who sacrificed - some of them ultimately - to strive towards what the Preamble of the Constitution calls “a more perfect union.” SELMA weaves a tapestry of the lives that came together to defeat the racist power structures that had been keeping Americans down.
"Meet Me at the Bench"
Monthly DEC-UVA Descendant Membership Meeting
2nd Thursday of Every Month | 7pm | Zoom | Email for More
Please join the Descendants of Enslaved Communities at the University of Virginia for our monthly descendant membership meeting. The Descendants of Enslaved Communities at UVA invites you to join us for our monthly virtual membership meetings on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7pm ET. Inspired by the Bench by the Road Project by Toni Morrison, "Meet Me at the Bench" is our opportunity to connect with one another, exchange resources, and share about the DEC's efforts.

Dr. Andrea Douglas
Jefferson School African American Heritage Center

Dr. Jody Allen
The Lemon Project at William and Mary
