Norman Jordan Portrays Carter G Woodson

Date: February 13, 2014
Contact: Robin Snyder, 304-640-0724

Glen Jean, WV, February 13, 2014– The National Park Service is hosting poet, Norman Jordan who will present his performance,Carter G. Woodson, Father of Black History, at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center located by the New River Gorge Bridge in Lansing. In celebration of Black History Month, the presentation will be held from7:00 PM -8:30 PM on Thursday, evening February 20^th. You are invited to join park staff after hours for a dessert reception and to enjoy stories of Woodson's life from working the coal mines to teaching others in the mining town of Winona.

The presentation will follow the life of Carter Woodson from his days as a railroad worker and coal miner to Harvard University doctorate graduate, teacher, principal and professor. Known today as the "Father of Black History," Carter G. Woodson began his career, and in an important way gained some of the inspiration for his pioneering work, in the New River Gorge coalfields.  During his years of work in the mines which included work at both the Kaymoor and Nuttallburg mines in present day New River Gorge National River, Carter G. Woodson, while listening to the stories of the everyday lives of fellow black miners was inspired to document and teach the struggles and contributions of the African-American people. 

Norman Jordan will share stories of Woodson as a coal miner and his transition to the role of educator, followed by a question and answer series. Jordan, co-founder and director of the African American Heritage Family Tree Museum, is the recipient of a Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream Award, issued by the Martin Luther King Jr. West Virginia Holiday Commission. He is the author of a recent book of poetry, Sing Me Different. Join park staff as they welcome Norman Jordan and experience a step back in time to explore the rich history of the gorge. For questions, please contact Robin Snyder at 304-640-0724.

Park updates will be posted to the park's website at www.nps.gov/neri.  You can also find updates on the park's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgenps orfollow us on Twitter at https://Twitter.com/NewRiverNPS.