Sasha Bush
The Greater Ashland Beacon
The C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the collection, documentation, preservation, and study of Ashland Kentucky, and its rich black history as well as black history across America. The museum plans to continuously cultivate black history experiences and honor the accomplishments of all that have played a vital role in black history.
The C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum have plans to provide education for all current and future generations for many years to come. History should not be forgotten… it should be celebrated and honored. “Black history isn’t a separate history! Black history is all our history, and we need to understand that. The importance of learning about black history and how it has helped to shape our nation is so vital to our children in so many ways. Embracing all aspects of our history plays such a huge role in developing young minds and creating a true character. To not repeat history, we must study it, learn from it, and share what we have learned with others. The C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum intend to do just that.
Bernice Henry and Darrell Smith, founders, and owners of the C.B, Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum have had this dream of making black history readily available to everyone, and it's finally becoming a reality. Henry shared with the Beacon, “We have currently raised $72,000. We are so honored and humbled at the amount of community support and support throughout the Tristate that we have received. We know how excited we are, but to realize how much this journey will mean to our community is almost overwhelming. This museum was the dream of my nephew Darrell Smith, who started a black history and information page on Facebook over a year ago. This page became a successful endeavor and received so many positive responses. Darrell and I just want everyone to know how much we appreciate all the positive support and encouragement that has been afforded toward us as we work toward opening this museum in Feb. 2023," stated Bernice Henry, one of the Museum owners.
Since the first announcement about this wonderful endeavor, the popularity and support from the community have been nothing short of amazing and continue to leave both Henry and Smith in absolute awe and gratitude. The C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum are always looking for new and exciting ways to keep the community involved and spread the knowledge of important parts of history that many may not know about. On Nov. 5, 2022, the C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum will hold a fundraiser dinner that is to be hosted by Sal’s Italian Eatery with a cash bar provided by Bombshells & Ales. This event will take place at the Union, located at 2020 Carter Avenue, Ashland Ky 41101 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ David “Party Maker” Austin. Tickets can be purchased at Ashlandblackhistory.com. The cost of the tickets is $50 per person and all proceeds will go toward the C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum. It is sure to be a night full of fun, laughter and most importantly coming together to support a dream that is quickly becoming a reality.
“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is like a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” Langston Hughes