HENDERSONVILLE – Black History Collective of Henderson County founder Crystal Cauley sat in anticipation at the Feb. 7 Hendersonville City Council meeting for a moment she’d envisioned happening for several years.
Thanks to Cauley’s efforts, Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk made a proclamation that the city celebrate Black History Month throughout February. Although it has celebrated Black History Month in the past on social media, it was the first time the city had made the proclamation. After reading it, Volk presented the proclamation to two students, Ibrahim Newborn and JT Williams.
“It was a phenomenal moment to witness two young future leaders accept the Black History Month Proclamation from the mayor, who has helped create many opportunities for everyone in this city. I was excited to see many of my friends come to witness this moment,” Cauley said. “I counted 25 people whom I personally invited, and afterwards we celebrated with photos and cheers.”
Embracing Black history
Cauley is a native of Hendersonville, and her parents are Marilyn and Gerald Cauley, who both grew up during the Civil Rights Movement.