Alicia Cohen and Gertrude Evans, members of the Black History Committee of the Friends of Thomas Balch Library, highlight the significant contributions of Crispus Attucks, Elizabeth Freeman, James Armistead Lafayette, and other Black Americans to the American Revolution.
LOCATION & TICKETS
This event will be held indoors at Dodona Manor, Leesburg. The event is on the second floor, accessible only by stairs.
Free to attend, but seating is limited!
SPEAKER BIOS
Alicia O. Cohen & Gertrude Ashton Evans
Alicia O. Cohen, Local Historian
Ms. Cohen is a member of the Black History Committee, Friends of the Thomas Balch Library, Loudoun VA 250 Committee, and former member of the Loudoun Heritage Commission.
Her recent project focuses on introducing the forgotten contributions of black patriots and loyalists who fought, served and died for freedom during the American Revolution.
The 2024-2026 project, “Honoring Black Patriots and Loyalists in the American Revolution,” includes the following events: book talk-black colonial family, library and local museum exhibits with paintings by local artist, public and teacher presentations and a symposium with recognized scholars.
Gertrude Ashton Evans, Artist
Gertrude Ashton Evans is a native of Leesburg, VA and is a self-taught artist who began drawing and painting in the early 1980’s as a form of therapy and release. The artist uses a variety of mediums for her paintings. Her paintings depict everyday life and familiar themes; landscapes, flowers, scenes depicting African American culture and history, civil rights and social justice, and current events. The Artist along with her images uses storytelling to inform her audiences about events during segregation and integration in her hometown. She is invited to open forums, schools, and programs to share her experiences. The Artist has a permanent exhibit at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, a National Trust Historic Site, titled, Reclaim Your Story. She contributes her art to non-profits for fundraisers. She is a member of the Friends of Thomas Balch Library Black History Committee and Loudoun 250. In 2025 she was named a Loudoun Laureate.