Uncovering Our Roots: The Story of Pleasant Litchford

February is Black History Month. Upper Arlington has its own remarkable Black History. Many of you have heard the name Pleasant Litchford, a man born in 1789, who purchased his family’s freedom out of slavery in Lynchberg, Virginia. They moved to what is now our home town of Upper Arlington. UA resident, Historian, and Founding Chair of the James Preston Poindexter Foundation, Reita Smith, explains that the well-being of a community is like a tree. You must take care of the roots in order for it to grow healthy and strong. In this way, we must take care of our history, the roots from which we grow as a community. 

Part 1: "Hidden Roots"

Thursday, February 18, 7 – 8:30pm

In collaboration with the UA School District, the UA Historical Society, and many other valuable organizations around town, the City of Upper Arlington would like to welcome the following esteemed panelists to learn more about the rediscovery of Pleasant Litchford’s cemetery and story:

• Kim Shoemaker Starr and Diane Kelly Runyon, Co-Authors, Secrets Under the Parking Lot
• Kristin Greenberg, Assistant Director, Upper Arlington Historical Society
• John Schweikart, Archaeologist, Ohio Archaeological Council
• Reita Smith, Historian, Founding Chair, James Preston Poindexter Foundation
• Sandra Jamison, Second Generation Historian, Second Baptist Church

We are honored to welcome Carl Smallwood, UAHS Class of ’74, Co-Director, Divided Community Project, to facilitate the discussion.

Part 2: "New Growth" 

Saturday, February 27, 10:30am – 12:00pm

The work of the authors and the dedication of school leadership have brought renewed focus to the story of Pleasant Litchford here in Upper Arlington. We have learned so much about these uncovered roots. Our community is now committed to reclaiming the life and legacy of the Litchford family as our own Upper Arlington history, one that connects us to the greater community of central Ohio and beyond.

In collaboration with the UA School District, the UA Historical Society, and many other valuable organizations around town, the City of Upper Arlington would like to welcome the following esteemed panelists to learn more about the story of Pleasant Litchford and the community’s plans to steward the story into the future:

• Steve Schoeny, Upper Arlington City Manager
• Keith Pomeroy, Chief Academic Officer of UA Schools
• Toya Williams, Litchford Descendant
• Kim Shoemaker Starr and Diane Kelly Runyon, Co-Authors, Secrets Under the Parking Lot

We are honored to welcome Matt Boaz, Chief DEI Officer, UA Schools, to facilitate the discussion.