Release Date: Feb 9, 2022

National Landing BID Celebrates Black History Month with: Reclaiming the Lost Identity of Arlington County Through the Lens of Green Valley

Community Activists and Historians to Discuss the African American Experience in Arlington County During Virtual Event

ARLINGTON, VA – FEBRUARY 9, 2022 –- The National Landing Business Improvement District (BID) today announced details of its February 24 Black History Month celebration: a virtual discussion of the African American experience in Arlington County that will celebrate the important role of the Black community in the growth and establishment of the area through the lens of Green Valley.

Featuring community leaders and historians, the programming will begin with opening remarks from Dr. Lindsey Besebreurtje of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, who will set the stage with the story of the development of African American communities in Arlington County. Guests will then hear from Ms. Portia Clark and Dr. Alfred Taylor Jr., two community activists who have resided in Arlington since birth, as they tell the historical and significant narrative of the evolution of the Green Valley community.

“As we celebrate Black History Month, I can think of no better way to commemorate the history of the Black community in Arlington County than by hearing firsthand from those who have spent their lives here,” said Tracy Gabriel, President and Executive Director, National Landing BID. “I look forward to Dr. Besebreurtje’s remarks and to learning from the insights and experiences of Ms. Clark and Dr. Taylor as we work to build a bright and inclusive future.”

Throughout the virtual event, Ms. Clark and Dr. Taylor will highlight stories of the original creators and innovators who helped build, shape and influence not only the Green Valley community but also Arlington County and its development. Attendees will also receive a copy of Dr. Taylor’s book, “Bridge Builders of Nauck/Green Valley: Past and Present,” featuring stories from locals and their contributions to the community.

With a 34-year career in federal government prior to her retirement, Ms. Portia Clark is the current President of the Nauck Civic Association and has served on numerous boards and committees including the Bonder and Amanda Johnson Community Development Corporation and the Arlington Partnership for Youth & Families. Dr. Alfred Taylor Jr. served as Acting Dean of the University of District of Columbia (UDC) during his 31-year career and is author of “Bridge Builders of Nauck/Green Valley: Past and Present,” which tells the story of Arlington County, Virginia's oldest African American community, which dates back to 1844.

Guests can register to attend this free event here: https://nationallanding.org/do/reclaiming-the-lost-identity-of-arlington-county-through-the-lens-of-green-valley.

###

About National Landing Business Improvement District The National Landing Business Improvement District (BID) is a public-private partnership established to promote and activate the area’s business, retail, restaurant and residential community through placemaking, public art, transportation, economic development, events, marketing and promotion. This dynamic, mixed-use urban center encompasses the vibrant Crystal City, Pentagon City and Potomac Yard-Arlington neighborhoods, and includes more than 26,000 residents, nearly 12 million square feet of office space, approximately 5,500 hotel rooms and over 450 restaurants and shops. Already Virginia’s largest walkable downtown, National Landing is in the midst of an exciting transformation driven by billions of dollars in public and private investment that will deliver new and enhanced housing, offices, parks, transportation and infrastructure in the coming years. The National Landing BID is helping to steer this growth in ways that are sustainable and enhance the area’s diversity and livability. For more information, visit NationalLanding.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.