Beverly Foster
The Scratching Your Roots Black Genealogy Society—the first of its kind in Chattanooga—will present Beverly Foster, founder and president of the Walker County African American Historical and Alumni Association, Inc., at the Chattanooga Downtown Public Library on Saturday, May 17, at 10 a.m.
Ms. Foster will deliver an in-depth presentation on WCAAHAA’s vital work in preserving and celebrating African American history in Walker County. Under her leadership, WCAAHAA has:
Provided historical signage and conducted in-depth research for four African American cemeteries
Authored and published three historical books and contributed numerous essays and newspaper articles
Restored the 1917 marker of LaFayette’s first African American school building, originally serving nine grades
Led the effort to place Prince Hall Affiliated Chickamauga Masonic Lodge Hall #221 on the National Register of Historic Places
Additionally, Ms. Foster helped found the interpretation of African American history at the Marsh-Warthen-Clements House in LaFayette and, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, launched the educational television series “Beverly’s Historical Moments”, streamed live on Facebook. The WCAAHAA is also collaborating with city and county governments to establish an African American Museum and Memorial Park in LaFayette.
Scratching Your Roots Black Genealogy Society, led by Gwen Davis and Marie Stoudemire. Is a program of the Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas. The organization empowers Black families to trace their roots and reclaim their ancestral stories through community-based genealogy education.
The Scratching Your Roots Society meets on the third Saturday of every other month at 10 a.m. at the Downtown Public Library, beginning in January. Attendees learn the basics of genealogy, explore free research tools, receive hands-on assistance, and engage with historical texts and speakers.
This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to join in uncovering and honoring the rich legacy of African American heritage in our region.