By Crystal Garcia
TERRE HAUTE — When I sat in the first meeting discussing plans for Black History Month, I knew this was going to be a challenge.
Although it was mid-January, something told me we would still need more time.
As a native Michigander and the youngest of the black history reporting team, I felt like I was at a real disadvantage. I soon found out that we all were on the same level.
Our month was filled with a few trips to the Vigo County Historical Society Museum and many trips across the street to the Vigo County Public Library. Both places were very helpful and I hope they know how grateful we are to them.
I was excited for what I was discovering, and hoped the community would find it as fascinating as I did.
One of my biggest problems was finding information on noteworthy people with only a first or last name to go on in my research. I even left a message on one person’s answering machine saying, “If you have a daughter named Mary, can you call me back because I’d like to do a little story on her?”
No one returned my call, but maybe that person didn’t have a daughter named Mary. I guess I’ll never know.
My biggest hurdle, however, came when I was writing about the Underground Railroad.
Though it was difficult finding information about public figures, it was at least twice as hard finding information about something that was supposed to be a secret.
I had to remind myself that while it’s notable and even an honor to know your family, house or friends played a role in the railroad, that wasn’t the case at the time.
Despite my troubles, there was attainable information on various aspects from different counties.
For example, more information exists on places or stops along the Underground Railroad through Vigo County, but more knowledge exists on people in Parke County who helped escaped slaves on their flight to freedom.
In the end I was pleased with the project, but I can’t help but wonder how much more is out there that we’ll never know about.
All and all it was a good experience, even though I didn’t really have a choice to be part of this project. It is my job.
Would I want to have another project like this again? Probably not.
I’d rather spend the whole year learning a little bit at a time than trying to cram it all into one month.
Maybe in time, that’s what we’ll all be doing.
Crystal Garcia can be reached at (812) 231-4271 or crystal.garcia@tribstar.com.
