The overall purpose of the Wilson County Black History Committee is to research, document, preserve and disseminate information about the history and the many contributions of African Americans in Wilson County, Tennessee.  

Until 1999, there had been no written account focused exclusively on the individual accomplishments of African Americans in Wilson County. Much of the documentation of the social, economic, political and religious institutions created and nurtured by African Americans from the end of their enslavement has been ignored, or addressed only marginally in historical accounts of Wilson County.  

We propose to:

• Collect, compile and archive significant information and material related to individuals, families and institutions that have comprised the Wilson County African American community since the county was founded.
• Promote awareness of the many contributions of African American citizens to the overall development of the county as well as the entire nation. Several means will be used to disseminate such information, including seminars, workshops, and individual oral presentations.
• Establish an African American cultural museum as a site to commemorate these many contributions and pay tribute to ancestors. The museum will become a forum for education of the general public regarding the history of African Americans, with an emphasis on local citizens and their many contributions.

WCBHC members display a check for $10,000 presented by Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corp.

Coming June 11 WCBHC's annual Fundraising Banquet will feature speaker Patrick McIntyre, director of the Tennessee Historical Commission. 6 p.m., Ward Agricultural Center's East-West Building. Tickets are $25. For ticket information, e-mail info@wilsoncountyblackhistory.org. Send us an email

THANK YOU! The Wilson County Black History Committee thanks all those who have offered support and encouragement throughout the year, and we look forward to success in 2010. Renovation of historic Pickett Chapel will begin in January, and we ask for your continued help and support as we begin the restoration project. We can not do it without you!  To learn more about how you can help, call the Roy Bailey African American History Museum, 449-2911; or email info@wilsoncountyblackhistory.org.

In Their Own Voices

An Account of the Presence of African Americans in Wilson County

Click here to purchase In Their Own Voices