Coming together for Black History: Annual dinner has ‘wonderful' turnout, benefits local museum
Darrell Smith attributed the annual C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum Fundraising Dinner's success to community support.
Smith, who co-founded the museum along with aunt Bernice Henry in 2023, said nearly 300 people attended Saturday's event at the Highlands Museum & Discover Center, exceeding his expectations.
'The turnout was wonderful,' Smith said, adding the Highlands was a fantastic host.
'With all the changing things going on (in America), I think Ashland has shown how much they want to stay together as a community,' Smith said. 'It's not just Black history, it's all of our history. Our community is staying together.'
Smith said he enjoyed seeing a crowd that featured a variety of occupations and many different roles people fulfill in the area.
'The community has always supported the museum, and I'm grateful for it,' he said.
Smith is meticulous when it comes to details. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling of the bright, open area on the fourth floor.
Several exhibits — including Juneteenth, Booker T. Washington and sports — were on display.
'I upped my game in a sense,' Smith said with a laugh.
Texas Roadhouse provided dinner and dessert. A few alcoholic drinks were included in the ticket price. The event featured a cash bar, too.
Tanner Cantley with Abe One's DJ handled the music as people celebrated and danced.
Mayor Chuck Charles presented the museum a proclamation for 'Black History Month in Ashland.'
An 'overwhelming' silent auction included about 50 items, Smith said.
First Presbyterian folks, Fairview High School students, an Ironton student and a home-schooled student volunteered at the event.
'Those kids showed up and busted their tails,' Smith said. 'I always want to get the young people involved.'
Smith said one of Saturday's highlights was the Chautauqua portion. Angela Linthicum played the part of Mahalia Jackson, Kristen Martin was Harriet Tubman and Leah Branch served in the role of Madam C.J. Walker.
'It was absolutely beautiful; those three ladies did a beautiful job,' Smith said.
A few familiar faces and Ashland natives — including Birdell Fish, Smith's aunt, and the family of the late Rev. Henry Mosley — came home for the dinner.
'It was such a good time,' Smith said.
Smith had not tallied all the numbers yet, but he estimated the event raised about $20,000 for the C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum.
Sponsors included the following: ACTC, Clark's Pump-n-Shop, Dr. Charles Rhodes and Mrs. Dorothy Rhodes, Dr. Michael Canty and Mrs. Connie Canty, Martin, Wheeler & Vincent PSC, Pathways, UK KDMC, Ashland For Change, Ashland Rotary, Christ Center Ministries, City of Ashland, Community Trust Bank, Frye & Troxler PSC, First Presbyterian Church, Kentucky Power, Marathon, Perkins Family DBA, Second Hand Rose, PNC Bank, Steen Funeral Home, Ashland Office Supply, The Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky, the Blake family, the Jackson family, The Heritage Art Gallery and the Mosley family.
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