In collaboration with Virginia Humanities and local authors Peyton Lewis and Marc Boston, City of Promise is proud to celebrate the creation of a children's book. Set in Westhaven, the story follows a boy named CJ whose caring heart moves him to create a community garden. The foreword of the book tells a child-friendly, yet candid version of the loss of Vinegar Hill.  The afterword - written by Andrea Douglas and Jordy Yager - offers historical highlights, including information about John West and the thriving, vibrant community that was Vinegar Hill.

 

The goal of this project is to tell an important story about our city in a way children can understand. It's a springboard for parents who want to contextualize for their children the then-and-now of Charlottesville's complex racial history.  Most importantly, it elevates the remarkable children in Westhaven who will see themselves in the protagonist. It is a great introduction to our messages this year about the importance and fun of reading. 

 

To order a book to pick up from 708 Page Street in Charlottesville, please use the link below:

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