February 20, 2009: Congressman Wittman Celebrates Black History Month at Gloucester's Holly Knoll

(Gloucester, VA) - Congressman Rob Wittman celebrated Black History Month yesterday with a visit to Gloucester's Holly Knoll, where he met with community leaders and toured the historic site with local historian Dr. Dorothy Cooke and over 100 members of the public. The event was organized by the Gloucester Institute, a non-profit organization headed by Kay Coles James, whose mission is to cultivate emerging leaders within the black community.

"Holly Knoll is a true American treasure, and we are fortunate to have this historic site right here in the First District. The contributions to black history that took place at this home are incredible, and it was an honor to visit there and celebrate Black History Month in such a significant setting," said Wittman.

"Kay James and her team have provided a strong vision for the future of Holly Knoll as they strive to preserve a place of such great history. I commend The Gloucester Institute on the work they are doing to cultivate emerging black leaders and the emphasis put on providing solutions to today's challenges," said Wittman.

The Georgian-style house was the retirement home of the late Dr. Robert Russa Moton, a renowned late 19th- early 20th Century civil rights leader who paved the way for many of the African-American leaders of today. Holly Knoll was the birthplace of the United Negro College Fund, and was also visited by Dr. Martin Luther King, who penned a portion of his famous "I Have a Dream" speech underneath the giant Oak tree at Holly Knoll. Now owned by the non-profit Gloucester Institute, they seek to continue the work of Dr. Moton, by cultivating emerging leaders within the black community. The Institute actively brings together leaders from diverse backgrounds and ideologies to focus on solutions for the challenges facing America today.

For additional information, contact the Institute at 703-313-6290 or at http://www.gloucesterinstitute.org/