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Several members of the Richmond Chapter participated in a writers workshop with renowned author Daniel Black at historic Holly Knoll in Gloucester, Virginia. Many Links who took part in the workshop commented on the inspiration gained from the location and how informative Daniel Black was as a speaker.

Daniel Black is a native of Kansas City, Missouri, yet spent the majority of his childhood years in Blackwell, Arkansas. He was granted a full scholarship to Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he majored in English. He was awarded the Oxford Modern British Studies Scholarship and studied abroad at Oxford University, Oxford, England. Upon graduation from Clark College (magna cum laude in 1988), he was granted a full graduate fellowship to Temple University in pursuit of a Ph.D. in African-American Studies. Completing this phase of his academic career in 1993, with Sonia Sanchez as one of his dissertation advisers, Dr. Black returned to his alma mater in order to help establish the tradition of top-notch scholars who publish and remain at historically Black institutions. As a tenured associate professor, he now aims to provide an example of young African Americans of the importance of self-knowledge and communal commitment.

Holly Knoll is the Georgian style retirement home of the late Dr. Robert Russa Moton. The home is located in Gloucester County, Virginia, on the banks of the York River, in the area known as Cappahosic. Dr. Moton retired to Holly Knoll after serving for more than fifty years at Hampton and Tuskegee Institutes.

Dr. Moton’s retirement at Holly Knoll was far from quiet. His famous invitation, “Come to Cappahosic,” brought many friends and fellow citizens from near and far to discuss and resolve problems, particularly in the field of education. Everyone at Holly Knoll regardless of philosophical leaning, was treated as an equal. Any idea offered with the sincere mission of improving the lives of African Americans was considered.

View the gallery for this event.