Keystones Oral Histories tells the truths of York County

Conceived in York County, Keystones Oral Histories is a unique, multi-platform model combining a documentary approach and K-12 curriculum supplement that meets state and Common Core standards.

Recently obtained by Crispus Attucks YouthBuild and Lincoln Charter Schools, the K-12 Keystones Oral Histories supplement tells the fascinating histories of York County servicemen, servicewomen, freedom-fighters and freedom-seekers of color from the Civil War to the present.

Out of many other profiles to come, here are just a few examples: Civil War Union soldier and hero John Aquila Wilson; freedom-seeker and entrepreneur Basil Biggs; Underground Railroad conductor and entrepreneur William C. Goodridge; George A. Wood, the only York County African-American killed in action during World War I.; trailblazing connector, educator and World War II. veteran Voni Grimes; Vietnam War Army veteran Sergeant Calvin “Charles” Rice, the most highly decorated veteran ever from York County, who gave the ultimate sacrifice at the age of 22; Air Force veteran and two-decade York City Councilman William Lee Smallwood; the remarkable Kirkland family, whose members served in the Army, Marines and Navy in both World Wars and beyond; Army Lieutenant Colonel and trailblazing author Sandra Kearse-Stockton; and Air Force veteran and York’s first African-American Mayor C. Kim Bracey.

Special thanks and shout-outs to leaders, professors and students at York College of Pennsylvania for partnering with Keystones… and to all the administrators, professors, teachers, scholars and historians who have lent their support, expertise and testimonials.

Check out these testimonials from 717 luminaries.

Dean Dr. Dominic DelliCarpini, York College’s Center for Community Engagement Director: “Bryan’s work comes at a time when the country is moving forward in its work towards diversity, equity and inclusion, as the president noted.”

Mrs. Pamela Gunter-Smith, York College of Pennsylvania President: “I can't think of a more important time for the college and educational community to be involved in providing this type of opportunity not only for our students, but for all students and everyone in your county.”

Peter Levy, York College professor: “There is no doubt that the work Bryan’s doing can also be embodied in York History Center and in other ways as well and even beyond the center.”

Josh DeSantis, director of graduate programs in behavioral sciences and education, York College of Pennsylvania: “So we know that education is on the frontlines in this in our efforts to create a more just and equitable society. Why York College of Pennsylvania occupies an essential position in preparing educators in our region.”

Scott Deisley, Red Lion School District Superintendent: “Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to engage with Bryan’s and his team of curriculum writers and videographers for the past couple of years. The scholarship that has been put into this curriculum is superior. Oral histories are as old as humans. Bryan’s vision has brought this tradition into the 21st century and beyond.”

Special thanks and shout-outs to seed funders and facilitators behind-the-scenes. You know who you are, and we greatly appreciate you.

Started four years ago on the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln coming through York County on his way to neighboring Adams County to deliver the now world-famous Gettysburg Address, the Keystones supplement, which can serve as an elective, is under-written by private foundations for each school district.

To explore the entire supplement developed by curriculum designer Sherry Washington, all one has to do is sign a standard non-disclosure agreement. To receive the NDA, simply email CEO Bryan Wade at therightword360@gmail.com.

At Keystones, we are conversation-starters, bridge-builders, documentarians, photo-journalists, educators, historians, curriculum designers and family-tree connectors.

We also enjoy engaging with educators, administrators and students seeking more awareness and knowledge of under-represented peoples.

Would you or your group be interested in learning more and/or engaging with us? Keystones enthusiastically gives presentations to student and youth groups, as well as civic groups.

We are finding that the best way to share the gospel of Keystones is organically — one group, one zoom, one webinar, one mind, one heart, and one school district at a time. So, if you want to sync up or learn more, direct message or holler at us. We are here to serve.

With hero helpers like you, we humbly hope to keep the peace, justice, and truth-and-reconciliation train going in York County… and beyond.

Importantly, overwhelming evidence and testimonials show that robust curricular resources enhance the learning of diverse children and youths by highlighting role models, public servants and history-shapers who look like and/or grew up like them.

That type of super-personal, connect-the-dots learning environment helps close academic achievement gaps while making York County and the 717 more economically competitive and attractive for employers, investors, homebuyers and visitors.

To learn more about Keystones, check out this inspirational trailer followed by a 40-minute panel discussion, sponsored by the social media hub, THE VALLEY: For Good Change in the 717 and Susquehanna Valley, featuring Keystones founders and creators and school administrators and educators (Lincoln Charter’s Dr. Ann Juarez-Clark and Shante Reese-Smith and Red Lion’s Eric Wilson) appreciate and use Keystones at youtube.com/watch?v=hEhy2ln9W4o

Here’s an earlier project overview by Jim McClure, the dean of York County history: ydr.com/story/news/history/blogs/york-town-square/2020/07/15/oral-history-project-reflect-history-local-african-american-community/5441786002/

Keystones is a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit and just recently received Educational Investment Tax Credit program certification, so prospects for more funding and scaleability are there.

For example, we aim to develop learning modules featuring immigrant groups, LatinX, Indigenous Peoples, Asian, Jewish, and LGBT-plus stories in York County…and beyond. We also are engaged with the new Heart of Hanover Trail in York County’s second largest community. Heart of Hanover Trail - Witnessing York

If you’d like to spread the good word and engage with us, give us a call for a give-and-take chat with your group or network.

We are humbly mission-driven. We know that Keystones isn’t the end-all or be-all to build a more inclusive and Beloved Community here in the 717. We are just one of several good-faith efforts that, together, can affect good, sustained change.

In tandem with such endeavors and with your ongoing support, the prospects for growing a stronger, better, and more conscious and economically competitive region can be bright.

Bryan Wade is the CEO of Keystones Oral Histories.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Keystones Oral Histories tells the truths of York County