Raising the Shade
In a southern Virginia community, there is more to Civil War history than people might know. That there is more to the story is important to many people who live here. Often overlooked is the story of the United States Colored Troops and the role of African Americans in securing the freedom of enslaved people, as well as promoting equality, opportunity and justice for all Americans.
Our project, Raising the Shade, Franklin County 1850 – 1910, will explore what life was like before, during, and after the Civil War by engaging the community in conversation and activities from July 2024 to December 2025. Raising the Shade will culminate in erecting a monument honoring 70 United States Colored Troops (USCT), whose birthplace was noted as Franklin County, VA, in military records.
Our desire is to place the monument in a prominent and accessible location, while beforehand, educating the community as to why this monument is important. The monument will serve as a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the African American Veterans who fought for their own personal freedom and the preservation of the United States. Their contributions have long been underrepresented in historical narratives, and this monument will ensure their legacy is remembered and honored.
Raising the Shade will provide valuable educational resources for our community, offering insights into diverse aspects of Civil War history. It will encourage the community to learn more about the significant role that African Americans played in shaping the nation. By recognizing these additional historical stories, we intend for the monument to promote inclusivity and unity within the community. It will stand as another symbol of our shared history and the progress we have made together.
Steering Committee
Glenna Moore, Raising the Shade Spokesperson and USCT Ancestry Research Chair
Glenna Hawkins Moore retired in 2013 after a career as a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher with Franklin County Public Schools. Reared in Franklin County, Virginia, she is an alumna of Lee M. Waid Elementary and Franklin County High School. Glenna earned a B.A. in Sociology from Norfolk State College and a Master of Urban Affairs from Virginia Tech in 1976. Married to a retired military officer, LTC Larry D. Moore Sr., she is proud of three sons and their amazing wives and six grandchildren, with her oldest grandchild studying as the 4th generation Virginia State University Trojan. Her diverse career includes roles as an Adjunct Instructor for St. Leo College, a faculty member at Meadow College, Director of Child Development Services In-home care, Zweibrucken Germany Military Post, and Instructor and Interim Director of the Urban Planning and Transportation Program, Virginia State University, Department of Sociology. Glenna is deeply committed to community service, actively participating in the NAACP, the MLK Breakfast Club, and the Blue Ridge Association for Sickle Cell Anemia. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and has significantly contributed to early childhood education through her involvement with the Franklin County Head Start Board of Directors. Her civic accomplishments have been featured in the Roanoke Times, the Franklin News Post, Norfolk State University Alumni Magazine and WFXR TV, celebrating her lifelong dedication to education, community, and social causes.
Larry Moore, Monument Installation Chair
Larry Moore was born in Rocky Mount, Virginia, and raised in Penhook. He currently resides in Franklin County, just outside Rocky Mount, where he and his wife, Glenna Hawkins Moore, actively serve their community. Larry sits on the boards of the Blue Ridge Association for Sickle Cell Anemia, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, NAACP, Disabled American Veterans, and the Rocky Mount Veterans Commission, Greater Roanoke Chapter Virginia State University Alumni Chapter, and belongs to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He has previously served on several other local boards, including the Virginia Western Community College Board and the Rocky Mount Rescue Squad board. Larry graduated from Northside High School in Pittsylvania County and became the first in his family to attend college, earning a B.S. in Industrial Technology from Virginia State University. He served in the U.S. Army for 25 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, and holds a Master’s in Human Resources from Central Michigan University and a Master’s in Logistics Management from the Florida Institute of Technology. He also completed advanced military education, including the Army Logistics Management College, Command and General Staff College, and the US Army War College. Throughout his career, Larry received numerous awards, including the Bronze Star and the Dr. Martin Luther King Leadership Award. He has traveled extensively across various continents. After his military career, he worked for the Franklin County Public School System, eventually retiring as a Building Principal at Franklin County High School. Larry and Glenna, married for 45 years, enjoy supporting their community and spending time with their three sons, three daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren.
Shannon Moore, Steering Committee Secretary
Shannon has an accomplished history working for over 15 years in the non-profit sector in managerial roles, specializing in empowering individuals to achieve their desired life through employment and independence. Her compassionate approach has consistently driven successful outcomes that support professional and personal development for underserved populations. Currently in the role of Revenue Auditor for one of Virginia’s larges hospital systems, Shannon’s analytical expertise ensures the accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements and opportunities for improving revenue and performance. Shannon has an Associate’s Degree in Health Sciences and Bachelors of Science in Organizational Leadership and Management. Shannon is a wife and mother of three children. Shannon is passionate about service to others and making a positive impact in their lives. With a warm and empathetic approach, Shannon dedicates time and energy to supporting others, whether through volunteer work, community initiatives, or simply offering a listening ear. Driven by a genuine desire to uplift and empower, Shannon’s commitment to service shines in every endeavor.
Eric Anspaugh, Community Engagement Chair
Eric C. Anspaugh is a retired Ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. He currently serves as President of the Franklin County NAACP and is a member of the Raising the Shade Steering Committee and Co-chair of the Community Engagement Committee for Raising the shade.
Rev. Christopher Coates Community Engagement Co-Chair
Rev. Christopher M. Coates is a native of Reidsville, NC. He received his BA degree Political Science with a minor in Religion from Johnson C. Smith University. Christopher earned his Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University, and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry degree at Howard University. Christopher serves as the 16th Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, VA, in their storied 142-year history. He is married to the former Ms. Andrea A. Campbell. While Christopher enjoys various extracurricular interests and activities such as basketball and golf, at his core, community engagement and social justice are essential to him. He believes that it is the responsibility of the church to serve the community and to be engineers of social change and reconciliation.
Rebecca Saunders, Publicity and Communications Chair
Rebecca Saunders has over 20 years of experience in website development and social media management. She is also the Executive Director of the Friends of Ferrum Park nonprofit group, advocating for and working to address the lack of public green spaces for her community."
Katie Peters, Hospitality Chair
Katie Peters is a small business owner, wife, mother, faith community member, and transplant resident of Franklin County. She is honored to combine her 10+ years of nonprofit event planning experience with her love of history to bring positive change through Raising the Shade.
Raymond Williams, Charette Program Chair
Raymond Williams, a Franklin County native, is a retired English teacher (B.A. William & Mary, M.A. Middlebury College Bread Loaf School of English). His interests include history, travel, photography, hiking, and kayaking. He has experience implementing educational grants and has published articles for educational and kayaking journals and serves on the board for several charities.
John Tiggle, NAACP Treasurer
John Tiggle is a graduate of Virginia State University, a retired extension agent, who remains active in his community, serving on the executive board of the Franklin County NAACP and local charitable organizations.
Gloria Freeman-Martin, Steering Committee at-large member
Dr. Freeman- Martin is native to Franklin County, a retired college professor and nonprofit development director, serving as at-large steering committee member with her ability to provide important historical insights. She was active in the 20th Century Civil Rights Movement as a young adult.
Dr. Ashley Reichelmann, Virginia Tech Faculty Mentor
Dr. Ashley Reichelmann is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology, as well as the Associate Director of the Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention at Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on the relationship between identity and collective memory, seeking to better understand how past violence impacts modern identity and intergroup relations. Her academic specialties include memorialization, racial identity, prejudice, and socio-political attitudes.
Cathie Cummins, Project coordinator
Cathie Cummins is a retired health care professional, founder and former executive director of the 501c3 Children’s Assistive Technology Service. She currently enjoys being a grandmother, community organizer, outdoor enthusiast and student of history.
Kim Van Buren, Project co-coordinator
Kim Van Buren is a retired Project Manager and IT Support Analyst. Working with European based US military and AT&T Network Systems, she managed scheduling, shipping, delivery and installation of hardware. As an IT Support Analyst, she provided installation, programming and system analysis for IBM’s midrange computer systems. Kim graduated with a BS in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science. Currently she volunteers as the Technology Chairperson for a nonprofit. In her spare time Kim is an avid gardener and reader.