UCAConline.org | MarylandJuneteenth.com | AfricanAmericanContributions.com

UCAC
UCAC
  • Home
  • About
  • Juneteenth
  • Join Us
    • Membership
    • Lifetime Members
  • Scholarship
  • Donate
  • Our Mission
    • Historic Sites
    • Monuments and Statues
    • Historic Schools
    • Oral Histories
    • Experiences
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Library
  • More
    • Home
    • About
    • Juneteenth
    • Join Us
      • Membership
      • Lifetime Members
    • Scholarship
    • Donate
    • Our Mission
      • Historic Sites
      • Monuments and Statues
      • Historic Schools
      • Oral Histories
      • Experiences
    • Shop
    • Contact
    • Library

  • Home
  • About
  • Juneteenth
  • Join Us
    • Membership
    • Lifetime Members
  • Scholarship
  • Donate
  • Our Mission
    • Historic Sites
    • Monuments and Statues
    • Historic Schools
    • Oral Histories
    • Experiences
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Library

ABOUT UCAC

History of UCAC

In 1994, at a dance during Black History Month, Elmer Brown began talking about all the things that had happened within the black community in St. Mary’s County history.  How there was no recognition of what blacks had done and contributed to the county over the years.  Mr. Brown said, “Let’s put up a monument.” 


Under Mr. Brown's leadership, members of the community began meeting regularly in the fall of 1994. The group named itself the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC).  Incorporated in the state of Maryland, St. Mary's County, on October 30, 1995, UCAC became a 501(C) (3) non-profit organization.  


On November 29, 1994, the committee presented a proposal to the St. Mary's Board of County Commissioners: to erect a monument dedicated to African Americans.  The commissioners agreed to placing the monument in Freedom Park** in Lexington Park, Maryland.   


Elmer Brown envisioned a monument shaped like an Egyptian pyramid, representing strength and endurance.  Inspired by the hymn, Rough Side of the Mountain, the monument was built of rough stone.  Says Mr. Brown, "The stones and the shape of the monument represent the difficult struggle of blacks climbing the rough side of the mountain to get to the other side."  


In addition to the monument honoring and celebrating the contributions of African Americans, the committee took on another crucial task: recording the oral histories of its oldest black residents.  


[Janice Walthour and Merideth Taylor co-chairs of the original Oral History Committee for UCAC.] There is much more to the history and culture of African Americans in St. Mary's County than most residents might realize.  Witnesses to portions of that history, by way of oral histories, link the present day county vividly with its past. Janice Walthour and Merideth Taylor co-chaired the original Oral History Committee.   


"At the time, you made out with what you had because you didn't realize there was something better that you were supposed to have." ~ Clarence Smith  


Examining the history of African-American life in St. Mary's County is a little like examining the lines etched deeply into a person's face or hands: much is suggested, but how much is really known without serious probing, research, and questioning?  


The Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC), has taken on the task of ensuring that these glimpses are not forgotten.  That they are fleshed out, put in context, and brought to the attention of the community for its own examination, enjoyment, and education.  


UCAC participates in a variety of events and fundraisers, and is sustained through grants and donor contributions.  Governance is by an elected Board of Directors. This Board is comprised of citizens from diverse social, religious and professional backgrounds who make all fiscal and policy decisions for the organization. The Board of Directors has eighteen members who are dedicated to increasing the understanding, and the fostering, of African American contributions to the history and development of St. Mary's County. 

 

Most notable of its community involvements is the annual JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION — an event originally launched in St. Mary's County by UCAC in June 2004.  The Juneteenth Celebration exposes the citizens of St. Mary’s County and its visitors the opportunity to sample the various displays of art, education, health, jobs, and faith-based initiatives which surround them every day. Through the Juneteenth Celebration the community becomes more aware of the artist and artistry in their community. It is the hope of UCAC that those who find a passion for some art form pursue that passion fully and share it with the community.

Mission

To document, increase understanding of and foster African American contributions to the history and development of St. Mary’s County while advocating for improvements in health, education, and community building for all citizens of St. Mary’s County.


BLACK INSTITUTES​ ​​

by Janice Talbert Walthour    


Walls torn down 

Buildings structures 

Destroyed demolished 

Ruins whisked away  


The spirit of heritage 

Lurking 

No place to nurture 

Young black 

Hearts   souls   minds  


Though demolished 

Soul filled memories 

Once housed within 

Bring pride   nostalgia  


Bring joyful thanksgiving  

From those once  


Loved nurtured 

Educated empowered with religion Motivated in black institutes  


Let not those memories 

Be whisked away 

Like these structures designed 

To create success  


Build! 

Build monuments within 

That reflect heritage 

That create vision  


Build monuments that  

Sing praises of love 

Encouragement   to ourselves  


Build monuments that solidify 

Dignity self-esteem 

Monuments that embrace the  

Strength and unity of black institutes  


Dedicated to Brenda Thompson Coates and the Catholic community who supported the erection of a monument in memory of Cardinal Gibbons Institute, the first black institute in St. Mary's County, Maryland.​

People made great sacrifices for this country to be where it is today. It's a universal sacrifice on both sides of the fence. Unfortunately, our history has reflected more of one side than another. People need to understand the contributions that have been made to make this country what it is.


Alonzo Gaskin

Executive Officers

Executive Officers

Executive Officers

Nathaniel Lawrence - President 

Teri Branch - Vice President 

Dolly Griffin - Secretary 

Bob Lewis - Treasurer

Board of Directors

Executive Officers

Executive Officers

Teri Branch 

(Membership Committee Chair) 

Mike Brown 

(Juneteenth & Monument Committee Chair) 

Dolly Griffin 

Alma Jordon 

(History and Research Committee Chair) 

Nathaniel Lawrence 

Anna Moseley 

Jeanette Pettit 

Jeanne Pirtle 

Nathaniel Scroggins  

Clarissa Stripling 

Merideth Taylor 

(Public Relations Committee Chair) 

Linda Thomas 

Janice Walthour 

Dorothy Waters

Juneteenth Committee

Michael Brown, Chair

Irvin Beverly Sr.                                                          

Teri Branch

Michelle Brown                                                                                                         

Janet Halton

Melinda Hughey                                                                              

Sandra Johnson 

Alma Jordon

Anna Moseley

Jeanette Pettit

Deloris Poole

Nathaniel Scroggins 

Clarissa Stripling

Cornelius Stripling                                                     

Linda Thomas

Janice Walthour

Mikki Waters

David Wilson

Elmer Brown

Founded in 1994 and incorporated in 1995 by Elmer Brown, UCAC is a 501(C) 3 non-profit organization that is governed by an elected Board of Directors.

Copyright © 2023 UCAC - All Rights Reserved. Website Problems? Disclaimer for Errors and Omissions: Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions will make every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy and validity of the information provided on its web pages. However, as information continues to change the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions reserve the right to change the information at any time without notice. If you find any information found incorrect please contact us directly.

  • Home
  • Historic Sites
  • Monuments and Statues
  • Historic Schools
  • Oral Histories
  • Experiences
  • Contact
  • Library
  • Experiences - Education
  • Experiences Morals Value
  • Experiences - Economics
  • Experiences - Health Home
  • Experiences - Religion

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept