Forward
Ed. note: This reflection originally appeared as the foreword to “Untold Stories of Black Montevallo, Vol. 3,” written by Elvin B. Thompson—author and Curator of African American History. He offers a personal and expansive view of Montevallo’s Black history, grounding this collection of stories in lived memory and a commitment to remembrance. You can read the full booklet and explore other volumes here.
Montevallo is a town rich with stories that speak to the strength, courage, and determination of its people. Its history is etched into its streets, its churches, and its homes, each holding memories of those who built a life here. As someone with deep ties to this community, these stories are not just pieces of history to me—they are personal. They reflect the values I was raised with, the struggles I witnessed, and the perseverance I admire. This collection shines a light on the lives of Montevallo’s Black community, ensuring their contributions are remembered and their legacies honored.
For too long, the narratives of African Americans have been overlooked or excluded from mainstream history. This has left an incomplete understanding of who we are as a society. It’s why I believe so strongly in the importance of telling these stories. They remind us of the resilience of those who came before us, their faith in the face of adversity, and their determination to create something better. As Maya Angelou once said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story within oneself.” This work seeks to give voice to those stories and ensure they are not forgotten.
Oral history plays a critical role in this effort. It bridges the past and present, carrying the voices of previous generations to those of us who need to hear them today. Through these narratives, we can feel the weight of their struggles, celebrate their victories, and learn from their experiences. This collection is built on that foundation, preserving the voices of those who lived these histories and ensuring they continue to inspire future generations.
One of the stories in this volume that lingers most vividly in my mind is “The Ghosts of King House III”. These ghost stories, passed down through Montevallo’s Black community, are more than eerie tales—they’re glimpses into the soul of a people. Through these stories, we step into the cultural and spiritual lives of formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants, hearing their voices in a way history books rarely capture. Uncle Frank’s account of Edmund King’s ghost haunting the King House isn’t just about the supernatural; it’s a window into the fears, hopes, and quiet strength of a community navigating the shadows of slavery. His words breathe life into a past that feels both distant and deeply personal, reminding us that history is not just about dates or events—it’s about people.
Narcissus Shortridge, Photo courtesy of Dr. Linda Thompson. No image of Jack is known to exist.
The story of Jack and Narcissus Shortridge is another that stands out to me. The Shortridges were at the heart of Jacksonville, a historic Black neighborhood where they built a life of dignity and purpose against the odds. Jack’s work as a carpenter and farmer laid a foundation for their family, while Narcissus, with her gifts as a midwife and herbalist, cared for her community in ways that left a lasting impact. Narcissus’s connection to Ward Chapel AME Church strikes a chord with me. Ward Chapel was my home church from the time I was born until I left for the military. It was there that my faith was nurtured, my values were formed, and my sense of community took root. Thinking of Narcissus worshiping in the same church I once called home brings a sense of connection and continuity, reminding me of the power of faith and community to sustain us through life’s challenges.
Faith is also at the center of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church’s story. From its beginnings in the 1890s, when it started in a private home, to its rebuilding after the 1939 tornado, Shiloh has been a symbol of perseverance and hope. As a child, I often visited Shiloh with my father, the late Mr. Charles E. Thompson, who served as chairman of the trustee board under the leadership of the late Dr. Roger White. I can still recall the feeling of sitting in those pews, surrounded by a congregation full of warmth and determination. Those visits were more than Sunday routines—they were lessons in the power of faith in action and the strength of a united community. Shiloh’s history is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together, guided by shared purpose and an unshakable belief in something greater than themselves.
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and it’s plaque, located along the Montevallo African American Heritage Trail.
Clarence Harrell. Photo from 1972 Montalla, the Montevallo High School yearbook.
The legacy of Clarence E. Harrell brings back memories of simpler, yet deeply meaningful,times. Clarence was a talented pitcher who brought joy and excitement to the people of Montevallo, both as a professional and in the sandlot games he played after injuries ended his career. But for me, his story sparks memories of the days when baseball games were the heartbeat of Black communities in Montevallo. These games weren’t just about the sport—they were about togetherness. Families and neighbors gathered to share laughter, food, and a little bit of spirited competition. The crack of the bat, the cheers from the crowd, and the sense of belonging made those games unforgettable. Clarence’s story reminds us how something as simple as a love for baseball can knit a community together and leave a legacy far beyond the diamond.
Each of these stories is a thread in the fabric of Montevallo’s history, and together, they create a richer, more complete picture of the town’s past. They show us that African American history is not a separate narrative but a central part of the American story. By including these voices, we honor their contributions and ensure their legacies endure.
This collection is not just about preserving history—it’s about learning from it. It challenges us to confront the past with honesty and humility, to celebrate the strength of those who came before us, and to carry their lessons forward. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We are not makers of history; we are made by history.” These stories shape who we are, both as individuals and as a community. They remind us that we stand on the shoulders of those who fought, struggled, and sacrificed so we could have a better future.
As you read these stories, I hope they touch your heart as they have touched mine. May they inspire you to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and to carry forward the values of faith, resilience, and unity that they exemplified. These stories are not just Montevallo’s history—they are all of ours. And in telling them, we ensure they continue to guide and inspire for generations to come.