Although the Pierce Street Renaissance is the smallest historic district in Lynchburg, it boasts more historical markers for residents than any other street in the state of Virginia in a two-block stretch. It was home to Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer, tennis pro Dr. Whirlwind Johnson, and William Calloway, whose neighborhood general store was one of the first Black-owned-and-operated neighborhood grocery stores in Lynchburg.
Now, the Pierce Street Gateway Foundation is taking strides to revitalize the Calloway Store, starting with the property behind it, where they’ve partnered with the community to open the Pierce Street Community Garden.
We spoke with team member Sarah Blankenship to learn more about the garden and the property’s history for this Hear Together profile. You can listen at the audio link below and learn more about the garden here.
