Introducing Lela J. Sewell-Williams

Before I formally introduce myself, let me begin by stating that I am very excited about blogging on the Sylvette Online! This is my inaugural blog and it could not be more appropriate for me to introduce myself utilizing this technology as we as keepers of the culture textual and otherwise continue to create opportunities to engage community in historical content by "What Every Means Necessary."

With that I say greetings, I am Lela J. Sewell -Williams. I am a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I completed my undergraduate matriculation at South Carolina State University, located in Organgeburg, South Carolina, receiving a Bachelors of Arts in American History with a minor in Black Studies. I furthered my studies at Duquesene University, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, completing my Masters of Arts degree in History with a concentration in Archives, Museums and Historical Editing. Driven by the goal of preserving the African Diasporic experience, I have had the privilege of working in various institutions whose mission is the preservation of culture and history. These institutions include South Carolina State University Historical Collection (serving as the University's first Archivist), Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Manuscripts Librarian), Moorland Spingarn Research Center at Howard University, Washington , DC (Assistant Curator) and currently as the Dance Archivist/Adjunct Professor within the Dance Major Program at Howard University.

I am very excited about serving as the Archive Assistant within the Sylvia Gaither Garrison Library. I fully recognize this opportunity as a privilege and blessing.