Overview

If These Walls Could Talk is a fascinating journey into the world of the blind and vision impaired. It is the story of 508 St. James Street in the historical Jackson Ward district in Richmond, Virginia.

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Reviews

"WOW!!! This book is so many things. It is enlightening, educational, entertaining, encouraging and I would dare to even say life-changing. It definitely changed my perspective of the vision-impaired community. In the past when I've thought of this community, I imagined a people who are fairly quiet; still or limited in movement because of their vision; having very limited work opportunities, reserved, etc. Well, my perspective was TOTALLY WRONG! Pick up this book and see why! I believe it will totally change your perspective as well. Have you ever imagined a blind or vision impaired person threading and oiling a sewing machine; how about cutting out precise patterns in fabric/material AND operating the sewing machine to create various items still being used throughout society? We are not just talking about creating a nice-to-have trinket. No, these are items that had to be inspected and approved before being shipped out to state and federal agencies for use. Read about ""how"" they did it and the results. Keep in mind, this is the story of a group of people who worked together to accomplish these things from the 1940's into the 1990's when things were not nearly as technologically advanced as they are now. To see what they are doing in 2022, be sure and read the chapter on VIB Today and reference the link that will provide more detailed insight. Shirley Hawkins masterfully takes us right into that setting with her and the staff of the Richmond/Virginia Workshop for the Blind, 508 St. James Street. You will feel like you're there. But get this, Shirley herself, at the time of this writing, is 78 years old. Is that amazing or what? I'm adding three additional titles to her since her departure from this group. She has become a researcher, historian and entertainer. You will be intrigued and laughing out loud as you walk back in time with this awesome group of people. This book honors a group of people that, as Shirley describes them, were born for that time, place and experience; did not have a selfish bone in their bodies; have left a legacy for all to learn from; turned a common job to make ends meet into a mission to change lives. Fulfilling their mission not only changed the lives of those who are/were blind and vision impaired but as you read, I believe it will change yours as well. Beverly R. Carter Author: ""Got A Little Money, Now What?"" Email: gotmoneywhat8@gmail.com"

Author Information

Shirley R. Hawkins is a native of Richmond, Virginia and was educated in Richmond City public schools. Upon graduating from Armstrong High School in 1961, she attended Richmond Professional Institute (RPI), now known as Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). She has been affiliated with many social organizations within the Richmond area. She also served as business and public relations manager for numerous organizations. Shirley retired from the Virginia Department for the Visually Handicapped after 32 years of service. She is the proud mother of one daughter, one granddaughter, and three great-granddaughters. She is a member of Divine World Changers International Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Derwin Hickman and Co-Pastor Shelly-Franswalla Hickman. She also created Kyia's Productions, Inc. in 2002, a modeling and production company to help equip students for ever-changing societal expectations.Shirley's introduction to preservationist, Zarina Fazaldin was the start of her historical journey. She had no idea of the historic background of 508 St. James Street when she was employed there in the 1960s. Despite what has already been written, she knew she had to do something to make sure others knew about the awesome, dedicated staff and the delightful, riveting stories of the blind/vision-impaired employees. Shirley's main goal is to renew your mind regarding the blind/vision impaired. She is excited by what is about to take place.

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