The African-American Historical and Genealogical Society of Surry County annual meeting offers the public and local historians the opportunity to celebrate history. This year, youth can come share history of their own.

The society is inviting area youth to each write a family story to share at the annual meeting on Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. Young people interested in the opportunity need to contact a society member by this Sunday if they want to participate.

“We want to work on getting children interested in history,” explained Dr. Evelyn Thompson, chairman of the society.

Elaine Norris, assistant secretary of the society, also sees it as a preservation opportunity.

“So much of our heritage and history is lost or not recorded. We want to encourage children to start recording their family history,” she said.

Youth from kindergarten to age 18 may write a family story on any topic. This story will be read by the youth at the Sept. 26 meeting. If a child feels uncomfortable reading aloud, someone else may read the story for him or her.

“Everybody will be acknowledged. It is not a competition, and everyone is a winner,” Thompson stressed.

For those youth having trouble finding a story idea, the society created a list of suggested story topics: most memorable lesson from a family member; a family reunion; a trip to visit family; a summer vacation with family; a favorite time with grandma or grandpa; in the kitchen with mother; a favorite time with dad; or a favorite time with (aunt, uncle or other relative).

Kindergartners through youth age 10 are encouraged to write at least half a page. Ages 11 to 18 are encouraged to write one page or more. But Norris says everyone is a winner no matter how much they write.

“And hopefully it will spark writing in the children,” she added.

Thompson and the society members emphasize President Barack Obama as an example of someone who often mentions his heritage and background.

Thompson said, “We don’t do enough of that.”

The historical society is offering this story opportunity for the first time.

“This just hit us,” Thompson explained. “We were thinking, how can we get young people to appreciate those people around them now?”

The society has asked interested youth or their families to contact one of the following people by Sunday: Alice Brim — (276) 251-5956; the Rev. Geneva Gee — 789-6378; Eunice Jessup — 368-2804; Victoria Jessup — 351-3715; Elaine Norris — 786-2247; Lucy Taylor — 789-2546; or Dr. Evelyn Thompson — 786-4922.

The youth do not need to have their pieces written by Sunday. The society just wants to know how many stories to expect.

Each participating young person needs to bring an extra copy of his or her family story to the meeting. The society also encourages participating youth to bring their family and friends to hear them read.

“It’s a focus on the family,” Thompson stressed.

The meeting will be held at Mallalieu-Jones United Methodist Church in the fellowship hall. The church is on 231 N. South St., Mount Airy. Light refreshments will be provided.

The African-American Historical and Genealogical Society of Surry County focuses on preserving the heritage and history of local African Americans. The organization has many members who meet each month. The public is welcome at the society’s annual meeting. The society hopes its story opportunity for youth will bring in more people.

“I know there are many children out there who are capable and willing,” Thompson said.