Overview of Historical Black Movements in Henderson County 1865-1965

During the period of one hundred years of Black history in Henderson County that is covered in this book, three very distinct groups, The Kingdom of the Happy Land, The Society of Necessity, and the Community Council were formed in response to the pressing needs and formidable challenges of their time.  Each of these groups could be called a “movement,” for each had to face the hard facts of life around them and respond in constructive and progressive ways.  Although these groups were separated in history by locale or time, they shared a spirit in common, for each had a vision of a better day that was to give to them a hope and a will to go on though the odds were against them.  For the Kingdom of the Happy Land, the desperate need to survive proved to be the nurturing ground for a grand dream.  The Society of Necessity shaped its cause around the need for a sense of security.  The Community Council pushed on toward the constitutional right of equality, and therefore a better life for all citizens of Henderson County.  Evident in each of these groups was a spirit that recognized that whatever was needed to be done would be done for the good of all.  Though each would eventually change its focus, all responded to the special needs they faced, and achieved the goals they set.  By looking at these peaceful and productive movements of change, future generations can be assured, when the need arises, there will be persons who will respond, and through perseverance, succeed.

From A Brief History of the Black Presence in Henderson County by Gary Franklin Greene