Connected through slavery, a Black woman and a white woman discover their past — and each other

Gilman was pleased to welcome Betty Kilby Baldwin and Phoebe Kilby, authors of “Cousins,” to speak with students on Tuesday, February 22, as part of the Juneteenth Speaker Series.

Watch the assembly below.

Betty Kilby Baldwin entered and graduated from Warren County (VA) High School after suing based on the landmark Brown Supreme Court decision. She started employment as a factory worker, eventually achieving executive management positions.

Phoebe Kilby, a descendant of enslavers, was inspired by the “Coming to the Table” movement to connect with descendants of persons her family enslaved. She is trained in environmental management and in conflict transformation.

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We invite you to watch the new Netflix documentary “Stories of a Generation with Pope Francis,” which features Betty Kilby Baldwin in episode 2. Phoebe Kilby plays a small part in this episode as well.