Parchester Village

 

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Below is a story for ages 8-10 about Parchester Village:

Parchester Village 

Characters:

Maya - A curious 8-year-old girl who loves exploring her neighborhood.

Mr. Henderson - A wise and friendly older neighbor who knows the history of Parchester Village.

Setting:

Parchester Village, a vibrant neighborhood with flat top homes built in 1949. 


Story:

Maya loved exploring Parchester Village. Every street held a new adventure. But one day, while playing with her friends, Maya noticed something.

"Mr. Henderson," Maya called out, "Why are all the streets named after pastors? 

Mr. Henderson chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Those names hold a special story, Maya for Parchester Village." The pastors were Black Americans.  

He sat Maya down on a  bench and began his tale. He spoke of a time when Parchester Village was planned for everyone, a place where families could build dreams together. 

However, many people did not want to live near Black people.  So  mostly Black families move into Parchester, creating a ccloseii-knit community. There were musicians, artists, doctors, laborers,  that moved into Parchester Village. 

Maya's eyes widened. "So, Parchester Village became an all black community."

Mr. Henderson grinned. "Yes,  Maya. Back then, in 1949 there was segregation. 

Black people felt a sense of pride in owning their own homes and building their own community. Black pastors came together to advocate for a suburban community for black people who needed housing after WWII."

Mr. Henderson smiled warmly. "Yes owning one's home was an American Dream, Maya. They dreamed of a place of their own to raise their children.  

From that day on, Maya saw her neighborhood differently. She understood that Parchester Village wasn't just a place to live, it was a story of community building and struggle. 








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