BHM: Exploring Troubled Waters

SAINT MICHAELS, Md. – The Saint Michaels community is highlighting African American watermen on the eastern shore.

47 ABC spoke with Anthony Smith, a volunteer for the Saint Michaels Community Center. He says its important to evaluate the contributions that black watermen have made to the local economy.
And at an upcoming event, Edzel Turner, who comes from a family of watermen will discuss the tradition and history here on the shore. Smith says the event will circle conversations of the dying legacy -and ways the local community can revitalize the culture of black watermen.

He says they have contributed so much vibrant living to their own community and beyond. “Not only did they feed their families and feed the community, they fed the state of Maryland. Because they were very vital in doing work that other folks didn’t want to do and we have a history of that as African Americans,” said Anthony Smith.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is hosting the free event on Saturday from 1 PM to 2:30 PM.