In an effort to shine a light on the history of the county and areas previously affected by racial segregation, communities in Silver Spring will walk in unison to promote unity over division.
The fourth annual Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk will return on Saturday, Nov.13 at 5:30 p.m. The walk will host residents of Lyttonsville and North Woodside to walk in solidarity against segregation while holding candles or lanterns. The route will start on 4th avenue in North Woodside and will end on Talbot Avenue in Lyttonsville. In the distance between the two stops, the route will cross over the Brookville Road bridge and progress past the homes of long-standing Lyttonsville residents.
Lyttonsville has been a predominately African-American community throughout its history. Real estate practices in North Woodside prevented black residents from living in the area. The neighborhoods had been connected by the Talbot Avenue Bridge until 2019 when the bridge was torn down. The bridge is currently being rebuilt due to the construction of the Purple line train route.
This walk reflects the county’s newly minted Remembrance and Reconciliation Month. The new program was started to help residents understand the full history of the county and how we can move forward. In addition to the walk, the county will also host a virtual Reconciliation and Remembrance presentation by Congressman Jamie Raskin on Nov.19 that will be produced by My Montgomery Community Media.
Click here for more information on the walk and here for more information on the virtual presentation
