Critty Dias Powell, Monument to a Former Slave

Critty Dias Powell, Monument to a Former Slave

CRITTY DIAS POWELL - MONUMENT TO A FORMER SLAVE - On Saturday, August 14, 2021 descendants, family and community members gathered at Sumner Cemetery in Cumberland, Maryland to unveil and dedicate a monument in tribute to former slave Critty Dias Powell (1848-1938). Powell had been born into slavery in Romney, Virginia (now West Virginia), and through the eras of Reconstruction and Jim Crow would continue to witness discrimination throughout much of her life.

A presentation on the life of Critty Powell, including some of the events she endured prior to her freedom, was given by her Great-Great-Grandson, Ernest Ashby. Other family members and others had traveled to Cumberland for the unveiling from Ohio, Vermont, West Virginia and Pennsylvania as well as from other parts of Maryland.

The event was held by the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization. The two-sided monument provides some background on Critty Dias Powell while the other side depicts family members who lie adjacent.

A poem was read by Cumberland City Councilman Eugene Frazier. Other elected officials who were in attendance were Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss and Maryland House of Delegates member Mike McKay.