Aaron Banther

About the Founder

Aaron Banther, Founder of Our Land of Promise

A Personal Journey of Discovery: Aaron Banther grew up in the black settlement of the Farristown community, largely unaware of its significant history and heritage. Being part of a small 2% minority in his elementary school, Aaron noticed a glaring lack of Black history in the curriculum and throughout until he graduated high school. His passion for uncovering and preserving this history was initially fueled by this absence. It wasn’t until he joined the Navy that he began to educate himself about his own heritage.

A Mission Born from Awareness: Discovering the significance of places like Farristown, Middletown and Bobtown, and witnessing how the landscape had changed along with  the passing of many community members over the years, Aaron felt a deep responsibility to preserve these stories. After retiring from the Navy and returning to Berea, he immediately started working on projects such as cleaning up the Farristown Cemetery and erecting the Historic Farristown Welcome sign. Aaron also played a small role in the "Footprints, Traces of Black History in Richmond Ky. 

He credits the foundation of his work by collecting the stories of many African American Descendants through oral narrations. Caucasian families who also grew up in these communities alongside blacks are not exempt from the stories collected. Realizing the scale of potential projects, he knew he needed to establish a nonprofit to effectively continue this important work.

A Vision for the Future: Aaron’s vision for Our Land of Promise extends beyond preservation. He hopes to ultimately see a public space where everyone can learn about and appreciate the African American heritage of Berea. By engaging the youth, supporting the elders, and fostering a sense of community, Aaron believes in bridging the past with the present and building a brighter future for all.

Community and Support: Aaron acknowledges that this mission cannot be achieved alone. He is grateful for the unwavering support of the Board of Directors, dedicated volunteers, and partnerships with other nonprofits. However, he emphasizes that the true strength of the organization lies within the descendants of the community and the collective effort to honor and preserve their legacy.

Message from the founder: "I started Our Land of Promise with a simple goal: to make a difference. This isn't just about Black history or Black heritage in Berea , Its about engaging the community to bring understanding and change through our heritage and to engage in some needed conversations. To some, this may not seem relatable given the current demographics of our community, but it's still incredibly important. In fact, it's foundational to how Berea was established. As a community, we have the power to honor our past and build a future that respects and remembers our heritage. I am still a student myself when it comes to our heritage in the community, and I am looking forward to learning besides others. Your support is the foundation of our mission. Together, we can all come together where the legacies of our ancestors are celebrated and preserved for generations to come. Thank you for joining us on this journey."