White House Historical Association Unveils Accessible, Audio Component of Historic Markers in Lafayette Square

Sep 22, 2021 Washington, D.C. —

The White House Historical Association (WHHA), in partnership with the National Park Service, today unveiled the addition of new, recorded audio components to the historic wayside markers installed earlier this summer in Lafayette Square. This event is the latest in a series of programs marking the Association’s 60th anniversary since its founding by Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961.

These audio recordings of the panel texts were voiced by Royce L. Dickerson, member of the National Black MBA Association and current MBA candidate at Manderson Graduate School of Business, and Hilary West, the Executive Director for Federal Government Relations at JPMorgan Chase and Co. These audio recordings are also available on the White House Historical Association’s website.

“We are proud to commemorate the vital history of Lafayette Square and bring it to life in a manner that is accessible to all,” said Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association. “Our goal is to uphold the legacy of WHHA founder Jacqueline Kennedy by continuing the Association’s long-standing tradition of promoting accessibility, understanding, and appreciation of the Executive Mansion.”

Situated at the northern entrance of the park, along H Street, the Wayside Exhibit markers recount the history of the involvement of enslaved labor in the construction of the White House, the preservation and commemoration of the White House and Lafayette Square – including First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s actions to save the neighborhood from development – and the history of Lafayette Square as a site for demonstrations and protests.

The Wayside Exhibit was unveiled earlier this summer and photographs from today’s event can be viewed here. To schedule an interview with Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association; Royce Dickerson; or Hilary West, please contact press@whha.org.

About Royce L. Dickerson

Royce L. Dickerson is currently a Master of Business Administration candidate at the Manderson Graduate School of Business. He is a member of the National Black MBA Association and serves as the Executive Vice President of the Graduate Student Association. A graduate of The University of Alabama, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and received the UA National Alumni Association’s Alumni Student Award. During his academic career, he has been actively involved in groups such as Capstone Men and Women, The Blackburn Institute, Honors College, the Student Government Association, Jasons’ Senior Men’s Honorary, and various honor societies. He has also worked with Apple and Adobe, where he assisted in the successful integration of two campus rollouts.

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, he often finds time serving his community with his involvement within Boys and Girls Club, Children’s Miracle Network, Keller Williams Reality, The United Way, and various volunteer ministries. He has also worked with the Alabama Department of Corrections, serving in local prisons teaching inmates’ entrepreneurial skills. Royce’s many interests include business, education, government, history, leadership, and service. He strives to leave his family, community, and state better than he found it and plans to pursue a career in Higher Education or Government Relations.

About Hilary West

Hilary West is Executive Director for Federal Government Relations at JPMorgan Chase and Co. where she articulates the Company’s position on a broad spectrum of corporate and industry issues to a range of stakeholders including the White House, Congress, regulatory agencies, trade associations and consumer advocacy organizations.

Prior to joining JPMorgan Chase, Hilary worked for the U.S. House of Representatives where she spent four years working on landmark financial services reform legislation as Legislative Counsel to Rep. Melvin Watt (D-NC) and the House Financial Services Committee.

Hilary began her career in private practice as a corporate attorney, working for firms in Connecticut and Washington, DC, of which she is a native. She received her B.A. from Connecticut College and J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law.