Deep Roots: Justin Holland’s Journey from Chesapeake to the World
Preserving a Powerful Chapter of American Music and Local History
Deep Roots: Justin Holland’s Journey from Chesapeake to the World is a humanities-driven documentary and community engagement project led by Tidewater Classical Guitar. The project explores the life, music, and enduring legacy of Justin Holland, America’s first Black classical guitar virtuoso, born in the historic Deep Creek region of Chesapeake.
Through scholarship, performance, and storytelling, Deep Roots connects Holland’s extraordinary achievements to the rich cultural and historical landscape of Hampton Roads—ensuring that this vital local story is preserved and shared with audiences today and for generations to come.
About the Project
Justin Holland’s music is gaining renewed national attention, but the story of where he came from—and how his community shaped him—has largely gone untold.
Deep Roots explores Holland’s life within the context of early 19th-century Deep Creek, a region influenced by free Black communities, abolitionist movements, and maroon societies near the Great Dismal Swamp. These forces helped shape Holland’s path from Chesapeake to national and international recognition as a musician, educator, and cultural leader.
The project includes:
- A 30–45 minute documentary film
- Interviews with leading humanities scholars, musicians, and local historians
- Performances of Justin Holland’s compositions
- Public screenings and discussions throughout Hampton Roads
- A free online educational resource for students, educators, and the public
Why This Project Matters
- Local history with national significance: Holland’s story begins in Chesapeake but resonates far beyond Virginia.
- Preserving underrepresented voices: This project elevates African American cultural history that is often overlooked.
- Community-centered storytelling: Deep Roots is rooted in local partnerships and regional scholarship.
- Educational impact: The documentary will serve as a lasting resource for schools, universities, musicians, and historians.
Project Leadership & Contributors
Deep Roots is guided by an experienced team of artists, scholars, historians, and media professionals:
Project Leadership
- Patrick Garrison – Executive Director, Tidewater Classical Guitar
Project Co-Lead; oversight, fundraising, and community engagement- Dr. Todd Holcomb – Artistic Director, Tidewater Classical Guitar
Project Co-Lead; humanities integration, programming, and public eventsWriter
- John M. Forte, Jr. – Director, Producer & Writer
Writer, Deep Roots: Justin Holland's Journey From Chesapeake to the World
Benevento Pictures, directorjohnforte.comHumanities Scholars & Musical Experts
- Dr. Adam Kossler – Assistant Professor of Guitar, Appalachian State University
Musical advisor and performer of Holland’s works- Dr. Gary Boye – Professor & Music Library Coordinator, Appalachian State University
Archival research advisor; Matanya Ophee Collection- Dr. Christopher Mallett – Leading Justin Holland scholar; Co-founder, California Conservatory of Music
Biographical and musical scholarship- Robert Coldwell – Founder, Digital Guitar Archive
Holland biographer and research consultant- Dr. Sam Dorsey – Professor of Music, Norfolk State University; Founder, TCG
Regional history and academic advisorLocal History Advisors
- Jean Carideo – President, Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation
Norfolk County and Chesapeake history- Amelia Wallace – Vice Chair, Chesapeake Historic Preservation Commission
19th-century Deep Creek historical context- Kay Zeigler – Local historian and advocate
Instrumental in the Justin Holland historical markerFilm Production
- Angelo Reyes – Director & Producer, Reyes Production Studios
Documentary production, filming, and editing
Grants & Support Received
We are grateful for the early support that has helped bring Deep Roots to life. Grants and contributions received to date include:
- Virginia Humanities at WHRO Grant
- Helen G. Gifford Foundation – Project support
- Anonymous Donor - Project support
(Additional foundations and supporters will be listed as awards are received)
This project continues to seek support to complete filming, post-production, and public programming.
Media & Press
Learn more about Deep Roots and Justin Holland through recent media coverage and project features:
- Virginia Humanities Grant Announcement
- Virginia Humanities at WHRO Grantee to Create Historical Documentary
- TCG Executive Director Interview on Justin Holland Project
Public Screenings & Events
The completed documentary will premiere with free or low-cost public screenings and discussions throughout Hampton Roads, including Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach.
Support the Project
Your support helps preserve local history, elevate underrepresented voices, and share Justin Holland’s story with the world.
All contributions directly support documentary production, public screenings, and educational resources. When making the donation, include in the comments, (in support of the Justin Holland Project). Your name will be included on the list of contributors unless you request to remain anonymous.
Questions About the Project?
We’d love to hear from you! Email us: TidewaterClassicalGuitar@gmail.com, and include Justin Holland Project on the Subject line. Whether you’re an educator, donor, researcher, or community member, we’re happy to connect.
Stay Connected
- Join our email list for project updates
- Follow Tidewater Classical Guitar on social media
