Monday, May 4, 2009

The Wilmington Race Riot of 1898

The Wilmington Race Riot began on Novemeber 10, 1898 in Wilmington, N.C., which at the time was the largest city in N.C.

Democrats had taken over most of the towns in N.C , but no Wilmington. This city was still run by republicans because there were so many African Americans who lived in Wilmigton and voted republican.

This did not sit well for a white confederate soldier named Alfred Moore Waddell. He became very upset when an article was published in the Wilmington newspaper called "The Daily Record". The article was published by an African American man named Alex Manly. He said in the article that "white men were careless in protecting their women".

This outraged Waddell and he and 500 white men burned and seized the headquarters of the Daily Record.

Many African Americans escaped and hid from Waddell, but at least 14 African Americans were killed that day.

After the tragedy, Waddell forced the republican mayor out of office and Waddell became the new mayor of Wilmington. One of Waddell's first laws he passed as a mayor was to limit the voting rihts of African Americans. This was known as the "Grandfather Clause".

By: Katie G.

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University is located in Winston-Salem North Carolina. It has a 117 acre campus in the middle of the city. The University has almost 6,000 students on campus. The school motto is "Enter to learn, Depart to serve." The school's colors are red and white. the school's mascot is a ram.

The University was founded in 1892. It was established by doctor Simon G. Atkins. It was originally named Slater Industrial and State Normal School in 1897. It was the first college to give degrees in elementary education to African Americans. The school is also a member of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship fund that raises money for African American students in 54 schools.

By: Caitlyn Connell

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Robert F. Williams

Roberts F. Williams was born February 26, 1925 and died October 15, 1996. Robert F. Williams is known for his work as a civil rights leader. When the world was filled with a lot of racial tension Robert F. Williams was the voice of promoting black self defense in the United States. Although standing up for integration is what got him started his vision of all black people being able to bear arms was most important.Roberts F. Williams was born in Monroe, North Carolina. With his Grandma a fomer slave and watching black women be beaten by police officers, and witnessing brutal racial riots in Detroit in 1943, Robert F. Williams dedicated his like to the African American social justice. In 1944 Robert F. Williams was drafted into the segregated services where he served for 18 months. From 1950-1960 he served as the president of Monroe North Carolina NAACP chapter. Roberts F. Williams began his work wit the NAACP as a community organizer. One of the first cases he helped defend was involving two black boys that were accused of kissing a white girl. The next couple of issues addressed through the NAACP were involving swimming pool integration. Much of the demonstrations began as peaceful ones and turned into conflicts met with gun fire. Even though the police was involved nobody was ever arrested. This was when began the black armed gaurd. Williams believed that all black people had the right t use advanced powerful weapons especially when the Klu Klux Klan would harm black families in the middle of the night in their homes. Around 1961 a white couple was traveling through North Carolina and found them selves in a black section of Monroe. The black people were very upset to see white people in thier neighborhood and began to attack them. The white couple was brought to the Williams home and was kept in a safe house until the middle of the night when they could travel safely. North Carolina law enforcement accused Robert F. Williams with kidnapping. He did not believe he would be treated fairly by law enforcement so he took his family and fled to Cyba. Robert F. Williams was placed on the FBI wanted list and was considered to be armed and dangerous. In Cuba Robert F. Williams was involved in radio broadcasts that supported African Americans and served as a voice against oppression and he supported all blacks bearing weapons. He and his wife also started a newspaper called the Crusaders and also Negroes with Guns. A group called the Black panthers listened to everything Robert F. Williams preached about and often took matters into their own hands using guns.

In 1965 the Williams family left cuba and settled in China. The family stayed in China until 1969 when they returned to the United States. Upon returning to the United States he was immediately brought to North Carolina to stand trial. Because Robert F. Williams was well liked by the chinese the United States used his influence to help relations between them. Eventually all charges against Robert F. Williams were dropped. Robert F. Williams died October 15,1996 from Hodgkin's disease.

By:Graceann Tine

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee

On february 1, 1960 in Greensboro NC, a group of black university students refused to leave a lunch counter at Woolworth's where they were being served. This started many more groups of black people across the south to refuse to leave from places they were not allowed to be, called "sit-ins". A few months later Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina created the SNCC, (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) pronounced "snick" program.
This committee's philosophy was to protest civil rights by using no violence. They stood up for many issues such as race segregation, Vietnam War, voting rights and the feminist movement. The SNCC viewed racism and prejudice actions as a major social problem.
The committee was lead by John Lewis who stood tall for the civil rights of blacks in America. He played a major part in the Freedom Ballot, as well as speaking at the March in Washington in 1963.
The SNCC sought and made changes in American society. In the 1970's it was no longer the large organization it had become since they had achieved their goal.

By: Hudson Wyman

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Nina Simone

Nina Simone was a musician. She was born on February 21, 1933 in Tryone, NC with the name Eunice Kathleen Waymon. She was also known as High Priestess of Souls or Dr. Nina Simone. She loved jazz, Soul, Folk, R&B, Gospel and a little bit of pop songs. She was a pianist, a singer, a song writer, and a civil rights activist. She also began playing piano at her local church and showed her talents on her piano. Although she hated being categorized[to be put into a large group of people] she is classified as a Jazz musician. As a kid, Nina always loved music and always clapped to the beat at her church. Nina has recorded at least 40 live and studio albums. She won 2 honorary degrees in music and humanities.

Beginning with her album "Nina Simone In Concert" in 1964, Nina Simone included messages in support of the civil rights movement in most of her songs. She continued to speak out against racial inequality for the rest of her career.

Nina Simone died in 2003 in France on April 21 of cancer. She died in her sleep when she was 70.

By: Patrick M.

Shaw University

My project6 is on Shaw University. Shaw University is a school for African Americans. It is located in Raleigh, NC. It was founded in 1960. The first founder was Dr. Henry Martin Tupper. Shaw University was the first collage for African Americans established in the south. It is the HBCU in the south. The university won a 5-year grant with University of North Carolina Chapel hill.And also got a 7-year grant with John Hopkins University. In 2007, Shaw University received a 2.5 million grant from the National Science foundation. It was made right after the Civil War. It was renamed Shaw Collegiate Institute. Shaw University is a private, bys and girls, collage. Shaw University has been called the mother of African-American colleges in North Carolina. North Carolina Central, and Fayetteville State Universities weer founded by Shaw graduates. The founder of Livingstone College spent his first two college years at Shaw before transferring to Lincoln University was located on Shaw's campus during its first year of existence. In addition, the Student Non-Violence Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was an outgrowth of a confernece on Shaw University campus.

By: Hannah M.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Charlie Scott

Charlie Scott was born on December 15, 1948. Charlie Scott was a basketball player at UNC. Charlie also played for ABA for two seasons and NBA for eight seasons.

Another fact about Charlie is in 1966 he was the first black man to get a scholarship for basketball to UNC.

When Charlie was playing basketball, he was the only black player on the team. In that time not many black players had played basketball with white players.

Some of the players on the team weren't comfortable around Charlie because he was black. In fact, Charlie was sometimes asking himself, "Why am I here?".

Another thing about Charlie is his Dad died when he was twelve and his coach, Dean Smith, was the closest family Charlie had. So, life has been hard for Charlie, but the main thing that came out of this story is a man with courage can make a difference in life.

By: Anna K.

Hiram Rhodes Revels

Hiram Rhodes Revels was born free on 9/27/1822 in Fayetteville, NC to a free half black and half white father and a white mother.

In 1838, Revels was taught by his brother to become a barber in Lincolnton, North Carolina. He left the barber shop to further his education.

Revels attended the Union County Quaker Seminary in Indiana in 1844 and finished in Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois.

Revels became a minister in 1845 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. As a minister, Revels helped raise two black union groups during the Civil War in Maryland and Missouri.

In 1866 he was given his own ministry in Natchez, Mississippi where he setteled down with his wife, Phoebe A. Bass Revels, and their 5 daughters and founded schools for black children.

In 1870, Revels was elected to the United States Senate as the 1st African American member. His term was from february 1870-March 1871. After his senate term, he was named president of Alcorn College in Mississippi which was the states first college for African American students. He retired from Alcorn in 1882.

Revels died on January 16, 1901 in Aberdeen, Mississippi while attending a church conference.

As of 2009, Revels is one of only six African Americans to have ever served in the United States Senate.

By: Cody M.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Conrad L. Raiford

Conrad L. Raiford is an important person to people today, and especially to black people.

Conrad L. Raiford was a champion athlete, educator, good will ambassador and one of Greensboro, NC's first African-American police officers.

In, 1946, Raiford was one of the only six black men chosen by a then all white Greensboro Police Department. The officers weren't allowed to arrest anyone whose skin was not their color. Officers had to protect places with "colored police" written on their cars. That was to let other people know that they could only arrest black people. Shuffling up colored and white police officers during World War 11 was a big problem.

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a crowd almost got out of control when black officers where hired; some even attacked them. Black officers were not allowed to wear their uniforms back and forth to work. They had to dress at Atlanta's black YMCA. "They built a 2nd bathroom in the cold rat infested basement of city hall because we were considered less than human," said Raiford, who was a star athlete with a college degree.

Raiford and an elementary school teacher, Myrtle Mary Francis Wright, were married for 54 years.

By: Aliza W.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

PRICEVILLE, NC

The town of Princeville is located in Edgecombe County. It is just 15 minutes away from Rocky Mount, NC. Princeville is known as the oldesttown in the U.S.A. incorporated by African Americans. The town of Princeville was originally called Freedom Hill because it was founded by freed slaves after the Civil War in 1865. In 1885, the town was incorporated and renamed after one of the original citezens, Turner Prince. Princeville is a very small town with only 1.6 sq. mi. of total land.

Throughout Princeville's history, there have been many racial, economic, and social troubles. As well as these problems, there have been several floods that have caused serious damage. In 1999, Hurricane Floyd caused the area's biggest flood in 500 years. This has taken some interest in this town and how we can help it recover from the flood.

By: Carly G.

North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University was founded July 10 1910. It is located in Durham, NC, found in Research Triangle Park.

Its founder was Dr. James E. Shepard, President of the college. The main purpose of this school was to develop in young men and women the character and sound academic training needed to do real service to the nation. NCCU was originally an all African-American school. The University has changed ownership and names a few times. NCCU became a publicly-supported institution in 1923. In 2001, June 1st , James H. Ammons became the ninth chief administrator of North Carolina Central University. With his leadership the university had enourmous enrollment growth, to become the fastest growing university among the University of North Carolina system (16 campuses). On August 1, 2007 Charlie Nelms became the chancellor of NCCU.

NCCU offers bachelor's degrees in more than 100 fields of study and awards graduate degrees in an estimated 40 disciplines. NCCU has a wide variety of International studies and exchanges programs. It has programs that attract many students, Institute for Homeland Security and Workforce Development, Biomanufacturing, Nursing, Education, Law, Bussiness and Hospitality ad Tourism. The motto of the University is "Turth and Service." All students and professor are encouraged to mento incoming freshman (help then adjust to college life).

By: Brianna B.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

North Carolina A&T University

North Carolina A&T University is location in Greensboro, NC. It was founded in 1891 by the North Carolina General Assembly. The citizen of Greensboro gave the college fourteen acres of land and eleven thousand dollars to begin. The school started on August 30, 1890, it was started at Shaw University with four teachers and thirty seven students. The first schools at NC A&T were agriculture, english, mathematics and horticulture. Today, there are six schools; School of Agriculture and Enviromental Science, School of business and Economics, College of Engineering, College of Arts and Science, School of Education and School of Technology. The A&T mean agriculture and technology. They have a blue and gold marching machine which is the marching band. The school has a nickname of Aggies. The first school newspaper was called The Register. Ellis Cobb was the first governor to visit the school in 1894. Enrollment was only for the boys. In 1928, girls were allowed to attend NC A&T. The first Masters degree was given to Roy Elloy Hall. Rev. Jessie Jackson attend NC A&T adn is a famous student. Four NC A&T freshman initiated the lunch counter Sit-In demonstration in 1960. Dr. Ronald McNair an NC A&T alumni an U.S. astronaut was killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. In 1994 the first PhD Candidates were enrolled in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
The student body consists of 51% women, 93% African American, 1% Asian American and 1% International. NC A&T is a public university.
Some sutdent activities include, band, chorus, drama, and student government. The university also competes in collegiate and intramural sports such as football, baseball, swimming and track.
NC A&T has contributated much to the development of the city of Greensboro as well as the African American community. The university will continue to provide us with some of the countries brightest minds in agriculture, mathematics and horticulture

Caitlyn P.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Johnson C. Smith University

Shortly after slavery ended many white missionaries and ministers in the south started planning churches and schools to educate former black slaves and teach them about God and religon. Reverend Samuel C. Alexander, Reverend Willis L. Miller and Reverend Sidney S. Murkland opened Colored Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, North Carolina which was both a school and a church in one building. They needed money to build a seperate building for the school. Mrs. Mary D. Biddle gave them $1,400.00. To thank her they named the school Henry J. Biddle Memorial Institute after he late husband who died fighting in the Civil War. In 1883 the name was shortened to Biddle University.

Between 1921 and 1929 Mrs. Jane Berry Smith gave the school $702,500.00 so they could make the school bigger and better. In 1923 they changed the name again to thank Mrs. Smith. They named the college Johnson C. Smith University after her late husband.

Until 1932 the college was only for men. After that, both men and women could be educated there.

There are many interesting facts about Johnson C. Smith University. In 1886 the college hired the first black professor in the south. In 1891 the college elected the first black college president in the south. The in 1892 our country's first black football game was played at Biddle University.

In 2000 Johnson C. Smith University became well known for being the first historically black college to give each of their students an IBM laptp computer. They are known as "ThinkPad U".

Today, Johnson C. Smith University is a private, four year college in Charlotte, North Carolina. The university has around 1,500 students and is nicknamed the Golden Bulls.

By: Amelia C.

NC Mutual Insurance And Its Founders

Since it's beginning in 1898, North Carolina Mutual Insurance Company has grown to be the nations most widely known and successful, business institutions. It is the only insurance company in North Carolina with a character dated before 1900. With over $12 billion of insurance in force and surplus exceeding $18 million. Noth Carolina mutual insurance is the first African American life insurance in the United States. The company's seven organizers were men who were active in business, education, medical and civic life of the Durham community. An early financial crisis tested their resolve and the company was reorganized in 1900 only John Merrick and Dr. Aaron M. Moore remaining. Charles C. Spaulding was named general manager, under whose direction the company grew and achieved national prominence.

By: Sahar K.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Ben Chavis

Name: Benjamin Chavis Muhammad



Born: January 22, 1948 in Oxford NC



His Wife is Martha Rivera Chavis and they have 8 children,



He graduated from University of NC with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Ben helped work in a youth meeting for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference on the team with Martin Luther King Jr. He worked to fix the public school system so both whites and blacks can attend school together.



He helped out for the presidential campaign of Robert F. Kennedy in 1986. He also worked as the director and CEO of The National African-American Leadership Summit from 1995-1997.



He taught at a Muslim Church and then decided to change his name to Muhammad. He served as a field officer at The United Church of Christ Commission for radical justice in 1968.

He became the youngest manager of the CEO National person for the team of colored people.

In 1998, he was chosen vice president of the churches. Also he served as a chairman of justice.

Also he wrote 2 books the first one called: An American Political Prisoner and Psalms From Prison. The Whole time he was still in jail from when he made some bad decisions.

Also every day he came from school there was a library that only agreed to let whites in. So one day Ben Chavis tried going in there and checking out a book but then the librarian told him to get out but he wouldn't get out. So she had to get his parents.

Ben Chavis also was the director of the Million Man March in Washington, DC in October 1995. This is one of many great reasons Ben Chavis is important.

By: Reagan W.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Dr. Ronald E. Mcnair

He studied physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) where he earned his Ph.D. in 197.

McNair conducted research on space communications and then he was given the chance to apply for anstronaut training. After training, he completed his first space mission. His dream was to teach, but that dream did not come true because of the deadly Challenger mission.

After his death, Congress funded a program to help low-income, first-generation college students with college expenses.

To learn more about Dr. McNair and other astronauts and space missions, visit the NASA website http://history.nasa.gov/sts511.html

By: Anna R.

Alex Manly

Alex Manly lived from 1866-1944. He was an African American editor in North Carolina in the 19th century. He was a descendant of the NC governor Chales Manly. HE became an editor for the Wilmington Daily record in 1895. That business was the only African American owned daily paper in the U.S. His office was destroyed in the 1898 Wilmington race riots on November 10th that same year. He was forced to flee Wilmington. He relocated to Philadelphia, PA. Not much is really certain about his life later on. However, he did help found the Armstron Association, a forerunner of the Urban League. His papers and some pictures of one of his sons are in the archives at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.

Alexis H.

J.D Lewis

J.D Lewis was a Raleigh native he grew up on South Bloodworth Street near Shaw University. Then he went to the Capitol Broadcasting. With WRAL's parent company. During 1948 a broadcasting career that went more than 40 years. He was best known as the host of "Teenage Frolics". It was also a dance program that instructed in 1958. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta. Then he got out of college and he was one of the first black members of the United States Marine Corps. Then got trained to be a radio technician. Then J.D Lewis died at 87. Saturday night on Febuary 17, 2007

By: Maria M.

Morgan London Latta

His father died when he was seven years old. HIs older brother died by drowning. He got a job when he was young and got paid one dollar per month. He entered a free school that was near his house for 5 or 6 years. Most of the people he knew could not read or write. All the families lived in a log house. He was born in 1853 at fishdam. Near the city of Raleigh. His mother had 13 children. He lived through slavery while he was a slave as well. The cracks were big enough for him to see the shine of the moon. After the Civil War they named Morgan London Latta after a house. On January 8, 2007 the Lata house was destroyed in a fire. The house caught on fire because they had a power overload. Then given to the City of Raleigh to use for a park. The house was a Historical Landmark. Latta University taught education to orphans in the Raleigh Community. Bill Shepard discovered latta house on April 2, 2005. The Latta House is 4 blocks from Cameron Village.

Anastasia S.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt was a famous African American actress, singer and cabaret star. She was born January 17, 1927 on a plantation near columbia, South Carolina. Her mother was cherokee and African American while her father was german and Dutch. Eartha was actively working between the years 1948-2008.

Eartha Kitt was raised by Anna Mae Riley, whom Kitt believed to be her mother. Anna sent Eartha to live with a different family until Anna Riley died. After Anna's death, she went to live with Mamie Kitt in New York City, which she later learned was her biological mother.

Eartha Kitt began her career by working for the Katherine Dunham Company. She was a really talented singer with a beautiful voice. One of the most reconized hits was "Santa Baby". Some of her other famous songs were: "Lets Do It", "C' si bon", "Love For Sale", "Uska Dara", and "Under The Bridges of Paris". Eartha also learned French and would also sometimes sing in other languages. In 1950, Orson Welles gave Eartha her first starring role in Helen of Troy. Also, in the 1960s, Kitt was chosen to replace Julie Newmar in the role as CAt Woman in the television series Batman.

In 1968, Eartha was asked to go to a special luncheon at the White House. She had a substantional setback after she made anti-war statements. After she was publicly rejected in the US, she went overseas to preform.

Over the years, Eartha had many awards and nominations for her work in music, television, film and stage. She had a very succesful and long career from 1948-2008. Eartha died from colon cancer on December 25, 2008 at the age of 81.

Sugar Ray Leonard

On August 25, 1999 I was born in Rocky zmount, NC. In this same small town on May 17, 1956 an African American boy was brorn. He was named Ray Leonard.

He changed his name to "Sugar" Ray Leonard as a tribute to a famous boxer named Sugar Ray Robinson. In the early 70's he began a career as a professional boxer. In 1976 he won an Olympic Gold metal in Lightweight class. He won his first title beating the reigning champion; Wilfred Bentinz. He did not lose a fight until match 23 when he lost to Robert Duran. When his career in boxing ended he had a record of 36 wins, and only 3 losses. He was 40 years old when he retired.

And to think on May 17, 1956 he was just another baby boy born in Rocky Mount. Now he is a boxing legend.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan was born in Febuary 17, 1963. Michael Jordan was born in Brooklyn, New York Michael Jordan moved to Wilmington, NC when Michael was a little toddler. Michael Jordan has two older brothers, Larry Jordan and James R. Jordan JR., older sister Deloris, and one younger sister Roslyn. Michael Jordan went to Emsley A. Laney High School. Michael Jordan went to the University of North Carolina. After College he entered the NBA. Michael Jordan played two pro sports. They are basketball and baseball. Jordan played for the Chicago Bulls in basketball. Michael Jordan ended his career with the Washington Wizards. In baseball he played for the Scottsdale Scorpions. Michael Jordan has had many awards and honors. Here is a few of them, two Olympic gold medals in 1984 and in 1992, NBA championship in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996 and NCAA in 1982. In his entire career he retired 3 times. He is 6'6" high. Michael Jordan is forty-six years old. In 1996 Michael Jordan mad a boys and girls club and dedicated it to his dad. Michael Jordan was a shotting gaurd in basketball. In the 1987-88 series Michael won his first MVP. In the 1990-91 series Michael Jordan won his second MVP.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Henry Frye

Henry Frye was an African American who was born in Ellerbe, North Carolina to his parents, WAlter and Pearl Frye, on Agust 1, 1932. He is still alive today. He grew up in rural part of Greensboro. As a boy he thought he wanted to be a pharmacist, chemist, or a biochemist. He was really smart. He graduated from Ellerbe Colored High School. It was an all black school. He went to North Carolina A & T State University. He graduated with a biology major and a minor in chemistry and air science. After college he went ino the United States Air Force and became a captain there. While in the Air Force he went to South Korea and Japan. His service in the military was from 1953 to 1955. Henry Frye married Edith Shirley Taylor on August 25, 1956. He has two sons, Henry Eric and Harlan Elbert. He still loves to golf, go bowling, and write poetry. He also serves as a deacon in his church.

In 1956, when Henry tried to register to vote in his hometown he was told he didnt pass the literacy test and so he couldn't vote. He thought that was really weird because it didn't make sense that he could graduate from college, serve as Captain of the Air Force and be enrolled at UNC Law School and then not pass a literacy test. He told the chairman of the board of elections about this and then passed the literacy test and was able to vote.

In 1968 he became the first African American elected to the North Carolina legislature. In 1983 he became the first African American appointed as an associate justice to the court. His biggest first was on September 7, 1999 when he took the oath of office as the first African American chief justice of the North Carolina Sipreme Court. He paved the way for a lot of other African Americans to be succesful. The best advice that henry ever got was from a high school principal who said, "winners never quit, and quitters never win." He took that advice seriously and that is one of the reasons that he went so far in his career and paving a way for other African Americans to follow.

By: Joel D.

The Greensboro Four

On February 1st, 1960, four students from Nc A& T State Universtiy held the most famous sitin during the Civil Rights Movement. They were known as the Greensboro Four. Their names were Joseph McNeil, Jibreel Khazan (formerly know as Ezell Blair, Jr.), Franklin McCain, and David Richmond.

Here's what happened. The students entered a store called Woolworths in Greensboro, NC and each made a small purchase, saving their receipts to prove that they were customers. They took seats at the whites only lunch counter. They were denied service but stayed in their seats. The Manager of the store called the police, but the police were unable to arrest them because they were not doing anything against the law. The Woolworths manager closed the store early hoping that they wouldn't come back the next day, though they vowed they would.

On February 2nd, the Greensboro Four returned to Woolworths just as they had promised and sat at the counter. By the next day, television had spread the protest to High Point, NC.

This went on until June 25th, 1960. The number of people at the Woolworths sitin had increased until there were thousands of protesters and onlookers. Studentsfrom Bennett College and Greensboro Women's College joined the sitin. On June 26th, 1960 Woolworths finally allows blacks and whites to sit at the same lunch counter to eat.

Katie K.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is a college for black people. It is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It has had several names in the past. It has grown from a small 3 room school to a larger University that is part of the University of North Carolina System.



Prior to the civil war in 1861 black education was limited to prevent slave rebellion. However, as early as 1835 some northern schools admitted black students. The Institute for Colored Youth was founded in Pennsylvania in 1837 and later became Cheyney University. The Wilberforce University started in 1856 was the first school owned and operated by black americans.



Many schools for blacks only prepared them for industrial work. In 1865 the Freedman's Bureau was set up to help freed slaves with education. In 1867 seven black men bought some land to be used for teaching black children in Fayetteville, North Carolina. General O.O Howard from the Freedman's Bureau built a 3 room school on the land. The school was named the Howard school. In 1877 the State of North Carolina wanted to start a school for black teachers. They selected the Howard school. The Howard school became a school for training black teachers and its new name was the State Colored Normal School.

In 1899 the school was expanded from 3 rooms to 10 buildings on 50 acres when 5 men got a loan to add on to the school. In 1929 the school stopped teaching high school courses at the Normal School. In May of 1937 the North Carolina State Board of Education said that the Normal School may give Bachelor of Science degrees in education. In 1939 the name was changed to Fayetteville State Teacher College.

They added classes so that degrees other than teaching degrees could be earned in 1956. In 1963 the name was changed to Fayetteville State College beacause it wasn't just a teacher's college anymore. In 1969 the name was changed to its current name Fayetteville State University. In 1972 Fayetteville State University became a part of the University of North Carolina System.

In the South if you are a black person you have a good chance of going to college. Strong Segregation created a lot of black colleges in the southern part of the United States. Fayetteville State University is part of the southern black education heritage. Today 3/4ths of the students at Fayetteville State University are African Americans. They offer baccalaureate degrees in 23 disciplines. They now also have Graduate degrees in Business Administration and Education.

Lydia B.

Little Eva

The person known as "Little Eva", her real name was Eva Naricissus Boyd, born on the 26th of June in 1943. Shewas born in Bellhaven, North Carolina. Eva grew up in a large family she was one out of sixteen children. While growing up she had always wanted to be a singer. Eva was sixteen when her son THE LOCOMOTION hit the charts at number one. She had other songs like, Some Kind of Wonderful, Keep you Hands off My Baby, and The Turkey Trot. They did not do as well as The Locomotion.

Eva got married and had a total of 5 children. Right before Eva came back she recorded a gospel album and dedicated to her husband that had passed away. Then Eva came back home to Kinston, North Carolina where she passed away on April 10th, 2003 of cervical cancer at the young age of 59.

Before Little Eva became famous she will be known as the Most Famous Babysitter, that is what she had done till her carrer jump started.

Madison W.
Four black students from A & T College went to Woollworths lunch counter and they sat down where they weren't supposed to. They were supposed to stand up while they ate because were black. They were trying to fight for the right to do the same thing the whites were allowed to do.

The first day four Negros showed up and sat for the whole day. The next day 23 men and 4 women came with the first four and protested. By the fourth day of the sit-in 300 students came to Woolworths. As other Negros around the country saw what was happening they started sit-ins also.

The sit-ins got alot of attention from newspapers and the government. President Eisenhower said that he supported the students and that he felt sorrow that they had to fight for their human rights.

The sit-ins were successful because they achieved desegregation. Besides being able to sir at lunch counters they could go to museums, ride on buses and swim in public swimming pools.

Casey E.

Monday, March 16, 2009

W.E.B. Dubois

William Edward Burghart DeBois was an important leader who worked to help end racism in the United States. He was born February 23, 1968 in Massachusetts and died on Auguest 27, 1963. By that time, he had written seventeen books and he did many things to fight against discrimination and racism during that time. He believed in peaceful solucions instead of conflict, like Martin Luther King, Jr. did, who was born after him.

DuBois's father left when he was young and his mother died when he was 16 years old. He was a good student though, and was the first African-American to graduate from his high school. He went to college in Tennessee and earned his PH.D. from Harvard University. One of the most important things that DuBois did was to help start the NAACP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1909. The NAACP was important because they helped with many legal cases which made sure that the rights of minorities were protected.

W.E.B. Dubios is important to North Carolina history because in 1926, the W.E.B. DeBois School was built for Aftican-Americans in Wake Forest, NC, and was named in his honor because he was so important in advancing the rights fo African-Americans.

By: Alex F.

Richard Etheridge

Captain Richard Etheridge, a Union Army veteran, (someone sho has served in an army) was the first Aftican American to be in control of a Life-Saving Station when the service appointed him as the keeper of the Pea Island Life-Saving Station. That was in North Carolina 1880. Wow! He became the keeper of the Pea Island Life-Saving Station because in 1879 there was a keeper who was a white man who had a crew of white and black men. Well there was a rescue effort on November 18879 but it as completely messed up. Some of the crew members and the keeper were help responsible. The Revenue Cutter service reviewed the case, and and fired the white man, and guess who was put in his place, Richard Etheridge. The First Lieutenant Charles E. Shoemaker made a note that Richard was one of the best surfman on this part of the coast in N.C. Soon after Etheridge's appointment, the Pea Island Life-Saving Station burned down. Determined to do his duties with expert commitment (to ut yourself to the task.._ Etheridge watched over the construction of the new station on the one and only site. He also developed tough Life-Saving drills that helped his crew tackle all Life-Saving tasks. His station earned the reputation (what people think you are) of "one of the tightest on the Carolina Coast" with Richard well known as one of the most courageous and ingenious life saver's.

October 11, 1896 Richard's tough training drills proved to be invaluable. The three masted sailboat, the E.S. Newman, was caught in a strong storm. The vessel was blown 100 miles south off course it was supposed to be on and placed itself on the beach two miles south of the lifesaving station Etheridge warked at. The horrible storm was so dangerous that Richard had made the normal beach patrols go home that day. But the keen eyes of surfman Theodore Meekins saw the first danger flare and he quickly made Richard aware of it Richard collected his crew and started off on the surfboat. battling the mighty tides and sweeping currents the lifesavers had a hard time to make their way to a poit opposite the sailboat, only to find there was no dry land. Richard tied two of his strongest surfmen side by side and connected them to shore by a long line. They fought their way through the loud breakers and finally reached the stranded sailboat. The Pea Island crew members journeyed through the dangerous waters about ten time! The entire crew was rescued from the sailboat. Richard and his crew were awarded the Gold lifesaving Medal by the Coast Guard, for this rescue.

By: Kiera S.

John Coltrane

John Coltrane was born in Hamlet, North Carolina on September 23, 1926 and became a saxophonist. His son became a saxophonist also. He did bebop then later on he became a free jazz player. He made 50 recordings and many albums. Then he moved to Philadelphia in June 1943. Then he entered the Navy in 1945, and then he played in the Navy Jazz Band. He returned to Civilian life in 1946 and started a jazz theory studies with some of Philadelphia guitarists and a composer which was Dennis Sandole. John's nickname is Trane. Some of John's music from 1946 is for Miles Davis. Some of John's recordings from 1946 were not recognized; also he was part of some groups that were led by Dizzy Gillespie, Earl Bostic and Johnny Hodges. John's main career was expanded fro 12 years during that time he reshaped it and influenced generations for other musicians.

By: Kyndall R.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Dr. Charolotte Hawkins Brown

Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown was born on June 11, 1883 in Henderson, North Carolina. She was the granddaughter of a slave. In the late 1880's, her family moved by boat from Norfolk, Virginia to Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 1901, she found an unoccupied shack and turned it into a one-room school. She taught school for one year. In 1902 Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown was a founder of the Palmer Institute, which was a school for upper class African Americans. The Palmer Institute was located in Sandalia, North Carolina. In 1911, at the age of 29 she married a man named Edward S. Brown. The Marriage only lasted for four years until 1915. Between 1917 and 1936, she recieved honarary Master of Arts degrees from three educational institutions. Also between 1937 and 1958, she recieved honorary doctoral degrees from four universities. She also served as the president for the North Carolina Teachers Association. In 1941, at the age of 68 she wrote a book called The Correct Things to do, to Say to Wear. Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown had no children of her own but she took care of her brother Mingo's daughters and her Aunt Ella Brice's four children. In the 1960's she was a founder of the North Carolina Teacher's Association. Her main goal was to show that blacks should be equal to whites. Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown died January 11, 1961 in Greensboro, North Carolina at the age of 77 because of heart problems.

Dara M.

Daniel T Blue Jr.

Daniel T. Blue is a Democartic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. Daniel was boen April 18, 1949 in Lumberton, NC. His paernts gave him the love and support that made him a stron, black man.

Daniel graduated high school in 1966 and enrolled in college at North Carolina Central University. He was an outstanding student and could have chosen to be anything, but he chose to be a lawyer.

As a member of the NC House of Representatives, Daniel served as Speaker of the House from 1991 thru 1994. He was the first African American to hold this post. He lost this post when in 1994 when the Republicans regained control of the House.

Daniel, then returned to the practice of law. He was selected by the local Democratic Party to return to his seat in the NC House of Representatives when his successor died.

By: Rachel J.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Bennet College

Bennet College was founded by Albion Tourgee in 1873. It is a four year liberal arts college for women. It was first known as Bennet Seminary. It was chartered in 1889 and it's new name was Bennet College. Over 25 years ago it was reorganized and made into all women's college. It is one of the remaining four year liberal college for women. Some of the traditions are Charter Days, Big Sister, Little Sister, White Breakfast, Wearing Pearls and Senior Day. There have been over 10 principals at Bennet College. The first three were W.J Parker (1874-1877) and Edward O. Thayer (1877-1881) and Wilber F. Steele (1881-1889). their current principal is Dr. Julianne Malveaux. Bennet College now has 678 students.

Romare Bearden

Romare Howard Bearden was born September 2, 1911 to Richard Howard and Bessie Bearden in Charlotte North Carolina. He died in New York March 12, 1988. He was 76 years old. He died of bone cancer.



He went to DeWitt Clinton High School. He also was a baseball player in the Negro league. He began college at Lincoln University. Romare transferred to Boston University and completed his studies and New York University.



He graduated with a dgree in education. He began taking courses of art. At New York University Romare published many journal covers. After joining the Harlem artists guides Bearden left on his life long study of art, gathering inspiration from western masters.



He made art that was called collage. He would take bits and pieces of ribbon, paper and other materials and put it all together on a canvas. A lot of his art can be found in museums.


Romare was really great with his art. He just put pieces of different materials on paper and canvas and it was pretty much art. It was cool that alot of museums have them there. He liked making lang landscapes and used alot of women and children in his art.

Romare Bearden also wrote books. One of his popular books is called Lil' Dan and the drummer boy. Lil' Dan was a slave on a plantation. He loves to play his drum. When a company announces all the slaves are set free he doesn't no where to go so he follows the soilders.

In 1990, the Romare Bearden Foundation was started. The foundation has a collection of his art and books and letters. these are available to schools and public programs to make people aware of how important he was to his culture and history of art.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Fantasia Barrino

My North Carolina African American person is Fantasia Barrino. Fantasia was born on June 30, 1984 in High Point North Carolina. Growing up, Fantasia was always singing whether it was at home or at church. The Barrino family would travel all over the south and even recorded a CD Miracles for a local North carolina label. Even though she never finished high school she was always working on her singing and would preform in different shows in North Carolina and throughout the south. Fantasia had a very tough time growing up and even was abused by her boyfriend. Fantasia became a single mother when she was 17 years old.



In 2004 Fantasia was selected to be on the American Idol show. America never heard such a strong gospel, rythm ad blues singer like Fantasia. Not only did the judges love fantasia but America did to. At the age of 19 Fantasia became America Idols finalist and winner. She later went on to star in Broadway showsand even a movie about her life. Fantasia Barrino released her own record which has sold millions of copies.

Aretha Franklin has always been an inspiration to fantasia. When an opportunity presented to Fantasia to play Aretha Franklin on the hit TV show American Dreams it was a dream come true. On March 25, 2005 Fantasia preformed at the NAACP Image Awards in honorof Illinois senator Barack Obama Before he was elected President of the Untied States. Fantasia also won an award for outstanding female artist. In May of 2005, Fantasia went on her first tour with her own band and soul singers.

Fantasia is looking forward to releasing a new album in the spring of 2009. Her new album will have many different sounds from her American Idol show and gospel singing. Fantasia has told many people about her strugles especially with her problems with school. September 2005 she published her memoirs which was written by another writer. Her book is called Life is Not a Fairy Tale. Fantasia's book was number 7 on the New York Times Bestseller list. The book she told how she cannot read well and could only read easy familiar words. Fantasia always tells children how important it is to stay in school and learn while pursuing their dreams. In August 2006 her book was made into a Lifetime Television film.

By: James Tine

Monday, March 9, 2009

Barber-Scotia College

Barber-Scotia College is in Concord, North Carolina. It is a historic college because it is the first black college for girls. The college began in 1867 and taught girls how to be social workers and teachers. The Presbyterian Curch helped to establish the college after the civil war. Scotia Seminary was the college first name. In 1916, the college was renamed Scotia Women's College. When Barber Memorial College in Anniston, Alabama merged with Scotia Women's college in 1930 the college name changed to Barber-Scotia College. The college became coed in 1954, meaning that both girls and boys could go there.

By: Meagan K.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was born as Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928. Her brother , Baily Jr., gave her the name"Maya" during their childhood. When Angelou was 8 years old she experienced a tragic event that left her nearly mute for 5 years. A teacher and friend, Bertha Flowers, helped her to speak again. Flowers intrduced her to classical literature and authors, such as Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, and Edgar Allen Poe.

After graduating from highschool, Angelou attended California Labor School on a scholarship. There she studied dance and drama. During her years in college, Angelou became the first black female streetcar conductor for San Francisco. A few weeks after graduating from college, Maya gave birth to her son, Clyde. He too became a poet. Later Angelou received a scholarship to study dance with Trinidadian choreographer Pearl Primus. Angelou married tosh Angelos in 1952,but the divorced after one-and-a-half years. Angelou has never admitted how many times she's been married, but it's believed to be at least three times.