african-american voices between two rivers

We are pleased to announce that the North Carolina Humanities Council, Inc. has just funded Neuse River Community Development Corporation (NRCDC) a $5,000 grant entitled, "African-American Voices Between Two Rivers" to document and preserve the presence of African-American history in New Bern, North Carolina. Over the next 10 months, we will be interviewing more than 25 senior residents to help with this endeavor. We will be documenting the experiences of African-American's by capturing the voices of our elderly residents.

On September 5, 2008, NRCDC will be hosting a program reception in the Stanley White Recreation Center at 5:30 p.m. to inform the public and launch this important historical project. Your knowledge and insight will provide a wealth of in-depth information about the lifestyles and heritage of Craven County.

The following day, September 6th, as part of the Duffyfield Unity Family Festival (DUFFEST 2008), we are inviting residents to bring their old photographs and any historical documentation to our Reflection Center. We will be copying and archiving their precious memories as we launch this historic project. DUFFEST, a major community initiative undertaken to strengthen and unify families, was conceived by the residents of New Bern as a way for families to claim and exhibit pride in their community.

The information obtained from the interviews will help compile a pictorial publication, which has been scheduled for release in 2010, in conjunction with the tri-centennial celebration for the City of New Bern. Copies of this Oral History Collection will be housed in the New Bern-Craven County Public Library, as well as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at the Chapel Hill Southern Oral History Program Library for years to come. Will you please come out to help make this vital endeavor a huge success?

Thank you in advance for your participation. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Project Coordinator Bernard George at (252) 639-7584 or Tharesa Lee, Communications Director, at (252) 639-7582. Linda Simmons Henry is the Project Consultant.