Second of two parts: Moses Grandy, born enslaved in Camden County, made three attempts to purchase his freedom, and he secured his family’s freedom, too.
Black History Month
Enslaved in Camden County, Moses Grandy knew its cruelty
A highway marker erected last fall honors Moses Grandy of Camden County, whose life story helped elevate understanding of the institution’s brutality and increase calls for its abolition.
Hammocks group to hold NC Teachers Association program
The Friends of Hammocks Beach and Bear Island group is hosting an event Saturday that celebrates the North Carolina Teacher’s Association, the only organization for African American educators in the state.
Black history key to understanding Outer Banks’ past
Learn about Black history on the Outer Banks during a special event Feb. 28 at the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum on Roanoke Island.
Emancipation laws during Revolution virtual program set
The virtual lunch-and-learn program, “Bound by Law: Limits to Emancipation during the Revolution,” explores legislated restrictions on the emancipation of enslaved individuals in early North Carolina.
Raising awareness of Outer Banks history on Eastern Shore
Joan Collins shares how she is thrilled to have been invited by The Water’s Edge museum in Oxford, Maryland, to talk next month about her family’s deep ties to Roanoke Island and the U.S. Life-Saving Service.
Jacksonville to host annual African American Read-In
The city of Jacksonville will host the 22nd annual African American Read-In on Feb. 1 at the Jack Amyette Recreation Center.
WWII all-Black women’s unit focus of Feb. 20 program
The legacy of the all-Black World War II Women’s Army Corps unit, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, will be highlighted during a Feb. 20 New Hanover County Black History Month recognition program.
Pea Island groups seeks feedback, lifesaving station stories
The Pea Island Preservation Society is hosting a special program next month to receive feedback and collect more stories about the Pea Island Lifesaving Service station.
Group to celebrate Swansboro’s African American heritage
The Swansboro Historical Association is hosting the special program Feb. 28 on the past, present and future of Hammocks Beach State Park and the surrounding area.
‘We Built This’ exhibit profiles Black architects, builders
The traveling exhibit, “We Built This: Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in North Carolina” will be on display March 6 through May 28 at the Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City.
Bebop drummer Max Roach kept coastal NC connections
Born in Newland near Elizabeth City, the late Max Roach was a pioneer in the mid-20th century New York jazz scene, and a civil rights advocate.
Salmon Creek seines: Shad, herring fisheries were once big
The historically significant site once saw significant river herring and shad fishing, back-breaking work done almost exclusively by enslaved and free Black laborers.
Landowners find Black lifesaving hero’s forgotten grave
Retired Coast Guard Cmdr. Gavin Wente and his wife Renee didn’t know when they bought their property last year that it included the unrecorded gravesite of Capt. Lewis Wescott, who participated in one of the most daring ocean rescues in Outer Banks history.
Fort Fisher aquarium to celebrate Black History Month
The first of the aquarium’s Community Day Series, organizers said that the debut event welcomes visitors to explore the cuisine of the Gullah Geechee, find inspiration in the spoken word, and dive into a life-saving history.
‘The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’ free showing Friday
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville is offering the screening in recognition of Black History Month.
