african-american voices between two rivers

We are pleased to announce that the North Carolina Humanities Council, Inc. has awarded 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 past 10 months, we have been interviewing more than 25 senior residents to help with this endeavor. We have documented the experiences of African-American's by capturing the voices of our elderly residents.

As part of this project, NRCDC hosted 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 provided a wealth of in-depth information about the lifestyles and heritage of Craven County.

Sometime later, as part of the Duffyfield Unity Family Festival, we invited residents to bring their old photographs and any historical documentation to our Reflection Center. We copied and archived their precious memories as we launched 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 helped 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 are available for viewing or download using the links below, and 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.

Viewing Online (through SlideShare)
*Please note a new window will open so you can view the slide presentation.
Oral History Project Launch
Oral History Project Conclusion

Download PDF Presentations (please note these are large files and may take a few moments to download depending on your internet connection)
Oral History Project Launch (2MB)
Oral History Project Conclusion (31MB)

Download Powerpoint Presentations (please note these are large files and may take a few moments to download depending on your internet connection)
*Remember to right-click and "save as" to download the file to your desktop.
Oral History Project Launch (21MB)
Oral History Project Conclusion (64MB)

Thank you 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.