North Carolina History Project : African American

Anne Atkins Encyclopedia

Despite being widowed at a young age and paying increased property taxes, Anne Atkins improved her family’s financial situation during the late 1800s.

John H. Baker (1935-2007) Encyclopedia

John H. Baker served as North Carolina’s first African American sheriff. He served in this office for twenty-four year and proposed one of Wake County's first charter schools.

Charles and Winnie Tally (dual tenure) Encyclopedia

From Oxford Township, Charles and Winnie Tally were among many freedmen using dual tenure to make ends meet.

Dual Tenure (late 1800s) Encyclopedia

In theory, after the Civil War, land ownership seemed an attainable goal for North Carolina freedpeople. In actuality, racial division and limited finances made land ownership extremely difficult. Freedmen, therefore, practiced dual tenure.

Freedmen's Bank Encyclopedia

After the Civil War, Northern missionaries and Freedmen’s Bureau agents encouraged emancipated slaves to participate in a free-labor economy and embody middle-class values. But the South lay in ruins. It was difficult for many whites to rebound financially and for former slaves to find work, much less start enterprising careers. Freedmen, however, adjusted quickly to the demands of a free-labor economy.

George Washington Carver College Encyclopedia

When North Carolina’s manufacturing sector started growing rapidly during the mid-twentieth century, African American students lacked educational opportunities to become marketable in the modern workforce. To meet this demand, C. A. Barrett in 1948 started George Washington Carver College in Asheboro.

Greensboro Shootings Encyclopedia

On November 3, 1979, an armed confrontation between members of the Maoist Communist Workers Party (CWP) and several Klansmen and Nazis ended with four CWP members and one supporter being shot dead. Three trials soon followed, and CWP survivors and their supporters claimed that their anti-establishment views incited a conspiracy to have them killed.

Willis Hinton (1840-1924) Encyclopedia

In spite of his illiteracy, Hinton was a successful entrepreneur. He ran two flourishing businesses when African Americans struggled for equality and respect and the chance to participate in a free market where each held his own.

Lunsford Lane (1803-?) Encyclopedia

Born just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina on May 30, 1803, Lunsford Lane exhibited entrepreneurial talent as a child and a determination as an adult to buy his freedom. He is most famous for writing a slave narrative that included descriptions of his business activities while in bondage and his troubles securing his and his family’s freedom.

Latta University Encyclopedia

Founded by Reverend Morgan London Latta in 1892, Latta University was a school and orphanage for former slaves’ children.

North Carolina Mutual Life Encyclopedia

During the nadir of race relations in the United States, African Americans had difficulty finding affordable life insurance. Inspired by fraternal solutions to societal problems, seven black community leaders started an African American insurance company: North Carolina Mutual Life.

Oberlin Cemetery Encyclopedia

Located on Oberlin Road and nestled in between office buildings and condominiums, the 142-year-old cemetery is the burial ground for generations of Oberlin Village’s earliest residents.

Oberlin Village Encyclopedia

After the Civil War, parcels of southern land were subdivided and sold to former slaves. Historic Oberlin Village was comprised of such parcels and became one of Raleigh’s first freedmen communities.

Omar Ibn Said (1770-1864) Encyclopedia

Since 1995 when his autobiography, the only American slave narrative known to exist in Arabic, was found, Said has gained national attention. Many scholars contend Said was a devout Muslim until his death. Said, however, made a Christian profession of faith and joined the Presbyterian Church.

Ashley W. Smith (1850?-1928) Encyclopedia

Ashley W. Smith's greatest accomplishment may have been providing an example of what a black property owner could achieve in a small town during the late 1800s and early 1900s.