The Chapel Hill Historical Society ended its 2024 program series in October with the annual Community Treasures award ceremony on November 9th. This ceremony, recognizing individuals who make our community a better place to live, is one of their most popular and rewarding events. Five awardees included: Jay Bryan, Rusty Edmister, Bruce Runberg, Harold Russell and the late Mrs. Vivian Foushee.
Vivian Foushee
Commission Jean Hamilton presented the award to Harrold Russell
Harold Russell
Dr. Harold Russell was born and raised in Hillsborough, where, as a youngster, he would shine shoes to earn money. After earning an undergraduate degree from NCCU, Dr. Russell began his career as a laboratory technician at the U.S. Health Department in Chapel Hill before being transferred to the CDC in Atlanta. While working for the CDC, he took the opportunity to earn his Master’s and PhD at Cornell before returning to the CDC in Atlanta. As an immunologist, Dr. Russell specialized in antibody tests and developed the first antibody test for Lyme disease. He also worked on a vaccine for Pneumococcal pneumonia, including a specific component of the vaccine. He also secured two patents as an inventor and three other patents as co-inventor. Dr. Russell’s scientific research and discoveries have made a significant contribution to public health across the globe. Since his retirement, Dr. Russell and his wife have lived in Efland on property that has been in his family since 1871.
Councilwoman Paris Miller Foushee with husband Gerald honoring Vivian Foushee
Vivian Foushee
The late Vivian Foushee was born in Chapel Hill in 1933, and grew up on Graham and Church Streets. Her mother worked as a housekeeper and maid, and at the University Laundry. Her father drove a delivery truck for University Cleaners. As both of her parents worked, she spent much time with her grandmother. Ms. Foushee graduated from the Orange County Training School in 1951, a member of the last class to graduate from that school. Her parents encouraged her to continue her education and go to college; her grandmother, who recalled the support she had received from a social worker, urged her to enter that profession. She attended North Carolina Central University and received a Master’s Degree in Social Work from UNC in 1966. Ms. Foushee worked for fifteen years as a caseworker in the welfare department. She became a vocal participant in the desegregation movement in the 1960s, and became an advocate for better housing and healthcare. As a supporter of affordable housing, she advocated the policy of “scattered public housing,” which involved locating housing units of compatible size and type in existing neighborhoods, rather than building high-rise apartment buildings. She was one of the founding members of Empowerment, Inc., and served as the first President of their Board of Directors. Ms. Foushee passed away on September 9, 2024, at age 90. Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee, Orange County Commissioner Jean Hamilton, and Chapel Hill Councilwoman Paris Miller-Foushee read and presented proclamations for the awardees. One highlight of the ceremony was Councilwoman Miller-Foushee’s poignant remarks about her late mother-in-law, Vivian Foushee. You can view the video of the ceremony here https://youtu.be/6PVWh5m7scI
