STORIES

In the October 2022 edition of OUR STATE magazine, editors feature the delicious success of Chapel Hill native, Annette “Neecy” Council, daughter of the late Mildred Council, of Mama Dip’s Kitchen on Rosemary Street.  In her own words: “I remember watching my mother...

The Town of Carrboro is located in Orange County, North Carolina. According to 2019 US Census estimates, the town’s population is at 21,190. 29% of the population self-identified as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Carrboro is a member of the Government...

Shenekia Weeks was hired in June 2021 as the Town of Chapel Hill’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer. The Town of Chapel Hill’s Diversity Officer collaborates with local leadership to direct, programs and activities designed to celebrate Chapel...

By Laurie Paolicelli “My life’s creative challenge is wielding the tension between powerful narrative and compelling data to center Black intellectual lives as craft and method. Radically better metaphors for a radically better public life.” —UNC Professor, Dr....

As University of North Carolina Chapel Hill gets ready to welcome the Black Alumni Reunion to town on September 29, 2022, it’s a good time to be reminded of some of the pioneers who, in 1951, broke down barriers for the generations of students who followed. Their...

Joseph Jordan was hired in August 2021 at UNC. As vice provost, he provides leadership and support for centers and institutes in their work as key sites for academic and community engagement, support equity and inclusion across all units, and apply best practices to...

On February 28 in 1960, nine young men from Chapel Hill’s all-black high school organized a sit-in at the Colonial Drug Store on Franklin Street. These 16 to 18-year-olds from Lincoln High were arrested for seeking the same service that was given to white customers....

MISSION & HISTORY EmPOWERment, Inc.’s mission is to empower individuals and communities to achieve their destiny through community organizing, affordable housing, and grass roots economic development. Chapel Hill is a vibrant community that is ever changing and...

One of the great moments in civil rights history took place in Chapel Hill on May 6th, 1969. That’s when Howard N. Lee was elected mayor of this town. In so doing, he became the first African American elected mayor in a predominantly white southern town since...