Other projects that keep me inspired…you, too?
Parallel Lives
Designed to be a tour for our times to explore and discover the history of Chapel Hill from both a Black and a White perspective. Familiar places and landmarks are the backdrop to set our sights on a new shared knowledge. Some stories may be well-known, others brand new. Yet the mix – of the personal with the collective narrative – brings us together in an understanding of our past. And, as we know, the past is directly connected to the present…and to our future.
Consistently, I have found that the most valuable part of Parallel Lives has indeed been the group sharing and discussion. Folks have offered new information, insights and expanded understanding of our history – and the ways we are shaped by our own personal stories and experiences. We have so much to learn from each other!
Heart of the Hill Tours and Hometown Ambassadors
Launched in Fall of 2019. This spring, we are offering walking tours of Franklin Street with our knowledgeable and fun Hometown Ambassadors. HUGE THANKS to ALL our fabulous Guides!! Want to be placed on the mailing list for tours? Email heartofthehilltours@gmail.com. I hope to see you on tour!
SO PROUD to be on the board of this organization, started by Danita Mason-Hogans, to build educational opportunities for the descendants of the enslaved in Chapel Hill. Surrounded by a powerhouse of talent in education with generational history in our community, I am learning and growing in my understanding of Chapel Hill’s long standing educational gap - the 2nd largest in the nation! Please explore more HERE.
EXHIBITS FOR THE CHAPEL HILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY
New exhibit! “THE BUSINESS OF FRANKLIN STREET” - opening March 28 at the Orange County Historical Museum.
A HISTORY OF HOPE: UNC and CHAPEL HILL. PART 1 AND 2. This exhibit shared the intertwined, often unspoken, collective history of Black and White Chapel Hill and our flagship University. Part 1 covered the very beginnings from pre-1793 to 1928 and Part 2 continued the story, 1930 - 1980. You can still view a portion of the exhibit at the Chapel Hill Senior Center. Suggested resources from this exhibit are available here.
My goal for these exhibits is to bring people together to be inspired, reflect, learn, and engage in conversation! I hope to spark action, change, understanding and connection - to our Black and White history, to racial equity and to justice, and to our joy and love for our town.
FIRST LOOK, a program for middle schoolers to learn about college, 2008 - 2018
First Look was designed to show kids a possible future — to learn about college (not any specific school), what it is, how to get there, why go, how to pay - with a diverse, talented and trained squad of Carolina college students as guides. In my decade as director of UNC Visitors Center, we served more than 27,000 kids from low-wealth schools in 62 counties across our state of North Carolina.
And, in an effort to reach those who couldn’t come to campus - or as a prelude or post-event - I created a First Look app with the help of UNC professor Steven King, funded by GEAR UP. The app was further developed for use by GEAR UP NC, with other states in the works.
I then used AR / augmented reality technology to create a Google Expedition, “A First Look at College.” Using a Google cardboard apparatus and a mobile phone, kids felt they were on a campus instead of in their classrooms.
Creating and building the First Look program was one of the most enriching and fulfilling experiences of my life. KUDOS to my students and staff! And to educators across our state, and nation, who believe in their kids and show them a future of possibilities!