A Storied Past: North Carolina's African American History

He’s called a master spy and a freedom-fighter, but few people know of Abraham Galloway and his role in the Civil War and his leadership during Reconstruction. In our A Storied Past: North Carolina’s African American History video series, find out how Galloway used his experiences of growing up in slavery outside of Southport, North Carolina to become a valued spy, recruited by the Union Army and courted by President Abraham Lincoln. You have not met a spy until you meet Abraham Galloway.

_{NC State University Public History
Music: Kevin MacLeod
Producer: Melody Hunter-Pillion.} 

African Americans in North Carolina joined the fight for America’s independence. John Chavis fought in the Revolutionary War and became an educator who taught some of North Carolina’s most influential leaders. Injustice and prejudice would change his fate, but not his fight for liberty for all.

Learn how this African American hero contributed to his nation in our North Carolina Museum of History's video series, A Storied Past: North Carolina’s African American History.

_{Producer: Melody Hunter-Pillion. NC State University Public History
Music: Kevin MacLeod}

During the Civil War, the 35th Regiment of the United States Colored Troops mustered and trained in New Bern, North Carolina. The troops took action. Reenactors help tell the stories of the brave U.S. Colored Troops in this video from our North Carolina Museum of History's video series, A Storied Past: North Carolina’s African American History.

_{Producer: Melody Hunter-Pillion. NC State University Public History
Music: Kevin MacLeod}

He’s not a native son, but North Carolina likes to claim architect Phil Freelon as her own – and for good reason. The designs of this North Carolina State University and MIT alumnus have transformed communities throughout our nation. From the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., to public libraries, university buildings and museums in North Carolina, California, and Texas, Freelon’s creation have done just what he aims to do, make a difference in the communities where people work, play and live.

Hear more about Freelon’s story in this video from the North Carolina Museum of History's video series, A Storied Past: North Carolina’s African American History.

_{Producer: Melody Hunter-Pillion. NC State University Public History
Music: Kevin MacLeod}

When Eva Clayton took office in 1992, she became the first African American woman to represent North Carolina in the United States Congress since George White’s term ended in 1901. Clayton made history! She would go onto be the president of her congressional freshman class and a leader on a key committee. In our A Storied Past: North Carolina’s African American History video series, Clayton says her determination pointed her in the right direction, but the actions of others made the historic difference.

_{Producer: Melody Hunter-Pillion. NC State University
Public History Music: Kevin MacLeod}

Patricia Timmons-Goodson did not see the North Carolina Supreme Court in her future, but she became the first African American woman to take the state’s highest bench. In our A Storied Past: North Carolina’s African American History video series, Justice Timmons-Goodson shares what propelled her ahead and how the love and discipline in her U.S. military family shaped her will power.

_{Producer: Melody Hunter-Pillion. NC State University Public History
Music: Kevin MacLeod}

Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina during segregation, Ernie Barnes captured the lively spirit of his community in his artwork. Barnes played in the NFL for five seasons, but art was his true calling. His works include The Sugar Shack, the iconic painting featured in the Good Times television series and on the cover of a Marvin Gaye album. Influences of his life and schooling at Hillside High School and North Carolina Central University can be seen in his distinctive creative work. Learn more about artist Ernie Barnes in the North Carolina Museum of History's video series, A Storied Past: North Carolina’s African American History.

_{Producer: Melody Hunter-Pillion. NC State University Public History
Music: Kevin MacLeod}