August2015 online by Spectacular Magazine

NC GENERAL ASSEMBLY HONORS SHAW UNIVERSITY RALEIGH, NC – The North Carolina General Assembly honored Shaw University August 12 with both a Senatorial and House of Representative statement recognizing the University’s contributions during its 150th Anniversary. In addition, Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue, Jr., North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus (NCLBC) Chairman Representative Garland E. Pierce and other members of the Caucus held a press conference prior to the start of today’s congressional session to highlight Shaw’s influence throughout North Carolina. “Shaw University has been in the forefront of educating AfricanAmericans and a leader in the civil rights movement for well over 150 years,” said Senator Blue. “It is the first historically black institution of higher education in the South, and amongst the oldest in the country. The school and its graduates have made remarkable contributions to our communities, state, and nation. I am honored to have represented this historical institution as a legislator and commend it for its many significant contributions to our state, nation, and the entire world.” The statements, read in both congressional chambers, highlighted Shaw’s history, including recognition as the first college in the nation to offer a four-year medical program; the first historically black college to house

Shaw President Dr. Tashni Dubroy with members of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus and NC Senator Dan Blue, Jr. (Submitted Photo)

women on a co-educational campus; the establishment of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) on Shaw’s campus in 1960; and recognition of Shaw graduates that later established several other historically black colleges in North Carolina. In addition, Senator Blue and Representative Pierce acknowledged Shaw’s recent contributions, including creating $84 million in added regional income to the Raleigh-Durham

economy during the 2012-2013 fiscal year. During the press conference, Shaw President Dr. Tashni Dubroy thanked the NCLBC and Senator Blue for the recognition and reminded the audience of Shaw’s place in North Carolina history. “Throughout the channels of Raleigh’s and this state’s history, Shaw University has continued to serve as a tangible reminder of

what one can achieve with a dream,” said Dubroy. “We have educated scholars, encouraged leaders, nurtured spirits, and brought hope to countless lives. The road has not always been easy and the journey has held its share of obstacles but with the support of our students, alumni, supporters, and friends, we have stayed the course and helped direct many paths.”

INTERNATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS CENTER AND MUSEUM PRESENTS THE “IN HOPES OF FREEDOM” COLLECTION: A TRIBUTE TO BLACK HEROES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION GREENSBORO, NC - Most Americans know the names of wellknown heroes of the American Revolution such as Patrick Henry, Betsy Ross and George Washington. Some may even know the name Crispus Attucks, an African American and the first casualty of the Revolution; he was shot and killed in what became known as the Boston Massacre.

Bust of John Chavis

But there were other, significant contributions by Blacks to the American Revolution. It is estimated that over 5,000 African-Americans, both enslaved and free, served with the Continental Army and Navy and the local militia. Black soldiers fought bravely in every major battle of the Revolutionary War—including the battles of Concord, Lexington, and Bunker Hill – hoping that slavery would be abolished in America.

“In Hopes of Freedom”, the latest exhibition in The Changing Gallery at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum captures the courage and determination of heroes of African descent who participated in the American Revolution. In the set of 31 vibrant oil paintings, half of which have dimensions of 3 feet or more, local artist Michelle Nichole depicts such individuals including: • John Chavis, who enlisted in the Fifth Virginia Regiment at age 15, was educated at what are now Princeton, and Washington and Lee Universities. He was the first teacher of any race to open a school in Raleigh, NC. Described as one of the best in the state, the children of many prominent Caucasian families were educated there. Chavis Heights and John Chavis Memorial Park are named in his honor. • Paul Cuffe, who was born free and

became a wealthy navigator and ship owner. He and his brother began a trading business and with the outbreak of the American Revolution, they ran British blockades with American supplies. • Elizabeth Freeman, known as “Mum Bett,” was born a slave in Massachusetts and was a nurse, midwife and widow of a Revolutionary War soldier. In 1781, after a successful court trial in which she cited the U.S. Bill of Rights and the new Massachusetts state constitution, she became the first enslaved AfricanAmerican to be freed under the Massachusetts constitution. “In Hopes of Freedom” will be on display during regular hours through August 28 in the Changing Gallery at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum 134 S. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27401.