MILESTONES
THE SONJA HAYNES STONE CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN BLACK CULTURE AND
HEY AMERICA!: EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND THE BIRTH OF FUNK
September 13th at 6:00PM
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FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
Dear Stone Center Family,
August 20, 2024 marks twenty years since the grand opening of our building, which was designed by the late great architect and visionary, Philip Freelon. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this cherished space, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride. This milestone represents two decades of growth, learning, and community, all made possible by your unwavering support and dedication.
Our building has not only been a cornerstone of education and innovation but also a vibrant hub where friendships are forged, ideas are nurtured, and dreams take
flight. It stands as a testament to our collective vision and commitment to excellence.
I hope you will take part in the numerous programs, anniversaryinspired events, and learning opportunities in store throughout this entire year. Thank you for your generosity and continued involvement. Together, we look forward to many more years of shared success and impactful contributions.
Warm regards, Dr. Rhon
2024 DIASPORA FESTIVAL OF BLACK AND INDEPENDENT FILM
September 26, 6:00PM at the Varsity Theater ▲ cont on page 2
Photo credit: Sandra K Davidson
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PATRICIA TIMMONSGOODSON TO DELIVER THE 2024 STONE MEMORIAL LECTURE
November 12th at 6:00PM
Patricia Timmons-Goodson, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of North Carolina Central University School of Law, will deliver the annual Stone Memorial Lecture at the Stone Center. This event will take place on Tuesday, November 12th at 6:00PM.
Timmons-Goodson’s professional career in North Carolina represents more than three decades of unflinching and powerfully effective public service.
Timmons-Goodson earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1976, a Juris Doctor from its School of Law in 1979, and a Master of Judicial Studies in 2014 from Duke University School of Law.
After serving as a prosecutor, legal
aid lawyer, trial and intermediate appellate judge, Timmons-Goodson was appointed to the Supreme Court of North Carolina by Governor Michael Easley. She will always be due special notice in the history books as the fourth woman and the first African American woman to sit on North Carolina’s highest court. She served twenty-eight years in the judiciary prior to her retirement from the Supreme Court in 2012.
In July 2014, President Barack Obama appointed TimmonsGoodson a member of the United States Commission on Civil Rights and later designated her Vice Chair. The independent, bipartisan, factfinding federal agency is charged with informing the development of national civil rights policy and enhancing federal enforcement of national civil rights laws.
President Obama further demonstrated his confidence in Timmons-Goodson by nominating her to serve as an Article III judge in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Though she was denied the necessary Senate hearings, her family remains justly proud of the nomination.
In recognition of her service to her alma mater and State of North Carolina, Timmons-Goodson has received among other awards the UNC-Chapel Hill General Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni and Harvey Beach Awards, the William R. Davie Award, and the UNC School of Law Distinguished Alumna Award. She holds honorary degrees from Johnson C. Smith University, St. Augustine’s College, and UNC-Chapel Hill.
2024 DIASPORA FESTIVAL OF BLACK AND INDEPENDENT FILM
September 26, 6:00PM at the Varsity Theater
The 2024 Diaspora Festival of Black and Independent Film opens on September 26, at 6:00PM at the Varsity Theater, 123 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill. This year’s festival opens with the North Carolina premiere of two captivating entries. The first consists of a documentary: “ARTE CONGO…ARTISTS JOURNEY ON THE CONGO COAST OF PANAMÁ,” written, produced, directed and narrated by Atlanta-based veteran artist, scholar and filmmaker Dr. Arturo Lindsay.
“Arte Congo” chronicles the journeys of seven artists on a mission to research, preserve and promote Congo culture in the Republic of Panama through works of art. The Congos of Panama are descendants of Africans that escaped enslavement during the colonial periods. The documentary reveals aesthetic links between Congo culture in Panama, Africa and the African diaspora.
The second screening of the evening consists of a short feature, SACRED AXA—written, produced, and directed by LeRhonda S. Manigault-Bryant—which recounts the story of an island that harbors sacred possibilities.
These screenings, with a combined runtime of about 75 minutes, will be followed by audience commentary and Q&A with both filmmakers.
Beyond opening night, this year’s Diaspora festival also features a special screening, on October 22nd, in collaboration with the Black Queer Studies Conference. The film screening, highlighting cinematic explorations of the intersections of Blackness and Queerness, is part of several leadup events to the 25th anniversary of the Black Queer Studies conference hosted by UNC April 4-6, 2025.
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September 13th at 6:00PM
HEY AMERICA!: EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND THE BIRTH OF FUNK
Cultural Preservation and the Eastern North Carolina Roots of Funk Music
The Sonja Haynes Stone Center, in collaboration with the Kinston, NC-based 1901 Building Group, which promotes cultural education and heritage preservation, will host the Chitlin Circuit re-enactment on September 13th at 6:00PM.
This showcase features a live performance, an historical exhibition, and food and fellowship that will bring to life the founding and evolution of funk music.
For years prior to the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic, Choci Gray helped organize and host the Chitlin Circuit re-enactment in Kinston, NC. The annual event celebrated the town’s prominent Black musicians and harkened to segregation-era marginalization of Black performers who were excluded from white clubs and forced instead to perform at Black-owned venues.
Billed The Chitlin Circuit, these venues provided important community-building and networking sanctuaries of support for Black entertainers. With artists and performers such as the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, B.B. King, and Duke Ellington starting regularly on the Circuit scene, a new genre, Funk Music, emerged.
Several of the venues that contributed immensely to shaping American music during that era were in North Carolina.
Choci Gray is an eastern North Carolina native, who grew up listening to prominent black Musicians of the time, including James Brown. Upon learning that Brown’s funk style emanated from enormous contributions by several Kinston-connected musicians such as Nat Jones, Maceo Parker, Melvin Parker, and Dick Knight, Gray was spurred to action. She returned to her hometown after a period of living overseas, with a renewed urge to preserve, promote and celebrate her community’s rich musical and cultural heritage.
Gray’s community-building work is best exemplified by her initiatives as proprietor of the 1901 Building Group in Kinston. Through this collective, she hosts cultural and arts events and performances, and serves on the county’s recreation committee.
Gray has worked tirelessly to preserve the legacy of, and garner recognition for, the rich heritage of cultural production and artists
in her community. She nominated Maceo Parker and Dick Knight for the North Carolina Heritage Award, which they received in 2016 and 2018, respectively.
Gray also helped secure a Pomeroy Foundation Historic Marker to honor Nat Jones, who co-wrote many of James Brown’s songs and served as the band’s musical director. This marker will be the first in Kinston to honor an African American.
The Exhibition
An accompanying historical exhibition, entitled Hey America!: Eastern North Carolina and the Birth of Funk, will feature items associated with James Brown and some Tar Heel musicians who worked with Brown to shed light on emergence of the funk music genre during the mid- to late 1960s. With nods to the musical genius of Nathaniel “Nat” Jones of Kinston and other African American musical pioneers from eastern North Carolina, the exhibition focuses on a community of artists who helped to create funk when they joined up with James Brown in 1964 and helped transform Brown into the icon known worldwide as the “Godfather of Funk Music.” The exhibition is curated by Earl Ijames from the North Carolina Museum of History.
This event, like most of the Stone Center’s programming, is free and open to the public.
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Photo credit: Sandra K Davidson
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2024 DIASPORA FESTIVAL OF BLACK AND INDEPENDENT FILM
Our popular film festival Lunchtime Screening and Discussion makes a return to the schedule —on October 15th and 29th, starting at 12:15PM in addition to two evening screenings — on October 3rd and 10th, starting at 6:30PM in the Hitchcock Multipurpose Room.
The Diaspora Festival of Black and Independent Film is the Sonja Haynes Stone Center’s annual event showcasing films from all corners of the African diaspora. The festival illuminates multifaceted narratives that explore the range of global Black experience. Many screenings are regional premieres and feature commentary from filmmakers, local scholars, and leaders as part of the Stone Center’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogues.
For more details, including film synopses and a full and updated screening schedule, please visit the Diaspora Festival of Black and Independent Film page on our website: stonecenter.unc.edu.
“RETURNING”
By Nyah Johnson
Last semester, I had the honor of being the Stone Center’s Sean Douglas Fellow. Throughout my time, I became immersed in the center’s history and Sonja Haynes’ legacy. In return, I created my own project dedicated to highlighting the center’s culture. “Returning,” as I titled it, blossomed from my experiences as a ballet dancer. For many years, ballet was my love and passion; unfortunately, the ballet world is not always kind to Black little girls. I fell out of love with dancing. Yet, in the last year, I found myself returning to dance.
After discussing my experiences with Dr. Rhon, “Returning” reflected that journey to my roots, both in dance and embracing my identity. Through conversations with many others from the Stone Center, I learned that everyone had their own “Returning” story. My project became a celebration of resilience and reclamation of our bodies and voices. It served as a reminder that, despite the challenges faced, there
is always a path back to the things that bring us joy. At the end of the semester, I presented “Returning,” which consisted of a video and dance routine, to my closest friends and family. It was equally vulnerable and rewarding.
I would be remiss to suggest that I did this alone. My dancers, Shanise and Allison, trusted me with their “Returning” stories, allowing us to create a routine that represented all of us. In the relationships I cultivated at the Stone Center, several student assistants, Natalia, Ahmed, and Alex, helped me piece the video together, offering their time and advice. I could not have done this without any of them.
As I close, I’d like to thank Dr. Rhon and everyone at the Stone Center for opening their doors and entrusting me with this fellowship. The Stone Center became my home and the people became my family. I couldn’t be more grateful.
Love, Nyah Spring 2024 Sean Douglas Fellow
▼ Pictured below: Natalia Adamah ‘24; Nyah Johnson ‘26; Dr. Rhon, Director; and Ahmed Abnowf ‘27
THE UNDERGRADUATE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FELLOWSHIP— A TRIBUTE
We recognize the memory of Lucrecia R. Moore ‘92 who passed away in March 2024 after a valiant fight with breast cancer.
Lucrecia was the consummate servant leader who faced uncertainty with steadfastness, joy, and relentless possibility. As the former chair of ACRED, she used her deep commitment to and love for the university to shepherd ACRED’s work during the COVID pandemic. Her life and legacy are a reminder of the power of fortitude of spirit, and the knowledge that shared leadership is the strongest leadership.
Reyna Walters-Morgan ‘99, former ACRED Chair Virginia Cardenas ‘98 and current ACRED Chair Lou Patalano ‘95 embraced Lucrecia’s love for supporting students and raised a challenge during GiveUNC 2024. Their advocacy raised $6,620 for the Undergraduate International Studies Fellowship (UISF) and gave us the chance to support two deserving students.
The UISF provides up to $2,500 toward academic research or study in an international setting and
encourages students to prioritize traveling to and researching in on communities within or topics relevant to communities of the African diaspora. Students who are enrolled full-time, in good academic standing, and plan to travel abroad in the summer or fall, are eligible to apply.
▲ Pictured above: 2024-2025 UISF Fellow— Krystal Lacayo, Class of 2025
Krystal Lacayo ‘25, an Environmental Studies major, used the fellowship to support her travels to Denmark and Germany. Salma Hakam ‘25, a Public Health Nutrition major, was awarded the fellowship to support her research in Kenya. They will give public presentations on their work this fall.
▲ Pictured above: 2024-2025 UISF Fellow— Salma Hakam, Class of 2025
The adage “it takes a village” has always rung true for the Stone Center family, and our connections—though loss, advocacy, and opportunity—run deep.
ANGELIKA WALLACEWHITFIELD, FALL 2024 PAMELA NICOLE CUMMINGS ARTIST-INRESIDENCE
The Pamela Nicole Cummings Visiting Artist Fellowship is supported by a gift from alumnus Anthony Wayne Cummings, and provides support for early career artists. Artists may undertake a range of projects and activities during this short-term residency.
This fall, we welcome Angelika WallaceWhitfield, who is a Bahamian visual artist and curator. She began her career as a curator at both The Central Bank of The Bahamas and The Current: Baha Mar Gallery and Art Center. As of 2019, Angelika departed her institutional roles to specialize in creating murals and other public artworks full-time while lecturing in Art History at The University of The Bahamas.
While in residence this fall, Angelika will commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Stone Center building with a commissioned mural of Dr. Sonja Haynes Stone.
COMMUNIVERSITY CORNER
As we’ve sprung into spring, Communiversity Scholars and volunteers have been buzzing with activity! This season, our scholars have engaged with over 15 local businesses, non-profits, and higher education institutions, creating impactful connections within our community. Field trips have taken students to exciting destinations, including the Morehead Planetarium, NCSU, and the Greensboro Science Center, offering hands-on learning experiences and exploration. Our scholars also celebrated Earth Day with UNC’s Art Heels, participating in creative environmental activities. And to top off a busy season, students had fun making their own ice cream and acai bowls, blending culinary skills with creativity. These experiences have enriched our scholars’ learning and community involvement, reflecting our commitment to providing diverse and engaging opportunities. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to foster growth and connection throughout the next school year!
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Leah Bug, Director of the Engineering Place at North Carolina State University, has been instrumental in advancing the Communiversity Scholars (CYP) programming. Her dedication and expertise have significantly enriched our educational initiatives. Dr. Bug has skillfully led engaging sessions both on-site and at NCSU, where her insights into textile fashion and innovative learning kits have captivated students. Her commitment to hands-on learning and interdisciplinary education has provided invaluable experiences for our scholars. By bridging engineering with creative design, Dr. Bug has fostered a deeper understanding of how technology and fashion intersect, inspiring the next generation of innovators. Her leadership and passion continue to drive the success of our programs, making her an invaluable partner in shaping the future of education.
Thank you, Dr. Bug!
STONE CENTER STAFF DIRECTORY
LeRhonda Manigault-Bryant Director 919-962-9001 rhon@unc.edu
Sheriff Drammeh
Senior Program Manager 919-843-2669 sheriff7@email.unc.edu
Brittany Yarborough Executive Assistant 919-843-02668 blyarb@unc.edu
Javier Jaimes-Ayala Facilities Manager 919-962-7025 jaimes@email.unc.edu
Safiyyah Elahi
Community Programs Coordinator 919-962-7264 selahi@unc.edu
Malenia Swinton Communiversity and Undergraduate Programs Consultant 919-962-9001 malenias@unc.edu
Rodney Whitmore Building Security Officer 919-962-9001 rwhitmor@email.unc.edu
Stone Center Library Staff
Gregg Moore Stone Center Library Manager 919-843-5804 moorejg@email.unc.edu
Brittany Hutchinson Graduate Assistant 919-843-5804 bhutchi@unc.edu
Stone Center Faculty Leaders
Kumi Silva Faculty Director, Moore Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (MURAP) kumi@email.unc.edu
Anna S. Agbe-Davies Faculty Co-Director, Student Learning to Advance Truth and Equity (SLATE) agbe-davies@unc.edu
Renée Alexander Craft Faculty Co-Director, Student Learning to Advance Truth and Equity (SLATE) renee.alexander.craft@unc.edu
DONOR SPOTLIGHT— DR. CASSANDRA D. CALDWELL
We proudly recognize Dr. Cassandra Caldwell, B.A., class of 1993, who is the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Akerman LLP. Dr. Caldwell’s dedication and generosity have been instrumental in advancing our mission. A member of ACRED (the Alumni Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity) and the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Caldwell’s contributions have not only provided essential resources but have also paved the way for innovative programs that empower and uplift our community. In January 2024, Dr. Caldwell introduced “The Carolina Blueprint,” a webinar focusing on celebrating class milestones by supporting the Stone Center. And, most recently, she pledged a $50,000 gift to endow the Dr. Cassandra Denise Caldwell Fellowship, an initiative that will support academic success for firstgeneration undergraduates. Whether through financial support, volunteer efforts, or advocacy, Dr. Caldwell’s involvement has made a significant and lasting impact, and we honor her many contributions.
NEW STAFF
Safiyyah Elahi, a Connecticut native brings eight years of invaluable experience to her work with youth. Her passion lies in educating both young minds and families, fostering a supportive and empowering environment/community.
Safiyyah holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Public Health and Masters of Art Degree in Gender and Cultural Studies from Simmons University.
FELLOWSHIP AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, 2025
The Stone Center invites applications for the Sean Douglas Leadership Fellowship and the Undergraduate International Studies Fellowship
Both fellowship applications, due November 1, 2024, provide modest awards for research and/or leadership experience. Learn about these opportunities and submit your electronic application at https://stonecenter.unc.edu/. For more information, contact Brittany Yarborough at blyarb@unc.edu
Through her dedication, Safiyyah has become a beacon for change, creating impactful programs and initiatives that contribute to the well-being and growth of the communities she works with. Her commitment to youth development reflects genuine joy in shaping the future of the next generation.
