March 2015
A leader in community economic development efforts for over 46 years
Wilson Community Improvement Association, Inc. 504 E. GREEN ST., WILSON
252-243-4855 www.wcianc.org
Contents Publisher Morgan Paul Dickerman, III Director of Sales and Marketing Shana Hoover (252) 265-7858 shana@wilsontimes.com Special Sections Manager Jennifer Strickland (252) 265-7848 jstrickland@wilsontimes.com Advertising Account Executives Cynthia Collins (252) 265-7826 ccollins@wilsontimes.com
16 105 and Counting
Mrs. Minnie Morrison has reason to party. She just turned 105! See how she celebrated
Lisa Pearson (252) 265-7827 lpearson@wilsontimes.com Beth Robbins (252) 265-7849 brobbins@wilsontimes.com Writers Lisa Boykin Batts JANET CONNER-KNOX jennifer Strickland Photography GĂŠrard Lange TIffany Lievense Gray Whitley Graphic Design Brooke Allen Brenda Ramirez GĂŠrard Lange ____________________
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Expanding History
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Sweetheart Banquet
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Here We Grow Again!
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Celebrating 75 Years
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Paving the Way
EAST WILSON FORWARD is a publication of
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Expansion plans are under way for the Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House
Members of the Loyal Leisure Senior Citizen Club recently attended their annual Sweetheart Banquet
Wilson Community College will soon be expanding again
The Gamma Beta Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority celebrates 75 years in Wilson
Leadership classes are being offered to help build awareness and spark interest in improving our community
Cover photography by Gray Whitley
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Remember When Photographs from east Wilson throughout the years March 2015
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Expandin 4 EAST WILSON FORWARD
ng History
The Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House holds an iconic place in the history of east Wilson
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“It’s a museum that will help pull Wilson together as one.” Ken Jones By JENNIFER STRICKLAND
Oliver Nestus Freeman was born in rural Wilson County, on February 22, 1882, the son of Julius Freeman, a carpenter, and Eliza Daniels Freeman. He was educated at the Tuskegee Normal School, now Tuskegee University, in Tuskegee, Alabama, where he majored in Industrial Arts. The education he earned while at Tuskegee Normal School, which included training in construction and masonry work, proved useful once he completed his schooling. He went on to teach for Tuskegee Normal School before he returned to Wilson to teach at the Wilbanks School. Before returning to Wilson, Freeman married his college sweetheart, Willie May Hendly, who was originally from Nashville, Tennessee. The couple settled into a comfortable life in Wilson, residing in a modest brick home on East Nash Street that Freeman designed and built himself. This home is where they raised their four children, and it still remains in the family today. Many structures built by Freeman are still standing throughout Wilson, but the most widely recognized structure he designed and built is the Round House. It’s unique shape and
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the unconventional materials used to build it have made it a popular tourist attraction. While it is a common misconception that the home is built entirely of stone, the house is actually built of many materials not typically used in home fabrication, including bottles, tree saplings, and even string. In 2001, the house was moved from its original location to the current location at the intersection of Nash and Hines streets in downtown Wilson. Currently, the Round House serves as a museum and contains artifacts that depict the culture and contributions from African Americans to the development and history of Wilson and the surrounding areas. Space inside the museum is limited due to the size of the building and many members of our community have begun fundraising efforts to construct a new building that would increase the exhibit space. “There’s a need in Wilson for a history and art museum for all people,” said Bill Myers, museum director. “We’ve got the land, enthusiasm, and we need the community support.” The new building would allow
Oliver Nestus Freeman, right, a noted local African American stone mason, built the Round House in 1947 to help alleviate the housing shortage for GI’s returning from the war.
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additional space for more African American items and exhibits and would also house Wilson’s first history and art museum. “It’s a museum that will help pull Wilson together as one,” said Ken Jones, a co-leader of the expansion effort. “It will help represent every sector of Wilson. Wilson has grown to the point that it would appreciate this.” Myers is often approached by members of the community who have old news articles and artifacts pertaining to the history of Wilson that should be shared with the rest of the community. To date, much of the information on Wilson’s history has yet to be preserved and is at risk of being lost forever. Having a larger museum to display these items would allow everyone from the community to be able to see just how far Wilson and the people that call Wilson home, have come. “There’s a lot of history about Wilson when it wasn’t Wilson,” Myers said.
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“We’d like to see it in a new building.” The proposed new building would boast six galleries, a conference room and a reception area. It will be connected to the Round House, hopefully by a covered walkway. Organizers would like to raise $200,000 and have raised approximately half of that to date. A curator from the N.C. Museum of History has offered to help in the development of the museum once funds are raised. “With that kind of excitement and help that’s available for us, now is the time for expansion,” Myers said.
For more information or to donate to the fundraising efforts, please call Bill Myers at 252.243.2526, Ken Jones at 252.281.4579, or Willie Williams at 252.234.2979.
Loyal Leisure Senior Citizen Club of Wilson attends Sweetheart Banquet Members of the Loyal Leisure Senior Citizen Club of Wilson Parks & Recreation were among the 350 attendees of the 2015 Sweetheart Banquet on Friday, February 13th at the Cornerstone Family Life Center in Greenville, NC. This year’s them was “And the Greatest of These is Love” 1 Corinthians 13. Members enjoyed entertainment by Wren Locke, God’s Own Dancers, the Creation, and Mr. Mime. Members of Loyal Leisure recognized District Members ages 90+ and presented them with gift baskets. Olivia Gibson, age 90, from Wilson was recognized, as well as the oldest member in attendance, Rhybelle Gorham from Greenville, age 99. In addition to the wonderful and uplifting entertainment, a delicious lunch was provided as well as great door prizes. The North Carolina Association of Senior Citizen Clubs, Inc gives seniors ages 55 and better the opportunities for continued leadership, active and useful participation in community affairs, and continuance of responsibilities for citizenship. The Loyal Leisure Senior Citizen Club of Wilson, meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each For more information call Lesia Davis month at Reid Street Center at 252-399-2286. at 10:00 a.m. Contributed Article
March 2015
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Here We Gr Since opening its doors in 1958, Wilson Community College (WCC) has grown and changed as the community it serves grew and changed. 10 EAST WILSON FORWARD
Our community is supported by the nurses, fire fighters, law enforcement officers, computer technicians, welders, teachers, locally owned business and many more WCC graduates that are a part of the foundation of this community. To emphasis this fact when speaking in public the College’s President Dr. Rusty Stephens often comments “If all the people in Wilson who have taken a course at WCC decided
Areal view of the Lee campus on the corner of Highway 301 and Highway 58 in East Wilson outlining the two phase relocation and initiation of programs.
to hold a reunion at the beach, our town would be pretty empty.� WCC offers more than 500 courses that lead to the completion of 50 associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates that prepare students for university transfer or for employment. Curriculum classes that lead to a degree start three times a year. The college operates on a semester schedule with fall courses
ness support, basic skills courses such as English as a Second Language and high school equivalency preparation, and other courses for personal enrichment. Continuing education classes generally follow the same registration periods as curriculum though classes can start at different times throughout the year. Registration for continuing education classes are open up to one
row Again! beginning in August and spring courses beginning in January. There are also limited courses offered in a summer session which runs from May through August. Becoming a WCC student starts with the admissions process, with only four steps, is easy to complete. WCC has a team of counselors available to guide students through the admission process and advisors to assist with course selections. The college also offers non-credit continuing education programs: customized workforce training, small busi-
business day prior to the start date of the class. Workforce Development at WCC has fostered a strong commitment from the local business and industry which utilize the college for training their current and potential employees. Certificate programs such as the Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) ensure that program graduates possess workplace skills in applied mathematics, reading for information, and locating information. Alliance One, Carolina Forge, Emco Wheaton, Evans MacTavMarch 2015
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ish Agricraft, Stephenson Millwork, and Weener Plastics are just a few of the many local businesses committed to the CRC program. When they hire CRC graduates they are ensuring that they are hiring individuals with the best skills and training. New technologies and growing enrollment has necessitated the need to expand classroom and lab space. This need will be fulfilled as WCC expands its campus to include the corner of Highway 301 and Highway 58 in East Wilson. The newest addition to the college is the Lee Campus, donated to the Wilson Community College Foundation in 2014. This 11 acre property houses 60,000 ft.² of buildings and is located 300 yards from the main campus. It is the future home of technical programs and technology innovation, including advanced manufacturing, advanced transportation technology, electricity/
electronics, HVAC, welding, and other technical programs not yet developed by the College. WCC truly is our community’s college. Over the past 57 years it has enriched and empowered the lives of countless individuals in this community through high quality and accessible educational opportunities. WCC’s open door admission policy ensures that every person who can benefit from higher education has the opportunity to enroll. No matter what your current circumstances, your community college can work with you to develop a plan that will help you achieve your educational and career goals. To get information on becoming a Wilson Community College student call (252) 291-1195 or visit the WCC website, www.wilsoncc.edu. Contributed Article
Working for a better Wilson for everyone
The Wilson City Council is constantly striving to improve all areas of the city, whether it’s recruiting new jobs, attracting new shopping and dining, or redeveloping areas that were once vibrant so that they can bloom again.
Mayor Bruce Rose
A.P. Coleman Council District 1
Gwen Burton Council District 2
Tom Fyle Council District 3
James Johnson III Council District 4
Donald Evans Council District 5
Logan Liles Council District 6
Derrick Creech Council District 7
The Wilson City Council meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at Wilson City Hall, 112 Goldsboro St. E. Watch live on Wilson’s Channel 8.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and @ WilsonNC.org
Celebrating 75 Years of Service Gamma Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. celebrated seventy-five years of service to Wilson and surrounding communities on February 21, 2015. The theme for this grand occasion was: 75 Years of Embracing Our Past: Launching New Dimensions. The celebration was highlighted with a Diamond Anniversary Banquet where five of the fifty-year plus members were honored. The honorees were Marian Farmer, Addie Hagans, Victoria McCray, Bessie Poole, and Peggy Ruffin. During the anniversary celebration, each of the ladies was recognized for their many years of service to the community.
The keynote speaker for the Diamond Anniversary Banquet was Michelle Marsh, Anchor/TV reporter WRAL TV-5. Prior to the event, a ceremony was held for the placing of the historical marking on the Odelle W. Barnes Center for Community Services, the Gamma Beta Omega Sorority House, at 208 Pender Street in Wilson. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded
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on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC, in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by African-American, college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is comprised of more than 265,000 members in approximately 983 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Germany, South Korea, Bermuda, Japan, Canada and the continent of South Africa. Led by International President Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, Alpha Kappa Alpha is often hailed as “America’s premier Greek-lettered organization for African-American women.” The dream of establishing a graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Wilson had its origin in the mind of Soror Norma Darden during the late 1930’s. As years passed, she decided to organize a chapter in Wilson. However,
this was very difficult since she had to have at least seven members for the establishment of a chapter. After many years of searching for eligible ladies, her task was completed. On February 18, 1940, Gamma Beta Omega became a reality. The first members were Norma Darden, Dolores Hines, Rosa L. Williams, Vera G. Shade, Peggy Cooper, Marian Davis, and Odelle Barnes. Norma Darden served as the first chapter President. In 1941, the first members to be initiated into the chapter were Mae Lord, Cora Washington, and Marian H. Miller. Gamma Beta Omega is still growing and continues to serve all mankind. Following the death of Norma Darden, in 1987, Gamma Beta Omega purchased her home (which is now Odelle W. Barnes Center for Education located on Pender Street). Contributed Article
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“I was brought up to always put my trust in God,” she said. “I don’t care what I go through, I’ll put my trust in God. When you get to be my age, somebody’s got to help you.” By LISA BOYKIN BATTS
Minnie Forbes Morrison turned 105 years old on Feb. 7 and celebrated the occasion at Tabernacle Temple of Jesus Christ Church, where she has been a member since 1975. Among those in attendance at her party was Mayor Bruce Rose, who gave her a gift from the city, and Apostle Marvin Smith of West Palm Beach, Florida, overseer. Church family and some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren also attended as well as other well-wishers. U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield sent a tribute which was read to “Mother Morrison” in
vorite spot in the 1940s and 1950s, drawing out-of-state visitors from U.S. 301 for home-cooked meals and good company. Morrison eventually sold the restaurant and started working as a housekeeper around town. “I just didn’t like working like that,” she told The Wilson Times, in an interview in 2008, when she was 98. “I just wanted a steady job that I could go to every day.” She started working as the housekeeper for the Arts Council of Wilson on Gray Street in 1977. At age 98, she said she planned to
and Counting honor of her birthday. She continues to be faithful to the church at age 105 and loves to sing her favorite song, “Can’t Nobody Do You Like Jesus, He’s My Friend,” according to a statement from her pastor, Elder Ida Hamilton. “She believes that God has given her longevity because of her steadfastness in the Lord,” she wrote. Morrison worked with her husband at the Stoplight Grill on Pender Street for many years before his death. It was a fa-
work as long as she was able, which turned out to be about another year. In that interview, Morrison said she had enjoyed a long, healthy life because of her trust and faith in God. “I was brought up to always put my trust in God,” she said. “I don’t care what I go through, I’ll put my trust in God. When you get to be my age, somebody’s got to help you.” Morrison’s caregivers are two sisters from the church who stay with her day and night. March 2015
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aving the Way Developing the leaders of tomorrow, today
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Previous pages: City Councilman Derrick Creech, right, listens as Eric Jenkins introduces himself to the other community leaders at the Young Adult Leadership Session.
By JANET CONNER-KNOX
Wilson City Councilman Derrick Creech believes community leaders should be developed locally, given the tools to lead and then supported so they can help their city move forward. “This is about leadership development,” Creech said. “We’re here to develop our leaders within east Wilson and the minority community.” In the past, he said, leaders are imposed upon the community by people with no real connections to it. “That has to stop,” said Creech, who represents District 7. A dozen people are attending workshops at Wilson Community College to learn leadership skills. The group is made up of both men and women and the ages range from early 20s to 50 years old. The group meets monthly and was given a schedule of what the classes will cover and a partial list of community people who will be teaching. Rusty Stephens, president of Wilson Community College, will be helping with the project and together with Creech put together the draft curriculum of what the budding leaders will learn. “We want to change what we see now — guns, killing of young kids, drugs, we want to be part of the change,” Creech said. “That’s going to make things better in our own community. One thing I want you to know, we
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will be working to eradicate drugs and drug dealers out of our community.” Creech said he knows it will be tough and many may not believe it can be done, but he said he is optimistic that it can be done. “If there are drug dealers who want to change their ways — we’re going to help them,” Creech said. “But drugs, guns and standing on the corner is not going to make it.”
WHAT THE CLASSES COVER Stephens told the group one of the most important things they will learn as leaders is communication. “That is to communicate ideas, communicate that you care, communicate the nature of what it is you need to help people do,” Stephens said. Stephens said while they do have an outline of topics they will cover, they want each student to be autonomous and hearing their ideas can also add to the list. The course will cover the philosophy of leadership coming from three different styles of leaders, one of them Gandhi. Ethics will also be covered. “Sometimes ethics are simple and other times very difficult,” Stephens said. “Sometimes you’re going to make a decision
“This is about leadership development. We’re here to develop our leaders within east Wilson and the minority community.”
that one or two people might understand and ethically you can only make that one decision and I promise you a bunch of folks aren’t going to like it.” Stephens told the group they won’t have to face good and ethical quandaries every day, but when they do come it will be quickly and suddenly and they need to be prepared. “Ethics are what you do when nobody is watching, when you think you won’t get caught, and you think the other person will never know it was you,” Stephens said. “Now you are making an ethical decision. What will you decide?” Stephens told the group that each of them will have their own leadership style. “Your style will be different because you are different,” Stephens said. Jennifer Lantz, Economic Development Council director, will come in and talk to students about how economic development works, Stephens said. Every aspect of education in Wilson County will be covered from preschool to getting a bachelor’s degree. Sustainability will cover the environment, climate crisis, greenhouse gases and fracking. There will be classes on energy. Demographics is another topic they plan to cover. One class is called “Minority to
Majority Revolution Age.” “By 2018, 51 percent of all the people who are born in this country will be brown,” Stephens said. “And the majority of those who are born brown are also born in poverty. There are more children living in poverty today in Wilson than there was three years ago.” Stephens said the country will have to consider how the distribution of wealth and livelihood is and how it needs to change for fairness.
WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR Fulton Parham, a minister, said he expects the class to help him refine what he knows as a leader. “I expect to get more leadership information and how to deal with diverse cultures,” Parham said. Marvette Coley, who has started a group called Positive Women/Positive Results, said she wants to give back to her community. Travis Patterson said he hopes to become an elected official with what he learns. “I would like to be a state representative,” Patterson said. “To enhance your community and then your state is a great service and I would like to prepare for that.” March 2015
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Remember Photographs from east Wilson over the years Wilson County Courthouse, Wilson, NC, January 1946, photo by John Hemmer.
NC Conservation and Development Department, Travel and Tourism photo files, State Archives of North Carolina.
Jackson Chapel First Missionary Baptist Church, Wilson, Wilson County, North Carolina, 1913
North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office
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When... 1000 Block Robeson Street, Wilson, Wilson County, North Carolina, 1987 North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office
Baseball at Fleming Stadium: Rederick C. Henderson, ballboy, left of umpire, players and spectators unknown, c. 1945 North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office
March 2015
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