Community memory of G. W. Carver High School

Submitted

KANNAPOLIS — The Kannapolis African-American Museum and Cultural Center (KAA-MaCC) Inc. has launched its first Civic Series in support of community outreach efforts to enhance and encourage public learning programs about African American history in Cabarrus and southern Rowan County.

Also, the Civic Series will help to raise the public’s consciousness by sharing special exhibitions that celebrate contributions, achievements, and experiences of African Americans locally and afar.

The first program in the KAA-MaCC Civic Series will be an exhibition and forum. Produced by Lance Wheeler, a UNC-Greensboro student, the exhibition will present “Remembering George Washington Carver High School.”

The purpose of the exhibition is to show the significance of preserving local history and to provide greater public understanding and appreciation of the world of African-Americans in Cabarrus and Rowan County. The exhibition explores history, lessons, and shared stories that impacted George Washington Carver High School (G. W. Carver).

The “Remembering George Washington Carver High School” exhibition is comprised of five retractable banners. KAA-MaCC plans to take the banners throughout Cabarrus and Rowan Counties and other areas of the United States to present a historical perspective of G. W. Carver. This exhibition will serve as an educational tool for a diverse public of varied ages, backgrounds and knowledge.

Wheeler, originally from Jersey City, NJ, is a 2014 Belmont Abbey graduate with a BA in history and a minor in education studies. He is earning his MA in history with a concentration in museum studies.

The idea behind the G. W. Carver School project is to preserve and record the community memory of African-Americans and their time spent at the school. The project was done by collecting oral histories from former students and faculty. Wheeler conducted interviews, transcribed the interviews and researched the school history.

The opening reception, free to the public, will include individuals from the KAA-MaCC board of directors and administrative officers who will share remarks regarding the impact G. W. Carver School had on their lives. There will also be an open forum for community members to share their stories.

The event and reception will be held at the Kannapolis Intermediate School Gymnasium , 525 East “C” Street, on Saturday, April 29, at 4 p.m. 

For more information, contact JL Anthony, 704-925-1314 or presidentceo@kaa-macc.org www.kaa-macc.org