First, we picked up our tour guide, Mrs. Beverly Tetterson, as she led us on a wonderful trip to downtown Wilmington showing us the historical landmarks that are most significant to the African-American community. We listened and saw some sights such as the St. Stephens AME Church, Hillside high school and took us to the (lunch place). We went to St. Stephens AME Church where we were led on a guided tour of the hotel and the significance and history of each room to the black community of that time. Next, we went to the UNCW’s Upperman African American cultural center where we saw how the UNCW’s program creates an environment to foster learning above and beyond throughout the black community. With that, we listened to a small presentation by a faculty member explaining how this program has changed many people in the black community to go further in their life and education. Following this, we received a tour of the campus in which we visited key areas of their campus, as explained all the different courses, programs, and clubs students may participate in. It was a pretty great day to discover how Wilmington has been helping the black community for hundreds of years from worship to studies, empowering and building something out of their trials throughout all the racism in the deep south.
written by: Kaela and Oyinlola
