Black Oral HIstories of Beaufort County

Latest Episodes
Helping others brings joy to her heart
Mary Brooks was born in Greenville, North Caroloin, in 1942. After her father passed when she was only three months old, her mother brought her and her two sisters to Washington, North Carolina, where
How to lead when people need you the most: The life of Richard Brooks
Born in 1940, Richard Brooks grew up in Washington, North Carolina. As the oldest of six siblings, he grew up fast. While other children were outside playing, he was learning how to cook, working in t
Nancy Burroughs: Overcoming life’s challenges
To say it has been an interesting life for Washington, North Carolina native Nancy Burroughs would be an understatement. When she was two weeks old, her mother gave her up to her sister, who was only
Mima Dixon: The Story Lady
Mima Dixon was born in the small community of Ransomville, North Carolina on February 21, 1947. Blink and you would miss it, said Dixon. She went to business school in Durham, NC, and returned to Wa
Ray Northern: Growing up poor and not even knowing it
Born on March 7, 1943, in Washington, North Carolina, Ray Northern never shies away from the fact that his family was poor, but he and his five siblings never knew it. They never went for want of food
Fannie Willis: “Music Ministry is my Passion”
Fannie Willis was born in a small rural area just east of Washington, North Carolina, in 1956. She grew up in a large, tight-knit family. One of their common threads was their love of music. At a youn
Terry Sneed Brown: A Trailer Blazer in his own right
Terry Sneed Brown was born in Washington, North Carolina, in 1951. A time when the racial divide in this small rural Eastern North Carolina community was very evident. From being kicked off an all whi
The Life Journies of First Cousins Shirley Tyre and Preddy Stilley
Born in the early 40s, first cousins Shirley Tyre and Preddy Stilley come from humble beginnings in rural Beaufort County near Blounts Creek, North Carolina. Their families were sharecroppers, and eac
God has been good to me: Emma Howard reflects on her first 94 years
It has been a pretty amazing life for 95-year-old Emma Howard. Born in 1930 in Belhaven, NC, she has spent her life touching the lives of many and trying to make a difference in the world. As a teache
Blanche Gibbs: If you can’t go back home where can you go?
Blanche Gibbs was born in Washington, North Carolina, in 1951. She credits her life experiences as a child for laying the foundation for who she is today. From experiencing segregation firsthand, to h