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High Point Celebrates 400 Years Of African American History

Watch Night Service in High Point, North Carolina. Photo courtesy of William Stokes.

In February, The High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau will continue its yearlong celebration of 400 Years of African American History with dozens of events designed to acknowledge the impacts of slavery and expand appreciation for African American contributions to life across U.S.

Visitors to the center will find Heritage Guides with information on High Pointers who contributed to the city's rich African American history, documentaries, archival photos, and more.

Executive Board member Phyllis Bridges says the 19th century Quaker town was unique in that many slaves there were given an education, taught to read and write, and incorporated into local churches.

"Wesleyan Church which is located on Eastchester in High Point," says Bridges. "In their history, they have at least four slaves mentioned in their church history who are members of the church."

The 400 Years of African American History marks the anniversary of 20 Africans who arrived in Virginia in 1619.  The year-long celebration includes a history of African Americans in the military, a commemoration of African American women, and more. 

Bridges says the Center is continually adding new events to the calendar as well.

"We would love to assist any organizations in High Point if they would like to commemorate African American achievements in any kind of way," says Bridge. "We have a calendar of events for 2019, and if you would like to add something to our calendar or want us to help promote it, you would be more than welcome to." 

Before his arrival in the Triad, David had already established himself as a fixture in the Austin, Texas arts scene as a radio host for Classical 89.5 KMFA. During his tenure there, he produced and hosted hundreds of programs including Mind Your Music, The Basics and T.G.I.F. Thank Goodness, It's Familiar, which each won international awards in the Fine Arts Radio Competition. As a radio journalist with 88.5 WFDD, his features have been recognized by the Associated Press, Public Radio News Directors Inc., Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals, and Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas. David has written and produced national stories for NPR, KUSC and CPRN in Los Angeles and conducted interviews for Minnesota Public Radio's Weekend America.

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