February is a special month. Black History Month, which runs all through February, is the annual celebration of achievements by African Americans, and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S History. The celebration has extended way beyond the U.S, and other countries including Canada and the United Kingdom, also take part in Black History Month. Since 1976, every American president has designated February’s Black History Month a specific theme. The theme for 2020 is, “African Americans and the Vote,” paying homage to the passing of the Fifteenth Amendment in 1870 giving black men the right to vote. A great theme indeed!
To celebrate Black History Month in Goldsboro, we thought we’d share some cool, little known facts about Black History in Goldsboro Wayne County. How many of these did you know?
1Alfonzo “Al” King was the first black Mayor of Goldsboro.
2Dorothy Foreman, a 1948 graduate of Dillard High School, served as a Secretary for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
3Clarence Hodges, a native of Goldsboro, served under President Ronald Reagan’s administration.
4Shirley Middleton was the first black female Clerk in the Wayne County Court House.
5Judge Paul Jones was the first black appointed and elected Judge in Wayne County in 1996.
6Ernestine Wooten was the first black female to serve as Chairman of the Wayne County Democratic Party.
7John Henry Wooten was the first black Chairman of the Wayne County Commissioners.
8Attorney Earl Whitted was the first black person to serve on the Goldsboro Board of Alderman (now City Council).
And all through February, Wayne County Museum in Goldsboro is celebrating Black History Month with their annual Black History Exhibit. Immerse yourself in goods, displays, historical artifacts – and this year, there is a new exhibit dedicated to the “History and Homecoming: The Legacy of Dillard High School,” which explores the founding and history of Dillard High School, and their far-reaching nationwide alumni association. It promises to be super interesting, so check it out! Finally, make sure you share your photos with us of what you got up to celebrate Black History Month. Tag photos #visitgoldsboronc and #blackhistorymonth, and we will share them on our Instagram page!