From the Rock Wall Living Histories of Black Chapel Hill/Carrboro

hover or tap for audio controls
"We’re writing our own history, thank you!"
Ms. Esphur Foster

From the Rock Wall is an open site for all who have lived, worked, worshipped, played, and served in–and everyone who wants to join in preserving the future of–historically Black neighborhoods in southern Orange County, NC:  come listen and witness!

  • Welcome

    Hear, see, and feel the power of building our history together.

    Click here to get started

  • Meet our neighbors

    Meet the people who built the stone walls that surround the University, led movements for fair labor and housing across Chapel Hill/Carrboro, and fought for the freedom of all Black Americans.

    Click here to listen to oral histories

  • Explore our history

    Tap into eight generations of joy and struggle here.  Explore images and themes.

    Click here to find sets of recordings and images

  • Say your piece

    Want to add in?  Have a different view?  What do you think?

    The past is what happened; history is the sense we make of it, right here, right now—and what we choose to do with it.

    Click here to grow our history
Did you know...H. Lee Waters filmed Black residents of Orange County in 1939? Watch the Waters films and see if you recognize anyone. If you do, click RESPOND to tell about who.
Do you remember...when Howard Lee was elected mayor? Listen to Rebecca Clark talk about working ot increase voter turonout for the election.
Do you remember...teachers like R.D. Smith, Catharyne Butler, and Freda Andrews? Click RESPOND to tell us about them and other teachers who have made a difference in your life.
Did you know...the all-Black B1 Navy Band was housed at the Roberson Street Center from 1942-1944? Click here to see photos of the band.
Do you remember...going to the Hollywood Theater? Listen to this clip of Doug Clark talk about Black theaters in Chapel Hill.