Kelli Council-Lattie - On Glosson Circle and her family history
Interviewed by Christine Abernathy and Patricia "Pat" Jackson and Kathryn Wall on June 10, 2025
"We all have grown up looking out for everybody, and I would like to see that continue. Kids come into the neighborhood and have a place to play safely without traffic…When the street lights come on, it is time to come in."
- Kelli Council-Lattie
This oral history interview with Kelli Council-Lattie, conducted on June 10, 2025 at the Marian Cheek Jackson Center, traces her family’s deep roots in Chapel Hill and the values passed down through generations of builders, landowners, and community leaders. Council-Lattie reflects on the legacy of her grandfather, Jim Blacknell, and the craftsmanship, work ethic, and community commitment he instilled in their family. She discusses her parents’ histories, the significance of family land near Barbee Chapel and Glosson Circle, stories of relatives, and the traditions of hands-on skill that shaped her upbringing. The interview highlights her experience building her Habitat for Humanity home, the importance of remaining close to family, and her hopes for preserving the historical integrity of Chapel Hill’s historically Black neighborhoods. Through her reflections, Council-Lattie emphasizes continuity, resilience, and the enduring meaning of home in her community.
