Paul Caldwell - On school memories, family achievements, and the importance of education

Paul Caldwell, a lifelong resident of the Northside neighborhood, recounts his and his family’s educational experiences growing up. His early school memories include receiving used textbooks from Chapel Hill High School, fond memories of his teachers, and being raised by the Northside community. Attending Lincoln High School brought about fond memories of playing basketball and attending football games with his friends. After finishing high school, Paul immediately entered the workforce to support his growing family. He worked at a grocery store off of Franklin Street as the first Black cashier for 17 years during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in Chapel Hill. Afterwards, he worked as a police officer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for decades. Mr. Caldwell instilled in his children the importance of pursuing higher education, promising to always support them while they were in school. He had dreamed of attending N.C. A&T, but his path changed after he started working to support his family. As his children were growing up, he urged them to go as far as possible. He also describes what his children are doing now, describing their accomplishments with great pride. Mr. Caldwell also shares his joy for being a crossing guard for Northside Elementary School for the past 14 years and building relationships with students. The 2023-24 school year was Paul’s final year as the Northside crossing guard. Lastly, he touches on his love for fishing, and how he hopes to do it more during retirement.