Chelsea Alston
Chelsea Alston was born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a place where she has deep roots. In 2012, Chelsea graduated from Chapel Hill High School. Her family has lived here for generations, attending St. Joseph’s CME Church for as long as she can remember. She sees herself living in the legacy of her ancestors and has been a strong voice for the community that raised her.
Chelsea Alston - On her experiences as a youth leader and changes in the community
This interview provides background of interviewee’s connection to Chapel Hill. She shares her experiences as a youth leader in the community. She describes the changes of the community over time (gentrification). Her ideas of safe places for young POCs in Chapel Hill are provided. She talks about the difference in comfort between white and black in certain places (Franklin street). She also describes the demographic of McDonalds is majority black. She talks about problems with transportation availability for black people to certain restaurants. She talks about black owned businesses on Graham Street and midway (comfort zone & safety has changed because of the change in demographic). The safety of the previous black community is noted. She describes what contributes to being comfortable in the community, and the change in the importance of “home.” The interview concludes the definition of a youth leader, and the connection between the past, present, and future of the community. The interview also provides the interviewee’s hope for the future of the community.
