John French
John French - On Hargraves Community Center
"“It all goes back to the original concept of why Hargraves was built; for community, for providing services, and to make sure we take care of people."
- John French
John French, a born and raised local of the Chapel Hill area, is the current supervisor of the Hargraves Community Center found in the Northside Neighborhood. He reflects on the past leaders from the Center, including Lucille Caldwell, Fred Battle, Nate Davis, and Andre Boynton, while discussing the current programs and initiatives offered by Hargraves. He notes a few of the programs he is passionate about, such as the Backpack Giveaway and Friday Night Basketball League, and how the Center aims to meet the needs of the people, especially those of the neighborhood. The interview also discusses the challenges faced by Hargraves, and the importance placed in balancing relationships between the Center, the Town of Chapel Hill, and the local community. French also reflects on the future of the center, and encourages community engagement through volunteering and other opportunities.
