apprenticeship | From the Rock Wall

Minister Robert Campbell - On Black Builders

"It’s good to talk about what it took to generate economics for the community itself. It was always teaching the new guy on the block. This is what it’s going to take for the future." - Minister Robert Campbell Within his interview, Minister Robert Campbell’s lively spirit and storytelling ease…

William E. "Smitty" Smith - On his career as a rock mason

"I’ve learned on every project I’ve done. And I’m still learning." - William E. Smith William E. “Smitty” Smith is a rockmason and builder who has lived in Chapel Hill for his entire life. First brought into building through a class at Chapel Hill High School, he reflects on what brought him into…

William Smith - Speaking about his masonry career and business

William E. Smith, also known as Smitty, grew up in Durham with his parents and seven brothers. His strongest influence growing up was his grandfather, who he spent a great deal of time with – including helping out on his farm in Orange County. He graduated from Hillside High School, which he…

Work and Labor

Working at the University has been a source of pride and resentment for Northside neighbors who built the early dorms, hospital, South Building, laid the brick walkways, hauled washing water from the “old well” to students in Old East, did copious amounts of laundry 7 days/week for $14 (which could…