The photo above is an example of local people of color honored for their work. Mrs. Charity Brooks of Elizabethtown was honored for her exceptional sales record at a national home products company, according to The Southeastern Times, back in the 1980s.
by Charlotte Smith
February is the time America spotlights Black History. Although America as a whole did not start reflecting on the achievements and narratives about the people of color until the 1920s, Bladen County, known as the Mother County, started giving leadership roles to those of color dating back to 1868.
According to the Spaulding Family, John Spaulding was elected the first Bladen County Commissioner of color in 1868. Spaulding and his family strived to change legislation locally, state-wide, and nationally, even in the face of discriminatory “Jim Crow” laws in North Carolina.
Bladen County black natives have brought recognition, honor, and prestige to the area for over 150 years. The Southeastern Times, a local newspaper back in the 1970s and 80s, recorded some accomplishments.
The Town of Elizabethtown did not wait until 2020 to elect its first female African American. The first African American female, Esther Mae McNeill Huntley, was elected twice to the local board’s seat in the 1980s. Ms. Huntley was a local business owner who supported the airport, the industrial park, education, and training.
Farming and agriculture continue to be one of the area’s biggest industries. In 1976 Miss Olymphia T. Swindell helped promote agriculture by participating in the Clarkton Tobacco Festival Princess Contest. The E.J. Cox Company-sponsored her.
People of color from Bladen County have been recognized for a wide variety of achievements. In 1987, White Oak native Thomas Cleveland McDowell received the J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence as the in-flight chef at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Maryland.
The photo above is an example of some local people of color winning awards for their work. Bladen County Hospital named Arletha McKoy in the Dietary Department as an Ace Winner in recognition for demonstrating a good attitude, caring, and excellence in the area of guest relations, according to The Southeastern Times on July 8, 1987.
From Tar Heel to East Arcadia, people of color have made a difference. Since the 1980s, Thomas McKoy has been making headlines in Bladen County with his dedication to supporting education locally.
East Arcadia made news for fighting literacy years ago and continues to make a difference in eduation.
https://www.facebook.com/Eastarcadiaschool/videos/1082794305564666
Coach Harold Ford led the Clarkton Blue Devils to the State playoffs as District 1-A Champs.
Pioneers in education continue to make a difference. Mrs. Juanita Purdie Jones was one of the first African American teachers at Bladenboro High School and the Spaulding-Monroe Middle School. She taught both the parents and children. According to her community, some of her students are leading successful careers in her honor. She passed away in January, but her legacy lives.
Mr. Dennis Troy of Elizabethtown has been a prominent figure promoting education in Bladen County and for Bladen County for decades. Mr. Troy is a United States Veteran, a former Post Master, and a former teacher who now sits on the Bladen Community College of Trustees as the chairman. He was recently recognized by the Board of Directors of the National Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) for his service and leadership.
It takes vision and commitment to lead the way. Raised in Tar Heel, North Carolina, another trailblazer of color continues to make a difference. In December of 2020, Nimasheena Burns, a member of the Tar Heel High School Class of 2000, became a new County Commissioner on an all-female board in Durham County, North Carolina. Burns’ career focuses on economic development, public affairs, and public policy.
Education, economic development, and progress can become null and void with divisions and discriminations.
However, Bladen County has leaders determined to end the negative undertones created by racism and bigotry on all sides. In January 2021, local business owner and pastor Fletcher “Big Show” Collins held the annual Unity in the Community event. Collins designed the event to honor Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s memory and bring the community together as one.
When Collins first formed the event he stated, “Folks on both sides (of the racism debate) will see we are all together.”
These are only a handful of accounts about Black History in Bladen County. More accounts will be published later this month.
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