Stagville Descendants Council and St. Matthews
Chairman Ricky Hart, 2nd from left, and Beverly Evans, 2nd from right, at the parish with Sydney Nathans and other guests, September 2024.
At our Bicentennial Celebration on Sept 22 we were honored to have with us represtatives from the Stagville Descendants’ Council, Chairman Ricky Hart and Beverly Evans. For four months we have been in conversations with SDC. They are direct descendants of people whom our parishioners enslaved, and they share with us a desire to approach our history openly and honestly, to seek mutual understaning about our lives now and reconciliation, and to collaborate for a better future.
Chairman Hart and Ms. Evans will be with us on January 19 for conversation at our Sunday Forum.
Following below is an article taken from the Winter 2024-25 issue of the Rougemont Reporter, describing the work and mission of the Stagville Descendant’s Council.
STAGVILLE DESCENDANTS’ COUNCIL
Promoting Unity, and Fostering Social and Economic Justice
The Stagville Descendants Council (SDC) is a beacon of hope, unity, and social progress within the Durham community. Rooted in preserving the history and legacy of the Stagville Plantation and its descendants, the SDC's work is a testament to the power of unity in creating a more inclusive and equita- ble future for all. By transcending barriers of race, background, and economic status, the SDC is paving the way for a brighter, more hopeful future.
The Stagville Plantation, one of the most extensive plantations in North Carolina, was once home to over 2000 enslaved individuals over approximately 45 years of its existence. The SDC's unwavering dedication to preserving the history and legacy of these men, women, and children is a testament to their commitment. By safeguarding their stories and ensuring their voices are heard, both now and for generations to come, the SDC is fostering a deep connection to our roots and the importance of our involvement in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.
The Stagville Descendants Council's mission is to support the descendants of the Stagville communities of Durham by nurturing unity, education, and social and economic justice. Its vision is to see the diverse de- scendants of the Stagville Plantation uplifted through community empowerment, reconciliation, and the celebration of shared heritage. The SDC's efforts are centered around encouraging community healing and reconciliation, addressing the challenges faced by descendants today, and ensuring that history is told from all perspectives. This commitment to unity and social justice is not just a part of the SDC's work, it is the core of its mission, inspiring us to work towards a more equitable future.
Committees Supporting Community and Heritage
To accomplish its mission, the SDC operates through several active committees, each of which plays a pivot- al role in bringing its vision to life:
• Historical Research Committee: This committee focuses on collecting, gathering, preserving, and sharing the untold stories of the Stagville enslaved community and their descendants. It provides educa- tional resources and conducts research to help reconnect lost and broken families to honor the experi- ences of enslaved families.
• Outreach Committee: This committee engages with the broader Durham and extended enslaved families from the Cameron plantations communities (NC, AL, MS) to foster meaningful connections and partnerships to reconnect families, stories, and history. It works to expand the SDC's impact beyond the Stagville descendants, promoting unity across communities and families.
• Information & Technology Committee: Manages the council's digital presence, including social media and online resources, to ensure the council's stories and ongoing work contribute to its success.
• Grants Committee: Identifies funding opportunities and manages grant applications, helping sustain the council's programs and initiatives.
• Cemetery Committee: This committee works to identify, protect, and restore cemeteries where Stagville ancestors are buried, preserving these important sites of memory and reflection.
• Planning, Logistics & Hospitality Committee: This committee supports organizing and imple- menting events, ensuring that community gatherings are well-executed and welcoming.
• Communications, Publicity & Marketing Committee: This committee spreads awareness of the council's mission and initiatives through various media channels, ensuring the descendant community's stories and values are widely heard.
• Fundraising Committee: Develops and executes fundraising strategies to support the SDC's opera- tions and programs.
• Scholarship Committee: Oversees the SDC Scholarship Program, which supports the educational aspirations of descendants by providing scholarships and mentorship opportunities.
An Invitation to Get Involved
The Stagville Descendants Council believes in the power of community and family. We recognize that creat- ing a more equitable and empathetic future requires collective action. As such, the council invites every- one—regardless of race or demographic background—to join its efforts. Volunteers are always welcome, whether they wish to contribute their time, expertise, or resources to any of the council's various commit- tees or projects.
"Our mission is not just to tell the hidden and lost story of the past but to actively shape the future of our communities," says Ricky L. Hart, Chairman of the Stagville Descendants Council. "By fostering dialogue, educating our side of the truth, and empowering descendants to know and be proud of their ancestor's courage, integrity, and strength, we aim to create an environment where all can learn, grow, and heal to- gether."
Committed to Dialogue, Healing, and Reconciliation
Over the years, the Stagville Descendants Council has worked tirelessly to promote community dialogue, healing, and reconciliation. Their programs and events aim to engage people from all walks of life in conversations about our shared history, addressing the legacy of slavery while working toward a shared vi- sion of justice and understanding. The council remains dedicated to telling both sides of the true story, en- suring that the voices of those enslaved at Stagville are remembered and respected.
Through their work, the SDC has not only preserved the memory of the Stagville Plantation enslaved but has also helped shape a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of our past. By honoring the legacy of the enslaved, the council has ensured that their stories are given the place they deserve in the broader narrative of our community.
Looking Forward
The Stagville Descendants Council remains committed to fostering unity, education, and social and econom- ic fairness. Its work continues to expand as it seeks to engage more community members, expand its pro- grams, and uplift the descendants of Stagville and Cameron family properties from 1820 to 1865. We can create a community that acknowledges and learns from the past while building a more inclusive future for everyone.
For more information or to volunteer, please visit the Stagville Descendants Council's website (www.sdchq.org). By coming together, we can ensure that the story of Stagville and its enslaved descendants from North Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi is told in all its complexity and beauty and that its legacy continues to inspire positive change within our community.
Respectfully,
Ricky L. Hart Chairman,
Stagville Descendants' Council
112 Broadway St, Durham, NC 27701 (919) 224-6964 chm@sdchq.org