The Charles T. Norwood American Legion Post 157, joined Raleigh Parks for the dedication of Latta University Historic Park. This park contributes to a rich history that deepens our understanding of African American life in Raleigh, NC at the turn of the 20th century.
The project area is located at 1001 Parker Street Raleigh, NC and occupies approximately two acres of land in the historic Oberlin neighborhood. The property comprises the remnant land area of Latta University founded in 1892, and the site of the former Latta residence, destroyed by fire in 2007. The university was an African-American coeducational institution founded by the Reverend Latta, a freed enslaved person and teacher, to educate underprivileged and orphan children in Raleigh’s Black community.
After the dedication ceremony, Friends of Oberlin Village hosted their 10th Annual Celebrate Oberlin event.
Oberlin Village was founded in 1858 with the purchase of 16 acres by Free Black Jesse Pettiford. After the Civil War, formerly enslaved Blacks assisted in developing the thriving community they grow to 1200 residents. The Mission of The Friends of Oberlin Village is to Preserve, Honor and Educate.
(Courtesy of Raleigh Parks and The Friends of Oberlin Village).
