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).

 

 

 

 

1st Vice Commander Gabriel Carr arrived on The Raleigh Trolley for the dedication of the Latta University Historical Park Dedication event.

 

 

Post Commander James Langston and 2nd Vice Commander Charles Whitaker arrived on The Raleigh Trolley for the dedication of the Latta University Historical Park Dedication event.

 

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 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.

 

Latta University Historical Park Dedication Master of Ceremonies was Stephen Bently, Director of Raleigh Parks.

 

Latta University Historical Park Dedication remarks given by, Jane Harrison, City of Raleigh Council Member, District D.

 

Latta University Historical Park Dedication remarks given by Douglas Porter, Historic Sites Program Director.

 

Latta University Historical Park Dedication remarks given by Joe Holt, Education and Civil Rights Pioneer.

 

Latta University Historical Park Dedication remarks given by Audrey Morgan, Chair of the Historic Resources and Museum Advisory Board.

 

Latta University Historical Park Dedication remarks given by Sabrina Goode, Founder and Executive Director of Friends of Oberlin Village.

 

Latta University Historical Park Dedication remarks given by Zoe Rose Neuwirth, Youth Chair of Latta University Historical Foundation and Great-Great-Great Granddaughter of Revered Morgan Latta.

 

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.

 

Latta University Historical Park Dedication Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

 

Latta University Historical Park Dedication Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

 

WakeMed participated in the event.

 

Family, friends and members of the community attended the event.

 

Family, friends and members of the community attended the event.

 

Friends of Oberlin Village 10th Annual Celebrate Oberlin event. Preserve, Honor, Educate.

 

 

 

 

1st Vice Commander Gabriel Carr, Post Commander James Langston and 2nd Vice Commander Charles Whitaker participated in the event.

 

 

Family, friends and members of the community attended the event.

 

2nd Vice Commander Charles Whitaker, Post Commander James Langston and Mrs Geneva Langston representing Post 157 at the event.

 

Wake County Public Libraries participated in the event.

 

1st Vice Commander Gabriel Carr, talking to some event goers.

 

 

1st Vice Commander Gabriel Carr, Mrs Parrott, Finance Officer Michael Parrott and Parliamentarian Michael Shaw selling raffle tickets for our 100th Post Anniversary Fundraiser.

 

1st Vice Commander Gabriel Carr, talking to some event goers.

 

 

Finance Officer Michael Parrott, Parliamentarian Michael Shaw and Post Commander James Langston talking to an event goer after purchasing a raffle ticket.

 

One of our Founding Members of Post 157, Legionnaire Jerome Turner, on display is his Official Membership Cards, Military Dog Tags, Coins and other items.

 

 

The entertainment and music was performed by the musical group EPIC.

 

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