Black History
Celebration

Carteret Community College invites the community to join us on February 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Joslyn Hall for our 29th Annual Black History Celebration. This year’s program holds special significance as we commemorate 100 Years of Black History, honoring a century of resilience, achievement, culture, and impact.

For nearly three decades, the College’s Black History Committee has created meaningful opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members to come together in reflection and celebration. The 2026 celebration promises to be one of the most inspiring yet — not only honoring the past, but actively investing in the future.

Distinguished Guest Speakers

This year’s event will feature two dynamic and accomplished speakers whose work reflects the depth and richness of Black history and scholarship.

Dr. Carlton E. Wilson of North Carolina Central University is a respected historian and academic leader. Over the course of his career, he has served as Dean, Department Chair, and Interim Provost. He currently serves as       Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina Press and is a member of the Executive Council of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. His leadership and scholarship continue to shape conversations about history and education across North Carolina and beyond.

Joining him is Alexandra Odom, African American Studies librarian and Ph.D. candidate at UNC Chapel Hill. Her scholarly work examines the Black family, the Black press, and representations of Black love, marriage, and family life. As a public scholar, she collaborates with communities to amplify and preserve local Black history, bringing both academic insight and community engagement to her work.

Together, these speakers will offer perspectives that honor historical legacy while encouraging thoughtful dialogue about the present and future.

Investing in Our Community

In its 29th year, the Carteret Community College Black History Committee is doing something new and impactful. As part of this year’s celebration, the College will award scholarships to four local organizations:

• TR-City Ministers Alliance

• Boys & Girls Club

• Carteret County NAACP

• Neuse Pamlico Sound Women’s Coalition

These awards represent a meaningful investment in organizations that serve and strengthen our community. While we reflect on 100 years of Black history, we also reaffirm our commitment to supporting the next generation and advancing opportunity right here in Carteret County.

Join Us

This celebration is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. Whether you are a student, alum, community member, or friend of the College, we invite you to be part of this powerful evening of remembrance, inspiration, and community connection.

Join us on February 23 at 6:00 PM in Joslyn Hall as we celebrate a century of history and look forward to a future filled with promise.

For additional information, please contact Carteret Community College.