Fybe Installs New Basketball Goals at T. S. Cooper Elementary
SUNBURY, N.C. - Students at T. S. Cooper Elementary School are enjoying a revitalized outdoor court thanks to the recent purchase and installation of four new basketball goals by Fybe. The goals replace worn and missing units that had stood on the courts for decades, restoring a recreational space used by both students and the broader Sunbury community.
The project, completed entirely by Fybe employees who supplied the manpower and equipment needed for installation, is the latest in a long line of community service initiatives undertaken by the company across northeastern North Carolina.
“Fybe believes strongly in supporting the communities we serve, not just through broadband access, but through hands-on projects that make a visible, lasting difference,” President, Bo Coughlin, said. “When we reached out to Gates County Community Partnership for ideas in Gates County, we were looking for something that would benefit families and children in a tangible way. We are incredibly appreciative of the opportunity to provide something that the school and the community will enjoy for years to come.”
The project began when Sarah Tinkham, Grants and Compliance Coordinator for Fybe, reached out to Gates County Community Partnership seeking recommendations for a meaningful service initiative in the county. Tinkham connected with Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., Vice President of Gates County Community Partnership, to explore possibilities.
After discussions among Tinkham, Saunders, and T. S. Cooper Elementary Principal Lovie Roscoe, the group agreed that replacing the four outdoor basketball goals was the most impactful and achievable project.
Saunders noted that the courts hold deep personal and historical significance for the community and his family.
“My father, Benjamin C. Saunders, Sr., was principal at T. S. Cooper when the original basketball goals were installed some 40 years ago,” Saunders said. “He was adamant that the courts not only serve students during school hours but also remain open for community use after hours. That spirit of accessibility and community engagement is something we are proud to see continue today.”
For Principal Lovie Roscoe, the new goals represent more than upgraded equipment, they symbolize renewed opportunity for physical activity, teamwork, and community gathering.
“We are extremely grateful to Fybe for purchasing and installing the new basketball goals for T. S. Cooper Elementary School,” said Principal Lovie Roscoe. “Our students deserve safe, functional spaces to play, grow, and build friendships, and we appreciate the Gates County Community Partnership’s continued support.”
Fybe’s community service efforts in Gates County complement its significant investment in broadband infrastructure throughout the region. The company recently completed a major fiber expansion project in the county, bringing high-speed fiber internet to nearly 5,000 homes and businesses. Through fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology, residents now have access to speeds up to 2 Gbps, enabling improved access to education, telehealth services, local government resources, and economic opportunities.
About Fybe
Fybe delivers broadband internet and voice services to residential and business customers throughout rural North Carolina. Fybe is also a founding member of eNCore, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in partnership with MCNC and Roanoke Cooperative to improve the technology, economic and social landscape of North Carolina. eNCore and its member organizations aim to bridge the digital divide in North Carolina by empowering overlooked, unserved, and underserved communities with technology resources needed to fully participate in today’s digital economy. At Fybe, we believe every community deserves the digital tools to thrive and are committed to building a network that expands access to education, healthcare, and more.
Brigadier General Terrence Adams to Headline GCCP Gala
Distinguished military cyber advisor brings global perspective to the event.
Elizabeth City, NC — When Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP) hosts its highly anticipated Gala on Saturday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m., attendees will be treated not only to an elegant evening at the K. E. White Center at Elizabeth City State University, but also to a keynote address from one of the nation’s most accomplished military leaders, Brigadier General Terrence Adams.
Currently serving as the Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor, Brig. Gen. Adams operates at the highest levels of national defense, advising on military cyber forces, strategy, and global security initiatives. His leadership spans decades of service across the Army and Air Force, including command at the squadron, group, and wing levels, and deployments supporting major operations around the world.
But beyond his impressive résumé, organizers say it is Adams’ story, rooted in discipline, education, and perseverance, that makes him the perfect keynote speaker for an event centered on opportunity and transformation.
Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, Adams began his military journey by enlisting in the Army straight out of high school. After six years of service, he pursued higher education and entered the Air Force through ROTC, eventually rising through the ranks to become a Brigadier General. His academic credentials include multiple advanced degrees in fields ranging from computer information systems to national security strategy, along with executive education from institutions such as Harvard University and MIT.
Over the course of his career, Adams has led in some of the most complex and high-stakes environments, including assignments at the Pentagon and command roles at Joint Base Charleston. His work in cyber operations and national defense has earned him numerous honors, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
For GCCP, bringing a leader of this caliber to Gates County is both intentional and symbolic.
“Brigadier General Adams represents exactly what we strive to show our young people, that where you start does not limit where you can go,” said Sandra Jordan Branch of Gates County Community Partnership. “His journey reflects the power of education, mentorship, and determination, which are the same values that drive everything we do at The Partnership.”
The gala, themed “Opening Doors, Expanding Horizons,” aligns seamlessly with Adams’ life story. His progression from a small-town upbringing to advising national leaders on cybersecurity mirrors GCCP’s mission to expand opportunities for Gates County youth through education, mentorship, and exposure to new pathways.
Since its founding in 2018, GCCP has worked tirelessly to provide those pathways, securing major grants for local schools, awarding scholarships, donating over 190 laptops, supporting youth academics and athletics, and leading initiatives like Saunders Science Scholars, a STEM partnership with Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.
For attendees, Adams’ keynote is expected to be a highlight of the evening, offering not only insight into leadership and service, but also inspiration for the next generation.
Tickets for the Gates County Community Partnership Gala are available at GCCP2026.eventbrite.com.
Gates County Community Partnership Starts Chat Bench Initiative with Inspiring “Let’s Chat” Youth Mental Health Event
GATESVILLE, N.C. — Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP) officially launched its new Chat Bench Initiative with a powerful and uplifting community event titled “Let’s Chat: Conversations that Matter — Youth & Mental Health.” Held at the newly installed chat bench outside the Gates County Community Center, the gathering brought together families and young people for meaningful conversation about mental health, connection, and support.
The event marked the beginning of a new community effort designed to encourage open dialogue and strengthen relationships throughout Gates County. The chat bench, located at the community center, serves as the first and flagship bench in what organizers hope will become a growing network of conversation spaces across the community.
Vice President of Gates County Community Partnership Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr. welcomed attendees and shared the vision behind the initiative.
“The Chat Bench represents more than metal and paint, it represents a safe space for hearts to open and voices to be heard,” Saunders said. “Our vision is that this bench becomes a symbol of understanding, kindness, and love among all citizens of Gates County. We want it to remind people that no one has to face life’s challenges alone, and that meaningful conversation can bring us together.”
The Chat Bench Initiative was inspired in part by a New York Times article titled “I Spent a Week at a Chat Bench. Here’s What I Learned,” which explored how simple spaces dedicated to conversation can help combat loneliness and strengthen communities.
Recognizing the increasing need for mental health support and stronger community cohesion, Gates County Community Partnership developed the initiative to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where people can sit, talk, and connect. The bench serves as an invitation to engage in open conversation, whether sharing experiences, offering encouragement, or simply listening.
The goals of the program are both simple and profound:
-Enhancing mental well-being by reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation through positive social interaction.
-Promoting awareness and understanding by encouraging people to share stories and perspectives.
-Encouraging reconciliation and community unity by creating spaces where individuals from different backgrounds can find common ground.
Organizers plan to host regular events and themed discussions at the benches to raise awareness about mental health issues, encourage cultural dialogue, and highlight stories of community resilience.
The inaugural event focused on youth mental health, a topic that resonated deeply with those in attendance.
The featured speaker was Rondeshya Cosby, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and founder of Bright Shadows Telepsychiatry Services. Cosby shared insights about the challenges facing young people today and emphasized the importance of providing safe spaces where youth feel comfortable discussing their emotions and experiences.
Cosby has extensive experience in psychiatric and emergency care and has dedicated her career to expanding mental health services in northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. Through her practice and nonprofit outreach, she works to ensure that children, adolescents, and families have access to the care and support they need.
Guiding the conversation was Dr. Crystal Harden, CEO of ForWARD Education, LLC, a science education consulting company focused on advancing educational opportunities in underserved communities. Dr. Harden facilitated a thoughtful dialogue that encouraged participation from students.
Young people in attendance engaged in the discussion, sharing their thoughts, asking questions, and reflecting on the pressures and opportunities they experience today.
Dr. Chante Jordan, President of Gates County Community Partnership, closed the event with thoughtful words of gratitude and encouragement while emphasizing the words of the panel.
Organizers described the event as insightful and enriching, particularly for the youth who attended. The conversation helped foster understanding between generations while highlighting the importance of community support in addressing mental health challenges.
The Chat Bench Initiative is a collaborative effort supported by The Obici Healthcare Foundation and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, whose funding helped bring the project to life. Their support reflects a shared commitment to improving community health and promoting meaningful connections among residents.
GCCP hopes the Chat Bench will continue to serve as a place of openness, empathy, and dialogue, reminding residents that sometimes the most powerful step toward healing and understanding begins with a simple invitation: “Let’s Chat.”
With future conversations and events already being planned, Gates County Community Partnership believes the bench will become a lasting symbol of connection, compassion, and community unity in Gates County.
Gates County Community Partnership Launches “Let’s Chat” Series with Focus on Youth & Mental Health
GATESVILLE, N.C. — Gates County Community Partnership will host the first event in its new “Let’s Chat” series, Conversations that Matter: Youth & Mental Health, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the “chat bench” outside the Gates County Community Center. The featured speaker will be Rondeshya Cosby, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Founder and Clinical Director of Bright Shadows, and the conversation will be facilitated by Crystal Harden, EdD, CEO of ForWARD Education, LLC. In the event of rain, the gathering will relocate inside the Community Center. The event is free and open to the public.
The “Let’s Chat” initiative is a collaborative effort between Gates County Community Partnership, the Obici Healthcare Foundation, and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. Created in response to the growing need for mental health support and stronger community cohesion, the initiative plans to introduce designated benches throughout the local area where individuals are encouraged to engage in open, meaningful conversations.
The chat bench serves as an accessible and inclusive space dedicated to improving mental health, fostering dialogue, and promoting understanding and harmony across the community. Organizers hope the bench becomes more than just a place to sit, but a symbol of connection.
“The Chat Bench represents more than metal and paint, it represents a safe space for hearts to open and voices to be heard,” said Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., Vice President of Gates County Community Partnership. “Our vision is that this bench becomes a symbol of understanding, kindness, and love among all citizens of Gates County. We want it to be a reminder that no one must face life’s challenges alone, and that meaningful conversation can be the bridge that brings us together.”
A Platform for Connection
The primary purpose of the Chat Bench Initiative is simple yet profound: to provide a platform where community members can connect, communicate, and support one another. By encouraging spontaneous conversations in a welcoming environment, the benches aim to combat social isolation, a significant factor affecting mental health today.
With youth mental health as the focus of the inaugural conversation, organizers hope to create a safe and supportive environment for families, educators, and young people to explore the challenges facing today’s youth.
Featured Speaker: Rondeshya Cosby, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Rondeshya Cosby is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, entrepreneur, and community advocate with deep roots in Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Born in Syracuse, New York, she spent much of her childhood in Virginia Beach before moving to Gates County in 2000. She attended Gates County High School for her 9th through 11th grade years before relocating back to New York to complete high school.
In 2010, she returned to Gates County to establish permanent roots, purchasing her first home in 2012. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from the College of the Albemarle in 2013, later graduating at the top of her class from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2018. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University in November 2020 and became board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in March 2021 after passing the ANCC certification exam.
Cosby worked as a registered nurse from 2015 to 2020 at Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in both psychiatric and emergency departments and served in the emergency department at Sentara Albemarle and later at Riverside. From 2021 until January 2026, she practiced as a psychiatric nurse practitioner with Riverside, gaining extensive experience in outpatient and community-based mental health care.
In 2023, she founded Bright Shadows Telepsychiatry Services to provide virtual psychiatric support to underserved communities. In 2025, she expanded services with a physical location in Elizabeth City offering mental health and substance-use treatment for children, adolescents, and adults ages six and up.
Cosby also founded Bright Shadows Corporation, a nonprofit organization established in 2025 to focus on community partnerships, free and low-cost healthcare services, educational programming, support groups, and outreach initiatives. A key goal of the nonprofit is collaborating with Gates County Schools to expand access to mental health services for children and families.
Facilitator: Crystal Harden, EdD
Crystal Harden, EdD, is the CEO of ForWARD Education, LLC, a science education consulting company dedicated to protecting and promoting educational advancement for under-resourced and underserved communities. ForWARD Education provides quality education services and resources designed to empower students and educators in achieving academic success.
Harden’s leadership and passion for equity in education will guide the conversation, helping ensure that participants engage in thoughtful, productive dialogue centered on supporting youth mental health in Gates County.
A Community Invitation
Gates County Community Partnership invites residents of all ages to attend this inaugural “Let’s Chat” event. By gathering at the bench community members can take part in conversations that matter and help build a stronger, more connected Gates County.
As Saunders expressed, the dream is simple yet powerful: that the bench becomes a lasting symbol of understanding, kindness, and love and that through honest conversation, the community continues to grow closer together.
Gates County Community Partnership to Host Black-Tie Charity Gala at ECSU
“Opening Doors, Expanding Horizons” to spotlight youth opportunity, education, and community progress.
ELIZABETH CITY - An evening of elegance, purpose, and local pride is on the horizon as Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP) prepares to host its Charity Gala on Saturday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m. The event will be held at the K. E. White Center at Elizabeth City State University, bringing together community leaders, supporters, and residents for a night designed to celebrate impact and invest in the future of Gates County. With a black-tie dress code, the gala is expected to be one of the region’s most anticipated spring events. Tickets are $50 and available online at GCCP2026.eventbrite.com.
Gates County Community Partnership, established in October 2018 and recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has quickly become one of Gates County’s most influential organizations focused on youth educational advancement, leadership development, and community enrichment. Over the past several years, the organization has helped deliver life-changing resources to students and families, from scholarships and technology to grants supporting long-term school and wellness initiatives.
“This gala is more than an event, it’s a statement about what we believe in as a community,” said Sandra Jordan Branch of Gates County Community Partnership. “When we invest in education and opportunity, we aren’t just helping individual students. We’re strengthening the future of Gates County itself.”
The Saunders Science Scholars – The Catalyst
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s Saunders Science Scholars program is a powerful STEM enrichment and youth development initiative in Gates County, designed to spark curiosity, expand opportunity, and deepen students’ engagement with science through hands-on learning. Named in honor of esteemed local educator Benjamin C. Saunders, Sr., the program stands as both a tribute to his legacy and a bold investment in the county’s future. In addition to working directly with cohorts of students, the program strengthens the broader community through mobile outreach programs, camps, and special events that bring high-quality science engagement to local schools and families.
Morehead and the Saunders Science Scholars program served as the catalyst for the start of Gates County Community Partnership, by providing mentorship and igniting GCCP’s mission to expand perspectives, strengthen educational pathways, and open doors for Gates County’s youth.
A Record of Real Results
Since its founding, Gates County Community Partnership has been key in bringing significant grant funding and programming to Gates County Schools. Among its most notable achievements is playing essential roles in securing two transformational grants: the U.S. Department of Education’s GEAR UP grant and the Obici Healthcare Foundation’s Healthy Behaviors grant.
The GEAR UP program has supported students at Central Middle School and Gates County High School, providing academic enrichment opportunities, college advising, college tours, coaching, and professional development, including the Carnegie Learning Math Program. The Healthy Behaviors grant funded the Athletic Training Facility at Gates County High School, a major investment in student wellness and infrastructure. In a related event, GCCP funded a state-of-the-art VertiMax machine for the training facility through a grant from the organization.
In addition to facilitating major school grants, GCCP has secured funding through its own grant acquisition efforts. Support has come from organizations such as the NC GSK Foundation, Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Burt’s Bees Greater Good Foundation, Sustainable Forestry Land Retention Youth Program, Obici Healthcare Foundation, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, and Blue Cross Blue Shield NC. These resources have powered initiatives focused on college readiness, youth development, community enhancement, and summer camps.
From Laptops to Scholarships - GCCP Keeps It Local and Free
Gates County Community Partnership’s impact is visible across the county. The organization has donated more than 190 new laptops to local students and provided internet access to 15 students, ensuring youth are not left behind in an increasingly digital world.
Their efforts have also strengthened community life beyond the classroom. A successful fundraising drive revitalized youth baseball and softball leagues at the Gates County Community Center, reinforcing the role of sports in mentorship, teamwork, and healthy development. The organization collaborated with the local school system and the county to provide broadband internet access and two large screen televisions. And recently, Gates County Community Partnership chose the center to locate a “chat bench,” which provides a simple yet profound platform for community members to connect, communicate, and support one another.
Perhaps most importantly, GCCP has awarded 31 college scholarships to local graduates, while also frequently providing financial support for students to participate in enrichment activities offered by other organizations.
Through its “Activate Futures” mentoring initiative, GCCP continues to guide students in building leadership skills and preparing for life beyond graduation. The nonprofit also supports college tours and field trips, expanding horizons and making higher education feel attainable for Gates County’s youth.
A Night That Helps Move the County Forward
The upcoming Charity Gala is designed not only to celebrate Gates County Community Partnership’s work, but to raise support for continued programming and expanded opportunities for Gates County’s citizens.
GCCP operates on a firm belief that its services should be offered without cost, ensuring all residents can benefit from its programs regardless of income or other barriers. Its board of directors, made up of individuals with deep roots in Gates County, brings local understanding, professional expertise, and a strong volunteer spirit to the organization’s mission.
The gala’s theme, “Opening Doors, Expanding Horizons,” reflects Gates County Community Partnership’s guiding philosophy: expanding perspectives through education builds empathy, unity, and long-term progress. For those looking for an evening that blends celebration with purpose, and for anyone who believes Gates County’s future is worth investing in, Gates County Community Partnership’s Charity Gala promises a night to remember!
Event Details
Gates County Community Partnership Charity Gala
K. E. White Center, Elizabeth City State University
Saturday, April 4
5:00 p.m.
Dress Code: Black Tie
Tickets: $50
GCCP2026.eventbrite.com
Free ACT Prep Initiative Brings Students Together Across Four Counties
Gates County Community Partnership and A Plus Test Prep help juniors build confidence, strategy, and college readiness.
GATESVILLE — High school juniors from Gates, Hertford, Chowan, and Northampton counties recently completed a free, two-session ACT Prep initiative designed to strengthen test-taking skills and expand access to college readiness resources in rural northeastern North Carolina.
The program was sponsored by Gates County Community Partnership, a local nonprofit, and delivered by A Plus Test Prep of Durham, North Carolina. Three high schools participated in the initiative, which focused on building students’ understanding of ACT scoring, scholarship opportunities, and practical strategies for improving performance across all sections of the exam.
The first session emphasized goal setting and helping students understand why ACT scores matter. Students reviewed how test scores can impact college admissions, merit scholarships, and future career pathways. Participants also received an overview of the ACT structure and were introduced to core strategies such as time management, answering every question, using elimination, and circling keywords in prompts. In addition, students worked through ACT-style practice questions and were encouraged to take notes and actively participate.
The second and final session focused more heavily on the Math, Reading, and Science sections of the ACT. Students learned section-specific techniques for pacing, breaking down questions, interpreting charts and graphs, and identifying the difference between “big picture” and “small detail” questions. The final session reinforced the importance of keeping momentum and making strategic choices.
Organizers say the initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce barriers that students in rural communities often face when it comes to accessing test prep and college readiness support.
“Programs like this are about opportunity,” said Brian Rountree of Gates County Community Partnership. “When we remove cost barriers and bring high-quality support directly into our community, students are able to see what’s possible. This initiative gave our juniors practical tools, confidence, and a stronger understanding of how ACT success can open doors to college and scholarships.”
This free initiative reflected a regional commitment to supporting youth across northeastern North Carolina. While the program was initially targeted toward Gates County High School juniors, it was expanded to welcome additional students from neighboring communities. Organizers hope the success of the two-session initiative will serve as a foundation for future college and career readiness programming in the region.
ACT Prep Is Underway!
Gates County Community Partnership kicked off the first of two FREE ACT Prep sessions at the Gates County Community Center, and it was a great success!
Students from Gates County, Hertford County, Chowan County, and Northampton County came together for a high-energy, information-packed session led by A Plus Test Prep (Vincent Brown). Throughout the morning, students learned why ACT scores matter, how scores connect to college admissions and scholarships, and practical test-taking strategies for English, Math, Reading, and Science.
From goal setting and understanding target scores to working through real ACT-style questions, students were engaged, taking notes, asking questions, and building confidence for what’s ahead.
This two-session ACT Prep initiative is proudly sponsored by Gates County Community Partnership to help expand access to college readiness resources for students in our rural communities, at no cost to families.
Session 2: Saturday, February 7
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Gates County Community Center
Gates County Community Partnership is excited to see these students continue the journey as they put in the hard work needed to reach their ACT goals and open doors to future college and career opportunities.
Powering Possibility: Laptops Open New Doors for Gates County Students
Nearly a year after its previous success, The Access Initiative Laptop Giveaway returned to Gates County, once again expanding access to technology for local families. Sponsored by Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP), the event was held on Saturday, December 27, at Gates County High School in Gatesville, North Carolina.
Now in its fourth iteration, the giveaway continues to address technology needs across the county. During this year’s event, 26 laptops were distributed to families with students enrolled in Gates County Schools. With this latest contribution, GCCP has provided nearly 190 computers to members of the Gates County community since 2020.
“Our goal has always been simple, remove barriers that prevent students from fully participating in their education,” said Sandra Jordan Branch, Director of Gates County Community Partnership. “Each year we see firsthand how access to reliable technology can change a household, and that continues to motivate our work.”
The Access Initiative was created to help close the digital gap faced by many rural families, ensuring students have dependable tools for schoolwork, communication, and skill development. As classrooms and learning platforms remain deeply connected to technology, the need for devices remains critical.
For families receiving laptops, the impact is immediate. One parent shared that having a computer at home brings peace of mind. “Knowing my child can complete assignments without borrowing or falling behind is a huge relief,” the recipient said. “This support truly makes a difference.”
GCCP’s leadership emphasized that the program’s growth reflects both community support and long-term commitment. Dr. Chante Jordan, President of Gates County Community Partnership, noted that expanding broadband access across the county has strengthened the initiative’s impact. “These devices now connect students to real opportunities, from virtual learning to college preparation. It’s exciting to see how far our county has come.”
Beyond distributing computers, GCCP hopes the program encourages collaboration and continued investment in local youth. Brian Rountree, Director of Gates County Community Partnership, highlighted the broader mission behind the effort. “When organizations and community members work together with purpose, we build pathways for success that last well beyond a single event.”
As The Access Initiative moves forward, Gates County Community Partnership remains focused on empowering families, supporting education, and ensuring that every student has the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Annie Wealthy Holland Highway Marker Dedication and Community Celebration
The Gates County community came together in a powerful and joyful way to honor the legacy of Annie Wealthy Holland (1871–1934) during the unveiling of her historic highway marker at T.S. Cooper Elementary School in Sunbury, NC on Saturday, September 6.
The event was filled with excitement, pride, and unity as community members gathered alongside a host of distinguished guests; including county commissioners, board of education members, and state legislators; to celebrate Holland’s remarkable contributions to education and community uplift.
A highlight of the day was the inspiring keynote address delivered by Dr. Valinda Littlefield, who captured Holland’s enduring impact as the founder of the North Carolina Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers, the first statewide organization of its kind for African Americans. Holland’s dedication to education, advocacy, and empowerment continues to resonate across generations.
The celebration featured food trucks, music, local performers, students, and a special presentation on Holland’s legacy, creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere that honored history while strengthening community bonds. The unveiling of the marker was a moment of deep pride, reflection, and gratitude.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the Center for Racial Equity in Education for organizing this historic event, as well as to Representative Rodney Pierce and the Gates County Historical Society for their tireless advocacy to secure this marker and ensure Annie Holland’s story is permanently remembered in Gates County.
This was more than a dedication, it was a celebration of community, resilience, and the power of education to transform lives!