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Project Title: Community Engagement for James Cates

 

Background

Founded nearly 30 years ago, the Center focuses on the South's rich histories of exchange, creativity, conflict, and transformation. It engages with the diverse cultures of the region through scholarship, dialogue, collaboration, and the arts, adhering to high standards of equity and critical inquiry.

 

My Role

I worked under Danita Mason-Hogans, MA, an award-winning civil rights historian, educator, and activist and James Ogle, an award-winning journalist who has written for the New York Times and the Washington Post.

 

Main Project

The primary focus was on Community Engagement for James Cates. This project aimed to document and amplify Cates's story, a significant figure in the history of racial justice in Chapel Hill.

 

Approach

  1. Research and Documentation: Collaborated with Danita and journalist Mike Ogle to gather evidence and narratives surrounding James Cates's legacy and its relevance today.

  2. Community Involvement: Engaged local partners, schools, and historians to facilitate discussions and workshops that would bring awareness to Cates’s contributions and experiences.

 

Outcomes

  • Increased Awareness: The project helped raise awareness of James Cates's story within the community and beyond.

  • Educational Resources: Developed materials for teaching and engaging with local history that can be used by educators and community activists.

  • Stronger Community Ties: Fostered connections among community members, historians, and educators centered around shared history and social justice.

 

Conclusion

Through collaboration with Danita Mason-Hogans, Sandra Conway and the Center, the project aimed to honor and elevate James Cates's significance in the civil rights movement, contributing to a deeper understanding of historical struggles and fostering dialogue around social justice in the South.

Sandra Wilcox Conway

"I worked with Sarah on several social impact projects, including initiatives for Duke and University of North Carolina, and I cannot recommend her more highly.  Sarah has a unique combination of experience, insight and an ability to produce wonderful work.

 

She quickly grasps complex social problems with empathy and facilitates solutions to reach a shared goal. She is adept at leading and following, and in spite of all her great accomplishments, she is eager and humble in her commitment to any task that will help the team."

Sandra Wilcox Conway
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