Former Oberlin resident Andria Fields. Photo by Derrick Beasley.
Voices of Oberlin
June 14 - september 22, 2023 | BLock gallery
222 W. Hargett St. (inside Raleigh Municipal Building)
Exhibition statement: What began in 1858 when free African American Jesse Pettiford purchased a 16-acre parcel in West Raleigh continued throughout the 20th century with the fight for school desegregation. This self-determining spirit of African Americans in what became known as the Oberlin community is a place "built on the strength of people who had worth and dignity," says Raleigh author and family historian Carmen Wimberly Cauthen.
A Reconstruction-era settlement of free African Americans, Oberlin produced citizens who made significant contributions to North Carolina and the nation. What makes this community so great are its families and institutions. In Voices of Oberlin, hear and see from elders and contemporaries how special the Oberlin community was and still is. Through portraiture and oral histories from community members sharing memories and lessons from the mostly African American enclave, the spirit of Oberlin is made clear. As longtime resident Mable Scaver Patterson put it, Oberlin is "indescribable."
This is a collaboration between Friends of Oberlin Village and Raleigh Arts. Portraits taken by artist Derrick Beasley and photographer Teresa Moore.
Exhibition is a partnership with the Friends of Oberlin Village and Raleigh Arts.