CARRBORO, N.C. -- The official unveiling of the Town of Carrboro Truth Plaque for the Freedman School will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9.
The plaque is located in the Town’s right-of-way next to St. Paul’s AME Church at 101 N. Merritt Mill Road. Nearby parking is available at the parking deck adjacent to the Hampton Inn at 370 E. Main St.
The goal of the truth plaques is to recognize Carrboro’s history while uplifting the truth and acknowledging an unjust past. The first plaque, located at Carrboro Town Hall, explains Julian S. Carr’s ties to racial segregation.
Background about the Freedman School
In 1866, freedmen Benjamin Craig and Green Cordal bought a plot of land near the current intersection of West Franklin Street and Merritt Mill Road, and donated a portion of it to the Quakers for the establishment of a school for freedmen. The remaining portion was donated to create a place for the present-day St. Paul AME Church.
By 1868, the Quaker school had begun operations as a private school. In 1890, the school expanded to serve Black children in grades 1-7, with the Orange County school system providing teachers and supplies. By 1910, about 130 students were enrolled.
Learn more about the history at https://openorangenc.org/buildings/quaker-freedmens-school
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