Sarah Keys Evans Inclusive Art Project
Presented by Eastern Carolina Christian College & Seminary
Why Sarah Keys Evans?
In 1952, Sarah Keys Evans boarded a charter bus in Trenton, New Jersey headed for Washington, North Carolina to visit her family during her leave from Fort Dix. It was during a stop in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina that Sarah Keys Evans was faced with a choice: move for a white passenger or take a stand against systemic racism and segregation.
“…to my surprise, when I got to Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, there was a big problem…”
Les Atkins, Roanoke Valley videographer, sat down with the trailblazer, Sarah Keys Evans, in an interview. Click below to experience her harrowing story.
The Sarah Keys Evans Inclusive Art Project
Eastern Carolina Christian College & Seminary was awarded the Z. Reynolds Smith Foundation Grant to bring awareness of Sarah Keys Evans’ legacy throughout the Roanoke Valley Community.
Community & Partnership
Eastern Christan College & Seminary has partnered with Roanoke Valley organizations and leaders on the Sarah Keys Evans Project.
Outreach & Engagement
Eastern Carolina Christian College & Seminary, along with its partners, is committed to utilizing the Sarah Keys Evans Inclusive Art Project to create sessions and opportunities to engage with the community.
Inclusive Public Art Display
The Z. Reynolds Smith Foundation believes that art brings people together and promotes inclusion and diversity within communities. It’s with this grant we were able to create this timeless art installation for all to enjoy.
Working together to tell the untold story of a true trailblazer…
Meet Our Team
Dr. Charles E. McCollum, Sr.
Dr. Charles E. McCollum is the chairperson of the Sarah Keys Evans Inclusive Public Art Project. As a pastor, educator, author, civil rights advocate, and leader, Dr. McCollum has exemplified outstanding humanitarian service throughout the country. Dr. McCollum co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and Eastern Carolina Christian College & Seminary, where he presently serves as Chancellor.
Dr. Ervin Griffin, Sr.
Dr. Ervin Griffin, Sr. is President Emeritus of the Halifax Community College (HCC) in Weldon, NC, and was the first African American to serve as President/CEO. His career in higher education spans over 40 years. During his tenure, HCC won the Southern Region Equity Award and over 15 million dollars in federal, state, local, and foundation grants to promote student success and facility upgrades. For his outstanding service to HCC and the community it serves, the Board of Trustees renamed a campus building the Dr. Ervin V. Griffin Centre to honor his legacy of leadership.
Dr. Georgette Kimball
Dr. Kimball is a lifelong resident, educator, community, and civic leader of Halifax County, North Carolina. She served as an educator and administrator for 41 years in the Halifax and Northhampton County Schools, Weldon City Schools, and KIPP ENC. As an ambassador of education, she established the Brown-Kimball Education Scholarship Foundation in 2015. She is also the founder and Founding President of the Roanoke Valley HBCU Collaborative Association, Inc.
Mrs. Ophelia Gould-Faison
Mrs. Ophelia Gould-Faison is a lifelong resident of Littleton, NC, an alumna of North Carolina Central University, and a retired educator from the Halifax County Public School District. Her recognition and community awards include 2005-2006 Teacher of the Year Award at McIver Elementary School, 2017 Local African American Hero Award from Halifax Community College, and 2019 Hidden Figure of Kappa Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her community service includes Chair of the MLK National Holiday Celebration sponsored by Oak Grove Promiseland Ministries of Littleton, organizing voter registration and education forums, and Littleton Town Commissioner.
