New issues of The Carolina Times are now available on Digital NC thanks to our partner, the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. The Carolina Times, based in Durham, was North Carolina’s preeminent Black newspaper from its inception in 1921 to its final publication 2020.
Recently uploaded issues cover major events of the early 1990s. These events include Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and the fight to end apartheid, the Rodney King beating in Los Angeles and the ensuing protests over police brutality, the AIDS crisis, the death of Thurgood Marshall and contested confirmation of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court, and Mae Jemison’s historic mission into space. Additionally, these issues provide insight into the concerns, local news, leaders, and social events of Durham’s Black community.
The Carolina Times‘ dedication to Black empowerment and civil rights is evident in these pages, as it has been in previous years. The many op-eds speak to the social issues of the time and are evidence of the ongoing struggle for equality in 1990s America. These newspapers are a rich resource for researchers and historians, and can be accessed here.
It may help to take a moment for context: 1972 was a big year for national an international news—against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, there was also the Watergate scandal, the launch of Apollo 16, and Bloody Sunday. Meanwhile, high school students were still dealing with the classic problems of being a teenager (trying out for sports, forming relationships, staying out of the principal’s office, etc.). Apparently, these elements combine to form one of the most exciting times to be a high school yearbook editor.
Joyce Warren and Alfred Garland. From the 1972 edition of the Doe-Wah-Jack (Walter M. Williams High School).
From Thomas Whitfield’s 1991 masterpiece, “My Community, Pink Hill”
Two of the most delightful items in this batch (besides the adorable Twirlettes, of course) are a couple of scrapbooks made by Michael and Thomas Whitfield in the early 1990s documenting some of the major landmarks around town. In addition to short newspaper clippings and the occasional map, these two young historians took care to document the local homes and businesses. Below a photo of the fire department, Thomas writes, “Pink Hill Fire Dept, was formed before World War II. George Turner was the first fire chief in 1946.” Similarly, under a photo of a brick storefront, he writes, “Classy Cats. Owned by Ronda Stroud. Started in May 25, 1986.” These scrapbooks are great resources for anyone wondering who the Town Clerk was from 1991-1993 (Carol Sykes) or wondering who the best dog in town is (Gibbet).
This blog is maintained by the staff of the North Carolina Digital Heritage Center and features the latest news and highlights from the collections at DigitalNC, an online library of primary sources from organizations across North Carolina.
