The Town of Princeville, North Carolina

Recover – Rebuild - Sustain

The Town of Princeville, North Carolina, the first town chartered by freed black slaves after the Civil War in 1886, struggles today (2018) to recover after recent devastating flood waters from Hurricane Matthew which ravaged the town in October 2016. It was just 17 years ago (1999) when the town was engulfed the first time by Hurricane Floyd, and together they had the strength and determination to recover, rebuild and persevere. Getting hit a second time has just been too overwhelming for this small town of 2,200 people. At a time where they are struggling, yet again, to recover the people of Princeville fear not only the permanent loss of their personal belongings and shelter but their very existence.

Princeville’s historical significance of being the first chartered town by freed black slaves is being threatened to be lost forever if this town and its people are unable to return and rebuild. In the words of Mayor Pro Temp Linda Joyner, “We’re not looking for a handout – We’re just looking for a hand.”