How BESDF changes communities

In the past year, BESDF projects have reached thousands of people.

• Whitley Dockery, the 18 year old Whiteville High School graduate was granted the 2022 BESDF Scholarship, to attend East Carolina University as a Speech-Language Pathology major.

• North Carolina's PBSNC premiered a new documentary program, George Henry White, Searching for Freedom, produced by Mike O'Connell, with the help and support of BESDF team members.

• The Phoenix Historical Society is broadcasting the documentary "George Henry White, American Phoenix" through Channel 19 live on the web at https:cityofrockymount.cablecast.tv at 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. throughout the month of February for Black History Month.

• The George Henry White Memorial Health and Education Center was welcomed into the Chambers of Commerce for both Bladen and Columbus counties.

• Computer skills classes and computer networking essential training have been carried on at the center, with instruction provided by Southeast Community College.

• Repairs, insulation and new windows have improved the integrity of the center.

• Civic involvement has increased, supported by the GHW Center, including the historic Mitchellville Cemetery site, the Community Watch Program, and a new Meals on Wheels partnership with 7 area churches.

• BESDF members toured the facility at a recent reunion, noting the many BESD luminaries honored in the memorial garden and signage tributes

• New workforce development and land management initiatives are taking shape even now.

As important as the activities are the partnerships that have been built along the way, with businesses, schools, churches, public agencies (local and state) and researchers. We are following in the footsteps of those who set the traditions and standard of service to others. Thank you to all who have helped us travel this road.