For Educators

America 250 NC Freedom Fellowship for K-12 Educators

 The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) and Carolina K-12, a program at UNC-Chapel Hill, proudly announce the inaugural America 250 NC Freedom Fellowship. This unique, highly competitive professional development initiative for K-12 educators is part of the state’s America 250 programming, aligned with the national initiative, for marking the approaching 250th anniversary in 2026 of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Learn more about the America 250 Freedom Fellows program.

The Ongoing Fight for Freedom: Stories of NC Black Veterans

A one-man presentation and performance elevating Black freedom fighters and veterans with North Carolina connections – known & unknown, on and off the traditional battlefield – who have engaged in over 400 years of a struggle for freedom, liberty, and equality. Their sacrifices, resistance, and resilience have contributed to American democracy, even as they were denied the full rights of citizens. Through listening to their stories in this production, we can gain a deeper understanding of our nation’s founding ideals and harness the hope to continue the work together of making those ideals a reality for all.

The show was written and is performed by Dr. Sonny Kelly, founder of Legacy Heirs Productions. The play’s development was commissioned & funded by the NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources’ America 250 NC initiative & produced by Carolina K-12 at Carolina Public Humanities, UNC-Chapel Hill.

Learn about upcoming performances