On July 12, as part of the ongoing “History Among Friends” collaborative series between the MoDH and the Friends of the Durham Library, the heavy rain moved on from Durham just in time to allow a sizable audience to make their way to Books Among Friends to hear a native son share his stories.

Durham-born Dr. Gregory Freeland discussed his book Music and Black Community in Segregated North Carolina: “It’s All Right…”, looking at the important role music played during the Jim Crow and Civil Rights eras—in the home, in schools, at church, in clubs and at parties.

During his intimate talk, he painted a very personal, vivid and local picture of his ancestral roots in Hickstown, the area known today near New Bethel Church, Crest St. Park, just near Duke Hospital. He engaged the audience with poignant, and at times humorous, stories of how music brought the community together. We appreciate Dr. Freeland’s willingness to stay and field a lengthy Q&A, offering a glimpse at his slice of Durham and how it affected him and those around him.

Stay tuned as we prepare an oral history interview with Dr. Freeland, which be available on our Soundcloud page!

Learn more about Dr. Freeland’s book HERE.