Introduction

This exhibit will showcase the heart of the African American community in Western North Carolina. What is the heart of this amazing community you might ask? It is the religion. Religion in WNC has gotten the African American community through many trials and tribulations. It has provided them with strong leaders like Rev. Dr. Joseph H. Smith and Rev. Charlsie Sweat. Religion has given the members of the community the ability to host events like the 1998 Gospel Festival that not only brought African Americans closer to each other but allowed people of different races and cultures to grow closer with this community.