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Born December 17, 1957, Jimmy Streater became a sports icon representing his hometown of Sylva, North Carolina. Upon entering Sylva-Webster High School in 1972, Streator was a prominent athlete playing football, basketball, track, and baseball. His…

Wilburn Garfield McKinney was born and raised in Andrews, North Carolina or Cherokee County. Wilburn was born to Fanie Blye and Mack H. McKinney on the 22nd of September in 1922. McKinney would grow up in Andrews until he was drafted into the Navy…

This registration card was issued to those who were born between July 1 and December 31, 1924, delivered to those who served in World War II. It is unknown of why Mintoria Lavrie would be the person he chose as someone who would always know his…

Ella Mae Bridges Rogers used her love for the Lord to impact her community. She was an usher and a major organizer for getting her church, Mount Zion AME Zion Church in Cullowhee, North Carolina, involved in Mountain Heritage Day at Western Carolina…

Cleve Miller (right) with first cousin William Bowens

William Cleveland Miller or “Cleve” was born December 10, 1884. “His mother Kate Bowens often told him that he was born in a cotton patch while she was picking cotton on a plantation in…

Ida Jean Allen was born in Webster, North Carolina in 1921. In 1943 Allen enlisted to serve in World War II, despite the fact many told her they did not take African Americans. However, Allen was selected to be one out of forty African American women…

Born in Canton on June 22, 1919, Edward Lewis Thompson was a dedicated member of his community, as his motto in life was to “never stop learning.” He served his community for 57 years as a deacon in the Pleasant Grove Baptist church. This was a man…

1998 Gospel Festival Program