The African American Heritage and Culture Center announces the installation of new officers and members to its board of directors.
Rosanne C. Wilson, former vice president, was elected president and Mike Williams, former president was elected vice president.
Board member, Angela Wilson, was elected treasurer, replacing Jim Copland. Joy Harsen will continue as secretary
Copland has been treasurer for the African American Heritage and Culture Center since 2019, Wilson said.
“We thank him for his dedication over the past several years and we look forward to continuing working with him as a member of the board of directors,” she added.
In January, the organization elected Morgan Tripp, Karen Sullivan, and Samantha Watkins as new members to the board of directors.
The full roster of the 2025 Board of Directors includes Carol Bonner Becton, James (Jim) Copland, Victor Dove, Rick Fisher, Joy Harsen, Karen Sullivan, Morgan Tripp, Samantha Watson, Blake Wiggs, Mike Williams, Angela Wilson and Rosanne Wilson.
For the first time since the organization was established in 2019, they are opening membership as a general member is open to the public.
“The African American Heritage Culture Center invites you to join a great tradition of promoting, presenting, and preserving African American history and culture in New Bern and the region,” Wilson said.
“Your membership provides opportunities to volunteer for programs and events that are important to the community, to work with other like-minded, caring members, and the satisfaction of knowing that your membership supports the preservation and commemoration of New Bern’s African American history.”
As a nonprofit organization that receives no federal funding and little state or local funding, Wilson said the support of its members is important.
Wilson said the $25 annual membership donation is tax deductible and helps support activities like oral histories, community forums, art exhibits, the annual Great Fire Commemoration and musical performances.
