NC Emancipation Stories

Discover North Carolina’s rich African American heritage through a showcase of cultural and historic sites across the state. Explore powerful stories of resilience, achievement, and community found in landmarks throughout North Carolina. Join us as the NC African American Heritage Commission uncovers the past that shapes our present. Bio: Natalie Rodriguez is the Associate Director for the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission (NCAAHC) . She earned her bachelor's degree in history from the HBCU NC Central University and her master’s degree in Public History from NC State University. In addition to working with organizations such as the National Park Service and North Carolina Historic Sites, she has also served as the Tour Coordinator at the North Carolina State Capitol for a number of years. She enjoys using her passion for public history as a tool to promote, protect, and preserve North Carolina’s history for all people.