JACKSONVILLE -- The Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting their heritage trail. It's a collection of sites, people and locations that hold special significance to black history in Onslow County.
One of those sites is St. Julia's A.M.E. Zion Church on Kerr Street in Jacksonville, where the original freedom bell no longer rings, but still speaks.
It tells the story of racial divides and the pursuit of freedom by church members. The bell and the church behind it are just one portion of the African-American Heritage Trail.
"It's amazing because you're just not going to believe what's happened in Onslow County," said Theresa Carter, director of tourism for Onslow County.
The trail currently has 17 sites. Like the church, they all highlight an important piece of African-American history.
"It was time to make this known to the community that we appreciate your works, we understand the struggle," said Million Heir-Williams, vice president of the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce and the minority business services manager.
From the task force that fought tirelessly for the right to vote, to the individual people who made a difference for so many, the sight list continues to grow as more history is unveiled.
"It was something that we realized was a lot more important to the community than when we even started the project," Heir-Williams said.
For more information, visit http://www.onlyinonslow.com/things-to-do/culture-history/african-american/