The North Carolina Way: Civil Rights and Wrongs in the Twentieth Century

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For much of the twentieth century, North Carolina enjoyed a reputation as the most progressive state in the American South. In 1949, the preeminent political scientist V. O. Key labeled the state a progressive plutocracy and praised its leaders for following a relatively moderate path in support of public education, economic development, and harmonious race relations. Ironically, by the end of the century, many scholars referred to NC’s reputation as a “progressive myth,” especially in the area of civil rights. Several critics suggested that it was the least changed of the old Confederate states. How should we view the history of civil rights in NC? Dr. Karl Campbell provides an overview of Tar Heel race relations from the Wilmington Race Riot of 1898 to the present.  He will end the presentation with a brief discussion of contemporary issues of race and politics in North Carolina.

Karl Campbell, Associate Professor of History at Appalachian State University, received his M.A. and Ph.D. in History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Dr. Campbell has presented numerous lectures and papers on the subject of the late Senator Sam Ervin of North Carolina, as well as on the Civil Rights Movement in NC. His book, Senator Sam Ervin: The Last of the Founding Fathers was published in 2007.

FREE with exhibit admission.  FREE for members.

$5 for program and Carolina Faces exhibit admission only.

Image: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA/OWI Collection, [LC-DIG-fsa-8a03228 ]