Records (2008-2016) document the history of the Perry-Weston Educational and Cultural Institute, Inc., from its founding in 2008 by Mr. C. Rudolph Knight, Dr. Florence A. Armstrong, and Dr. Lawrence W. S. Auld to promote African American history, genealogy, culture, and arts, particularly in Edgecombe County (Princeville and Tarboro) and North Carolina, until its dissolution in 2016. Included are programs, invitations, circulars, posters, correspondence, clippings, and articles of incorporation and dissolution that document exhibits, historic talks and presentations, tours, a Nonagenarian Tea, and publications.
Perry-Weston Educational and Cultural Institute, Inc. was incorporated as a non-profit in December of 2008 by Mr. C. Rudolph Knight (chair), Dr. Florence A. Armstrong (vice-chair), and Dr. Lawrence W. S. Auld (secretary/treasurer). To honor the Institute's objective of encouraging genuine interest in African American history, culture and genealogy among the black community in Edgecombe county and North Carolina, they named the Institute after Reverend John W. Perry and his daughter Catherine P. Weston. Reverend Perry was the first rector of St. Luke's Colored Protestant Episcopal church in Tarboro, NC, as well as a noted pioneer in black education.
As part of the Institute's objective, the three members focused on actions such as demonstrations, lectures, and exhibits in addition to conservation and preservation of historically significant sites and buildings in the black community.
Both the chair and vice-chair of the Institute were former members of a similar organization called Phoenix Society for African American Research. Knight and Armstrong served as President and Treasurer of that organization until 2010. The Phoenix Society is still an active organization in Edgecombe County currently under the name of Phoenix Historical Society Inc.
Perry-Weston's efforts made a significant impact on the black community in Edgecombe County until Knight's death in late November of 2013. After his death, the Institute's activity slowed significantly despite Mr. Winfield Crews filling the position of chair. The Institute's inactivity eventually followed with its dissolution in December of 2015 which was later finalized in July of 2016.
This collection contains a brief history of the formation of the Perry-Weston Educational and Cultural Institute followed by formal articles of both incorporation and dissolution of the Institute. The bulk of the collection is composed of flyers, programs, and pamphlets for events hosted by or done in association with Perry-Weston Inc. Other items in this collection include newspaper clippings highlighting the history and work of Perry-Weston Inc., and official award documents of recognition for C. Rudolph Knight by the Long Leaf Pine Society, an awards society for high-achieving individuals in North Carolina.
Gift of Lawrence Auld
Processing completed by Alex Lewis on November 15, 2017.
Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.
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