Residents of Warren County saw the impending landfill as an existential threat, prompting many protestors to tap into their religious faith and practice as a source of strength in the struggle against it. Protests frequently included prayers, religious songs, and call-and-response speeches.
In the late 1970s, there was little scientific data on the long-term health effects of industrial waste such as PCBs. The concern about the unknown motivated participation. "The fear was the thing that drew people out, especially fear of the water being poisoned," said Rev. Luther Brown, pastor of Coley Springs Baptist Church (located about two miles away from the proposed site).
Even today, little is known about the impact the landfill has had on the community’s health. The State has never conducted a longitudinal study of its effects. But locals share numerous anecdotes that point to a high incidence of cancer and illness among people living close to the site.
Reverend Donald Jarboe, September 15, 1982
HAROLD MOORE, AFTON, NC
Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. refused to meet with the Concerned Citizens, so the people acted on their ultimatum to stage a "human blockade" to halt the trucks as they arrived on September 15, 1982. Fifty-two adults were arrested and charged with impeding traffic. Police arrested two men, Richard Munn and Donald Jarboe, after each jumped in front of the convoy. Twelve children were also detained.
Durham Herald Co. Newspaper Photograph Collection
North Carolina Collection
Reverend Leon White and North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper, September 15, 1982
HAROLD MOORE, AFTON, NC
Rev. Luther Brown of Coley Springs Baptist Church introduced the members of the Concerned Citizens to Rev. Leon White, pastor of Oak Level Church of Christ in Manson, NC, and regional field director for the United Church of Christ’s Commission for Racial Justice (CRJ). With the CRJ, Rev. White had been involved in other key initiatives, including the campaign to free the "Wilmington 10." White and Ken Ferruccio led the "human blockade" on September 15, 1982.
Durham Herald Co. Newspaper Photograph Collection
North Carolina Collection
"Hunt's Dump," November 24, 1982
TONY RUMPLE, AFTON, NC
The people of Warren County often addressed Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. directly when showing their opposition to the landfill, such as chanting, "Dump Hunt in the dump!" at protests or creating personalized signs. Quoting from a hymn written in 1871 by British clergyman Charles Kingsley, this sign ascribes spiritual meaning to the state’s threat to the local environment.
Durham Herald Co. Newspaper Photograph Collection
North Carolina Collection
Prayer circle, October 14, 1982
JIM THORNTON, DURHAM, NC
Nearly every protest included prayer. "People had faith that this was an issue that had a higher calling," Deborah Ferruccio said in a 2011 interview. At demonstrations, like this rally in front of the offices of the Environmental Protection Agency, religious leaders stirred protesters with parables from the Bible, such as the story of David and Goliath.
Durham Herald Co. Newspaper Photograph Collection
North Carolina Collection
Paper badge, "I’d Rather Be in Jail! (Than Dying of Cancer at Home)," 1982
VICTORIA LEHMAN, WARREN COUNTY, NC
These paper badges were designed by Victoria Lehman, art teacher at Warren County High School. The image of the red truck, modeled after her brother-in-law Ken Ferruccio’s antique International Harvester pickup, became a symbol for the movement. "We knew the power of the signs for the media. We knew the media needed a visual," Lehman said in a 2021 interview.
Item on loan from Wayne Moseley
"Why I’m in Jail, Refusing to Cooperate with the Government, and Fasting", Spring 1983
KEN FERRUCCIO, WARRENTON, NC
Following his March 3, 1983 arrest, Ken Ferruccio refused to post bail and went on a nineteen-day hunger strike. In this statement, he says he will "go as far as I can within the limits of non-violence" to bring attention to the "clear and present danger" of PCB escaping into the surrounding air and water.
Jenny Labalme files, Bob Hall Papers
Southern Historical Collection