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A typescript of Emory Campbell's Heritage Day remarks from 1981.

A typescript of Emory Campbell's Heritage Day remarks from 1981.

Item Information

Title

A typescript of Emory Campbell's Heritage Day remarks from 1981.

Subject

A typescript

Description

A typescript of Emory Campbell's Executive Director Heritage Day remarks from 1981.

Creator

Penn Center, Inc.

Source

Penn Center of the Sea Islands Records

Publisher

UNC Libraries Wilson Special Collections Library

Date

1981

Rights

Use of this item is controlled by Penn Center, Inc. Please do not contribute to the erasure of their story by using it without their permission. You can call 843-838-2432 or email info@penncenter.com to learn more about the history of St. Helena's Island

Identifier

https://exhibits.lib.unc.edu/exhibits/show/erasureandresilience/item/7484

Text

[Image of Emory Campbell]

It is indeed a pleasure for me to welcome each and everyone of you to Penn Center to observe “Heritage Day.” We truly believe that Penn center is a most appropriate place to celebrate Black Heritage for it was on St. Helena Island that slavery as a legal institution was first put to death and Black Citizens became a symbol of what this nation had long proported [sic] to be—“Land of the free, home of the Brave”.

From 1862 when it was founded, to present Penn’s operation has been based on the philosophy of improving the life of the less fortunate. The history which briefly described on pages of this program booklet will substantiate this claim. As in 1862 Penn is still blazing the trail. Our land retention program is the only of its kind in the state, so is our museum library. We will soon have one of the finest historic district in the nation with an accompanying conference center. Too, we will soon begin a youth program which will be second to none.

Today, we pause to reflect on the past, but more importantly to use the past as a springboard into the future. In that connection we have planned a day with everyone in mind: Games for children, food for thought and strenght [sic] and useful items and gifts. All of this, we hope, will help shape a healthy future for you and for Penn.

The philosophy of Penn Center has also always included the respect for and understanding of one’s heritage. Today is an opportunity to learn more about those whose heritage is linked to Penn Center, but respect should be given to the heritage of others as well.

May each and everyone have an enjoyable day.

Sincerely.
Emory S. Campbell
Executive Director

ESC:jas

Original Format

Paper