136th Anniversary of the Town of Princeville in North Carolina

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 136th anniversary of Princeville, a town in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, that stands strong as the oldest town incorporated by African Americans in the United States of America. Populated primarily by African Americans, the historic town of Princeville holds a legacy of pride and stands as a powerful symbol of African American determination and endurance in the face of adversity.

Originally known as ``Freedom Hill,'' Princeville was established by freed slaves in 1885. As the Civil War came to an end, many former slaves sought a new frontier of protection and freedom and left the plantations for Union troop encampments. Once the Union soldiers departed the encampments, many former slaves stayed behind and settled in an area named Freedom Hill, incorporated in 1885 in Edgecombe County. The name Freedom Hill was later changed to Princeville in honor of a well-known community member by the name of Turner Prince. A former slave and local carpenter, Turner Prince lived in Freedom Hill since its founding and was heavily involved in building many community homes for families in Freedom Hill.

While Princeville faced many challenges throughout its existence, the residents also benefitted by the strength of their collective community in many ways. Free from their enslavement, many were able to reconnect with family and gain control of their labor and requirement of compensation. Princeville developed into a community with self-employed laborers and artisans. In 1880, the community was also home to eight carpenters, seven blacksmiths, four grocers, three seamstresses and three brick masons. Princeville workers were also able to capitalize on the growth of local area communities and were able to find employment in various sectors such as textile mills and lumber industries. Freedom also brought the hope and power associated with the right to vote and hold political office. In fact, several eastern counties of North Carolina, Black residents were a majority, and in many of these locations, Blacks exercised their political strength by electing Black men to office. Princeville and Edgecombe County voters were able to elect eleven Black men to the state legislature to serve fifteen terms from 1877 to 1890. Indeed, Princeville was an example to the nation of the importance and power of having the unfettered access to make one's voice heard through their vote.

From recovery of the unnatural disaster of slavery and segregation to the devastation of natural disasters of hurricanes and flooding, the people of Princeville's determination and strength have allowed them to endure and overcome many difficulties and challenges. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the people of the First District of North Carolina, I am proud to recognize the 136th anniversary of the historic town of Princeville and am honored to serve as their Representative in Congress.

The Princeville citizens continue to represent the power of community and the importance of freedom to control one's own destiny to create a path forward free from oppression, suppression, and undue barriers. The town of Princeville has, without exception, earned the right to be recognized, honored, and celebrated, and it is my hope that the citizens of Princeville will continue its proud legacy for many years to come.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source