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African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina celebrates musicians of the region

The African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina is now under the stewardship of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission. North Carolina was one of the first states in the nation to celebrate its music heritage by researching and developing music trails.
(Logo: African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina)
The African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina is now under the stewardship of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission. North Carolina was one of the first states in the nation to celebrate its music heritage by researching and developing music trails.

The African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina is now under the stewardship of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission.

North Carolina was one of the first states in the nation to celebrate its music heritage by researching and developing music trails.

Officials with the North Carolina Arts Council say they developed the trails 2013 to celebrate some of the most transformative figures in the history of jazz, gospel, and popular music.

For at least a century, African American musicians from Kinston and the surrounding region have played key roles in the development of several forms of American music: jazz, rhythm and blues, funk, and gospel music.

The cultural trail also includes The Kinston Music Park, which was dedicated in 2014 to celebrate the important contributions of eastern North Carolina musicians.

Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.