Upperman African American Cultural Center in Wilmington, North Carolina

The Upperman African American Cultural Center (UAACC) offers Wilmington, North Carolina area residents and visitors the chance to experience and preserve the cultural heritage of African American contributions to the Cape Fear Region. The center features a myriad of historical artifacts, artwork and special events which demonstrate the influence the African American community has played along North Carolina's coast. The Randall Library, housed inside the center, offers the loan of both videos and books written by and about African Americans.

History

Dr. Leroy Upperman practice medicine at the New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. Known as "Uppie" by his friends, he was an active member in the Wilmington community and civic endeavors. The doctor's affection for the community and love of education prompted his efforts to give back to young African American students in the area. The UAAC at the Wilmington branch of the University of North Carolina was named in his honor.

Collections

The UAACC houses an art collections of work celebrating the African American Experience and works created by students, staff and regional artisans. The library offers reading and video material designed for student, adult and children's enjoyment and learning.

Artists in Residence

Performers of all ages and media styles take the stage at the UAACC throughout the year. Both small and large scale event focus on both the history and the future of African Americans along the Cape Fear Coast. Performers and artists not only entertain, but serve as a beacon to inspire and aid African American students on their journey to adulthood.

Joyce Grear is a storyteller and a Wilmington native. She weaves stories with historical themes to highlight the contributions of African Americans who helped shaped the history of not only North Carolina, but the United States. When not on stage she is at the head of the classroom teaching drama, directing children's performances and writing plays.

Joy Murrell has been entertaining crowds with her soprano singing voice since the age of nine. A Jamaican native, she routinely performs with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra and Opera Wilmington. Murrell is on the board of the North Carolina Music Teachers Association, the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra Board and the chair of the Independent Music Teachers Forum. She was named the Upperman African American Cultural Center Artist for the Spring in 2007. In addition to her teaching duties and performances at the UAACC she also operates a voice and piano studio in Wilmington.

Grenaldo Frazier has spent most of his life tickling the ivories. He is a nationally renowned musician, composer and stage actor. Frazier composed the Off-Broadway hit musical, Mama I want to Sing, which was named on the 10 Best New York Shows list in 1980. Frazier was also the composer for the Dawson's Creek soundtrack - a television show filmed at Wilmington's EUE Screen Gems Studio. Frazier has also earned awards for his performances on the stage. Frazier played an integral role in the Carnegie Hall Jazz series depicting the life of Bessie Smith.

Shea-Ra Nichi is a dancer who is internationally renowned for her performances of traditional African American forms of dance. Niche created a signature dance form which she uses to depict historical and social communication through body movement. The dancer hopes to use the dancing technique to unite people of all cultures. Her African "folkloric" dance methods combines traditional dance moves with her own choreography.

Special Events

Cultural performances along with educational ceremonies and outreach efforts occur year around at the Upperman African American Cultural Center. The annual "Senior Sankofa" celebrates the successful completion of academic training with lively music and guest speakers. The Rosenwald History Awareness Conference and Exhibit combines lectures, food, art and workshops related to the preservation and advancement of the African American culture. The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration promotes both the history of King's peaceful campaign to achieving equality and future efforts to promote positive change and give back to the community. The Black History Quiz Bowl is an evening of fun and learning. Challenging the quiz bowl teams to test their knowledge of the historical contributions of African Americans in the United States. Book signings also routinely occur at the Upperman African American Cultural Center. A recent such event explored Afro-Caribbean Religions. The cultural center also sponsors the annual Southeastern African American Student Leadership Conference and the Dr. L.W. Upperman Scholarship. The leadership conference offers workshops and creative learning seminars on topics which affect both African American and minority students. Self-improvement techniques and community involvement projects are also a part of the annual conference. The Upperman Scholarship is awarded on an annual basis to an incoming North Carolina freshman who has demonstrated an interest and commitment to enhancing or preserving the African American heritage.