A JUNETEENTH TRIBUTE HIGHLIGHTING MONUMENTAL EVENTS

Many have contributed to Edenton’s founding foundation and it’s rich history includes a significant contribution by the African American community. One of the most beloved architectural structures in town is the Kadesh A.M.E. Zion Church on Grace Street.  

It is one of Edenton’s most prized architectural buildings not only for its structural design, but for its provenance. Its endurance and resilience to overcoming mother nature’s challenges are symbolic to all those who realize Kadesh is more than a house of worship, it is sacred ground.  

Built in 1897 by enslaved carpenter, Hannibal Badham, it’s roots are deeply planted. The Badham family of carpenters were considered some of the most prominent builders in 19th century Edenton.  

However, not even Badham’s expert craftsmanship which stood for over 100 years could withstand the devastation caused by Hurricane Isabel in 2003. The destruction was so monumental, the building was rendered unusable. Considered more of a‘sacred place’ than ever by its 300 congregants they joined together and rallied to raise the funds to restore their beautiful spiritual home.

Unable to raise enough funds from local events and donations, the Kadesh Church extended their net and received funds from the Sacred Place Foundation. A partnership  with the Historical Commission in 2019 proved monumental. In 2022 NC State Rep. Ed Goodwin championed the project and brought the largest influx of funds to complete the preservation project.  

“Ed Goodwin brought in so much money from the state, he saved the project,” said local historian Sam Dixon. “ When Ed Goodwin was able to secure funding from the North Carolina Legislature for the Kadesh project the resourceswere then available to begin and now complete the restoration to Kadesh church and to the parish house”.   

Sadie Riddick has been a parishioner since she was a little girl attending church with her grandmother. Riddick’s commitment to the church has led her to chair the restoration committee because it hurt her “to not see something being done.”  

“I’ll just be glad when we get back into Kadesh. I often say that I pray that God will allow me to live long enough to see that happen. I want to be able to walk down that aisle and into that choir box and sing one more time. I believe that if I can do that, I’ll be happy, and if God wants to take me that day, I’ll be satisfied,” said Riddick.

“This profound space is not only what some Kadesh members have expressed to be their true home, but it also stands as the most fundamental symbol of the success of Edenton’s community of freedmen. These individuals who were born into slavery built the Church as their oasis of rest and refuge on the road to the Promised Land, and we look forward to the day when the bell can be heard throughout town once more,” shared the Edenton Historical Commission.

Stabilization of the building was done by Edenton Construction Company and Down East Preservation is taking the lead on mechanicals and also recreating much of the interior woodwork.  

The cherished, irreplaceable Tiffany windows have now been restored, the outside scaffolding removed and the outer wall stands firm again. Work has begun to bring back the original handcrafted interior. Outstanding details hover inside as ceiling rafters reflect boat building ribbings showcasing Badham’s coastal experience. The designer also sloped the congregation’s floor so everyone has a clear view of the altar.   

Current activities have been focused on the 32 ft. spiral spire currently being construction. Once placed Kadesh will have a fitting place as the highest architectural point in Edenton.

N.C Secretary of Department of Public  Safety Eddie M. Buffaloe Jr. captivated an audience of over 250 people last Saturday evening at the annual Chowan County NAACP meeting at the American Legion Hall.  

NAACP members and guests, including Edenton Mayor Hackney High, Edenton Police Chief David LaFon, Edenton Town Manager Corey Goodin and Chowan County Vice Chair Commissioner Larry McLaughlin gathered for an evening of commemoration and celebration two days ahead of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

The evening’s theme, “All In” encourages people to stand unwaveringly committed to justice and equality, to lean into challenges that demand change and to embrace the hard work of community uplift, according to the evening’s program.  

“The theme reminds us that it takes all of us working together, bringing strengths, talents, and perspectives to drive meaningful progress in our neighborhoods, our cities and our country.”

A highlight of the evening, before Buffaloe took the podium, were the various presentations and a dance performance by Praise Dancer Mckaylah Wilson. Wilson a Fannie A. Parker Youth Club Member has won numerous awards across the country for her remarkable moves. Other Certificates of Recognition and Service to the Community went to Amahni Norman, Jayla Phelps, and Jadin Welch. Gary Outlaw once again played keyboard and directed Essence in their musical entertainment.  

A surprise presentation went to Chowan County NAACP President Darnell White. The award was presented by Stella Brothers for White’s undaunted dedication to the organization and the community.  
Buffaloe wasted little time in captivating the crowd. The secretary and former Interim Elizabeth City Manager is known for his powerful speeches filled with antidotes, passages and humor. Saturday evening he did not disappoint.

“I stopped by my parents house in Northampton County,  and I asked my 88 year old mama and my 94 year old daddy, what could I say to folks in Chowan County?  And my dad looked up at me as he was sitting in a chair and he said, boy,  just tell them we hooked you on drugs,” said Buffaloe.  “So what you mean?”, Buffaloe asked his daddy.

“He said, we drug you to church,  we drug you to Sunday school, we drug you to Bible study.  Just tell them we had you hooked on drugs.”

Buffaloe went on to explain.  

“I'm going to tag this text in Joshua, the sixth chapter in the third verse. And you can read it when you get home because tomorrow is Sunday.  But in that one verse it says, You shall march around the city, all of the men of war, and go around the city once, and do it for six days. March, men of war, do it once, and do it for six days. I just want to tag this text, peace, be still. I began to look back in history and how Dr. King would respond to critics and crisis that have happened over our country the last several years and several months. In my contemplation with Eddie Buffalo Senior, he told me to tell you, “Peace, be still.”   

While the secretary continued with his moving words of wisdom, the words of Eddie M. Buffaloe Sr., “Peace, be still”, moved the crowd. They may be words to take to heart.  

Former Edenton Police Chief Greg Bonner’s 35 year career on the Edenton Police Department, ten years of which he served as Chief, was marked with accolades. One of the most important is his standing as Edenton’s first African American police chief. He was also the first Black patrolman promoted within the department.  

Bonner should also be recognized as a man of letters of the most important kind, public praise.  

When researching Chief Bonner’s career, I reached out to Edenton Police Chief David LaFon. Chief LaFon did some research and found numerous letter’s praising the late Chief’s service, especially as an officer. Those letters came from locals and visitors alike bringing Bonner’s service to light. Bonner’s service to the Edenton community and its residents was stellar.  

Bonner never set his sights on a career in law enforcement until former Edenton Police Chief J.D. Parrish solicited his services to join the force.  

Bonner wanted to make a difference in his hometown, saw an opportunity and accepted the job, never expecting a career to lead to the chief’s chair. Bonner made history time and again as he   was the first Black officer promoted first to corporal in 1978, then to Sargent in 1979. In 1989 he was promoted to captain and was promoted to chief in 1998. Bonner retired from the department in 2008.

Bonner was influential in the building of the current police station and focused on the youth of the community. Through his kindness, awareness and eagerness to serve he left his mark.  Chief LaFon’s research led to 18 letters praising Bonner for his continued community involvement.  

Whether helping Principal Ralph Cole work with kids ‘playing hooky from school’ or driving a visiting couple to their hotel room. They had locked their keys in their car and cabs weren’t thought of at that hour of the night.  

One of the first letters on file came from a frequent letter writing fan, Principal Ralph Cole who praised Bonner regularly.  

Dear Patrolman Bonner, Cole wrote, It is with pleasure that I write this letter acknowledging your help in working with students who have found it necessary to play hooky from school. Your keenness and alertness to spot such important areas involving our students also keeps us on our toes. Cole went on to thank Bonner and Chief Parrish while reminding both law enforcement officer that “we are still trying to teach good citizens.”

Cole went on to write two more times on the record, both time praising Bonner.  

Chief Bonner was known for his advise to Black youth of the community. He’s been quoted as saying, “Have the right attitude. Have a goal and commitment to that goal. And have discipline. By using these you will have the ability to make a difference in other lives as well as your own”.

Chief Bonner grew up going to school hungry, with very worn out shoes. He understood that life can be difficult. Chief Bonner was known to say,  “You only fail when you stop trying.”

Chief Bonner’s legacy left a positive imprint on the Edenton community.

In her quest to  introduce the community to all forms of art, Chowan Art Center Director Meredith Timberlake collaborated with John A. Holmes English teacher Malorie Stockwell and renowned NC Poet Phillip Shabazz for a week long Artist in School residency. The program included a freshman English honor student workshop. Introducing more literary art to the community is one of Timberlake’s major focuses.  

Students spent time in the residency exploring the art of poetry, while reading works from other poets.  

Shabazz is considered a teaching artist and has built and outstanding, extensive and respected career around his teaching, his personality and his ability to share the personal importance of the craft.  

His writings express the diversity life has to offer along with the challenges everyone will eventually face on their own level. His teaching explore examples of his work,  and those written feelings of others. His methodology inspires personal transparency within relationships between friends, family, fear and foe.  

Stockwell and Shabazz had a positive effect on the young poets. One mother approached Shabazz after the readings and commented about how much more positive and outgoing her son’s personality was after the week of poetry.

Shabazz’ teaching style could be considered contagious. The experience of sharing feelings together and being honest about those feelings created a bond, possibly lifelong.  

Holmes High School Principal Sonya Rinehart, family, friends, and passers-by gathered at the CAC to listen as the students shared their feelings.  

Rinehart offered words of praise for Shabazz and the students.

Timberlake was enthused about the event and how many parents, relatives and friends took part. She looks to bring all type pf arts to the community, and make them accessible for all to enjoy.

“It was wonderful to see such a full house at the CAC for the event. It was a wonderful afternoon,” said Timberlake.