African American Heritage Initiative (AAHI) Meeting November 4, 2026

The City of Winston-Salem’s African American Heritage Initiative Committee met on November 4, 2026. The committee discussed a potential American Council of Learned Societies HBCU grant of approximately $12,000, with an additional $2,500 for development. A proposal was being developed with Winston-Salem State University and was due November 11; no grant award or spending approval was reported. Possible uses, if funding is secured, include paying student or graduate research interns, collecting and transcribing oral histories, and potentially providing lunches for elders participating in the project.

Discussion focused on documenting and bringing together existing sources on Winston-Salem’s African American history, identifying gaps in the record, and recording stories from elders, civic leaders, educators, and public safety officials. Members discussed outreach through churches, community groups, and recreation centers, and proposed developing an interview protocol. No motions or votes on procurement or spending were reported; the next meeting was announced for December 2.