THE ROSENWALD NEWS ARCHIVE
A community column. A living record. A labor of love.
From around 2012, I had been working alongside the City of Brevard Planning Department and the historic Rosenwald neighbourhood — a predominantly African American community minutes from downtown Brevard, North Carolina, whose name most local residents had never even heard.
One day, browsing through the Transylvania Times, I noticed that other communities had their own columns — small windows into neighbourhood life, reunions, events, news. It sparked an idea. I walked into the newspaper office and spoke with the editor, Mr. John Lanier, about writing on behalf of Rosenwald. I was honest with him — I didn’t live there. I wasn’t from the county, the state or even the country. He told me that what mattered to him was that I had the desire to represent them. And so it began.
What started as a simple community column became something none of us quite anticipated. Week by week, the Rosenwald News introduced a segment of the community that had been largely invisible — sharing history, stories, interviews, events and anecdotes that most residents had never encountered. I was also adding photographs, which at the time was unheard of for community columns in the paper. Other communities eventually began to follow suit.
The feedback was surprising and, at times, deeply moving. A small mountain town was finally reading about a neighbourhood it had lived alongside for generations without truly knowing.
I was conscious throughout of not wanting to be a gatekeeper — always directing people towards the voices within the Rosenwald community itself, people like local historian Ms. Edith Darity, while sharing generously what I was learning alongside them.
This archive collects those columns as they were written. The photographs here may differ slightly from those that appeared in print — but the stories are exactly as they were told.
The Rosenwald News ran in the Transylvania Times beginning in 2014, as best as my own records can tell. These columns are shared here as a permanent record of a community, its history and its people.
- Rosenwald News – November 27, 2014
- Rosenwald News – December 18- 2014
- Rosenwald News – December 24, 2014
- Rosenwald News – July 2, 2026
Rosenwald News – July 2, 2026
by Nicola Karesh (in The Transylvania Times)
During the Juneteenth weekend celebrations at the Mary C. Jenkins Community & Cultural Center and the Silversteen playground I was invited to do the Rosenwald historical trolley tours for Friday and Saturday. The initial plan was for me to co-lead with local historian, Edith Darity, but then I got bumped up to serve as solo guide and I accepted. It felt like old times and an honor really. History, anecdotes, stories – all passed down from generation to generation and then to me who, while I certainly didn’t grow up here in Transylvania County or the USA, have come to embrace and cherish the history as my own. Who am I? I will share that at the end.
The ride up to Brevard from Georgia after work on Thursday was simply lovely. The first view of the pale bluish green ridge of mountains made my heart expand in recognition of nature’s wild beauty. The winding curves up 281 South always makes me feel like coming home. Coming home was not about Whitewater Road — it is exactly what the entire weekend felt like.
A homecoming of sorts: The food, the fellowship, old friends, new friends. What was heartwarming for me was witnessing the loving care poured into the preparations.
So much attention to detail. The incredible banner at the front door, the flags on the walls, the volunteers who showed up to do a variety of tasks. Each table was covered with a tablecloth topped by the loveliest gold and black runners — measured and trimmed to be even. I said nobody was going to take out a ruler to check, but out came the tape measure. And while I was thinking plain old scissors would do, Wilma Lewis was on the phone having her husband bring her pinking shears to gift everyone a nifty zigzagged edge. That he found them and brought them was part of the specialness of this Rosenwald community. Wendell Darity was outside, pressure washing the patio, the windows, everywhere.
Fellowship and the spirit of community was evident from the Thursday night setup and prevailed for the duration.
Did you hear Dionne Hoskins-Brown, marine biologist, speak on Friday afternoon following the first trolley tour? What a delightful treat. She brilliantly connected her marine science work with the cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee “Lowcountry” communities.
The blending of African heritage and Caribbean influences was enlightening, her sharing accompanied by a rich tapestry of visuals. Thank you for that gift.
All three trolley tours were full to my surprise and delight.
Locals were still eager to hear more, to learn more. What made the tours particularly special was the presence of two Rosenwald locals seated near me — African-American community members who had lived this history firsthand. As I shared stories of the Brevard Rosenwald School, the Tannery, walks to school in all kinds of weather and the old Clemson Theatre, they graciously added their own memories and experiences to the conversation. The history was not just being told. It was being witnessed, confirmed and enriched by the very people who had lived it. There is nothing quite like that.
So, who am I? I am Nicola Karesh, founder of Morning Glory Inspirations — a community storytelling and cultural preservation platform. I am not from Transylvania County. I did not grow up with this history. But for over 10 years, I have had the privilege of serving as a community liaison, of writing the Rosenwald News column for The Transylvania Times, creating the self-guided audio walking tour, and receiving grants to help document and share this rich history. Morning Glory Inspirations exists because stories like these deserve to live. Edith Darity once said the stories of the Rosenwald community have never been totally told. I took that personally. I still do. She once laughed when I told her: Don’t share your dreams with me if you don’t want them realized, because I will be relentless in helping you make them happen.
She knew I meant it.
That is who I am in this community.
One who shows up, lights a match and delights, beside you, when inspiration catches hold and sets things beautifully afire.
Photo courtesy of Nicola Karesh:
The author led the Rosenwald historical trolley tours.
“A Little Bit of Everything” is a fairly new thrift store located at the intersection of Oakdale and Carver Streets. They carry books, kids and adult items along with things for the household. They will gladly take donations! Items can be in gently used, good or even some need of repair. Please plan to stop in and see what they have. The local store can only be successful if we give them our business!
Brevard City Planners met with students from the Neighbors in Ministry / Rise and Shine program to continue talks about parks and recreation needs in their community. Students came up with an original design that they presented to the city. Feedback was given from both students and staff about the Tannery smokestack that many view as a historic landmark. Keep it or take it down? What do you think?
The Rosenwald Alumni group continues to meet on a regular basis. The small but committed group is open to all former students of Brevard Rosenwald School. The Class of 1969 is being invited to the December 9th meeting at Bethel “A” Baptist Church. The meeting will begin promptly at 6:30 pm. Alumni plans for 2015 involve a meet and greet in January along with a class re-union. Date to be determined. For more information, contact Sherry Edington (885-2729) or Edith Darity (883-8990.)
The Mary C. Jenkins Community Center Board continues working on plans to revitalise a former hub of the Rosenwald Community. They are actively seeking support as they prepare to begin Phase 1. One group of volunteers to step forward is the Turtle class from Mountain Sun Community School. After initial research and connecting with the Board, the 7th and 8th grade students have adopted the Center as their “Peace Jam” community service project. They are enthusiastic and brimming over with wonderful ideas. In addition to fundraising and designing a new logo, at the top of their list is creating a sketch and design for a Memorial garden.
Nicola Karesh (nicolakaresh@gmail.com or 828-421-8615)
Rosenwald Community Liason
Photos courtesy of Nicola Karesh:
Photo 1 – Left to right, in front of the “old” Mary C. Jenkins Community Center are board members, Randy Lytle, Karen Darity (consultant to board,) Edith Darity and Lewis Whiteside Jr.
Photo 2 – design for city park by Rise & Shine students
Photo 3 – Rise & Shine students at input session with City Planning Department
December 18, 2014
Last week, the Transylvania Times did a feature on Baritone Sidney Outlaw. On his Facebook page, the Grammy nominee shared the link to the write-up from his “hometown paper.” We offer our congratulations with the rest of the world for The Milhaud Operatic recording featuring Outlaw’s rich and versatile baritone!
Upcoming, Sidney Outlaw will perform Handel’s Messiah with the Oratorio Society of New York City at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, December 20th. He has been lauded by The New York Times as a “terrific singer” and by The San Francisco Chronicle as “an opera powerhouse.” We agree!
The Community Youth Talent Show slated for December 20th has been postponed until further notice. Michael Hawkins (828-862-5295) and Cindy Benjamin (828-577-8567) are the contacts for more information.
Rosenwald alumni celebrated the first week of the Rosenwald Community News section in the newspaper. Thank you to the Transylvania Times for providing that community space! They want to encourage churches, community members, clubs and groups to submit newsworthy items.
A good turnout of interested players for Rosenwald Church League basketball met at the Silversteen Park on November 29th. Organisers Cindy Benjamin and Michael Hawkins got an accurate head count of players along with t-shirt sizes. First practice was held on Sunday, December 14th @ 4 pm at the Boys and Girls club! Practices will continue at this time and location.
Cindy Benjamin is the Assistant Programme Director at Neighbours in Ministry/Rise & Shine. Michael Hawkins owns the Car detailing business at White Squirrel carwash. Both are enthusiastic and committed to create positive opportunities for youth in the area.
Nicola Karesh (nicolakaresh@gmail.com or 828-421-8615)
Rosenwald Community Liaison
Courtesy photo from Sidney Outlaw
December 24, 2014
Available now at our Transylvania County Library is HBO Documentary Films, “Whoopi Presents Moms Mabley.” The former Rosenwald resident, nee Loretta Mary Aiken, went on to make it big. She transcended boundaries of racism, sexism and homophobia. Her talents had her headlining at the Apollo theater in the 1930’s to eventually being the first black female to ever play at Carnegie Hall. Back on the local front, I have been given permission to say, that you can look forward to seeing a mural of Moms Mabley pop up some time soon in Transylvania County! Not saying where and not saying by whom! Still a secret!
Neighbors In Ministry/Rise & Shine students have been active! They marched down the street to join a Candlelight Vigil hosted by Transylvania NAACP in memory of lives lost to racial injustice. Tiffany Summey, a proud parent, stated, “I am so glad my daughter got to experience and participate in this. Had I know it was going on, I would have loved to join in as well!” One of the teens in the group, Madeira Duckett, spoke with WLOS News to say, “It actually makes me really proud that a little town like ours can actually make a difference. Even though we are small and a lot of people may not see this… it won’t go worldwide… we know that we are making a difference, in that we are setting examples for other people to do what we are doing.” What a shining example that she is setting!
This writer spoke with Sidney Outlaw and his publicist, on Friday, December 19th. Snippets of the interview will be shared next month at the upcoming “Faces Of Freedom” Art Show. In addition to his thoughts about personal and artistic freedom, Sidney shared on childhood, success and racial problems in the world. The event will take place at the TC Arts Council from January 17th – February 2nd, with 2 performance dates on January 17th and 23rd. Stay tuned!
As always, churches, community members, clubs and groups are invited to submit newsworthy items.
Nicola Karesh (nicolakaresh@gmail.com or 828-421-8615)
Rosenwald Community Liaison
Photos courtesy of Neighbors In Ministry/Rise & Shine
Morning Glory Inspirations 