History is not merely written in textbooks; it lives in the voices, memories, and lived experiences of the elders who walked before us. Voices of Wilmington is an ongoing oral history and documentary portrait project dedicated to capturing, preserving, and honoring the Black history and cultural heritage of Wilmington, North Carolina. Through intimate photography and first person audio narratives, this project centers the keepers of local history, from community elders and matriarchs like Ms. Magnolia and Mr. Reggie to critical historical milestones, including the legacy of the Wilmington 10. By pairing high art portraiture with direct oral testimony, Voices of Wilmington creates a living archive that bridges generations, safeguards local memory against erasure, and provides an enduring educational resource for our community and beyond.

Ms. Magnolia McLean,

born January 22, 1928, Ms. Magnolia H. McLean is a cornerstone of Wilmington’s history whose vision transformed local early childhood education. As a pioneering business owner and educator, she broke ground by establishing the first integrated daycare in Wilmington, creating a safe, nurturing environment for children during a pivotal era of social change. Through her service at Mt. Olive AME Church and her vivid recollections from preparing for the Azalea Festival parade to gatherings at Greenfield Park during segregation. Ms. Magnolia offers priceless first-person accounts of mid-century Black entrepreneurship, community resilience, and living history in Wilmington.

Mr. Reggie,

A familiar and beloved presence at the corner of 16th and Dawson Street, Mr. Reggie represents the vibrant, everyday heart of Wilmington’s Black community. Driven by deep personal faith and a commitment to honoring the legacy of his late father and brother, he has dedicated himself to spreading joy and uplift to passersby through his spirit and signature whistle. In his oral history session, Mr. Reggie shares profound insights into personal resilience, neighborhood fellowship, and the powerful role that grassroots warmth and visible community presence play in preserving local connection across generations.

Mr. Ben Wonce,

As a direct witness to one of the most defining chapters in North Carolina’s civil rights movement, Mr. Ben Wonce serves as a vital custodian of Wilmington’s legal and political history. His living memory provides crucial first-hand perspective on the events surrounding the Wilmington 10, bringing necessary context and truth to a story that shaped the nation's understanding of justice. In his oral history session, Mr. Wonce shares profound historical insights into the systemic pressures, coerced testimonies, and climate of fear during that era, illustrating the incredible resilience required by the Black community to navigate and overcome institutional injustice.

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Know an Elder Whose Story Should Be Preserved?

History lives in our community. If you or a loved one have stories, photos, or memories of Black history in Wilmington that should be documented for future generations, we want to hear from you. Leave a comment below or send us a message to connect with the Voices of Wilmington project team.