Mission Statement
The Stagville Descendants Council is committed to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy and history of Stagville Plantation, its enslaved African and African American ancestors, and their contributions to American society. We are committed to fostering unity, education, and social justice within our community while working towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Vision Statement
Our vision for the Stagville Descendants Council is to lead the continued exploration and recognition of Stagville Descendant's historical significance. We aspire to create a more just and equitable society by:
Preservation: Ensuring the physical and cultural conservation of Stagville's historic sites, cemeteries, stories, documents, and artifacts so that future generations can connect with their ancestral roots.
Education: Promoting awareness and understanding of the history of Stagville, the struggles and triumphs of its ancestors and descendants, and their enduring impact on our community, state, and nation.
Community: Fostering a sense of belonging, unity, and support among Stagville descendants while welcoming all interested in our mission.
Social Justice: Advocating for social justice, equity, and inclusion, addressing systemic racism and its impacts on marginalized communities.
Collaboration: Collaborate with other organizations, institutions, and sponsors to advance our mission and make meaningful changes in our community and beyond.
History
Established in 1997 as a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit and registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State, the Stagville Descendants Council is essential to North Carolina history. Founded with a noble purpose, the council aims to preserve the rich heritage and cultural legacy of Stagville, a historic plantation in Durham County.
Stagville Plantation was one of the U.S. South’s largest plantations prior to the Civil War, expanding nearly 47 square miles across Orange, Wake, and Granville counties by the 1860s. Stagville was owned by the Bennehan-Cameron family and housed over 900 enslaved people. When combining their plantations in Alabama and Mississippi, it is estimated that the Bennehan-Cameron family owned more than 2,000 enslaved people before Emancipation.
The creation of the Stagville Descendants Council in 1997 was a significant step toward acknowledging Stagville’s complex history and its impact on descendants of enslaved people. The council was formed to foster a sense of community, understanding, and solidarity among descendants of Stagville. It seeks to provide a platform for these descendants to connect, share their stories, and explore their shared heritage, families, and legacies.
Over the years, the Stagville Descendants Council has worked tirelessly to promote community dialogue, healing, and reconciliation. By preserving the memory of Stagville Plantation and honoring the legacy of those enslaved there, the council has played a vital role in shaping a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of the past.
To learn more on the history of Stagville Plantation:
Stagville Memorial Project
