Our Work
The Stagville Descendants Council works to preserve the history, honor the legacy, and strengthen the future of the descendants of Stagville Plantation. Through historical preservation, genealogy, education, scholarships, and community engagement, we create opportunities for descendants and supporters to connect with one another while ensuring our shared story is preserved for generations to come.
Explore the many ways we're working to preserve our past while building for future generations.
Genealogy & Family Connections
We help descendants discover their family history, reconnect with relatives, and strengthen family ties across generations through genealogy research and opportunities to gather as a community.
Our work includes:
- Descendant database development
- Genealogical research
- Family tree development
- Family reunions
Community Engagement
We create opportunities for descendants and supporters to learn, connect, and celebrate together throughout the year.
Our work includes:
- Annual Conference & Reunion
- Community events
- Educational programs and presentations
- Volunteer engagement
- Community partnerships
Historical Preservation
Preserving the history of Stagville means protecting both the places and the stories that connect descendants to their ancestors. We work to safeguard historical records, cemeteries, and the legacy of the Stagville community.
Our work includes:
- Cemetery preservation
- Historical research
- Archive and records research
- Historical documentation
Scholarships
We are committed to supporting future generations by recognizing academic achievement and investing in educational opportunities for descendant students.
Our work includes:
- Annual scholarship program
- Scholarship fundraising
- Student recognition
Check out our recent collaboration with the Southern Environmental Law Center!
We are pleased to present our recent collaboration with SELC on their latest project, Plantations to Pollution. Executive Board members Ricky L. Hart, Beverly Evans, and Georie Bryant all make appearances throughout the video, which highlights Stagville Plantation, the Hayti District, and the evolution of Durham's Black community into modern day as it has been shaped by racist policy long after the closure of Stagville.
Video Description: Sometimes it’s just a short line on a map that connects yesterday’s plantations to today’s pollution. From forced labor to forced exposure, Black communities still bear the burden of pollution and environmental injustices rooted in slavery and systemic racism. This multimedia storytelling series traces that unbroken line—revealing the past, exposing the present, and charting a path toward a brighter tomorrow.