excerpt from SOFAFEA newsletter - Saundra Russ Cropps, WCGS Diversity Officer and member of the South Atlantic Region of  Society of the First African Families of English America , presented at the  Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society-Triangle Chapter  on February 7. She shared the story of her Forgotten Patriot ancestor  Private Jesse Harris  and the  Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church  (from the original project collaboration with the Wake County Historical Society and Wake County Genealogical Society). Russ Cropps shared the story of her ancestor Private Jesse Harris (1762-1844), a free Black man who served for 18 months in the 10th North Carolina Regiment of the Continental Army after being hired by a "class of men" to fulfill their service obligation. Saundra Russ Cropps Black History Month is a fitting time to share both presentations from our Shiloh History Celebration in October 2025.   View both slide...

Editing to add more photos - 11/2/25 Despite much competition in the way of scheduled events for the day, we had a great turn out for the Shiloh Celebration on October 18. The audience was interested and engaged in the history of the Shiloh Community founded in the late 1820's by Free People of Color. They were equally excited to learn of the Free Black Patriot, Jesse Harris that many in the community can claim as kin. The weather was beautiful. It was an all round perfect day. Here are some photos of the day. Click image to view larger. Photos by Belle Long of Wake County Historical Society and Barbara McGeachy of Wake County Genealogical Society. Photo Details clockwise from upper left - Our audience awaits; Belle Long of Wake County Historical Society opens; Lynette Barber and Will Ellis provide beautiful music; Mills Cemetery presentation by Saundra Russ Cropps; Jermaine Pulliam - Deputy Grand Master of Prince Hall, dist.19 presides over the wreath ceremony at Rev. James H. Dun...