February is Black History Month, and Campbell University will celebrate the first Harnett County African American Heritage Festival thanks to a collaboration with local genealogist and author Desi Campbell.
On Saturday, Feb. 16, Carter Gym will host vendors, family history booths and entertainment to anyone interested in Black History. The festival will combine educational initiatives and fun, offering opportunities to explore genealogies of local families and enjoy two choir performances as well as food trucks and door prizes.
Desi Campbell has been researching his own family history for twenty years, tracing his lineage with DNA testing and visiting gravesites of his ancestors to connect the dots. Over the years, Campbell says that he and others in his field have traced many slaves from Harnett County back to three families: Smith, Elliott and McNeil. Histories of these families will be available at the festival, along with Campbell’s published works and other Harnett County authors with Black History books for purchase.
The event begins at 12 p.m. It is free and open to the public, but tickets are required and can be found here.