[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 33 (Monday, February 22, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E150-E151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     136TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF PRINCEVILLE IN NORTH CAROLINA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2021

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 136th 
anniversary of

[[Page E151]]

Princeville, a town in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, that stands 
strong as the oldest town incorporated by African Americans in the 
United States of America. Populated primarily by African Americans, the 
historic town of Princeville holds a legacy of pride and stands as a 
powerful symbol of African American determination and endurance in the 
face of adversity.
  Originally known as ``Freedom Hill,'' Princeville was established by 
freed slaves in 1885. As the Civil War came to an end, many former 
slaves sought a new frontier of protection and freedom and left the 
plantations for Union troop encampments. Once the Union soldiers 
departed the encampments, many former slaves stayed behind and settled 
in an area named Freedom Hill, incorporated in 1885 in Edgecombe 
County. The name Freedom Hill was later changed to Princeville in honor 
of a well-known community member by the name of Turner Prince. A former 
slave and local carpenter, Turner Prince lived in Freedom Hill since 
its founding and was heavily involved in building many community homes 
for families in Freedom Hill.
  While Princeville faced many challenges throughout its existence, the 
residents also benefitted by the strength of their collective community 
in many ways. Free from their enslavement, many were able to reconnect 
with family and gain control of their labor and requirement of 
compensation. Princeville developed into a community with self-employed 
laborers and artisans. In 1880, the community was also home to eight 
carpenters, seven blacksmiths, four grocers, three seamstresses and 
three brick masons. Princeville workers were also able to capitalize on 
the growth of local area communities and were able to find employment 
in various sectors such as textile mills and lumber industries. Freedom 
also brought the hope and power associated with the right to vote and 
hold political office. In fact, several eastern counties of North 
Carolina, Black residents were a majority, and in many of these 
locations, Blacks exercised their political strength by electing Black 
men to office. Princeville and Edgecombe County voters were able to 
elect eleven Black men to the state legislature to serve fifteen terms 
from 1877 to 1890. Indeed, Princeville was an example to the nation of 
the importance and power of having the unfettered access to make one's 
voice heard through their vote.
  From recovery of the unnatural disaster of slavery and segregation to 
the devastation of natural disasters of hurricanes and flooding, the 
people of Princeville's determination and strength have allowed them to 
endure and overcome many difficulties and challenges. On behalf of the 
United States House of Representatives and the people of the First 
District of North Carolina, I am proud to recognize the 136th 
anniversary of the historic town of Princeville and am honored to serve 
as their Representative in Congress.
  The Princeville citizens continue to represent the power of community 
and the importance of freedom to control one's own destiny to create a 
path forward free from oppression, suppression, and undue barriers. The 
town of Princeville has, without exception, earned the right to be 
recognized, honored, and celebrated, and it is my hope that the 
citizens of Princeville will continue its proud legacy for many years 
to come.

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