January 29th 2024.
Princeville, North Carolina, the oldest Black-chartered town in America, is facing a major challenge – its ongoing flooding issues. Since its establishment in 1865, the town has endured nine natural disasters, including hurricanes and floods. Despite these challenges, the resilient citizens of Princeville are determined to find solutions and preserve their historical community.
Originally known as Freedom Hill, the town was later renamed Princeville upon its incorporation two decades later. According to the Washington Post, the town has faced numerous natural disasters, but its citizens refuse to give up. In fact, on January 4th, 35 residents met with the mayor, elected commissioners, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to discuss the threat to their beloved town's future.
The floods have been so severe that even the city hall, where the meeting took place, was built to be flood-resistant in 2020. Many buildings across the town have also undergone renovations to combat the rising water levels from the Tar River, which continuously impacts the community.
The devastating floods, particularly after the 1999 Hurricane Floyd, which destroyed 1,000 buildings in Princeville, prompted the U.S. government to call for residents to move out. This decision led to a split among the commissioners, with the mayor's vote against restructuring breaking the tie. Mayor Bobbie Jones explains the sentiment of many residents, saying, "They say, 'This is who we are. This is sacred ground. Our forefathers shed blood, sweat, and tears here.'"
Despite receiving nearly $40 million in funding from the federal government to extend the town's levee, which was originally built in 1967, a viable future for Princeville seems out of reach. The proposed renovation would also threaten the livelihoods of those living across the river, making it an impractical solution.
The recent meeting left citizens feeling helpless, especially as the town's history is a source of pride for the Black community. Princeville's establishment as a Black-chartered town initially drew citizens due to its freedoms, but the constant need for reconstruction due to weather has become a major concern for residents and businesses.
However, the resilience of Princeville has inspired its extended community. Workshops led by state educators and architects, as well as the North Carolina State University Coastal Dynamics Design Lab, are working to develop innovative solutions to withstand extreme weather conditions. Despite the halt on the levee's extension, the community has the support of various groups to continue protecting its legacy while also exploring the possibility of expanding beyond its current boundaries.
The future of Princeville now rests on the 88 acres of land granted to them outside the floodplain, all part of the mission to keep the town alive and its citizens safe. The town's determination and perseverance have caught the attention of many, including former President Barack Obama, who visited Hurricane Sandy victims in the company of Republican Chris Christie. The people of Princeville are determined to overcome this challenge and preserve their historical town for generations to come.
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