The Heritage Calendar honors men and women of all races who have contributed significantly to the lives and experiences of African Americans in the State. In addition to monthly honorees, the calendar also highlights dates of significance in North Carolina and nationally.

Dear Students, Educators and Friends,

From the Great Smokies to the Outer Banks, from small towns to major cities, from farms and traditional crafts to advanced technology and international commerce, North Carolina has a tradition of celebrating diversity and offering opportunity.

It is in this spirit that AT&T is proud to launch The Heritage Calendar: Celebrating the North Carolina African American Experience.

This project is designed to honor men and women of all races who have contributed significantly to the lives and experiences of African Americans in our state. These sometimes unsung heroes have given so much of themselves to inspire others, improve our communities and make North Carolina and the world a better place to live. They have played an invaluable role in weaving the rich tapestry that is North Carolina, and we are privileged to help share their stories with future generations.

We are especially excited about the educational resources developed by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction to accompany the printed and online versions of The Heritage Calendar. These materials will be useful tools for educators across the state.

Our other community partners on The Heritage Calendar project are The News & Observer, Capitol Broadcasting Company/WRAL-TV, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at UNC-Chapel Hill, and PNC Bank. We deeply appreciate their invaluable involvement and support.

The individuals featured on the 2013 inaugural edition of The Heritage Calendar are role models. They have made a lasting difference in their fields and their communities, excelling in areas as diverse as education, public service, civil rights, sports, arts and law enforcement. This Calendar is a tribute to the honorees' integrity, commitment and dedication to excellence. We hope you will enjoy and be inspired by their stories, as we have been.


Cynthia G. Marshall
President, AT&T North Carolina