Strieby Congregational Church, School, & Cemetery Cultural Heritage Site

10/27/2026

Every month is Black History Month for us here at Streiby. How have you been remembering and honoring the past lately? For me (Destiny Whitaker) I’ve been learning more about other Free People of Color communities than my own in the South.

10/03/2026

Did you know October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?

Today I'd like to highlight the work of the disabled Black man who was the founding Pastor of Strieby Congregational Church and Cemetery as well as the founding of Strieby's School, Rev. Islay Walden. Though the school is no longer, the aforementioned church still stands today. Rev. Islay Walden was born enslaved and visually impaired/Blind (ca 1844) in Randolph County, North Carolina. He became a free person in 1865, following the abolition of slavery.

In addition to his work as an educator and minister he was a well-known poet. He was referred to as the "Blind Poet of North Carolina.” He published two poetry books: Miscellaneous Poems, Which the Author Desires to Dedicate to the Cause of Education and Humanity, and Walden’s Sacred Poems, with a Sketch of His Life. Though he passed away on February 2nd, 1884, his work lives on today through the Heritage Site, descendants, and people like you reading and interacting with this post.

Potrait photo of Rev. Islay Walden attached in post.
Photo of Rev. Islay Walden's Marker attached in post.

09/27/2026

Happy Sunday family, friends and visitors! As this September comes to an end, I'm reminded of the many dinners I'd share with my family at gatherings during the Fall season. What reminds you most of home and/or family? - @ Destiny Whitaker

09/20/2026

Condolences to Thomas Rush, his siblings, and family (Walden descendants) on the death of their family member Tracy Rush (Thomas’s older brother). May he rest in peace and his memory continue to be a blessing. 🙏🏼

https://www.gailesfuneralhome.org/obituary/tracy-rush?fbclid=IwZnRzaAUcTWZwZG9mBWZkaWQWUOyJvMNAlF2Pq0T4OkJlhTdUwz5MaGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7VyvITtXhA_5TQMjEw4VVYNJWhTtWImwotTlJIZZhIve01ZU24oLOlDsmmng_aem_mWHKkzuct-MAkFET3A5KmA

Tracy Donnell Rush was born on September 30, 1947 in Asheboro NC. On September 14 2026 Tracy was a patient in Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro NC when God called his name and carried him to his eternal home in heaven. In 1965, at the age of 17, Tracy graduated

09/16/2026

In addition to Destiny Whitaker joining us as Social Media and Public Engagement Intern, we have Jana Kittrell joining via the same program acting as our Digital Archive Intern. The remainder of this status was written by Jana as an introduction. - Destiny Whitaker

"My name is Jana Kittrell and I am a Junior at UNCG majoring in both History and Classics. I grew up in Charlotte but currently live in Asheville. I am deeply interested in the ways that individuals made an impact on their communities throughout history, and feel this ties well into the story and mission of Strieby. I am excited to learn more as I work on the digital archive internship project. Thank you for having me and it's wonderful to meet you!" - Jana Kittrell

09/11/2026

Hello! My name is Destiny Whitaker and I am a 25 year-old junior attending UNCG remotely at present with a major in History and concentration of Public History. I reside in Carteret County, North Carolina. I am honored and thrilled to be one of two interns through the Humanities @ Work program at UNCG in the online sector. I will be acting as Strieby Cultural Heritage Collective’s Social Media and Public Engagement Intern. As a descendant of Free People of Color myself who has done extensive genealogical work and studies regarding my own community, I deeply connect to the work being done and intend to help continue to memorialize and spread the word about Strieby, the community and people. It’s so nice to “meet” you all.

09/11/2026

09/09/2026

Thank you History Before Us!

Hidden in the Uwharrie Mountains of Randolph County, North Carolina...