Local “Forward Together” Coalition Seeks to Hose Ceremony

Cahooque Creek Landing, 1100 Cahoogue Creek Rd, Havelock, NC 28532

2pm, April 27, 2025

On April 27, 2025, “Forward Together,” a coalition of nonprofits, community members and local residents, will honor and recognize Percy Berry, a resident of Havelock who was killed in an act of racial terror on April 14, 1932. This project is part of the Equal Justice Initiative’s Community Remembrance Projects.

On April 14th, 1932, Percy Berry, a Black resident of Havelock, NC, was fishing in Hancock Creek with a friend, when they were approached by five white men impersonating police officers. The men demanded $20 for a “fishing license,” and beat Berry when he refused to pay. Berry attempted to escape, followed by gunshots, and drowned in Hancock Creek, where his body was found a week later.

The “Forward Together” coalition was formed in 2019 by various nonprofits, community leaders, students, residents, and others, with the goal to memorialize documented victims of racial violence, recognize and educate our community about such incidents, and build a more inclusive and just future. Member organizations of the coalition include the African American Heritage and Cultural Center of New Bern, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, James City Historical Society, Craven County Branch NAACP, Juneteenth of New Bern, New Bern Historical Society, Tryon Palace, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and Young Urban Professionals of Eastern North Carolina, as well as many dedicated community members. The project is supported by the Equal Justice Initiative as part of their Community Remembrance Projects. The Equal Justice Initiative is a nonprofit seeking to address racial inequalities, the legacy of racial terror in America, and racial injustice in the United States court systems.

The event will include the installation of a historical marker, sharing the historical background of Berry’s murder; prayers and blessings by local church leaders; a remembrance by Nick Courmon, a descendant of Percy Berry; a display of the 2024 Soil Collection, and more. The Soil Collection will be displayed as part of the Juneteenth exhibition at Bank of the Arts.

This event is free and open to the public, and will occur rain or shine. Onsite parking will be limited and the coalition is currently working to provide transportation to the site. More information about the event and project can be found at www.cravenarts.org/eji