By Natalia Mejia, 2025 DNCR Teacher Ambassador
Thanks to the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), C.C. Griffin STEM Middle School had the distinct honor of hosting an unforgettable educational experience: The Ongoing Fight for Freedom, a one-man performance presented by the powerful and passionate Dr. Sonny Kelly.
This unique theatrical presentation, commissioned by DNCR as part of the America250 NC commemoration, is a vital contribution to preserving and elevating the history of veterans from North Carolina, particularly the often undertold stories of Black veterans.
Dr. Kelly, an U.S. Air Force veteran himself, provides more than just a play; it is a journey through 400 years of courage, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice. His storytelling revives the powerful voices of Black North Carolinians who fought not only on battlefields but also against the systems that often disregarded them.
Among the stories Dr. Kelly brought to life were those of Thomas Peters (c. 1738–1792), a Revolutionary War hero who later became a founding father of Sierra Leone, and Sarah Keys Evans (1929–2024), a trailblazer in the civil rights movement who challenged bus segregation years before Rosa Parks became a household name. These figures, and many others portrayed in the performance, demonstrate the legacy of resilience and resistance that defines the African American experience in North Carolina and beyond.
Thanks to research support from DNCR staff, Dr. Kelly weaves together a historical tapestry that spans from the early colonial period to modern-day America. His performance educates students about state history in a deeply personal and accessible way, breathing life into names and events that are often left out of textbooks.
More than 200 eighth-grade students sat riveted as Dr. Kelly transformed himself into historical figures through voice, movement, and emotion. He brought humanity and depth to characters whose struggles and triumphs are often reduced to footnotes in history lessons.
At the end of the performance, students were invited to ask questions, not only about the historical content but also about Dr. Kelly’s artistic process and how he embodies each character so powerfully.
Several students personally approached Dr. Kelly after the event to thank him, acknowledging the emotional impact his performance had on them. The school even received emails from parents who had heard about the event from their children and expressed interest in having Dr. Kelly visit their workplaces or community groups.
Dr. Kelly’s visit wasn’t just a presentation, it was an act of remembrance, education, and inspiration. His work helps ensure that the stories of African American veterans from North Carolina are not forgotten but instead honored and shared widely. Events like these are critical in helping young people understand that history is not just about the past. It’s about who we are and who we choose to become.
As part of DNCR’s America 250 NC initiative, The Ongoing Fight for Freedom is a shining example of how storytelling can educate, empower, and unite. C.C. Griffin STEM Middle School was truly privileged to experience this moment in living history.
If you are interested in hosting this experience at your school visit
https://www.dncr.nc.gov/ncblackveterans
About the Author: Natalia Mejia is the NCCAT 2023 Empower NC Beginning Teacher of the Year. She entered education with the hope of increasing the diversity of educators in the classroom. An alum of the Honors in Education program and the Cato College of Education at UNC Charlotte graduating Summa Cum Laude, she is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Latin American Studies at UNC Charlotte. She was a two-time participant in study abroad programs to Cape Town, South Africa. This inspired her philosophy of education around Ubuntu, “I am, because we are”. She has co-written two book chapters about her experience and research in South Africa and was the co-founder of the non-profit organizations: 49ers for Puerto Rico and Knit-Together Prana.