Bertha Todd was honored for her legacy spanning seven decades of fighting for students and equality. The event was hosted by the UNCW College of Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts (CHSSA), the departments of History, English, and Music and the UNCW Restorative Justice Collaboration.  The celebration consisted of statements from Todd’s colleagues and friends over the years.

At 95 years old, Todd is celebrated for her role as librarian at Williston High School, her membership of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and, among other contributions, her determination to educate about the 1898 massacre that occurred in Wilmington. Todd has authored multiple books, including “Reflections on a Massacre and a Coup.”

The 1898 massacre occurred on Nov. 10, 1898 in downtown Wilmington following an election on Nov. 8. A coup was carried out on the black citizens of Wilmington following years of white supremacy. At the time Wilmington had a biracial governing body, but days after the election, black electors were forced to resign due to threats and violence. These same tactics were uses on election day to prevent many black citizens from voting. It is unknown how many died during the mob.

The event began with a performance from the Williston Alumni Community Choir. A group of 19 sang three songs, in one of their final performances as a choir. In the audience were community members, and two rows of AKA Sorority sisters.  There were several speakers at the event to honor Todd, the first bring Ivy Murrain from Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church. Todd joined the church in 1962 and has served numerous positions such as Sunday school teacher and mentor to all including Murrain. Murrain said that Todd’s service has never been about self-recognition, but about “faithfulness, formation and fellowship.”

Todd advocated for education on black history while working as a librarian. According to Kimberly Cook, Professor of Sociology and Criminology at UNCW, Todd was denied access to obtaining books for her students at the high school retaining to black history in Wilmington. Cook said, “she found ways to teach accurate history without those books.”

Todd’s fight to teach accurate history not only impacted those students, but inspired a generation of students to continue their education. Cornell Slade, member of the North Carolina Central University Alumni Association, talked about Todd’s impact on the younger generation. He spoke of how it is exciting to see young people at schools and know that Todd made sure those students continued their education, “[Todd] is a person of power. Power is the ability to impact an outcome.”

Vernice Hamilton of the Williston High School Alumni Association also reflected on the impact Todd had on her students, saying she “created an environment where every student felt inspired.” While Todd served as a librarian for four years, she had many other roles, including being a member of The Links, Incorporated for 68 years. The Links, Incorporated is a volunteer non-profit that aims to protect African Americans through volunteer service.

Todd’s membership in the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority was honored by Onya Gardner. Gardner reflected on Todd’s becoming a member in 1949, saying not many people can say they’ve served an organization for seven decades like Todd has: “In every role she brought her signature blend of elegance, excellence and efficiency.”

Melton McLauren spoke, representing the 1898 Memorial Committee. He was one of many who joked about being called into Todd’s kitchen to receive a stern- but loving talking to. McLauren spoke of Todd’s involvement in the creation of the 1898 memorial, saying “Todd was the heart and soul of the effort to remember 1898, and to memorialize the event in the heart of the Wilmington Community.” McLauren mentions that the memorial standing today is smaller than the memorial originally envisioned due to financial complications. “I would love to see the city of Wilmington see if they can finish building the memorial we designed.”

Cook concluded the event by reflecting on Todd’s contributions to memorializing the 1898 massacre, stating that, “At UNCW we have learned from Dr. Todd that continued research is necessary.” Cook said that Todd whispered a revelation: “Our city, county, state and country are better off because of Todd’s leadership.”

A recording of the event can be found here.