Class of 2021 Kicks Off with a Session on Arts, History & Culture

The Leadership Wilmington Class of 2021 met under the Chamber’s porch on a beautiful morning to learn about the history of Wilmington from Dr. Jan Davidson, Cape Fear Museum.  Dr. Davidson was joined by Cynthia Brown, a sixth-generation descendant of noted 19th-century builder Alfred Howe, on her family’s emotional experiences regarding Wilmington’s 1898 massacre. 













  



Following lunch and much Work on Wilmington committee work, the class walked to The Wilson Center to learn about the art organizations in the area.  Rhonda Bellamy, Executive Director, Arts Council of Wilmington and NHC, Johnny Griffin, Commissioner of Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Anne Brennan, Director, Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum and Shane Fernando, VP of Advancement and Arts at CFCC and Director, The Wilson Center all provided rich histories of their organizations.  The class learned about the astronomical effects on the arts during COVID. 















Following a tour of The Wilson Center, the class walked to Thalian Hall and met Tony Rivenbark, Executive Director, who provided the long, rich history of the theater and a tour.