On Saturday, the Ella Baker Educational Project of North Carolina hosted its annual Ella Baker Day Community Tent Gathering and Legacy Garden Planting at 302 East End Avenue in Littleton — the historic homeplace of civil rights architect Ella J. Baker.
The event drew community members, elected officials, family descendants, scholars, and youth leaders together to commemorate Baker's legacy and celebrate the organization's 10th anniversary.
The gathering served as both a milestone celebration and a call to action — grounded in Baker's belief that ordinary people, when connected and informed, hold the power to transform their communities.
The program opened with a welcome by Board Chair Cheryl Ross Cogdell, followed by a Freedom Connection segment led by Dr. Lenora Taitt-Magubane.
Dr. Carolyn Brockington, niece to Ella Baker, shared reflections on the living legacy of her ancestor, while Executive Director Carolyn Ross-Holmes delivered the organization's origin story — tracing the decade-long journey from a seed of purpose to a rooted community movement.
Ophelia Gould-Faison, Littleton town board commissioner, offered official greetings, and family historian Greg Baker explored Baker's family roots and heritage.
Jasmine Cogdell, cousin to Ella Baker, represented the next generation, with Ross-Holmes closing the formal program with an Activation Time — a charge to the community to carry the work forward.
“There was a deep sense of presence — as if Ella Baker herself was welcoming us home. Seeing generations come together, especially the children planting flowers in the Legacy Garden, reminded us that her work continues to grow through all of us,” Ross-Holmes said.
Attendees were invited to participate in the Legacy Garden Planting — each person planting a flower as a living symbol of shared hope and collective future.
Additional activations included a Voter Pledge Table, Front Porch Conversations, and an Oral History Station where community members captured memories and reflections for generations to come.
“As we plant, the power is in the seed; the power is in the small flower—but we must nurture it, we must de-weed it, we must clear the obstacles so that it will bloom.
That’s the feeling I got today,” said Halifax County Schools Superintendent Eric Cunningham said.
“Being at my Aunt Ella’s childhood home in Littleton was truly special,” said Brickington. “It is always an honor to stand on the same ground where she once lived. It provided an opportunity to reflect on the strength, courage, and spirit she carried throughout her life. Attending the event was a powerful reminder that her impact is still alive and each of us has a role to play in continuing the work she started to achieve equality for all.”
The Ella Baker Honors Gala
The EBPNC prepares to host its first large-scale fundraising gala — the Ella Baker Honors Gala — at the Rocky Mount Event Center on October 10, 2026.
The goal is to raise at least $250,000 to fund programs including the Circle Up to Co-Op initiative for cooperative business startups, and the Legacy & Learning Center for youth — opening its doors to the public in 2027 for tours and programming at the historic home of Ella Baker.
Corporate sponsorship and advertising packages are available.
To learn more, visit www.ebprojectofnc.org or email
