For decades, Southeast North Carolina has had a diverse and culturally rich community of artists that call the region home—or ones that just stopped by to say hello! From 1984-1998, WHQR Public Radio’s program Sounds Local featured interviews with musicians, painters, actors, and more, highlighting local exhibits, area performances, and new creations. 

In honor of Black History Month this month, Special Collections has chosen a selection of Sounds Local episodes that include segments with Black artists talking about their work and lived experiences. The audio of each episode can be accessed by clicking on the hyperlinked date. 

January 17, 1986 – Minnie Evans (1892-1987)

Interview with artist Minnie Evans, North Carolina Museum of Art Curator Mitchell Kahan, and former St. John's Museum of Art Director Alan Aiches regarding Evans, her work, and an exhibit on display at the North Carolina Museum of Art. 

October 13, 1989 – Nnenna Freelon (1954- )

WHQR's Saturday morning jazz host, Maggie Pate, interviews vocalist Nnenna Freelon about her background and career as a singer, during her year-long residency at Brunswick Community College. 

October 11, 1991 – Jawole Zollar (1950- )

Interview with artistic director Jawole Zollar about the performance by Urban Bush Women dance troupe of Praise House, a tribute based on the life of Minnie Evans as part of "In Praise of Minnie Evans: A Community Celebration" held in Wilmington. 

October 18, 1991 – Jimmy Heath (1926-2020)

Interview with jazz saxophonist Jimmy Heath about his career as a musician and composer ahead of the celebration of his 65th birthday with the Heath Brothers Quartet in Thalian Hall. 

August 03, 1996 – Cynthia Tyson (1954-2004)

Interview with writer Cynthia Tyson on her jazz musical, Bessie, Billie and Me, directed by Tyhm Kennedy and sponsored by the Wilmington Jazz Collective, on stage at Kenan Auditorium at UNC Wilmington.

October 17, 1998 – Doug (1936-2006) and Frankie (1937-2024) Quimby

Interview with Doug and Frankie Quimby, The Sea Island Singers, ahead of their Gullah performance at UNC Wilmington's Kenan Auditorium for a Tapestry Theatre Company benefit.

Additional episodes featuring Black artists can be found by browsing the WHQR Public Radio Archive finding aid and listened to online via the WHQR Public Radio Archive Digital Collection. 

To learn more about artist collections held by Special Collections, browse the following subject guides: 

• The Arts in Southeast North Carolina
• Hollywood East: Film in Southeast North Carolina
• Southeast North Carolina Writers