Congratulations to Melissa Story, the 2024 recipient of the Anne Pemberton Research and Creativity Award on her research titled “UNCW(hite): The Kenan Family, White Supremacy, and the University of North Carolina Wilmington”
UNCW senior Melissa Story, a double major in History and Art History with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies, is set to present her research at a conference this April. Story's work focuses on the relationship between UNCW and the Wilmington Massacre of 1898, along with the ongoing legacy of structural racism within the institution. Story's undergraduate studies have centered on interrogating power structures and white supremacy. Her History Honors Thesis delves into the connection between UNCW and the Wilmington coup d'état, aiming to understand how these events continue to shape the university's demographics. Her research interests extend to Reconstruction, the history of incarceration in America, and the development of American capitalism. Additionally, her Art History Honors Thesis explores the work of Wilmington artist Minnie Evans. Story examines Evans' connection to the 1898 events and the commodification of Black women's bodies, which she argues suppressed Black female creativity. Story will utilize some of her award money to prepare for the upcoming conference and plans to return to the Southern Historical Collection at UNC Chapel Hill's Wilson Library to continue her research. Following graduation this spring, she will pursue a Master's degree in Public History at UNCW.
The Anne Pemberton Student Research and Creativity Award Committee is pleased to announce that applications for the 2024 award are now open. Please see the award page on the library website for details and how to apply. Deadline: February 16, 2024.
The award is given in recognition of an outstanding research, scholarly, or creative work in any academic discipline by an undergraduate student or students that addresses one or more of the following areas: mental health; wellness; mindfulness; substance misuse or recovery; social justice; antiracism; or diversity, equity, and inclusion. The winning entry will receive $500 funded by UNCW Randall Library’s Anne Pemberton Student Research and Creativity Award fund.