By Junious Smith III

Lessette Kornegay wanted to restore vandalized windows displaying important Kinston figures — and is closer to her goal.

On July 14, Kornegay set up a fundraiser on Facebook called “the Storefront Window Project,” which consists of restoring portraits displaying African-American artists from Kinston. There were approximately 35 portraits across Queen Street, but only 11 are left in good condition due to vandalism.

Kornegay said after conversing with members of the Kinston Community Council for the Arts, she decided to put a plan together to assist.

“It was going to take about $3,500 to replace everything,” Kornegay said. “The Council doesn’t have the funding to replace everything, so I took it upon myself to help out with hopes to replace the pictures. We shouldn’t let whoever vandalized everything get away with that.”

As of Monday afternoon, Kornegay has raised $2,235 with her fundraiser, $1,080 coming in the first two days, which she said has been a true blessing.

“The people have definitely responded and the feedback has been amazing,” Kornegay said. “This is history shown through these pictures and it lets people know the greatness we have here in a small town. It’s a way to encourage the youth to dream big and displays the wonderful figures who call Kinston home.”

Kornegay is among the musicians who have portraits on buildings throughout Queen Street, a group including prominent members of the James Brown Band: Maceo and Melvin Parker, Dick Knight and Nat Jones. Kornegay said she hopes in the future there will be other important figures in storefront windows with additional attention paid toward the history of the African-American Music Trail.

“Hopefully there will be more trips toward the African-American Music Trail in the future,” Kornegay said. “Similar to the CSS Neuse, there’s plenty of unknown history provided by the trail. We also have more than just musicians, but also great sports figures and other prominent figures.

“We’re all in this together, and I pray for additional encouragement.”

For those looking to donate, go to https://www.facebook.com/donate/453657355429372/2911149402244978/.