A special part of Kinston’s history is going to be recognized on Saturday, Sept. 25. At 4 p.m. that day, the African American Heritage Commission of Kinston/Lenoir County will unveil a marker commemorating the listings Kinston had in The Negro Motorist Green Book. This book, compiled by Victor H. Green, provided a list of places that African American travelers could go to eat, spend the night, shop, and have their cars serviced and repaired.

The marker unveiling and dedication will take place at the 400 block of South Queen Street at the African American Music Park. Kinston Mayor Dontario Hardy will welcome attendees, and Pastor Maurice Barnes of the White Rock Presbyterian Church will offer a prayer.

City Councilman Sammy Aiken will introduce special guests, and Geraldyne Barbour will give the history of the African American Heritage Commission of Kinston/Lenoir County. Lisa Withers will talk about the history of the marker project and the local AACH efforts to obtain and place the marker. Rev. Dorothy Gooding will introduce the AACH members, and Tina Bryant will provide a closing thank you.

Following the dedication ceremony, the Kinston Community Council of the Arts is sponsoring a free and open concert featuring Bill Myers and Dick Knight as headliners. The concert is projected to begin at 5:30 p.m. and last until 7:30 p.m.

Bill Myers and Dick Knight are no strangers to the Kinston-Lenoir County area.

Myers is jazz musician and has been band leader of “The Monitors” for almost sixty years. In addition, he is a respected educator and civic leader. He serves as the Music Director of St. John A.M.E. Zion Church in Wilson.

Starting as a young child playing the piano, Myers moved to the drums while in school, later transitioning to the saxophone. He attended Virginia State and received a B.A. in Music.  During his teen years, he played in bands that performed at schools, bars, clubs, and just about any place they could play. 

In 1957, he helped found his band, “The Monitors,” with Cleveland Flowe.  Through the years the band has been known across the region for its ability to play music for any occasion, though their main concentration has been R&B, jazz, classical, and even some country & western. 

Myers received a North Carolina Heritage Award in 2014 for his role as both a prolific musician and as an educator.

Lenoir County’s Dick Knight is a professional multi-instrumental jazz, R&B, funk, and soul musician, who played with James Brown, Otis Redding, Dionne Warwick, and Gladys Knight. He taught and influenced countless students through his work as a band director and music instructor in Florida and right here in Kinston.

Born and raised in Georgia, Knight attended Florida A&M University, where he majored in music and played in the university’s famed marching band. He became the band director at Savannah High School in Kinston after graduating college at the age of 19. His first Kinston acquaintance was Nat Jones, James Brown’s musical director. Jones quickly recruited Knight for the band. Stints with other popular recording artists soon followed.

After retiring from teaching in 2007, Knight rededicated himself to performing. He enjoys Kinston and the freedom that retirement allows. He still practices every day, and you can find him playing with “The Monitors” and his own “Dick Knight Express.” He solos as Dick Knight the Captain, frequently playing cruise ships and waterfront businesses.

Be sure to attend the dedication and concert. I heartily echo the motto of the AAHC of Kinston-Lenoir County:

“Knowing your heritage is a gateway to achievement.”

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.

Bill Myers and Dick Knight are no strangers to the Kinston-Lenoir County area.

Myers is jazz musician and has been band leader of “The Monitors” for almost sixty years. In addition, he is a respected educator and civic leader. He serves as the Music Director of St. John A.M.E. Zion Church in Wilson.

Starting as a young child playing the piano, Myers moved to the drums while in school, later transitioning to the saxophone. He attended Virginia State and received a B.A. in Music.  During his teen years, he played in bands that performed at schools, bars, clubs, and just about any place they could play. 

In 1957, he helped found his band, “The Monitors,” with Cleveland Flowe.  Through the years the band has been known across the region for its ability to play music for any occasion, though their main concentration has been R&B, jazz, classical, and even some country & western. 

Myers received a North Carolina Heritage Award in 2014 for his role as both a prolific musician and as an educator.

Lenoir County’s Dick Knight is a professional multi-instrumental jazz, R&B, funk, and soul musician, who played with James Brown, Otis Redding, Dionne Warwick, and Gladys Knight. He taught and influenced countless students through his work as a band director and music instructor in Florida and right here in Kinston.

Born and raised in Georgia, Knight attended Florida A&M University, where he majored in music and played in the university’s famed marching band. He became the band director at Savannah High School in Kinston after graduating college at the age of 19. His first Kinston acquaintance was Nat Jones, James Brown’s musical director. Jones quickly recruited Knight for the band. Stints with other popular recording artists soon followed.

After retiring from teaching in 2007, Knight rededicated himself to performing. He enjoys Kinston and the freedom that retirement allows. He still practices every day, and you can find him playing with “The Monitors” and his own “Dick Knight Express.” He solos as Dick Knight the Captain, frequently playing cruise ships and waterfront businesses.

Be sure to attend the dedication and concert. I heartily echo the motto of the AAHC of Kinston-Lenoir County:

“Knowing your heritage is a gateway to achievement.”

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.