Greater Kinston Credit Union integral part of area's black history

In 1952, the idea of creating a credit office to lend money to black people or to help black people borrow money was a far-fetched idea. But the idea became reality, thanks to Charles E. Sanders. Because of his interaction of working in the office of the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, Sanders made it possible.

After the formatives were observed and completed, the Greater Kinston Credit Union was formed on June 10, 1952. William Grice became the credit union’s first president, while Sanders was appointed its secretary-treasurer.

A day later, an account was opened in the Commercial National Bank of Kinston, N.C., and the charter was granted to the Greater Kinston Credit Union.

During its first year of operation, the Greater Kinston Credit Union was able to join the state’s Credit Union Association, so that each joined member would receive his or her beneficiary at the time of their death.

Today, there are several credit unions in surrounding areas.

Graham is a community leader

George Graham has been active, assigned to projects and called up to do the honorable since entering the political arena. He has often been recognized as a hard worker in the political field of helping one’s fellow man.

With his youthfulness and ambitions, he entered into the different areas of problems that the public had and moved into the situation with understanding and compassion; yet, he took action where and when they were needed.

In his career, Graham — currently the chairman of the Lenoir County commissioners — has served as the director of the Dobbs School, served on the Lenoir Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and served on the board of the Lenoir/Greene United Way, where he is currently the campaign chairman.

Meadows’ Café was a success

Isaac Fulton Meadows was born on July 20, 1911 to Isaac and Sallie Robertson in Jones County. He later served in the Merchant Marine and the Army in World War II. After his tours of duty ended, he returned to Kinston to become a businessman.

His relatives quickly saw that he should be given land that would be beneficial to the work of progress for a business. They made a deal to put his business — a café — at the corner of East and Bright Streets.

Meadows built his successful café and he helped turn the area into a popular and prosperous area. He was well-known for having a kind heart for the public. His courteous and softhearted attitude aided in making his café a success in every way.

Meadows passed away in 1978.

February is Black History Month. Local historian Thelma H. Waters has compiled a series of stories about prominent area African-Americans and black businesses with the assistance of the Kinston African-American Legacy.