Herman Boone, a Rocky Mount native, was the inspirational coach behind the movie “Remember the Titans,” in which he was portrayed by Denzel Washington. He passed away on December 18 at the age of 84 from lung cancer.

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Are you interested in a career in law enforcement? Perhaps you’d just like to know more about what our officers do as part of their routine. If these ring true for you, then you’ll want to take advantage of the community educational programs available through the Rocky Mount Police Department.

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So often, we all express concerns but don’t take the initiative to make our community, city, and even our world, a better place. We’re very fortunate that Rocky Mount provides a wide variety of commissions to offer citizens the opportunity to take a more active role in city government.

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On June 19, 1865, the slaves received word that they were free, and the resulting celebration---termed “Juneteenth” --- is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery. It has been an African-American tradition since the late 19th century. Recently, Rocky Mount kept that tradition alive through the Juneteenth Community Empowerment celebration.

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Happy 150th birthday Rocky Mount!

From its humble beginnings as a “rocky mound” to earning a “Best Main Street in the Making” honor, Rocky Mount has blossomed over the last century and a half, creating a great environment to live, work and raise a family. Read more about the remarkable strides the city has taken, from lowering the Rocky Mount crime rate to fighting unemployment. 

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The crack of a baseball bat. The smell of fresh-cut crash. Cheers bursting from the dugout. Kicking up dust while sliding into home base.  These sights and sounds represent something much larger than "America's National Pastime." For area youth, these images represent a connection with the past that gives them a brighter future.

Baseball is also a Rocky Mount tradition; one of the sport’s most celebrated athletes has deep roots in Eastern North Carolina. Baseball great Buck Leonard – often called the "black Lou Gehrig" -- was born in Rocky Mount. Most noted for playing for the Homestead Grays, Leonard was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.

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Of course, you recognize the name Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but what about Rev. George Dudley? You’ve grooved to the smooth jazz of Thelonious Monk, but do you know about Luther Barnes?

There are a lot of interesting tidbits about Rocky Mount's African American heritage with which you may not be familiar. Join us as we look at four things you may find surprising.

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