About Support the Port
Creating a culturally and economically healthy community by preserving and promoting Wilmington’s rich Black history.
OUR VISION
Through training historian instructors and engaging and educating the community, Support the Port aims to create a better future for Wilmington that reflects and amplifies:
Black History and Entrepreneurship
Community cohesion by bringing diverse neighbors together
Economic, mental and community health in historically divested neighborhoods and communities
Our Core Values
Racial Equity & Individual and Collective Liberation
Self-Determination and Community Ownership
Excellence in Arts, Philanthropy and Scholarship
Individual and Collective Economic, Mental and Community Health
Nonviolence
OUR FOUNDER
Cedric Harrison
Cedric Harrison, a Wilmington native, is the founder of both Support the Port and wilmingtoNColor. Harrison has dedicated his professional career to supporting and creating opportunities for economic growth and advancement for African Americans in the Wilmington area. He is a local historian (in his own right) and passionate about the rich history of African Americans in Wilmington, NC.
Through impactful efforts and work, Harrison has earned several accolades and much recognition in this space. Most recently, Harrison was a recipient of the 40 under 40 award presented by StarNews meds and Wilmington Chamber of Commerce - an award which recognizes professionals who are high performers in their field.
In 2019, Harrison was selected out of over 400 applicants to be part of the inaugural cohort of the All for NC Fellows. Since the fellowship, Harrison has seized the opportunity to continue his journey of bringing transformational change to his local community.
Cedric Harrison also had the opportunity to deliver his first TEDx talk in 2019 at the TEDx Airlie event in Wilmington, NC. His speech, Bridging the Racial Gap of Socio-Economics, provided viewers with a compelling history lesson on Wilmington in conversation with his personal experiences and journey.
Board of Directors
Melody Harkness - Chair of the Board
Meagen Verdi - Board Member
Sharon Stewart - Secretary
Thomas Harrison - Board Member
Ian Weaver - Treasurer