From today’s PreservationNC Instagram account, @presnc:

“Congratulations to the R.O.C.K. Foundation for winning this year’s Stedman Incentive Grant ($10,000) for the renovation of East Wilson’s Shotgun Houses!

“The Stedman Incentive Grant is awarded to recognize and assist non-profit organizations in their efforts to preserve the state’s architectural heritage. Established in 1976 by Marion Stedman Covington in memory of her father, the award is now funded each year by the Marion Stedman Covington Foundation. The $10,000 grant encourages and facilitates the rescue of endangered historic and architecturally significant properties in North Carolina.

“Rebirthing Our Cultural Kingdom Foundation, also known as the R.O.C.K. Foundation, was founded to celebrate, educate and preserve the cultural heritage of African American historic districts, with specific focus on the shotgun houses of the East Wilson Historic District. East Wilson’s shotgun houses were largely built around 1910, in the largest African American working-class district in North Carolina at the time. Despite today’s preservation efforts, over 200 shotgun houses have been demolished in the East Wilson Historic District since 1988.

“The R.O.C.K Foundation is renovating five shotgun houses, using the State’s income-producing historic tax credits. The houses will serve as rental properties for the first five years to adhere to the requirements of the tax credits. During that time, the R.O.C.K. Foundation plans to work with residents to promote homeownership in this heavily renter-occupied community. Adapting the houses into affordable housing solutions will help revitalize the local community and reposition the shotgun as a suitable, affordable and environmentally-friendly solution for contemporary housing needs.

“We can’t wait to see how this grant will help! Make sure to join us for our 2021 Preservation Honor Awards Ceremony on Friday, October 22nd at 1:30pm. Admission is free, but registration is required. Visit our website for more information: http://www.presnc.org”