Rachelle S. Gold, Ph.D. is leading an effort to preserve the stories of alumnae through CLEOPATRA — Collected Lady Eagle Oral-History Project and Training Research Acumen. The program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), uses oral history interviews and digital storytelling to document the contributions of NCCU alumnae.
The course was born out of a call from the Mellon Foundation for higher education projects that examine race and history.
“Our alumni are of a certain age and may not always be around,” she said. “We have yearbooks and newspapers — but how do we preserve their stories for future generations?”
A Multi-Faceted Learning Experience
Students enrolled in CLEOPATRA gain hands-on experience in digital storytelling, oral history methods, interviewing, transcription and research. In collaboration with the Southern Oral History Program at UNC-Chapel Hill, students receive training on oral history ethics and interview techniques.
Alongside technical skills, students explore historical narratives through books written by Black women, including Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years and Hope and Dignity: Older Black Women of the South.
Honoring Trailblazers and Alumnae
The course highlights a roster of pioneering women. These include Harriet Jacobs, Elizabeth Keckly, Anna Julia Cooper, the Delany Sisters, Pauli Murray, Maya Angelou, Nina Simone, Ann Atwater and Loretta Lynch.
CLEOPATRA centers its work on NCCU alumnae — women who have made significant contributions in fields such as education, law, public health, environmental justice and social advocacy.
“The alumnae we interview are leaders in their communities,” Gold said. “Some are sorority sisters, some are not, but all have a justice focus in their careers.”
Each in-depth interview lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Often, students choose interview subjects whose careers align with their own aspirations, creating opportunities for mentorship and guidance. These conversations frequently include reflections on life philosophy, career advice, and wisdom for future generations.
Alumnae Crystal Taylor’s Experience
For Crystal Taylor ‘05, who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, participating in the CLEOPATRA program was both humbling and affirming. Being recognized alongside figures like former Durham Mayor Elaine O’Neal affirmed the impact of her journey.
"I still feel very young in the game," Taylor said, "but I was reminded through this and other accolades that I’ve done a whole lot in a short period of time."
She described connecting with current NCCU students as "liberating because I’ve been there, done that."
Taylor emphasized the need to preserve the institution’s histories through initiatives like this alumnae archive. "Our history and culture—these are people that should be lifted up on a larger scale for everybody to know."
She encouraged fellow alumnae to participate in these efforts, emphasizing the importance of community upliftment and collective pride.
“We need support. We must support each other,” she said.
For Taylor, CLEOPATRA represents more than recognition—it is about celebrating Black liberation, pride and power.
“It’s important for people to know that and to be proud of that,” she said.
Building Bonds
Students develop close bonds through shared experiences — from conducting interviews in pairs to participating in group activities like movie screenings and field trips.
“Those bonds of sisterhood, friendship, and support — it’s inspiring and beautiful to watch,” Gold said.
While coordinating the program comes with challenges — from recruiting students to managing logistics — Dr. Gold remains committed to CLEOPATRA’s mission.
Students selected for the course receive stipends to support their participation.
Looking ahead, Dr. Gold envisions CLEOPATRA as the foundation for a permanent oral history archive at NCCU. The goal is to complete 60 interviews over four years.
To learn more about participating as a research subject or supporting the CLEOPATRA program, contact Rachel Gold at [email protected] or 919-530-7105.