2/ This quote from James E. Shepard is inspiring to me as it reflects the most important component of a society: people and their freedom. 

He faced the risks of working under Jim Crow laws, where advocating for Black education could lead to political backlash. Founding and maintaining his school meant constantly struggling for funding and negotiating with a segregated state government. Even small actions, like breaking racial etiquette, could jeopardize his progress. Despite this, he carried forward because he believed education was the key to unlocking the extraordinary potential of ordinary people.

3/ I think NC Freedom Park’s creators chose words because they allow many voices to be heard instead of focusing on one figure.

2. “When they told me my new born babe was a girl, my heart was heavier than it had ever been before. Slavery is terrible for men, but it is far more terrible for women.” — Harriet Jacobs (1813-1867)

This quote was written by Harriet Jacobs, an author and a woman who escaped from slavery. She shared her own story in her autobiography, where she described the particular struggles enslaved women faced.

Speaking openly about her experiences of slavery, including abuse, was dangerous and could have brought her shame, backlash, or even threats from those who didn’t want such truths to be heard. As a formerly enslaved woman, she was challenging a society that tried to silence voices like hers. I think she continued because she wanted people, especially women in the North, to understand the cruelty of slavery and the strength of those who endured it. Her courage showed that telling the truth was worth the risk if it could push others to fight for change.

3. Words like Jacobs’s carry deep emotional weight. They give us direct access to the voices of people who lived through these kinds of struggle, making their stories feel much more personal and real. Statues can honor someone, but words allow us to hear them directly, in their own voice, in their own way. This choice makes the park more inclusive, letting visitors connect with different people and experiences instead of focusing on a single figure and statue. It turns the park into a space of listening and reflection, rather than just observation.

During my visit to the North Carolina State Capitol in Raleigh, I learned a lot about North Carolina’s early history and the overall political structure of the state. The guide explained us that North Carolina was a slave state and that at the early days of the state government, only rich white men could have seats in the House of Representative and have a word in decision making.

I was also fascinated about the first woman holding a seat in the legislature. This huge milestone has revolutionized the history of North Carolina and how the decisions has then been taken. The universal suffrage was a big improvement for women, they finally got a word to say to reshape the political situation.

I also learned about the most important amendments to the US Constitution, especially the 13^th (slavery abolishment),14^th (equal protection under the law), 15^th (gave black men the right to vote), 19^th (have women the right to vote).

These amendments are related to some of the American Values:

·      Equality/ egalitarianism: more and more people have been included in voting and government over time.

·      Future orientation/ optimism: the evolution of democracy in North Carolina shows optimism that the society can become just and more inclusive.

·      Change/mobility: America’s belief in improvement is demonstrated by the expansion of voting rights and political participation over time. The seek for progress to build a better society.

I finally learned that the Capitol building has been preserved as a symbol of democracy. We also were able to observe the many portraits of Georges Washington, showing him as a symbol too in every chamber we visited. A little anecdote the guide told us that I found representative of his importance was that even when the original building was in fire, some people went into it to rescue Georges Washington’s painting. This shows how America values its heroes of leadership and builder of a strong nation. It can be connected to the value Individualism/ Self-help as Georges Washington alone as a leader, took action to create a new nation with personal responsibility and courage.

Quote:

 "The colored woman of today occupies, one may say, a unique position... She is confronted by both A Woman Question and a Race Problem." – Anna Julia Cooper (1858–1964)

Who said the quote?

This quote was said by Anna Julia Cooper, she was an African American scholar and women’s right advocate. She is considered as one of the first black feminist in the US. She also wrote a famous book called A Voice From the South.

Risks:

The time when Anna Julia Cooper was alive was marked by both racism and sexism. Her quote illustrates the situation she faced: as a black woman in the late 19s and early 20s, she went through a lot of discrimination due to her gender and race. That’s why at that time, her fighting for education for black women was really risky. The risks she faced was social exclusion or harassment for example. Despite the risks, she decided to keep fighting for African American and women’s rights because she thought this was worthy of taking risks. She also keeps advocating black women’s rights because she believed her voice can help improving future generation’s lives. Her goal was to break the ice ceiling for black women so that they can have access to education the same as white women. Anna Julia Cooper also fought for respect and access to leadership roles in society.

Why words instead of statues?

The creators of North Carolina’s Freedom Park chose words instead of statues because words speak directly to our mind. Words give power to voices, not just some person’s image. When reading words, we focus on the meaning and the idea of the message, not just the person who said it.

I also learned about important people like Nate Lockhart, who became a mechanic for the Capitol after emancipation, and Miss William Exum, the first woman elected to the NC House. These stories connect with American values we saw in class: freedom, equality, and democracy. The Capitol shows that these values have not always been applied equally, but that America continues to push toward progress.

2. quote from Freedom Park  : ( on the picture : " When they told me my new-born babe was a girl, my heart was heavier than it had ever been before. Slavery is terrible for men, but it is far more terrible for women."

The quote is from Harriet Jacobs, who was born enslaved in North Carolina. She was born a slave and suffered many forms of violence, including rape, from her master starting in her teenage years. In her writing, she said that “slavery is far more terrible for women”,  because they were not only enslaved, but also sexually exploited and had no control over their own children.She escaped and later wrote a famous book which was one of the first books to describe slavery from a woman’s point of view.

She risked her freedom and her life when she ran away. She had to hide in a tiny attic for 7 years before escaping to the North. Even after that, she was at risk because of the Fugitive Slave Act, which allowed people to capture escaped slaves. She continued her work because she wanted people to understand the special suffering of enslaved women, especially sexual abuse and the pain of losing children.


3. Why words instead of statues at Freedom Park? I think words have a stronger impact in the long run than statues that only show someone’s physical appearance. Words can touch each of us in a personal way. When we choose to read them, we also choose to give them meaning, to imagine, and to interpret them in our own minds. It feels almost like a whisper in our ear, soft but powerful. Then it is up to us: we can decide to repeat that whisper out loud and carry the message forward, or we can ignore it and let it fade. This is why words are so powerful. They remind us that the fight for freedom is not only about the past, but also continues today.

2. The quote I choose is “Anything Is Possible” from Phil Freelon. He was an Architect of North Carolina Freedom Park and National Museum of African American History and Culture. Moreover, he faced the risks of racial barriers in architecture, and even his battle with ALS, but he carried forward because he believed that architecture could honor African American history and inspire future generations.

3. I think NC Freedom Park’s creators chose words instead of statues because words left many different voices speak. It makes the park about sharing ideas of freedom rather than a single person or image, and this keeps the message timeless and inclusive.  

2) I think RTP has been succesful in North Carolina because of the nearby major universities such as NCSU, Duke or UNC. The state probably also helped attracting companies, and the collaboration culture of North Carolinians between industry and education played a big part.

3) The principles I can apply to my professionnal life would be the importance of communication and collaboration between sectors, like in a company where all parts of the company needs to work together at all time to be successful. Another principle would be the benefits of continual innovation and adaptability.

1.

On the tour to the Executive Mansion, I found out how it has historically been a residence of the governor and leadership emblem of North Carolina. The tour touched on how the mansion reflects American virtues like community, service, and democracy. For example, most of the stories emphasized the importance of public service and how the governors used the space not just for their families, but also to host citizens and engage in discussions regarding issues that troubled the state. The architectural style and design of the mansion also reflect pride in heritage and respect for preserving history for generations to come. These problems are directly connected to the American values covered in class and discussed in the interview, such as civic responsibility, fairness of opportunity, and leadership as service to the public. The tour demonstrated the way the Executive Mansion is not only a private residence but also a public space that exemplifies the democratic principle that government is open and accountable to its citizens.

2.

North Carolina Freedom Park is home to one of the most resonant modern quotes of the 21st century: ‘I can't breathe’ by George Floyd. These were his last words before he died following his arrest by law enforcement officers in Minneapolis (Minnesota) on May 25, 2020. His famous quote has become an icon in the fight against racism and police violence. George Floyd unwittingly highlighted this concern by taking a risk that cost him his life. This quote has inspired millions of African Americans and people around the world, leading to multiple protests for greater justice, equality and safety. This quote is engraved in the park to remind everyone that freedom is a fundamental right and must be fought for every day by anyone who does not have access to it. The park's creators decided to highlight people's words rather than their images, making each quote accessible to everyone. It is a way of recording moments in history so that they are not forgotten.

2)

I chose the following quote : “ I can’t breath” quote pronounced by George Floyd a black man who was tragically killed in a police blunder in 2020. George Floyd born in Fayetteville in North Carolina was killed in Minnesota became de figure of racist issues in the 21st century. His death started black lives matter movement that gathered millions of people’s in the US but not only as all around the world demonstrations occurred to show support to all those who nowadays are still victim of awful discrimination based on their skin color. George Floyd became a figure that represented all the victims of racial violence and in spite of himself he helped at least the police in the US to be more careful on who they hire and what are their motivations to become a policeman. Nowadays 5 years later black lives matter is still a world wide know fight and slogan. The creation of a quote dedicated to Georges Floyd last words at the memorial in Downtown Raleigh highlights that he will never be forgotten and will be known as a pillar for the black peoples right’s here in the US and more.

3)

I think NC Freedom Park chose words instead of statues or traditional art because words give immediate access to each person’s own voice, rather than an artist’s interpretation. Words are sometimes stronger and have more impact than portraits. Engraving quotations allows the Park to amplify many diverse “Voices of Freedom” in one shared space. Words invite visitors to reflect and research further; they are not a fixed image but an open door to deeper understanding. Anyway the design and how the quote are written remembers us that we are in a memorial that wants to remember us that those peoples only lost they lives or suffered discrimination assault etc. Only because they were not white. I also think that making a sober memorial doesn’t make it as an attraction but really as a place where peoples and families can gather.

2. The quote I chose from North Carolina’s Freedom Park is “The battle for freedom begins every morning.” This was said by John H. Wheeler (1908–1978), who was president of Mechanics and Farmers Bank in Durham, North Carolina and an important civil rights leader and advisor.

3. John H. Wheeler faced serious risks because he was an outspoken African American leader in the South during the mid-twentieth century. As president of a Black-owned bank and an advocate for civil rights, he had to operate in an environment of discrimination and possible retaliation from segregationists. His public visibility and his ties to national leaders put him under scrutiny, and he risked economic harm, political backlash, and even threats to his safety. Despite those risks, Wheeler kept working for civil rights because he believed freedom had to be fought for every day, not just once. He used his position to press for change inside and outside institutions, seeing his work as a moral duty and a way to create lasting progress for the next generation.

4. North Carolina Freedom Park’s creators chose to feature words instead of statues or traditional art because they wanted to center the voices and ideas of people who struggled for freedom rather than idolize them as static figures. Quotations invite reflection and allow many different individuals to be represented, not just a few. Reading the words makes visitors think about the ongoing struggle for equality and connects their own lives to those messages. This choice also avoids oversimplifying complex lives into a single heroic image and instead turns the park into an interactive journey where people move from quote to quote and actively engage with the meaning of freedom.

The visit helped me understand that while the Capitol stands for values like independence, freedom and equality, these ideas were not always applied equally and it took a long process of change to get closer to those values.

2 ) The quote I chose is “I can’t breathe” from George Floyd. He was born in Fayetteville in North Carolina and was killed by police in Minneapolis in 2020. He was not a famous person, but his last words became a symbol of the fight against racism and police violence not only in the United States but around the world. His death showed how dangerous it can be to speak out against injustice and the daily risks that Black people face simply for existing in an unequal system. Today, people continue to march and protest because staying silent would mean nothing changes. I think the creators of NC Freedom Park decided to feature words instead of statues because words are more personal and powerful. A statue can honor a person, but words like “I can’t breathe” make you feel the pain and emotion directly. They make you stop and think. This was the best choice because the words tell the story in the voice of the people themselves and that makes them much stronger than any statue could be.

I also noted that the Capitol is more than a political building but shares the symbolism of accessibility and transparency for the people. It embodies a value of civic participation: every person has the right and duty to be informed and participate in democratic life.

At Freedom Park, one quote that stood out to me was:

“The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

MLK took significant risks to oppose racial segregation and led peaceful marches, facing threats of imprisonment and his assassination. He persevered because he genuinely believed that equality and justice needed to prevail in our society.

I perceive a reason the creators of Freedom Park chose to spotlight words and phrases instead of statues, because ideas can be powerful universal and everlasting. Words are accessible to everyone, they inspire, and they allow every visitor to consider for themselves instead of seeing a reflection of something fixed.

Visit to the North Carolina State Capitol

When I walked into the Capitol and saw the statue of George Washington dressed like a Roman general, it clicked for me that the building is trying to teach something. The neoclassical style is not just pretty. It connects the American republic to older ideas about civic duty and self-control. Seeing Washington in armor, holding a tablet, made me think of the story of Cincinnatus, someone who takes power only to serve and then gives it back. That comparison helped me read the whole space differently. The columns, the symmetry, the quiet rooms all point to the same message about responsibility in public life.

What I learned here is that architecture can be a lesson. The Capitol uses classical forms to set a standard for leadership. It made me ask what it means to act with restraint and put the community first. I left with a better sense that symbols are not just decoration. They shape how we imagine good government.

Reflection on North Carolina Freedom

Park

At Freedom Park I focused on different quotes than last time. One line from Lyda Moore Merrick about keeping the torch lit made me think about how freedom is passed from one person to the next. Another message from James E. Shepard about opening doors reminded me that opportunity is not automatic. Someone has to hold the door and someone has to walk through it.

Reading the quotes around the paths felt like being in a conversation. The Beacon in the center pulls the voices together and turns memory into a push to act. What I learned here is that freedom grows when people speak up and help each other, It is not a finished monument.

It is a daily practice.

Our visit was both enlightening and interesting learning the history of the North Carolina Capital building. We saw firsthand where the preserved legislative chambers are and where the governor resides when make important political decisions. Our guided tour focused on the history of the capital building dating back to the 1800s. Key features of this building consisted of the grand rotunda in the center of the building. I thought this was quite unique since it was inspired by Greek revival style architecture. This represented both democracy, power, and strength. 

In regards to how this fits in with the American Values shared in class I thought this building mainly highlighted both freedom and representation. I believe this because along with our guided tour there were many other visitors that were free to walk/explore the building. This allows a great transparency and connects citizens to the States past and present. North Carolina is keen to their values and relationships with their citizens by connecting its history/values alive so future generations can both learn and value it as well. 

My favorite quote I  saw at Freedom Park was by James Walker Hood, “Dream about what else we can do to move the fight for freedom forward.” James Walker Hood was known to be the most renowned civil rights leader who took precedence in both religion and education during the Reconstruction Era. He reshaped public education in N.C. and left a lasting impact in the religious/education system for African Americans. James Walker Hood was from PA a free state so, when he moved to NC he faced political, civil, and religious hostility/violence/safety concerns. He has always been one of my favorite civil rights activists through his fight for freedom and equality through faith and education. 

I believe N.C. freedoms Parks creators chose to feature words instead of statues/traditional art because words hold the utmost of power. The reconstruction era was a scary time for African Americans and they fought with everything they had. They only had themselves and each other to fight against this oppression. Their voices were who they were and their words moved mountains bringing people together. Freedom Park is a place to reflect and remember. The quotes represented throughout the park are monumental to who we are as a society now snd the remembrance of the past. 

Additionally, the design and open spaces of the legislative building reflect the notion of transparency and accessibility of government, government is intended to be part of the everyday lives of citizens. This links to the American idea of citizen participation – every citizen has the right and responsibility to participate in and engage in political life and to hold leaders to account.

While at Freedom Park, I was struck by quote:

"The time is always right to do what is right." - Martin Luther King Jr.

MLK risked everything-threats, violence, imprisonment, and ultimately his own life, but continued out of his belief in justice and equality. His example is a clear example of courage and responsibility when faced with injustice and action was called upon.

Thus, I believe that Freedom Park's creators thoughtfully and intentionally emphasized the use of words, rather than sculptures of important figures, to showcase human ideas that are universal, live on well past any individual, and are, therefore, timeless. Words encourage contemplation, are available to everyone, and ultimately provoke each of us to think of and about freedom and responsibility.

The visit to the official residence of the Governor of North Carolina was an great opportunity to discover the American culture. The mansion is not just a  great house, it is also a symbol of the political system. By learning about the history of the governors through their portraits hanging on the wall, but also about democracy, where leaders are chosen by the people as I understood, I also understood a fundamental way of doing of American life. This link in  with my interview,  that I had with Matthew when he told me about competition in overall and how states are involved into the lives of their citizens. In the same way, political candidates compete to present the best vision for the state. the residence also represented the success luxury in a sense. even though it serves as a public symbol the idea that it can lead to a position of leadership and service, reflects a fundamental American value.

Quote about Freedom Park:

The quote ‘Anything is possible’ made me strongly think of the spirit of Freedom Park. This open space, dedicated to community and shared memory, reflects the American ideal that no dream is  ambitious enough, even though a minority  is willing to fight for it. Freedom Park is not a place for recreation, but  a symbol of resilience and opportunity, where people from all walks of life can come together, talk about it, and share their point of view. In this same sense, the park shares both the physical and symbolic space of freedom it reflects, where individuals are often feeling to think in their own potential and in the possibility of building their better future.

Together, the Governor's Residence and Freedom Park showed two aspects of American values: the chase of leadership and getting the right to say out loud what you think, and the belief in freedom and opportunity for all. These visits gave me a great understanding of how history, politics and community are seomtimes expressing the ideological spirit that continue to shape American identity nowadays.

Two values that stand out are entrepreneurship and community spirit. Cloer Family Vineyards reflects entrepreneurship through its founders’ willingness to take risks, innovate, and turn a passion into a thriving small business. The family and community spirit is evident in the way the vineyard emphasizes local connections, creating an authentic, welcoming atmosphere that encourages customers to feel like part of the family. These values mirror broader American ideals of building something of your own while staying rooted in community.

2. Principles for future professional life

One principle I took away is the importance of adaptability; the vineyard has grown by adjusting to customer needs, market trends, and the challenges of running a small business. Another is the principle of relationship, since success was tied not just to producing wine but to cultivating trust and loyalty among visitors and the wider community. In my professional future, I can apply these principles by staying flexible in changing environments and by prioritizing strong, genuine connections with colleagues, clients, and partners

A principle I learned from the visit is the importance of passion and consistency in your work. The vineyard didn’t grow overnight—it took years of dedication. That inspires me to bring the same patience and steady effort into my own future career, even when things don’t happen fast.

All in all, it was a super fun and eye-opening trip!

2. Why RTP has been able to thrive in North Carolina
I think RTP has been able to thrive mainly because of its strong connection with the three nearby universities : Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State which provide constant access to talent, research, and innovation. The location is also strategic: it offers a high quality of life and lower costs compared to major cities like New York or San Francisco, which helps attract both companies and employees. Moreover, the park’s ecosystem encourages collaboration rather than competition, creating a culture of openness that supports long-term growth.

3. Principles I can apply in my future professional life
From this visit, I learned the importance of collaboration and networking as key drivers of innovation and success. I also realized how crucial it is to build a positive and engaging work environment where people can exchange ideas freely and feel part of a community. As someone who wants to work in corporate finance, I think these principles can be applied when managing financial projects: success often comes from teamwork, transparency, and creating value together rather than focusing only on short-term results.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t be part of the visit of the RTP, but my friends explained to me in very details what they have learned through this visit. They had the opportunity to listen to the Chief Operation Officer, to understand how the park is managed, why RTP was created and what is their “business value” (how do they generate value). He also explained that this park wasn’t just a common workspace but more than that : a shared place including entertainments, concerts… making it more diversified than we would think. Another point that surprised me was the diversity of the companies implemented there such as IBM and Credit Suisse.  I studied the RTP in depth when I was in Preparatory School, so I know that this Research park was created in 1959 as an idea of diversifying the economy of North Carolina. Another point that surprised me when I looked at the RTP was that he was implemented at the center of 3 universities : Duke, Chapel Hill and NCSU, sign of partnerships and collaboration with innovation.

2.        Why do you think RTP has been able to thrive in North Carolina ?

To answer this question, I think there is multiple answers to respond to it. First, RTP remains an important place because it benefits from 3 top-ranked universities around him, enabling it to have an important connection to talents and to foster innovation. The second main point would be that it benefits from an important political support : long term vision, business-friendly policies and an amazing quality of life makes it a unique place for companies and employees. Furthermore, what is also important is that this research park fosters collaboration rather than competition, which is fostering innovation. Finally, it is also important to remind that it also benefits from private companies’ implementation such as IBM, one of the first.

3.        What principles did you learn that you can use in your future professional life ?

From what my friends told me about the presentation and the visit, I think there may be some points I would use on my professional life. Collaboration over competition is the main one, because when you see what RTP can create, innovate by fostering innovation, it is always more interesting than a competition war. Cooperation allowed companies to create shared value, and this is important for my professional future, I think. Another point would be to say that I would need to work somewhere where there is a certain dynamic, having a specific ecosystem where you feel good to work on it but also to relax !

Inside the Capitol, what stood out the most to me was the old library filled with shelves of historic books and documents. It gave me a better idea of how lawmakers in the past educated themselves before making decisions that affected the whole state. We also walked through the old House and Senate chambers, which helped me picture how debates and votes looked many years ago. The tour guide also told us stories about ghosts in the building, which made the history feel more alive and made the visit memorable and fun. Seeing everything in person helped me understand how American values like fairness, education, transparency, and responsibility are connected to the way the government works today.

The quote from Julius Chambers stayed in my mind long after the visit because his story is incredibly powerful. Julius Chambers was one of the most important civil rights lawyers in North Carolina, and he dedicated his entire life to challenging unfair laws and systems that discriminated against Black people. He grew up during a time when segregation was everywhere, and he saw firsthand how unequal treatment hurt people’s lives. This pushed him to study hard, become a lawyer, and take on cases that many others were scared to touch. He helped win huge civil rights cases, including ones that opened doors for Black students to attend previously all white schools and ones that challenged discrimination in jobs, housing, and public institutions.

Due to his work, he faced serious risks. Not only did he receive threats and harassment, but his home, car, and law office were bombed by people who wanted to intimidate him and stop his work. Even after these violent attacks, he continued fighting and refused to back down. He believed that equality was worth any risk, and he knew that if people like him didn’t continue the fight, things would never change. Later, he became president of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and also served as the chancellor of North Carolina Central University, showing how much he cared about both justice and education.

After learning about him and reading his quote in Freedom Park, the design of the park made a lot of sense to me. Instead of using statues or big sculptures, the creators chose to use words so visitors would focus on the powerful messages and the voices of the people who fought for freedom. Words make us think, reflect, and connect emotionally with the stories being shared. They allow everyone no matter their background to feel included and to understand the meaning behind the struggle for equality. The whole visit helped me see how the past and present are connected and why these stories still matter today

At NC Freedom Park, the quote that stood out to me was:

“My philosophy is that position or place can never segregate mind or soul.” — Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown

She took big risks as an educator during segregation, but she continued because she believed education could change lives and open doors.

I think the park uses words instead of statues because words make you stop, read, and reflect. They highlight the voices and stories of many different people, not just a few. It feels more personal and more honest.