CCT has been a catalyst for positive social change not only in the Tillery Community and Halifax County, but across the state, nation and the world. While the issues that CCT addresses start with what is confronting the Tillery community, the struggles do not stop at the community boundaries of Tillery, in fact CCT members pursue justice and help others across the nation and world. This has made CCT a national and international leader in a variety of areas, from justice for Black farmers, to health care, to environmental justice. In all of these fields, CCT has served as a catalyst, leading others to achieve great milestones.CCT has always been centrally focused on improving the lives of Tillery residents, through many ways. CCT offered Adult Basic Education classes, and many students of these classes went on the get their high school equivalency diploma, and as one student, Ann Couch said, "When I entered the class here at the Center I found support that I never had before." She went on to graduate from Halifax County Community college with a B average!CCT has had an active role in education, besides helping its members get an education, CCT has been an ardent advocate for quality education in Halifax County. In 1986, a great struggle between the community members and the Halifax County Board of Education occurred. In order to prevent the Board from terminating the contract of the first female and the only Black woman superintendent, ever, of the Halifax County School System, 5 members of the Halifax County Black Caucus, including CCT's Executive Director Gary R. Grant were arrested. At the next Board Meeting, one lone individual also was arrested for closing down the meeting, CCT' Evangeline Grant Redding Briley. This group became known as the Halifax County 5 + 1.In areas other than education, CCT has always been a leader in Halifax County and North Carolina. In 199, CCT began discussions that eventually led to the establishment of the Tillery Volunteer Fire Department and District. With leadership from the late Leanders "Lee" Amason and Kenneth Thompson, CCT led the push to organize this Department.The concerned Citizens of Tillery ( CCT ), Founded in 1978, was built upon the work of previous organizations that had toiled for Civil Rights and Social Justice for African Americans in Tillery and Halifax County. The impetus for CCT's creation was the School Board's attempt to close the Tillery Chapel Elementary School. Many of the leaders from past struggles and their children rallied once again to save the community and its school.From 1978 to 1981, CCT kept the school open; but in 1981 the doors were closed. However, during the struggle to keep the school open, CCT secured a deed to the Tillery Community Center property. In 1981, CCT was incorporated as a nonprofit organization, and two years later it become the first Tillery community organization, to achieve federal tax exempt status. This helped CCT to seek a $15, 000 grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds foundation for renovation of the Community Center and program development.CCT has evolved into a model community-based organization whose purpose is to promote and improve the social, economic and educational welfare of the citizens in the surrounding community through the self-development of its members. CCT seeks to achieve its mission by providing information, conducting educational activities, participating in voter registration and educational efforts, promoting leadership and teaching organizational skills. CCT also provides such necessary services as transportation and health care, workshops on issues such as land ownership and debt control, and programs on African American culture and heritage. CCT gives direction and support to the various member organizations which have or will become part of the Concerned Citizens of Tillery.CCT has accomplished many of its goals since its creation in 1978. Each member organization has had its successes and CCT celebrates with t
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