People Make the Place: Faces of Martin County is a storytelling series highlighting a few of the people who help shape the character of our community. Through their experiences, work, and connections to Martin County, each feature offers a closer look at the people behind the places that make this area feel like home.
One of the individuals we’re highlighting this month is Angela Bell, Executive Secretary of the E.J. Hayes Alumni Association. A graduate of E.J. Hayes High School, Angela is passionate about preserving the school’s legacy and honoring the educators who helped shape generations of students. Through her work with the Alumni Association, she helps celebrate the history of E.J. Hayes while ensuring the Alumni Center remains a welcoming space for connection, remembrance, and community engagement. Her commitment to preserving local heritage and strengthening community ties reflects the lasting impact that E.J. Hayes continues to have throughout Martin County.
Read more from Angela below as she shares her story, her connection to Martin County, and what inspires her work with the E.J. Hayes Alumni Association.
“E.J. Hayes has such a deep history in Martin County – what does it mean to you to help preserve and celebrate that legacy through the Alumni Association?”
As a former student and graduate of E. J. Hayes High School, I feel very fortunate to have been through a school system where teachers truly focused on education and self-worth. We were not a number but treated to know you as a person who has value. Therefore, we were taught to respect one another and carry yourself in a professional manner. We knew the teachers had our backs, even if that meant reprimands when needed (and it seemed our parents always knew about the reprimands before we got home). As an African American child, they were trying to prepare us for the hard knocks and discrimination of life.
Today, the former E.J. Hayes School building serves as the E.J. Hayes Alumni Center at 705 Washington Street in Williamston. Completed in 1931, the Rosenwald School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains an important part of Martin County’s history. The school was led by only two principals throughout its history – Mr. Edgar J. Hayes from 1924 to 1952 and W.A. Holmes from 1952 to 1970.
We want everyone to know they are welcome at the E. J, Hayes Alumni Center anytime the doors are open. We have room rentals for personal office space, and a larger area for social events, meetings and end of life services.
“What inspries you to stay involved and give back to the Martin County community?”
When asked to join the E. J. Hayes Alumni Association, I asked myself why not? This property is where the African American Students got their first professional level of education (aside from what our parents had taught us at home). I was and continue to be proud our what our former educators worked so hard for and their vision for this organization. Most of them are no longer with us, but we remain stead fast to make them proud.
Learn More About the E.J. Hayes Alumni Association
The E.J. Hayes Alumni Association welcomes new members and supporters. Membership is open to everyone – you do not have to be a graduate of E.J. Hayes to join.
E.J. Hayes Alumni Center
705 Washington Street (P.O. Box 1142)
Williamston, NC 27892
Website: www.ejhayesa.com
Email: ejhayesa@gmail.com
Phone: 252-789-1074
For building rentals, contact Thelma Purvis at 252-792-0606.