Mozer continues working for African American historic recognition in Statesville

By Fran Farrer

STATESVILLE, NC - In a recent follow up with Mozer, she shared Statesville Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meets monthly with expert members on this council given the responsibility of identifying and preserving historic Statesville. Commission members identified as experts include Joel Reese, Terry Holmes, Steve Hill, and Phyllis Bailey, they are also knowledgeable on the historic significance of Statesville.

Mozer coming to speak on this topic all came about from her having to walk in the streets where there are no neighborhood sidewalks. “I walk daily to exercise, a holistic approach to relieve anxiety and stress. Healthy lifestyle living and peer support is what I refer to as my coaching profession and what I more frequently speak on. However, by addressing my concerns about neighborhood landscaping, landmarks, and sidewalks to city officials, I was invited to an HPC meeting (a few months ago). I continue to share publicly my concerns for historic inclusion and attend HPC meetings,” she said.

Mozer’s most recent follow up was with Mayor Kutteh, and when he said a grant will be used to model and install landmarks for locations identified by HPC, which targets Green Street and Garfield Street locations. HPC works in three phases: setting up landmarks, meeting application standards for historic district, and considerations for local and national registry.

“Recognizing our culture diversity is so important in bringing communities together. I am thrilled that the community is in support of recognizing the historic significance of Garfield and Green Streets and the Bullingsley neighborhood. This endeavor is a learning experience and sharing in this effort to formally recognize the historic contributions of this community is awesome,” Mozer concluded.

Passionate about education and assisting students in furthering their education, Lisa Mozer wants to remind students that they have until December 30, 2021, to sign up for the “Video Essay Contest” sponsored by the Statesville Branch NAACP. “This is an opportunity for middle school age youth to highlight any Statesville historic landmark. Any youth content creator can submit a 1 min video online that features African American contribution and a local Statesville landmark. Any middle school (grades 6th - 8th) age youth in Iredell Cunty can enter this local contest free. In February three contest winners will be awarded cash prizes ($250 - $500) and recognition of video essays will be part of a local presentation for the public to celebrate,” she said.