WSSU student helps shape narrative for America’s 250th anniversary through internship at State Archives
As the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, a Winston-Salem State University student is playing a key role in telling North Carolina’s story.
Olivia Janelle Cody, a junior from Fayetteville majoring in teaching with a concentration in middle grades social studies, is interning with the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, State Archives Division, as part of the America 250 NC Team.
America 250 NC is North Carolina’s official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding in 1776. It’s part of a nationwide initiative, America 250, that aims to reflect on the nation’s past, celebrate its present and inspire its future as the country approaches this milestone in 2026.
As an intern, Cody is developing an interactive digital timeline using Timeline JS, which explores key legal developments affecting African Americans and people of color in North Carolina from 1650 to 1790 – before, during and after the Revolutionary War.
“I’m conducting historical research, curating sources and designing the timeline to be both educational and accessible to a broad audience,” Cody said.
In addition to the timeline, Cody has created a three-part instructional unit aligned with the 7th and 8th grade North Carolina Standard Course of Study designed to support educators in using this resource in the classroom, fostering deeper conversations about the complexity of America’s founding.
The experience is strengthening Cody’s skills in research, digital storytelling and culturally responsive content creation, which are skills she says are essential to her future as an educator.
“As we prepare to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, this internship has reminded me that many stories exist beyond the traditional milestones we celebrate. There were complex legal, social and cultural shifts happening in North Carolina – especially for African Americans and other people of color – that deserve recognition. Lifting up these lesser-known events helps us build a fuller, more honest understanding of the past and why it matters today,” Cody said.
Cody’s work is part of the HBCU/MIHE Summer Internship Program, which connects students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities with professional experiences across state agencies.
She credits WSSU’s Office of Career Development Services for helping discover the internship opportunity. The office regularly distributes emails to students with valuable information. “Even small things like that can open big doors,” she said.
This was an ideal opportunity for Cody, whose minor is urban studies and sustainability, because it combines her passions for education, history and public service.
“Winston-Salem State University consistently creates pathways for students to grow professionally and academically. It fosters a culture where students are encouraged to pursue leadership, service and real-world experiences that align with their goals,” she said. “WSSU empowers students to seek out impactful, purpose-driven work and provides the tools to make it happen.”
