Peter Weddick Moore
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Peter Weddick Moore | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | June 24, 1859 Duplin County, North Carolina |
| Died | April 15, 1934 (aged 74) |
| Known for | Contributions to education, improved race relations |
| Academic background | |
| Alma mater | Shaw University (AB) |
| Academic work | |
| Era | Post-Civil War - Great Depression |
Peter Weddick Moore (June 24, 1859 – April 15, 1934) was a North Carolina educator and the first president of Elizabeth City State University. Educated by Sampson County public schools and Shaw University, Moore later became an assistant principal at the Normal School at Plymouth, until he built and became principal of what is now known as the Elizabeth City State University.[1] Moore fought strongly against the segregation of education and society as well as for equality among whites and blacks. Throughout his life, Moore contributed greatly to the achievements of the North Carolina Teachers' Association and held every role within the organization.[2]
Moore grew up in Duplin County, North Carolina. Born to two slave parents, he had a tumultuous childhood.[3] His father is believed to have been killed by the Ku Klux Klan, so his mother was forced to raise him and his four siblings alone. Moore's mother believed that her children should all be educated and saw to it that Moore went to school during his upbringing. He was said to have gone to a neighborhood school created by the Freedmen's Bureau. He went on to study at the Philosophian Academy in a neighboring county, where he was able to develop his academic interests. After graduation, Moore became certified to teach in a one-room school, allowing him to further pursue his passion for academia.[4]
