‘Wilmingtonian Ball’ to return for Williston alumni
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A beloved tradition for alumni of Williston High School will soon return to Wilmington.
Until desegregation, Williston High School was Wilmington’s largest and most prominent high school for African Americans. Known as “the greatest school under the sun,” notable alumni include tennis champion Althea Gibson, Harlem Globetrotter Meadowlark Lemon, and Air Force General Joesph McNeil.
Over the years, Williston graduates moved across the country–and in New York City–some of them began to host gatherings for fellow alumni. Eventually, the Wilmington Ball was born at the New York social club Gyrators.
Enter Wilmington resident Kojo Nantambu. Part of the Williston Class of 1970, Nantambu set about bringing this tradition to Wilmington.
Five years ago, one was held right here in the Cape Fear. That event sold out to hundreds of attendees and has been the last ball since. However, another ball is set to take place in January of next year.
“This is to reignite a legacy that was going on in this country, and hopefully it’ll become a legacy here, to have people come to the Wilmintonian Ball,” Nantambu said.
Nantambu says the event will be held on January 4, 2025 at the Wilmington Convention Center.
Nantambu said to buy tickets, alumni can call John H. Shaw’s Son Funeral Home at (910)-762-2635 and ask to speak to Mr. Boykin or Ms. Waddell for information.
