Beverly Scarlett’s upcoming graphic novel is a visual storytelling project that brings the life of Sallie Ray Harris (an ancestor of Beverly Scarlett and a central figure in the history of Free People of Color in Orange County, North Carolina) to a new generation of readers. Designed for children and young audiences, the project reimagines Sallie’s story in a graphic novel format, making complex history more accessible and engaging. Through illustration and motion-enhanced digital storytelling, the book explores themes of strength, perseverance, love, and devotion to family and heritage. Sallie Ray Harris’ life challenges dominant historical narratives and highlights the agency and resilience of women whose stories have often been minimized or erased completely. By presenting this history visually, the project invites young readers to connect with the past in ways traditional textbooks rarely allow. This graphic novel builds on research and storytelling first introduced in Beverly Scarlett’s book The Harris Family of Orange County, North Carolina: 318 Years of Black-American Indian Culture, expanding Sallie Ray Harris’ story into a format that supports intergenerational understanding.
About the Author
Beverly Scarlett is the Founder of Indigenous Memories and a longtime advocate for preserving and sharing the histories of Indigenous people, Free People of Color, and Maroon communities in North Carolina. Her work centers on land stewardship, community education, and truth-telling through research, public history, and storytelling. Her book The Harris Family of Orange County, North Carolina: 318 Years of Black-American Indian Culture documents community histories in Orange County, including the story of Sallie Ray Harris, which serves as the foundation for this project.
Blue Ridge Collaborative’s Role
BRC is partnering with Beverly Scarlett to develop and produce both a print graphic novel and a digital graphic novel with movement, ensuring Sallie Ray Harris' story is shared with care and creative integrity.
Our work includes:
Looking Ahead
This graphic novel represents the first step in a larger vision to translate Sallie Ray Harris' story (and additional ancestral histories) into animated storytelling formats for broader audiences. By beginning with a graphic novel designed for children, the project lays the groundwork for future adaptations while centering education, representation, and respect for lived experience.
This project reflects Blue Ridge Collaborative’s commitment to expanding educational access for readers of all ages and preserving overlooked histories.
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