NC A Diverse Population

Different groups of people in North Carolina have their own cultures. Each culture is unique. Differences in cultures include the clothing people wear, the foods they eat, the music they listen to, and the languages they speak.

In addition to differences between cultures, there are also differences within each culture. Many cultures change over time. For example,

most American Indians in North Carolina today dress much as everyone else does. At certain times, however, they may dress in the kinds of clothing worn by their ancestors.

Regardless of their different backgrounds, North Carolinians are proud of their state’s heritage. A heritage is a way of life or a belief that has come from the past and continues today. The North Carolina Arts Council gives awards to artists who help preserve the state’s heritage. Past winners of the state’s Heritage Awards include a gospel musician and a Cherokee weaver.

The cultures of North Carolinians have all been affected by living in the state. People sometimes change their cultures when they come into contact with people from other backgrounds. For example, the banjo first came from West Africa. Over time, it became an important instrument in country and bluegrass music.

Although North Carolinians come from different backgrounds, they have much in common. All are part of North Carolina and the United States. North Carolinians live under many of the same laws and share many of the same leaders as other Americans. Like all Americans, they have rights guaranteed, or promised, to them by the Constitution.

Having people of many cultures in the state helps North Carolinians enjoy richer lives. It is also the reason people in North Carolina seem so different yet alike in many ways.