Fred W. and Janol C. Whitfield have been residents of Greensboro, NC for over 60 years, dating back to their collegiate years. Fred received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from North Carolina A&T State University. Janol received her Bachelor of Arts from Bennett College and her Master of Arts from NC A&T State University. Fred and Janol have been loyal and avid supporters of Bennett College and NC A&T since graduation.
Janol is a founding member of the Bennett College 1926 Society and a steady contributor to her alma mater. Their sons, Fred A. and Charles Whitfield, honored them during their 50th wedding anniversary celebration with the “Fred and Janol Whitfield Endowed Scholarship” at Bennett College. Fred has been a long-standing member of the Aggie Club and led all fundraising efforts in 1981 to build the NC A&T Football Stadium.
The Whitfields have also been longtime (over 40 years) contributors, volunteers, and supporters of the Hayes- Taylor YMCA. Fred has been the top fundraiser of the annual campaign for many years, and he and Janol were recognized in 2006 as Man and Woman of the Year, respectively by Hayes-Taylor. In addition, their sons have also honored their loyal service to Hayes-Taylor by naming and restoring the “Teen Room” in the original YMCA in their names and by befittingly naming a classroom in their honor in the new Hayes-Taylor YMCA.
In addition, the Whitfields have been loyal active members of Providence Baptist Church since 1960. Fred serves as a Deacon, is a member of the Usher Board and sings in the Male Choir. Janol is a Deaconess and member of the Alert Missionary Society.
The Whitfields were also very active in the Civil Rights Movement in Greensboro, marching with Jesse Jackson and other civil rights leaders, rain or shine, as a part of the “Sit-In Movement.” They have also been contributors to the International Civil Rights Center & Museum.